The New York Times reported on Saturday that Donald Trump has lost support from senior citizens as many of them are increasingly frustrated with the way he has handled the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the report, the Trump administration has been counting on senior turnout in November to secure his reelection, but the latest polls show them leaning towards Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
“In critical states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Florida, all of which have large older populations, Mr. Trump’s advantage with older voters has been essential to his political success; in 2016, he won voters over the age of 65 by seven percentage points, according to national exit poll data.” the report states. “But seniors are also the most vulnerable to the global pandemic, and the campaign’s internal polls, people familiar with the numbers said, show Mr. Trump’s support among voters over the age of 65 softening to a concerning degree, as he pushes to reopen the country’s economy at the expense of stopping a virus that puts them at the greatest risk.”
The report goes on to note that a recent poll shows that “Trump’s approval rating on the handling of the coronavirus was lower with seniors than with any other group other than young voters. And Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic nominee, in recent polls held a 10-point advantage over Mr. Trump among voters who are 65 and older.”
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According to Geoff Garin, a Democratic strategist, “Trump has suffered a double whammy with seniors from the coronavirus crisis, both in terms of a dislike for his personal demeanor and disapproval of his policy priorities. If there’s a durable change with older voters, it could well cost Trump the election.”
“Among the aides who have warned the president of a softening with older voters is Kellyanne Conway, his 2016 campaign manager and a senior adviser, people familiar with the discussions said. White House officials aware of the problem have started to stage events and initiatives designed to highlight work the administration has done that will appeal to seniors,” the report added.
You can read the entire New York Times report HERE.
