What’s Happening:
In every presidential election people wonder if an outside candidate could pull off a victory that no one expects. The candidate pool on both sides of the aisle appears at this state of the 2024 election to have clear front-runners. Joe Biden and Donald Trump lead the Democrats and Republicans, respectively.
But both candidates face uncertain futures. Biden could crumble under the weight of lies and criminal activity associated with his political career. Trump could have his political career ended if he is convicted and sent to jail on a wide range of criminal charges leveled against him.
A sudden and shocking exit from either of the party leaders could open the door to that unexpected candidate. For Democrats a likely substitute would be the slick and slimy California governor. But who could be lingering in the wings among Republicans? It’s not someone many people have considered.
From the Washington Examiner:
A new poll found Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) would beat President Joe Biden in Virginia if the two faced one another in the 2024 presidential election.
Say what? How did Youngkin even come up in this conversation? He hasn’t announced any intention to run for president. Apparently, that hasn’t stopped Virginians from supporting the man that turned The Old Dominion State red for the GOP.
From the Washington Examiner:
The survey, conducted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, found if the election were held today, 44% of the respondents said they would vote for Youngkin, while 37% would vote for Biden.
That may be a tempting stat for Youngkin who told the media earlier this year that he is focused on state races this year. The allure of the presidency may be even stronger if Trump gets tripped up by Biden’s Department of Justice trying to send the former president to prison.
Youngkin may not want to get too excited because the poll doesn’t show him topping the Republican field anytime soon.
From the Washington Examiner:
The poll found among the GOP candidates, independent voters were more likely to support Trump or DeSantis than Youngkin, but all three candidates garnered more support than Biden among independents.
No matter the candidate, independent voters will likely sway the 2024 presidential election one way or the other. A savvy Democrat with success in office in Virginia analyzed the poll and made it clear that voters across the board are looking for a strong presidential candidate.
From the Washington Examiner:
“This is a continuing trend and should be a ‘wakeup call’ to Democrats and Republicans,” said former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, namesake of the VCU school, in a statement. “Voters are looking for leadership at all levels and want their voices heard.”
With everything happening so fast relative to Trump’s situation, Republicans certainly need to pay attention to the strength of alternate candidates. The country is in unprecedented political waters with what has happened to Trump. He was the dark horse in 2016 and the GOP may need another champion to step forward who can outrun the lies of the Democrats.
Key Takeaways:
- Republican governor shows strength against Biden in poll.
- Democrats and Republicans need strength in voters’ eyes.
- Voters deliver ‘wakeup call’ for presidential race.
Source: Washington Examiner
