There's a good reason why Trump is intent on smearing Biden

[highplainsdem]

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/28/opinions/good-reason-why-trump-smearing-biden-harrop/index.html

Democrats might ask themselves why President Donald Trump is so intent on smearing former Vice President Joe Biden with phony scandals. Why isn't he doing the same to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who's been climbing in the polls and has a shot at becoming the Democratic nominee for president?

The clear answer is that Biden, in his own words, could "beat him like a drum" -- and while Warren could win against Trump, her victory does not look like a resounding one, according to recent polls. In Trump's view, Biden poses the greatest threat and must be destroyed. And what better way than to wound Biden to the point that Democrats might think he's more trouble than he's worth?

Biden already disturbs some Democrats with his non-combative personality and centrist views. Add in a fake scandal that Trumpland generated, and many Democrats backing Biden may ask, "Well, who else do we have?" They should know that nearly anyone else they nominate would be harder to elect. And by abandoning Biden, they would be giving credence to the slander.

Warren fans will point to national polls showing their candidate defeating Trump in a general election. But it's important to note that Warren has been largely spared from Trump's attacks thus far, and those polls don't take into account the campaign of calumny that would surely follow a Warren nomination. It's Biden that Trump clearly most fears.

-snip-

Biden is still a stronger bet against Trump in crucial swing states like Wisconsin and Ohio, compared to Warren. The most recent Wisconsin poll pitting Democrats against Trump has Biden winning by 9 points, while Elizabeth Warren is tied with the President. In Ohio, Biden is the only Democrat who can beat Trump. According to the most recent Quinnipiac poll from July, Biden leads Trump by 8 points, while Sanders and Warren both trail the President by 1.

-snip-

Meanwhile, other polls underscore weaknesses in the Warren campaign. For one thing, Warren seems to have a likeability problem, even in politically friendly states. A CNN/UNH Survey Center poll from July asked likely New Hampshire voters which Democrat they found most likeable. Biden and Sanders topped the list at 20% each, while only 4% chose Warren.
Then there are the policies. Warren endorses a Medicare for All health plan that would do away with private coverage, even though a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows only 41% of registered voters supporting a system that eliminates private health coverage.

-snip-

Democrats might ultimately choose someone other than Biden as their presidential nominee. But it should be their decision and not a scared response to Trump's manipulation of the truth. There is a good reason he's so intent on crushing Biden.

[Hoyt]

1. What will be interesting are polls on how Warren, Biden, etc., stack up

against a Haley, Romney, Kasich, etc.

I think those polls will still favor Democrats, but not as much as when trump’s on the ballot.

[aquamarina]

2. I agree and if he can

Bring EW along as VP to pull in the more progressive wing and Bernie voters it will be game set match. That’s just my opinion.

[SWBTATTReg]

3. I'm going to wait until primary season is upon us prior to making a firm commitment as ...

to whom to support. Too many polls, too much hype, and too many 'gee whiz' proposals (pay college, pay housing, pay XXX) coming out way before the election. Just my IMHO. We're getting there but it sure seems awful slow in getting here (Jan. + / plus of the election year 2020)!!

[Thekaspervote]

4. Oh doesn't it thou...seem slow! I've been marking a calendar, don't know if it helps me stay

Focused or not... maybe sometimes

Anyway, if “inquiring minds” want to know, it’s 401 days to the election.

[Downtown Hound]

5. I think Biden is still in the lead

The two polls showing otherwise seem to be outliers at this point.

[Claritie Pixie]

6. Well, we can also be sure that if elected, Biden will take a hard line with Putin, like Obama did.

Everything goes back to Russia. Everything.

[marieo1]

7. Joe Biden a Hero!!

DJT isn't fit to wipe the mud off Joe Biden's shoes. DJT is a filthy man and it doesn't matter what he says or how he tears down anyone else, we all know what a PIG DJT is. I have zero respect for that filthy, mentally ill man. It is sad that someone just as dumb and degenerate as he is put him in our most distinguished office. Just goes to show, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!!! DJT knows Joe Biden is a real hero, that is exactly why he says the things he does about him.

[calguy]

8. Warren is much easier to attack in a general election

She's gone so liberal in her proposals to attract liberal democrats that she's made herself vulnerable to attack when it comes to moderate democrats and mainly moderate independents.
Hope I'm wrong, but she seems like a McGovern and Dukakis type of candidate, and every bit as vulnerable. That's why the GOP is focusing it's attacks on Biden and not really laying a finger to Warren........YET!!!!

[Cha]

9. And, in the process got himself

brought up on impeachment inquires!

Mahalo, highplains

[Tarheel_Dem]

10. K&R