Biden, Trump tied as debates loom: Undecided voters hold the key
If the presidential election in the United States were held today, Joe Biden and Donald Trump would receive almost equal support. According to the latest poll, they are neck and neck. This is good news for both of them ahead of the upcoming debates.
12:31 PM EDT, June 18, 2024
The first debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump will take place in just over a week, on the night of June 27 to 28 Eastern Time.
Observers believe this will be the candidates' chance to win over undecided voters, whose votes could be crucial in determining the final result. According to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll published Tuesday, both Biden and Trump would receive 49% support.
Will the undecided decide?
Most surveyed voters have already decided whom they will support in the November election, but 9% have not yet made a decision.
In addition to the undecided, individuals who "know who their candidate is but might still change their mind" can significantly influence the outcome. 25% of respondents in the survey expressed this sentiment.
"I think this reflects the current mood in the country. It also shows that there are still a few months left until the election," says Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, which conducted the survey.
Half of young people are still unsure
The survey indicates that young people and non-white voters are more likely to say their choice could still change. Only about 55% of both groups stated they were certain who they would vote for.
Trump's problems to Biden's advantage
Experts note that support for Joe Biden is growing among people who do not identify with any political party and do not clearly define their views. Last month, 42% of this group declared support for Biden, and this month, it has risen to 50%.
"This might be the group most influenced by the effects of Donald Trump's legal problems," states Miringoff.
Interestingly, while Biden is gaining strength among undecided voters, Trump is doing better among those who "do not accept either of them." In other words, they would vote for Donald Trump if they had to choose the lesser of two evils.
What is important for Americans
In the survey, respondents could highlight which issues or topics are most important to them. The foremost issue was inflation (30%), followed by the preservation of democracy (29%), and immigration issues (18%).
Most respondents compared Trump and Biden, stating that Trump would handle the economy and immigration better. In contrast, Biden would be a greater guardian of democracy and legal abortion.
Prison for Trump? Voters divided
In the poll, besides questions regarding candidate support and their electoral programs, respondents were also asked about the recent historic verdict by jurors in a Manhattan court. The former president was found guilty in the case of concealing payment for the silence of porn actress Stormy Daniels.
Slightly more than half of the survey respondents—51%—believed that Trump should definitely or probably serve a prison sentence. Meanwhile, 47% said that Trump should definitely or probably not go to prison.
The elections in the United States will be held on November 5 this year.
