The war between Israel and Hamas has created divisions within Joe Biden’s Democratic base, with the public giving the president some of his worst approval ratings regarding his handling of the conflict. While some see parallels to the Vietnam War protests or the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, recent polling indicates that this issue is not a top priority for most voters in the 2024 election. Only a small percentage of voters say they would base their vote on candidates’ stances on the Israel-Hamas war.
Surveys show that the war in the Middle East is not a significant concern for most Americans, with issues like protecting democracy, immigration, and abortion ranking higher in importance. Even among younger voters, the Israel-Hamas conflict is not seen as the most pressing problem, with inflation being a top concern for this demographic. This contrasts with the widespread emphasis on the Vietnam War as a critical issue during the 1968 election.
The lack of American troops on the ground in the current conflict contributes to its low priority for most voters, reflected in consistent approval ratings for Biden and his standing against former President Donald Trump. While Biden does struggle with younger voters, his decline in support predates the war in Gaza, suggesting other factors at play. However, any decrease in support could impact the outcome of the election, highlighting the importance of Biden’s appeal to various voter demographics.
As Biden navigates the challenges of the Israel-Hamas conflict, he faces the dilemma of satisfying younger voters who are more sympathetic to the Palestinians without alienating other segments of the electorate who support Israel. Polls show a greater sympathy for Israelis over Palestinians among Americans overall, indicating potential risks for Biden in adjusting his stance. This leaves Biden in a difficult position as he seeks to balance competing interests and maintain support across diverse voter groups in the upcoming election.
In the context of the current conflict and the complexities of voter sentiments, Biden must carefully consider his approach to the Israel-Hamas war to avoid further declines in support, especially among younger voters. The challenge of addressing competing sympathies and perceptions regarding the conflict adds to the already complex electoral landscape for Biden in his bid for reelection against Trump. Despite the obstacles and uncertainties, Biden’s ability to navigate these challenges will be essential in determining the outcome of the 2024 election.
