Joe Biden Leading Donald Trump By 8 Points in New Poll

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Wednesday shows presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden beating President Trump by eight points in the general election, as the U.S. grapples with a surge in COVID-19 cases and a slowing economy.

The survey shows that 46% of registered voters would support Biden in the general election, with 38% saying they support the incumbent. The remaining 16% are either undecided, voting third party, or possibly not casting a ballot at all.

The poll also found that 61% of undecided voters would cast a ballot for Biden if they had to choose between the two candidates, with 39% saying they would vote for Trump.

Biden's lead over Trump comes as COVID-19 cases spike in sunbelt states such as Florida, Texas and Arizona. On Monday, Trump held his first White House press briefing since April to address the outbreak, saying the crisis will “probably unfortunately get worse before it gets better."

Trump’s response to nationwide protests over racial injustice could also be affecting his poll numbers. Trump has emphasized a “law and order” message, threatening to send the military to cities to quell unrest. The Trump administration has also dispatched unmarked federal agents to cities such as Portland, Oregon, drawing backlash from state and local officials.

Biden has claimed that Trump “waved the white flag” in combating the coronavirus. Biden has pushed message of unity amid multiple crises.

The economy remains another lingering issue. Financial provisions meant to help workers and businesses during the pandemic will expire at the end of July.