Staff Reports
News that would make any political opponent cringe: Donald Trump has seen his favorability rating rocket to 40%, the highest it’s been in four years, all thanks to a rather infamous assassination attempt that occurred last weekend. The ABC/Ipsos poll, which apparently decided to dig into public sentiment following this “historic near-miss,” indicates that while a substantial majority of Americans still don’t view Trump favorably, there’s something undeniably galvanizing about a brush with death.
This uptick came on the heels of a potentially catastrophic shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. Talk about a masterclass in turning tragedy into political currency! Fueled by this dramatic event and a lengthy speech at the Republican National Convention, Trump managed not just to cling to life, but to enhance his image in the process.
Trump favorability surges as majority of voters want Biden to end 2024 bid
Former President Donald Trump’s favorability rating has surged in the wake of the assassination attempt against him last weekend.https://t.co/uXljPGg2bf pic.twitter.com/Y02oQ94W5J
— Trump2024_no_matter_what (@TexasTrump2024) July 21, 2024
Contrast this with President Joe Biden, who remains trapped in the low 30s for favorability, registering a mere 32%. That’s right, while Trump’s ratings are climbing (despite the drama), Biden’s are as flat as a soggy pancake, with 55% of people looking the other way when his name comes up. Recent worries about Biden’s age and cognitive abilities are palpable, raising eyebrows within his own party. A staggering 60% of Democrats are apparently whispering about a change at the top, while a curious chunk of Republicans sees an opportunity to send old Joe packing, perceiving him as their best shot at returning to the White House.
Digging deeper, a poll reveals that three in five voters think Biden should throw in the towel and exit the race. Meanwhile, even within the Democratic ranks, a notable 55% would be unhappy with him as their nominee, while 58% of Democrats appear blissfully content living in a fantasy where Biden does well, whatever “well” means at this point. Magical thinking runs strong, but it might also run out soon enough if they aren’t careful.
When it comes to psychological warfare in politics, Trump is slightly viewed as a more unifying potential leader than Biden, receiving the favor of 38% compared to Biden’s lackluster 31%. Strangely though, nearly half of those surveyed still found a way to blame Trump for politically motivated violence. It’s ironic, considering one would think that an attempted assassination would warrant a little more sympathy.
In the Democratic camp, the race for favorability charts Kamala Harris as the leader among potential candidates with a score of 35%. Black and Hispanic voters are warming up to her more than they are to Biden or Trump, who completely flounder in these demographics. Supporters of Trump might chuckle at Harris’ numbers, but there’s still a long way to go before the general election. As for a Trump vice-presidential pick, J.D. Vance appears to be raising eyebrows with his 25% favorability rating, leaving a comforting 43% of voters undecided; no doubt some mulling over how to spin this pickle as a “great opportunity.”
If the stakes were ever higher in American politics, it would surely be now. With Biden lurking at the bottom of the favorability barrel, and Trump unexpectedly gaining ground amid chaos, the country seems in for a wild ride ahead. Whether voters will choose to reward fearlessness or succumb to their anxieties remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: nobody ever claimed politics was dull!
