Here is the list of the most important wedge issues facing Biden and the Democrats, along with their likely responses:
- GAZA: The left wants a much harder line on Israel. Biden needs their votes, but he needs the support of liberal Jews, as well. THE RESPONSE: Biden is already moving to accommodate the progressives, although only part of that is motivated by domestic political concerns. For once, Trump is helping himself by staying quiet on this issue, but it is unlikely he will be able to maintain discipline as the campaign goes on.
- CRIME: Local news programs consist almost entirely of crime stories. The public is consequently convinced that crime is soaring, particularly in urban hellholes, and that Biden is at fault. THE RESPONSE: The crime wave began under Trump, but has receded since. In any event, the president is not Batman; crime is almost exclusively a local issue.
- THE BORDER: Abbott’s busing program has resulted in major financial impacts in blue cities, which has made immigration a wedge issue for the blue team for the first time. THE RESPONSE: Blame the GOP for opportunistically blocking legislation that would have helped resolve the problem.
- TRANS RIGHTS: Many left-leaning voters are troubled by the more extreme claims made by trans advocates. THE RESPONSE: Support the rights of trans people to avoid discrimination and oppression but reject their claims to be “normal.” In any event, this is not really a federal issue, and it won’t motivate millions of people to cross over and vote for Trump.