Things are looking very bleak for Democrats.
President Joe Biden’s recent performance in the debate has had a profound impact on his standing in the polls, marking a swift decline in his popularity. Following the debate, FiveThirtyEight’s polling average showed a notable shift: former President Donald Trump, who initially trailed by 0.2 percentage points, now leads by 1.4 points. This reversal not only erases Trump’s recent minor setbacks but also indicates a widening gap in voter preference, with Trump achieving his largest lead since January, according to RealClearPolitics.
The shift is not limited to national polls; swing states like New Hampshire are also reflecting Trump’s resurgence. Despite Biden’s 7.5-point victory there in 2020, recent polls show Trump leading. In Pennsylvania, Trump enjoys a significant 6-point lead, his strongest showing in the state to date.
Further exacerbating Biden’s woes, a recent CNN poll highlights deepening dissatisfaction among voters. Biden’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low of 36%, while his disapproval rating has soared to 45%. Worse still, when pitted against Trump, Biden fares worse than several other potential Democratic candidates. A significant 56% of Democratic-leaning voters believe the party would have a better chance with someone other than Biden, underscoring widespread concerns about his electability.
Internally, cracks are surfacing within the Democratic Party. Reports indicate Biden has not engaged with key figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, or several Democratic governors. The erosion of support is manifesting in public statements, with Rep. Lloyd Doggett becoming the first Democrat in Congress to call for Biden’s withdrawal, citing concerns over his age and ability to perform his duties effectively.
As pressure mounts, the Democratic National Committee remains steadfast in its support for Biden’s candidacy. However, with diminishing voter confidence and increasing dissent among party members, there is growing speculation about Biden’s viability moving forward. Whether a replacement emerges or not, the perception that Biden may no longer be fit for the job is gaining traction among voters, posing significant challenges to his campaign’s momentum.