As President Joe Biden grapples with declining approval ratings, analysts are searching for the underlying causes of his waning popularity. While his predecessors, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, also faced periods of low approval, those dips were often tied to specific issues. For Biden, the reasons behind his sliding numbers appear more elusive.
One factor contributing to his declining popularity is the surge in prices, which has strained the public’s perception of his performance. If inflation continues, the White House may have limited options, hoping for an economic rebound before the 2024 elections.
Biden is also experiencing a shift in support among minority voters, potentially driven by changing cultural dynamics. The Democratic Party’s leftward shift may be pushing culturally conservative minority voters toward the GOP.
A more profound issue at play could be a prevailing sense of pessimism among Americans, particularly younger generations. This pessimism has deep roots in the COVID-19 pandemic and broader societal trends. To counter this mood, Biden needs to rekindle optimism, as his image as a “decrepit-seeming president” may not be enough to resonate with the younger demographic.
Concerns about Biden’s age and his ability to lead effectively persist. The Afghanistan crisis exposed perceived absenteeism in his presidency, and some voters may view a vote for Biden as a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.
A recent Wall Street Journal poll underscored the challenges facing both Biden and former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical 2024 match-up, where they were evenly matched with 46 percent support each. Biden’s age emerged as a significant hurdle, with 73% of voters considering him too old for another presidential run, compared to 47% for Trump.
While concerns about Biden’s age focus on his mental acuity, Trump faces character-related challenges, with 38% of voters perceiving him as honest, compared to 45% for Biden. However, Trump fares better in terms of policy accomplishments, with 51% recognizing his strong track record compared to 40% for Biden.
As the 2024 presidential race approaches, the credibility and appeal of President Biden and his competitors will remain a subject of intense debate.
