Biden's Criticism of Russia Also Sways Republican Opinion

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[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Since last August, U.S. President Joe Biden's approval rating, which had been on a downward trend and recently hit its lowest level during his term, has surged. Analysts say this is due to his tough stance against Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, winning support not only from independents but also from Republican voters.

On the 5th (local time), the U.S. economic media Forbes reported, "President Biden's approval rating showed an unusual surge after his State of the Union address on the 2nd." According to a survey conducted by U.S. public broadcaster NPR from the 1st to 2nd among 1,322 adults, Biden's approval rating was 47%, up 8% from a survey conducted just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

By party affiliation, approval ratings were 90% for Democrats, 39% for independents, and 10% for Republicans. Notably, the double-digit approval rating among Republican supporters was recorded for the first time in eight months since July last year (11%). Forbes stated, "The overall increase in approval ratings is thanks to Democrats and independents, but Republican approval also jumped from 6% to 10% in one week."

It is analyzed that Biden's tough stance against Russia was effective. The U.S. excluded Russia from the international financial messaging system SWIFT and imposed export controls targeting Russian oil companies, which are key financial sources for Russia.

Among all respondents, a whopping 83% supported economic sanctions against Russia, with 8 out of 10 Republicans sharing the same view. Additionally, 69% supported sanctions even if energy prices rise. Among Republicans, 60% supported Biden's hardline approach toward Russia.

CNN reported, "President Biden, leading the international coalition against Russia, rejects U.S. military action but counters with harsh economic sanctions," adding, "This approach has received positive evaluations not only from Democrats but also from Republicans."

It is expected that the surge in Biden's approval rating is not a temporary phenomenon following the State of the Union address. Domestically, the economy, which had been suffering from the worst inflation in 40 years, is showing signs of recovery, and COVID-19 is also subsiding.

CNN stated, "The unemployment rate is currently 3.8%, the lowest in two years," and "Last month alone, 678,000 jobs were added. The U.S. economy is clearly moving rapidly in the right direction."

Regarding COVID-19, CNN said, "The average daily number of patients has decreased by about 55,000, and many states are lifting indoor mask mandates," adding, "Returning to normal seems like a more achievable goal than expected."

CNN explained, "Despite voter partisanship solidifying through the Obama and Trump administrations, President Biden's approval rating surged regardless of party affiliation," indicating "there remains flexibility for opinions on President Biden to change depending on the issue."

However, despite widespread support for Biden's "tough stance on Russia," 78% of respondents expressed concerns about possible Russian cyberattacks against the U.S. or the outbreak of war in Europe. Additionally, 70% said they fear such conflicts could escalate into nuclear war.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.