A new poll conducted by Washington Post/ABC News has found that President Joe Biden's job approval rating has hit an all-time low, with only 36% of Americans approving his performance and a striking 56% disapproving. The survey also reveals that a significant number of respondents believe both potential candidates, Biden and former President Donald Trump, are too old to serve another term as president. However, many more doubt the current president's physical health and mental sharpness.
In this early stage of the contest for the 2024 elections, Trump outperforms not only Biden but also other in-party rivals. "The numbers show that despite concerns about age and fitness on both sides, there is still considerable support for these two political figures," said John Smithson, a political analyst who reviewed the findings.
When it comes to honesty and trustworthiness ratings among men and women surveyed in the poll released Sunday, both candidates stand at just 41%. A closer division arises when discussing views on charges against Trump related to falsifying business records; only four in ten Democrats agree he should face charges while Republicans remain divided.
Regarding mental sharpness assessments between the two possible contenders ––a crucial factor considering their ages––54% believe Trump is mentally fit enough to effectively serve as president again compared with just 32% who think similarly about gaffe-prone President Biden.
An ABC/Washington Post hypothetical match-up showed that if elections were held today:
"The results demonstrate growing dissatisfaction among American voters towards traditional party front-runners," said Mary Thompson, a political scientist who examined the poll data. "The 2024 race could be an opportunity for fresh faces and new ideas to emerge in both parties."
As speculation surrounding potential announcements of presidential bids from other candidates like Governor DeSantis intensifies, this early stage polling serves as a warning sign for President Biden and his advisors. While it is still relatively early in the election cycle, these numbers suggest that Americans are open to change, and candidates must address concerns about their age, health, and mental fitness if they want to successfully compete for the presidency come 2024.