Joe Biden’s presidency saw an average job approval rating of 42.2%, the second lowest in Gallup polling history. Throughout his term, extreme political party disparities were evident in Biden’s approval ratings, mirroring a trend seen in recent presidencies. His final approval rating stood at 40%, placing him in the middle range compared to recent presidents.
Biden’s average approval rating was only marginally higher than his predecessor, Donald Trump, who holds the record for the lowest rating. Before Biden and Trump, presidents like Jimmy Carter and Harry Truman also had notably low averages during their tenures.
Historically, six presidents have enjoyed average approval ratings of 50% or higher, while eight fell below that threshold, including the last four presidents before Biden. Notably, John F. Kennedy had the highest average approval rating at 70.1% during his brief presidency.
Despite starting with solid ratings above 50%, Biden’s approval ratings dipped below 50% in his first year and never fully recovered. Various challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, border issues, and international conflicts contributed to his approval ratings hovering in the low 40s or high 30s.
Party polarization played a significant role in Biden’s ratings, with a stark divide between Democrats, independents, and Republicans. Biden faced historically low approval among Republicans, with a 6% average, while garnering 39% from independents and 85% from Democrats.
Over time, partisan differences in presidential job approval ratings have widened, with recent presidents experiencing larger gaps in approval ratings between party lines. Biden’s approval ratings among Republicans were the lowest on record, highlighting the deep political divide during his presidency.
While Biden’s full-term average approval rating is one of the lowest, historical data shows that some presidents’ final approval ratings before leaving office were even lower. Notable examples include Richard Nixon, Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush.
Looking ahead, retrospective evaluations of Biden’s presidency may improve over time, as seen with other presidents like Nixon, Reagan, and Obama, whose final job approval ratings were more aligned with how they were viewed historically.
Biden’s decision to forego reelection last summer, in light of his unpopularity, reflects the weight of public sentiment on his presidency. Despite accomplishments in infrastructure, climate change policy, and economic growth, Biden’s approval ratings were overshadowed by challenges he faced during his term.
In conclusion, Biden’s presidency underscores the increasing polarization in American politics and the significant impact of public opinion on presidential approval ratings. As the political landscape continues to evolve, understanding and addressing these divisions will be crucial for future leaders.
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