President Joe Biden, affectionately known in his birth town as “Scranton Joe,” just can’t buy a smile in his native Pennsylvania.
Despite dozens of trips home, his use of scenic and historic venues for official events, and his wife’s eagerness to attend every big sporting event in Philadelphia, the majority of Pennsylvanians just don’t embrace him.
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The latest evidence came on Thursday in a survey of residents and fell hard on his hopes to pull off a repeat electoral victory in 2024 against possible opponent former President Donald Trump in a battleground that helped the Republican lock up his upset win over Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2016.
The Commonwealth Foundation Survey said that just 40% approve of his job performance, and fewer (39%) have a favorable view of Biden.
By comparison, 58% do not approve of him or have an unfavorable opinion. And worse, 43% “strongly” disapprove of him and his job.
The analysis did not provide the reasons for residents disliking Biden, but it found widespread concern and disapproval about the economy.
“Pennsylvanians are demanding action to turn the state around,” Commonwealth Foundation Senior Vice President Jennifer Stefano said. “More than half said they are worse off today than two years ago and believe the economy will continue to worsen. Skyrocketing prices have ravaged family budgets, and people are looking for help. Elected officials need to act before more residents vote with their feet by moving out of state.”
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Biden beat Trump in Pennsylvania in 2020 by 81,660 votes of 6,925,255 cast. According to multiple news reports, Biden has made the commonwealth his No. 1 focus in the 2024 race.
But when asked whom Pennsylvanians most want to run for president, it was Trump on top at 34%, followed by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) at 26% and Biden third at 24%.
