Biden’s Support From Progressives at Risk Over Border Bill and Israel

WASHINGTON—Four years ago, when President Biden clinched the Democratic nomination, he aggressively courted progressives, forming an alliance that helped propel him to the White House and has largely stayed intact. Now, deep cracks between him and the left are emerging that threaten his chances of re-election in 2024.

The president’s handling of the war in Gaza has strained his relationship with progressives over the last three months. His push for a bipartisan plan that would severely restrict migration at the southern border has further jeopardized his standing with the constituency, which includes young voters and minority voters.

The Biden team is counting on the president’s ability to reassemble the 2020 coalition, meaning he needs to maintain his level of backing from progressives. For some on the left, however, the extent of his support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas and his recent backing of the border-policy overhaul, including his push for restricting asylum in a way that breaks a core campaign promise, might be too much to overcome.

Several progressive advocates and lawmakers say they feel the president is now taking them for granted.

“A lot of people in our base are feeling really hesitant about supporting Joe Biden," said Stevie O’Hanlon, spokesperson for climate-focused youth group Sunrise Movement. “Joe Biden needs the young generation in order to win and that is going to require him doing a lot on climate, on Gaza, on immigration, to try and regain trust that’s been broken."

A recent NBC News poll found 15% of voters under 35 approved of Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war and 70% disapproved. The poll found Biden’s approval rating overall to be the lowest of his presidency; additionally, the