Seven months after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, President Joe Biden faces deepening political problems among young voters in the crucial battleground state of Michigan. A recent CNN project, designed to gauge the opinions of voters in key voting blocs, has revealed profound troubles for Biden with this demographic.

University of Michigan graduates Jade Gray and Anushka Jalisatgi, former co-presidents of the campus College Democrats, expressed concern about the state’s political leanings. “Michigan is up for grabs, and I did not think I would be saying this right now,” Gray said, adding that she is “genuinely concerned about which way Michigan will go.”

To get Michigan's votes this fall, Joseph Biden has chosen to be the first American president to betray Israel. pic.twitter.com/YssVk5eQKR

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) May 9, 2024

The pro-Gaza encampment that emerged on campus during the final weeks of the school year has become a defining chapter for many young voters. Jalisatgi emphasized that “Joe Biden has the ability to make sure that there isn’t [an encampment]” and urged the president to call for a cease-fire and listen to student voters across the country.

Younger voters played a critical role in Biden’s 2020 victory in Michigan, with exit polls showing him winning 61% of voters aged 18-29. However, the recent unrest on college campuses has dampened enthusiasm for voting for Biden among this demographic.

Summer Matkin, a Wayne State student, expressed reservations about Biden’s age and his handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict, stating, “I think he has handled everything with Israel and Palestine terribly.” While she still leans toward voting for Biden, Matkin and many of her peers are considering third-party options.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Biden’s ability to regain the support of young voters in Michigan may prove pivotal in securing a second term in the White House.