It would appear Democratic presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is better liked than the present president, his predecessor, and other GOP presidential contenders, according to a new poll.
Meanwhile, yet another poll shows former President Donald Trump’s huge lead growing in kick-off caucus state Iowa.
The scion of the politically powerful Kennedy family has a favorability rating of 49 percent of respondents in the Economist/YouGov poll of 1,500 adult Americans, while 30 percent view Kennedy Jr. unfavorably. The survey was conducted June 10-13.
Kennedy, son of the late New York U.S. Senator and Democrat presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy, touted the poll numbers showing he has the highest favorability ratings in the 2024 race for the White House, “despite relentless attacks.”
Biden, seeking a second term as the Democratic Party establishment’s candidate, remains under water with 52 percent viewing him at least somewhat unfavorable, while 45 percent view the president very or somewhat favorably.
Kennedy Jr.’s campaign celebrated the polling numbers and his recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience as momentum builders while the environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine advocate works donors.
“Mr. Kennedy appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience, helping us reach everyday Americans who may not have heard his important message yet after months of media censorship,” a campaign donation appeal states. “These are important breakthroughs for our young campaign, but we need your help to keep the momentum going. We’re pitted against many of the most powerful forces in our country. [Sentence emphasized by the campaign]”
Kennedy’s continues to face a recognition problem. The Economist/YouGov poll finds 21 percent of respondents had no opinion on the Democrat, while just 3 percent didn’t have an opinion on Trump, the same for Biden.
The latest Harvard-Harris poll shows Biden with a 47-point lead on Kennedy, 62 percent to 15 percent, despite polls that show most Americans would prefer if the president didn’t run again.
Trump’s top Republican challenger, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had a favorability rating of 46 percent, while 41 percent of respondents in the Economist/YouGov poll had a favorable view of the candidate. Former Vice President Mike Pence is well under water, with 53 percent unfavorable to a 36 percent favorable — a 17 percent net negative rating.
At the same time, Trump’s pollster says ‘DeSantis’ chances are fading away’ in Iowa.
A new McLaughlin and Associates poll of 500 likely Iowa Republican caucus goers finds Trump ahead of the Florida governor 60 percent to 33 percent. The gap has grown by 5 points since the polling firm’s late April poll.
“While Trump is cementing his candidacy as the Republican presidential nominee, DeSantis’ chances are fading away,” the poll summary states.
A recent poll by Victory Insights shows Trump leading DeSantis by 23 points in Iowa, 44.3 percent to 21.3 percent in a full-ballot contest. When the field is narrowed to just Trump and DeSantis, the spread between the two candidates decreases, but not by much. Trump (48.6 percent) maintains a 16.2 percent lead over the governor (32.4%), with 19 percent of the electorate still undecided, according to the poll.
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M.D. Kittle is the National Political Editor for The Star News Network.
Photo “Robert F. Kennedy Jr.” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Background Photo “Iowa Capitol” by 12019.
