Post-Election Favorability Poll: Trump Rises, Biden Declines
Following his recent victory for a second term in the White House, President-elect Donald Trump is experiencing a notable boost in favorability ratings, according to a new poll conducted by Emerson College. Conversely, the poll indicates that outgoing President Joe Biden’s approval ratings have plummeted to a four-year low.
Poll Highlights: Trump’s Surge
The Emerson College poll reveals that Trump’s favorability has increased by six points since the November 5 election, now standing at 54%. In stark contrast, Biden’s job approval rating sits at only 36%, a significant drop likely reflecting the national sentiment towards his administration’s policies.
Biden’s disapproval ratings, maintaining a steady 52%, reflect enduring public dissatisfaction as he concludes his presidency. The findings suggest a pronounced shift in political sentiment, particularly as the nation prepares for a new administration under Trump.
Demographic Insights: Trump’s Appeal
According to Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, Trump’s favorability is not uniform across demographics. For instance, among various age groups, his strongest support comes from voters aged 40-59, with 60% expressing a favorable view. This is significantly higher than the 48% favorability rating from voters over the age of 70.
Interestingly, Trump has also seen a rise in support among younger voters, with 55% of those under 30 now viewing him positively. This trend indicates a shift in perception among a younger electorate that may have previously leaned towards Biden.
When breaking down the results further, the poll reveals that men are more likely to favor Trump at 61%, compared to 48% of women. Race also plays a crucial role in shaping opinions: 59% of White voters hold a favorable view of Trump, while 53% of Hispanic voters and a mere 28% of Black voters share similar sentiments.
Biden’s Historical Ratings
Notably, Biden never achieved a 50% approval rating during his first term or after assuming office prior to the recent election, as reported by Gallup and highlighted in the New York Post.
Public Reaction to the Election Results
The poll also delved into public perception regarding the election outcome. When asked if they were surprised by the results of the 2024 election, 46% of respondents expressed surprise, while 54% reported that they were not.
Kimball noted a stark division in reactions based on voter allegiance: 67% of those who supported Harris expressed surprise at the election results, whereas 71% of Trump supporters were not taken aback by his victory.
Looking Ahead: 2028 Presidential Contenders
As the political landscape shifts, the poll also gauged early sentiments for potential candidates in the upcoming 2028 presidential race. Vice President-elect JD Vance emerged as the frontrunner, garnering support from 30% of respondents. Following him were notable figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 5%, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at 3%, and both Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Nikki Haley, each with 2% support.
On the Democratic side, Vice President Kamala Harris led with 37% support. She was trailed by California Governor Gavin Newsom at 7% and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 4%. This early polling sheds light on potential dynamics in what promises to be a competitive race as both parties prepare for future challenges.
Conclusion
In summary, the Emerson College poll highlights a clear divergence in the public’s view of the outgoing and incoming presidents while suggesting a shifting political landscape as the nation navigates its way through the aftermath of the recent election. Trump’s rise in favorability, juxtaposed against Biden’s declining approval ratings, sets the stage for potentially transformative political developments as the 2028 election looms on the horizon.
