Joe Biden Falls Behind Donald Trump by 20 Points on Handling the Economy, New Poll Shows

By Jace Dela Cruz

Feb 05, 2024 01:24 AM EST

A new national poll conducted by NBC News shows that former President Donald Trump is outpacing President Joe Biden on major policy comparisons, including by more than 20 points on the question of who among the presidential candidates would better handle the economy.

According to The Hill, the poll reveals Trump holding a 16-point advantage over Biden on the question of competency and effectiveness.

TOPSHOT-COMBO-US-VOTE-DEBATE — (Photo : BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI,JIM WATSON,MORRY GASH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - (COMBO) This combination of pictures created on October 22, 2020 shows US President Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden during the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 22, 2020.

Joe Biden Trails Donald Trump Not Only on Handling Economy But Also Immigration

The NBC poll also shows Joe Biden losing ground not only on the economy but also on immigration, where he comes in second to Donald Trump, with 30 points down.

Trump, 77, also held a 23-point lead over Biden, 81, in having the mental and physical health needed to be president. The poll highlights Trump's dominance in various policy areas as Biden experiences the current lowest approval rating at 37 percent.

On immigration, Trump leads Biden by 35 points in terms of securing the border and controlling immigration. However, when treating immigrants with humanity and safeguarding their rights, Biden holds a 17-point advantage.

On the issue of addressing crime and violence, respondents showed a preference for Trump, giving him a 21-point lead. The survey also shows specific areas where Biden surpasses Trump. Biden has a 2-point lead in protecting democracy and a 12-point lead in dealing with abortion.

In terms of policy evaluations, a substantial 60 percent of registered voters disapprove of Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Additionally, only 36 percent of respondents expressed approval of Biden's handling of the economy, and 34 percent approved of his approach to foreign policy.

What If Donald Trump Gets Convicted?

In a hypothetical situation where Donald Trump is found guilty and convicted of a felony this year, 45 percent of the survey participants would vote for Joe Biden in this instance, compared with 43 percent going for Trump.

The poll, which took place from January 26 to 30 with 1,000 registered voters, holds a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.