Staff Reports
In the world of presidential politics, approval ratings are crucial for an incumbent’s chances of winning reelection. Since the days of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, these numbers have been closely watched to gauge a sitting president’s prospects for victory. However, for President Joe Biden, the approval ratings are not looking good.
While some head-to-head polls show Biden ahead of former President Donald Trump, his approval rating is lagging behind. In a recent Hill/DDHQ survey, only 38.6% of respondents approved of Biden’s performance, with 58.1% expressing disapproval. Similarly, the Gallup tracking poll shows Biden with a 40% approval rating.
President Joe Biden's approval rating, at 38.6%, is the lowest it has been since we began tracking polls in February 2023.
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According to pollsters like Gallup, an approval rating of 50% or higher is typically considered essential for a president’s reelection. Falling below this threshold significantly diminishes the chances of a second term. Former President George W. Bush, who won reelection with a 48% approval rating, serves as a case in point.
Comparisons with past incumbents also paint a grim picture for Biden. Notably, former President Jimmy Carter, with a 37% approval rating, suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Ronald Reagan. Recent analysis from Gallup suggests that Biden would need a remarkable turnaround akin to President Barack Obama’s in 2012 to secure reelection.
Adding to Biden’s challenges are economic concerns. Reports on GDP and inflation are raising worries, further dimming the outlook for his reelection chances. Gallup’s assessment underscores the unfavorable national mood indicators and the low job approval rating, indicating a tough path ahead for Biden in 2024.
Ultimately, the approval ratings for President Biden signal a difficult road to reelection, and recent economic challenges are unlikely to offer much respite.
