Special Poll
Biden Faces Uphill Battle in Swing States According to Latest Polls
Recent polling data has cast a shadow over President Biden’s campaign for re-election, revealing that he is currently trailing behind former President Trump in five critical swing states. This development adds to the growing concerns regarding Biden’s age and his administration’s policy directions.
The New York Times and Siena College’s poll shows that in a head-to-head matchup across six battleground states, Trump is outpacing Biden in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. The margins range from a close 3 points to a more substantial 10 points among registered voters.
In a detailed breakdown, Arizona shows Trump with a 5-point lead over Biden. Georgia’s figures are similar, with Trump holding a 6-point advantage. Nevada presents a more significant gap, with Trump leading by 11 points. In Michigan and Pennsylvania, Trump’s lead narrows slightly but remains ahead with a 5-point lead in both states.
Wisconsin stands out as the sole state among the six where Biden is ahead, albeit by a slim 2-point margin.
This polling trend marks a notable shift from the 2020 election results, where Biden emerged victorious in these states against Trump. However, recent polls have consistently shown Biden in a tight race or trailing behind Trump, raising alarms within the political community.
Following the release of the poll, David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to President Obama, hinted at the possibility of Biden considering not running for re-election, emphasizing the unpredictability of the coming year and the firmness of Biden’s intent to run as reported by his team.
The poll also reflects voter concerns about Biden’s age. At 80, Biden is the oldest sitting U.S. president, and questions about his age and mental acuity have become a focal point. The poll indicates that a significant majority, 71 percent of voters, harbor doubts about Biden’s effectiveness due to his age, compared to 39 percent for Trump, who is 77.
Questions about mental sharpness were also raised, with 62 percent of respondents skeptical about Biden’s capabilities, while Trump received a more favorable 52 percent endorsement on mental sharpness.
The New York Times/Siena College poll, conducted from October 22 to November 3, 2023, surveyed 3,662 registered voters across the mentioned states, with a margin of error ranging from 4.4 to 4.8 percentage points.