Large Audience To Tune Into First Debate Despite Low Approval Of Candidates

A new AP survey found that most US adults intend to watch at least some parts of the first presidential debate on Thursday. The survey also noted that more than 55% of respondents are dissatisfied with Biden and Trump as the likely presidential nominees.

• AP notes: “Both men remain broadly unpopular as they prepare to face off for the first time since 2020, although Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, maintains a modest enthusiasm advantage with his base compared to Biden...”
• Ap: “About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say they are “extremely” or “very” likely to watch the debate live or in clips, or read about or listen to commentary about the performance of the candidates in the news or social media.”
• On one of the key debate topics, a Harris Poll found that Republicans are twice as likely as Democrats to blame the government for inflation, with Democrats more likely to blame corporate greed.
• Axios reports on the poll: “Who's at fault for higher prices in post-COVID America will be a linchpin of tomorrow night's presidential debate in Atlanta… On the surface, the survey's findings offer some comfort to Biden. They suggest most Democrats and half of independents still give him the benefit of the doubt.”
• John Gerzema, CEO of Harris Poll, said: "Biden, having limited room to maneuver on inflation, will try to keep hammering corporations, especially credit cards and the airlines, for hidden fees — anything to deflect.”

Figure 1: Satisfaction with Likely Presidential Nominees

Source: AP/NORC