Joe Biden’s Popularity Hits 2-Year High

President Joe Biden received his highest approval rating in nearly two years in one poll, just days after ending his presidential campaign.

Biden announced over the weekend that he is withdrawing from the race following weeks of pressure from Democrats concerned about his ability to win in November amid questions about his age and troubling poll numbers. He quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the ticket, and the Democratic Party quickly rallied around her.

A new poll from The New York Times and Siena College found Biden with his strongest approval rating since September 2022, though most Americans still disapprove of his job performance. The poll, which surveyed 1,142 registered voters from July 22-24, found that 41 percent of Americans either “strongly” or “somewhat” approve of Biden, while 56 percent disapprove.

It was his best result in the poll since September 6-14, when 38 percent approved of his performance, while 51 percent disapproved.

Biden’s polling numbers have been bogged down amid criticism of his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border, and many voters blame his policies for financial woes, despite inflation lowering in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, some progressive Democrats have been critical of his handling of the Israel-Hamas war, further hampering his approval numbers.

Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they approved of his decision to drop out of the presidential race. Only 9 percent said they disapproved.

Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email.

What Poll Says About Harris, Trump

The poll also gauged whether how voters view Harris and former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee.

Forty-eight percent said they view Trump favorably, while 51 percent view him unfavorably. Meanwhile, 46 percent said they view Harris favorably and 49 percent said they view her unfavorably.

Trump holds a slight advantage in the national popular vote, according to the poll. Forty-eight percent of likely voters said they would vote for him, while 47 percent would vote for Harris, if the election were held today.

However, when other candidates are on the ballot, Harris leads Trump by one point (44 percent to 43 percent), according to the poll.

Harris’ polling was similar to, if not behind, that of Biden before his withdrawal. But her supporters argue she will be more capable of running a robust presidential campaign that could win over swing voters and build voter enthusiasm among the Democratic base.

The Times poll found that Harris has gained ground on Trump. In an earlier poll, conducted among 1,532 likely voters from June 28 to July 2, Trump led Biden by 6 points (49 percent to 43 percent).

Other polls have similarly found Harris winning over support in recent days.