Michelle Obama Leads Hypothetical Match-Up

A two-day Reuters/Ipsos poll found that former First Lady Michelle Obama is the only Democrat who could beat former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical match-up, leading 50% to 39%. Despite her popularity and support, Michelle Obama has repeatedly stated that she does not intend to run for president.

Biden and Trump Tied Among Voters

The poll revealed that both Trump, 78, and President Joe Biden, 81, have the support of 40% of registered voters. Additionally, 8% would vote for another candidate, and another 8% would not vote at all. Election Day is November 5.

Doubts About Biden’s Re-Election Bid

One in three Democrats believe Biden should end his re-election bid following a debate in which he struggled to challenge Trump’s attacks effectively. However, no prominent Democrat outperforms Biden in hypothetical matchups against Trump, except for Michelle Obama.

Kamala Harris and Other Potential Candidates

Vice President Kamala Harris trails Trump by a narrow margin, 42% to 43%. Among Democratic voters, 81% view Harris favorably compared to 78% for Biden. Some 18% of Democrats believe Biden’s ticket would be stronger if Harris were replaced as his running mate, while 71% disagree.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential future candidate, trails Trump 39% to 42%. Other Democratic figures like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also trail Trump in hypothetical matchups.

Concerns About Biden’s Age and Effectiveness

The poll also highlights concerns among Democrats about Biden’s age and effectiveness, with 59% believing he is too old to work in government. These concerns mirror results from a January poll. Despite these concerns, Biden has vowed to stay in the race for re-election.

Biden’s Debate Performance Fuels Doubts

Biden’s debate performance, where he stammered and failed to energetically challenge Trump, has fueled doubts among Democrats about his ability to lead. Yet, no other prominent Democrat, apart from Michelle Obama, performs better than Biden against Trump in the polls.

Trump’s Political Challenges

Trump, facing his own political issues, including criminal cases related to his attempts to overturn his 2020 defeat, remains a contentious figure. In a close match-up, neither candidate can afford to lose significant support from their political bases.

Poll Methodology and Findings

The poll, conducted online, surveyed 1,070 U.S. adults nationwide. It underscores the deeply rooted opposition among Democrats to Trump and the lack of a clear alternative to Biden within the Democratic Party. Prominent Democrats tested in head-to-head matchups against Trump have not declared their candidacies, and many lack national recognition.

Some 70% of Democrats had never heard of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, despite his victories in a heavily Republican state. Beshear trailed Trump by only a narrow margin, 36% to 40%, indicating strong opposition to Trump among Democrats. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also trailed Trump in the polls.

Challenges Facing the Democratic Party

Overall, the poll illustrates the challenges facing the Democratic Party as it prepares for the upcoming election, with no clear frontrunner emerging to replace Biden, and significant concerns about his age and effectiveness.

Re-reported from the article originally published in Firstpost.poll.