A new national poll has shed light on President Joe Biden’s uphill battle for re-election, despite a thriving economy and lack of opposition within his own party. The poll, conducted by NBC News, reveals that Biden trails GOP front-runner Donald Trump on key policy and personal comparisons, including handling the economy and immigration. Furthermore, the poll indicates that Trump holds a substantial lead over Biden in terms of being seen as competent and effective.
Biden’s approval rating has also reached its lowest point of his presidency, dropping to 37%. This decline is reflected in voters’ perceptions of his handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with fewer than 3 in 10 voters approving of his approach to the conflict.
In a hypothetical 2024 general-election matchup, the poll shows Trump leading Biden by 5 points among registered voters, with Biden’s margin of error within the poll’s margin of error. The findings suggest a noticeable shift from previous polls, signaling challenges for Biden’s re-election prospects.
Despite these concerning numbers, there is a glimmer of hope for Biden. The poll shows that he pulls ahead of Trump in a hypothetical ballot choice if the former president is convicted of a felony, albeit by a narrow 2-point margin.
Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates, who conducted the survey with Republican pollster Bill McInturff, expressed concerns about the erosion of Biden’s standing against Trump compared to four years ago. McInturff added that it is hard to imagine a more difficult set of numbers before a re-election, highlighting the tough road ahead for the Biden administration.
While Biden may still have time to change voters’ perceptions, the current numbers paint a challenging picture for the president. The poll was conducted after Trump won his party’s presidential nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, indicating a strong start for his potential re-election campaign.
Ultimately, the poll reflects a divided electorate and a highly contested election on the horizon, with both candidates facing significant challenges as they navigate the road to the 2024 presidential election.