According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, Former First Lady Michelle Obama has emerged as the favored candidate in a hypothetical matchup against former President Donald Trump. Despite repeatedly stating she has no intention to run for president, the poll shows that if she did, she would lead Trump by 11 percentage points, with 50% of registered voters supporting her compared to 39% for Trump.
The poll, conducted on July 1-2, surveyed 1,070 U.S. adults, of whom 892 were registered voters. The results indicate a strong preference for Michelle Obama over Trump, highlighting her enduring popularity among the electorate. This lead is significant as it contrasts with other potential Democratic candidates who trail behind Trump in similar polls. For instance, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are neck and neck with Trump, each garnering around 40% support.
Despite the favorable numbers, Michelle Obama has consistently maintained that she has no plans to enter the political fray.
The poll also revealed that Democratic figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear do not fare as well against Trump. Newsom and Whitmer trail Trump by a few percentage points, while Beshear is further behind.
This hypothetical scenario highlights a growing dissatisfaction among voters with the current political landscape. Many Democrats view Michelle Obama as a unifying figure who could potentially bridge the divides within the party and energize the base. However, the former first lady is reluctant to return to the political spotlight, emphasizing her focus on non-political initiatives.
Former President Barack Obama has been a vocal supporter of President Biden, participating in fundraisers and public events to bolster his re-election campaign. However, there are concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden’s viability as a candidate, given his age and recent debate performance. This has led to speculation about alternative candidates, with Michelle Obama often mentioned as a top choice despite her denials.
In the broader context, the poll highlights the challenges facing the Democratic Party in preparing for the 2024 election. With Biden and Harris showing vulnerability against Trump, the party must consider how to present a compelling alternative to voters. The strong showing for Michelle Obama suggests a significant appetite for a new face in the race, even if that candidate has no intention of running.