In an earlier article, we discussed how the assassination attempt on Trump has bolstered his position in the presidential race, extending his lead with high-profile endorsements. Now, President Biden finds himself in a desperate situation and has resorted to proposing a rent hike cap in a bid to win over voters. However, this last-ditch effort seems to be backfiring, doing more harm than good to his campaign.
The Current State of Things: Endorsements and Election Odds
The recent assassination attempt has inadvertently strengthened Trump's campaign. Prior to this incident, Trump's favorable tax proposal and President Joe Biden's missteps during the tax debate had already given Trump an edge. The incident has further galvanized Trump's supporters and garnered widespread sympathy.
Prominent figures such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have publicly endorsed Trump, referring to him as "President Trump" in their tweets, which indicates their belief in his re-election prospects. This high-profile support adds to the growing sentiment that Trump is on track to secure a second term.
Betting odds on Polymarket, a popular election forecast site, have shifted significantly in Trump's favor since the shooting. The incident has intensified the belief among bettors that Trump is likely to emerge victorious in the upcoming election. Analysts suggest that this sympathy vote, combined with Trump's existing momentum, could prove decisive.
Biden's Desperation Proposal: Cap Rent Hike at 5%
In a bid to regain ground, President Biden has proposed a new policy to cap rental costs nationwide. According to The Washington Post, Biden plans to unveil this proposal in Nevada, promising voters that their rental costs will not increase by more than 5% annually. This move is targeted at the vast majority of voters who are tenants, aiming to secure their support by addressing a key financial concern.
Why This Fundamentally Would Not Work
Biden's proposal, which would require congressional approval, aims to strip tax benefits from landlords who raise their tenants' rent by more than 5% per year. However, this proposal is fundamentally flawed. Landlords' costs have risen significantly due to increases in insurance, utilities, maintenance, and property taxes, all of which often exceed 5%. As a result, the likelihood of Congress approving such a measure is slim, given the economic realities faced by landlords.
How This May Backfire
Biden's attempt to cap rent hikes may have the opposite effect of what he intended. Instead of winning over voters, the impracticality of his proposal might alienate them further. Voters may view this move as a desperate and poorly thought-out attempt to pander to their needs, rather than a viable policy solution. This could lead to a loss of trust and support, ultimately harming Biden's campaign.
If President Biden hopes to win the election, his current strategy is not the solution. This move is doing him a disservice, highlighting his desperation rather than his capability to lead. Biden needs to devise a different, more effective plan to regain voter confidence and support. As the election draws closer, the pressure is on, and Biden's current approach is proving inadequate.