In a possible four-way general election fight in 2024, independent presidential candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornell West might pose a danger to both President Biden and former President Donald Trump, according to a new national poll.
According to a Quinnipiac University poll issued on Wednesday, Biden has 47% support among registered voters, while Trump has 46%.
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Democrats overwhelmingly support Biden, with 94% favoring him, while Republicans are equally loyal to Trump, with 94% backing him. Independents, however, are split, with 45% supporting Trump and 44% supporting Biden.
However, when Kennedy is added to the mix, Biden’s support drops to 39%, Trump to 36%, and Kennedy gains 22% support. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and vocal vaccine critic, initially launched a Democratic primary challenge against Biden but later announced his candidacy as an independent.
Cornell West, an outspoken progressive university scholar, was initially running on the Green Party ticket but also decided to enter the race as an independent candidate. When West’s name is included, Biden’s support further declines to 36%, Trump edges down to 35%, Kennedy garners 19%, and West captures 6% support.
Among independent voters in a four-way matchup, a third support Kennedy, three in ten back Trump, while Biden stands at 27% and West at 8%.
While these independent candidates present a challenge to the major party nominees, ballot access will be a crucial question for Kennedy and West. They will need to gather a substantial number of signatures in each of the 50 states to secure access to the ballot.
The poll also reveals that Republicans currently hold the enthusiasm edge, with 58% stating they are more motivated to vote in the 2024 presidential election compared to previous White House contests.
Democrats and independents, on the other hand, show slightly less enthusiasm, with 47% and 45% respectively. In the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, Biden maintains a strong lead with 77% support.
Best-selling author and spiritual adviser Marianne Williamson, who launched her second White House run in March, is at 8%. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, one of the wealthiest members of Congress, has gained 6% support among likely Democratic primary voters.
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On the Republican side, Trump dominates the race for the presidential nomination with 64% support. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis follows with 15%, while former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley trails with 6%.
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy each have 3% support, with other candidates polling at 1% or less.
