President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are both facing significant challenges as they potentially head into a rematch for the 2024 election. Biden’s favorability among likely voters has dropped from 53% in October 2020 to 41%, while Trump’s stands slightly higher at 44%. This shift in popularity sets the stage for a critical voting bloc known as “double haters.”
“Double haters” are voters who hold unfavorable views of both major-party candidates. In a hypothetical matchup between Biden and Trump, these voters face the dilemma of choosing between two candidates they do not support. They represent a pivotal swing voting bloc that could ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
According to a New York Times/Siena College poll, Biden currently leads Trump among “double haters” by a margin of 45% to 33%. This group comprises 19% of respondents in the survey, indicating their potential influence in shaping the election’s outcome.
In past elections, the dynamics of “double haters” have played a crucial role. In 2016, Trump won over this group as Hillary Clinton’s favorability ratings plummeted. Conversely, in 2020, Biden capitalized on Trump’s widespread unpopularity to gain support.
In the upcoming election, Biden faces challenges related to concerns about his age, divisive opinions on his handling of various issues, and the perception of the country’s economic recovery. Meanwhile, Trump grapples with fallout from his first term, his response to the Capitol riot, and legal challenges.
Ultimately, the stance of “double haters” could significantly impact the fortunes of both candidates, potentially determining the outcome of the election and shaping the future of the presidency.
Clara Cardoso
