Biden Rated Lowest Among Modern U.S. Presidents: Poll
In a startling assessment by voters, President Joe Biden has been ranked as the least effective leader in modern U.S. presidential history, a placement taken from a recent poll that put him below figures such as Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter.
A comprehensive survey revealed Biden as having received the lowest favorability ratings among the last 47 years of U.S. presidents, as the Daily Mail reports.
The poll, conducted by the Daily Mail and involving 1,006 registered voters, showcased a significant displeasure with Biden’s tenure in the Oval Office.
In this extensive survey, 44% of participants ranked Biden as the worst or second-worst president, while only 14% considered him among the top two presidents.
Comparatively, Richard Nixon and Donald Trump received less severe negative ratings, with scores of negative 25 and negative 15 respectively. Biden’s score, being 30 points "underwater," indicates a critical view of his administration against the backdrop of historical presidential performance.
Unfavorable Views Stem from Multiple Administration Challenges
Biden, who is currently 82 years old and set to leave office on Jan. 20, has faced numerous issues during his presidency. Notable among these was his handling of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was widely criticized for its chaotic nature.
This, coupled with ongoing problems at the southern U.S. border, has significantly dented his reputation.
Additionally, Biden's recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter, following convictions on gun and tax charges, has also sparked controversy. This decision led to a further 4-point drop in his approval rating, bringing it down to 37%.
Over half of America's voters voiced disapproval of the pardon, reflecting profound dissatisfaction with this particular presidential decision. Notably, despite earlier promises, Biden's actions contradicted his commitments, affecting public trust and approval.
Political Reactions and Future Impacts on Democratic Leadership
The impact of Biden’s disappointing approval ratings extends beyond his legacy and touches upon the broader Democratic Party leadership. Senior Democrats have expressed concern over Biden's negative influence on the party’s electoral prospects and have criticized his lack of support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
His decision not to seek reelection was influenced by several factors, including being considerably behind Donald Trump in polling data, and came amid pressures from allies within the party. This strategic retreat is seen as an attempt to manage the potential impacts on the forthcoming elections.
James Johnson, cofounder of J.L. Partners, commented on the poll results, highlighting a "recency bias" as part of the challenge Biden faces being the incumbent. Yet, Johnson noted, "These numbers are worse than I expected," pointing out the deep dissatisfaction among voters influenced by Biden's age, conduct in office, and policy failures.
Biden’s Public Image Affected by Personal Incidents
Adding to his troubles, Biden was recently caught sleeping during an African summit meeting, an image capturing the broader narrative of fatigue that has marked much of his presidency. Such incidents have compounded voter perceptions of ineffectiveness and unpreparedness.
"Voters have looked at his age, general conduct in office, his botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, the situation at the southern border, and decided that, in their view, it qualifies him to be the worst president in modern history," Johnson added, detailing the basis of voter dissatisfaction.
Johnson further stated, "From the man who beat Trump to the man who let him back in, and who voters feel has been fundamentally a bad president,” summarizing the dramatic shift in public opinion regarding Biden from his initial election victory to the present day.
Concluding Overview of President Biden’s Legacy
In sum, the latest poll paints a grim portrait of Biden's presidency as viewed by the electorate: overwhelmed by crises, marred by personal and professional missteps, and culminating in a historic low in presidential approval ratings.
Despite some efforts at progressive policies, Biden’s administration has struggled significantly with execution and public perception, resulting in a stark judgment from voters at the twilight of his career in public office.
As he prepares to exit the White House, the legacy Biden leaves behind is intensely debated, with profound implications for the future of the American political landscape.