It was not the kind of poll an incumbent wants to see. Donald Trump’s campaign pollster told the President, according to The New York Times, that he trailed former Vice President Joe Biden in several key states, including longtime GOP stronghold Texas.
“After being briefed on a devastating 17-state poll conducted by his campaign pollster, Tony Fabrizio, Mr. Trump told aides to deny that his internal polling showed him trailing Mr. Biden in many of the states he needs to win, even though he is also trailing in public polls from key states like Texas, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
“And when top-line details of the polling leaked, including numbers showing the president lagging in a cluster of critical Rust Belt states, Mr. Trump instructed aides to say publicly that other data showed him doing well.“
The Times reports Trump and Biden will be campaigning in Iowa today, although in different parts of the state. Without an identifiable candidate, it seems Mr. Trump is having a hard time staying interested in the race.
- In a recent meeting with his campaign manager, Brad Parscale, Trump seemed distracted and wanted to discuss his own popularity numbers.
- He has shown no interest in changing the campaign theme from “make America great again” except for the slight variation “keep America great.”
- He wants final say over campaign music playlists and merchandise but has never asked to see a campaign budget
- Trump has been uninterested in the campaign’s online advertising effort in general. His response has been, “Is this for television?”
Trump is, as he did in 2016, going with his gut. Next week, the President officially kicks off his campaign with a rally in Florida, where too, his support appears to be soft.
