Biden’s Legacy in Question as Polls Reveal Shocking Assessment of His Presidency

Joe Biden

As President Biden’s term concludes, polls reveal a stark assessment of his presidency, with many Americans viewing it as a failure.

At a Glance

  • 44% of voters believe history will view Biden as a failed president.
  • Only 21% think Biden will be historically regarded as a good president.
  • Biden’s approval rating stands at 43% as he leaves office.
  • Immigration and Afghanistan withdrawal cited as Biden’s biggest failures.
  • Donald Trump returns to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in 2024.

Biden’s Presidency: A Mixed Legacy

As President Joe Biden’s term comes to an end, recent polls paint a challenging picture of his presidency. A USA Today/Suffolk University poll indicates that a significant 44% of voters believe history will view Biden as a failed president. This sentiment is echoed across various surveys, suggesting a widespread disappointment with his administration’s performance.

The poll results show that only 21% of respondents believe Biden will be historically regarded as a good president. This lackluster assessment is further emphasized by his final approval rating of 43%, with 54% disapproving of his performance. These numbers paint a stark contrast to the high hopes many had at the beginning of his term.

Key Challenges and Criticisms

Biden’s presidency faced numerous challenges that likely contributed to these low ratings. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan stands out as a particularly contentious issue, with 20% of respondents citing it as Biden’s biggest failure. However, the most significant criticism appears to be his handling of immigration, with over 30% identifying it as his administration’s greatest shortcoming.

Economic dissatisfaction has also played a significant role in shaping public opinion. Many Americans express concerns over rising costs and Biden’s handling of inflation. According to an AP-NORC poll, around 4 in 10 Americans feel worse off financially under Biden compared to the end of Trump’s or Obama’s presidencies.

Accomplishments Overshadowed

Despite the negative perceptions, Biden’s presidency did have some notable achievements. When asked about his biggest accomplishment, 19% of respondents cited infrastructure investment, while 10% mentioned his management of the pandemic. Other accomplishments include reinvigorating NATO and passing a major infrastructure bill. However, it’s worth noting that nearly a quarter of respondents were undecided on Biden’s biggest achievement, suggesting a lack of clear messaging or recognition of his successes.

Experts suggest that presidential legacies often improve over time, citing examples like Dwight Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter. This historical perspective offers a glimmer of hope for Biden’s long-term legacy, despite current negative perceptions.

Looking Ahead: The Return of Trump

As Biden exits political life, the polls indicate a significant shift in the political landscape. Donald Trump’s return to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 election marks a dramatic turn of events. The USA Today/Suffolk University poll reveals that 31% of respondents are excited about Trump’s return, while an equal percentage express fear.

Interestingly, Trump’s approval ratings, which were negative at the end of his first term, have seen improvement since his election victory over Harris. This shift is particularly notable among independent voters, suggesting a changing political tide as the country moves into a new era of leadership.

Sources:

  1. Joe Biden Will Be Seen as Worst President Since Richard Nixon: Poll
  2. Americans Rate Biden Worse Than Trump, Obama as Term Ends: Poll
  3. Most Americans rate Biden as ‘failed’ or ‘fair’ president: new poll
  4. Exclusive poll: For Trump, a strengthened hand but skepticism on tax cuts, tariffs