(ConservativeSense.com) – Former President and GOP front-runner Donald Trump has seen mixed fortunes since he was indicted on 34 felony charges in New York City. A Harvard Caps Harris poll taken from March 22nd to 23rd gives the Republican a lead over President Biden by 45% to 41%.
Among Republicans, 79% of respondents said they would vote for Trump if an election were held tomorrow, but only 14% of Democrats said the same. Significantly, 42% of independents would vote for Trump. This is compared to 33% of independents who back President Biden. The majority of Republicans believe Trump will clinch the GOP nomination.
Meanwhile, President Biden’s popularity has dropped. His approval rating is now 43%, and a majority 56% do not believe he is mentally competent enough to remain in the Oval Office.
Trump has maintained a secure lead since his indictment. He said before the legal process began that it would only help him, which had proven true until very recently. Post-indictment, his lead over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had grown convincingly, and several polls put him ahead of President Biden. There are signs however that his boost may be ending.
Morning Consult polled voters on April 18th and found that DeSantis had risen by one percent, having dropped 3% immediately after the indictment. Morning Consult’s summary reads, “An increase in Trump’s support following his indictment on criminal fraud charges in New York appears to be leveling out, but he’s still well ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.”
Trump pleaded not guilty on all counts at a Manhattan court in March. He has consistently maintained that the Democrat District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is otherwise soft on crime, is using his office to attack political opponents. Trump is the first US President ever to face criminal charges. The case relates to so-called “hush money” paid to an adult star to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump before the 2016 election.
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