President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump are tied in the latest poll, with both facing severe vulnerabilities that could cost them the White House. Unlike previous elections, this time, many Americans say they are nervous and frustrated with the direction of their country. The 81-year-old Biden is viewed as more trustworthy and honest than Trump, but the polarizing personality of the latter has voters wondering whether he has the proper temperament for the job.
The first two years of the Obama administration were primarily marked by bipartisan cooperation, but that has changed as Republicans take control of the House of Representatives and the White House. While voters say they have seen improvements in the economy, the US-Mexico border, and the environment, most respondents think the country is worse off than before Trump became president.
In the early 2024 contests, Democratic and Republican voters will select delegates to their parties’ nominating conventions to officially select their party’s presidential candidate. The first contests are the Iowa Republican caucuses on January 15, followed by the New Hampshire primary for both parties on January 23. The nominations for both parties will be finalized at their respective conventions, held in July (for Republicans) and August (for Democrats).
Biden has a solid lead over his Republican challengers, with 71% support among Democratic-aligned voters to Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips’ 11% and author Marianne Williamson’s 8%. The former vice president has criticized Trump’s legal woes but has been cautious about his prospects in the race.
A rematch between the former presidents resonates with younger voters, with Generation Z and Millennial voters giving Biden a clear edge over Trump in the latest poll. Among Baby Boomers, the gap is narrower but still significant.
Both parties will highlight their economic records in the upcoming campaign. But abortion will be a significant issue as well, with Democratic candidates making the protection of women’s rights their top priority in their bids to unseat the president. The issue has become a key motivator for liberal voters. At the same time, Republican leaders have focused on attacking the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision, which struck down state-level restrictions on abortion. As the 2020 campaign continues, voters will better understand how each candidate plans to approach those issues and the role they believe they should play in the presidency.
