A recent Gallup poll reveals that President Biden’s legacy may be tarnished, with a majority of Americans rating his presidency negatively.
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 only to Richard Nixon’s -42
- Only 19% of respondents think Biden will have a positive legacy
- Historical reassessments may change perceptions over time
- Biden’s decision to seek re-election could further impact his standing
Biden’s Presidency Rated Poorly by Most Americans
A new Gallup poll has shed light on the American public’s perception of President Joe Biden’s tenure in office, and the results are far from flattering. The survey reveals that a majority of Americans believe Biden’s presidency will be remembered unfavorably by history, with 54% describing it as “below average” or “poor.” This assessment places Biden near the bottom of post-World War II presidential evaluations, with only Richard Nixon faring worse in public opinion.
The poll’s findings paint a stark picture of Biden’s current standing among the American electorate. With a net positivity rating of -35, Biden’s presidency is viewed more negatively than almost all of his predecessors surveyed by Gallup. 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 suggest a significant disconnect between the administration’s perception of its achievements and the public’s evaluation of its performance.
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 Skepticism
The Gallup poll reveals a clear partisan divide in the assessment of Biden’s presidency. Democrats, unsurprisingly, view Biden more favorably, though many still rate him as merely “average.” Independents and Republicans, on the other hand, express a far more pessimistic outlook on Biden’s tenure, with the President receiving a net-negative rating among independents and an extremely low rating among Republicans.
This stark partisan divide underscores the polarized nature of American politics. The skepticism among independents is particularly noteworthy, as this crucial voting bloc often plays a decisive role in elections and can sway public opinion.
Controversial Aspects of Biden’s Presidency
Critics of the Biden administration point to several controversial aspects of his presidency that may be contributing to these negative ratings. Among the most prominent issues are allegations of potential influence peddling by Biden’s family, which have led to an impeachment inquiry, although no formal impeachment has occurred. The chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan has also been a significant point of criticism, with many viewing it as a failure of leadership and planning.
Additionally, the record number of illegal border crossings during Biden’s tenure has fueled concerns about his administration’s handling of immigration policy. These issues, combined with economic challenges and questions about Biden’s age and mental acuity, have contributed to the public’s negative assessment of his presidency.
The Possibility of Historical Reassessment
While current opinions of Biden’s presidency appear predominantly negative, it’s important to note that historical reassessments can significantly alter perceptions over time. Previous presidents, such as George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter, have seen their legacies improve in the years following their terms in office. This phenomenon suggests that the ultimate judgment of Biden’s presidency may evolve as future generations analyze his tenure with the benefit of hindsight.
However, Biden’s decision to pursue another term may further impact his already fragile standing. Democratic strategist James Carville has suggested that Biden’s re-election campaign could potentially harm his legacy. As the President faces his final days in office, time will tell how history ultimately remembers the Biden presidency.
