Trump Giving Democrats Even More Problems
In the latest polling data released by The Wall Street Journal, former President Donald Trump has emerged with a commanding 6-point lead over President Joe Biden in the race for the 2024 White House bid. Conducted from June 29 to July 2, the survey reflects a significant shift in public sentiment following a recent debate between the candidates.
The poll highlights several key findings: an overwhelming 80% of respondents believe President Biden, at 81 years old, is too old to seek a second term. This sentiment has sparked discussions among Democrats, party donors, and media commentators, with many urging Biden to consider stepping aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Criticism has intensified after a lackluster debate performance where Biden appeared disoriented and struggled to articulate his points effectively.
Donald Trump, expected to secure the Republican nomination, currently leads Biden 48% to 42% in a head-to-head matchup—a notable increase from a mere 2-point lead earlier in the year. The gap widens slightly to 42% to 36% when including independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other third-party contenders.
The debate appears to have bolstered Trump’s standing among voters, with 31% of independents indicating it made them more likely to support him. Conversely, Biden’s perceived fitness for office has declined since earlier surveys, with 63% viewing him unfavorably and only 34% expressing a favorable opinion. Approval ratings for Biden’s handling of key issues like inflation, immigration, and the economy also remain below 40%.
Among Democratic voters, dissatisfaction is palpable, with 76% agreeing that Biden should not run again this year and a significant majority open to replacing him on the ballot. In contrast, Republicans are more supportive of Trump, with only 36% believing his age (78 years old) disqualifies him from seeking the presidency again.
Post-debate polls from other sources corroborate these findings, showing a trend of declining support for Biden and increasing momentum for Trump. A New York Times and Siena College poll indicates Trump’s lead has expanded by 3 percentage points post-debate, while a Reuters/Ipsos survey reveals that 1 in 3 Democrats believe Biden should withdraw from the race. Furthermore, a CNN poll suggests that a majority of U.S. voters perceive the Democratic Party’s chances of retaining the White House would improve if Biden were replaced as the nominee.
The Wall Street Journal survey, conducted among 1,500 registered voters, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, underscoring the statistical robustness of these findings. As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, these insights into public opinion are likely to shape the strategies and decisions of both major political parties moving forward.
