Biden’s Attempt at Second Term Faces Questions Following Special Counsel Appointment

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As President Joe Biden prepares for a re-election campaign, doubts have arisen regarding his ability to persuade the public that the economy is robust. The appointment of a special counsel to investigate his son, Hunter, by Attorney General Merrick Garland adds to concerns over the 80-year-old President’s fitness for a second term.

Though Biden’s challenges may seem less significant in comparison to those of his predecessor, Donald Trump, who is dealing with three criminal indictments with more charges pending, the appointment of the special counsel serves as a stark reminder of Biden’s potential weaknesses in an already uncertain political environment.

Garland’s decision does not seem to have substantially altered Biden’s standing within his party. The upcoming election, rather than being a conventional ideological battle, may be influenced by unforeseen legal developments. These political twists might occur in courtrooms across various states, reflecting a shift in political dynamics.

Ray Buckley, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair, downplayed Friday’s announcement, attributing the indifference to Trump’s impact on political discourse. He also pointed out how the strong allegiance to Trump and his family had desensitized both swing and Democratic voters.

Polls consistently showed lukewarm enthusiasm among Democrats for Biden’s re-election, even before the recent announcement of the special counsel. An AP-NORC poll from April showed that only 47% of Democrats wanted Biden to run in 2024, while 55% of Republicans wanted Trump to run. Moreover, Biden’s approval ratings lingered at a low 40%, putting him near the bottom among modern presidents, except for Jimmy Carter.

The special counsel, David Weiss, was appointed to investigate Hunter Biden, ensuring that Trump is not the sole presidential candidate dealing with legal troubles during the 2024 campaign. However, it must be noted that there is no evidence linking President Biden to any criminal activity, whereas Trump faces multiple charges, including undermining democracy and financial crimes.

Republicans are optimistic that the new special counsel may divert attention from Trump’s issues and fuel conservative calls for impeachment, a matter that has caused internal division within the GOP. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky has been vocal in pursuing an investigation into the Biden family’s finances.

Trump, the likely GOP nominee, has used the recent developments to attack his probable general election rival, referring to the “Biden crime family” and questioning the impartiality of the special counsel.

Back in New Hampshire, Buckley acknowledged the lack of enthusiasm for Biden but emphasized the necessity of his candidacy as the alternative to Trump.

The public’s attention to these matters is also uncertain. A recent poll indicated that about three-quarters of Americans knew about Hunter Biden’s legal issues, but independents seemed less concerned.

Democratic strategist Bill Burton criticized the Republican emphasis on Hunter Biden, arguing that voters would be more concerned about issues like the economy and national security. He also expressed personal disdain for attacking someone’s family in a political context.

Contributions to this report were made by AP polls and surveys reporter Linley Sanders in Washington.

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More about fokus keyword: Biden’s re-election

• President Joe Biden’s Official Website
• Attorney General Merrick Garland’s Biography
• AP-NORC Poll
• Gallup Poll on Presidential Approval Ratings
• Information on Trump’s Legal Troubles
• Hunter Biden Investigation Details