Whether Joe Biden was a "good" president is fundamentally a matter of political perspective and values, so there isn't a single objective answer. However, I can lay out some of the major points people raise on different sides of this debate:
Arguments often made in his favor:
•Economic recovery: Unemployment remained relatively low during his term, and the economy avoided a widely predicted recession.
•Legislative achievements: He signed several significant bills, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act (semiconductor manufacturing), and the Inflation Reduction Act (climate/healthcare provisions).
•COVID-19 response: His administration oversaw widespread vaccine distribution and a return to economic normalcy after the pandemic's worst phase.
•Foreign policy: Supporters point to rallying NATO allies in support of Ukraine after Russia's invasion and rebuilding alliances that some felt were strained during the previous administration.
•Judicial appointments: He appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.
Arguments often made against him:
•Inflation: The U.S. saw the highest inflation rates in decades during parts of his presidency, which hurt consumer purchasing power and was a major political liability.
•Immigration: Critics point to record levels of illegal border crossings and criticize his administration's handling of immigration policy.
•Afghanistan withdrawal: The chaotic U.S. exit from Afghanistan in 2021, including the Kabul airport attack that killed 13 U.S. service members, was widely criticized.
•Age and fitness for office: Concerns about his age and mental acuity grew throughout his term, culminating in a widely panned debate performance in mid-2024 that contributed to him dropping out of the presidential race.
•Crime and social issues: Some critics point to rising crime rates in certain periods and debates over policies on crime, drugs, and urban issues.
Bottom line:
Evaluations tend to split heavily along partisan lines, with Democrats generally rating him more favorably on legislative accomplishments and economic management, while Republicans and many independents point to inflation, immigration, and his age/capacity as major shortcomings. Historians will likely need more time and distance to offer a more settled assessment of his long-term legacy.
If you're interested in a deeper dive into any specific policy area (economy, foreign policy, immigration, etc.), I'm happy to go into more detail.