Genevive Ibe. March 21, 2024
During his presidency, Joe Biden's approval ratings have faced challenges due to various factors. When he took office, the public had high expectations, especially about the pandemic, the economy, and social issues. However, the administration has faced several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and supply chain disruptions, making it difficult to maintain consistently high approval ratings.
Policy decisions have also significantly influenced the administration's approval ratings. Some decisions may not align with the preferences of certain groups, leading to lower ratings. For instance, President Biden's stance on immigration, climate change, and foreign policy has drawn both support and criticism. It is essential to acknowledge that policy decisions may result in lower approval ratings, but they aim to address various issues facing the country. By comprehending the reasons behind the administration's challenges, we can collaborate to move towards a better future.
Partisan Divide:
The highly polarized political climate in the United States significantly impacts approval ratings. Opinions about President Biden are often divided along party lines. Democrats are more likely to approve of his performance, while Republicans tend to be more critical.
Economy: Economic concerns have risen due to increasing inflation and supply chain disruptions, which have caused public anxiety. These financial challenges can significantly impact people's perceptions of leadership. AP-NORC poll: Low marks for Biden on economy as prices rise | AP News.
Therefore, effective communication is crucial for maintaining approval ratings. Missteps or unclear messaging can lead to negative perceptions, affecting the public's trust in the leadership. President Biden's communication style and handling of specific issues have been scrutinized.
Midterm elections: Mid-terms elections have significantly impacted the approval ratings of sitting presidents throughout history. The voters' assessments during these elections can heavily influence the President's overall ratings. However, it is essential to understand that approval ratings fluctuate over time and are subject to various factors. Public opinion is dynamic, and presidents often face praise and criticism during their tenure.
Foreign Policy: According to recent reports, Joe Biden's handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict has had an impact on his approval ratings. Initially, when Israel was carrying out its campaign to "eradicate" Hamas, Democratic voters' opinions of President Biden decreased. However, his public pressure on Israel to exercise restraint in the Gaza Strip has led to an increase in approval among Democrats. 59% of Democrats approve of Biden's approach to the conflict, up from 50% in November. General Approval and Gaza War:
President Biden's approval rating among Democrats is currently 75%, but his handling of the Gaza war has affected his approval rating on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. In August, his approval rating on the issue was 57%, roughly in line with his current rating.
Challenges and Concerns:
The Gaza issue is complex, and it has led to criticism from Democrats, especially voters of color and young people, towards the Israeli offensive. Initially, President Biden's strong support for Israel earned him the nickname "Genocide Joe" among pro-Palestinian critics. However, his recent efforts to promote restraint, support a two-state solution, and free hostages in Gaza have contributed to an increase in Democratic support.
Overall Approval Rating: Currently, President Biden's approval rating among U.S. adults is at 41%, which is close to the lowest score of his presidency. The Gaza conflict's impact on his ratings highlights the sensitivity of foreign policy decisions in a polarized political climate.
In summary, the Israel-Gaza war has played a significant role in shaping public perception of President Biden, particularly among Democratic voters.
Independent voters play a crucial role in shaping political outcomes. Let's explore how Joe Biden's approval ratings fare among this significant group:
Recent Polls:
Several recent polls indicate that President Biden is facing challenges with independent voters. A Fox News poll conducted from April 21 to 24 revealed that only 37% of independents approved of the job Biden was doing, while 62% disapproved. Similarly, a CAPS-Harris poll found that Biden had a net approval of 38% among independents and a net disapproval of 58%. In a CBS News poll, Biden's approval among independent voters was even lower at 32%, with 68% expressing disapproval. An NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll showed that 36% of independents approved of Biden, while 52% disapproved of him.
Shift from 2020. In the 2020 election, Biden won 52% of support from independents, compared to 43% who backed Trump. However, his current approval ratings among independent voters have declined significantly.
Key Issues: Among independents, the economy is a top concern, with 33% considering it the country's most important issue. Other critical issues include preserving democracy, immigration, and healthcare.
Potential Impact: Independent voters are a swing group, and their opinions can sway elections. As Biden considers a potential rematch against former President Donald Trump, winning over these voters will be crucial.
Biden's approval ratings among independent voters have fluctuated, and addressing their concerns will be essential for his political success. Recent polls suggest that President Joe Biden is facing challenges with independent voters. In April, a Fox News poll showed that only 37% of independents approved Biden's job performance, while 62% disapproved. Similarly, a CAPS-Harris poll found that Biden had a net approval of 38% among independents and a net disapproval of 58%. Another CBS News poll showed that Biden's approval rating among independent voters was even lower at just 32%, with 68% expressing disapproval. An NPR/PBS, NewsHour/Marist poll showed that 36% of independents approved Biden, while 52% disapproved of him.
The Israel-Gaza conflict is not the only factor influencing Biden's approval ratings among independent voters, but it has contributed to the decline. Democratic voters, especially those critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, have expressed dissatisfaction with Biden's initial strong backing for Israel. example, Joe Biden won Michigan's Democratic primary, according to NBC News. The war in Gaza prompted a protest vote campaign, resulting in the "uncommitted" ballot line winning two delegates to the Democratic National Convention. The remaining 115 ballots will support Biden. However, his recent emphasis on restraint, support for a two-state solution, and efforts to free hostages in Gaza have contributed to an uptick in Democratic support.
The sensitivity of foreign policy decisions cannot be overstated. Recent events, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, have shown that handling such crises can significantly impact approval ratings. Independent voters closely scrutinize leaders' responses to international crises, and any perceived missteps can affect their opinions. The Israel-Gaza war has shaped substantially public perception of President Biden, particularly among independent voters.
There are two sides to President Biden's approval ratings. On one hand, in 2021, he enjoyed strong support among young voters. A poll by the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School revealed that 59% of 18- to 29-year-olds approved his job in the White House. This shows that his policies and initiatives have resonated positively with the younger generation.
On the other hand, it's important to note that young people of color gave President Biden the highest approval ratings. 77% of young Black and 70% of young Hispanic individuals expressed approval. This highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in policymaking and shows that the President is making strides towards representing all Americans. Foreign policy decisions are critical, and their impact cannot be ignored. President Biden's approval ratings among young Americans have fluctuated, but his policies have resonated positively with many young and diverse voters. "But as the Israeli bombing of Gaza has killed more than 22,000 Palestinians to date, Joshi is feeling disillusioned with the president she once “happily” voted for. She’s not alone. With US military support for Israel holding steady, Joshi says that the White House’s current handling of the situation in Palestine is alienating young people – the very demographic Biden will need to win re-election in 2024." The Guadian. Young voters helped Biden to victory. They may abandon him this year | US politics | The Guardian.
The recent decline in President Biden's approval ratings among young Americans raises questions about whether their participation in the upcoming midterms will be affected. In the 2018 midterms, young voters turned out higher than in previous elections and overwhelmingly supported Democrats, indicating their participation could significantly impact the outcomes. However, the broader disillusionment with Biden among young Americans reflects their concerns about the country's politics.
To secure a successful re-election bid in 2024, Biden faces the challenge of improving his approval ratings. He could consider implementing some strategies, such as highlighting his administration's economic achievements by emphasizing job creation, infrastructure investments, and financial recovery. Communicating how his policies have positively impacted everyday Americans could also help. Addressing foreign policy challenges, including the Israel-Gaza conflict, more effectively and clarifying his stance on international issues can avoid confusion and criticism.
Another helpful strategy is developing a coherent and consistent message that resonates with voters, focusing on policy achievements and how they benefit citizens. Engaging with young Americans and addressing their concerns, including student debt, climate change, and financial independence, is vital. Biden can also learn from past presidents who faced similar approval rating challenges and adapt campaign strategies to reach distracted voters and convey accomplishments.
Biden should never underestimate the importance of campaigning, even as an incumbent, and should engage with voters across states and demographics. Highlighting the contrast between his administration and that of Donald Trump, emphasizing Trump's scandals and authoritarian rhetoric, can also be helpful. Remember, history suggests that recovering from low approval ratings is challenging but possible. Biden must address concerns, communicate effectively, and engage with voters to secure a successful re-election.
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