A new Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday shows President Biden’s slight lead over former President Trump vanishing despite Trump’s ongoing criminal trial in New York City. The trial, related to 34 counts of falsifying business records, began last week with jury selection and moved into opening arguments this week. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The poll also found the presidential race to be in a dead heat, with Biden and Trump tied at 46% support. When including independent presidential candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (16%), Dr. Cornel West (3%), and the Green Party’s Jill Stein (3%), Biden and Trump remain tied at 37%.
These numbers mark a significant closing of the gap for Trump, who trailed Biden 48%-45% in Quinnipiac’s March poll. However, with the inclusion of Kennedy, West, and Stein, Trump held a one-point lead over Biden at 39%-38%. Biden’s job approval remained low at 35% support, down from 37% in March, while 61% said they disapprove of his job performance, up from 59%. Concerning the charges Trump faces in his New York trial, 46% of respondents believe the former president did something illegal, while 45% said he didn’t. Additionally, 27% believe he did something unethical but not illegal, and 18% believe he did nothing wrong.
If Trump were to be convicted on the charges, 21% said they would be less likely to vote for him, 62% said it would not affect their vote, and 15% said they would be more likely to vote for him. Trump has argued that the trial is politically motivated, a “political persecution,” and he maintains his innocence. As the first sitting president to face criminal charges, he has vowed to “tell the truth” if he takes the stand. Trump has also claimed that the trial is unfairly keeping him from the campaign trail, giving Biden an advantage.
The Quinnipiac poll also highlights the current political climate in which a “SQUAD” member survived a challenge from a centrist Democrat after anti-Israel rhetoric threatened re-election. Additionally, former President Obama has been silent as Jewish faculty and students face antisemitic harassment on the Columbia campus. It is evident that various political issues and challenges are shaping the landscape leading up to the 2024 election. As both Biden and Trump vie for public support and navigate ongoing legal issues, the American electorate is closely watching developments and forming opinions on the candidates and their actions.
As the 2024 campaign trail heats up, the latest updates are closely followed by voters and political analysts alike. The upcoming election is crucial as both established politicians and independent candidates vie for public support and try to sway undecided voters. The race between Biden and Trump is undeniably close, with the former president gaining ground despite his ongoing legal battle. The impact of Trump’s trial and potential conviction on the election remains uncertain, with a significant portion of respondents indicating that it would not affect their vote. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that the American public is closely monitoring developments and forming opinions that will ultimately shape the outcome of the 2024 presidential race.
