According to the latest Star Tribune/MPR News/KARE 11 Minnesota Poll, President Joe Biden maintains a slight advantage over former President Donald Trump among likely voters in Minnesota. The poll, conducted five months ahead of the general election rematch, reveals a 45% - 41% lead for Biden, with 7% of respondents undecided and 6% supporting independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The poll, based on interviews conducted from June 3 to June 5 with 800 likely Minnesota voters, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Biden's lead in the state can primarily be attributed to his 45-point advantage in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. In contrast, Trump leads in other counties in the Twin Cities area, where he holds a 12-percentage point lead.

The poll also highlights the disparity in enthusiasm levels between the two candidates' supporters. Only 31% of Biden backers expressed being "very enthusiastic" about supporting the Democratic president, whereas nearly two-thirds of Trump supporters claimed the same level of enthusiasm.

Notably, Minnesota has traditionally favored Democratic candidates in presidential elections, and no Republican candidate has won the state since 1972. However, Trump came close in 2016, falling short by approximately 1.5 percentage points. In the most recent election, the former president lost Minnesota by about 7 percentage points.

Among the key concerns cited by respondents were "protecting democracy," the economy and jobs, and immigration. Trump supporters prioritized the economy and immigration, while Biden supporters listed protecting democracy and climate change as their top issues.

Demographic breakdowns reveal that women, nonwhite voters, and college graduates favor Biden by significant margins, while Trump leads among men and individuals without college degrees. The two candidates were nearly tied among white voters. Additionally, Trump holds an advantage with older voters, while Biden garners more support from Minnesotans under 50.

Surprisingly, among independent voters, neither Biden nor Trump had a clear lead. Thirteen percent expressed their inclination to support Kennedy, while 12% remained undecided.

The poll also captured a sense of dissatisfaction with both candidates. A narrow majority of respondents, 53%, disapproved of Biden's job performance as president, while 52% voiced their disapproval of Trump's performance in office.

Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar received a relatively positive review in the poll, with 55% approving of her job performance and 36% disapproving. However, her approval rating has seen a decline since 2017, dropping from 72% to its current level.

As November approaches, Minnesotans remain divided, with varying levels of enthusiasm for the candidates. The poll highlights the importance of addressing key issues such as the economy, immigration, and protecting democracy to win over voters in this swing state.