Staff Reports
In a recent poll, Americans indicated their dissatisfaction with both President Biden and former President Trump when it comes to their records in office. Many people believe that both men did more harm than good on important issues during their respective presidencies.
The poll revealed specific areas of discontent for each candidate. For President Biden, the economy and immigration were sources of widespread unhappiness among the American public. On the other hand, substantial portions of the electorate felt that President Trump harmed the country on issues such as voting rights and election security, foreign relations, abortion laws, and climate change.
Many say Biden and Trump did more harm than good, but for different reasons, AP-NORC poll shows https://t.co/4iScXWXTF4
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 12, 2024
The poll also showed that many Americans believe both presidents did not benefit them personally. Around one-third of respondents attributed benefits to Trump, while about one-quarter credited Biden. However, a significant 30% of adults did not feel that either president had positively impacted them.
The poll findings echo the lack of enthusiasm among key parts of the Biden and Trump political coalitions. Specifically, only about 2 in 10 Americans believe that President Biden’s tenure helped with the cost of living, while 16% hold the same view for immigration and border security. Conversely, 46% of Americans believe that President Trump’s presidency provided some level of assistance with immigration or border security, and 40% think the same about the cost of living.
One interviewee, Christina Elliott, expressed contentment with her economic situation during the Trump presidency, citing lower gas prices and grocery expenses. However, she criticized Trump’s handling of abortion and urged him to exercise more tact in his rhetoric. Another respondent, Trelicia Mornes, voiced concerns about the rising cost of living under President Biden, claiming that the situation has spiraled out of control.
These findings align with the prevalent dissatisfaction among Democrats and independents in particular. Many members of these groups believe that President Biden’s leadership has contributed to negative outcomes, particularly in areas such as the cost of living, healthcare, and foreign relations. Meanwhile, President Trump faces broader criticism from the overall electorate, with nearly half of Americans viewing his presidency as detrimental to various issues.
Overall, the poll indicates a pervasive sense of disappointment with both President Biden and former President Trump. It highlights the challenges faced by both candidates in garnering widespread approval for their records in office.
