A recent Gallup poll reveals something that might surprise many – President Joe Biden could go down in history as the worst commander in chief since Richard Nixon. This December survey has stirred up a lot of conversation, especially with how Americans feel about his presidency and how it might be remembered in the future.
But what does this really mean? Let’s break it down.
What’s Going On?
The Gallup survey asked Americans how they think President Biden will be viewed when all is said and done. Participants were asked to rank him as “outstanding,” “above average,” “average,” “below average,” or “poor.” The results? Biden received a net score of -35, meaning more people rated him poorly than positively. The only president with a worse score was Nixon, who came in at -42.
- 6% thought Biden was “outstanding”
- 13% rated him “above average”
- 26% said “average”
- 17% rated him “below average”
- 37% gave him a “poor” rating
These results came from a random sample of 1,003 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of 4%.
Why It’s Worth Talking About
This poll might be giving us a glimpse into how history will remember Biden’s time in office. It highlights some of the challenges he’s faced, like economic struggles, political polarization, and global conflicts. But, as we all know, how we feel in the moment isn’t always how things turn out in the long run.
A Bit of Perspective from the Experts
Experts think Biden’s legacy could improve over time. Thomas Gift, a political scientist, believes that with the distance of time, people may look back and appreciate Biden’s wins more – like his handling of the COVID-19 crisis, strengthening NATO, and passing a major infrastructure bill.
Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of U.S. history, pointed out that many past presidents, like Dwight Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter, were ranked poorly when they left office, only to be viewed much more positively later on. So, Biden’s low rating now might not mean his legacy is set in stone.
What’s Next?
As Biden finishes his term, all eyes are on the future. The 2024 election is fast approaching, and if Donald Trump makes his return to the White House, it’ll be an interesting chapter in U.S. history.
Whether people view Biden as a “poor” president or recognize his successes in the long run, one thing is clear: history has a way of looking different as time passes.
