As President Joe Biden's tenure ends, voter dissatisfaction has been marked by criticism over his economic policies and other major decisions, notably his recent controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden.

Biden is poised to exit the office with a job approval rating of 41%, weakened by disappointment over his economic management and a range of additional issues, as Fox News reports.

The president's economic policies have not resonated well with a majority of voters, who report feeling harmed by his approach. A recent survey reveals a significant 30-point difference between voters feeling negatively versus positively impacted by these policies. A concerning 77% hold a grim perspective on the economy, with 62% finding their personal finances under strain.

Economic Hardship Sways Public Opinion

Public sentiment reflects significant concern over the economic climate, as 64% of respondents believe the economy is deteriorating. Inflation has added to the financial burden, with 75% experiencing hardship, including one-third of those facing serious financial challenges. Despite this, economic optimism for 2025 has experienced an uptick to 39%, a considerable increase from 22% earlier in 2024.

Even among Biden's core supporters, dissatisfaction is apparent. Among Democratic voters, only 33% think his policies have been beneficial, while 50% see no change. Furthermore, 17% report adverse effects.

Biden’s Public Approval Collapses

Biden's overall approval rating has slipped to 41%, with a disapproval rate standing at 58%. The disapproval is notably higher among certain demographics, such as voters under the age of 45, Hispanic individuals, and those living in urban areas.

Historical comparisons reveal a stark contrast, as former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton ended their terms with higher approval ratings of 47%, 57%, and 62% respectively; only George W. Bush left office with a lower approval rating of 34%.

A closer look at specific issues reveals further dissatisfaction. Only 31% approve of Biden's handling of border security, while a substantial 67% disapprove. Inflation management fares slightly better but still garners just 34% approval, with 64% disapproving. Similarly, foreign policy decisions receive low ratings, with 60% expressing discontent.

On a broader scale, 68% of voters express dissatisfaction with the country's overall direction. When considering Biden's legacy, only 25% predict he will be remembered as above average, whereas 33% foresee his presidency being regarded among the worst.

Hunter Biden Pardon Provokes Backlash

A significant factor contributing to Biden's low ratings is his recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, on Dec. 1. This pardon, related to multiple felony convictions, has sparked substantial public backlash. A clear majority of 63% disapprove of the pardon, compared to 32% who support it.

The decision has stark partisan divides: 60% of Democrats approve of the pardon, while 70% of Independents and 90% of Republicans disapprove.

Methodology of Recent Survey

The aforementioned statistics and insights are derived from a survey carried out between December 6 and December 9, 2024.

Conducted with a sample size of 1,015 registered voters, this survey accounts for a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

Expert Opinions on Economic Impact

Expert commentary highlights the impact of Biden's economic strategies on voter sentiment. Republican pollster Daron Shaw emphasized that economic concerns have been pivotal in shaping electoral outcomes. The shift toward optimism has predominantly been among Republicans and Independents, following recent changes in economic indicators.

Shaw suggests that there is potential for continued positive momentum if policies are adopted that successfully address inflation and reduce taxes, a strategy that could shape future political landscapes.

Conclusions on President Biden's Term

As President Biden concludes his tenure, his presidency is marked by significant public dissatisfaction, primarily fueled by economic challenges and controversial decisions. The legacy of his administration remains contentious, as reflected by voter sentiment and comparisons to previous administrations.

Such dynamics underscore the complexities and challenges inherent in governing, as economic and political strategies intersect with public perceptions and historical comparisons.

The future remains open for shifts in leadership approaches and public opinion as the political landscape continues to evolve.