Last Updated: September 25, 2023, 10:56 IST
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
Biden faces challenges beyond his disapproval rating, including a drop in approval for his handling of the economy and a lack of interest in the election among some key Democratic base groups. (Reuters File Photo)
Biden’s disapproval rating rises to 56 percent, affecting support from key voter blocs, while Trump leads GOP primary despite legal troubles
US President Joe Biden’s disapproval rating reached its highest point of his presidency at 56 percent, with people expressing concerns about his age and mental fitness. As per an NBC News poll, waning support for the incumbent President is among critical voting demographics, including voters aged 18-24, Latinos, and independents.
Despite concerns about Biden, he and ex-US President Donald Trump are neck and neck at 46 percent among registered voters in a hypothetical 2024 match-up, according to the latest poll. A majority of Biden voters (58 percent) say their vote is more against Trump than for Biden, while a majority of Trump voters (57 percent) say their vote is more for the former President than against the current one.
The poll comes a month after the latest indictment of Trump in Georgia, ahead of Wednesday’s Republican debate, and as Biden faces only nominal opposition for the Democratic nomination. It showed that Trump has taken a commanding lead in the GOP primary, with 59 percent of national Republican primary voters supporting him, compared to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 16 percent. Republicans continue to increasingly favour Trump as the leader of their party, with 58 percent supporting him.
Meanwhile, Biden faces challenges beyond his disapproval rating, including a drop in approval for his handling of the economy and a lack of interest in the election among some key Democratic base groups. Trump’s gains have come from various segments of the population, including men, seniors, and moderate Republican primary voters.
The poll also highlighted concerns about the candidates’ ages and legal issues. Approximately 74 percent of voters expressed concerns about Biden’s age, while 44 percent had similar concerns about Trump.
As many as 62 percent had concerns about Trump facing multiple criminal and civil trials, and 60 percent had concerns about Biden’s possible involvement in his son Hunter’s business dealings which are currently under scanner.
As for the US presidential election next year, the poll showed a dead heat between Biden and Trump, with each having 46 percent support among registered voters. The poll was conducted from September 15-19, surveying 1,000 registered voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
This survey indicated challenges for both Biden and Trump as they contemplate their political futures, with potential implications for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
