Trump outperforms Michelle Obama in hypothetical 2024 matchup: JL Partners poll

The poll, conducted by J.L. Partners also found that Trump is currently leading against President Biden 46% to 43%. The former first lady has been a popular hypothetical some Democrats have proposed instead of Biden to be the nominee due to concerns about his mental capacities.

James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, shed light on the persistent speculation surrounding a potential Michelle Obama candidacy. While some on the left have championed the idea as an "emergency parachute" for Biden, the poll shows that she is just as unfavorable against Trump than Biden currently is.

“Voters are no more keen to vote for Michelle over Trump than they are for Biden, with Trump beating her overall and even with Independents,” said Johnson.

Despite Michelle Obama's widespread popularity among the general public, particularly within the Democratic Party, the poll underscores the challenges she would face in a hypothetical presidential race. Johnson emphasized that while the idea of Michelle Obama running for president has circulated for some time, the poll outcome dampens any hopes of her emerging as a saving force for the Democrats.

“It was never very realistic, but this poll puts paid to the idea she can be any kind of saving force for the Democrats,” Johnson added.

Speculation regarding Michelle Obama's potential candidacy has intensified amid concerns about Biden's age and his ability to win re-election. While Michelle Obama has publicly endorsed Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for re-election, conservatives have speculated about the possibility of her replacing Biden on the ticket.

This speculation was further fueled by a straw poll conducted at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February, where nearly half of respondents predicted Michelle Obama as the Democratic nominee in the event of Biden's withdrawal. However, the J.L. Partners poll suggests that even in such a scenario, Michelle Obama would face an uphill battle against Trump.