Despite a lackluster debate performance on June 27, President Biden maintains a solid lead over former President Donald Trump among registered voters, according to a recent NPR, PBS News, and Marist College poll. The survey, released last Friday, indicates that Biden holds the support of 50% of registered voters nationwide, compared to 48% for Trump in a head-to-head matchup, with only 2% undecided.
Even amidst calls for Biden to step aside within Democratic circles following his debate stumble and subsequent criticisms, the poll underscores that Biden continues to fare better than other potential Democratic nominees meaning he is the Democrats best option. Should Biden choose not to seek reelection, Vice President Kamala Harris would garner an equal 50% support from registered voters, albeit facing a tighter race with Trump at 49%.
Governors Gavin Newsom of California and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, both strong Biden supporters, also show competitive numbers against Trump. Newsom, who defended Biden post-debate, matches Biden’s performance with a 50%-48% split, while Whitmer ties Trump at 49%, highlighting their viability but also emphasizing Biden’s current electoral strength.
The poll further reveals that in a hypothetical six-way presidential race, Trump leads with 43% support among registered voters, narrowly edging out Biden at 42%. Independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West secure 8% and 3% respectively, with Green Party candidate Jill Stein at 2%, and Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver under 1%.
Despite internal party dissent and critiques over Biden’s debate and press conference performances, Democratic supporters argue that Biden remains the strongest candidate to confront Trump’s agenda. Intelligence Committee ranking member Jim Himes and others express concerns about replacing Biden, pointing to poll results where a significant portion of Americans and a majority of potential Biden voters believe he remains the best option to counter Trump’s policies.
The sentiment among some House Democrats suggests that Vice President Harris could potentially step in if Biden were to withdraw, with Representative Jared Huffman of California voicing strong support for her candidacy based on her resilience and effectiveness as a Democratic messenger.
As the election approaches, these poll results and discussions within the Democratic Party highlight the complex dynamics shaping the 2024 presidential race. Despite internal challenges and criticisms, Biden’s current electoral performance indicates he retains a significant advantage over both Trump and his Democratic alternatives, positioning him as a formidable contender for the upcoming election.