Biden buzz: News and analysis about the not-yet candidate for president in 2020 – The News Journal

As Joe Biden continues his not-campaign for president in 2020, here’s a look at recent news and commentary on the former vice president and his chances.

Progressives suspicious of frontrunner

Joe Biden’s record over a long political career has some progressives unenthusiastic about his campaign, despite his frontrunner status. The AP took a look at that debate.

AP: Joe Biden faces a challenge winning over progressives for 2020 bid

Biden reportedly planning how to deal with age concerns

Biden is weighing plans to address concerns about his age by pledging to leave office after one term, or by announcing a running mate early, the New York Times reports.

NYT: Joe Biden weighing unique steps to reassure voters concerned about his age

How old is Joe Biden compared to 2020 presidential election candidates? We break it down.

Trying to overcome record may backfire, New Republic argues

Alex Shephard of the New Republic analyzed progressive objections to Joe Biden: his age, ties to the financial industry, previous stances on crime and school busing, and more.

Shephard takes a dim view of Biden’s potential strategies, like offering to only serve one term, or bringing onto his ticket Stacey Abrams, a black woman who came to national prominence in her campaign for Georgia governor. He argues that these steps will just draw more attention to Biden’s flaws.

New Republic: Joe Biden’s half-baked political gimmicks

Biden may be polling well, but can he win a primary?

According to CNBC, several top Democratic donors have told Biden they won’t help him raise funds in the early going of his yet-to-be-announced campaign. “Their reason: skepticism that Biden actually can win the Democratic primary.”

CNBC: Skeptical Democratic donors tell Joe Biden they will not raise funds for him at the start of the 2020 campaign

Speaking of polls …

Despite some progressive skepticism, a recent poll from USA Today and Suffolk University has good news for Biden.

“Democratic voters by double digits say they are more interested in nominating a candidate who can defeat President Trump than one they agree with most on the issues,” USA Today reported.

If Democrats think Biden has a good chance to beat Trump, that could play in his favor.

Also, 59 percent of Democratic and independent voters polled said they were excited about his candidacy.

USA Today: Eyes on the prize: In poll, Democrats care more about victory than ideology in 2020 nominee

Seth Meyers not buying Biden’s lack of decision

Late night comedian Seth Meyers called out Biden’s campaign that’s not a campaign, saying, “Oh my god, just announce already.”

More on Joe Biden:

Joe Biden’s early days in Delaware politics hinted at his national promise

Joe Biden 2020: Where does he stand on the big issues for Democrats?

Let’s block ads! (Why?)