Topline
A Morning Consult/Politico poll released Wednesday found President Joe Biden is still enjoying sky-high approval numbers over a month into his term as Congressional leaders – especially Republicans – languish in the negatives.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris meet with a ... [+]
Key Facts
The poll of 2,013 registered voters, conducted between Feb. 19 and Feb. 22, puts Biden’s job approval at 58% against a disapproval rating of just 36%, making him one of the most popular politicians in the country.
Vice President Kamala Harris enjoys similarly high ratings, with 52% of voters saying they have a favorable view of her and 39% saying they have an unfavorable view.
All other national political figures have negative approval ratings, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s favorability underwater by 8 points and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi by 12 points.
But Republicans have the lowest ratings, with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy down by 20 points, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) down by 30 points and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suffering a staggering deficit of 44 points, with just 17% favorability and 61% unfavorability.
Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan garners typically high numbers, with 76% saying they support it.
Big Number
60%. That’s the share of voters who said they have an unfavorable view of former President Donald Trump, compared to just 37% who have a favorable view. Former Vice President Mike Pence, by contrast, is viewed unfavorably by 49% of voters and favorably by 40%.
Tangent
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease official and Biden’s chief medical adviser, still enjoys high ratings, according to the poll. 60% of voters rate his handling of the virus as “excellent” or “good,” while 14% say it has been “fair” and 17% say it has been “poor.” 60% also said the Centers for Disease control are doing a good or excellent job, compared to 54% for Biden and 30% for Congress.
What To Watch For
Biden’s stellar polling is unlikely to help him ameliorate Republican opposition to some of his plans and nominees. Despite good polling for his relief plan throughout his time in office, Republicans have increasingly unified against it and blasted it as far too pricey.
