CNN Panel Sounds Alarm Over Biden's Polling Numbers in Key Swing States

In a recent CNN panel discussion on the "State of the Union," panelists expressed concern over President Joe Biden's polling numbers in several key battleground states, with one panelist even calling it a "five alarm fire" for the Biden campaign. The panelists analyzed a New York Times-Siena College poll that showed former President Donald Trump leading Biden in five out of the six most important swing states.

Former senior adviser to Hillary Clinton's campaign, Karen Finney, acknowledged that these results were consistent with past presidential campaigns but expressed her hope that the poll would serve as a wake-up call for the Biden campaign. She emphasized the importance of understanding not only the numbers but also the underlying reasons behind them. Finney particularly highlighted the need for continued outreach to young voters and voters of color, stating that no assumptions should be made or complacency allowed.

Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, echoed the concerns raised by Finney, emphasizing the role of perception in influencing voters' decisions. Crockett argued that people's feelings and perceptions often dictate their reality, even if it doesn't align with the facts. She expressed worry over Biden's struggle in the most diverse swing states and criticized the lack of civic understanding among Americans.

Former Republican congresswoman Barbara Comstock chimed in by asserting that the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) slogan is not effective in general elections. She suggested that the success of the Trump presidency, despite his controversial character, was rooted in his perceived economic benefits for many Americans.

Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson further elaborated on this point, highlighting the sentiment among Americans who dislike Trump but believe he was better for their personal finances. Anderson referenced Biden's efforts to promote his economic policies, which she believed Republicans could exploit if Americans continue to struggle with rising costs of living.

The New York Times-Siena College poll revealed Trump's solid leads over Biden in Nevada, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, with Biden only maintaining a narrow advantage in Wisconsin. If these results were to hold true in the 2024 election, Trump would secure over 300 Electoral College votes, surpassing the 270 needed for victory. Notably, all six states surveyed in the poll have played pivotal roles in recent Electoral College outcomes.

The poll also indicated that a majority of voters believed Biden's policies had personally harmed them during his almost three years in office. Both Biden and Trump faced unpopularity, but the frustration of voters who perceived the nation to be on the wrong track seemed to be directed towards the president. A significant 71% of respondents considered Biden, who turns 81 this month, to be "too old" to be an effective president, while 39% held the same opinion about Trump, who is 77.

The New York Times and Siena College conducted the poll among 3,662 registered voters between October 22 and November 3. The findings have sparked concerns and discussions among analysts and politicians as they evaluate the potential implications for the 2024 election.