If Democrats want to win, they should avoid criticism of Biden

After a much-anticipated and long-awaited announcement, former vice president Joe Biden formally announced his intention to run as the Democratic nominee for president in 2020. In a remarkable but policy-free vlog, Biden urged America to return to what it once was before a repugnant Trump was chosen to live in the White House. Biden, a centrist and moderate Democrat with working-class roots, is certainly popular across the Rust Belt. But will his character and shining persona be enough to appease the highly defensive Trump voter?

My own personal view, although worrisome, is that Trump will almost definitely be re-elected in 2020 due to the Democratic party’s internal assault on its own crowded field of candidates. A representative from all factions in leftist America are vying for the nominee; from a socialist Bernie Sanders to a left-leaning but conservative-sympathising Beto O’Rourke. All candidates have the potential and background to run the most powerful country, but the long list of choice seems overwhelming to Democratic voters who are desperate to remove Trump. Now Biden has put his hat in the ring, more progressive ideologues amongst the electorate fear an experienced voice could weaken a popularised anti-establishment message. Now, a whole of history of blunders made by Biden during his time office have been unveiled, meaning he is already being attacked by members of his party.

I disagree with Biden’s politics, but if he became the general election candidate opposing Trump, I would fervently endorse him. As a British political analyst, I have the privilege of being witness to the American political landscape from across the pond. We have our own mess to deal with, with chaos ensuing under Brexit, but a highly-admired U.S president does a lot for our foreign image. Trump’s last visit to this country was engulfed in protests across the streets of London. If it was Biden, I highly doubt this would be the case. If I was an American commentator, I would be hesitant to make Biden condemnable when I am so determined to oust a vile administration.

There is a long way to go before the first vote is cast in the 2020 election season. Anything could happen to Biden’s beaming popularity from now. I urge voters, however, to listen vehemently to the candidates speaking to them. With various town halls taking place, this is the chance to hear what the litany of Democrats have to say policy-wise. There are rumours that Pennsylvania, a strong battleground state, will determine the election next year. A state within the Rust Belt with a cabal of frustrated industrial voters is also the home state of Biden, a Scranton man. He is essentially preparing to galvanise votes in Pennsylvania and its neighbouring states, his opponents in the field must be looking to do the same.

Say if Trump wins the presidency for a second term, the betrayal must be pointing to the Democrats. What we saw in 2016 is Hillary Clinton and her cronies side-line an increasing threat in Bernie Sanders. Whoever is placed on the ticket next year must tread carefully with their rivals to avoid disenfranchising their voter base. I look forward to watching from afar.