WASHINGTON – A new SurveyUSA poll conducted a day after the first 2024 Trump vs. Biden debate found that former President Trump holds a 2% lead over President Biden amongst likely voters.
The pollster surveyed 3,300 Americans on Friday morning, with 2,800 likely voters being asked questions about their likely voting habits. About 900 of those likely voters were Democrats who were asked about Biden’s debate performance.
About 45% of likely voters say they will vote for Trump, compared to 43% for Biden.
Biden conceded that he had a tough debate performance during a Friday campaign speech.
“I don’t debate as well as I used to,” Biden said.
The Survey USA data seems to reflect the president’s Friday comments, with only 64% of Biden voters saying he is “up for the job, “compared to 14% saying he is not and 22% being unsure.
Trump took home a stronger showing from voters who say they will vote for him, with 94% of his likely voters saying he is prepared to assume the role for another four years.
As soon as the debate ended Thursday night, reports of top-level Democratic donors arguing for the emergency option of finding a new candidate were published in Politico and the New York Times.
Friday morning’s polling shows that only 55% of surveyed likely Democratic voters think he should continue his run for another term.
If he were to step down, about 43% of likely Democratic voters say Vice President Kamala Harris should assume the nomination, with California Governor Gavin Newsom picking up 16% support and US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg securing 8%.
