Biden's case for re-election is improving, but his polling against Trump is still shaky

In 2020, surveys showed Biden consistently leading Trump nationally and in swing states, often by wide margins. But this time, the polls show Biden in a more precarious position.

WASHINGTON — The economy is improving, inflation is falling, joblessness is down, and the stock market is hitting record highs. Crime is dropping. U.S. crude oil production is at an all-time high. A special counsel declined to bring charges against President Joe Biden for mishandling classified information, and the Republican impeachment inquiry is flailing.

Biden's case for re-election is strengthening, but he still enters the general election in a weaker position than he did in 2020, when he consistently led Donald Trump in national and swing state surveys, often by wide margins. His struggles come despite Trump’s mounting legal bills and four criminal cases, with one trial set to begin next month.

Democrats offer a variety of theories as to why.

“Because we haven’t made our argument yet,” Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said in an interview.

“Democrats’ record on the economy, on crime, on making prescription drugs less expensive, on climate action, on civil rights, on human rights, on gun safety — our record is strong, and [Trump’s] record was catastrophically bad," he said. "But we haven’t spent any money and any time making that argument because we’ve been too busy doing the work. As we move into a different season, we’re going to be making that argument. Once people hear it, the votes move.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/bidens-improving-polling-trump-shaky-rcna143968

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