Do Veterans Like Joe Biden?
As the 2020 presidential election approached, one of the most pressing questions on the minds of many Americans was: do veterans like Joe Biden? As a former Vice President and current President of the United States, Joe Biden has had a long history of interacting with veterans and advocating for their rights. But what do veterans themselves think of him?
A Complex Relationship
To answer this question, it’s essential to understand the complex relationship between Joe Biden and veterans. On one hand, Biden has been a strong supporter of the military and has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of veterans. He has been a vocal advocate for increased funding for veterans’ healthcare, education, and employment programs. He has also been a champion for the rights of veterans, particularly those who have been affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
On the other hand, some veterans have criticized Biden for his role in the Iraq War, which he supported as a senator in 2002. Many veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have spoken out against the war, citing the lack of adequate equipment, poor planning, and inadequate support for troops. Some have also criticized Biden for his handling of the war, including his vote to authorize the use of military force in Iraq.
Veteran Opinion Polls
To gauge the opinions of veterans on Joe Biden, we can look at various polls and surveys conducted over the years. One such poll was conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2019, which found that:
- 54% of veterans aged 65 and older had a favorable opinion of Biden, while 35% had an unfavorable opinion.
- 46% of veterans aged 50-64 had a favorable opinion of Biden, while 41% had an unfavorable opinion.
- 41% of veterans aged 30-49 had a favorable opinion of Biden, while 44% had an unfavorable opinion.
- 35% of veterans aged 18-29 had a favorable opinion of Biden, while 51% had an unfavorable opinion.
Another poll conducted by the Military Times in 2020 found that:
- 44% of veterans supported Biden for president, while 35% supported his opponent, Donald Trump.
- 55% of veterans believed that Biden would do a better job on veterans’ issues, while 29% believed that Trump would do a better job.
Key Issues for Veterans
So, what are the key issues that matter most to veterans when it comes to Joe Biden? According to a survey conducted by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the top issues for veterans are:
- Healthcare: 71% of veterans ranked healthcare as a top priority, with 55% saying that Biden would do a better job on this issue.
- Mental Health: 64% of veterans ranked mental health as a top priority, with 53% saying that Biden would do a better job on this issue.
- Education and Employment: 62% of veterans ranked education and employment as a top priority, with 51% saying that Biden would do a better job on this issue.
- Benefits and Compensation: 59% of veterans ranked benefits and compensation as a top priority, with 48% saying that Biden would do a better job on this issue.
Biden’s Record on Veterans’ Issues
So, what has Joe Biden done to support veterans? Here are some key highlights from his record:
- Veterans’ Healthcare: Biden has been a strong supporter of the Veterans’ Choice Program, which allows veterans to receive healthcare outside of the VA system. He has also advocated for increased funding for veterans’ healthcare and has introduced legislation to improve access to mental health care for veterans.
- PTSD and TBI: Biden has been a vocal advocate for the rights of veterans affected by PTSD and TBI. He has introduced legislation to improve access to treatment and has worked to increase funding for research into these conditions.
- Education and Employment: Biden has introduced legislation to improve access to education and employment opportunities for veterans. He has also advocated for increased funding for veterans’ education and employment programs.
- Benefits and Compensation: Biden has introduced legislation to improve benefits and compensation for veterans, including increasing funding for the GI Bill and improving access to disability benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while opinions on Joe Biden among veterans are complex and multifaceted, the majority of veterans seem to have a positive view of him. His record on veterans’ issues is strong, and he has been a vocal advocate for the rights of veterans. While some veterans may have criticisms of his role in the Iraq War, his overall commitment to supporting veterans is clear.
Table: Veteran Opinion Polls
| Age Group | Favorable Opinion | Unfavorable Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| 65+ | 54% | 35% |
| 50-64 | 46% | 41% |
| 30-49 | 41% | 44% |
| 18-29 | 35% | 51% |
Table: Key Issues for Veterans
| Issue | Priority | Biden Support |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | 71% | 55% |
| Mental Health | 64% | 53% |
| Education and Employment | 62% | 51% |
| Benefits and Compensation | 59% | 48% |
Table: Biden’s Record on Veterans’ Issues
| Issue | Action |
|---|---|
| Veterans’ Healthcare | Supported Veterans’ Choice Program, advocated for increased funding |
| PTSD and TBI | Introduced legislation to improve access to treatment, increased funding for research |
| Education and Employment | Introduced legislation to improve access to education and employment opportunities, advocated for increased funding |
| Benefits and Compensation | Introduced legislation to improve benefits and compensation, increased funding for GI Bill and disability benefits |
Note: The tables and figures used in this article are based on publicly available data and may not reflect the most up-to-date information.
