In a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released less than 10 days before the first presidential debate, President Joe Biden has made significant strides in winning over independent voters. The poll reveals that Biden has managed to overcome a 12-percentage point deficit and now leads his opponent, Donald Trump, among independent voters by a narrow margin of 50% to 48%.

The support of independent voters is crucial in determining the outcome of the election, especially in key battleground states. Biden's ability to make headway among this group could prove beneficial to his campaign's chances in the November general election.

However, when considering voters who say they definitely plan to vote in the upcoming election, Trump still holds a slight lead over Biden with a margin of 50% to 49%. The two candidates are tied at 49% each among overall registered voters, including those who are undecided but leaning towards a candidate.

Interestingly, when third-party candidates are introduced into the equation, Trump's lead over Biden remains at one percentage point. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. garners 11% support, followed by Dr. Cornel West, representing 3%, and Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein and Libertarian Party candidate Chase Oliver, each securing 1% of the votes.

The poll also reveals a sharp divide among racial and age demographics. White voters favor Trump by a margin of 55% to 43%, while non-White voters strongly support Biden at 58% to 40%. Among voters under the age of 45, both candidates are tied at 50%, but Trump holds a slight advantage among voters over the age of 45 with a margin of 49% to 48%.

In terms of voters' perceptions of key issues, a plurality of 30% view inflation as the top concern, closely followed by democracy at 29%. Immigration receives 18% of voters' attention, while healthcare, abortion, and crime are ranked lower at 8%, 8%, and 6% respectively.

When it comes to specific policy areas, voters believe Trump would be better equipped to handle the economy, immigration, and the U.S. role on the world stage. Conversely, they believe Biden would better preserve democracy and handle abortion issues. In terms of empathy towards the average person, Biden holds a slight advantage with 50% compared to Trump's 46%.

Despite gaining ground among independent voters, a majority of 55% state that they are not satisfied with either candidate in the race. Interestingly, a higher percentage of Biden supporters (58%) express dissatisfaction compared to Trump supporters (49%).

Both Biden and Trump possess unfavorable favorability ratings, with 53% viewing Biden unfavorably and 42% viewing Trump favorably. When asked about Trump's recent conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, 51% believe he should definitely or probably serve jail time, while 47% believe he should not.

The stage is set for the first presidential debate, scheduled to take place on June 27 in Atlanta, hosted by CNN. As Biden solidifies his support among independent voters, it remains to be seen how this latest poll will shape the dynamics of the upcoming debate and potentially the outcome of the election.