The approval ratings of President Joe Biden among young Americans have been a topic of interest since his inauguration in 2021. According to the latest Harvard Youth Poll conducted from March 13-22, 2023, only 38% of registered voters aged 18 to 29 approve of his performance. This figure shows a decline of three points since last fall and five points since last spring.
The poll also reveals that young Democrats are more supportive of the president than young Republicans, with 64% of them expressing their approval. The survey also asked young Americans about their approval of Biden’s handling of specific issues and their safety concerns. These findings provide insights into the opinions of young Americans on the performance of the current administration as President Biden considers running for re-election in 2024.
Approval Rating of President Biden
The results of the Harvard Youth Poll, conducted between March 13-22, 2023, with 2,069 registered voters in the US aged 18 to 29, indicate a decline in approval of President Biden’s performance.
Only 38 percent of young Americans approve of his performance, which is a three-point and five-point drop since last fall and spring. Young Democrats express greater approval of his performance, with 64 percent approving, compared to only 6 percent of young Republicans. Among independent or unaffiliated young voters, 30 percent approve of President Biden’s performance.
Approval Rating on Specific Issues
The survey also inquired about young Americans’ views on specific issues and found that approximately 28 percent approve of President Biden’s management of the economy, and 22 percent approve of his handling of inflation. Around 38 percent of respondents approve of his management of race relations, while 37 percent approve of his approach to the war in Ukraine.
Concerns about Safety
A significant proportion of young Americans have reported feeling unsafe in the past month, with 48 percent indicating such feelings. The poll also found that 53 percent of female college students are concerned about the possibility of being a victim of a mass shooting, while 49 percent expressed similar fears regarding sexual assault. In terms of the administration’s handling of gun violence, only 27 percent of respondents approve of President Biden’s efforts. However, 40 percent of young Americans expressed concerns about the possibility of being victims of gun violence or a mass shooting.
Poll Finds Only 38 Percent of Young Americans Approve of Biden’s Performance
According to the latest Harvard Youth Poll released by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, only 38% of registered voters aged 18 to 29 approve of President Biden’s performance. The figure shows a decline of three points since last fall and five points since last spring. The poll also revealed that young Democrats are more supportive of the president, with 64% approving, while only 6% of Republicans approve of his performance, and 30% of independent voters approve.
Approval Ratings by Issue
On the economy and inflation, Biden’s approval ratings among young Americans stand at 28% and 22%, respectively. Meanwhile, the president’s handling of race relations and the war in Ukraine has an approval rating of 38% and 37%, respectively. On gun violence, 27% of those surveyed approve of Biden’s performance, while 40% expressed concern about being a victim of gun violence or a mass shooting.
Biden Expected to Seek Reelection Amid Age Concerns
The poll comes as President Biden is expected to announce his bid for re-election in 2024, raising concerns about his age. The 81-year-old president will be the oldest president to run for re-election if he decides to do so.
In conclusion, the Harvard Youth Poll reveals that President Biden’s approval ratings among young Americans have declined since last year, with only 38% of young voters approving of his performance. The poll also highlights concerns about specific issues such as the economy, inflation, race relations, and gun violence. Additionally, the poll underscores concerns about safety among young Americans, particularly among female college students. As President Biden contemplates his re-election bid, age concerns may also play a role in the election.
