Staff Reports
Joe Biden’s presidency, a term that might as well be defined by a lengthy list of missteps, blunders, and general chaos, appears to be preparing for a historic flop. With inflation skyrocketing, crime rates soaring, and a calamitous withdrawal from Afghanistan that tragically cost the lives of 13 American servicemembers, it’s no wonder that polls show the majority of Americans expect history to portray his tenure in a decidedly negative light. This is hardly a surprising outcome for a president whose administration has often seemed more concerned with virtue-signaling than with effective governance.
A recent Gallup poll has shown that a striking 54% of Americans believe Biden will go down as either a “below average” or “poor” president. The number of respondents who think he will be viewed favorably is paltry, revealing just how disconnected the Biden administration is from the needs and sentiments of ordinary citizens. The only mystery lingering around this finding is the identity of the small fraction of individuals—around 6%—who still cling to the belief that Biden’s presidency was “outstanding.” Perhaps these optimistic outliers have spent too much time in the echo chambers of liberal media or sipping lattes at progressive coffee shops, far removed from the struggles of everyday Americans.
Just How Bad Has Joe Biden's Presidency Been? Americans Weigh In—and It's Not Pretty https://t.co/OLaj22lXn1 The Zuckerberg Report RSS
— Eric Martin (@ZuckerbergRpt) January 8, 2025
When placed alongside other recent presidents in Gallup’s survey, Biden’s performance mirrors that of Richard Nixon, who is often remembered for the fallout from the Watergate scandal. Yet, while Nixon’s legacy was muddied by political scandal, Biden’s is marred simply by the sheer weight of his own administration’s failures. He doesn’t even have the excuse of a scandal to blame—it’s all just him. The polling numbers indicate that Americans are not shy about assigning a poor rating to Biden. In fact, he receives more “poor” evaluations than Nixon, an impressive feat when considering the context of historical angst surrounding the latter.
In the larger picture of presidential legacies, comparisons to figures like John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan show an alarming gap in public perception. Kennedy boasts an enviable net rating, while Reagan consistently holds positive views as well, proving that Americans can distinguish between leadership that inspires and a presidency that stumbles through crises with little to no competence. Trump, while polarizing, still manages to pull higher positive ratings than Biden despite the chaos surrounding his own presidency. The fact that many still view Trump favorably reflects a longing for decisive and impactful leadership, something Biden decidedly lacks.
Despite the deepening shadows over his administration, Biden’s supporters seem increasingly withdrawn, as if they are gradually losing interest in defending his record. Even some prominent Democratic figures appear to be reevaluating their support, relenting to the idea that perhaps nostalgia for his predecessor would be preferable to defending this administration. If leaders like Nancy Pelosi were truly operating with a sense of accountability, they might be examining their choices more critically, yet accountability seems a rarity in today’s political landscape.
As the final days of Biden’s presidency tick away, the growing chorus of criticism from the American public emphasizes a yearning for leadership that upholds traditional values and demonstrates competence. The sentiment is clear: there’s hope for a brighter and more successful future—one free from the burdens of inflation, high crime, and embarrassing international relations. In hindsight, President Biden may not only be remembered poorly, but as a cautionary tale of what can happen when leadership is marked by misjudgment and disconnect from the needs of the American people.
