Recent polling data reveals a shift in the sentiments of Jewish voters towards U.S. President Joe Biden. The American Jewish Committee conducted an online survey earlier this year, seeking opinions on the country’s current state and the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.
Results from a survey conducted between March 12 and April 6 indicated that only 61% of Jewish voters would support Biden in a present-day election. In contrast, just 23% showed a preference for Donald Trump as the presumed Republican nominee, while 10% indicated a willingness to vote for other candidates.
In the 2020 election, a majority of 75% of Jewish respondents planned to vote for Biden, with 22% supporting Trump. Fast forward to the recent survey, which showed a noticeable 14% decline in support for Biden among Jewish voters over the past four years.
Criticism towards Biden escalated among some Jewish communities following his response to the survey, coinciding with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. During the recent hostilities, Biden’s administration paused arms shipments to Israel ahead of an operation planned for Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quoted saying, “If we have to stand alone, we will. We have more fingernails than Biden.”
The move by Biden’s administration drew criticism from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, stating that delaying arms transfers was dangerous and asserting the need for steadfast support for Israel in its fight against Hamas. Former President Trump also weighed in, accusing Biden of losing control over Israel amidst the conflict.
Trump’s remarks even extended to Jewish voters, suggesting scrutiny on any Jewish voter supporting a Democratic candidate or Biden. This instance showcases how political decisions can resonate and influence various voter groups, including Jewish communities in the U.S.