Biden's Plurality in Many Current Polls Exceeds

[MineralMan]

the total percentages of the next three competitors combined.

That is a very significant lead in a field of 24 candidates, and cannot be dismissed as just a "minority" of those polled. It reflects the general mood of Democratic voters at the present time. Now, that might change after the first debate, but it also might not.

Statements to the effect that Joe Biden doesn't have a commanding lead in the polls ignore the basic fact that his plurality is large, when compared to the rest of the field. It would be almost impossible to maintain a majority in a field of 24. Joe Biden is doing very well, indeed, at this point in the campaign. The numbers tell the story.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

1. Joe does not have to yell at his crowds....

Nor does he talk over them. He talks TO THEM with a voice that carries volumes .

[Demsrule86]

2. Yep very important...he also listens.

[MineralMan]

3. Yes. That is an advantage of being the polling leader.

However, it's also Joe Biden's style. Some people think he'll drop after the debates. They forget that he is an experienced debater and knows how to answer questions in a way that appeals to voters.

I think it's more likely that he will actually rise in the polls following the debate. As people shift away from candidates who are doing poorly in the current polling, and they will, many of them are going to pick Biden. Not every candidate down the list who has 1-4% currently is a firebrand progressive. Some of those candidate's supporters, if not most, will gravitate toward Biden, I think, which will increase his plurality.

There's a lot of confirmation bias at work in people's opinions about their favorite candidate's chances.

[padah513]

9. Yeah he's an experienced debater

He mopped the floor with both Ryan and Palin

[George II]

4. The fact that he's close to 40% in a field of 24 is mind boggling.

[MineralMan]

5. Yes. There is no other way of describing it.

It's an uncomfortable fact for those who support someone else, I suppose, but there it is.

When your percentages are higher than the aggregate total of the next three candidates, you're in a very good position, and should keep doing what you've been doing, I'd think.

[crazytown]

8. cf

Economist / YouGov 6/9-11 - Biden v Next3, 27-36 (Warren 16, Sanders 12, Buttigieg 8)
Quinnipiac 6/6-10 - Biden v Next 3, 30-42 (Sanders 19, Warren 15, Buttigieg 8)

The polls are not monolithic.

[MineralMan]

12. That''s why I qualified my statement.

[Doodley]

6. Joe Biden seems to be the candidate most likely to win. He's a known quantity and people know what

they are getting. He is the least risky of the candidates.

He may not be a perfect candidate, but when there is a fascist in the White House, systematically destroying America and causing havoc worldwide, we have to focus on getting rid of that.

I think a lot of people understand that, and that is a big reason he is so far ahead.

[ananda]

7. Lookin good for Biden!

Go Joe !!!

[Peacetrain]

10. You are so right there!

Especially when you look at the number of competitors

[LibFarmer]

11. K&R nt

[peggysue2]

13. As an article stated the other day . . .

the other candidates 'would kill for Joe Biden's current position in the polls.'

That being said we all know it's still early in the game and things can change. I do think this first round of debates will churn the elements. If Joe remains on top or strengthens his lead, he'll pretty much sweep away the naysayers and critics who insist his demise is right around the corner. On the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised if one or two of our candidates have a breakout moment. I'll be keeping my eyes and ears on O'Rourke and Booker. They both have the potential of sparking and grabbing attention. Harris, too.

We shall see.

But yes, Biden's riding very good numbers at the moment.

[The Mouth]

14. He's got

-name recognition
-goodwill from his gig as VP
-a lot of experience; sometimes victor goes to the person who makes the fewest mistakes, and with the microscope he's under and the number of people looking for any stumble and flaw he's doing well

[Tarheel_Dem]

15. Indeed.

[Cha]

16. KR!