As Donald Trump gains momentum toward a potential return to the presidential race, President Biden’s re-election campaign is ramping up efforts to frame the upcoming general election around the former president. Biden, who recently shifted into campaign mode after a relatively quiet period, is holding rallies across battleground states, sounding the alarm that the very essence of democracy is at stake in 2024.

In a strategic move, two trusted White House operatives have taken charge of Biden’s re-election campaign in Wilmington, Delaware, responding to the rapid ascendancy of Trump in the Republican primary race. The campaign is actively seeking influential endorsements, including a wish list that features global superstar Taylor Swift.

In this unprecedented electoral contest, with both candidates being former presidents, Biden is taking a calculated risk. The strategy involves positioning the election as a referendum on Trump rather than a mere judgment of Biden’s performance. The Biden team aims to portray Trump as a significant threat to American government and civil society, counting on concerns about a potentially tumultuous Trump administration to overshadow reservations about Biden’s age and vitality.

A pivotal aspect of Biden’s approach is linking a direct assault on Trump with a focused emphasis on abortion rights, symbolizing broader conservative efforts to restrict personal freedoms. The campaign believes that showcasing Trump’s words on issues like abortion and healthcare will dissuade voters, leveraging the memories of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol as a powerful touchstone.

Anticipating challenges, especially with the potential return of Trump, Biden’s team is preparing a legal strike force in battleground states.

They are gearing up for various challenges, including those related to basic voting rights and the certification of the election under the Electoral Count Reform Act. The campaign envisions the election not concluding in November but extending to January 6, 2025, when Congress will count the Electoral College votes.

While Democrats have effectively employed a Trump-centric message, concerns linger about the effectiveness of focusing on Trump, especially among demographics that have become disillusioned with Biden. To counter this, Biden’s team is also exploring innovative ways to engage voters through social media and influencers.

The campaign’s emphasis on reaching voters through non-traditional channels includes leveraging social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Biden’s team is in talks with celebrities and social media stars for endorsements and is eyeing a high-profile fundraiser featuring former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Notably, they are pursuing Taylor Swift’s endorsement, recognizing her ability to influence millions of supporters.

While Democrats debate the strategy of centering the campaign around Trump, some argue for a more affirmative approach, emphasizing Biden’s record and future plans. Critics suggest that relying solely on an anti-Trump message may not be sufficient, as they seek a balance that addresses voters’ concerns about their day-to-day lives. Despite internal debates, Biden’s campaign is undergoing structural changes to address criticisms, with key operatives now solely dedicated to the campaign’s endeavors.