President Joe Biden’s approval rating among Democrats has hit a record low of 75%, according to a new Gallup poll. This represents an 11 percentage point decrease in just one month, marking a concerning decline in the president’s support among his own party.
One of the key reasons for this dip in approval is Biden’s unequivocal support for Israel, which has faced global condemnation for its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. On October 7th, Hamas launched a series of attacks on Israel, prompting a severe response from the Israeli government.
While Biden’s initial response to the attacks received praise from pro-Israel supporters, it appears that his continued support for the Jewish state has not translated into new political support at home. According to four national polls conducted after October 10th, Biden’s approval ratings have dropped among Democrats, independents, and Republicans.
Among Democrats, Biden’s approval has hit a record low of 37%, matching his previous lowest rating. This is a major concern for the president, particularly with the generational divide becoming increasingly pronounced. A recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll found that less than half of Gen Z and millennial voters believe the U.S. should publicly support Israel.
Biden’s staunch support for Israel has also drawn criticism from progressive and pro-Palestinian activists, who have called for a ceasefire in Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 7,000, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, and is expected to rise if and when the Israel Defense Forces enter the densely populated strip.
Despite pressure from these groups, Biden has not wavered in his support for Israel. In a recent statement, he urged for the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza to increase but also stressed that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. He has also condemned the rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the U.S.
However, for many Muslim and Arab Americans who consider themselves loyal Democratic voters, Biden’s support for Israel has been seen as a betrayal. In a recent interview, Democratic state Representative Alabas Farhat expressed his disappointment, stating that Biden had alienated almost every Arab American and Muslim American voter in Michigan.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations has also called on Biden to apologize for his remarks suggesting that he does not trust the death toll reported by Gaza’s health ministry. The organization stated that his comments were dismissive of the innocent lives lost in the conflict.
In conclusion, Biden’s unwavering support for Israel has caused a significant decline in his approval ratings among Democrats. With tensions continuing to rise in the region and concerns growing over civilian casualties in Gaza, it remains to be seen how the president will navigate this complex and divisive issue.
