In less than five months, people will head to the polls and once again vote for a president. Already, the tumultuous year that is 2020 will do much to affect the electorate’s upcoming decision. For some, a major course correction is needed. Still, others see the path ahead as so concerning that staying with the incumbent is the only way forward. Though there are several months to go until Election Day, the polling trends continue in Joe Biden’s favor. And with more than one national crisis churning, President Trump can use all the help he can get.
Four years ago, Republicans, exhausted after eight years of President Barack Obama, united behind an unprecedented firebrand. The admiration for Trump’s style combined with a dislike for his opponent, Hillary Clinton, resulted in a somewhat surprising victory. Now, the dynamics have shifted. Gone is the novelty of a nonpolitician taking on a seasoned insider. The presumptive Democratic nominee may be considered “establishment” and have decades of district experience behind him, but he has neither the sharp personality nor the recent scandals of his opponent. And that works in his favor.
In 2016, then-candidate Trump won the swing state of Michigan by a mere 0.3% of the vote. If he wants a second term, he needs to win this state handily and other states that are up for grabs. At present, polling shows that Biden not only leads in Michigan but has gained ground. According to one pollster, Biden’s gain from 12 points to 16 points ahead of Trump is due to one thing: the president’s controversial church photo-op in Lafayette Square on June 1 amid protests.
The atmosphere during those initial protest days was such that it demanded an empathetic approach. Instead, the president chose a photo-op that required peaceful protesters to be cleared by law enforcement. What was meant to showcase strength hurt the president’s image in the eyes of those looking for a leader. And perhaps, voters took lasting notice.
Trump is polarizing in ways not before seen by the country. Those who appreciate his style are entirely devoted to it. On the other hand, those who disagree with his tactics fiercely and actively loathe him. The loyalty of the former will remain, no matter what. It is with the reluctant and undecided crowd that Trump can possibly gain some ground. In order to do so, he must back down from controversy.
The best thing that Trump can do right now is to not add to the vast division plaguing the nation. This requires a change to his often boorish tune. Rather than give in to “owning the Libs” by participating in displays like that of Lafayette Square (and daily tirades on Twitter), he should pleasantly surprise us all by declining his natural impulse to shock in word and deed. Doing so would not only keep from widening the gap between people, but it may strengthen his support. Those uninterested in Biden, who are also looking for assurance of presidential maturity, would be relieved.
The question is, how much would a course correction help an already controversial figure? Furthermore, would the altered behavior even last? Regardless of the answers, the reality is that there is little time left for the Trump campaign team to make up lost ground. Frankly, it’s worth a shot. And not only because it would help his reelection chances, but it is the right thing to do as the leader of an aching nation.
Whatever the reasons are for the loss of support in Michigan and the bad poll numbers elsewhere, one thing remains the same: Trump is the only one who can turn his own tide.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
