Biden’s dismal report card

• President Biden faces challenges in domestic and foreign affairs
• Biden’s job approval rating and grades for core issues are poor
• Support among Democrats remains relatively strong; but is weak among others
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President Biden may have reached a point of no return as he fights for a second term amidst a stagflationary economy, a worsening situation at a porous border, and an unstable Middle East with turmoil spreading like cancer.

Fewer than 30% give the President favorable grades on all ten issues TIPP Poll tracks.

After rebounding from his first term low of 33% in December, President Biden’s job approval ratings improved to 36% in January. It remained at 36% in February, increased to 37% in March, and stays this month at 37%.

Among Democrats, more than two-thirds (70%) approve of the job he is doing as president. In contrast, most Republicans (83%) and a significant share of independents (59%) disapprove. While two-thirds (66%) of liberals approve, only 20% of conservatives and a third of moderates (38%) express approval.

The results are from a nationwide TIPP Poll that surveyed 1,432 Americans from April 3 to April 5. The credibility interval for the survey is +/—2.7 percentage points.

TIPP developed an innovative metric, the Presidential Leadership Index, to facilitate easy tracking of three components: favorability, job approval, and Presidential Leadership. The Index is calculated as the average of the three. Readings above 50.0 signify approval, while readings below 50.0 indicate disapproval.

The index declined slightly by 0.2 points, recording 40.7 in April from 40.9 in March. Among the 36 demographic groups we track, only seven posted readings above 50.

Breaking it down by party, Democrats gained 1.1 points, rising from 74.2 in March to 75.3 in April. Republicans saw a 0.3-point gain to 13.0, and independents declined by 1.8 points to 32.2.

Overall Performance

When asked to grade Biden’s overall performance as president, only 29% gave him an A or B, eight points less than his job approval of 37%.

Over one-half of Democrats (57%) give him good grades. Most Republicans (85%) and independents (57%) give failing grades.

The chart below summarizes how Americans see Biden’s handling of important issues. Notice that fewer than 30% of people give President Biden favorable ratings on all matters.

Further, a majority gives him a D or F for four issues and negatively pegs him in the 40% to 50% range on five issues.

Why are President Biden’s approval ratings weak? Let us dig deeper and look at a few issues important to Americans.

Handling Of The Economy

The President, in his March SOTU, claimed:

We have the best economy in the world.

But the truth is far from rosy, and Biden fails miserably. His economic policies, collectively branded “Bidenomics,” have not helped Americans. Bidenflation, the price increase for goods and services under the President’s watch, runs at 18.0%, equal to 5.9% on an annual basis.

Americans’ wages have stagnated, with average hourly earnings for all employees dropping 2.5% to $11.11 in February 2024 from $11.39 in January 2021 when Biden took office.

Squeezed by high Bidenflation, Americans are racking up credit card debt. In a recent TIPP Poll, 58% said they weren’t better off than four years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, two-thirds live paycheck to paycheck under Biden, and 24% of Americans have $0 for financial emergencies. What’s more, Americans wake up to new layoffs every day.

Overall, one-half (51%) give Biden a “D” or “F” for his handling of the economy. Only 29% give him good grades.

54% of Democrats give him good grades. Meanwhile, most Republicans (81%) and independents (56%) give him failing grades.

Handling Spending

In January, the national debt crossed the $34 trillion mark, making the U.S. the most indebted country in the world. On average, the government has borrowed $250,000 for each American household. The debt is increasing by $1 trillion every 100 days.

Most Americans believe the debt situation is unsustainable and want to rein in government spending.

Overall, one-half (53%) give President Biden a “D” or “F” for his handling of spending and taxes. Only 26% give him good grades.

While 55% of Democrats give him good grades, Republicans (82%) and independents (59%) give him failing grades.

Immigration

Americans consider immigration the country’s most important issue, along with the economy, at 38%. The importance of immigration has steadily increased from 29% in December to 38% in April.

Biden has neglected the influx of migrants through the southern border. Most Americans attribute the crisis to Biden’s weak immigration policies.

The majority (58%) are dissatisfied with his handling of immigration and border security. Only one in five (21%) are satisfied. While 44% of Democrats are satisfied, 87% of Republicans are dissatisfied. Meanwhile, two-thirds (64%) of independents are dissatisfied.

Handling Crime

Weak immigration policies contribute to an increase in crime. TIPP Poll has shown that Americans are experiencing increased crime in their neighborhoods.

This month, over half (52%) give Biden failing grades for his handling of crime. Only 24% give him an A or B.

Among Democrats, one-half (50%) give him an A or B. Most Republicans (62%) give him an F, with another 18% giving him a D. Meanwhile, most independents grade him poorly: 33% give him an F, and 24% give him a D.

Foreign Policy

While President Biden is not doing well on domestic issues, he is also faltering on foreign affairs. The TIPP Standing In The World Index measures how Americans feel about the nation’s standing in the world, a proxy measure of the effectiveness of the president’s foreign policy.

The overall index has been in the pessimistic region since August 2021. In April, Republicans (25.3) and independents (29.9) are pessimistic. Democrats had a bounce, posting an optimistic 55.3.

Handling The Israel-Hamas Conflict

One-half (50%) of the survey participants are unhappy with Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Just over one-fifth (22%) give him good grades.

While over four-in-ten (43%) of Democrats give him positive grades, nearly a quarter (23%) give him a C, and another 25% give him failing grades of D or F.

Three-fourths (75%) of Republicans and over half of independents (52%) give him failing grades.

Handling Iran

Biden’s efforts to slow Iran’s acquisition of a nuclear bomb have not been effective. A segment of Americans thinks that the $6 billion Biden gave to Iran has helped fund terrorist activities by Hamas and other proxy actors.

Further, the Red Sea attacks pose a significant risk to the American economy. If the situation worsens, imports, energy, and food costs could increase.

Over four out of ten (46%) give Biden failing grades for his handling of Iran, while around one-fifth (24%) give him favorable grades.

Russia-Ukraine War

The U.S. is fighting a proxy war with Russia, and President Biden has yet to develop a strategy to end the war. Most Americans think Biden has not done enough to restore peace. He has already committed over $100 billion, and the U.S. is on tap to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction, estimated at $750 billion.

The data echoes the dissatisfaction, with 47% giving him a D or F for his handling of the war. Only 27% see Biden in a positive light on this issue.

Dissatisfaction runs high among Republicans (76%) and independents (46%), while a majority(52%) of Democrats are satisfied.

Half (51%) are dissatisfied with Biden’s efforts to find a settlement. This statistic has hovered around 50% in our tracking since October 2023.

Most Americans (64%) also think Biden lacks a clear vision for ending the war. Fifty percent of Democrats, 83% of Republicans, and 61% of independents share this sentiment.

Handling China

Only a quarter (25%) give him good grades on the issue of China. Democrats (46%) are satisfied. Most Republicans (79%) and independents (48%) are unhappy.

In summary, most Americans believe the nation is heading in the wrong direction under Biden’s leadership. The survey reveals that two-thirds (64%) are dissatisfied, with 37% not very satisfied and another 27% not at all satisfied. Meanwhile, 13% are very satisfied with the country’s direction, and an additional 21% are somewhat satisfied.

Our Direction of Country Index converts these responses to facilitate easy tracking and ranges from 0 to 100, where scores above 50 are considered positive, below 50 are negative, and 50 represents a neutral standpoint.

The overall index has been in the pessimistic region since August 2021. In March, Democrats have the most optimistic reading at 58.1. Republicans have the lowest score (21.2), indicating extreme pessimism. Independents are in the middle at 28.0.

In conclusion, Biden’s approval rating, frozen at 37%, is problematic in the context of the coming elections. Despite the advantages of incumbency, Biden may have reached a point of no return, and his reelection chances don’t appear bright.

Our performance in 2020 for accuracy as rated by Washington Post:

1. Israel Bombs Gaza As U.S. Says Rafah Offensive ‘Not Imminent’ – AFP

Israel bombed targets in Gaza on Tuesday as mediators in Cairo sought progress towards a truce and hostage deal, and PM Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Israeli troops would launch a ground invasion of Rafah.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had no indication of an “imminent” Israeli assault on the city, the last in the Gaza Strip yet to be the target of a ground invasion and where around 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.

2. Biden Says Netanyahu Making ‘Mistake’ On Gaza – AFP

President Joe Biden said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Gaza policy was a “mistake” and urged Israel to call for a ceasefire, in an interview.

Biden’s comments were some of his strongest criticism yet of Netanyahu amid growing tensions over the civilian death toll from Israel’s war on Hamas and dire conditions inside Gaza.

“I think what he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach,” Biden told Univision when asked about Netanyahu’s handling of the war.

3. Israel Gaza: Australia Hints It Could Recognize Palestinian State – BBC

Australia’s foreign minister has suggested that the country recognize Palestinian statehood to increase momentum toward peace. However, Penny Wong said Hamas could not have a role in its governance.

Both Australia’s opposition and the Zionist Federation of Australia say such a move would be premature. Canberra has long said that recognition of a Palestinian nation could only come as part of a two-state solution brokered with Israel.

4. Turkey Imposes Export Restrictions On Israel Until Gaza Ceasefire – Reuters

Turkey will restrict exports of a wide range of products to Israel, including steel and jet fuel, until a ceasefire is declared in Gaza, the Turkish trade ministry said, in Ankara’s first significant measure against Israel after six months of war.

Turkey has called for an immediate ceasefire, supported steps to try Israel for genocide, and sent thousands of tons of aid for Gazans. However, Ankara also maintained commercial ties with Israel despite its strong rhetoric, prompting a domestic backlash.

5. U.S. Says Sent Iranian Arms, Ammo Bound For Houthis To Ukraine – AFP

Washington has given Ukraine small arms and ammunition that were seized while being sent from Iranian forces to Tehran-backed militia in Yemen, the U.S. military said.

The transfer last week came as Ukraine suffers from significant ammunition shortages and U.S. Republican lawmakers block new aid funding. However, it does not address Kyiv’s need for key items such as artillery and air defense munitions.

“These weapons will help Ukraine defend against Russia’s invasion” and are enough material to equip a brigade, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

6. Putin Seeks Emergency Petrol As Russia Runs On Fumes – The Telegraph

Russia has reportedly asked Kazakhstan to supply it with petrol as Ukrainian attacks on its refineries force it to import gasoline.

Reuters reported that Kazakhstan has been asked to set up a reserve of 100,000 tonnes of gasoline, equivalent to 845,000 barrels, to supply Russia should shortages arise.

The Kremlin has also been seeking supplies from Belarus. Russia is normally an exporter of gasoline, but Ukrainian drone attacks have significantly hit its refining capabilities, forcing it to rely on imports to meet demand.

7. Six Countries Move To Protect The North Sea From Russians – Politico

The agreement, signed by Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, aims to protect critical underwater infrastructure from foreign sabotage and attacks.

“The North Sea is the powerhouse driving Europe’s renewable and net zero ambitions, helping to bolster energy security on the continent,” said Andrew Bowie, British minister for nuclear and renewables, Reuters reported. “So, it’s crucial we protect its critical energy infrastructure now and in the future.”

8. Russia And China To Deepen Security Cooperation In Asia, Europe – Al Jazeera

Russian foreign minister visited Beijing and received assurances of China’s strengthened economic cooperation.

Russia and China have agreed to discuss ways to deepen their security cooperation in Asia and Europe to counter attempts by the United States to impose its will on the region, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.

9. U.S. Warns To Hold China Accountable If Russia Gains In Ukraine – AFP

The United States warned that it would hold China responsible if Moscow made gains in Ukraine after Beijing renewed pledges of cooperation during a visit by Russia’s top diplomat.

Kurt Campbell, the deputy secretary of state long associated with reshaping U.S. policy toward Asia, said that maintaining peace and stability in Europe is “our most important mission historically.”

10. China Trying To Gain Space Through Force, U.S. Admiral Says – Reuters

China’s actions in the South China Sea were an example of it trying to gain territorial space through force and were destabilizing the region, a senior U.S. admiral said.

The Philippines and China have had a series of maritime run-ins, including water cannon use and heated verbal exchanges that have triggered concern about an escalation at sea.

He said similar actions by China were also seen elsewhere in the region, including in Japan and Malaysia.

11. U.S. Coast Guard Says Boardings Of Chinese Fishing Vessels In South Pacific Legal – Reuters

The U.S. Coast Guard has rejected comments by a Chinese diplomat that its recent boardings of Chinese fishing boats in the Pacific Islands alongside local police are illegal. The Coast Guard says the joint patrols are at the behest of Pacific nations to protect coastal fisheries.

Reuters reported last month that six Chinese fishing boats were found to be violating Vanuatu’s fisheries law after being inspected by local police who were on board the first U.S. Coast Guard boat to patrol the waters of the Pacific Islands nation.

12. Biden Unveils $6.6bn For Taiwan’s TSMC To Ramp Up U.S. Chip Production – Al Jazeera

U.S. officials said the funding announced will support TSMC’s building of a third semiconductor factory in Arizona, in addition to two facilities already in the pipeline.

According to U.S. officials, the agreement will increase TSMC’s total investments in the U.S. to $65bn.

The deal is the latest effort by President Joe Biden’s administration to encourage domestic production of advanced chips that will power cutting-edge industries such as artificial intelligence.

13. IRGC Commander Says Iran Won’t Hastily Retaliate Against Israel Over Consulate Attack – Al Arabiya

A senior Iranian military commander said that Iran intends to take measured steps rather than hastily retaliate against Israel following a suspected Israeli attack on Tehran’s consulate in Damascus.

“As our dear [Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei] said, we will respond to [Israel], but we won’t act emotionally or hastily,” Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC’s navy, said.

14. Senior U.S., Iraq Military Officials Discuss Future American Troop Presence – Al Arabiya

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the top U.S. military general for the Middle East, and Gen. Abdel Emir Rashid Yarallah, the Iraqi Armed Forces chief of the General Staff, co-chaired the inaugural U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission Principals Meeting.

This is the third meeting between the two sides to discuss the next phase of the U.S. troop presence in Iraq going forward.

15. Japan Won’t Be Invited To Formally Join AUKUS, Australia PM Says – Bloomberg

Australia has quelled speculation that Japan may be formally invited to join the AUKUS security partnership, saying Tokyo’s involvement would be limited to cooperation on developing advanced technologies.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a press conference in Canberra that there are “no plans” to expand AUKUS beyond its three founding members, Australia, the UK, and the U.S. He added that AUKUS would look for external research cooperation on a “project-by-project” basis.

16. Pfizer Accused Of ‘Bringing Discredit’ On Pharmaceutical Industry – The Telegraph

The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA), the UK’s pharmaceutical watchdog, accused Pfizer of “bringing discredit” on the industry after senior executives used social media to promote an “unlicensed” Covid vaccine.

The company has been found to have breached the regulatory code five times, which also includes making misleading claims, failing to maintain high standards, and promoting unlicensed medicines.

17. Oil Could Reach $100 A Barrel For First Time In Years – tippinsights

Oil prices have surged recently, threatening to push Brent Crude, the global oil benchmark, to $100 a barrel for the first time in almost two years.

Mere days ago, oil jumped above $90 a barrel—triggered by military tensions between Israel and Iran. A few other factors at play include Mexico’s slashing of crude exports by 35%, OPEC and its allies’ continued cut in production, and Yemeni Houthi rebel attacks on tankers in the Red Sea.

18. A Quarter Of Americans Says The Baltimore Bridge Collapse Is Not All It Seems, And Blame A CONSPIRACY For The Tragedy, First-Of-Its-Kind Poll Shows – tippinsights

Nearly a quarter of U.S. adults say the Baltimore bridge collapse was not an accident and attribute it to a conspiracy theory, DailyMail.com/TIPP poll shows.

The survey of 1,432 people shows a surprisingly large number of Americans say a plot led to a huge cargo ship crashing into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. Still, more than half of voters — 55 percent — say the tragedy that claimed six lives was an accident.

19. Stopping Aspirin After Stent Implant May Safely Cut Risk Of Bleeding – UPI Health

People who’ve survived a heart attack and have been given a stent may be better off quitting low-dose aspirin a month after the procedure, a new study finds.

The strategy is “beneficial by reducing major and minor bleeding through one year by more than 50 percent,” said study lead author Dr. Gregg Stone, a professor of medicine (cardiology) at the Icahn School of Medicine.

For folks who’ve had a heart attack or are at very high risk of experiencing one, low-dose daily aspirin is often given to cut their odds of blocked arteries.

Republished with permission from TIPP Insights