A recent Gallup poll reveals that President Biden’s legacy may be tarnished, with a majority of Americans viewing his presidency unfavorably.
At a Glance
- 54% of Americans believe Biden will be remembered as a “below average” or “poor” president
- Biden’s net positivity rating is -35, second-lowest among post-WWII presidents
- Only 19% of respondents think Biden will have a positive legacy
- Historical context shows that presidential legacies can shift over time
- Biden’s re-election bid may have further strained his legacy
Biden’s Presidency: A Historical Low
As President Biden’s term comes to a close, a new Gallup poll paints a grim picture of his legacy. An overwhelming 54% of Americans believe that history will remember Biden as either a “below average” or “poor” president. This places him near the bottom of post-World War II presidents in terms of public opinion, with only Richard Nixon faring worse.
The poll reveals that Biden’s net positivity rating stands at a dismal -35, a figure that speaks volumes about the public’s perception of his presidency. Only 19% of respondents believe Biden will leave a positive legacy, with a mere 6% rating him as “outstanding” and 13% as “above average.” These numbers are particularly concerning for the Democratic Party as they look towards future elections.
Majority of Americans say Biden’s presidency will be remembered as ‘below average’ or ‘poor’: poll https://t.co/IEoU7u6ug6 pic.twitter.com/1JwVPx7Esd
— New York Post (@nypost) January 8, 2025
Partisan Divide and Independent Voters
The poll highlights a stark partisan divide in opinions about Biden’s presidency. While Democrats tend to view Biden more favorably, many still rate him as merely “average.” This lack of enthusiasm among his own party base could spell trouble for future Democratic candidates. Independents and Republicans, on the other hand, are significantly more pessimistic about Biden’s tenure.
Biden’s performance among independent voters is particularly troubling for his legacy. With a net-negative rating among this crucial voting bloc, it’s clear that his presidency has failed to resonate with those outside his party’s core supporters.
Controversial Issues Plaguing Biden’s Presidency
Several key issues have contributed to the negative perception of Biden’s presidency. The controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan, which many viewed as hasty and poorly executed, has left a lasting stain on his foreign policy record. Additionally, the surge in illegal immigration at the southern border has been a constant source of criticism, with record numbers of illegal border crossings occurring during his tenure.
Further complicating matters are allegations involving Biden’s family and potential influence-peddling schemes. These accusations, coupled with an impeachment inquiry, have cast a shadow over his administration’s integrity. While Biden was not formally impeached, the mere existence of these investigations has undoubtedly impacted public perception of his presidency.
The Historical Context of Presidential Legacies
While the current outlook for Biden’s legacy appears bleak, it’s important to note that public opinion on presidencies can shift over time. Historical precedents show that presidents like George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter have seen their legacies improve years after leaving office. This phenomenon suggests that the full impact of a presidency may not be immediately apparent and that historical context can reshape public perception.
However, it’s worth noting that not all presidents see their legacies improve. The evaluations of presidents like George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton have actually worsened over time. This unpredictability in how history judges presidents underscores the complexity of assessing a leader’s long-term impact on the nation.
Biden’s Hope for His Legacy
Despite the current negative sentiment, President Biden remains hopeful about how history will remember his tenure. In his own words, he aspires to be remembered for his efforts to restore the economy and reestablish America’s global leadership. However, with his decision to end his re-election bid following a poor debate performance and concerns about his mental acuity, it remains to be seen whether these aspirations will materialize in the public’s memory.
As Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, with Donald Trump set to be inaugurated as the next president, the true impact of his presidency on American politics and society will continue to be debated. Only time will tell how history will ultimately judge the Biden era, but for now, the American public’s verdict seems clear and unfavorable.
