
President Biden’s legacy faces harsh scrutiny as polls reveal widespread dissatisfaction with his leadership, raising concerns about his place in presidential history.
At a Glance
- 44% of voters consider Biden’s presidency a failure, according to a USA Today/Suffolk University poll.
- Only 21% believe Biden will be remembered as a good president.
- Biden’s approval rating stands at 43% as he leaves office.
- Immigration and the Afghanistan withdrawal are cited as his biggest failures.
- Donald Trump returns to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
Biden’s Presidency: A Legacy of Disappointment?
As President Joe Biden’s term comes to a close, recent polls paint a grim picture of his legacy. A USA Today/Suffolk University poll reveals that 44% of voters believe history will view Biden as a failed president. This sentiment is echoed in other surveys, with a Gallup poll suggesting Biden may be viewed as the worst U.S. president since Richard Nixon, earning a net score of -35.
The public’s perception of Biden’s presidency is notably worse than that of his predecessors. An AP-NORC poll indicates that Biden’s tenure is rated less favorably than those of Donald Trump and Barack Obama. Only about one-quarter of Americans consider Biden a “good” or “great” president, with less than 10% describing him as “great.”
RATING BIDEN: A new Gallup survey found over half, 54%, believe Biden will be remembered as a “below average” (17%) or “poor” (37%) president. https://t.co/9ldPwfja2a
Photo: AP pic.twitter.com/KvPUgSzQyc
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) January 10, 2025
Challenges and Criticisms
Biden’s administration faced numerous challenges that contributed to his low approval ratings. The botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, persistent inflation, and political polarization have all played a role in shaping public opinion. Economic dissatisfaction is particularly prevalent, with concerns over rising costs and Biden’s handling of inflation being major factors.
“While the myriad challenges of this administration, from a disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal to deep-seated inflation, are top of minds for Americans now, more distance from Biden’s tenure will provide a richer appreciation also of its accomplishments.” – Thomas Gift
The poll reveals that over 30% of respondents identified immigration handling as Biden’s biggest failure, with 20% citing the Afghanistan withdrawal. These issues have overshadowed some of his accomplishments, such as reinvigorating NATO, managing the national health crisis, and passing a major infrastructure bill.
Economic Impact and Voter Dissatisfaction
Economic concerns have significantly impacted Biden’s approval ratings. Around 4 in 10 Americans feel worse off financially under Biden compared to the end of Trump’s or Obama’s presidencies. This economic dissatisfaction has led to widespread disappointment among Democrats, particularly younger and minority voters, due to unfulfilled promises.
The polls indicate challenges for the Democratic Party in rebuilding trust and addressing voter dissatisfaction ahead of the 2028 elections. Black and Hispanic voters, in particular, express significant dissatisfaction with Biden, contrasting sharply with their views of Obama.
Trump’s Return and Future Implications
As Biden exits political life, Donald Trump returns to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. The USA Today/Suffolk University poll shows that Trump’s approval ratings have improved significantly since his first term, particularly among independent voters.
Respondents indicated mixed emotions about Trump’s return, with 31% excited and an equal percentage afraid. This polarization reflects the ongoing divide in American politics and sets the stage for a contentious political landscape in the years to come.
Long-Term Perspective on Presidential Legacies
While current polls paint a negative picture of Biden’s presidency, experts suggest that presidential legacies often improve over time. Historical examples like Dwight Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter demonstrate how perceptions can change with the benefit of hindsight.
As the dust settles on Biden’s presidency, only time will tell how history will ultimately judge his tenure. For now, the polls reflect a nation divided and dissatisfied, eagerly watching as a new chapter in American politics unfolds.
Sources:
- Joe Biden Will Be Seen as Worst President Since Richard Nixon: Poll
- Americans Rate Biden Worse Than Trump, Obama as Term Ends: Poll
- Most Americans rate Biden as ‘failed’ or ‘fair’ president: new poll
- Exclusive poll: For Trump, a strengthened hand but skepticism on tax cuts, tariffs