A new Gallup survey reveals that President Biden’s presidency is viewed negatively by a majority of Americans, placing him among the lowest-rated post-World War II presidents.
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 surveyed presidents
- Only 19% of respondents think Biden will have a positive legacy
- Historical assessments of presidents can improve over time
- Biden’s re-election bid may have negatively impacted perceptions of his presidency
Americans’ Negative View of Biden’s Presidency
A recent Gallup poll has shed light on the American public’s perception of President Joe Biden’s tenure in office, revealing a significantly negative outlook. The survey indicates that 54% of Americans believe Biden’s presidency will be remembered as either “below average” or “poor.” This assessment places Biden near the bottom of post-World War II presidents in terms of public approval, with only Richard Nixon faring worse in historical context.
The poll’s findings are particularly striking when considering Biden’s net positivity rating of -35. This figure is alarmingly close to Nixon’s -42, the lowest among presidents surveyed by Gallup. Such a low rating raises questions about the factors contributing to this widespread disapproval and the potential long-term implications for Biden’s legacy.
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
Breaking Down the Numbers
Delving deeper into the survey results, only a small fraction of respondents express optimism about Biden’s presidential legacy. A mere 19% of Americans think Biden will be remembered positively, with 6% rating him as “outstanding” and 13% as “above average.” These figures starkly contrast with the 54% who view his presidency negatively. The remaining 26% of Americans predict Biden will be remembered as an average president, further underlining the overall lukewarm reception of his administration.
The survey reveals a stark partisan divide in perceptions of Biden’s presidency. While Democrats tend to view Biden more favorably, many still rate him as “average.” Independents and Republicans, on the other hand, express a more pessimistic outlook. This polarization in opinion reflects the deeply divided political landscape that has characterized Biden’s term in office.
Factors Influencing Public Perception
Several factors have likely contributed to the negative public perception of Biden’s presidency. Critics point to contentious issues such as allegations of his family benefiting from an influence peddling scheme, the controversial U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and record-breaking illegal border crossings. These issues have fueled ongoing debates about Biden’s leadership and decision-making capabilities.
Despite these criticisms, Biden has expressed hope that history will remember him for his efforts to restore the economy and reestablish America’s global leadership. However, the current poll results suggest that these aspirations may not align with the prevailing public sentiment.
Historical Context and Future Perspectives
It’s important to note that historical assessments of presidencies can change over time. Presidents like George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter have seen their ratings improve years after leaving office. This trend suggests that Biden’s legacy may be viewed differently by future generations.
However, some political observers, such as Democratic strategist James Carville, suggest that Biden’s decision to run for re-election may have further damaged his legacy. The campaign’s end, marked by a poor debate performance and concerns about Biden’s mental acuity, could potentially overshadow his administration’s accomplishments in the short term.
As Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, with Donald Trump set to be inaugurated as the next president, the full impact of his presidency on American politics and society remains to be seen. While current polls paint a grim picture, the true measure of Biden’s legacy may only become clear in the years to come.
