Oh boy, it seems like our good ol’ Joe Biden isn’t doing so hot lately. According to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Biden’s approval rating has taken a bit of a dip, nearing the lowest point of his presidency. Ouch.
It looks like the American public has mixed feelings about Biden. People are generally not swinging between the extremes of absolute loyalty and aggressive loathing that have been a feature of this era’s divided politics. Instead, they’re feeling pretty meh about the guy. Neutral towards approve, as one respondent put it.
But don’t worry, Joe. You’re not the only one feeling the heat. The economy is adjusting to higher interest rates set by the Federal Reserve to combat inflation, and people are feeling the pain points caused by higher borrowing costs. We all got so used to cheap debt and the ability to throw money around. Now, we’re just feeling the hangover from the party.
Biden has taken ambitious steps to boost the U.S. economy, with his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package from 2021, infrastructure investments, support for computer chip plants and taxes on corporations and the wealthy to help fund health care and a shift away from fossil fuels. But these efforts involve multiyear investments that have yet to provide much optimism to a public dealing with annual inflation at 6%. It’s like trying to put out a fire with a squirt gun.
To make matters worse, there have been a pair of bank failures and a debt limit showdown with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., that could put the U.S. government at risk of defaulting. Just 31% approve of Biden’s stewardship of the national economy, about where it’s been over the course of the last year. His handling of the nation’s economic fortunes has been a weak point at least since late 2021, when the inflation that the administration had suggested was transitory became a bigger pain point for businesses and families.
Even Democrats are feeling the strain. Democrats under the age of 45 feel less positive about Biden, causing a drag on his approval ratings. Just 54% approve of the president’s economic leadership, compared to 72% of Democrats older than 45. Similarly, just 66% of Democrats under 45 approve of Biden overall, compared to 85% of older Democrats.
But hey, it’s not all bad news for Biden. His ratings on foreign policy and climate change are about on par with his overall approval ratings. Seventy-four percent of Democrats and 9% of Republicans approve of Biden on foreign policy, while 67% of Democrats and 17% of Republicans approve of his handling of climate change. So, if he wants to boost his approval ratings, maybe he should focus on these issues.
In the end, it seems like the American public just wants a little more stability with the economy. We’re feeling the hangover from the party, and we need someone to clean up the mess. Biden has taken some ambitious steps, but we’re not feeling the effects yet. So, Joe, if you want to win over the American public, just remember: actions speak louder than words.
The Publicade
The Publicade