Multiple Democrats have been telling media outlets that they feel "resigned" to former President Donald Trump winning the 2024 presidential election.
But Washington Monthly columnist Bill Scher believes that this acceptance of doom is wildly out of proportion to where Democrats currently stand in the polls.
In his latest column, Scher tells Democrats to "get a grip" and realize that they still have a very good chance to emerge triumphant in November.
"It is trite but true to note that a lot can happen over the next three months," he argued. "We can’t be clairvoyant, but optimism is warranted. Israel and Hamas may soon agree to a ceasefire. Biden’s border crackdown may continue to drive down the number of illegal crossings and relieve pressure on municipalities. Perhaps most importantly, the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates and buoy public perception of the growing economy."
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Scher does acknowledge that he believes President Joe Biden should step aside and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to be at the top of the ticket, but he said that polls didn't show major erosion for Biden despite delivering a disastrous performance at the first 2024 presidential debate.
"While Biden has slipped in the polls since the debate, he hasn’t cratered," Scher notes. "If Trump was a remotely likable candidate, and the electorate was eager to lurch rightward, not only would Trump be running away with the election, but so would Republican Senate candidates in battleground states. The case may be that no news development can dramatically change the race’s trajectory because the partisan bases for the two candidates are broad and firm, and the 'double haters' in the middle will continue to double their hate."
Scher also says that nothing will guarantee defeat more for Democrats than believing they've already lost even before any votes have been cast.
"Yes, we are facing an unusual set of X-factors that could render the lessons of history inoperative," he concludes. "But defeatism guarantees defeat. The Democrats may need to fight more of an uphill battle than necessary, but uphill battles can still be won."
