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Rep. Elissa Slotkin Informs Donors: Biden Trailing Trump in MI

 July 11, 2024

Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) dropped a political bombshell during a recent donor call, revealing that private polling shows former President Donald Trump ahead of President Joe Biden in Michigan for the upcoming election.

This revelation has ignited worries among Democrats regarding Biden's electability and the overall electoral dynamics in the state.

Slotkin Reveals Troubling Polls

On Tuesday, Slotkin, currently a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Michigan, informed her donors during a video call about the discouraging private polling figures. Slotkin's own Senate race, she noted, is tightly contested.

“Right now, President Biden is behind Trump in all of our polling, and this Senate race is in a dead heat,” Slotkin commented, according to the New York Times, which obtained the video call. This unprecedented disclosure aligns with public agitation over the current political landscape in Michigan.

Slotkin's reasons for running were also humorously noted. She quipped that she sought the Michigan Senate seat due to Sen. Debbie Stabenow's (D-MI) retirement at age 74 -- and her "passing the torch."

Slotkin's Sarcastic Remarks

During her interaction with donors, Slotkin sarcastically noted that the only reason she was vying for the Senate seat was due to the radical move by Stabenow, stepping down to allow a new generation of leaders.

The announced competitiveness of both Biden’s and Slotkin’s respective races has sparked increased worry among Democrats. With Slotkin's Senate race described as a "dead heat," the ongoing challenges facing Democrats in Michigan became apparent.

Despite her candid insights, a spokesman for Slotkin declined to provide any further comments on the revelations made during the video call.

Electoral Challenges for Democrats

Political analysts have long speculated about Biden's standing in Michigan, a pivotal battleground state. Public polling from FiveThirtyEight consistently shows a tight race between Trump and Biden. Slotkin's new data suggests Trump's lead in private polling, adding weight to these public figures.

Adding to the tension, Slotkin is anticipated to face Mike Rogers, a Republican ex-congressman, in her Senate bid. The stakes are high as recent polling shows Slotkin with a marginal advantage, but nowhere near a comfortable lead.

These developments come at a critical juncture for the Democratic Party. Concerns over Biden's candidacy intensified following a lackluster performance in a recent debate, creating a ripple of unease among party members.

National Implications of Michigan's Political Climate

Despite the qualms, Biden remains adamant about continuing his campaign. This unwavering stance is marked party efforts to maintain unity and focus ahead of a contentious election season.

Moreover, the changing political climate in other traditionally Democratic strongholds is causing further perturbation. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine highlighted this shift by declaring New York a "battleground state."

Levine's comments encapsulate the broader strategic concerns enveloping the Democratic Party. “We’re still acting like this is a one-party state, which for pretty much 20, 25 years it has been. I truly believe we’re a battleground state now," Levine said.

Concerns Over Biden's Viability

The implications of Biden trailing Trump in private polling have reverberated through Democratic circles. Skepticism about Biden's capacity to secure another term is mounting, reigniting debates over the party's best political strategy.

Slotkin's revelation has brought these concerns to the forefront, prompting calls for a reassessment of campaign strategies. Slotkin’s Senate hopes rest on navigating this contentious political terrain successfully.

With both her race and Biden's in such precarious positions, Democrats are gearing up for fierce contests in the elections ahead. The landscape in Michigan will be pivotal in shaping the national electoral outcome.

The Broader Picture for Democrats

Ultimately, the coming months will be crucial as Democrats work to counteract potential vulnerabilities revealed by recent polling. The stakes are undeniably high, with significant implications for both local and national election outcomes.

Slotkin’s candid, if not sobering, communication with her donors reflects the intricate and often unpredictable nature of political campaigns. Her Senate race and Biden's campaign will remain under close watch as the 2024 elections draw near.

In summary, Slotkin’s revelations underscore the challenges facing Democrats in Michigan, particularly the competitiveness of the races for the Senate and the presidency. As concerns mount, strategic adjustments will be pivotal for success in the upcoming elections.