Trump-Biden Race Tightens as Criminal Trial Begins
Biden’s Lead Disappears, Poll Finds
A recent Quinnipiac University poll brings surprising news: the once-solid lead that President Biden held over former President Trump has vanished. The poll, conducted amidst Trump’s ongoing criminal trial in New York City, shows a dead heat between the two candidates, with each receiving 46% support.
When independent presidential contenders Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Cornel West, and Jill Stein are included, the race remains close, with Trump leading Biden by a mere one point (39%-38%). This represents a significant narrowing of the gap since the poll conducted in March 2023, when Trump trailed Biden 48%-45%.
Trump’s Trial and Ethical Concerns
Trump’s trial, which centers around 34 counts of falsifying business records, continues to draw attention. A plurality of 46% of those surveyed believe Trump committed an illegal act, while 45% do not. However, a significant 27% believe Trump acted unethically but not illegally, and 18% do not believe he did anything wrong.
If convicted, 21% of respondents said they would be less likely to vote for Trump, while 62% said it would not affect their vote. Notably, 15% indicated they would be more likely to support him.
Biden’s Approval Ratings Remain Unimpressive
President Biden’s approval ratings continue to struggle, with only 35% of Americans approving of his job performance. This represents a decline from the 37% approval rating recorded in March 2023. Conversely, 61% disapprove of Biden’s performance, up from 59%.
Divided Opinions on the Trial’s Implications
Trump asserts the trial is a politically motivated “persecution” and maintains his innocence. He plans to testify if called upon, promising to “tell the truth.” The former president also argues that the trial is unfairly preventing him from campaigning, giving Biden an advantage.
Conclusion: Electoral Landscape Remains Unclear
The latest Quinnipiac poll paints a complex electoral landscape. While Biden’s once-comfortable lead has evaporated, it remains uncertain how Trump’s trial and the ongoing political divisions will shape the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. The race remains highly competitive, with significant uncertainty about the eventual winner.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
