The latest CNN/SRRI poll has delivered disheartening news for President Biden as he contemplates his 2024 reelection bid. The poll, released on Thursday, reveals that a significant 66% of Americans perceive a Biden victory in the upcoming presidential election as either a “disaster” or a “setback” for the United States. CNN anchor Jake Tapper expressed his dismay, describing the poll results as “horrible news” for Joe Biden. Tapper’s reaction indicates the gravity of the situation for the President.
What CNN Poll Says Towards Biden:
CNN political director David Challian provided an insightful analysis of the poll’s findings. The data showed that 41% of Americans specifically labeled a Biden win as a “disaster,” a slightly better figure than the 44% who held the same opinion about former President Trump. However, an additional 26% of Americans regarded a Biden victory as a “setback,” while only 12% shared a similar sentiment about a Trump win. Interestingly, both candidates were tied at 27% among those who considered their victories a “step forward.” Nonetheless, Trump held a ten-point lead over Biden among those who deemed it a “triumph.”
Chalian highlighted the stronger dedication of Trump’s hardcore supporters compared to Biden’s, suggesting that Biden’s base may not be as fervent.
The poll also assessed President Biden’s approval ratings, which remain near all-time lows and have hit another historical marker. Only a third of Americans (33%) view a Biden win in 2024 as a “step forward” or a “triumph” for the country. Moreover, the survey indicated a decline in favorable views of Biden over the past six months, with ratings dropping from 42% in December to 35% currently. These figures place Biden’s approval rating for handling the presidency at 40%, one of the lowest recorded for any first-term president at this point in their term since Dwight Eisenhower. This indicates a lack of confidence in Biden’s leadership and performance as President.
While Biden enjoys the support of 60% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters for the upcoming Democratic ticket, there are key demographics where the President is struggling.
Among Democratic-aligned White non-college voters, 16% definitively stated that they would not support Biden in the November 2024 general election. In comparison, the percentages were significantly lower for White Democratic-aligned voters with college degrees (1%) and Democratic-aligned voters of color (5%). Biden’s challenges also lie with independent voters who lean Democratic, with only 40% backing him for the nomination compared to 67% of self-identified Democrats. Additionally, younger voters under the age of 45 show less support for Biden, with 49% backing him compared to 68% among those aged 45 or older.
A recent Fox News poll released last month displayed a similar landscape in the Democratic field, with Biden receiving 62% support among primary voters. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., earned 19% support, while Marianne Williamson reached 9%. Although Biden is leading among primary voters, the overall sentiment toward his job performance continues to decline. His favorability ratings among all Americans stand at 35% favorable and 57% unfavorable, figures that closely mirror those of former President Trump. Biden’s positive views have decreased from 42% in December, and among independents, his favorability has dipped from 35% to 26%.
In summary, these poll results indicate a challenging road ahead for President Biden’s potential reelection bid. The majority of Americans view a Biden victory in 2024 as a negative outcome for the country. Biden’s approval ratings remain low, and there are key demographics where he struggles to maintain support. The erosion of his favorability ratings, coupled with concerns about his age among Americans, including Democrats, suggests a lack of confidence in his ability to lead effectively.
These factors pose significant hurdles for Biden’s reelection prospects in 2024, and his record and performance will be critical in determining whether he can regain the support he needs to secure a second term.