As Joe Biden nears the end of his presidency, an AP-NORC poll reveals that Americans hold a less favorable view of his administration compared to the end of Donald Trump’s first term or Barack Obama’s second. Only about a quarter of U.S. adults regard Biden as a “good” or “great” president, with fewer than 10% considering him “great.”
It illustrates the challenge Biden faces in securing a positive legacy. Even among Democrats, his tenure is often seen as average at best. When Trump left office, approximately a third of Americans labeled him as “good” or “great,” with some viewing him as “great” despite the controversy surrounding his tenure.
In contrast, when Obama left, around half of Americans viewed his presidency as “good” or “great.” A Gallup survey suggests Biden’s approval is on par with President Richard Nixon’s during the Watergate scandal, though past presidents with low exit ratings have sometimes seen their reputations improve over time.
“I feel like Biden lost touch with what Americans want,” said John Cressey, a 79-year-old Democrat from Los Angeles. “He didn’t live up to the expectations, and that’s why Trump emerged victorious.”
Even among his supporters, only about 10% rated his presidency as “great,” whereas 4 in 10 called it “good.” Cressey, observing Biden’s declining physical state, believes aides heavily managed him and criticized his handling of issues like the border situation. He quipped, “Just look at egg prices!”
Disappointment especially high among Black and Hispanic Americans
Biden’s early presidency saw approval rates of about 60%, yet this figure dropped to around 40% by early 2022, remaining there through the rest of his term. The dissatisfaction is notable among Black and Hispanic Americans, communities traditionally Democratic that shifted more toward Trump in 2024.
For Black Americans, the contrast with Obama is stark. While 60% felt Obama had fulfilled his promises, only about 30% felt the same about Biden. Additionally, 70% of Black Americans viewed themselves as better off after Obama’s presidency, compared to only a third feeling that improvement under Biden.
Evonte Terrell, a 30-year-old sales manager from Detroit, echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment in economic progress and critical of Biden’s focus on issues like climate and international conflicts rather than community rebuilding. “The economy hasn’t improved as it should,” Terrell said.
A perception of failed promises
Biden managed to pass significant legislation on infrastructure, microchips, healthcare, and green jobs, alongside initiating gun safety measures. Yet, only 20% felt he fully delivered on campaign promises, with 40% perceiving he either failed or didn’t try to keep them.
Mark Jeanmougin, a Cincinnati cybersecurity worker, who supported Biden hoped for more success in pushing initiatives, like climate change measures and infrastructure, but cited opposition from “activist judges.” Despite these setbacks, he remains supportive of Biden’s achievements.
Nearly half of Democrats feel Biden attempted but couldn’t fulfill his promises, while about 40% believe he succeeded.
Few believe they are better off
On employment and prescription drugs, opinions on Biden were mixed. However, many believed he negatively impacted areas like the cost of living, immigration, and foreign conflicts.
Biden’s management of the Ukraine conflict and Israel-Palestine issues received criticism, particularly among younger voters. About 60% of under-30s believed Biden’s influence was more harmful than beneficial on these fronts.
In terms of personal and familial well-being, approximately 40% report feeling worse than when Biden assumed office, in contrast to around 25% who feel better off.
