Democrats Alarmed as President Biden's Debate Performance Shifts Political Map in Battleground States

The Changing Political Landscape for Democrats

As President Biden remains resolute in his decision to continue his presidential campaign, concerns among Democrats are escalating. His presence on the ticket is causing a shift in the political landscape, turning traditionally light-blue states into fiercely contested battlegrounds.

States in Play

Down-ballot Democrats, local elected officials, and party strategists are expressing apprehension, indicating that Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Virginia, all of which Mr. Biden comfortably secured in 2020, could now be battlegrounds in the upcoming November elections. This transformation follows his subpar debate performance last month.

Tightening Race

Several polls in these states indicate a narrowing gap between Mr. Biden and former President Donald J. Trump. One poll even suggests a virtual tie in Virginia, a state that has not voted for a Republican for president since 2004. Another poll shows Mr. Trump marginally leading in New Hampshire, a state that has consistently been in the Democratic column since 2000.

Political Forecast

On Tuesday, the Cook Political Report, a highly-regarded elections forecaster, revised its predictions, downgrading New Hampshire and Minnesota from “likely” wins for Mr. Biden to only leaning in his direction. Additionally, during a recent meeting at the White House, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico expressed her concerns to Mr. Biden, conveying her fear that he might lose her state, according to reliable sources.