Biden tries to save incumbent Democrats

US President Joe Biden took off on a personal final-days campaign sprint yesterday that reflects the Democrats’ major concerns before next week’s midterm elections, appealing to New Mexico voters to defeat “reckless and irresponsible” Republicans and re-elect Democratic New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

New Mexico is normally safe Democratic territory, but Lujan Grisham is facing a determined challenge from her Republican opponent, former television meteorologist Mark Ronchetti.

In fact, the headwinds facing Grisham are indicative of the difficulties for Democrats in many parts of the country as Biden set off on a multistate campaign largely focused on shoring up support in usual party strongholds.

“Remember this is not a referendum. This is a choice,” he said, pointing to the stakes next week.

A president’s party typically faces significant losses during midterm elections.