The US is careering towards a dangerous polarization, fueled by social media and a lack of civility in public discourse, says William Galston
Democratic strategist William Galston believes that President Joe Biden has a 25% chance of winning re-election in 2024 – but only if everything goes perfectly from here on out.
Galston, a former policy adviser to President Bill Clinton, said in an interview with The Guardian that the US is careering towards a dangerous polarization, fuelled by social media and a lack of civility in public discourse.
He said that Biden is facing a “perfect storm” of challenges, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising inflation.
“If everything goes perfectly from here, Biden has a 25% shot,” Galston said. “But if the economy doesn’t improve, if the war in Ukraine continues to drag on, and if the Republicans nominate a strong candidate, then his chances of winning are much lower.”
Galston said that Biden’s best hope for re-election is to focus on his accomplishments, such as the passage of the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
He also needs to make the case that he is the best person to lead the country through the current challenges.
“Biden needs to show that he is up to the task of being president,” Galston said. “He needs to show that he is a strong leader who can unite the country and get things done.”
Galston said that the Republicans are likely to nominate a strong candidate in 2024, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis or former President Donald Trump.
He said that Trump is still a “potent force” in the Republican Party, and that he could win the nomination again if he decides to run.
“Trump is a very dangerous figure,” Galston said. “He is a demagogue who appeals to the worst instincts of the American people.”
Galston said that the US is facing a “profound crisis” of democracy.
He said that the country is becoming increasingly divided, and that there is a growing lack of trust in government.
“We need to find a way to bridge the divides that are tearing our country apart,” Galston said. “We need to find a way to restore trust in government.”
Galston said that he is not optimistic about the future of American democracy.
“I think we are on a very dangerous path,” he said. “But I hope that we can find a way to turn things around before it’s too late.”
Key points from the interview:
- Biden has a 25% chance of winning re-election in 2024.
- The US is facing a dangerous polarization, fueled by social media and a lack of civility in public discourse.
- Biden is facing a “perfect storm” of challenges, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising inflation.
- Biden’s best hope for re-election is to focus on his accomplishments and make the case that he is the best person to lead the country through the current challenges.
- The Republicans are likely to nominate a strong candidate in 2024, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis or former President Donald Trump.
- Trump is still a “potent force” in the Republican Party, and that he could win the nomination again if he decides to run.
- The US is facing a “profound crisis” of democracy.
- Galston is not optimistic about the future of American democracy.
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E. Thompson
