Biden Hits the Ground Running in Pennsylvania, While Some Democrats Worry

President Joe Biden is back in Pennsylvania, a state he narrowly won in 2020, as he kicks off his re-election campaign. But while the President is eager to tout his record and connect with voters, some Democrats are increasingly vocal about their concerns.

Fact Check: Biden won Pennsylvania by a razor-thin margin of 80,555 votes, representing just 1.2% of the total votes cast.

A recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that only 43% of Americans approve of the job Biden is doing as president. This disapproval rating is higher than the approval rating of any president at this point in their first term since George H.W. Bush in 1991.

While some Democrats argue that these numbers highlight the need for a fresh face in the 2024 election, others remain confident in Biden’s ability to win a second term.

“The President is the best candidate to lead our country forward,” said Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison. “He’s delivered on his promises to the American people, and we’re confident he’ll continue to fight for them in the years to come.”

But concerns about Biden’s age and perceived lack of energy are growing among some Democrats.

“It’s time for a new generation of leadership,” said one Democratic strategist who requested anonymity. “We need someone who can connect with young voters and excite the base.”

Data Point: The average age of the current Democratic presidential field is 64. Biden, at 80, is the oldest candidate in the field.

Despite these concerns, the President’s campaign is emphasizing his record on issues such as the economy, healthcare, and climate change.

“We’re going to fight for every vote,” said Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez. “We’re going to talk about the President’s accomplishments and why he’s the best person to lead our country.”

The upcoming election is shaping up to be a tight race.

Historical Context: In the last four presidential elections, the incumbent president has lost three times. The last incumbent president to win re-election was George W. Bush in 2004.

With the stakes high, the Biden campaign is focused on mobilizing its base and reaching out to undecided voters. The President’s visit to Pennsylvania is just the first of many stops he’ll make across the country in the coming months. The question is, will it be enough to secure a second term?