(TheProudRepublic.com) – Time to face the music for Joe Biden as he struggles with significant challenges in key swing states, according to a recent survey, which paints a concerning picture for his potential 2024 reelection bid.
The poll, released on Monday by CNN, indicates that if the 2024 election were held today, Biden would lose Michigan and Georgia to former President Donald Trump.
This poll is a stark contrast to the 2020 election results, in which Biden secured victories in both Michigan and Georgia. The survey suggests a 10-point lead for Trump in Michigan (50% to 40%) and a 5-point advantage in Georgia (49% to 44%).
Biden’s job approval ratings in these battleground states are notably poor, with only 35% of Michigan voters and 39% of Georgia voters approving of his performance.
The key issues driving these unfavorable ratings are the economy and inflation. Despite a reduction in inflation from its peak in June 2022, voters are still feeling the pinch of higher prices and seem to hold the president accountable.
In terms of the economy, 56% of Michigan voters believe Biden has worsened the situation, while only 25% think he has improved it.
Georgia’s sentiments mirror this closely. Interestingly, about 1 in 5 voters in each state feel the president hasn’t affected the economy.
This trend is supported by another recent poll from New York Times-Siena College, which found Biden trailing Trump in Michigan by 5 points.
To counteract these perceptions, the Biden-Harris campaign has invested $25 million in TV ads in Michigan, emphasizing Biden’s middle-class background and focusing on his economic achievements.
During a recent visit to Pennsylvania, another battleground state, Biden focused his remarks on the threats posed by a potential Trump presidency, ranging from issues like civil rights to America’s global standing.
This focus aligns with White House spokesman Andrew Bates’ comments on Air Force One about Biden’s efforts to protect American democracy and unite people against threats to democracy.
Legal challenges facing Trump also factor into public opinion. Approximately half of the voters in Georgia (47%) and Michigan (46%) believe the criminal charges against Trump related to the 2020 election could disqualify him from a second term.
However, the economy remains a major concern for Biden, with a CBS News/YouGov poll showing 62% disapproval of his handling of economic matters.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, notes that financial concerns and the cost of living are influencing younger voters’ perceptions of Biden’s leadership, leading some to consider third-party options.
While Biden’s approach to “saving democracy” forms the core of his campaign, the CNN poll reveals a split perception among voters in Michigan and Georgia regarding which party is better suited to protect democracy. In both states, there is no significant difference in preference between the Democratic and Republican parties for this issue, and a notable portion of respondents feel neither party is better suited for the task.
Additionally, Biden’s handling of international matters, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, has led to dissatisfaction among key voter groups, including Michigan’s substantial Muslim population.
At 81, Biden’s age is another factor influencing public opinion, with a majority of Michigan voters expressing concerns about his sharpness and stamina. Comparatively, Trump, aged 77, also faces scrutiny over his fitness for the presidency, though he scores slightly better than Biden in this regard.
Overall, these polls indicate a challenging landscape for Biden as he potentially gears up for the 2024 election, with economic issues and public perception of his age and fitness for office posing significant hurdles.
