Recent polling data indicates that Republican support for former President Donald Trump remains largely unaffected by his recent federal indictment. A Quinnipiac University poll conducted after the indictment was unsealed shows Trump's favorability rating holding at 37% among registered voters. This stability comes despite the significant media attention surrounding the 37 felony charges related to his handling of classified documents after leaving office.
The poll also offers insights into the broader Republican primary field. Trump continues to lead with 53% support among Republican and Republican-leaning voters, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 23%. Other contenders, including Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, and Chris Christie, are significantly behind, each garnering 4% or less.
While DeSantis's overall favorability rating stands at 33%, with 48% unfavorable, a significant portion of voters (18%) say they haven't heard enough about him to form an opinion. This contrasts sharply with Trump, where only 3% of voters remain undecided.
Turning to the Democratic side, President Biden's favorability sits at 42%, with 54% viewing him unfavorably. His approval ratings on the economy and foreign policy are similarly underwater. However, in a hypothetical general election matchup against Trump, Biden maintains a narrow lead of 48% to 44%.
Within the Democratic primary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. garners 17% support, while Marianne Williamson receives 8%. A substantial portion of the electorate is still unfamiliar with these candidates.
Looking ahead to the 2024 election, the economy emerges as the top concern for 30% of respondents, followed closely by preserving democracy (27%). Other issues, such as abortion, gun violence, and climate change, receive considerably less attention.
This poll underscores the complex political landscape as the 2024 election cycle heats up. Trump's enduring support within the Republican base, coupled with Biden's vulnerabilities, suggests a potentially tight race ahead.
