Both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have faced opposition in various cities. Biden encountered pro-Palestinian demonstrators accusing him of genocide for supporting Israel’s right to self-defense against Palestinian-backed Hamas.
Despite a daily cease-fire agreement between the Biden administration and the Israeli government to allow aid into Gaza, there’s reluctance for a permanent cease-fire. Left-wing activist Linda Sarsour spoke at the protest, demanding Biden push for a cease-fire.
Michigan Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib accused Biden of being complicit in “genocide,” demanding immediate action or consequences in the 2024 election, as reported by the Conservative Brief on Sunday, November 12, 2023.
Scenes from protests in various cities, along with chants like “No peace on stolen land!” and “Free! Free! Palestine!” were shown in a video, warning that voters would remember Biden’s stance.
Biden’s approval rating, particularly among Democrats, took an 11-point hit in a month, reaching a record low of 75%, mainly attributed to his support for Israel. This decline is seen as a risk of alienating members of his own party.
A Gallup survey in February indicated a shift, with more Democrats sympathizing with Palestinians than Israelis. Biden’s unwavering support for Israel and his request for $14 billion in aid did not translate into a net gain in political support.
Despite winning support from Israel advocates for his trip and aid request, Biden’s approval in the Gallup poll fell to a record low of 37%, driven by declines among Democrats and independents.
His approval among Republicans remained steady at 5%. Democratic state Rep. Alabas Farhat expressed concern about alienating Arab American and Muslim American voters in Michigan, stating that trust needs rebuilding.
As Biden grapples with internal challenges and opposition to his stance on Israel, the dynamics of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East remain a focal point for both domestic and international scrutiny.
The escalating tensions around Biden’s support for Israel have reverberated across generational lines, particularly among younger Democrats.
A NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll revealed that less than half of Gen Z and millennials believe the U.S. should publicly voice support for Israel. This generational divide adds complexity to Biden’s approval challenges within his party.
Moreover, Biden’s attempt to garner support for Israel through a $14 billion aid request faces skepticism. While it earned praise from Israel supporters, four national surveys suggest that it hasn’t translated into a significant boost in domestic political support.
This underscores the delicate balancing act Biden must navigate between international alliances and domestic sentiment.