President Joe Biden’s declining poll numbers have raised concerns about his chances for re-election in 2024, as his job approval drops to an average in the low 40s. Furthermore, some polls suggest that a potential 2020 rematch could lean towards former President Donald Trump.
Biden, at 80, is the oldest individual to hold the presidential office. Recent surveys highlight voter skepticism regarding his age and leadership capacity. Democratic strategist James Carville voiced the party’s concerns on Bill Maher’s “Club Random,” hosted by HBO. He stated that a younger candidate could stand a better chance against Trump and emphasized that approximately 75% of Americans do not favor Biden running for a second term.
Over the past weeks, Biden has been facing mounting pressure to bow out of the race due to various challenges, including an impeachment inquiry, immigration surges, and a potential government shutdown.
Public figures like MSNBC host Joe Scarborough and Washington Post columnist David Ignatius have expressed doubts about Biden’s age and viability. Ignatius noted his admiration for Biden but worried that a joint campaign with Vice President Kamala Harris, who also has low approval ratings, could jeopardize Biden’s legacy.
Andrew Yang, founder of the Forward Party and former presidential candidate, revealed that the unsettling poll results have led some Democrats to consider challenging Biden’s nomination.
Recent primary surveys show Biden leading among Democrats, with approximately 60-70% support. The next runner-up, Robert Kennedy Jr., lagged far behind. However, Rep. Dean Philips (D-MN) expressed potential interest in the nomination while highlighting other candidates with better national recognition. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a rising Democratic figure, has yet to commit to the race but remains active in countering GOP narratives.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre downplayed the low poll numbers, while Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) conveyed cautious optimism about Biden’s record and campaign.
The Washington Post and ABC News have raised questions about the validity of their joint poll, which showed Trump ahead, pointing to potential inaccuracies. Conversely, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) believes the poll reflects a genuine sentiment.
While Trump seems to lead the GOP field, he faces challenges, including multiple criminal indictments and concerns about his age. Both Trump and Biden are gearing up for a significant pre-primary messaging war. Biden recently supported the United Auto Workers (UAW) in Michigan, while Trump is slated to address auto workers in Detroit, sidelining the second GOP primary debate.
