Republicans are showing significantly more enthusiasm for the potential 2024 election rematch between President Biden and former President Donald Trump compared to Democrats and independent voters, according to a recent national poll conducted by the Monmouth University Polling Institute. The survey highlights a 12-point increase in overall enthusiasm among registered voters for the Biden-Trump rematch, now standing at 39%.
However, the poll also reveals a stark partisan divide in terms of enthusiasm levels. A striking 63% of Republicans expressed either very or somewhat enthusiastic sentiments about a second showdown between Biden and Trump. In contrast, only 36% of Democrats and 27% of independents shared similar levels of enthusiasm for the rematch.
The poll underscores a closely contested scenario between Biden and Trump, with 44% of respondents indicating definite or probable support for Trump and 43% expressing the same for Biden. At the same time, nearly half (49%) stated that they would definitely not vote for President Biden, with 48% expressing similar sentiments toward the presumptive GOP nominee.
Interestingly, the poll also gauges support for Democrat-turned-independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., revealing that 18% of respondents would likely cast a ballot for him. However, the survey suggests that Kennedy’s support is relatively weak, especially among voters disapproving of both Biden and Trump, raising questions about the impact he might have on the election’s outcome.
In terms of crucial issues shaping voters’ decisions, the poll highlights inflation (38%) and economic growth and jobs (37%) as top priorities in the presidential election, followed closely by immigration (33%) and abortion (33%). Notably, immigration (56%) and inflation (53%) are particularly significant issues for Republicans, while abortion (44%) stands out as the primary concern for Democrats.
Monmouth University Polling Institute director Patrick Murray pointed out that voters’ top issues are influencing their motivation to participate in the election. He emphasized the importance of understanding the specific issues that could sway undecided or swing voters, with inflation emerging as a key focus area.
Overall, the poll reflects a dynamic and closely contested electoral landscape, with enthusiasm levels, key issues, and candidate support reflecting deep partisan divisions and highlighting the potential impact of critical issues like inflation on voter behavior.
