A recent Marist College poll indicates that President Joe Biden is facing challenges in his birth state of Pennsylvania, as he falls behind in support. During a visit to the Lehigh Valley to promote the area’s economic rebound, businesses that Biden had visited were reluctant to discuss the president when approached by the media. This reflects a political reality that Biden must address as he prepares for the upcoming election. The poll shows that in Pennsylvania, support is nearly evenly split between former President Donald Trump and Biden, with Trump receiving a slightly higher percentage of support.
One of the key issues contributing to Biden’s declining support in Pennsylvania is the perception among voters that they were better off during Trump’s presidency. Many voters cited rising gas and grocery prices as a significant concern, with the cost of living becoming more expensive under Biden. Pennsylvania, despite being rich in oil, currently has an average gas price that is higher than the national average, adding to the financial strain on residents. Notably, voters also believe that the country was in a better state under Trump’s leadership compared to Biden’s tenure.
Critics of Biden’s administration also point to the ongoing crisis at the US-Mexico border as a factor contributing to his declining approval ratings. Record numbers of migrant encounters have occurred in recent months, with concerns about border security and immigration policies becoming a focus of criticism. Many voters feel that the situation at the border has deteriorated under Biden’s presidency, leading to increased chaos and a lack of control over the influx of migrants. This has further eroded confidence in Biden’s ability to effectively manage this issue.
Additionally, concerns about inflation and rising food and energy costs are affecting Biden’s support among voters in Pennsylvania. While Biden touts lower inflation rates, critics argue that the reality of high food and energy prices has not been adequately addressed. This discrepancy has led to skepticism about Biden’s economic policies and their effectiveness in addressing the financial challenges that many Pennsylvanians are facing. The disconnect between Biden’s messaging on economic improvements and the lived experiences of voters is contributing to his decline in support.
The Marist poll also reveals that Trump is favored over Biden among various demographic groups, including independents, voters under 35, and members of Generation X. Independent candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Jill Stein of the Green Party, and Chase Oliver of the Libertarian Party also received some support in the poll. This indicates a potential shift in voter preferences and highlights the need for Biden to address the concerns and issues that are driving support away from his presidency. As the election approaches, Biden will need to focus on addressing these challenges and restoring confidence in his leadership to win back the support of Pennsylvania voters.
