President Joe Biden is grappling with low approval ratings for his economic policies, according to a recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The survey revealed that a mere 33% of American adults express approval for Biden’s handling of the economy, while only 24% believe that the national economic conditions are currently favorable. These figures reflect concerns over issues such as high inflation, a challenging housing market, and apprehensions about a potential U.S. government debt default.
Biden’s efforts on gun policy and immigration are also met with criticism, as just 31% of respondents approve of his performance in these areas. The sentiment is not confined to Republicans, as even among Democrats, only about half express approval for Biden’s handling of immigration and gun policy.
The poll sheds light on the specific concerns raised by American citizens. For instance, Zoie Mosqueda, a 24-year-old from West Texas, voiced her frustration with the state of the economy. She highlighted the current unattainability of her family’s goal to purchase their first home due to soaring mortgage interest rates. Additionally, Mosqueda criticized Biden’s gun policy, citing worries about her daughter’s safety.
Bob Vought, a retired auto parts warehouse manager residing in St. Petersburg, Florida, strongly disapproves of Biden’s economic stewardship. Although he typically supports Republican candidates, Vought voted for Biden in the 2020 election. However, he is now experiencing the impact of inflation on his personal finances and expresses frustration over the surge in illegal border crossings, perceiving a lack of control in addressing the issue.
Nevertheless, Biden has his supporters as well. John Billman, a 79-year-old from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, commends Biden’s performance and credits him with the passage of the infrastructure bill, as well as his efforts to boost the U.S. semiconductor industry. Billman also critiques the toxic political atmosphere that emerged following the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and voices concern about the polarization of the country.
Although Biden’s overall approval rating remains steady at 40%, public opinion on his management of the economy, gun policy, and immigration is less favorable. Democrats are more inclined to believe that the country is moving in the right direction but still express concerns about the economy. Some Biden supporters find themselves perplexed by the current state of post-pandemic America and the lack of bipartisanship in Washington.
The poll results underscore the challenges that President Biden will confront as he embarks on his reelection campaign, as public opinion appears to be divided on his performance in crucial areas.