According to the survey, over 60% of voters believe that Obama is actively shaping decision-making in the White House. A significant portion of respondents characterizes President Joe Biden as a “puppet” in what some are labeling a de facto third Obama administration, as reported by Newsmax on the same day.
The poll indicates that a substantial 63% of likely voters believe Obama is, at the very least, influencing President Biden, his former vice president. Within this majority, 40% express a strong conviction that it is “very likely” that Obama is shaping the policies and direction of the current administration.
Even among Democrats, 56% acknowledge the likelihood of Obama exerting influence on Biden, with 40% deeming it “somewhat likely.” Remarkably, 37% of respondents “strongly agree” with Representative Greg Murphy, a Republican from North Carolina, who asserted last July that Biden functions as a “puppet for a progressive left committee … headed by Obama.” This sentiment resonates even among unaffiliated voters, where 53% endorse the view. Surprisingly, 28% of Democrats also admit to at least “somewhat agreeing” with the notion that Obama is effectively running the Biden White House.
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Despite these perceptions, the survey unveils a seemingly paradoxical finding: 52% of voters maintain a favorable impression of Obama. This includes 26% of Republicans and 42% of unaffiliated voters surveyed. Additionally, 33% express a “very favorable” opinion of the former president. Among this subset, 42% believe that Obama is influencing Biden, while 17% go as far as suggesting that Obama is the one truly running the show.
Interestingly, when breaking down the data by gender, a nuanced pattern emerges. While more women voters hold a “very favorable” opinion of Obama compared to men, with percentages at 36% and 30%, respectively, a higher percentage of men (58%) than women (47%) perceive Biden as a puppet for Obama. This gender divide in perceptions adds an intriguing layer to the complex dynamics of public opinion surrounding the Obama-Biden relationship.
The Rasmussen survey, conducted from January 15-17, involved 935 likely voters in the United States. The margin of sampling error stands at plus/minus points, with a 95% level of confidence, ensuring a reliable representation of the broader sentiment. These findings, while provocative, raise questions about the dynamics of influence within the current administration and the nuanced ways in which public opinion shapes and responds to political narratives.
