President Joe Biden’s recent remarks in Tampa, Florida, about the state being “in play, nationally” have drawn criticism for their departure from historical election outcomes and available data. Former President Donald Trump secured victories in Florida over Democratic candidates in both 2020 and 2016, making Biden’s assertion seem peculiar given this context.
During a speech at the North America’s Building Trades Unions conference in Washington, Biden’s reliance on a teleprompter, including instructions to “pause,” highlighted ongoing concerns about his cognitive abilities and awareness of his surroundings. His tendency to appear confused or disoriented has been noted on multiple occasions.
In Tampa, the president focused his remarks on what he described as a “health care crisis for women all over this country,” with a strong emphasis on reproductive rights. Flanked by signs reading “Reproductive FREEDOM” and “Restore ROE,” Biden criticized Donald Trump for allegedly curtailing women’s rights.
Democratic strategists appear to be concentrating their efforts in Florida around abortion-related issues, emphasizing a stark contrast with Republicans on this matter. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida dismissed Biden’s approach, asserting that Floridians reject his stance on abortion and predict a strong showing for Republicans in November.
Recent polling data from RealClearPolitics indicates significant leads for Trump over Biden in Florida, raising questions about the conventional characterization of Florida as a “battleground” state. Governor DeSantis expressed confidence in Florida’s political landscape, dismissing Biden’s influence on state voters.
Overall, Biden’s characterization of Florida as “in play” appears disconnected from the prevailing electoral trends and public sentiment in the state.
