Political discontent on college campuses, partly fueled by opposition to a Democratic president’s stance on Israel, is reminiscent of the protest movements of 1968. The Democratic National Convention’s location in Chicago this year further amplifies these echoes. The current pro-Palestinian movement in the US may not mirror the anti-war movement of the ’60s, but the growing frustration and anxiety among young Americans are palpable.
This discontent extends beyond their views on the Middle East and poses a significant threat to President Joe Biden’s campaign to prevent Donald Trump from reclaiming the White House.
Trump’s Lead Among Young Voters
Young voters traditionally lean Democratic, but a recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS reveals that Biden trails Trump by 11 percentage points among voters aged 18-34. This demographic’s dissatisfaction is evident as they seek alternative candidates.
Approximately half of all Americans, or 47% of registered voters, expressed satisfaction with the presidential candidates this year. However, this figure is skewed by the mere 37% of young voters who expressed satisfaction. When considering other potential candidates, over one-fifth of registered voters aged 18-34 support Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent bid, a sentiment less echoed among older voters.
Biden’s Presidency Viewed as a ‘Failure’
According to Jennifer Agiesta, CNN’s polling director, Biden’s approval ratings are underwater across all issues. His handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza has the lowest approval rating, with 28% approval and 71% disapproval. This includes an 81% disapproval rate among those under 35 and a majority disapproval among Democrats (53%).
When asked to evaluate Biden’s presidency as a success or failure, 68% of young Americans labeled it a failure. This sentiment prevails despite Biden’s high-profile efforts to address issues important to young voters, such as student debt relief.
Context About Polling Young People
Agiesta notes that Biden’s deficit among young voters is largely driven by those who did not vote in 2020. Excluding this group, voters aged 18-34 are almost evenly split, with 46% for Biden and 47% for Trump.
Republican pollster Frank Luntz recently shared a focus group video with CNN’s Erica Hill, revealing young people’s lack of faith in American democracy. Luntz summarized their sentiments, saying, “They don’t like anybody. They see Joe Biden as being too old. They see Donald Trump as being corrupt. They’re looking for a role model, looking for someone to aspire to be. And they don’t see it. And that’s the frustration.”
Discontent with the Country’s Direction
Young Americans’ dissatisfaction extends beyond politics. Only 38% of young Americans are satisfied with their personal financial situation, compared to 65% of voters aged 65 and over. A nationwide poll conducted by Harvard University among Americans aged 18-29 revealed that less than 1 in 10 believe the nation is headed in the right direction, with 58% stating the country is on the wrong track.
Four years ago, over 20% of young Americans believed the country was headed in the right direction. This decline in optimism among a key demographic presents a significant challenge for Biden and the Democrats as Election Day approaches.