New Poll Gives Grim Outlook On Joe Biden's 2024 Primary Chances

President Joe Biden took office in January of 2021, and has navigated the United States through an ongoing pandemic, record-breaking inflation, and civil unrest. With two years left in his second term, he might be setting his sights on the 2024 presidential election. But the odds may not be in his favor, with many polls showcasing low approval ratings for Biden. While PBS reports that 39% of Americans think Biden's first year was a success, criticism continues to mount, and many are calling for a different nominee if the Democrats have a chance of winning in 2024. A Politico opinion piece by political analyst Jeff Greenfield theorized that Biden's chances of being nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate and winning are slim, based on his advanced age and the unpopularity of Kamala Harris, who would most likely become the nominee in Biden's place, if history is any indication.

Biden still holds a hypothetical candle against Donald Trump; People reports that Biden polls with 44% popularity over Trump's 41% if they were to go head-to-head in the next election. However, it is still a slim and very temperamental margin that many Democrats may not be comfortable betting on. A large majority of Democrats are still dedicated to voting along party lines if Trump is the Republican nominee, but criticism within his own party may keep Biden from acquiring the presidential nomination in 2024, especially as his poll numbers continue to fall.

A recent Siena College poll published by The New York Times reports that only one in three Americans think President Joe Biden is doing a good job, and only 26% of Democrats are hoping he is their 2024 presidential candidate. These polls are not unheard of for a presidency: Pew Research Center reported that Donald Trump was at a 29% approval rating after the events of January 6. However, it is not a great sign for Biden to see such low approval rates so early on in the presidential term, according to People.

While it is understood that no president is universally liked, Biden's poll numbers are surprisingly low and could be an indication of his success in the 2024 presidential election. As the nation continues to see climbing gas prices, mass shootings, and the loss of many reproductive rights, Democratic Americans have expressed frustration with Biden's leadership. He is especially unpopular amongst young voters: People reported that voters have mentioned his lack of progressive policies and timid responses to issues like gun violence and equal access to healthcare services. His age may also play a factor, as a growing desire for "new blood" in politics has gained popularity. A poll conducted by Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and MTV discovered that voters aged 18 to 34 are more likely to vote for younger candidates that share their views on progressive policies, and don't often vote for "career politicians," per PBS.