Gallup Poll Ranks Joe Biden Among Worst US Presidents
A recent Gallup poll revealed that President Joe Biden is regarded as the second-worst president in American history, with only Richard Nixon faring worse, and the assessment reflects growing public dissatisfaction with Biden's presidency compared to his predecessors from both political parties.
More than half of Americans believe Biden's tenure will be remembered as below average or poor, a sentiment shaped by various domestic and international challenges, as Breitbart reports.
The poll shows that 54% of respondents rate Biden's presidency negatively, with 37% categorizing it as "below average" and 17% labeling it "poor."
Conversely, only 19% of those surveyed view his time in office positively, with 6% calling it "outstanding" and 13% as "above average." A quarter of Americans, 26%, consider Biden's presidency "average."
Biden’s Presidency Compared to Predecessors'
In historical context, Biden ranks just above Richard Nixon, whose net favorability rating of -42 in the poll places him last.
Biden's net rating of -35 narrowly avoids the bottom spot but reflects significant public dissatisfaction. Interestingly, Biden received more "poor" reviews than Nixon, yet slightly higher marks in the "outstanding" or "above average" categories.
Criticism of Biden's leadership stems from several key events and policy outcomes during his term. Among the most discussed is the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, which drew bipartisan condemnation.
His handling of inflation, justice-related issues, and perceived gridlock in Congress have also been focal points of criticism.
Domestic Challenges Shape Public Perception
The poll highlighted worsening domestic issues under Biden's leadership, including an 18% increase in homelessness in 2024. Rising housing costs and migration pressures are cited as major contributors to the surge. The southern border crisis, marked by increased migration, has further strained public confidence in the administration's ability to manage domestic policy effectively.
On economic matters, persistent inflation has weighed heavily on households, creating additional skepticism about Biden's ability to lead. Critics argue that these issues, coupled with legislative stalemates, have diminished public faith in his presidency.
Biden's Leadership Faces Global Scrutiny
Internationally, Biden's presidency has faced challenges as well. The ongoing war in Ukraine, sparked by Russia's invasion, has tested the administration’s ability to rally global support. While efforts to provide military aid to Ukraine have been praised in some quarters, critics argue that the administration has not done enough to achieve peace or mitigate the conflict's global economic impact.
President-elect Donald Trump, who won the recent election, offered a harsh assessment of Biden’s time in office. Trump described him as "the worst president in the history of America," emphasizing what he called a complete failure in leadership.
A Historical Pattern of Harsh Ratings
While Biden’s ratings are notably low, history shows that early judgments of presidencies can evolve. Former presidents such as Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, and even Trump himself initially faced strong criticism that softened over time as historical context and subsequent events reframed their legacies.
However, Biden’s standing among independent voters may present a long-term challenge. The poll revealed that he is the only recent Democratic president with a net-negative evaluation from independents, a crucial voting bloc in U.S. politics.
Public Memory and Presidential Legacies
Presidential legacies are often judged not only by policy achievements but also by the ability to inspire unity and confidence during times of crisis. For Biden, the combination of economic challenges, international instability, and domestic issues has created a complex and controversial legacy.
While his supporters argue that the challenges he faced were unprecedented, his detractors see his responses as inadequate. These divided opinions underscore the contentious nature of his presidency.
Ratings Reflect Widespread Discontent
As the poll results show, public opinion remains sharply divided on Biden's presidency. With only a minority viewing his tenure positively, the data points to significant dissatisfaction across the political spectrum.
Whether these opinions will shift as time passes remains uncertain. What is clear is that Biden's presidency, like those of other controversial leaders, will continue to be a topic of intense debate in the years to come.