A recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College has shown that former President Donald Trump is currently leading President Joe Biden in five crucial battleground states. The results of the poll have dealt a blow to Biden's reelection campaign, as it faces criticism over the incumbent's age and policies on various issues.

According to the poll, Trump is leading Biden in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, with margins ranging from 3 to 10 percentage points among registered voters. In Arizona, Trump garnered 49 percent support, while Biden received 44 percent. In Georgia, Biden secured 43 percent, compared to Trump's 49 percent. In Nevada, Trump maintained a wide lead with 52 percent, while Biden trailed behind with 41 percent.

Although Trump's lead was smaller in Michigan, he still captured 48 percent of the support, while Biden received 43 percent. In Pennsylvania, Trump secured 48 percent, while Biden had 44 percent. The only state where Biden maintained a slight lead was Wisconsin, with a margin of 47 to 45 percent.

The poll's findings reflect a significant shift after Biden won six states in 2020 when pitted against Trump. Recent polls, including this one, have shown either a close race between both candidates or Biden trailing behind Trump. These results, combined with Biden's low approval ratings, have raised concerns among political observers.

Former Obama senior adviser David Axelrod expressed his concern shortly after the poll was released. He suggested that Biden consider dropping out of the 2024 presidential race in light of the poll's results. Axelrod emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with Biden, who will be the Democratic Party's nominee if he continues to run. Axelrod urged Biden to evaluate whether running for reelection is in his best interest or the country's.

Another noteworthy aspect highlighted by the poll is the concern regarding Biden's age and mental competence, with Trump seemingly favored by a portion of voters. Biden, at the age of 80, is the oldest U.S. president, and if reelected in 2024, he would be 86 by the end of his second term. Approximately 71 percent of registered voters surveyed in the poll believed that Biden is "just too old to be an effective president," while only 39 percent held the same opinion about Trump.

In regards to mental sharpness, 62 percent of participants stated that they do not believe Biden has what it takes to be an effective president, while 35 percent agreed with the statement. On the other hand, 52 percent of participants believe Trump possesses the mental sharpness required, while 44 percent do not.

The New York Times/Siena College poll was conducted among 3,662 registered voters in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin between October 22 and November 3, 2023. The margin of sampling error for each state ranged from 4.4 to 4.8 percentage points.