In brief
Joe Biden's term as president is drawing to a close with low approval ratings and an impending return of Donald Trump to power. Despite legislative successes, Biden's presidency has faced challenges such as the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, inflation miscalculations, and a perceived disconnect with voters, leading many to question his legacy.
Standing at the National Cathedral, President Joe Biden recently delivered a eulogy for former President Jimmy Carter as former presidents watched on. This was a poignant moment for Biden, a fellow one-term president, wrestling with the legacy he leaves behind. As Biden prepares to exit the White House, he finds himself with approval ratings at a dismal 39%, down from 57% at the beginning of his term. He reflected on his presidency, hoping history would recognize his leadership and plan for restoring the economy and reestablishing American global standing. However, Biden's achievements have been overshadowed by mishaps, including the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, inflation that peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, and a tepid response to various domestic crises.Biden's performance in office is often viewed through the lens of his predecessor, marking him as an interregnum between two Trump administrations. While he has succeeded in passing substantial investment and infrastructure laws, the prevailing sentiment remains one of disappointment. His early successes quickly gave way to a series of setbacks, including rising inflation and slow responses to significant issues like immigration and food shortages.Over the course of his presidency, Biden's age and declining communication skills as well as his team's insularity have drawn criticism, with some claiming that he became increasingly disconnected from the electorate. As he attempts to connect with voters ahead of the upcoming elections, concerns over his performance have been exacerbated by crises like the escalation of conflict in Israel and the legal troubles of his son, Hunter Biden.Despite legislative victories, such as the “American Rescue Plan” and infrastructure investments, many analysts believe these efforts fail to deliver immediate benefits to average Americans, which may have left voters feeling neglected. As Biden embarks on his re-election campaign amid these controversies, he struggles with a narrative that paints him as too old for the job, while simultaneously confronting a resurgent Trump.In the end, Biden’s public image suffered greatly from the challenges he faced, culminating in his withdrawal from the race amid dismal polling. His legacy now hangs in the balance as Trump prepares to retake office, raising questions about what Biden could have achieved if he had stepped aside to allow a younger successor to lead.
