Polls show former President Trump leading President Biden in favorability ratings, with a significant gap emerging in the latest surveys.
The upcoming CNN Presidential Debate on Thursday has brought a fresh spotlight on the widening favorability gap between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. According to a series of recent polls, Trump has gained ground in favorability, while Biden's numbers have slipped.
MSNBC's Steve Kornacki highlighted data from the latest polls from Quinnipiac, New York Times/Siena College, and Gallup, all of which showed a "sizable gap" between Trump's and Biden's favorability/unfavorable ratings.
Trump-Biden Favorability Gap Widens as Election Approaches
"3 polls released in the last 24 hours all show a sizable gap between Trump's and Biden's favorable/unfavorable ratings — a shift from most polls this year (and even the last few weeks), which have found little to no difference," Kornacki wrote.
The Quinnipiac poll showed Biden with a 38% favorable rating among Americans and a 57% unfavorable rating. Trump, meanwhile, has 44% favorability and a 51% unfavorable rating.
Trump-Biden Favorability Gap Widens as Election Approaches
The Times/Siena poll found a wider gap, with Biden at 38% favorability and 59% unfavorable, while Trump had 45% favorability and 52% unfavorable.
The Gallup poll showed the most significant gap between the two candidates. Biden had just 37% favorability, with 61% unfavorable, while Trump had 46% favorability and 52% unfavorable.
Trump-Biden Favorability Gap Widens as Election Approaches
These polls suggest that Trump is perceived more favorably by Americans, while Biden's favorability has declined. This shift may impact the upcoming presidential election, as voters consider their choices for 2024.
Another poll that has drawn attention is one from The Washington Post released Wednesday. It showed that 44% of key swing state voters trust Trump more on protecting democracy than Biden, while only 33% believe Biden would do a better job.
Trump-Biden Favorability Gap Widens as Election Approaches
"Were these people watching TV on January 6?" Joy Behar of "The View" reacted Thursday to the poll. "This is a depressing, depressing time we're in."
"When people cannot make up their minds between somebody who wants to destroy democracy — wants to destroy this country — the Republican Party will get rid of your Social Security, all sorts of things," Behar added.
The Trump-Biden favorability gap and the poll on trust in protecting democracy indicate that the 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a closely contested battle. The CNN Presidential Debate on Thursday will provide a crucial platform for the candidates to present their views and influence public opinion.
