How Americans describe 2020 Democrats, Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) » Competent, a fighter, good. Old, out of touch, disingenuous. And, of course: Who’s that?

As the 2020 campaign intensifies, a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research asked Americans to say what word or phrase comes to mind when they think of the top candidates, including incumbent President Donald Trump.

Each received both positive and negative responses; In some cases, a sizable share didn’t know enough about the candidate to give a description.

Here’s a look at how Americans characterized the contenders:

Biden

Many Americans think of the former vice president’s job when asked about Joe Biden, but one response ranked above all others: He’s “old.” Sixteen percent of those thinking of a phrase to describe Biden mention his age, including comparable shares of Democrats and Republicans.

One 34-year-old Democrat said he is “living in the past,” and others called him “past his prime.”

About 1 in 10 either identify him as former vice president or think of former President Barack Obama. Biden has spent much of the campaign drawing on his connection to the first African American president.

Another 5% criticize his intellect or speaking skills, like calling him “bumbling,” as one 78-year-old did, or mentioning gaffes.

Still, about 2 in 10 speak fondly of Biden, including many saying he is experienced or “good.”

“Kind heart. Goodman,” said one 41-year-old man. BLOOMBERG The billionaire is known for just that: About 3 in 10 of those describing former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg mentioned his wealth, or suggested he was buying the election. Many simply said “money” or “rich.” A 62-year-old Democrat described him as “buying votes.”

Some others described

Bloomberg as dishonest, calling him names like “liar.”

Still, close to 2 in 10 Democrats included positive words on Bloomberg, including “action oriented,” and “intelligent.”

Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg sees more variation in the types of words people use to describe him. About 1 in 10 call out his age, saying he’s “young.” Roughly another 1 in 10 mention that he’s smart and a similar share call him in experienced. The 38-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, entered the contest distinguishing himself from his septuagenarian rivals, and advocating for Democrats to turn the page.

“Capable but inexperienced,” said one 73-yearold Democrat.

Another Democrat considered his age a benefit, not a flaw: “Young and new ideas,” the 40-year-old said.

Also distinguishing Buttigieg: He would be the first openly gay U.S. president. About 1 in 10 mention his sexual orientation.

Overall, about 4 in 10 Americans don’t have something to say about Buttigieg.

Klobuchar

Amy Klobuchar is amoderate, a midwesterner and among those running to be the first woman president of the United States. While those who describe her think of these and more, none stands above the others.

No single response is used by more than 6% of those describing the Minnesota senator. About half of Americans, including about 4 in 10 Democrats, don’t give a description.

Among Democrats, 1 in 10 think of her intellect, calling her “smart,” and 6% mention her centrist ideology and “pragmatism.” Some give negative reactions, including a few saying she is “mean to her staff” — a widely reported news story early in the campaign. Others just called her “ok.”

But more are generally positive, using words like “reasonable,” “strong” and “sincere.”

“Rational and experienced,” said one Democrat, 67.

PATRICK SEMANSKY—ASSOCIATED PRESS From left, Democratic presidential candidates, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and businessman Tom Steyer, greet on another on stage at the end of the Democratic presidential primary debate at the Gaillard Center, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, in Charleston, S.C., co-hosted by CBS News and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute.

K.PERRY A new AP-NORC poll asks Americans to name what comes to mind when they think of top candidates for president, including President Donald Trump. Some candidates receive a mix of responses. But a particular concept — from billionaire to old to socialist — stands out for several others.