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Poll on Israel Shows More Bad News for Biden

Rebecca Downs
Rebecca Downs  |  February 05, 2024 6:00 PM

The latest NBC News poll dropped over the weekend has some bad news for President Joe Biden, as Guy covered earlier. One of the many areas the poll touched on was Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas War, with just 29 percent of respondents saying they approved. This wasn't the only poll to touch on the major issue that has been a thorn in the president's side, as he lacks support not just from Republicans in these particularly partisan times but his fellow Democrats. This is particularly an issue in swing states like Michigan, as we've covered at length.

On Friday, the Associated Press came out with an article highlighting, "Half of US adults say Israel has gone too far in war in Gaza, AP-NORC poll shows." The poll conducted in late January shows that 50 percent of respondents believe "the military response from Israel in the Gaza Strip has gone too far." That number was at 40 percent in late November.

The AP certainly highlighted such a takeaway. "The U.S. has become increasingly isolated in its support of Israel as the Palestinian death toll rises past 27,000, with two-thirds of the victims women and children. The Biden administration says it is pressing Israel to reduce its killing of civilians and allow in more humanitarian aid," the write-up mentions.

It's worth reminding that what aid has been sent to civilians has been hijacked by Hamas terrorists. In this case, perhaps the Biden administration needs to focus on that rather than placing pressure on Israel, the victim of the October 7 attack that Hamas perpetrated. 

That's hardly the only takeaway, though. The write-up also mentions:

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The new poll’s findings include more worrying news for President Joe Biden when it comes to support from his own political party.

Fracture lines are growing in his Democratic base, with some key Democratic blocs that Biden will likely need if he’s going to win a second term unhappy with his handling of the conflict.

About 6 in 10 non-white Democrats disapprove of how Biden is approaching the conflict, while about half of white Democrats approve.

Notably, about 7 in 10 Democrats under 45 disapprove. That’s the opposite of the attitude of older Democrats, among whom nearly 6 in 10 approve.

Currently, just 31 percent of respondents approve of Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas War, while 67 percent disapprove. Even a majority of Democrats disapprove at 53 percent. Seventy-seven percent of Republicans disapprove.

The poll highlights how a plurality of overall Democrats, but a majority of Democrats who disapprove of how Biden is handling the conflict, say the United States has been "too supportive" of Israel. Forty-five percent of overall Democrats say so, while 63 percent of Democrats who disapprove of Biden say so. Among those Democrats who approve of Biden's handling of the conflict, 56 percent, say support from the United States has been at "about the right amount."

For Republicans, it's the opposite problem. A plurality, 39 percent, believes the United States has been "not supportive enough."

The poll also looks at conflicts in the Middle East overall. Of course, this is just one of many conflicts occurring around the world while Biden is in office. He's already shown he can't handle international crises well. RealClearPolling currently has Biden with just a 35.8 percent approval rating on foreign policy. 

Overall, close to a majority, 47 percent, say they are "extremely" or "very concerned" that "the latest war between Israel and Hamas will lead to a broader conflict in the Middle East." That includes a majority of Democrats, 53 percent, and a plurality of Republicans, 45 percent. 

Another question asked what respondents think should be prioritized as foreign policy goals for the United States. A majority of overall respondents, 62 percent, believe that it is "extremely" or "very important" to prioritize recovering the hostages. Not only did Hamas kill 1,200 Israelis on October 7, most of them civilians, but they also took around 240 hostages. Over 100 are still in captivity. 

Overall, 53 percent say it's "extremely" or "very important" to try to negotiate a permanent ceasefire. Sixty-six percent of Democrats say so, while just 37 percent of Republicans do. 

Regarding the aid mentioned earlier, a plurality, 45 percent, say they think it's "extremely" or "very important" to "Provide humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza."

Again, the issue of aid is complicated by Hamas. Demanding a permanent ceasefire is also a pro-Hamas talking point, especially since Hamas has pledged more attacks like October 7 against Israel. Further, Hamas has been turning down negotiations, as they just recently did. They broke not only the ceasefire that was in place before October 7 but also one in late November after they attacked Jerusalem and refused to return all of the female hostages. 

An issue for the Biden administration, which has prioritized a two-state solution, is that so few respondents think it's important to have that solution for Palestinians. Overall, just 30 percent think it's "extremely" or "very important." A plurality of Democrats, 41 percent, say so, while just 17 percent of Republicans say so. A stronger plurality, 46 percent, of Republicans say it's "not very" or "not important at all." 

Another question handled a two-state solution, which just 30 percent of overall respondents support. A plurality of Democrats, 44 percent, say they do. 

The poll was conducted January 25-29 with 1,152 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. 

Especially in his desperate ploy for reelection, Biden would certainly deserve his low approval ratings, it seems. We've covered how Biden has had trouble with Muslim and Arab communities, including in the swing state of Michigan. Matt also addressed how the president got into it with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he spoke out against beforehand, especially as Biden flounders with young voters.

Last week, we covered how Biden is particularly nasty against former and potentially future President Donald Trump, not only in public but in private especially, as POLITICO revealed. His likely opponent for November isn't the only one who has earned such strong ire, though. Biden reportedly has had hard words for Netanyahu, too. 

According to the New York Post, Biden has referred to Netanyahu as a "bad f**king guy," with the report referencing "well-placed sources."

It's worth noting that Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates, according to Community Notes context added to posts from the New York Post, denied the president made those comments, but it wouldn't exactly be surprising if these reports are true. 

Unfortunately, the poll doesn't just reveal what should be concerning news for Biden but for Israel as well. While a majority of respondents, 61 percent, say that Hamas has "a lot" of responsibility for the latest war, that number ought to be much higher. In a display of victim blaming, a not insignificant 35 percent of respondents say that the Israeli government bears "a lot" of responsibility.