Biden’s Approval Rating Rebounds Among Democrats on Israel-Hamas War | Politics

Views of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war have improved among Democrats, a new poll shows, after his approval rating sank to new lows among his party earlier in the conflict.

A majority of Democrats now approve of the job Biden is doing, at 59%, according to an AP-NORC survey released Thursday – up from 50% in November.

Democrats had been critical of Biden for his full-throated backing of Israel as the conflict wore on following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, spurring concerns over a humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. But sentiments among Democrats have shifted since a seven-day pause in hostilities negotiated in part by the U.S. for the exchange of hostages and to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Even so, the issue remains a difficult one for Democrats, as their overall approval of the job Biden is doing sits at 75%. And among young people, views of Biden’s handling of the conflict are especially grim, with just 31% of Democrats ages 18-29 approving of the job he is doing.

Biden has, along with Democrats in Congress, faced intense calls from constituents and staffers for a cease-fire. But Biden has been adamant that Hamas would exploit a prolonged end to the fighting. Congressional Democrats have generally taken the same position as the president, outside of a group of House progressives and just a handful of senators who have called for a cease-fire. Even so, elected Democrats have expressed more concern about Palestinians in Gaza in recent weeks, seeking a middle ground on the issue while making clear their support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

But even with the modest improvements among his party, the situation still threatens to be a troubling one for Biden, eyeing reelection as his support among young Democrats appears seriously threatened. And concerns about his age have added to the precarious position.

Overall, 41% of adults approve of the job Biden is doing as president, while only 25% say the country is heading in the right direction.