Vice President Kamala Harris visited a campaign office in Madison, Wisconsin, where attendees were asked to write why they support President Joe Biden’s reelection. Democratic voter Frank Pohlkamp cited democracy as his reason, expressing concern over the events leading up to the Jan. 6 Capitol attacks and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Former President Donald Trump has made Jan. 6 a focal point of his campaign, downplaying the severity of the attack and spreading baseless claims of election fraud. President Biden views highlighting Trump’s rhetoric as a threat to democracy as a crucial contrast in the upcoming election.
Despite the emphasis on Jan. 6, it remains to be seen whether this will be an effective argument against Trump in the election. Some voters may prioritize more immediate concerns such as the economy and cost of living. Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin acknowledges the importance of pocketbook issues but underscores the significance of democracy in ensuring a stable future. Trump has pledged to prioritize freeing January 6 “hostages” if reelected and has taken steps to introduce an “election integrity” bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Polling data reveals a mixed picture of how voters perceive Trump’s impact on democracy, despite his role in spreading election denialism. In battleground states like Georgia, more voters believed Trump would strengthen democracy than Biden. Congressional Democrats advise Biden to emphasize democracy and the events of Jan. 6 on the campaign trail, tying it in with other challenges the country faces. Abortion has also been a significant contrast issue for the Biden campaign, showcasing the impact of Trump’s Supreme Court appointments on abortion rights.
The Biden campaign continues to highlight the events of Jan. 6 as a contrast to Trump’s leadership style and commitment to democracy. Trump’s campaign dismisses these efforts as an attempt to divert attention from his accomplishments during his presidency. Some Republicans, like Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, believe that the issue of Jan. 6 has been extensively litigated and that voters have already formed their opinions on the matter. Despite practical contradictions in Trump’s campaign rhetoric regarding law and order, some Republicans are skeptical of the effectiveness of emphasizing Jan. 6 in the upcoming election.
There is a division among Republicans regarding the significance of Jan. 6 as a campaign issue. Some, like California Rep. Mike Garcia, believe that focusing on this event indicates a failure to accomplish goals during Biden’s presidency. However, the violence and attempted disruption of the peaceful transfer of power on Jan. 6 have raised concerns about the implications of downplaying the severity of the attack. As the election approaches, the contrast between Biden and Trump’s views on democracy and the events of Jan. 6 will continue to be a prominent theme in the campaign.
