You get the impression a large majority of the American people think Joe Biden lit a dumpster fire on his way into the Oval Office. At least that’s the biggest takeaway from the most recent American Pulse survey of likely voters, which identifies growing concerns regarding global crises.
In the poll, 55.2 percent of likely voters say the world is less safe now, with 44.7 percent feeling it is “Much Less Safe” since Biden took office.
Among the crucial “independent” voter demographic, 65.3 percent share this belief, underscoring the widespread feeling that the world is on fire.
This sense of unease is getting a little too close to home, as showcased in the stunning disapproval of Biden’s handling of the U.S. southern border, where 62.2 percent of voters, including 78.2 percent of independents, express dissatisfaction.
In particular, this intense apprehension about the state of border security is amplified by the fact that 64.6 percent, nearly two-thirds of voters, are concerned that the southern border is vulnerable to being exploited by China, drug cartels and terrorists. This concern is acutely felt across demographic lines, including 84.1 percent of Republicans, 74.3 percent of independents, and 44.9 percent of Democrats.
The border crisis is a rare issue that unites Americans across the political spectrum, signaling a mandate for stronger border security and that Americans have linked problems at the border to other issues at home and abroad. Biden would get a lot of credit and win over many people if he boldly and decisively secured the border. Securing the border could secure his re-election. One wonders why he won’t take this easy win. What does he gain by not doing so?
And while blue-city mayors are crushed by the border policy, the stakes continue to build.
After the brutal October 7 attack on Israel, the survey reveals a shocked American public and their disgust at what they see as blatant anti-Semitism on college campuses. A solid majority, 56.7 percent, agree that institutions of higher education are “breeding grounds for anti-Semitism.” This concern is shared by 77 percent of Republicans and 65.9 percent of independents. Only a surprising 35.6 percent of Democrats agree.
However, the survey does reveal strong support for Israel at 75.4 percent. Yet, it highlights a generational divide: only 49.4 percent of those under 35 show support, compared to 88.4 percent of those over 65, the strongest group support for Israel.
While the survey’s findings on the 2024 presidential election paint a picture of a divided electorate, the race is being shaped by these real-world events. Former president Donald Trump now leads his primary with 61 percent support and 69.8 percent saying he is effectively the nominee. At the same time, President Biden faces uncertainty within his party. Only 35.9 percent of Democratic primary voters say they “definitely” want Biden to be their nominee, with 35.2 percent wanting another candidate.
In the general election, the race is a dead heat, with Trump slightly leading Biden, whether or not Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is included on the ballot.
The issue mix couldn’t be better for Trump. Despite the opposition Trump faced building the border wall, people knew he meant business. Additionally, a notable cross-party consensus (80.2 percent) emerges on the perception of a “double standard in the legal and justice system,” which, unfortunately, is taking center stage in the coming election.
Furthermore, even Trump’s foreign policy wins are recognized, with 67.3 percent approving the Abraham Accords. And on critical kitchen table issues, Biden’s overall job disapproval of 52.6 percent tracks closely with the 53.5 percent disapproval of his handling of the economy.
Overall, the numbers indicate a nation worried about the future. While a plurality of Americans approve of Biden’s handling of Ukraine and Israel, a significant majority are critical of his economic leadership and strongly disapprove of his border policies — their primary national security concern. This pronounced disapproval, combined with an increased sense of global danger under Biden, places America at a crossroads, seeking a secure and prosperous path forward.
