Biden’s Dwindling Youth Support

What’s happening: A recent poll found that over 60 percent of voters aged 18 to 34 either disapprove or strongly disapprove of President Biden’s job performance.

• Looking to the general election: With a meager approval rating as low as 33%, the president is facing the possibility of a more difficult reelection path than expected. A December poll found former President Donald Trump ahead of Biden among young voters by six points.

Too moderate: One reason for President Biden’s dip in approval is his support of the state of Israel as it wages war against Hamas in Gaza. Young voters side with the Palestinians nearly 2-to-1.

• Sitting out: Disillusionment with the president may cause many young Americans to vote third-party or sit out the 2024 election.

At the same time: Despite President Biden’s low approval, his likely opponent in the general election will be Trump, who is also unpopular among youth. Young voters are historically one of the least reliable voting blocs, hovering around 50% participation for the past several decades. Political candidates have difficulty sparking any enthusiasm among this group.

Why it matters: Biden cannot afford to lose key demographics if he hopes to win reelection in 2024. Not only has he been slipping with young voters, but support has tanked among ethnic minorities and Independent voters as well.