Americans grade President Biden’s handling of the war in Israel: 'Do better'
Americans weighed in on President Biden's response to the escalating war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas following his Oval Office address.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Americans graded President Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war with one saying "he’s doing the best he can," while another said "he’s presenting the United States as weak."
"I think it’s a very difficult situation no matter which way you go," Glenn said from Nashville's famous Broadway street, giving Biden a B or B-minus. "I think so far it’s a measured response which is probably appropriate given what’s going on over all."
However, Chris told Fox News the president was handling the escalating conflict "terribly" and gave him an F.
"You didn’t have a response for three days, and now you’re a babbling idiot trying to talk about what’s going on over there and you have no idea what those people are suffering through," he said. "You’re trying to empathize with them instead of actually giving them the help they need."
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Israel has entered its third week of war against Hamas after the terrorist group fired thousands of rockets at residential areas and infiltrated the country on Oct. 7, killing soldiers and civilians alike. Israel's military continues a retaliatory air assault on Hamas in Gaza, brining the death toll across both sides to at least 5,700.
Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office Thursday night — a day after visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv — to reiterate the United States' commitment to supporting its allies involved in conflicts abroad and to announce a $105 billion funding request for Israel and Ukraine in order to "fund America’s national security needs."
In his Oval Office address Thursday, President Biden requested $105 billion of funding primarily for Ukraine and Israel in order to "fund America’s national security needs." (Jonathan Ernst - Pool/Getty Images)
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"He’s handling it, but I think it could be handled a little better — like everything with President Biden," Darren, who gave Biden a D, said. "He’s not too responsible with a lot of things. I think he’s not as stern and as firm as what President Trump was, and I think the country’s failing because of it."
"I just think that he needs to put up a little bit of a stronger front than what he is," he added. "Personally, to me, he seems like he’s presenting the United States as weak and not trying to be the strong power that we are."
Tim also gave the president a D and said "he needs to do better."
"Israel has been on our side, and we've been on their side forever, and it needs to stay that way," he said. "We need to protect our allies."
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But Kerry said she "doesn’t have any issues with the response" so far, and gave the president a B-plus.
"I like that they’re trying to send money out there. I think he’s doing what he should at this point," she told Fox News. "I don’t feel like America is weak at all at this point. I think were doing what we need to do as far as our allies go."
Some criticized the distribution of funds in the Biden administration’s aid request, which included $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel and $9 billion for humanitarian aid in both nations and Gaza.
"Help the Israelis," Chris said. "I think we’ve given all the help we need to the Ukrainians."
Rob agreed that the U.S. "needs to get out of Ukraine."
"I think we should be supporting Israel, I have no problem with that," he told Fox News. "But Ukraine is juts a bottomless pit that is milking us dry just like Iraq did."
However, Kerry said: "I think Ukraine should stay at the top of our list. Russia at this point is something we definitely need to keep our eye on."
Fox News' Ramiro Vargas contributed to the accompanying video.