Growing Concerns Among Young Voters About Biden's Stance on Israel

The upcoming 2024 presidential election is expected to be highly divisive, with President Joe Biden's unwavering support of Israel in the midst of the Gaza conflict causing some of his key supporters, particularly younger voters, to question their allegiance. Abdul Osmanu, a 22-year-old voter from Connecticut, expressed uncertainty about voting for Biden again due to his administration's backing of Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Many other young voters share his concerns and are reluctant to see Donald Trump elected again. Osmanu, a Muslim and black man who champions peace, finds it morally challenging to support a president who he believes is aiding the repression of Palestinians. This growing discontent among young Democratic voters concerning Biden's stance on Israel is worrying for the party, as their opposition to his support for Israel's actions could undermine a crucial base of support that he relied on during the 2020 election. Recent polls indicate that voters aged 18-29 are more likely to support the Palestinian cause than Israel. While a majority of registered voters disapprove of Biden's handling of the conflict, young voters are particularly critical. The dissent among young Democrats could stem from their tendency, especially among progressives, to connect the Palestinian statehood cause with the social justice movements taking place within the United States. Despite these divisions, some young voters still believe that Biden is managing the conflict adequately, appreciating his support for Israel while also advocating for humanitarian pauses. Biden's supporters argue that with the 2024 election being nearly a year away, young Democrats would ultimately prioritize the choice between Biden and Trump and find their way back to supporting the president.