By DARLENE SUPERVILLE and COLLIN BINKLEY (Associated Press)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Joe Biden stated on Monday that over 30 million borrowers would experience “life-changing” relief from his new plan to reduce their student loan debt burdens, a new effort by the Democratic president to fulfill a campaign promise that could improve his standing with younger voters.
He explained the plan, which has been in progress for months, during a visit to Wisconsin, one of a few key states that could decide the result of Biden’s likely November rematch with Donald Trump, the expected Republican nominee.
Biden said he aimed to “give everyone a fair chance” and the “freedom to pursue their dreams” as he expressed concern about the increasing cost of higher education.
“Even when they work hard and pay their student loans, their debt grows instead of reducing,” he said. “Too many people feel the pressure and worry, questioning if they can marry, have their first child, start a family, because even if they get by, they still have this overwhelming, overwhelming debt.”
Biden’s visit, which included a visit to a Chicago fundraiser on the way back to Washington, comes a week after primary voting in Wisconsin revealed political vulnerabilities for him as he prepares for the general election.
Over 48,000 Democratic voters selected “uninstructed” instead of Biden, more than double his slim victory margin in the state in 2020.
Trump also experienced a significant number of defections during the state’s primary, with nearly 119,000 Republicans voting for someone other than him.
But Biden’s results, which mirrored similar protest votes in states like Michigan and Minnesota, have worried Democrats who are eager to strengthen the coalition that propelled him into the White House in the first place.
An important division has been the Israel-Hamas war. Younger voters are more likely to disapprove of Biden’s ongoing support for Israel’s military operation in Gaza, which has led to significant casualties among Palestinian civilians.
Worries about the war have spread throughout the Madison area, according to Democratic Rep Mark Pocan, who represents the city. Pocan said he was “surprised to see the intensity on the issue” from voters of all ages, and he wanted Biden to be informed.
“I just want to ensure he knows that if we’re going to have an issue, that could be the issue in Wisconsin,” Pocan said.
Some young voters have been impatient with Biden’s efforts to eliminate student loan debt. The Supreme Court l