Former President Donald Trump established a large lead over his successor, President Joe Biden, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post poll. The seven-point lead may be a key signal for Republicans seeking the candidate most likely to beat Biden in a head-to-head matchup.
Trump earned a 7% lead over his opponent in a potential matchup, leading 49%-42%. The same poll showed a similar 48%-41% lead for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
The additional polling data was even worse for Biden.
When placed head-to-head with Trump, just 32% of the population said that they would “definitely” vote for Biden.
The polling news also shows that Biden’s reelection announcement last week did not garner a significant increase in support.
Negative economic data, including another major bank collapse, appears to have harmed the president’s chances of winning a second term.
Furthermore, upcoming political events may also further harm the president’s chances of a second term. Biden has given mixed signals about whether or not the White House would negotiate with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) over raising the debt limit.
Should the nation default, the already-strained economy could face severe pressure. In addition, the possibility of either continuing inflation or further interest rate hikes would likely increase the chances of a new recession.
Buried lead from new WaPo/ABC poll: Trump,leads Biden by 7 (!) points, 49-42%, in general election matchup.
Will be generating quite the conversation at the White House. https://t.co/b00liycBmW
— Josh Kraushaar (@JoshKraushaar) May 7, 2023
The same poll indicated more negative news for the incumbent president. Biden’s approval rating logged in at just 36%. In addition, only just over 30% of Americans believe that Biden has the “mental sharpness” to be president.
Twice as many Americans ranked Trump as having the physical health to lead the nation.
The poll also marked 58% of Democrats and Democratic-leaners as desiring the party to choose another nominee other than Biden.
The ABC News poll highlights several recent pieces of good news for the former president. Trump led the rest of the GOP field in a recent CBS News poll.
Trump’s potential main opponent, DeSantis, has not yet announced whether he will join the presidential race.
