Biden Campaign Hires Former GOP Staffer for Outreach Role
The Facts
US Pres. Joe Biden's campaign announced Thursday that it had hired Austin Weatherford, a former GOP staffer, as National Republican Engagement Director in order to reach out to non-Democrat voters who are undecided about supporting former Pres. Donald Trump.
Weatherford was chief of staff to former Illinois GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who is prominently known for his anti-Trump stances and for serving on the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the US Capitol.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
With Trump showing little interest in reaching out to independents and Haley voters, the Biden campaign is smart to target those people to give it a bigger shot at pulling ahead in this close election. There are people of every political persuasion who see Trump as an existential threat to the country, and that alone should bring them together to support Biden's reelection efforts.
Republican narrative
A shared hatred of Trump is no reason for Republicans to turn their back on their cause and vote for a Democratic president who offers nothing in terms of conservative policies. Biden is inept in terms of foreign policy, and he's conceded nothing to Republicans related to the economy or immigration. Republicans who want to win and see their worldview represented will be wise to stick with Trump.
