A new Gallup poll reveals that President Biden’s legacy may be tarnished, with a majority of Americans viewing 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, near the bottom among post-World War II presidents
- Only 19% of respondents think Biden will have a positive legacy
- Historical perspectives on presidential legacies can shift over time
Biden’s Presidency Viewed Unfavorably by Majority
A recent Gallup poll has shed light on Americans’ perceptions of President Joe Biden’s tenure, revealing a stark assessment of his presidency. According to the survey, 54% of Americans believe Biden will be remembered as either a “below average” or “poor” president. This negative outlook places Biden’s legacy in a precarious position among his predecessors.
The poll’s findings are particularly concerning for the Biden administration, as they indicate a widespread dissatisfaction with his performance. Only 19% of respondents think Biden will have a positive legacy, with a mere 6% rating him as “outstanding” and 13% as “above average.” These numbers paint a grim picture of public perception regarding Biden’s time in office.
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
Historical Context and Comparisons
Biden’s net positivity rating of -35 places him near the bottom among presidents surveyed by Gallup. Only Richard Nixon, with a rating of -42, fared worse in the poll. This comparison to past presidents provides a sobering perspective on how Americans view Biden’s presidency in the broader context of U.S. political history.
It’s worth noting that historical assessments of presidents can change over time. For instance, the legacies of George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter have seen improvements since they left office. However, the current data suggests that Americans generally do not expect history to judge Biden’s presidency favorably.
Partisan Divide and Key Issues
The poll results reveal a significant partisan divide in the assessment of Biden’s presidency. Democrats unsurprisingly tend to view Biden more favorably, although many still rate him as “average.” In contrast, independents and Republicans are notably more pessimistic about Biden’s tenure, with the president receiving a net-negative rating among independents and a very low rating among Republicans.
Several key issues have contributed to the negative perception of Biden’s presidency. These include allegations of his family benefiting from an influence peddling scheme, criticism over the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and concerns about record numbers of illegal border crossings. These controversies have likely played a significant role in shaping public opinion about Biden’s performance in office.
Looking Ahead
As Biden’s presidency comes to a close, with Donald Trump set to be inaugurated on January 20, questions remain about the long-term impact of his tenure. Some Democratic strategists, including James Carville, have suggested that Biden’s decision to launch a re-election campaign may have further damaged his legacy.
Despite the current negative perceptions, it’s important to remember that historical assessments of presidencies can evolve over time. As the nation moves forward, only time will tell how Biden’s legacy will be viewed by future generations of Americans.
