Democrats Seek Alternatives as Biden Falters in Polls
The first TV debate of the 2024 US presidential election has left the Democratic camp in a state of concern. Incumbent President Joe Biden is viewed as the loser of the debate, prompting some Democrats to consider alternative candidates for the upcoming election. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests that former First Lady Michelle Obama could be a formidable opponent against ex-President Donald Trump. The poll, conducted with around 1,000 participants, showed that 50% of voters would choose Obama over Trump, who garnered only 39% support.
Michelle Obama Emerges as a Strong Contender
Despite her consistent denial of any political ambitions, Michelle Obama remains a popular figure among Democratic voters. In contrast to Biden, Obama outperformed other potential Democratic candidates in the poll. For instance, Vice President Kamala Harris trailed Trump by one percentage point (42% to 43%), while California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker were even further behind. Obama's popularity was highlighted by her 55% favorability rating, compared to Trump's 42% and Biden's 38%.
The Unlikely Duel: Trump vs. Biden
Despite the calls for Biden to step down, he remains steadfast in his campaign. A CNN poll revealed that 52% of those surveyed believe Biden should drop out of the race, while 46% said the same about Trump. However, Biden's campaign spokesman Seth Schuster confirmed that Biden has no intention of withdrawing. Political analysts like Thomas Gift from University College London argue that the idea of Michelle Obama running is a 'pipe dream,' attributing her poll success to nostalgia for her husband's presidency. Obama spokeswoman Crystal Carson reiterated that Michelle Obama supports Biden's re-election campaign.
- According to a New York Times/Siena poll, Donald Trump has widened his lead over Joe Biden following the first TV debate. The poll places Trump six points ahead of Biden nationally, with 49% to Biden's 43%. This marks the largest lead recorded by Trump in a Times/Siena poll since 2015. The poll also highlighted growing concerns about Biden's age, with 74% of voters expressing apprehension.
- Despite the speculation, Michelle Obama has repeatedly stated that she has no intention of running for office. Her popularity in polls is seen as a reflection of her enduring public appeal and the nostalgia for the Obama administration. As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen whether the Democrats will rally behind Biden or seek a new candidate to challenge Trump.
