A recent poll conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that a majority of U.S. adults believe both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have done more harm than good on key issues during their time in office. The poll revealed that more than half of Americans think Biden’s presidency has hurt the country on the cost of living and immigration, while nearly half believe that Trump’s presidency harmed the country on issues such as voting rights, election security, relations with foreign countries, abortion laws, and climate change. These sentiments have led to a lack of enthusiasm among voters for both candidates.
One of the key weak spots for Biden identified in the poll is widespread dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and immigration. Many Americans feel that the cost of living has increased significantly under his presidency, impacting their everyday expenses. Meanwhile, Trump is facing criticism for his approach to issues such as abortion and his rhetoric, which some voters find lacking in tact. Despite these shortcomings, both candidates have their areas of perceived strength, with Trump being credited for his handling of immigration and border security, while Biden has received praise for job creation during his tenure.
The poll also found that a significant portion of voters, particularly independents, view Biden negatively on a range of issues, including the cost of living, healthcare, and foreign relations. Similarly, Trump faces criticism on issues like climate change, voting rights, abortion laws, and relations with foreign countries. The lack of confidence in both candidates reflects a general sense of disillusionment among the electorate, with many feeling that neither Biden nor Trump have truly benefitted them during their time in office.
While some voters still view Trump’s presidency favorably for its impact on job creation and immigration, others, including Democrats, have concerns about his foreign policy decisions and handling of certain key issues. On the other hand, Biden’s presidency has garnered mixed reviews, with some praising his efforts to spur job gains but others criticizing his handling of the cost of living and immigration. This division among voters highlights the challenges both candidates face in appealing to a diverse electorate with differing opinions on their performance in office.
Overall, the poll results reveal a complex landscape of voter sentiment towards Biden and Trump, with both candidates facing scrutiny for their handling of key issues during their time in office. The lack of overwhelming support for either candidate underscores the polarized nature of American politics and the challenges facing both Biden and Trump as they seek to secure the public’s trust and confidence. As the 2024 election approaches, the candidates will need to address these concerns and work towards building a stronger, more positive image among voters to secure their support.
