The US president is losing much-needed support over the war in Gaza, and mainstream Democrats aren’t helping
Joe Biden is facing significant backlash over his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, especially from pro-Palestinian activists. These activists have disrupted his campaign events, expressing their outrage through chants of “Genocide Joe” and calls for a ceasefire. The frustration is mounting, and many progressives are now threatening not to vote for Biden in the upcoming election. Some have even suggested they might vote for Donald Trump instead.
Such a decision would be politically self-destructive. While Trump has consistently demonstrated hostility toward Muslims and Palestinians, Biden has largely supported Israel’s right to defend itself but has also pushed for humanitarian aid and a two-state solution. For voters in this camp, turning to Trump could seem contradictory, but their anger over Gaza remains.
Instead of dismissing these voters as unreasonable, the better response would involve empathy and listening. These activists, although upset, are not mindlessly attacking Biden but are grieving over the devastation they are witnessing in Gaza. The images of dead children and the rising death toll of Palestinians weigh heavily on them, and they feel the US government is complicit, particularly with the financial and military support provided to Israel.
This is a profound emotional and moral dilemma for many progressives. They are confronted with their belief in justice and human rights being at odds with the actions of the administration they had hoped would champion these causes. Biden’s policies in the Middle East, especially regarding Gaza, are alienating voters who are already disillusioned with the status quo.
Mainstream Democrats’ failure to address this growing dissatisfaction is worsening the situation. Many are quick to defend Biden’s stance without fully acknowledging the pain that these progressives are feeling. Their refusal to engage deeply with the concerns of their base risks losing the support of a vital group come election time.
To regain their trust, Biden and the Democratic Party will need to offer more than just lip service. They must show genuine concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work to forge a more balanced approach that reflects the concerns of their constituents. If they do not, Biden risks alienating an important part of his base, and the consequences could be felt in November.
In a deeply divided political landscape, Biden’s support among progressive voters was never guaranteed. However, his approach to Gaza has brought many of these voters to the breaking point, and without a concerted effort to address their concerns, he may find that they are lost for good.
