Biden’s unexpected reaction to the Republican presidential race, “A lot of competent candidates”
President Biden weighed in on the Republican presidential race, noting an abundance of “competent candidates,” without directly mentioning former President Donald Trump, who is currently leading in the Republican polls.
When asked about the Republican contest on the White House lawn, President Biden admitted that due to the fast pace of the race, he had not been following it closely. “I’m not being facetious. I’m being very serious. I haven’t focused on it that much,” Biden clarified.
His commentary on the competence of the candidates appeared neutral and reserved. However, he did not specify which candidates he considered competent. In the past, he had criticized Trump’s political movement, labeling it as “semi-fascism.”
His remarks came only five days after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, aged 44, joined the race, offering the strongest challenge yet to the 76-year-old Trump. Other Republican candidates include Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), former Governor Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.), businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Governor Nikki Haley (R-SC), who also served as Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations.
Based on national polling data, Trump continues to lead the Republican field with an average support rate of 53.2%, as per the RealClearPolitics average of recent polls. DeSantis follows, albeit distantly, at 22.4%, trailed by Haley at 4.4%.
President Biden, who in 2020 defeated Trump with slim victories in swing states, also faces competition within his party. A CNN poll published recently indicated that approximately 60% of Democrats supported Biden, followed by activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with 20% and spiritual advisor Marianne Williamson at 8%.
