Back in October 1984, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware was faced with the challenge of addressing a conservative Baptist church near Wilmington during his campaign for a third term.
Despite not being the preferred choice of social conservatives, Mr. Biden managed to secure the first speaking slot as the incumbent. He took full advantage of this opportunity, speaking for nearly an hour and leaving his Republican opponent with minimal time to speak. The other candidates present at the event were completely overshadowed by Mr. Biden’s dominating presence.
This incident, as detailed in “Only in Delaware” by Celia Cohen, showcases Mr. Biden’s ability to effortlessly sideline his challengers throughout his Senate career, thanks to the significant advantage that incumbency provided him.
Over the span of 30 years, Mr. Biden never faced a serious threat to his position in office. His Republican opponents lacked funding, recognition, experience, or a combination of these factors, resulting in none of them receiving more than 41 percent of the vote against him.
His current re-election battle against former President Donald J. Trump, marking his 13th bid for federal office, presents a stark contrast to his previous Senate campaigns. This campaign is expected to be intense, contentious, and closely contested, requiring Mr. Biden to make a compelling case for his return to office.
Prior to his 2020 presidential campaign, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and lacked in-person events, Mr. Biden had never faced negative advertisements attacking his record or character on television. His Senate rivals never resorted to TV attacks, and his previous presidential campaigns ended before facing such criticisms.
In Delaware, Mr. Biden’s popularity and the sympathy he garnered from voters after a personal tragedy made it difficult for any rival to mount a sustained case against his re-election. His opponents often struggled with forgettable slogans while Mr. Biden cruised to victory.
Despite the challenges posed by his current opponent, Mr. Biden has stepped up his campaign efforts with strategic visits to key states, aiming to maintain his momentum and avoid any missteps that could be exploited by his critics.
Mr. Biden’s ability to navigate the political landscape with ease was evident throughout his career, with opponents failing to effectively challenge his position. Even when faced with negative ads, Mr. Biden managed to emerge victorious, showcasing his resilience and political acumen.
As the current campaign unfolds, Mr. Biden’s team remains confident in his ability to secure another victory, pointing to his successful track record against formidable opponents. Despite the challenges posed by his current rival, Mr. Biden’s experience and strategic approach position him as a strong contender in the upcoming election.
Mr. Biden’s enduring presence in Delaware politics has shaped the landscape for decades, with his opponents often struggling to gain traction against his overwhelming popularity and political skill. As the current election unfolds, all eyes are on Mr. Biden and his ability to once again emerge victorious in the face of new challenges.
