During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Mitch Landrieu, co-chairman of President Biden’s re-election campaign, admitted uncertainty regarding Biden’s waning support among Latino voters. Landrieu acknowledged that Latino voters, much like other demographics, are influenced by various factors and can shift their support.
A recent poll by Equis, surveying 1,592 Latino voters in battleground states, revealed that 41% of respondents trust former President Donald Trump over Biden on immigration issues. This trend reflects a growing disillusionment among Latino voters with the Democrats, partly due to perceived broken promises on immigration reform, such as the pathway to citizenship.
Landrieu highlighted the longstanding border crisis, noting Biden’s efforts to address it through a comprehensive immigration reform proposal sent to Congress on his first day in office. However, Landrieu criticized Congress for failing to act on this proposal.
The Biden campaign’s struggles extend beyond the Latino electorate. Polls indicate declining support among black and younger voters, though some Democrats, like Rep. Jim Clyburn, have downplayed these concerns.
In addition to his existing challenges, Biden faces competition from independent candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made notable inroads among Latino voters. A Voto Latino survey found that Biden’s lead over Trump diminishes significantly when third-party candidates are considered.
Landrieu also addressed criticisms about Biden’s age and mental fitness, asserting that Biden is capable and that concerns about his age are largely pushed by political opponents. This issue is expected to be a focal point in the upcoming debate between Biden and Trump, which will be hosted by CNN in Atlanta. This debate, taking place earlier in the campaign cycle than usual, is seen as a critical moment for Biden to address concerns about his age and performance.
