The US vice-president still dreams of succeeding Trump in 2028. No wonder he’s desperate to distance himself from the price rises caused by the war with Iran
Bombing little kids in the Middle East? Whatever. Immigration agents killing US civilians in the street and terrorising local communities? Meh. The Epstein files still not being released in full? Annoying, but there’s probably an explanation. Gas prices blowing past $4 a gallon (80p a litre) because of the war on Iran? An outrage!
There are a lot of things that Maga can forgive the dear leader for, but high fuel prices? In a country addicted to cheap energy, that’s a red line. A month into the reckless and unconscionable war on Iran, Donald Trump’s popularity is sinking. According to a national poll by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the president’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, the lowest during his second term. His base is still behind him, but if gas prices keep rising, along with the cost of everything else, even it could turn.
The assault on freedom with Mehdi Hasan and Arwa Mahdawi
On Monday 8 June, join Mehdi Hasan and Arwa Mahdawi to discuss the current seismic changes in geopolitics, the alarming rise of populism and nationalism, and its global implications. Live in London and livestreamed worldwide. Book tickets here or at guardian.live