In a strategic move to remind voters of the previous administration's tenure, President Joe Biden has revived the iconic Reagan-era question, "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" Biden aims to highlight the challenges faced during Donald Trump's presidency, particularly regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and racial justice protests.

During a recent fundraising event in Dallas, Biden referenced Trump's question, emphasizing the state of the United States in March 2020 when Covid-19 swept across the nation. He painted a vivid picture, describing overwhelmed hospitals, shortage of ventilators, overcrowded emergency rooms, and loved ones passing away alone. Biden further highlighted the devastating impact on the economy, with unemployment reaching 14% and the stock market crashing, while grocery store shelves remained empty.

The President also criticized Trump's controversial response to racial justice protests, including the handling of George Floyd's death and the insurrection on January 6, 2021. Biden then contrasted these events with the country's recovery under his own presidency. He posed the question whether anyone wants to return to the fear and chaos of 2020 when Trump was in power.

The Biden campaign quickly followed the President's remarks with a digital ad, featuring Trump's question accompanied by visuals of empty grocery store shelves and the former President touting his administration's response while images of people in hospitals are shown. The ad concludes with a resolute "Yes," highlighting Biden's argument.

The Biden campaign's efforts to remind voters of Trump's time in office come as recent polls indicate a close race between the two men on both the national level and in crucial battleground states. Campaign officials previously believed many undecided voters did not think a Biden-Trump face-off would occur, but as Trump has secured his party's nomination, more voters are paying attention to the race.

However, the Biden campaign faces the challenge of reminding voters who may be nostalgic or anxious about Trump's presidency. Biden acknowledged this challenge, noting the "nostalgia" some voters have for the previous administration during a meeting in Reno, Nevada.

The Trump campaign has also used the question to draw contrasts with Biden, particularly on the economy and immigration. Trump recently posted the question on the social media platform Truth Social. Nonetheless, some Republicans believe there are limits to using this phrase, particularly as it brings back memories of the tumultuous early days of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

As the election nears, both candidates are seeking to convince voters that their leadership will lead to a better future for the country. While Biden attempts to turn the tables on Trump's use of the Reagan-era question, he faces his own popularity challenges, including concerns about his handling of the economy.

Overall, Biden's strategic use of the Reagan-era question aims to keep Trump's presidency in the voters' minds as November approaches, highlighting the hardships faced by the nation during that time. The question now becomes whether voters believe they are better off after four years under Trump's leadership.