A recent survey released by Quinnipiac University on Wednesday shows that President Joe Biden’s slim advantage over former President Donald Trump is dwindling.
Despite Trump’s ongoing trial in New York City on criminal charges, the gap between the two candidates is narrowing.
According to Fox News, Trump’s trial, which pertains to 34 counts of falsifying business records, commenced last week with jury selection and progressed to opening arguments this week.
The former President has pleaded not guilty to all the accusations against him.
The poll indicates a dead heat in the presidential race, with Biden and Trump tied at 46% in terms of support.
When independent presidential candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (16%), Dr. Cornel West (3%), and the Green Party’s Jill Stein (3%) are factored in, Biden and Trump still remain deadlocked at 37%.
Trump has made significant progress, narrowing the lead, as he trailed Biden 48%-45% in Quinnipiac’s poll conducted in March, Fox News reported.
Interestingly, with Kennedy, West, and Stein in the mix, Trump managed to edge past Biden, holding a slight lead at 39%-38%.
Meanwhile, Biden’s job approval rating saw a decline to 35% support, down from 37% in March, while disapproval increased to 61% from 59%.
Regarding the charges Trump is facing in the New York trial, 46% of respondents think he committed an illegal act, while 45% believe he did not. Additionally, 27% view his actions as unethical but not illegal, while 18% believe he did nothing wrong.
When asked about the impact of a potential conviction on their voting decision, 21% indicated they would be less inclined to vote for Trump, while 62% stated it would have no effect and 15% said they would be more likely to support him.
Trump has consistently labeled the trial as a political ploy, denouncing it as a “political persecution” and maintaining his innocence.