Staff Reports
This week's evaluation of the White House performance unfolds against the backdrop of President Joe Biden contemplating further strikes on terrorist targets in Iraq and Syria. These actions are part of an escalating response to an Iran-backed group believed to be responsible for the recent deaths of three U.S. soldiers. While Biden is addressing minority voters at a political event in Los Angeles, concerns about deepening involvement in Middle East conflicts have led pollster John Zogby to give the president a weekly grade of "C plus."
Pollster John Zogby warns against a Biden war ‘people have said they don’t want’ https://t.co/gELmODduIc https://t.co/gELmODduIc
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 4, 2024
Despite these foreign policy challenges, a glimmer of positive news emerges on the economic front. January saw the creation of a substantial 353,000 new jobs, nearly double the economists' predictions. Wages also experienced notable growth, increasing by over half a percent and ending the year with a 4.5% rise, surpassing the 3.2% inflation rate. Even figures like former President Donald Trump's chief economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, and CNBC's Rick Santelli commend the economic progress. The improving economic landscape might eventually capture the attention of voters.
In the midst of this, former President Trump maintains a lead in three 2024 general election polls conducted this week. Despite fluctuating job approval numbers averaging at 41%, Trump seems to be holding ground. Meanwhile, Biden faces challenges in diplomatic endeavors, with Arab-American leaders refusing to meet in Dearborn, Michigan due to concerns about Gaza. This setback adds to criticisms from figures like Jed Babbin, who gives Biden an outright "F" for performance.
Babbin criticizes Biden's handling of the Iranian-backed militia situation in Jordan, suggesting a more direct approach. He also takes issue with Biden's alleged misrepresentation of losing a son in Iraq and questions the use of taxpayer money for illegal immigrants entering the USA. Furthermore, Babbin dismisses Biden's peace efforts in Gaza as unconvincing and ridicules the labeling of Martha's Vineyard as a low-income area.
Biden faces a conservative backlash for his diplomatic and foreign policy decisions, while the economy shows signs of improvement. As the political drama continues to unfold, Biden grapples with criticism on multiple fronts.
