The cheers from supporters of former President Donald Trump are echoing through the halls of his Mar-a-Lago estate daily, says longtime Republican strategist Karl Rove, as the Republicans witness the dramatic fall of their rival’s 2024 election campaign.
Trump is marching towards almost certain victory over President Joe Biden following Biden’s historic debate disaster and flagging poll numbers — and Biden’s team is refusing to withdraw the 81-year-old Democrat are boxing out younger challengers that could take his place.
“There’s cheering in Mar-a-Lago for that sentiment,” Rove told Fox News on Monday. “Look, the polls are indicating that this race is widening for Trump, and it is because that debate confirmed the feelings that a vast majority of the American people have had for over a year and a half – that Joe Biden is too old to be an effective president.”
Rove said the concerns over Biden’s cognitive function is only growing among voters — much to Trump’s benefit.
Biden “would be 82 if he were to be reelected and serve until 86. That debate was not an off moment,” Rove said. “It was not a bad night. It was a reflection of the reality of who Joe Biden is at the age of 81.”
“They’ve got a guy that, the American people believe, lacks the physical stamina, the mental acuity, and the judgment to be an effective president,” Rove concluded. “Despite whatever doubts they and people may have about Trump, they’re gonna go for the strong leader rather than the weak guy.”
Trump himself addressed the rumors that Biden may drop out, and the Biden campaigns refusal to accept reality that most voters don’t want the elderly Democrat to return to the White House.
“Mr. President, do you want Joe Biden to step aside?” Fox News’ Sean Hannity asked directly on Monday. “Do you care?”
Trump said he’s prepared to beat Biden’s campaign, but added that his team is ready to take on any Democratic Party nominee.
“Well, we prepared for him, but I don’t think it’s gonna matter,” Trump replied.
“We had a great four years. Our border was the strongest ever. Our economy, pre-Covid was incredible, maybe the best ever,” he continued. “But then when we got hit with the gift from China, the China virus, that came and we did a fantastic job.”
“We’re heading into World War III in my opinion with this man semi-running things,” Trump said. “Because he’s not running things, the people that surround the Oval Office, the people that surround the Resolute desk … they’re really running things in Washington I suspect. And it’s very bad.”
Hannity asked about the potential of Biden being replaced at the top of the Democratic Party presidential ticket by Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also historically unpopular with voters.
“What do you make all of the talk that if Biden steps aside or is pushed out?” Hannity asked. “That it would be Vice President Harris — do you expect that much would change?”
“Well, I think that it will be her. I think they are very concerned about the vote if it’s not her,” Trump said. “I mean, they’re gun-shy. They don’t want to do it any other way. I’ve actually come to believe that’s what they’re going to do.”
“I think she’s an ineffective person. She was in charge of the border, but she has never been there,” he continued. She didn’t do a good job, and she hasn’t done a job on a lot of other things. But it would seem to me from a political standpoint that’s who they’re going with. They’re not even talking about alternatives.”
You can watch the whole interview here —