Biden Approval Falls to Lowest Level Since April, Finds Poll

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his "Bidenomics" economic agenda and his Investing in America agenda at an Amtrak facility in New Castle County, Delaware, on November 6, 2023. (AFP)
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his "Bidenomics" economic agenda and his Investing in America agenda at an Amtrak facility in New Castle County, Delaware, on November 6, 2023. (AFP)
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Biden Approval Falls to Lowest Level Since April, Finds Poll

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his "Bidenomics" economic agenda and his Investing in America agenda at an Amtrak facility in New Castle County, Delaware, on November 6, 2023. (AFP)
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his "Bidenomics" economic agenda and his Investing in America agenda at an Amtrak facility in New Castle County, Delaware, on November 6, 2023. (AFP)

US President Joe Biden's popularity slipped this month to its lowest level since April, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed, the latest data point raising concerns about the Democrat's re-election bid next year.

The two-day opinion poll, which ended on Saturday, showed 39% of respondents approved of Biden's performance as president, matching April's reading and down marginally from 40% in October and 42% in September. The poll had a margin of error of about three percentage points.

Biden is widely expected to face a November 2024 rematch with former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Other recent polls have pointed to a potentially close race between the two.

The share of poll respondents who rated "war and foreign conflicts" the No. 1 problem rose to 8% in November from 4% in October, a sign of unease over a sharp escalation in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

It was the highest measure of concern about war since April 2022, when 9% of respondents cited it as their top concern during the early months of the Russia-Ukraine war.

A larger share - 20% - said the economy was the top concern. By comparison, 9% cited crime and 7% cited the environment.

Biden's public approval rating has held below 50% since August 2021, and this month's rating was close to the lowest levels of his presidency - 36% - seen in mid-2022.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll gathered responses online from 1,019 adults, using a nationally representative sample.



Pezeshkian Vows to Continue Soleimani’s Path, Urges Unity

HANDOUT - 02 January 2025, Iran, Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony to mark the fifth anniversary of Iran's slain Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. Photo: -/Iranian Presidency/dpa
HANDOUT - 02 January 2025, Iran, Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony to mark the fifth anniversary of Iran's slain Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. Photo: -/Iranian Presidency/dpa
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Pezeshkian Vows to Continue Soleimani’s Path, Urges Unity

HANDOUT - 02 January 2025, Iran, Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony to mark the fifth anniversary of Iran's slain Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. Photo: -/Iranian Presidency/dpa
HANDOUT - 02 January 2025, Iran, Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a ceremony to mark the fifth anniversary of Iran's slain Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. Photo: -/Iranian Presidency/dpa

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pledged to follow the path of General Qassem Soleimani, calling for unity and an end to internal divisions to counter “enemy conspiracies.”

His remarks came on the fifth anniversary of Soleimani’s assassination in a US airstrike ordered by then-President Donald Trump.

At a ceremony held by the Revolutionary Guard in Tehran on Thursday, Pezeshkian praised Soleimani’s work as commander of the Quds Force, the Guard’s foreign arm, and urged Iranians to stand together.

“We must not let the enemies’ plans succeed,” he said in a speech broadcast on state TV.

“Unity and solidarity are the continuation of Soleimani’s mission,” he added.

Pezeshkian claimed Soleimani worked for Islamic unity while enemies tried to exploit divisions.

“The enemy seeks to create rifts among Muslims. We must stop this by serving all people,” he said.

He blamed internal conflicts on selfishness, adding that Soleimani stayed loyal to the Supreme Leader and avoided political factions.

Pezeshkian stressed that unity under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s guidance is key to success and overcoming the country’s challenges.

“We must address these issues,” he said, pledging to work towards justice and a better future for Iran, focusing on progress in industry, science, economy, and technology.

Pezeshkian also criticized Israel, Europe, and the US for killing Soleimani and his companions five years ago.

He did not mention then-President Donald Trump by name but vowed, “We will confront our enemies and push their faces into the dirt.”

His comments came after Khamenei defended Soleimani’s regional strategy, highlighting his efforts to form armed groups and counter US influence in the Middle East.

Khamenei also defended Iran’s role in Syria, arguing that it was part of a broader strategy to strengthen resistance against enemies.

Khamenei’s statements were in response to criticism of Iran’s involvement in Syria, especially after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. He rejected claims that the Iranian bloodshed in Syria had been in vain.

As Trump starts his second term on January 20, questions remain about US-Iran relations, especially regarding Iran's nuclear program, as the country has made significant progress in uranium enrichment.

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian advisor, Abdolali Zadeh, suggested that Iran is ready for direct talks with the US, urging a new foreign policy approach.

“We must engage honestly and defend our national interests,” he said.