The White House has dismissed several polls suggesting that President Joe Biden lags behind his predecessor Donald Trump in five states, emphasizing the significance of actual votes over poll predictions.
Highlighting Democrat successes in Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky during the off-year elections, the White House questioned the 'limitations' of polling surveys, particularly targeting the New York Times/Ipso, NBC, and CBC polls.
It asserted that voters ultimately make their choices at the ballot box, evident in the trends observed in the 2023 off-year elections for legislatures, governors, and Supreme Court judges' vacancies.
The administration cited notable Democratic victories in Ohio and Kentucky, where Republican opposition to abortion rights was unequivocally rejected. Despite early-week discussions about a New York Times poll indicating Biden's apparent deficits, the narrative shifted as election results rolled in, prompting the administration to emphasize the value of voting over polls.
The Washington Examiner's headline, 'ABORTION RIGHTS WIN OUT IN 2023 ELECTIONS, SHOWING GOP HASN'T FOUND FOOTING FOR 2024,' underscored the significance of abortion-related issues in the election outcomes.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated the administration's stance: "We have always said that voting matters and polls do not." She emphasized the focus on economic growth, cost reduction for families, and safeguarding fundamental freedoms against what was deemed as out-of-touch agendas.
Democrats secured significant victories in Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia, with Governor Andy Beshear winning re-election, Ohio passing state-wide abortion protections, and Virginia resisting Governor Glenn Youngkin's attempts to shift the state legislature to Republican control. The White House celebrated these victories, with President Biden reaching out to winning candidates and both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris releasing statements on abortion.
Jean-Pierre asserted that Biden's values and agenda prevailed across the country, suggesting optimism for the upcoming November elections despite unfavorable polls and approval ratings. The focus on abortion as a major voter agenda in 2024 was highlighted, given the success of Democratic campaigns centered on the issue in both 2022 and 2023.
Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton weighed in, interpreting the Democratic wins as a reflection of people seeking 'regular order' and moving away from political drama. According to Clinton, the victories provide insights into what voters desire in the 2024 presidential race.
In summary, the White House downplayed polls, emphasizing the importance of actual votes and pointing to Democrat victories as a testament to the resonance of their agenda with voters. The success of campaigns focusing on abortion rights was highlighted, offering a potential preview of voter priorities in the 2024 elections.
(With agency inputs)
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