Trump and DeSantis both leading Biden in hypothetical matchup in 2024, polling shows

If the 2024 presidential election were held today, either of the two top presumed Republican contenders for their party's nomination would defeat President Joe Biden, according to a new survey.

Both former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would beat the current president if he chooses to run again, according to the Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, which was released Friday.

The survey polled 2,050 registered voters, 65% of whom said that Biden should not run again. Of those polled, 46% said they would support Trump with 41% for Biden and 13% uncertain at this time. This was the same 5-point margin that Trump led by in the December poll results.

If the GOP candidate is Gov. DeSantis, the poll shows him defeating Biden by a margin of 42% to 39%. News of the scandal regarding Joe Biden's handling of classified documents appears to make little difference to those surveyed, comparing the two months' results.  

While Trump remains the clear favorite for the Republican nomination, leading DeSantis by a 48% to 28% margin, the co-director of the poll is not convinced the lead will hold.

"Trump is ahead but already has every vote he can get," Mark Penn told The Hill. "DeSantis is the candidate of potential."

Other potential Republican candidates all registered in single digits, with Mike Pence at 7%, Nikki Haley at 3%, and Mike Pompeo at 1%.