This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
Opinion | Donald Trump, Unmasked ¶
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the United States, President Donald Trump's re-election campaign is facing unprecedented challenges. In a recent conversation, Bret Stephens and Gail Collins discussed the president's handling of the crisis and its impact on his popularity.
Collins noted that almost every person she sees in her neighborhood is wearing a mask, a sign of solidarity in the face of the pandemic. However, one person who never wears a mask is Trump, who has been criticized for his lack of leadership during the crisis.
Stephens joked that Trump's approach to the pandemic is to 'lead by example,' but Collins was not amused. 'Well, that's certainly a nice thought for us to begin with,' she said. 'But any new particular reason? I know he's a horrible person with no ability to run anything, but that hasn't gotten in his way so far.'
Stephens acknowledged that Trump's popularity has declined significantly since the start of the pandemic. 'The latest polls I've seen have him trailing Biden in must-win states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina,' he said. 'One recent poll by The Dallas Morning News has him tied in Texas, which doesn't mean Biden can win there but suggests Trump's base may be having some second thoughts.'
Collins noted that Trump's support among older voters has slumped sharply, which is a demographic he cannot afford to lose. 'I like the idea of Trump losing the older voters and the younger voters,' she said. 'Got to watch out for those middle-aged folks, though.'
Stephens proposed a 'MAMA' agenda for Joe Biden, which includes an unprecedented infrastructure plan, a 'Made Here' approach to the supply chain, steady levels of defense spending, a Recovery Authority, a National Service option, comprehensive immigration reform, and a public option for health insurance. Collins agreed with many of these proposals, but noted that Biden needs to do more to articulate a compelling rationale for his candidacy.
Stephens acknowledged that Biden's campaign needs to focus on job creation and supporting labor unions. 'Biden will have to stress his ties to labor unions,' he said. 'It's as much a part of his political brand as community activism was to Barack Obama's.'
Collins noted that labor unions are essential for defending the rights of all workers, but can be problematic when they prioritize their own interests over those of other workers or the unemployed.
