DeKalb GA News

CNN data analyst Harry Enten has drawn a comparison between the current polling numbers for President Joe Biden and those of former President George H.W. Bush, who lost his reelection bid in 1992. Enten noted that while 66 percent of Democrats do not want Biden to drop out of the 2024 race, there is still a significant portion—32 percent—who think he should exit.

During an appearance on CNN's "News Central," Enten highlighted that Biden's situation mirrors that of Bush more than other incumbents who chose not to seek reelection, such as Harry S. Truman in 1952 and Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. In contrast to these earlier presidents, Bush faced minimal opposition from Pat Buchanan during the primaries but still encountered some calls to step down after becoming the presumptive nominee, with 21 percent of Republicans suggesting he should leave the race.

Enten explained, “Back in 1992 remember, George HW Bush faced Pat Buchanan in a primary, it wasn’t too serious. He won all the primaries, but there were still some inkling for him to get out of the race.” He added that current polling indicates “32% of Democrats think that Joe Biden should get out.”

Despite these figures, Enten observed that many Democrats remain supportive of Biden staying in the race. The comparison suggests parallels between Biden's current standing and Bush's situation prior to his electoral defeat.

It is important to note that concerns about cognitive ability were not part of Bush’s challenges at the time—a factor adding complexity to Biden’s scenario today.