President Biden focuses on reproductive rights in 2024 campaign kickoff

• President Biden and Vice President Harris appear for the first time in the 2024 campaign.

• Biden wants to shift attention away from Trump and the GOP.

• The focus of the campaign event is on reproductive rights.

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks, during a campaign event focusing on abortion rights at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, in Manassas

Reuters

On a significant day for Republicans, President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken the opportunity to kickstart their 2024 campaign by appearing together for the first time. The Biden camp seems to view this moment as a potential transition into the general election. President Biden aims to redirect attention away from former President Trump and the GOP. Their focus during this event in Virginia revolves around the issue of reproductive rights, which they believe will serve as a prominent factor mobilizing voters in November 2024.

Although there are no delegates at stake in New Hampshire, the Biden campaign is closely monitoring the Republican primary there, recognizing that this could unofficially mark the start of the general election. Biden officials and Democratic allies are eager to get the general election underway, as they anticipate a face-off between Biden and Trump come November. They are particularly interested in the performance of potential candidate Nikki Haley, as it could shape the course of the race.

In contrast, President Biden's presence is absent from the ballot in New Hampshire's Democratic primary due to an internal party conflict over the primary date. Consequently, President Biden is a write-in candidate, whereas 21 other Democratic names, including Congressman Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson, appear on the ballot. There is also an open space for voters to write in their own choices. Furthermore, an additional effort has emerged to encourage voters to write in phrases like 'ceasefire' as a demonstration against President Biden from the pro-Palestinian wing of the Democratic Party.

The risk for President Biden lies in the potential embarrassment of a weak showing in New Hampshire. If he receives less than 50% of the votes, it could raise doubts about his overall political strength and his ability to defeat former President Trump in the upcoming November election. A recent poll indicated that as a write-in candidate, President Biden garnered 63% support, while Dean Phillips obtained 10% and Marianne Williamson secured 9%. It is worth noting that President Biden faced a disappointing outcome in New Hampshire during the 2020 primary, finishing in fifth place with a mere 8.4% of the vote.

To add to the complexity, a robocall featuring a fabricated Joe Biden voice has been circulating in the state, urging New Hampshire residents not to participate in the primary and save their votes for the November election. Although the source of the robocall remains unclear, the Biden campaign has escalated the matter to the attention of the New Hampshire attorney general for further investigation.

The developments in New Hampshire's primary on the Democratic side have certainly contributed to the intrigue surrounding the upcoming presidential election.