In a recent Rasmussen poll, only 21 percent of voters expressed strong approval of President Joe Biden, while a significant 49 percent strongly disapproved. This stark contrast in sentiment raises serious concerns about Biden’s prospects for reelection.
The overall approval rating for Biden stood at 39 percent, with a substantial 59 percent of voters expressing disapproval. This sentiment reflects a 20-point differential between those who approve of Biden and those who do not. Biden’s presidential approval index rating, calculated as the difference between strong approval and strong disapproval, plummeted to -28 points, marking his lowest rating since July 2022.
The summer of 2022 witnessed a surge in gas prices and inflation rates. While inflation has somewhat moderated in 2024, costs continue to rise steadily, with predictions indicating that they may not revert to pre-Biden levels. For example, the price of a Big Mac meal has soared to $18 in some areas, representing a $10 increase from the pre-Biden era under former President Donald Trump.
At the outset of his presidency, Biden started with a comparatively better approval index rating of -2, showing a 26-point difference from the current ratings nearly three years later. His ratings remained relatively stable until the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 U.S. troops. Subsequently, his ratings fluctuated but generally stayed in the high 20s and low 30s until 2022, when he eased COVID-19 restrictions. However, they dropped further into the teens through much of 2023 and hit a low point by October 7.
Biden’s declining approval numbers in 2024 are closely tied to his handling of Middle East conflicts, particularly the rising displeasure among anti-Israel protestors. Despite opposition from his political base, Biden has continued to support Israel against groups like Hamas, approving funding and arms sales to Israel. Former President Trump criticized Biden’s approach, blaming him for the unrest at college campuses like Columbia and NYU, where anti-Israel sentiments have escalated.
The poll, conducted with a sample of 300 likely voters on a rolling basis per night, carries a margin of error of 2.5 points.