President Joe Biden’s age has become one of his greatest weaknesses as he prepares for a potential rematch with former President Donald Trump. According to a recent poll by the Wall Street Journal, a majority of registered voters, 73%, believe that Biden is too old to run for president. This perception of his age is significantly higher than that of Trump, who is 77 years old. Additionally, 60% of registered voters expressed concerns about Biden’s mental fitness for the job of being president. These numbers clearly indicate that his age is a significant drawback in the eyes of the American public.
The Economy and Approval Ratings
The poll conducted by the Wall Street Journal also revealed that President Biden is facing significant challenges with the economy, resulting in low approval ratings. A majority of registered voters, 59%, disapprove of how he has handled the economy. This dissatisfaction extends to other related aspects such as inflation, with 63% expressing disapproval, and the growth of the middle class, with 58% disapproving. The negative sentiment towards Biden’s economic performance is a major concern for his administration, especially as they strive to recover from the impact of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
Ambivalence towards Job Creation
While the poll reflects the general discontent with Biden’s handling of the economy, it also shows that voters are split on his effort to create jobs. This issue is of paramount importance for the administration as they seek to rebuild the nation after the pandemic. The ambivalence among voters signals a lack of confidence in Biden’s ability to effectively tackle the unemployment crisis and stimulate job growth. This uncertainty further contributes to the overall low approval ratings for the president.
Mixed Views on Foreign Policy
The poll also sheds light on the public’s perception of Biden’s handling of foreign policy matters. Specifically, voters gave him net negative approval ratings on his approach to the war in Ukraine and U.S. dealings with China. These findings indicate that Biden’s foreign policy decisions have not resonated positively with the American public, further adding to his challenges in gaining widespread approval.
Despite President Biden’s efforts to highlight positive developments and take credit for them, voters remain pessimistic about the state of the economy. The poll shows that the majority, 63%, view the strength of the U.S. economy negatively, with 36% describing it as “poor.” Moreover, 58% of registered voters believe that the economy has worsened over the past two years, in contrast to the 28% who think it has improved. This prevailing pessimism around the economy undermines Biden’s attempts to promote his economic policies and achievements.
Inflation and Financial Strain
One of the major pain points for the American public is inflation. A significant 74% of respondents in the poll expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of inflation over the past year. This high level of concern further compounds the negative perception of Biden’s handling of the economy. Moreover, the rising cost of housing has affected the majority of voters, with 86% stating that it has gone in the wrong direction over the past year. Additionally, more than half of the respondents, 54%, reported that their personal financial situation has worsened during the same period. These financial strains experienced by a significant portion of the population contribute to a sense of economic insecurity and dissatisfaction.
Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election, the poll shows that voters are evenly split between Biden and Trump, with both candidates receiving 46% support. This indicates a lack of confidence in either leader’s ability to bring about the desired change. Furthermore, both Biden and Trump are viewed unfavorably by the majority of respondents, with 58% expressing a negative opinion of each candidate. The lack of a clear frontrunner for the next election reflects the uncertainty and divisiveness among the American electorate.
President Joe Biden’s age and his handling of the economy are proving to be significant weaknesses as he faces a potential rematch with former President Donald Trump. The poll results highlight the public’s concerns about Biden’s age and mental fitness, as well as their dissatisfaction with his economic performance. The American public remains pessimistic about the economy, particularly regarding inflation and affordability. The divided outlook for the 2024 presidential election further emphasizes the dissatisfaction and lack of confidence in both Biden and Trump. These challenges pose significant hurdles for Biden as he strives to rebuild public trust and navigate the complex economic landscape.