Washington, DC – With just six months left until the upcoming presidential election, the latest ABC News/Ipsos poll reveals a tight race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. The poll shows Trump leading in trust to handle most issues, while Biden scores competitively on key personal attributes. The results leave the question of who will prevail on Election Day wide open.
In a survey of over 2,200 adults, excluding those who wouldn’t vote, Trump garners 46% support compared to Biden’s 44%. Among registered voters, Biden leads with 46% to Trump’s 45%. Among likely voters, Biden holds a 4-point lead over Trump, with 49% to 45%.
The poll also includes a five-way contest, showing Trump at 42% and Biden at 40%, with other candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein in the mix. Despite Biden’s disadvantages, such as low job approval ratings and financial setbacks under his presidency, he remains competitive due to his perceived honesty and trustworthiness.
Trump leads in trust to handle six out of 10 issues tested in the survey, including the economy, inflation, crime and safety, immigration, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and America’s standing in the world. On the other hand, Biden leads in abortion access and healthcare.
Despite the challenges for both candidates, Biden maintains a slim lead in the poll, showcasing the impact of partisan divisions and ideology among voters. Independents are split evenly, with their support potentially being a significant factor in the final outcome of the election.
Historical data shows that presidents with low approval ratings in the spring before Election Day have won second terms in the past. Biden’s current rating is at 35%, only 2 points away from his career low in approval, giving him a challenging path to reelection.
Overall, the poll delves into various issues such as abortion rights, student loan forgiveness, and the public’s view on undocumented immigration. It also examines the importance of the vice-presidential pick, highlighting the differing opinions within the electorate.
In conclusion, the upcoming election promises to be a closely contested race, with both Trump and Biden facing unique challenges and opportunities to secure victory. The dynamics of the race will continue to shift as the candidates navigate the complex political landscape in the lead-up to Election Day.