Actress Lucy Liu took the stage in the Rose Garden of the White House on May 13, 2024, to speak during an event celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This event, attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, underscored the administration’s commitment to these communities. The celebration was visually documented by photographer Win McNamee, whose work added a significant touch to the event.
However, amidst these celebrations, a new survey indicates a troubling trend for President Biden. According to a report by Axios News on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Biden is experiencing a decline in support from Asian American voters, one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in the nation. This decline comes at a critical time as Biden prepares for a likely rematch with former President Donald Trump.
Declining Support Among Asian American Voters
The Asian American Voter Survey reveals that less than half (46%) of Asian American voters are likely to support Biden in the upcoming election, marking an eight-percentage-point decrease from the previous presidential election. Conversely, 31% of respondents indicated they would likely vote for Trump, a slight increase from 2020. Additionally, 5% expressed a preference for another candidate, up from 1% in the last election cycle.
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This drop in support could have significant implications for Biden, who is already facing challenges from various voter coalitions. The survey’s timing is notable as it precedes Biden’s poorly received debate performance, which has led to calls from some Democrats for him to step aside in the upcoming election.
Key Findings and Implications
Despite the dip in support for Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris still maintains a favorable opinion among 43% of Asian American voters. Harris is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at a presidential town hall hosted by APIAVote in Philadelphia, highlighting her continued engagement with this community.
The survey also indicates that while support for Biden is waning, Asian American voters still show a preference for Democratic candidates in other areas. For instance, 51% favor Democratic candidates for the House compared to 30% for Republicans, and a similar preference is observed for the Senate.
Primary Concerns of Asian American Voters
The survey, conducted by APIAVote, AAPI Data, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, and AARP, highlights the primary concerns of Asian American voters. Jobs and the economy top the list, with 86% of respondents marking them as important, closely followed by inflation and healthcare at 85%, and crime and education both at 80%. Immigration, while still a concern, barely makes the top ten issues.
Karthick Ramakrishnan, executive director of AAPI Data, noted that the decline in Biden’s support seems to be primarily driven by concerns over inflation and the economy. He warned that this decreased enthusiasm among Asian American Democrats and Independents could pose significant challenges for Biden in crucial swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, and Georgia.
Christine Chen, executive director of APIA Vote, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the lack of motivation among Asian American voters as a warning sign for the Biden campaign.
Survey Methodology
The 2024 Asian American Voter Survey was conducted from April 4 to May 26 by APIAVote, AAPI Data, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and AARP. The survey’s methodology involved a nationally representative probability sample of 2,479 Asian American and Pacific Islander adults aged 18 or older. It utilized mixed modes of data collection, including online panels and telephone interviews, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse representation of the community. The survey’s margin of sampling error is ± 2.7 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, providing a reliable snapshot of the current political sentiments within this important voter bloc.
Conclusion
The survey results suggest that while Asian Americans continue to support Democratic policies, particularly around climate change and abortion, Biden’s personal brand appears to be suffering. This shift is not only observed among Asian Americans but also among Latino voters, indicating a broader trend. As the 2024 election approaches, Biden faces significant challenges in regaining the support of these crucial voter groups.
