Trump beats Biden in 2024 matchup, has 12-point higher favorability, poll shows

Former President Donald Trump beats President Joe Biden in a hypothetical 2024 matchup in an Emerson College poll that also revealed a commanding 12-point lead in favorability for America’s 45th chief executive.

More than four out of five respondents (83%) said they were experiencing "some hardship" due to price increases on everyday items, according to the March 18-20, 2022, Emerson poll of 1,023 registered U.S. voters.

While 39% of voters blame Biden for an increase in gas prices, 39% blame Russian sanctions or energy companies.

Most voters (59%) say they view former President Trump favorably while less than half of voters (47%), view Biden favorably.

Trump beat Biden 45% to 42% in a hypothetical 2024 presidential election, according to the poll.

"Biden struggles among Independent voters: just 28% approve of the job he is doing while 64% disapprove. When looking at the Midterm generic congressional ballot, Independents break 28% for Democrats, 42% with Republicans, and 31% are undecided," Emerson College Poll Executive Director Spencer Kimball said.

Kimball also stressed the regional and educational breakdown for support of Trump and Biden.

"Notable demographic differences include region and education. Trump leads Biden among both suburban voters, 47% to 38%, and rural voters, 59% to 35%, while Biden holds 54% to 30% support among urban and city voters. Regarding education, Trump leads among those without a college degree, 51% to 33%, while Biden leads among those with a college degree or more 52% to 37%," he observed.