USA (Washington Insider Magazine)—As the 2024 election looms, young voters across the U.S. are expressing skepticism about re-electing President Joe Biden, including Jayden Camarena in Northern California, who’s questioning his participation, and Evan McKenzie in Wisconsin, seeking alternatives. Former Biden supporters feel their expectations remain unmet in areas like climate action, student loan reform, and reproductive rights.
A poll from NBC News highlights Biden’s decline among voters under 35, especially concerning his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. McKenzie, a young union organizer, now feels disillusioned, remarking, “I couldn’t live with myself if I supported someone with Biden’s record.” His frustrations echo those of others, including Pru Carmichael of Philadelphia, who doubts Biden’s policies will meaningfully affect her future.
Political analysts, such as Ashley Aylward of HIT Strategies, note that Biden’s waning appeal among younger voters indicates the Democratic Party’s need to engage them substantively. While polling is only a snapshot, it signals that Biden’s campaign must intensify outreach to bridge the gap with this crucial voter base.
Youth support has historically been decisive. In 2020, Biden carried this demographic by over 20 points against Trump, largely based on promises that many young voters feel are unfulfilled. McKenzie, who rallied his peers to vote Biden in 2020, now urges the Democratic Party to “earn our vote,” warning that overlooking young voters could have lasting consequences.
