One Year After Biden’s 2024 Exit: Democratic Polls Hit Historic Lows

One year ago, the political landscape was shaken to its core when then-President Joe Biden made the unprecedented decision to exit the 2024 presidential race. The move sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, which has yet to recover from the fallout. Today, as we reflect on that historic moment, the Democrats find themselves grappling with record-low approval ratings and a fractured base.

Recent polls paint a grim picture for the party. A staggering 28% of Americans view the Democratic Party favorably, according to a recent survey conducted between July 10-13. This marks the lowest point in over three decades of polling history. Another national poll from Quinnipiac University echoes this sentiment, with just 19% of voters approving of how Democrats in Congress are handling their responsibilities—a historic low in the 16 years since the question was first asked.

The Democratic Party’s struggles extend beyond mere numbers. Since last November’s elections, they’ve lost ground not only in the presidency and Senate but also among key demographics like Black, Hispanic, and younger voters—groups traditionally seen as their stronghold. Meanwhile, an energized faction within the party is growing increasingly vocal, demanding a fiercer opposition to President Donald Trump’s controversial second-term agenda. This frustration isn’t just directed at Republicans; many Democrats feel their own leaders aren’t doing enough to push back.

On the flip side, the Republican Party isn’t exactly basking in glory either. Their favorable rating hovers at a modest 33%, and Trump’s approval numbers remain underwater in multiple surveys, with recent figures showing a split of 40%-54% in one poll and 44%-56% in another. Yet, within their base, GOP lawmakers enjoy a robust 77% approval rating—a stark contrast to the Democrats’ internal discontent, where only 39% of party members approve of their congressional representatives.

Amidst the gloom, there’s a faint glimmer of hope for Democrats. The same surveys suggest they are more motivated than their Republican counterparts to turn out for next year’s midterm elections. With 72% of Democrats and aligned independents expressing high enthusiasm to vote, compared to just 50% of Republicans, the midterms could offer a chance to reclaim some ground—provided they can harness this energy and mend their fractured coalition.

As the Democratic Party stands at this crossroads, one thing is clear: a year after Biden’s stunning exit, the road to recovery remains steep and uncertain. The question now is whether they can channel their base’s frustration into a unified front or if these historic lows are just the beginning of a longer decline.