As the 2024 elections draw nearer, two polls – the I&I/TIPP survey and the CBS News/YouGov survey – shed light on the political preferences of Americans.
Trump’s Resounding Lead
Former President Donald Trump remains a dominant force in the Republican landscape, with recent surveys highlighting his command within the party. The latest I&I/TIPP poll from September shows Trump securing a robust 60% of Republican support. [Source]
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, often hailed as a rising star in the party, garnered 11% support. Tech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy received 9%, while former Vice President Mike Pence secured 6%. All other potential contenders garnered 1% or even less.
These figures represent a 3% increase for Trump from August, while DeSantis experienced a 1% decline.
Although this specific survey might appear to be an outlier, when considering the average from other polls compiled by RealClearPolitics, Trump still holds a strong lead at 53.4%.
Biden’s Approval Under the Microscope
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is contending with faltering approval ratings. He faces significant challenges with independent voters, a group often pivotal in deciding elections. Pew Research indicates that 38% of Americans identify as independent voters. [Source]
A CBS News/YouGov survey from August revealed that a mere 31% of independent voters endorse Biden’s performance. Given that 80% of these voters perceive the state of America as either “somewhat” or “very” poor during his administration, these numbers are concerning.
This sentiment extends beyond independent voters; a staggering 72% of Americans believe the nation is on the wrong track, including a surprising 52% from his own party.
A CNN survey from the same month offers slightly different statistics for Biden. This poll places his approval rating at 39%. However, only 26% believe Biden “has the stamina and sharpness to serve effectively as president.”
A Glimpse into 2024
The recent poll figures hint at a volatile political atmosphere as the 2024 election looms. Trump’s rising popularity among Republicans lays a solid groundwork for a potential comeback. Meanwhile, Biden’s flagging figures, even within his base, suggest that the Democratic party might need to consider a shift in strategy.
Independents, making up 38% of the U.S. population, could very well determine the outcome of the upcoming election. Their current stance indicates a potential re-evaluation of party priorities, emphasizing issues over strict party allegiances.