Shortly after the official announcement of his re-election ambitions, US President Joe Biden was faced with devastating poll numbers. According to a recent survey commissioned by the Washington Post and broadcaster ABC, published on Sunday, the majority of Americans do not consider Biden to be mentally or physically fit enough to effectively serve as president. 63 percent of those surveyed stated that the 80-year-old did not have the intellectual acuity. 62 percent expressed the opinion that Biden was not in sufficient physical condition to do so.
Citizens were much more positive about ex-US President Donald Trump, who also wants to run again in the elections next year. Most of them confirmed that the 76-year-old had the necessary mental and physical fitness for the post in the White House. 54 percent rated Trump as mentally fit enough, 64 percent rated him physically fit enough for the highest office in the state.
Biden ahead in trustworthiness
Biden was slightly ahead of his competitor elsewhere in the survey: on the question of honesty and trustworthiness. However, neither of the two was able to convince a majority here. 41 percent rated Biden as honest and trustworthy, compared to 33 percent for Trump. Despite the lead, this must give Biden food for thought.
Overall, the incumbent has problems generating enthusiasm among the population for a second term. Even among pro-Democrats, only 36 percent said they would like Biden to be the Democratic presidential nominee. 58 percent wanted “someone else”.
According to the Washington Post and ABC, 1,006 adults took part in the survey. They were interviewed by phone between April 28 and May 3. Biden announced on April 25 that he would run again in the 2024 election.
81 years old at the next election
Biden entered the White House in 2021 as the oldest president of all time. He will be 81 at the election in a year and a half, and he would be 86 at the end of a possible second term. Biden’s age and suitability to run again for the presidency have long been the subject of debate, including within his own party.
The Democrat is constantly trying to dispel such concerns. In an interview with MSNBC on Friday, Biden said of his age, “I’ve gained a hell of a lot of wisdom. I know more than the vast majority of people.” He has “more experience than anyone else who has ever run for this office”.
Report of the “Washington Post” details of the survey
