Few politicians say things that immortalize their words. Abraham Lincoln was a notable exception.

The 16th president’s comment about fooling voters resonates today: “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”

That wise statement is becoming increasingly evident as we head into the 2024 presidential election. In addition to the latest polling by The New York Times and Siena College, which shows President Biden leaking significantly from his base of Black, Hispanic, and especially young voters. Another poll gives the reason behind the leakage.

An ABC News/Ipsos survey finds that more than 75% of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. Only 25% think we’re headed in the right direction. One wonders where that 25% are getting their information. Don’t they see higher prices for gas, food, and mortgage rates since Biden took office, or are they wedded to him as one might be wedded to a cult leader (Trump?) about whom no negative information or facts will be believed?

Even worse news for Democrats is the response to the question about which party they believe can better handle the economy, nearly always the top issue in any presidential campaign. Thirty-five percent said Republicans would do a better job, with only 25% saying the same.

The Biden administration is defaulting to the usual position when things look bad. They claim their message isn’t getting through and blame the media, their closest friend in promoting all things liberal and Democrat. And they claim the full impact of their policies is not being felt by average Americans. Yes, they are, and a majority don’t like them.

President George H.W. Bush was mocked for not understanding the purpose of bar codes on grocery products. The media and Democrats claimed it proved how out of touch he was with average people. The same can be said of the current administration. Those at the highest levels ride in government cars, don’t have to pay for fuel and can eat at the White House mess for lower costs than the prices at most Washington restaurants. No wonder so many are out of touch with average people.

Opinions are almost always a reflection of voter’s positions on issues that matter to them. There is another poll that should also concern Democrats. Given the administration’s denial that there is a problem with an open southern border, it probably won’t motivate them to do anything to curtail the flood of migrants into the country, including possible terrorists intent on causing harm. The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll, conducted in conjunction with Noble Predictive Insights, asked 2,500 registered voters, including 1,000 registered Democrats, 1,000 registered Republicans and 500 independents: “How concerned are you about the situation at the border?”

Eighty-two percent responded that they are concerned, with 47% saying they are very concerned and an additional 35% saying they are somewhat concerned. Just 13% said they are not concerned at all, and 4% are unsure.

Democrats may be hoping that Donald Trump’s legal problems will tank his re-election prospects, but they may be betting on the wrong horse. Their focus on Trump becoming the GOP nominee and easy to defeat again ignores the perception among a majority of voters — including Democrats — that Biden is weak and too old for a second term.

They won’t be able to fool most voters this time as they did in the 2020 election, when Biden claimed to be a “uniter.”

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.

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