According to Investor’s Business Daily, “President Joe Biden’s approval rating bounced higher over the past month, helped by lower gas prices and a series of legislative wins, a new IBD/TIPP Poll finds. Younger Americans, in particular, rallied around Biden following approval of the climate-focused Inflation Reduction Act and his decision to forgive up to $20,000 in college loans. Biden’s approval rating jumped 6.6 points to 49, the highest since April. … Adults 18-44 now approve of Biden’s handling of the presidency by a 51%-40% margin. Biden’s net approval of 11 points among younger Americans reversed from net disapproval of 11 points in August. At that time, just 40% approved and 51% disapproved of his job performance.”
On the one hand, it is sad that young Americans need to be bribed in order to approve of Biden’s presidency. On the other hand, if debt forgiveness works, then so be it. I have not commented on the college debt forgiveness plan because I am somewhat agnostic on the subject. I have no college loan debt — never did. I paid as I went back when it was actually affordable. I guess my only feeling on the matter is that debts owed should be repaid by their borrowers, but the interest rate on college loans is absurd and, in fact, criminal. These are generally government-back loans with interest rates exceeding mortgage rates. That is a f***ing travesty. These loans should carry zero interest or one percent at most. But no, lenders and bankers need their usury cut.
That being said, if President Biden needs to hand out free money to get the youth vote, then I’m all for it. Whatever it takes to win. I’m not ashamed to admit it. If Democrats need to “buy” votes to save democracy, then so be it. It is a small price to pay in the long run.