Biden’s Legacy in Question as Polls Show Disappointment Among Americans

President Biden’s legacy faces scrutiny as he exits office, with polls indicating widespread disappointment among American voters.

At a Glance

44% of voters believe history will view Biden as a failed president.
Biden’s approval rating stands at 43% as he leaves office.
Immigration and Afghanistan withdrawal cited as Biden’s biggest failures.
Trump’s return to the White House met with mixed emotions.

Biden’s Presidency: A Mixed Legacy

As President Joe Biden’s term comes to an end, a new USA Today/Suffolk University poll paints a sobering picture of his presidency. The survey reveals that 44% of voters believe history will view Biden as a failed president, while 27% rate his tenure as fair. Only 21% of respondents express hope that he will be remembered positively.

Biden’s presidency has been marked by significant challenges, including the contentious withdrawal from Afghanistan and persistent inflation. These issues have contributed to his declining approval ratings, which now stand at 43% as he leaves office, with 54% disapproving of his performance.

RATING BIDEN: A new Gallup survey found over half, 54%, believe Biden will be remembered as a “below average” (17%) or “poor” (37%) president. https://t.co/9ldPwfja2a

Photo: AP pic.twitter.com/KvPUgSzQyc

— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) January 10, 2025

Evaluating Biden’s Accomplishments and Failures

When asked about Biden’s biggest achievement, nearly a quarter of respondents were undecided. Among those who did identify accomplishments, 19% cited infrastructure investment, while 10% mentioned his handling of the national health crisis. However, the poll also highlighted areas where Biden’s leadership was perceived as lacking.

Over 30% of respondents identified immigration handling as Biden’s biggest failure, with 20% citing the Afghanistan withdrawal. These perceptions have contributed to a growing sense of dissatisfaction among voters, particularly in key demographics that traditionally support the Democratic Party.

Economic Concerns and Voter Dissatisfaction

Economic issues have played a significant role in shaping public opinion of Biden’s presidency. A separate AP-NORC poll found that around 4 in 10 Americans feel worse off financially under Biden compared to the end of Trump’s or Obama’s presidencies. This economic dissatisfaction has been particularly pronounced among Black and Hispanic voters, groups that have historically been strong supporters of the Democratic Party.

The polls indicate a clear shift in public sentiment, with Biden’s presidency being rated less favorably than those of Donald Trump and Barack Obama. This trend poses significant challenges for the Democratic Party as it looks to rebuild trust and address voter dissatisfaction ahead of the 2028 elections.

Trump’s Return and Future Outlook

As Biden exits the political stage, the polls also shed light on public sentiment regarding Donald Trump’s return to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. The USA Today/Suffolk University poll found that 31% of respondents are excited about Trump’s return, while an equal percentage express fear.

Notably, Trump’s approval ratings have improved since his election victory over Harris, particularly among independent voters. This shift in public opinion underscores the dynamic nature of American politics and the potential for rapid changes in voter sentiment.

Historical Context and Future Perspectives

While current polls paint a challenging picture of Biden’s legacy, experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions too quickly. Historical precedent suggests that presidential legacies often improve over time, as evidenced by the evolving perceptions of leaders like Dwight Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter.

As the nation moves forward under new leadership, the true impact of Biden’s presidency may only become clear with the passage of time. The challenges he faced, from managing the pandemic to reinvigorating NATO, will likely be reassessed as part of a broader historical context in the years to come.