As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office, his approval ratings have reached historically low levels, painting a bleak picture of his presidency in the eyes of the American public. According to recent polls, Biden’s final approval rating stands at a dismal 36-40%, matching the lowest point of his term. This places him among the least popular post-World War II presidents, with only his predecessor Donald Trump faring slightly worse in average approval ratings throughout their terms. The decline in Biden’s popularity has been steep and consistent since mid-2021.
Key factors contributing to his low approval include:
- Economic concerns: Persistent inflation and cost-of-living issues have eroded public confidence in Biden’s economic management
- Foreign policy challenges: The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked the beginning of a downward trend in his ratings
- Immigration: Biden’s handling of border issues has received particularly low approval, with only 31% of Americans supporting his approach
Perhaps most concerning for Democrats is the erosion of support within their own party. Biden’s approval among Democrats has fallen to 71%, the lowest among his party members during his presidency. The data paints a picture of a leader who, despite some strong policy achievements, was unable to convince the majority of Americans of his effectiveness in addressing the nation’s most pressing issues.
But one of the most significant challenges faced by the Biden Administration was navigating through the nonsense and effectively communicating its achievements to the public. By enhancing their messaging strategies, they could have better highlighted their successes and positively influenced public perception.
President Joe Biden’s tenure in office has been marked by significant accomplishments that have often been underestimated by the American public.
Legislative Achievements
Biden’s administration has passed landmark legislation that has had far-reaching impacts on American society and the economy:
American Rescue Plan: This $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill provided direct aid to lower-income Americans, unemployment benefits, and support for small businesses. It accelerated economic recovery and resulted in 4 million more jobs and nearly doubled GDP growth.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: This $1.2 trillion investment has funded improvements on over 200,000 miles of roads, and 12,000 bridge repair projects, and launched over 2,400 drinking water and wastewater projects.
Inflation Reduction Act: This legislation has led to significant investments in clean energy, with the private sector announcing more than $300 billion in new clean energy manufacturing and power investments.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Under Biden’s leadership, the economy has shown remarkable growth:
- 16.6 million jobs added
- Unemployment rate at a 50-year low
- Record-low unemployment rates for various demographic groups
- After-tax incomes increased by nearly $4,000, accounting for inflation
Foreign Policy
Biden has made significant strides in foreign policy, including:
- Uniting Western democracies against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- Expanding key military alliances
- Shifting focus to the Indo-Pacific region
Underestimation Factors
Despite these accomplishments, the American public has often underestimated Biden’s achievements for several reasons:
Perception Gap: There is a significant gap between Biden’s policy record and his public reputation and this disconnect may be due to the immediate impact of policies not being felt by many Americans.
Communication Challenges: The administration has struggled to effectively communicate its successes to the public. As Representative Beccaint noted, “When you examine progressive actions and policies, those are the elements that truly impact working individuals… But people need to be able to readily identify them, and that did not occur.”
Economic Perception: Despite economic improvements, many Americans still perceive the economy negatively. This could be due to the lingering effects of pandemic-era policies and the end of government support programs.
Media Focus: The media’s tendency to focus on crises and challenges rather than long-term achievements may have contributed to the underestimation of Biden’s accomplishments.
Age and Public Image:
Biden’s age, elderly mannerisms, and lack of charisma sometimes influenced public perception, overshadowing his significant policy achievements. However, it’s crucial to focus on the substance of his leadership rather than surface-level traits. His experience and dedication to effective governance demonstrate a capability that merits recognition beyond mere appearances.
Conclusion
While President Biden’s administration has made significant strides in various areas, from economic recovery to climate action, these accomplishments have often been underestimated by the American public. As Biden himself noted in his farewell address, “It will take time to feel the full impact of all we’ve done together.”
The legacy of his presidency may indeed be better appreciated with the passage of time, as the long-term effects of his policies become more apparent.