Michelle Obama, the only one capable of beating Donald Trump if Joe Biden withdraws, according to a poll
Joe Biden’s health is causing increasing concern within the Democratic Party, particularly after his failed debate with Donald Trump on June 27. According to a survey by the Ipsos institute published on Tuesday, July 2, Michelle Obama would be the only Democrat capable of beating Donald Trump if the presidential election were held today, reported several media outlets including BFMTV.
The survey of 1,000 people found that Michelle Obama would get 50% of the vote to Donald Trump’s 39%, while Joe Biden is tied with Trump at 40%. However, the poll highlights the impasse in the Democratic Party, with no other potential candidate doing better than Joe Biden.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom would get 39% of the vote to Trump’s 42%, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer 39% to 41%, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear 36% to 40%, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker 34% to 40%.
BFMTV notes that these results should be interpreted with caution. No other Democratic candidate has officially declared his candidacy, and the American electoral system, based on electors, means that winning the popular vote does not guarantee election. In 2016, Trump lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton but won the presidency thanks to a larger number of electors.
In theory, Democrats could choose another nominee before or even after the Aug. 19 Democratic convention, though such a change is unlikely after that date. Despite questions about Biden’s health, most party heavyweights have publicly expressed support for him, and he won nearly 90 percent of delegates in the Democratic primary.
But nervousness is growing among supporters and donors, with some criticizing the lack of transparency from Biden’s inner circle about his health. To allay those concerns, some are calling on the president to increase public appearances and open interactions with reporters and supporters.
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