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Perspective: After three years, numerous Americans view Trump favorably.

Now, the Biden administration must confront a challenging re-election struggle against a figure many citizens appear to yearn for, notes Scott Jennings.

Jeers greet Chicago police officers as they attempt to disperse demonstrators outside the Conrad...
Jeers greet Chicago police officers as they attempt to disperse demonstrators outside the Conrad Hilton, Democratic Convention headquarters hotel Wednesday, August 29, 1968. (AP Photo/RHS)

Perspective: After three years, numerous Americans view Trump favorably.

Interestingly, a shift has been taking place in the recent polling landscape: there appears to be a growing sense of longing for the Trump era, despite repeated head-to-head polls largely being close.

After the events of January 6, 2021, most observers and voters (including this writer) were livid with Trump and believed he would never return to the Oval Office.

However, several years on and over three years into Biden's presidency, we can observe a different perspective emerging.

The most recent CNN polls serve as an example:

"Presently, 55% of all Americans opine that Trump's presidency was successful, while 44% deem it a failure. However, in January 2021, when Trump was about to leave the White House and days after the January 6 Capitol attack, 55% considered his tenure a failure."

On the other hand, "61% consider Biden's presidency a failure, whereas 39% feel it's been a success."

The fundamental challenge for Biden revolves around the economy, particularly inflation. 41% of Americans have branded inflation and high cost of living as the most significant financial problem plaguing their family today - a remarkable increase from the 8% recorded in June 2017. The swift increase in food, gas, energy, and housing prices has led to a growing discontent with 'Bidenomics,' potentially threatening the president's re-election.

Compared to a typical candidate, the persistent inflation is a significant problem for Team Biden. Biden becomes an even more precarious position versus Trump, a predecessor who used to preside over an economy that most believe outperformed today's. Moreover, before his presidency, Trump was trying to project himself as one of the world's leading businessmen and a savvy negotiator.

As the New York Times reported in August 2020, even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, "The president [Trump] has established a resilient brand with conservative voters, who consider him a successful businessman and a strong negotiator. They praise his economic leadership before the pandemic hit and don't hold him accountable for the devastation caused."

The public's view regarding Trump's economic prowess and his claimed business acumen is firmly ingrained. At the same time, the concern about the eroding purchasing power due to inflation has intensified among Americans, creating a longing for better times under Trump's leadership.

Several other indicators suggest a renewed fondness for Trump. In a Gallup poll conducted in April, only 38% of Americans believed Biden to be a "strong and decisive leader," whereas 20 points more considered Trump a strong leader in the same survey. Likability, efficacy, and other metrics have shown a substantial fall for Biden, while Trump's scores have held remarkably steady.

Biden's supposed ineptitude intensifies when it comes to specific issues, such as the economy and immigration. As a result, perceived weakness often permeates discussions about his ability to turn things around or improve existing situations for the better.

This creates a sense of desperation for many Americans, leaving them yearning for a leader who can handle their concerns more effectively. Trump, from the outside, may be able to capitalize on this sentiment.

During the 2020 elections, the public picture of Biden was as an older candidate with limited stamina, but who was working from his basement due to Covid-19. In contrast, Trump battled constant criticism over his Covid-19 management.

Now, the overall picture has evolved. Biden's age has become more apparent, leading some to question whether he's up to the job. On the other hand, Trump's vitality and perceived acuity set him apart from the aging Biden. A group of Biden's administration staffers has even been spotted accompanying him across the South Lawn to tone down his noticeable gait, according to Axios.

Trump has experienced his own share of gaffes and missteps, but he is undoubtedly perceived as more energetic and alert than Biden in the public eye. Furthermore, with Biden's gaffes accumulating, Trump benefits from decreasing negative attention.

Finally, the yearning for Trump's leadership might stem from a lack of confidence in Biden's ability to run the government effectively. Four years ago, 52% of Americans believed Biden was capable of leading the government effectively. By the current Gallup poll, that number has plummeted to 38%, while Trump's remains at 49%.

There are indications that Trump's brand has not only survived but continues to resonate with a large number of voters, thanks in part to his post-presidency period.

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At the heart of Biden's case for re-election in 2020 was the assertion that he had more experience and capability, which would diminish the drama in Washington and globally. However, this idea started to crumble with the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 and has not recovered since. The general sense that the country is losing its way still haunts Biden, as demonstrators, including some with antisemitic chants, closed down roads, bridges, and college campuses across the country. Whether you think Biden is personally responsible or not, the president of the United States typically gets credit and blame for events occurring during their tenure.

The group that previously argued that the adults had regained control now confronts a challenging re-election campaign against a man who seems to evoke fond memories for many Americans.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators face off with Texas Department of Public Safety officers at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday, April 24.

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Source: edition.cnn.com

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