A plurality of Democrats say they want President Biden to step aside and not seek a second term in the White House next year, according to a new national survey
Forty-four percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters questioned in a Monmouth University Poll released on Monday said the president should step aside and allow someone else to run as the Democratic Party’s standard-bearer in 2024. A quarter of respondents said Biden should seek re-election next year, with 30% saying they had no preference.
The poll’s release comes as the president gears up to run for re-election. Biden has repeatedly said he intends to seek a second term in the White House, but he has yet to make any formal announcements. However, the president hinted toward a re-election campaign during a speech early last month to party leaders and activists at the DNC’s winter meeting, which was held this year in Philadelphia.
BIDEN HAULS IN BIG BUCKS FOR DEMOCRATS AHEAD OF LIKELY 2024 RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN
President Joe Biden speaks at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting, Feb. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia.
President Joe Biden speaks at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting, Feb. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
“We’re just getting started,” Biden told a boisterous crowd. “I intend to get… more done.”
“Let me ask you a simple question – are you with me?” the president asked the crowd. The question instantly elicited cheers and loud chants of “four more years.”
HINTING AT 2024 RE-ELECTION, BIDEN TELLS DEMOCRATS ‘WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED’
While no major Democrats are expected to primary challenge the president, best-selling author and spiritual adviser Marianne Williamson earlier this month launched her second straight long-shot bid for the party’s presidential nomination.
President Biden shakes hands with supporters after addressing the crowd at the Democratic National Committee’s meeting in Philadelphia on Feb. 3, 2023.
President Biden shakes hands with supporters after addressing the crowd at the Democratic National Committee’s meeting in Philadelphia on Feb. 3, 2023. (Fox News)
But if the president surprises the political word and decides not to seek another term, the Monmouth poll indicates that Democrats have no clear idea on whom they’d like to see as their party’s 2024 nominee.
BIDEN APPROVAL RATING REMAINS UNDERWATER, BELOW MOST OF HIS RECENT PREDECESSORS
Just over half of those questioned (51%) couldn’t offer a name when asked who they would like to see as the Democrats’ standard-bearer next year if the president declined to run again.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Democratic National Committee meeting, on Feb. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Democratic National Committee meeting, on Feb. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Fox News)
Vice President Kamala Harris grabbed the backing of 13%, with Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont – the runner-up in the 2016 and 2020 Democratic nomination races – and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg – who ran in 2020 – both at 6% support. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts – another 2020 Democratic presidential contender – was at 4%, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 3%. No one else topped 1% in the survey.
While only a quarter of those questioned said they wanted Biden to run for re-election, the president enjoyed a favorable rating of 74% in the poll.
