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A new poll shows that views of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war have improved among Democrats, after his approval rating among his party hit a new low before the conflict.
A majority of Democrats now approve of the job Biden is doing, at 59%, according to AP-NORC survey Released on Thursday – up 50% in November.
Concerns have grown over the looming humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the conflict continues following a Hamas attack on October 7, with Democrats criticizing Biden for his full support of Israel. But sentiment among Democrats has changed since the hostage exchange and a seven-day pause in hostilities while the US negotiated humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Still, the issue remains a difficult one for Democrats, as their overall approval of the job Biden is doing is at 75%. And among young people, views of Biden’s handling of the conflict are particularly critical, with only 31% of the Democrat aged 18-29 approving of the job he is doing.
Political cartoon on Joe Biden
Biden has faced intense calls for a cease-fire from Democrats in Congress as well as constituents and staff. But Biden has been adamant that Hamas will take advantage of a prolonged pause in the fighting. Apart from a group of House progressives and only a handful of senators who have called for a ceasefire, congressional Democrats have generally taken the same positions as the president. Still, elected Democrats have expressed greater concern about Palestinians in Gaza in recent weeks, and are seeking a middle ground on the issue while making clear their support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
But despite modest improvements among his party, the situation is still troubling for Biden, who is eyeing re-election as his support among young Democrats appears to be seriously at risk. And concerns about his age have made the situation even more dangerous.
Overall, 41% of adults approve of the job Biden is doing as president, while only 25% say the country is headed in the right direction.
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