In the latest national poll conducted by Quinnipiac University, independent presidential candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornell West have emerged as potential game-changers in the upcoming 2024 general election. The survey, released on Wednesday, reveals that both Kennedy and West are drawing support from both President Biden and former President Donald Trump, the likely major party nominees.
According to the poll, Biden currently holds 47% support among registered voters, while Trump trails closely at 46%. These figures have remained unchanged since Quinnipiac’s previous surveys conducted in August and September. The poll also highlights the strong partisan divide, with Democrats overwhelmingly supporting Biden (94%) and Republicans backing Trump (94%). However, among independent voters, the race is much closer, with 45% supporting Trump and 44% supporting Biden.
When Kennedy is included as an independent candidate, the dynamics of the race shift. Biden’s support drops to 39%, Trump to 36%, and Kennedy garners 22% support. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and vocal critic of vaccines, initially launched a primary challenge against Biden in April but announced last month that he would run as an independent candidate. Similarly, West, an outspoken progressive university scholar, initially ran on the Green Party ticket but also opted to pursue an independent presidential bid.
With West’s inclusion, Biden’s support further diminishes to 36%, Trump to 35%, Kennedy maintains 19% support, and West secures 6% support. Among independent voters in this four-way matchup, a third support Kennedy, while three in ten back Trump. Biden’s support among independents stands at 27%, with West at 8%.
However, the path to the ballot for Kennedy and West remains uncertain, as they will need to gather a substantial number of signatures in all 50 states to secure access. This hurdle will likely prove critical to their viability as independent candidates.
The survey also reveals that Republicans hold the enthusiasm advantage, with 58% expressing greater motivation to vote in the upcoming presidential election compared to previous contests. In contrast, Democrats and independents show slightly lower levels of enthusiasm, at 47% and 45%, respectively.
Regarding the Democratic presidential nomination, Biden maintains a comfortable lead with 77% support. Notably, best-selling author and spiritual adviser Marianne Williamson secures 8% support in her second consecutive White House run, while Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota captures 6% support among likely Democrat primary voters.
On the Republican side, Trump dominates the race for the presidential nomination with 64% support. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis follows at 15%, and former ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley trails at 6%. The survey also highlights Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy each capturing 3% support, with other candidates polling at 1% or less.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the impact of independent candidates Kennedy and West continues to shape the political landscape. With significant support from both sides of the aisle, their influence could disrupt the traditional two-party dynamic and introduce new possibilities for voters to consider. Stay tuned for more updates on the campaign trail and exclusive interviews at our digital election hub.
