President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is not planning to make former President Donald Trump’s legal issues a central point in its 2024 pitch, according to Cedric Richmond, the co-chair of the campaign. Richmond emphasized that Biden wants an independent Justice Department and would let the justice system handle Trump’s legal problems. Instead, Biden will focus on his legislative accomplishments and attack the Republican field on policy issues such as abortion, Social Security, and Medicare.
Richmond stated that the campaign will not be influenced by the timing of Trump’s surrender on charges related to overturning his 2020 election loss in Georgia. He dismissed Biden’s fundraising pitch on that day as “apropos of nothing” and maintained that it should not be read into. The Biden campaign and the White House have consistently distanced themselves from Trump’s criminal charges, with Trump claiming they are politically motivated.
Richmond argued that the entire Republican field is too closely tied to Trump’s “extreme” policies, and whoever becomes the party’s 2024 nominee will campaign in Trump’s image. He reiterated that the Biden campaign’s strategy is to lean into the president’s economic agenda, emphasizing “Bidenomics” and the accomplishments of low unemployment and increased domestic investments.
Despite some polls showing voter dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of the economy, Richmond pointed to high consumer confidence and job satisfaction as evidence that the administration’s policies are benefiting the American people. He emphasized the need to continue communicating these benefits and the progress made in job creation, cost reduction, and bringing manufacturing back to the United States.
Regarding criticisms of Biden’s age, Richmond stated that the campaign would focus on kitchen table issues and highlight Biden’s commitment to protecting women’s reproductive freedom, his Supreme Court nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson, and endorsements from labor, climate groups, and women’s organizations.
In summary, President Biden’s reelection campaign intends to concentrate on policy issues rather than dwelling on Trump’s legal troubles. The campaign aims to emphasize Biden’s legislative achievements and attack the Republican field on various policy fronts.