A recent poll by Bendixen & Amandi reveals a competitive race between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, with Biden narrowly trailing Trump (42% to 43%). The poll highlights significant concerns about Biden’s age and ability to serve another term. Among those who watched the recent debate, only 29% believe Biden has the mental and physical stamina for another four years. Moreover, 52% of Democrats think he should not continue as the party’s nominee.
The survey also shows Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as strong contenders against Trump. Harris edges out Trump by a slight margin (42% to 41%), while Clinton leads Trump (43% to 41%). Interestingly, a Clinton-Harris ticket emerges as the strongest Democratic combination, leading Trump 43% to 40%.
The poll further tested other potential Democratic candidates, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Both Newsom and Whitmer trail Trump in hypothetical matchups. However, a Harris-led ticket with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate performs well, besting Trump 42% to 40%.
Despite the growing concerns over Biden’s age, the poll indicates that a significant portion of voters are apprehensive about a Trump presidency. Biden has faced increased pressure from some Democratic officials and donors to step aside following his debate performance, but he has rejected these calls, attributing his performance to a bad cold and emphasizing his commitment to continue running.
Fernand Amandi, the veteran pollster behind the survey, noted that over one-third of Democrats express doubts about Biden’s fitness to run and suggest he should not continue in the race. Amandi was particularly surprised by Hillary Clinton’s strong performance in the poll, suggesting voters might be open to a Clinton comeback.
Anthony Williams, special projects director at Bendixen & Amandi, pointed out that voters seem to be weighing the experience of candidates against the need for new leadership. This nuanced perspective indicates a sophisticated approach among voters as they navigate the political landscape leading up to the election.
Overall, the poll underscores the tight race and the pivotal concerns among voters about both Biden’s ability to serve and the potential implications of a Trump presidency. With just a few months before early voting begins, the Democratic Party faces crucial decisions about its leadership and strategy for the upcoming election.