No, Joe Biden was not a particularly good president by most objective measures of performance, results, and public approval—though like all presidents, he had some accomplishments amid significant failures. Assessments are inherently partisan and subjective (Democrats rate him higher; Republicans much lower), but data on the economy, inflation, borders, foreign policy, crime, and polls paint a clear picture of underperformance relative to expectations and predecessors.
Key Metrics and Record
•Economy and Inflation: Biden inherited a COVID recovery. His administration passed large spending bills (American Rescue Plan, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS Act). Unemployment fell to historic lows and job growth was strong post-pandemic. However, inflation surged to a 40-year high (peaking ~9% in 2022), eroding real wages for many and driven in part by excess stimulus, supply shocks, and energy policies. Real median household income and wealth gains were mixed or lagged after inflation adjustment; grocery, gas, and housing costs remained elevated. The "Bidenomics" branding largely failed with the public. By the end of his term, inflation had cooled but the cumulative price level was permanently higher.
•Immigration and Border: Record illegal crossings and encounters (millions via CBP data), overwhelmed systems, fentanyl crisis escalation, and strained cities/states. Early reversal of Trump-era policies (Remain in Mexico, wall construction pause, Title 42 end) correlated with the surge; later executive actions tightened some rules but came late. This was widely viewed as a major failure even by some Democrats.
•Foreign Policy: Withdrawal from Afghanistan was chaotic (13 U.S. service members killed, allies abandoned, billions in equipment left, Taliban takeover)—a low point. Russia invaded Ukraine (strong U.S./NATO aid followed, but deterrence failed initially). Iran-backed proxies escalated (Houthis, Hamas Oct 7 attack after perceived weakness). China relations remained tense with tech restrictions and AUKUS, but no major breakthroughs; energy dependence and green policies complicated leverage. Support for Israel post-Oct 7 was firm amid domestic party divisions. Deterrence credibility took hits.
•Crime, Social Issues, and Culture: Homicide spikes in 2020-2022 (partly pandemic/Ferguson-effect legacy) later receded in many cities, but urban disorder, retail theft, and soft-on-crime progressive DAs were associated with the broader left. COVID mandates/school closures lingered effects on learning loss. Student loan forgiveness attempts faced legal blocks and fairness critiques. Age/cognitive concerns grew (debates, special counsel report on memory), culminating in the 2024 debate collapse and withdrawal from reelection.
•Legislative/Other Wins: Infrastructure bill (bipartisan elements), veterans' toxic exposure (PACT Act), some gun measures post-Uvalde, cannabis pardons, and judicial appointments. COVID vaccine rollout continuation and ending the emergency. Climate investments. These were real but often oversold relative to costs/debt (~$34T+ national debt trajectory).
Public Opinion and Historical Context
Biden's approval ratings were underwater for most of his term (Gallup/RCP averages typically 38-43% range, rarely above 50% after early months), among the lowest for modern presidents outside crises. He left office with historically low marks. Independent and swing voters soured on inflation, borders, and competence. Historians' early rankings vary (some mid-tier due to partisanship), but contemporary voter repudiation via 2024 election results was decisive.
Comparison note: Trump’s first term had pre-COVID strong growth/low unemployment/Abraham Accords/no new wars but impeachments, COVID mishandling critiques, and Jan 6. Obama had ACA and recovery from worse recession but slow growth and ISIS rise. Every president faces constraints (Congress, Fed, world events); Biden’s unified early control produced big spending but limited lasting popular wins.
Good presidents deliver sustained prosperity, security, competence, and unity without major self-inflicted wounds. Biden’s term featured recovery from inherited crises alongside policy-driven inflation, border disorder, Afghanistan debacle, and visible decline—falling short for a majority of Americans. For primary sources, check BLS/CPI data, CBP stats, Gallup, and Congressional Budget Office reports. Partisan media will spin differently; raw numbers are harder to dismiss.