Leading up to the 2016 United States presidential election, a group of mainstream Republicans concerned about the rise of Donald Trump initiated what became known as the “Never Trump” movement. They made it clear that they would never support Trump due to their fundamental opposition to his beliefs and background as a property mogul and TV personality. Now, a new movement called “Never Biden” is emerging as the US approaches the 2024 election, largely influenced by President Joe Biden’s handling of Israel’s conflict with Gaza. This movement, symbolized by the hashtag #NeverBiden, has gained traction on social media and has the potential to impact Biden’s re-election bid, especially as he currently trails former President Trump in key swing states.
The #NeverBiden movement originated in 2020 from the progressive faction of the Democratic Party, particularly among supporters of Bernie Sanders who were against Biden’s candidacy. However, as Biden secured the nomination and received Sanders’ endorsement, the movement faded. The resurgence of #NeverBiden was sparked by Biden’s threat to halt military aid to Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza. This decision drew criticism from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups, leading to renewed opposition to Biden’s presidency.
In addition to the conflict in Gaza, Biden is facing backlash over his economic policies, particularly concerning inflation. Some influential donors within the Democratic Party have expressed dissatisfaction with Biden’s approach to the conflict in Gaza, further complicating his re-election prospects. Despite these challenges, it remains to be seen whether the #NeverBiden movement will gain enough momentum to significantly impact the 2024 election.
The Never Trump movement in 2016 highlighted the concerns of conservative Republicans about Trump’s temperament, lack of political experience, and departure from traditional conservative values. The movement gained momentum with the publication of essays in National Review and an open letter from GOP national security leaders opposing Trump’s presidency. Ultimately, Trump’s victory in 2016 demonstrated that a strong opposition movement does not always prevent a candidate from winning the election.
As the #NeverBiden movement unfolds, it is unclear whether it will have a similar impact on Biden’s re-election bid. Successful political campaigns depend on the message, media, money, and management, and ultimately, the authenticity of the messenger behind the campaign. While discontent with Biden’s policies is evident, it remains to be seen whether this sentiment can be organized into a cohesive campaign against the president.