Biden edges out Trump with independents in poll that shows toss-up contest
By
Brady Knox
June 18, 2024 11:02 am
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President Joe Biden holds a narrow lead among independents against former President Donald Trump in a new poll, which shows the two in a tie nationally.
According to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist College national poll, Trump and Biden are tied with 49% of the vote, with only 2% of voters undecided. One demographic has swung in Biden’s favor — independents, who favor Biden over Trump, 50% to 48%. This is a stark difference from the last poll in May, which had Biden trailing Trump with independents, 54% to 42%.
Despite the deficit with independents, Trump gained slightly since May, which had Biden at 50% and Trump at 48%. The former president also leads against successor among people who have an unfavorable opinion of both candidates, with 48% compared to Biden’s 41%.
Among people who say they definitely plan to vote in November, Trump leads Biden 50% to 49%.
Biden’s inroads among independents since May may be related to Trump’s recent conviction in his Manhattan hush money case.
The poll found that 51% of people think Trump should definitely or probably serve time in prison over his conviction, with 31% of those saying definitely. Independents are in line with the majority, with 51% believing he should serve time in prison.
Of the top three issues voters cited, Trump polls better on two of the three. Of those surveyed, 30% said that inflation is at the top of their mind, 29% said preserving democracy, and 18% said immigration.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/presidential/3049578/biden-edges-out-trump-independents-poll-toss-up/