The year was 1968, and while students were taking over Hamilton Hall at Columbia University in protest, a young Joe Biden was studying law 250 miles away, just weeks from graduation. Fast forward to today, and President Biden finds himself in a similar situation as students once again occupy the same university building, this time to voice their outrage over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Despite his past as a law student focused on his studies rather than protests, President Biden now faces the challenge of navigating the treacherous waters of campus politics. With protests escalating and tensions rising, the president has sought to walk a careful line, expressing support for free speech rights while condemning antisemitism directed at Jewish students.
As the protests continue to grow, President Biden’s handling of the situation poses political dangers. His standing among young voters has eroded, and the protests could further alienate the left wing of his party and middle-of-the-road swing voters. However, Democratic strategists remain confident that young voters will still turn out for Biden, focusing on issues like abortion rights and the economy.
While Republicans have seized on the protests to criticize Biden, calling for more forceful action, many Democratic politicians have also denounced the protests targeting Jewish students. Some Democrats are calling for President Biden to be more outspoken against the violence and hate speech on campuses.
President Biden’s history with the protest movement of his youth informs his current position, as he remains focused on making change from within the system rather than on the streets. Despite his past views on the Vietnam War, President Biden now faces a new challenge with the current protests, one that he cannot simply ignore.
As the protests continue and tensions rise, President Biden must find a message that resonates with both sides while addressing the concerns of all involved. The coming months will be crucial as the president seeks to navigate the complex landscape of campus politics and maintain support among young voters and the broader electorate.
