Before we get too far into this, I suspect these numbers would change if and when Vice President Biden actually tosses his hat in the ring. Politicians always poll better right before they actually announce they’re seeking higher office. Now, with all that being said, I’m sure there is some truth to new polling which suggests Biden is a better bet nationally against Republicans than Hillary Clinton would be.
Report from Bloomberg:
Here’s one more reason to continue speculating about whether Vice President Joe Biden will enter the presidential race: he polls better nationally against the leading three Republican candidates than Hillary Clinton, and has a higher favorability rating, too.
According to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday, if Biden was the democratic candidate, he would beat Donald Trump by eight points (48 – 40 percent), former Florida Governor Jeb Bush by six points (45 – 39) and Senator Marco Rubio by three points (44 – 41). Clinton only beats Trump by four points (45 – 41), Bush by two points (42 – 40) and Rubio by one point (44 – 43).
Eighty-three percent of Democrats view Biden favorably, compared to 76 percent and 54 percent who approve of Clinton and Vermont Senator Sanders, respectively. Among all registered voters, Biden has a 48 percent favorability rating, while Clinton came in at 39 percent and Sanders at 32 percent.
These are numbers that I’m sure both the Hillary camp and Biden camp are digesting at this point. Hillary certainly has reason for concern that her path to the nomination may be much bumpier than expected if Biden decides to join the race. Furthermore, Biden must be looking at these polls as a reason to justify giving it a shot, perhaps for what he can argue is the good of the party if he’s got the better chance.
Donate Now to Support Election Central
- Help defend independent journalism
- Directly support this website and our efforts