Everyone had some fun recently talking about Biden’s senility, but unless that becomes the basis for an internal Democratic Party coup against him (and no Republican in his right mind would want that), it’s also unimportant.

Conservative social media bet big on campaigning on Biden’s senility in 2020. Turned out most people didn’t care. What they did care about was the economy and the generally miserable state that things were in.

There’s no sign that anything will be different in 2024.

The latest Gallup poll breaks down disapproval of Biden with 47% focused on issues, 18% on general opposition, and only 23% to his personal style.

4% think he’s too old, 4% think he’s unhealthy or mentally unfit.

By contrast 19% focus on open borders, 9% on the economy and 5% on inflation.

While have been talking about foreign affairs, it’s hardly a blip.

The combined economic stuff kicks in at 17% while the combined foreign policy stuff is at 9%. Only 3% are opposed to him over his handling of the Hamas-Israel war. (Despite the best efforts of the Hamas caucus and the Left to make that a signature issue.)

None of that is surprising. People care about themselves first.

Personality is a secondary factor. It matters because when you like someone, you will judge them more favorably. And because it colors your perception of their motives and competence.

Talking about Biden’s senility plugs into the perception that his policies are disastrous. It’s a secondary factor.

Plenty of Democrats I have spoken to dismiss Biden as too old and senile. But that doesn’t mean they’re not going to vote for him. Some however do wish for a better economy. And while that might not make them switch their votes, it makes them less enthusiastic for more of the same.

That’s doubly true for independents.

The election will be a contest of apocalypses with both candidates predicting the worst possible scenario if the other wins. It’ll come down to change vs. fear of change. And when things are bad, change usually wins.