In a surprising development, a recent CNN poll suggests that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris may have a better chance of winning the 2024 presidential election than President Joe Biden, in a hypothetical matchup.
The poll follows a lackluster performance by Biden, 81, during the debate against his rival and former president Donald Trump, 78, which appears to have significantly impacted the president’s ratings.
According to the poll, Harris, 59, is close to Trump, indicating a tight competition in the forthcoming November elections. The Republican candidate holds 47% of the votes, while the vice president has 45% from registered voters.
Harris is supported by 50% of female voters, compared to Trump’s 44%.
Following the debate, there has been a push within the Democratic Party for Biden to withdraw from the race, allowing another candidate to compete.
Additionally, voters have noted Harris’s rising popularity in recent weeks, positioning her as a strong contender for the Democratic nomination.
White House press secretary Karren Jean-Pierre declined to comment on the poll results, instead emphasizing that President Biden’s accomplishments align with the views of most Americans.
“With age comes wisdom,” Pierre said, defending the president amid criticism post-debate.
Meanwhile, a separate Ipsos poll shows former first lady Michelle Obama leading Trump by 11 points. However, her office stated earlier in March that she will not be running in the 2024 presidential election.
