
As President Biden’s term concludes, a new poll reveals a divided nation’s assessment of his leadership, with many viewing his presidency as a failure.
At a Glance
- 44% of voters believe history will view President Biden as a failed president
- Only 21% think 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 Biden’s biggest failures
- Donald Trump returns to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in 2024
Biden’s Legacy: A Mixed Bag of Perceptions
A recent USA Today/Suffolk University poll paints a sobering picture of President Joe Biden’s tenure as he prepares to leave office. The survey reveals that a significant portion of the American public holds a negative view of his presidency, with 44% of respondents labeling it as a failure. This stark assessment comes as Biden faces criticism over his handling of key issues such as immigration and foreign policy.
This is one heck of a legacy he’s leaving…
The poll, which surveyed 1,000 registered voters, found that only 21% of Americans believe Biden will be remembered as a good president. This low approval rating is further compounded by the fact that 54% of respondents disapprove of his overall performance. These numbers suggest a significant challenge for the Democratic Party as they look towards future elections and attempt to rebuild trust among voters.
Challenges and Accomplishments
Throughout his term, President Biden faced numerous challenges that have contributed to his low approval ratings. The botched withdrawal from Afghanistan and persistent inflationary pressures have been particularly damaging to public perception. Over 30% of respondents identified immigration handling as Biden’s biggest failure, while 20% cited the Afghanistan withdrawal.
“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,” political scientist Thomas Gift said.
Despite these setbacks, Biden’s administration did achieve some notable successes. Nearly a quarter of respondents were undecided on Biden’s biggest achievement, but 19% cited infrastructure investment, and 10% mentioned COVID-19 pandemic management. Other accomplishments include reinvigorating NATO and passing a major infrastructure bill.
Economic dissatisfaction also remains a significant factor in the public’s assessment of Biden’s presidency. Many Americans feel worse off financially under Biden compared to the end of previous administrations. This economic anxiety has contributed to a widespread sense of disappointment, particularly among younger and minority voters who feel that Biden failed to deliver on his campaign promises.
From the economy to the border, Biden has gotten basically nothing right, has he?