CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten has suggested that Democrats might face significant challenges in the 2024 presidential election due to former President Donald Trump’s increasing popularity. According to Enten, Trump is currently enjoying unprecedented favorability ratings. report from The Washington Post.
He reported that following the Republican National Convention and surviving an attempted assassination, Trump’s popularity has surged. Enten shared these insights during a segment with Sara Sidner on Tuesday, July 23.
He pointed out that recent polls from Reuters/Ipsos and Quinnipiac University show Trump with his highest favorability scores to date: 40% and 46%, respectively. He argued that the recent happenings and the subsequent numbers make Trump stronger than he has ever been and most likely to win in November.
“Donald Trump is more popular now than he has ever been before,” Enten noted, adding that while Democrats might enjoy some boost following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race, beating Trump remains an uphill task. “So, while Democrats may try to pivot, they still have to contend with a more formidable Trump.”
Poll averages indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris is trailing Trump by a narrow margin of 1%, suggesting a tight race ahead. She is considered the likely next Democratic candidate after Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
Although Harris has yet to officially accept the Democratic nomination, she has garnered numerous endorsements and secured sufficient delegates.
In the 2020 election, Joe Biden outpaced Trump by 4% in the popular vote. However, Enten highlighted a crucial statistic that could benefit Democrats with Harris as the presumptive nominee.
The ABC/Ipsos poll revealed that 9% of respondents have no opinion of Trump, while 19% are undecided about Harris. “This represents a significant opportunity for Democrats,” Enten explained.
“Voters’ perceptions of Kamala Harris could change based on her campaign performance. This uncertainty could work in her favor or against her, depending on how she presents herself during the campaign.”
Biden’s exit came at a time when pressure was pilling on him to hand over the baton, with critics, most being members of his own party, questioning his chances against Bide