Isn’t it interesting how the winds of political fortune can change? One moment you’re basking in the glory of a presidential win, and the next, you’re staring down the barrel of some pretty grim poll numbers. And that’s precisely where Joe Biden finds himself as we kick off 2024 – not exactly the most auspicious start to a re-election year, huh?

According to Steve Kornacki, national political correspondent for MSNBC, Biden’s approval rating is languishing at a dismal 40%. Now, I’m no mathematician, but those aren’t exactly the kind of numbers you want to see if you’re hoping for another four years in the Oval Office. In fact, Kornacki pointed out that these are the lowest approval ratings for an incumbent facing re-election since George H.W. Bush. And we all remember how that turned out, don’t we?

MSNBC's Steve Kornacki: Biden's approval rating is "the lowest NBC poll for an incumbent facing a re-election year" pic.twitter.com/W8MEDKLO77

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 31, 2023

But it’s not just Biden’s approval ratings that have got the Democrats wringing their hands. Oh no, there’s more. Apparently, three out of four voters have “major to moderate concerns” about Biden’s age and fitness to continue serving as commander in chief. At 81 years old, Biden would be the oldest president in U.S. history to serve a second term. And let’s not pretend that age is just a number when you’re running a country.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “What about Trump?” Well, he’s not exactly having an easy ride either. Despite dominating in his party, there’s a growing sense of unease about his legal situation. A conviction could throw a serious spanner in the works for his re-election bid.

Interestingly, both Biden and Trump were outperformed by a “generic” member of their own party in a recent NBC News poll. What does that tell you? Maybe it’s time for some fresh blood. Maybe people are tired of the same old faces, the same old politics.

And speaking of fresh blood, there’s also talk of a potential third-party candidate entering the fray. A recent Wall Street Journal poll showed that when voters were given the option of a third-party candidate, they accounted for 17% of the vote. Could 2024 be the year of the underdog? Only time will tell.

So, as we step into 2024, one thing’s for sure. The race to the White House isn’t going to be a walk in the park for either Biden or Trump. It’s shaping up to be an election year like no other. And honestly? I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.