Despite the close numbers, the poll shows key differences between Trump and Biden supporters with more positive emotional responses recognized among Trump supporters than Biden supporters. Given the lower levels of enthusiasm for Biden and lessened confidence in Biden's leadership, physical health, and mental acuity, even from his supporters, his poor performance in the debate had greater potential to hurt his standing, according to the researchers.
Other results:
Republicans rate their own candidate as more capable with respect to leadership, physical health and mental acuity:
- 93% of Republicans said the description “provides strong leadership,” describes Trump extremely well or quite well, as opposed to 75% of Democrats responding the same way about Biden.
- 92% of Republicans said that the description “is in good enough physical health to serve effectively as president,” describes Trump extremely well or quite well, as opposed to 64% of Democrats responding the same way about Biden.
- 90% of Republicans said that the description has the “mental soundness to serve effectively as president,” describes Trump extremely well or quite well, as opposed to 72% of Democrats responding the same way about Biden.
When asked about various issues, partisans diverged in their assessment of each candidate’s governing abilities, with the following percentages saying they were very or somewhat confident in their candidate’s ability to handle each issue:
- On the economy 94% of Republicans felt confident in Trump versus 77% of Democrats confident in Biden.
- On immigration 93% of Republicans confident in Trump versus 66% of Democrats regarding Biden.
- On crime 91% of Republicans confident in Trump versus 73% of Democrats regarding Biden.
- On the Israel-Hamas war, 86% of Republicans confident in Trump versus 55% of Democrats regarding Biden.
- On the war in Ukraine, 86% of Republicans confident in Trump versus 72% of Democrats regarding Biden.
Explore the Data
About the Poll
The GW Politics Poll is managed jointly by GW's School of Media and Public Affairs, Graduate School of Political Management and Department of Political Science. The poll was conducted by YouGov. It was in the field June 11-24, 2024. It interviewed 2750 registered voters and is weighted to approximate a nationally representative sample.
Media Requests
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