Biden’s report card full of Ds

• 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
• RELATED: Biden And Trump Neck-And Neck, But Most Americans Think Trump Will Win: I&I/TIPP Poll

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 maintained at 37% in April. However, it dropped to 35% this month, his lowest for 2024.

Among Democrats, more than two-thirds (70%) approve of the job he is doing as president. In contrast, most Republicans (85%) and nearly two-thirds of independents (63%) disapprove. While two-thirds (67%) of liberals approve, only 16% of conservatives and a third of moderates (36%) express approval.

The results are from a nationwide TIPP Poll that surveyed 1,435 Americans from May 1 to May 3. The credibility interval for the survey is +/—2.6 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 by 1.2 points, recording 39.5 in May from 40.7 in April. Among the 36 demographic groups we track, only five (down from seven in April) posted readings above 50.

Breaking it down by party, Democrats dropped 0.2 points, declining from 75.3 in April to 75.1 in May. Republicans saw a 0.6-point drop to 12.4, and independents declined by 2.8 points to 29.4.

Overall Performance

When asked to grade Biden’s overall performance as president, only 29% gave him an A or B, six points less than his job approval of 35%.

Over one-half of Democrats (55%) give him good grades. Most Republicans (82%) and independents (58%) give failing grades.

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

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

Biden’s economic policies, collectively branded “Bidenomics,” have not helped Americans. Bidenflation, the price increase for goods and services under the President’s watch, runs at 18.8%, equal to 6.0% on an annual basis.

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

Overall, one-half (51%) give Biden a “D” or “F” for his handling of the economy. Only 27% give him good grades.

52% of Democrats give him good grades. Meanwhile, most Republicans (81%) and independents (57%) give him failing grades.

Handling Spending

The national debt is now $34.6 trillion, making the U.S. the most indebted country in the world. On average, the government has borrowed $250,000 from each American household, and the debt is increasing by $1 trillion every 100 days.

Most Americans believe the debt situation is unsustainable and want government spending to be reined.

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

While 50% of Democrats give him good grades, Republicans (82%) and independents (58%) give him failing grades.

Immigration

Americans consider immigration the country’s second most important issue at 36%, following the economy that garnered 37%. The importance of immigration has steadily increased from 29% in December to 37% in May.

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

The majority (57%) are dissatisfied with his handling of immigration and border security. Only one in five (19%) are satisfied. While 40% of Democrats are satisfied, 84% 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 (53%) give Biden failing grades for his handling of crime. Only 23% give him an A or B.

Among Democrats, nearly one-half (45%) give him an A or B. Most Republicans (54%) give him an F, with another 28% giving him a D. Meanwhile, most independents grade him poorly: 36% give him an F, and 22% give him a D.

Anti-Semitism

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has brought attention to antisemitism in America. The pro-Palestine protests across U.S. college campuses have led to the arrest of more than 1,850 protesters.

Many feel that Biden has not addressed the problem forcefully enough. Only one-fourth (24%) give him good grades on handling the situation.

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 September 2021. In April, Republicans (25.5) and independents (29.3) are pessimistic. Democrats declined sharply yet managed to post 50.6, slightly above the neutral level of 50.0.

Handling The Israel-Hamas Conflict

One-half (51%) of the survey participants are unhappy with Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Just over one-fifth (21%) give him good grades.

While over four in ten (40%) of Democrats give him positive grades, a quarter (27%) 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 (57%) 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.

Nearly one in two (49%) gives Biden failing grades for his handling of Iran, while around one-fifth (22%) 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 49% giving him a D or F for handling the war. Only 27% see Biden in a positive light on this issue.

Dissatisfaction runs high among Republicans (74%) and independents (56%), while a majority(51%) of Democrats are satisfied.

Half (52%) are dissatisfied with Biden’s efforts to find a settlement. This statistic has hovered around 50% in our tracking since October 2023.

Handling China

Only one-fifth (22%) give him good grades on the issue of China. Four in ten Democrats (42%) are satisfied. Most Republicans (75%) and independents (52%) 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 (66%) are dissatisfied, with 30% not very satisfied and another 36% not at all satisfied. Meanwhile, 11% 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 September 2021. In May, Democrats have the most optimistic reading at 52.5. Republicans have the lowest score (21.1), indicating extreme pessimism. Independents are in the middle at 28.4.

In conclusion, Biden’s approval rating of around 35% 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.

1. Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal As Israel Disagrees With ‘Far-Reaching’ Terms – Al Arabiya

Hamas agreed to a ceasefire proposal in the seven-month-old war with Israel in Gaza, Hamas sources said, hours after the Israeli military told residents to evacuate some parts of Rafah, which has been sheltering more than a million displaced people.

A senior Hamas official, however, stressed that the group’s approval “does not mean that the ceasefire has come into effect yet,” pointing out that “the Israeli side has not yet communicated its position.”

Meanwhile, an Israeli official said Hamas had agreed to a “softened” version of an Egyptian proposal that included “far-reaching” conclusions that Israel could not accept.

2. Israel Says It Controls Key Gaza Crossing As Ceasefire Talks To Resume – BBC

The Israel Defense Forces says it has “operational control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing,” according to an official. The announcement follows what the IDF said were “targeted strikes” against Hamas in eastern Rafah.

Talks are to resume in Cairo after Hamas said it would accept a deal drawn up by Egyptian mediators. However, Israel rejected it as “far from meeting” its “core demands.”

It is not clear exactly what Hamas has agreed to, but the proposal is thought to include the release of hostages and the return of displaced Palestinians within Gaza. Israel’s war cabinet voted to continue operations but is sending a delegation to indirect talks in Cairo.

3. Israel Warns Gazans To Evacuate Eastern Rafah As Concerns Of Imminent Assault Grow – Al Arabiya

The looming operation in the city — where more than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering and a high number of deaths is feared — has raised global alarm, and Israel’s closest allies have warned against it.

On Monday, the United Nations agency serving Palestinian refugees said it would not comply with the evacuation order.

Hamas and key mediator Qatar have warned that invading Rafah — along the border with Egypt — could derail efforts by international mediators to broker a cease-fire.

4. Saudi Arabia Warns Against Rafah Invasion, Denounces Israeli ‘War Machine’ – Al Arabiya

The deliberate targeting of civilian areas such as Rafah is a flagrant violation of international law and human rights principles, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia called Israel out for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and limiting international peace efforts through its actions.

5. Perception Vs. Reality: Misconceptions Persist As Americans Falsely Believe Israel Is Committing Genocide In Gaza – tippinsights

Americans must distinguish propaganda from reality with clear and reliable data from trusted sources.

6. Russia Announces Nuclear Weapon Drills After ‘Provocative’ Western Threats – Al Jazeera

The Kremlin said the military exercises ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin were in response to statements by Western and NATO-member countries about sending troops into Ukraine.

They will include practice for the preparation and deployment of nonstrategic nuclear weapons intended to “increase the readiness … to fulfill combat tasks” after “provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials,” the Ministry of Defence said.

7. U.S., UK, Most EU Nations To Boycott Putin Inauguration – Al Jazeera

Russia’s Vladimir Putin will be sworn in for a fifth term as president in a ceremony at the Kremlin on Tuesday.

“We will not have a representative at his inauguration,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters. The United Kingdom and Canada said they would not send anyone to the ceremony, while a spokesperson for the European Union said the bloc’s ambassador to Russia would not attend the inauguration, in keeping with the position of most of the EU’s member states.

8. U.S. Soldier Detained In Russia Named, Placed In Custody Until July 2 – Current Time

A court in the Russian city of Vladivostok has ordered the arrest of U.S. Staff Sergeant Gordon Black and sent him to pretrial detention until at least July 2, court spokeswoman Yelena Oleneva said.

Black was charged with “theft causing significant damage to a citizen,” Kommersant reported, citing Oleneva. The maximum penalty for the charge is five years in prison.

Western media had earlier reported that a U.S. soldier had been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing after traveling there from South Korea, where he was stationed, without informing his superiors, adding to a list of Americans being detained by Moscow amid deteriorating relations with Washington.

9. Germany Recalls Envoy To Russia Over Cyberattack – D.W.

Germany has temporarily recalled its ambassador to Moscow after members of the ruling party were targeted in what Berlin said was a state-sponsored Russian cyberattack.

In line with protocol, a spokesperson said Ambassador Alexander Graf Lambsdorff is to return to Berlin on a temporary basis.

The spokesperson said the German government takes the cyberattack “very seriously,” considering it an action “against our liberal democracy.”

10. China’s Next Defense Buildup: Mandatory Military Training For Students – Nikkei Asia

China wants to promote awareness of national defense in children as young as elementary school under proposed legislation requiring military training at high schools and universities.

Draft revisions to the National Defense Education Law aim to teach all members of society the “theory, knowledge and skills associated with national defense.” Proposed legislation also seeks to spread awareness of defending the homeland.

11. Chinese-Made Surveillance Cameras Are Spreading Across Eastern Europe, Despite Security Concerns – RFE/RL

An RFE/RL survey reveals the growing use of Chinese-made cameras in countries that are either EU and NATO members or aspiring to join and where budget-conscious governments are increasingly turning to affordable and state-subsidized Chinese companies.

Dahua and Hikvision—two partially state-owned Chinese companies that are among the world’s leading providers of closed-circuit television and surveillance systems—dominated markets in Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Georgia.

12. UK Armed Forces Data Exposed In Suspected Chinese Cyberattack: Report – NDTV

According to Sky News reports, the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been targeted by a large-scale data breach. Sensitive information belonging to service personnel and veterans, potentially including names and bank details, is believed to have been compromised.

Sky News, citing investigative sources, reports that China is suspected to be behind the cyberattack. The targeted system, separate from the MoD’s main computer network, has been shut down for investigation and review.

13. BYD Americas CEO Says EV Maker Is Not TikTok Or Huawei – Nikkei Asia

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD differs from TikTok and Huawei and should not be blocked from doing business in the U.S., CEO of BYD Americas Stella Li argued at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference.

Speaking at the annual event, Li said geopolitics has “a big impact” on the Chinese EV maker and the electric vehicle market in general and that “it is not fair” to automatically associate a Chinese company with the Chinese government.

14. ’Unacceptable’: Australian PM Criticises China Over Fighter Jet Incident – Al Jazeera

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Beijing of “unacceptable” conduct after reports a Chinese fighter jet fired flares in the flight path of an Australian navy helicopter over international waters.

The MH60R Seahawk helicopter was flying above the Yellow Sea on Saturday as part of the United Nations’s efforts to enforce sanctions on North Korea when a Chinese Air Force J-10 jet dropped flares above several hundred feet ahead of it, Australia’s Department of Defence said.

15. China’s Xi, France’s Macron Urge ‘Political Settlement’ Of Iran Nuclear Issue: Report – Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a political settlement of the Iran nuclear issue in a joint statement published by Chinese state media.

The leaders also called for the “concrete implementation” of a two-state solution in Israel and “condemned” Israel’s policy of settlement-building in the West Bank.

16. Iranian Cyberpolice To Ratchet Up Crackdown On Social Media Critics – RFE/RL

Iran’s cyber police are launching a plan to combat “moral and social crimes that violate Islamic, social, and cultural norms in cyberspace,” in another sign of the curbing of freedoms by authorities following a renewed crackdown on the wearing of headscarves and the blocking of several social media sites.

According to the semiofficial ISNA news agency, cyber police chief Vahid Majid outlined the new measures targeting online activities, including “obscene live streaming, vulgar content production, and modeling.”

17. EU To Drop Action Against Poland On ‘Rule Of Law’ Concerns – D.W.

The European Union launched proceedings in 2017 over concerns that an overhaul of Poland’s judiciary under the previous government represented a “clear risk” to the rule of law.

The new centrist government in Warsaw had launched a series of legislative and non-legislative measures to address concerns about the justice system’s independence. According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the bloc’s executive arm no longer believes there is a risk to the rule of law in Poland.

18. Biden’s Labeling Of Japan As Xenophobic “Regrettable,” Gov’t Spokesman Says – Kyodo News

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tokyo had told Washington that Biden’s remarks, made last week at an election fundraising event, were not based on an accurate understanding of Japan’s immigration policy.

Hayashi said at a press conference that Japan believes Biden did not intend to hurt bilateral relations. The president referred to immigrants to explain their important role in creating economic growth in the United States.

Related: Biden’s ‘Foot-In-Mouth’ Xenophobic Comments Demonstrate Ignorance About The World

19. Olive Oil Could Help Reduce Risk Of Dying From Dementia, Harvard Study Says – UPI Health

“Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and contains compounds with antioxidant activity that may play a protective role for the brain,” the study’s lead author, Anne-Julie Tessier, research associate at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, says.

Adults who consumed at least 7 grams of olive oil per day, or half of one tablespoon, had a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death compared with those who never or rarely ingested olive oil.

Republished with permission from TIPP Insights