They didn’t know what they had until it was gone.
Public sentiment toward President Joe Biden’s performance and the prospect of a 2024 rematch with former President Donald Trump reflects a significant degree of dissatisfaction among voters. Notably, only a small fraction, 14% of registered voters, believe Biden has exceeded their expectations as president, while a larger portion, 42%, view his performance as falling short of their initial hopes. Meanwhile, 44% perceive his tenure as aligning with their anticipated trajectory.
In contrast, perceptions of Trump’s presidency have seen a slight improvement compared to previous assessments. Currently, 40% of voters regard Trump’s tenure more favorably than anticipated, with 29% expressing disappointment and 31% considering it in line with their expectations. This sentiment marks a modest uptick from the assessment conducted in August 2018.
The disparity in evaluations extends within party lines, with Democrats expressing varying degrees of disappointment in Biden’s performance. While a majority (52%) believe his administration has met expectations, a sizable minority (30%) feel let down, and 18% perceive his tenure as worse than expected. In contrast, Republicans overwhelmingly endorse Trump, with 80% viewing his presidency as surpassing expectations and only 6% expressing dissatisfaction. Additionally, a significant portion of Republicans (24%) consider Trump’s tenure as meeting their expectations.
Furthermore, independent voters, a crucial demographic, exhibit more favorable views toward Trump, with 38% believing his administration exceeded expectations, while only 6% share a similar sentiment regarding Biden’s presidency. A majority of independents (52%) express disappointment in Biden’s performance.
The assessment of both candidates by respondents often revolves around key issues such as the economy and immigration. Criticism of Biden’s presidency centers on concerns about border security, economic stagnation, and perceived division within the country. Conversely, sentiments regarding Trump’s tenure are more positive, with some voters praising his handling of economic matters and advocating for stronger leadership, particularly on immigration issues.
In sum, voter sentiment indicates widespread discontent with Biden’s presidency, fueled by concerns about economic performance, immigration policies, and national unity. Conversely, Trump garners comparatively more favorable evaluations, particularly from Republicans and independent voters, reflecting a lingering appeal despite his exit from the White House.
