Biden won the nomination with subpar organizing. That won’t help him against Trump

Joe Biden slid through a crowded Democratic primary with lackluster organizing and fundraising. It made for an engaging political comeback story, but it set him up at a disadvantage as he transitions to a general election fight against President Trump.

When Biden had humiliating fourth- and fifth-place finishes in the first nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, the campaign was forced to confront criticisms about its operation that it had brushed off for months. The campaign had fewer campaign operatives than his competitors in early states, attracted smaller crowds, was not known for outreach innovation, and badly lagged behind his competitors in fundraising.