Emerson Poll Shows Trump’s Support Unchanged Following Verdict

A recent survey conducted by Emerson College Polling reveals that despite former President Donald Trump’s felony convictions in New York City, his national support has remained steady. However, his lead over President Joe Biden has decreased by two points, resulting in a statistical tie in their quest for the White House.

The poll, released on Thursday, shows Trump’s support holding steady at 46%, the same as it has been since April, compared to 45% for Biden. In the previous poll, Trump was ahead at 46% to Biden’s 43%.

Of the voters surveyed, 9% remain undecided. Among those who have not made a decision yet, there is an even split between choosing Biden and Trump, with 50% in favor of each candidate.

Conducted on June 4-5, the latest poll included 1,000 registered voters and had a credibility interval, similar to a margin of error, of 3 percentage points.

Regarding Trump’s criminal convictions, 40% of respondents stated that it would not impact their vote in November. However, 33% said it made them less likely to support him, while 27% said the verdict actually made them more likely to vote for Trump.

Executive director of Emerson College Polling, Spencer Kimball, commented that “A majority of Democrats indicate that the convictions make them less likely to support Trump (51%), while a majority of Republicans (55%) say it makes them more likely to support him. Among independents, 41% say it has no impact, 38% are less likely to vote for Trump, and 21% are more likely.”

Furthermore, the poll revealed that 40% of voters believe Trump should be sent to prison after his convictions, while 25% think he should pay a fine, and 15% believe he should be placed on probation.

Kimball also pointed out that opinions on Trump’s sentence vary among party lines, with 67% of Democrats favoring prison time, 46% of Republicans suggesting a fine, and 42% of independents leaning towards a prison sentence.

When third-party candidates were included in the poll, Trump’s support decreased to 44%, while Biden’s dropped to 38%.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. garnered 6% support, Cornel West and Jill Stein each received 1%, and 9% remain undecided.

Biden’s approval ratings remain low, with a 37% job approval rating and a 53% disapproval rating, according to the poll.

Regarding key issues for voters, 55% disapproved of Biden’s handling of the nation’s immigration policy, while 25% approved. Additionally, 38% approved of Biden’s order to ban migrants from seeking asylum at the border under specific conditions.

The top issues for voters included the economy (42%), immigration (15%), threats to democracy (12%), housing affordability (7%), crime (6%), abortion access and healthcare (5% each), and education (4%).

Voters were also asked about the impact of the Hunter Biden gun trial, with 64% stating that it would not affect their vote. However, 12% said the trial made them more likely to support the president, while 24% said it made them less likely to vote for him.