As the sun sets on Joe Biden’s presidency, the American public has rendered its verdict with a clarity that resonates through history. The latest CBS News/YouGov poll, conducted in the final days before his departure from office, paints a picture of a nation largely dissatisfied with the leadership it has experienced over the last four years. With an approval rating of just 37%, Biden’s tenure ends not with a bang but with a whimper, setting a record for the lowest approval for any first-term president at the end of their term. From the outset, Biden’s administration was met with an aura of hope. After a tumultuous period under his predecessor, Donald Trump, Biden’s promise of unity, stability, and a return to normalcy was a balm many Americans hoped would heal the nation’s deep wounds. Yet, as we reflect on his presidency, it’s clear that this hope has largely dissipated into the ether of unmet expectations.
One of the most palpable areas of discontent has been economic performance. While Biden can tout legislative victories like the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the reality for many Americans has been one of rising costs and stagnant wages. Inflation, an issue that has lingered like a specter over his term, has left many feeling no better off, if not worse, than when he took office. This economic anxiety has been a significant drag on Biden’s approval ratings, with only 35% of those polled believing the country is in a better state than when he assumed the presidency.
Foreign policy, too, has left a mark on his legacy. The withdrawal from Afghanistan, while intended to end a long and costly war, was executed in a manner that many Americans found shameful. The images of chaos at Kabul airport and the tragic loss of Afghan allies who had supported U.S. efforts became emblematic of a broader narrative of mismanagement and strategic missteps in global affairs.
Domestically, Biden’s efforts to mend the social fabric of America through policy have met mixed reviews. His administration’s focus on racial justice, climate change, and healthcare reform were steps in the right direction for some, yet for others, these initiatives either didn’t go far enough or were seen as out of touch with the immediate concerns of everyday life.
This backdrop of public disillusionment sets the stage for Donald Trump’s return to the White House, an event viewed by 60% of Americans with a sense of optimism. This optimism is particularly pronounced among the younger demographic, with 69% of those aged 18-29 expressing hope for the future under Trump. This anticipation could be driven by nostalgia for Trump’s economic policies, a desire for a shift in direction, or simply a reflection of the political pendulum swinging back in a deeply divided country.
Trump’s personal favorability has also seen an uptick, reaching 47%, his highest ever. This, combined with the public’s view of Biden’s presidency, underscores a significant shift in American political sentiment. It suggests that Trump’s brand of directness, his policy reversals—potentially on everything from energy to immigration—and his no-nonsense approach to leadership resonate with a populace that feels Biden’s tenure was characterized by too much compromise, too little action, or simply the wrong kind of action.
As Biden leaves office, his presidency is a study in contrasts. On one hand, there are legislative achievements that will shape America’s infrastructure and environmental policy for decades. On the other, there’s a palpable sense of public disappointment, reflected not just in polls but in the everyday conversations of citizens across the nation. This dichotomy will no doubt be a focal point for historians and political analysts for years to come, as they dissect how Biden, with all his experience and intentions, could not sway the tide of public opinion in his favor.
In the end, Biden’s legacy is not just what he did but how it was perceived. It’s a reminder that in politics, perception often trumps policy, and as America turns the page to a new chapter under Trump, the lessons from Biden’s time in office will linger, informing future leadership on how to bridge the gap between policy intent and public sentiment.