The results of a new Monmouth University poll reveal some interesting findings about the voting public’s attitudes toward the upcoming, 2024 presidential election. It appears voters on both sides are concerned about whether their candidate can make it across the finish line.
Among other topics, the survey analyzed how voters felt about each candidate’s age and whether they could be replaced by their parties during the election season.
The poll found that a significant percentage of voters believe former President Donald Trump’s mental and physical health are strong enough to be president. A far lesser percentage said the same about President Joe Biden, whose age and mental acuity have become an increasingly glaring issue for the electorate.
Overall, 51% of voters are at least somewhat confident that Trump has the mental and physical stamina necessary to carry out the job of president. Just 32% say the same about Biden. This is a significant shift in attitudes from four years ago toward these two men, especially for Biden. In the summer of 2020, 45% of voters were confident in Trump’s stamina (6 points lower than now) and 52% were confident in Biden’s stamina (a significant 20 points higher than now). The decline in views about Biden’s abilities have come from Democrats (72% confident, down from 91% in 2020), independents (20%, down from 48%), and Republicans (2%, down from 14%) alike.
READ: Report: Team Biden Mulling Response to Special Counsel Report About President’s Age, Cognitive Issues
Another compelling tidbit coming from the survey is that substantial percentages of voters on both sides believe there is a possibility that their candidate could be replaced as the nominee. However, their reasons for believing this about their candidate differ.
Nearly half of the electorate thinks it is either very (20%) or somewhat (28%) likely that Biden will be replaced as the Democratic nominee on the presidential ballot in November. By comparison, one-third (10% very and 22% somewhat likely) think it is possible that Trump will be replaced as the Republican nominee. In a follow-up question, those who think Biden will be replaced generally mention his age, physical health or mental facilities as reasons he will be replaced as the Democrats’ standard bearer. Some others, mainly Republicans, feel he will be pushed aside by his party. Among those who feel Trump could be replaced as the GOP nominee, most cite his legal troubles – with some Republicans in this group stipulating that the charges are false – while just a few mention Trump’s health as the issue that could push him off the ticket.
One Democratic respondent indicated Biden could be replaced because “[h]e’s losing his mental capacity.” An Independent participant said she believed Trump could be replaced because “[p]eople in Washington are afraid of this man and doing everything possible to destroy him.”
These results not only shine a light on people’s concerns about the elections but might also speak to a broader skepticism about the political process and criteria for a presidential candidacy. It also reflects a degree of uncertainty about the 2024 election, specifically.
On the Democratic side, there is already speculation that Biden could be replaced due to his age and apparent cognitive issues. The new report from Special Counsel Robert Hur only further exacerbated these concerns. However, the president has continued to insist that he is running for reelection. It was reported earlier this week that his team is working on a strategy to counteract the impact of Hur’s report.
On the flip side, Republican voters have every reason to worry about whether Trump can make it to the end of the race. While his age and mental acuity have not been as much of an issue, the barrage of politically motivated indictments against him are legitimate causes for concern. He is facing a slew of criminal charges that could result in a conviction, given the current political climate in which the left is clearly trying to weaponize the state against him.
The Monmouth polling reveals a significant level of apprehension among the electorate. It also reflects a desire for candidates whose fitness for office is beyond reproach. As the political landscape continues evolving, the question of how age and legal problems can influence outcomes will remain pivotal, with this race possibly establishing a precedent that might apply in future elections.
