“Measuring Up: Uncovering Biden’s Winning Formula and What Republicans Miss
Recently, many Republicans have been scratching their heads in confusion at the rise of former Vice President Joe Biden to the Democratic nomination for the US President. How does a moderate Democrat like Joe Biden manage to win the hearts of American voters in this current era of American politics?
The answer lies within the nuanced combination of identity politics and a powerful message of hope that Biden has been able to convey about the future of the United States. In contrast to the divisive rhetoric of President Donald Trump, Biden has taken a different message to the American people. Biden positions himself as someone who is more than just a generic “Democrat” trying to oppose the President. Instead, Biden has opted to focus on the message that he will truly be a President for all people of the United States.
Biden has attracted the support of many traditionally Republican-voting constituencies, such as Latino and African American voters, due to his promise of creating an inclusive environment for all Americans. He has also successfully connected with older voters by focusing on issues such as healthcare, Social Security, and the economy. Biden has been able to tap into the anxieties of this demographic – many of whom are worried about the future of the country – and assure them that he will provide stability and security through his leadership.
In addition to this, Biden has also been able to capitalize on the swell of progressive support that has grown in recent years. Biden openly acknowledges the need for reform of the criminal justice system and the pursuit of racial justice, as well as featuring prominent figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on his campaign. This sort of progressive energy has been lacking in the Republican party since President Trump’s rise to power, and it’s no surprise that many traditional Democratic-leaning voters have been energised by Biden’s message.
By being able to cater to both older conservative voters and progressive-thinking Americans alike, Biden has been able to create a winning coalition that has been unrivalled throughout the Democratic primary. It is clear that the continued success of Joe Biden in the election cycle is undeniable evidence of the power of this strategy, and it’s something that Republicans should be paying more attention to if they are to win the hearts of American voters in the future.