As the 2024 election season accelerates, Joe Biden faces an unprecedented slump in his approval ratings, reaching a nadir unseen in the last fifteen years. According to a recent ABC News-Ipsos poll, only 33% of Americans currently approve of Biden’s performance. This figure not only marks the lowest point in his presidency but also trails the worst ratings of his predecessor, Donald Trump, and is the poorest showing for a sitting president since George W. Bush’s tenure in 2006-2008.
The survey, involving 2,228 adults, reveals a glaring challenge for Biden, especially as he gears up his reelection bid later this year. A comparative analysis of the polling data underscores a concerning trend for the incumbent. Trump, likely to be Biden’s opponent in the general election, recorded a 36% approval rating at his lowest point, which Biden has now undercut.
Biden’s approval rating drops to new low: poll https://t.co/2wDwdmFwvH pic.twitter.com/ROivJTgVgS
— The Hill (@thehill) January 14, 2024
The downward trajectory of Biden’s popularity is not a sudden development. Since achieving a 52% approval rating in April 2021, Biden has faced a steady decline, with his ratings plummeting below Trump’s lowest and now standing as the worst for a U.S. president in nearly a decade and a half. This decline is even more pronounced when considering Biden’s earlier career, where, as Vice President, his lowest approval rating was 43% in August 2012.
Interestingly, the poll also sheds light on the public’s retrospective view of Trump’s presidency. When asked about Trump’s performance as president, 41% of adults expressed approval. At a similar juncture in his presidency, Trump had an approval rating of 44%, notably higher than Biden’s current figures.
The Biden campaign and the White House have consistently downplayed these poor polling results. Despite trailing behind Trump in crucial swing states, the administration maintains a stance of caution against overemphasizing these early polls. However, these numbers could indicate a broader sentiment among the electorate, reflecting concerns over critical issues such as the economy and immigration, which have been pressing challenges for the Biden administration.
Trump’s current standing among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents is strong, particularly on attributes such as being a strong leader and the most qualified candidate, as per the same ABC News/Ipsos poll. This is contrasted by fewer Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents being satisfied with Biden as their party’s nominee, standing at 57% — a reflection of his weak ratings overall.
Moreover, Biden’s approval ratings demonstrate significant disparities among demographic groups. For instance, there’s a stark difference in approval ratings among Black people by age, with higher approval among those aged 50 and up compared to younger Black Americans. This demographic trend might play a crucial role in the upcoming elections.
