Joe Biden's presidency (2021–2025) is highly polarizing and ultimately a matter of opinion, depending on one's values, priorities, and metrics for "good." There is no objective yes/no answer. Evaluations differ sharply along partisan lines, with Democrats and left-leaning sources generally viewing it more favorably and Republicans/conservatives more critically. Below is a balanced overview of major facts, achievements, criticisms, and data.
Key Achievements and Positive Aspects Often Cited
•COVID-19 response and economic recovery: Biden's administration oversaw the final stages of vaccine distribution, boosted shots, and a strong rebound from the pandemic recession. The U.S. saw robust job growth (over 15 million jobs added in his term by some counts), unemployment falling to historic lows (around 3.4–3.7% for much of the period), and GDP growth. The American Rescue Plan (2021) provided stimulus, expanded child tax credits (temporarily reducing child poverty), and aided recovery.
•Infrastructure and domestic investment: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (2021) funded roads, bridges, broadband, and more. CHIPS and Science Act boosted semiconductor manufacturing. Inflation Reduction Act (2022) invested in clean energy, climate measures, and allowed Medicare to negotiate some drug prices (leading to lower costs for certain medications). These were framed as major industrial policy wins.
•Foreign policy and alliances: Strengthened NATO (especially after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with significant U.S. aid to Ukraine), AUKUS pact, and alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China. Ended the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan (fulfilling a campaign promise, though the withdrawal was chaotic). Brokered some Middle East deals and supported Israel after Oct. 7, 2023, while pushing for humanitarian aid.
•Other: Appointed the first Black woman to the Supreme Court (Ketanji Brown Jackson). Student loan forgiveness efforts (partially blocked by courts). Focus on climate (rejoining Paris Agreement). Low rates of certain crimes in some metrics later in the term; efforts on gun safety (bipartisan bill after mass shootings).
Supporters credit him with steady leadership, competence after Trump, and progressive wins without fully alienating moderates, plus avoiding deeper recessions or major new wars involving U.S. troops.
Major Criticisms and Negative Aspects Often Cited
•Inflation and economy: Inflation peaked at ~9% in 2022 (highest in 40 years), driven by stimulus spending, supply chains, energy prices, and other factors. Real wages lagged for a time; housing and grocery costs remained high. Critics blame excessive spending (Rescue Plan) and energy policies. Border crisis: Record migrant encounters at the southern border (millions), with strained resources, fentanyl trafficking, and political backlash.
•Afghanistan withdrawal (2021): Chaotic evacuation, deaths of 13 U.S. service members in a bombing, allies left behind, Taliban takeover, and abandonment of equipment. Widely seen as poorly executed even by some supporters.
•Age, fitness, and cognitive concerns: Biden was the oldest president; visible gaffes, stiff gait, and debates (especially the June 2024 debate) fueled questions about capacity. This contributed to his decision to drop re-election bid in July 2024 after pressure from Democrats. Special counsel reports and media coverage highlighted memory issues.
•Foreign policy setbacks: Critics argue weakness invited Russia's Ukraine invasion, China's assertiveness, and Hamas's attack on Israel. High inflation and energy policies (pausing new LNG exports early, green focus) were blamed for global effects. Handling of Israel-Hamas war drew fire from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides.
•Other: Perceived overreach on executive actions (e.g., eviction moratoriums, student loans struck down); culture-war issues; crime perceptions in cities (though FBI data showed mixed/declining trends later); classified documents issues. Approval ratings were often underwater (Gallup/FiveThirtyEight averages frequently in the low-to-mid 40s or below, especially later).
Data Points for Context
•Approval ratings: Averaged roughly 42–43% for much of the term (lower than many modern presidents); ended lower amid inflation, border, and age concerns. Partisan split was extreme.
•Economy: Strong nominal growth and jobs post-COVID, but inflation eroded gains for many households. Stock market performed well. Deficits remained high.
•Legislation: Passed significant bills with narrow margins or bipartisanship on infra/CHIPS; struggled on larger progressive priorities (e.g., Build Back Better scaled back).
•Historical rankings: Early academic/historians' surveys (while in office or shortly after) often place him mid-tier or lower-mid among presidents, but these are preliminary, partisan-influenced, and change over time. Full legacy assessments take decades.
Bottom Line
Whether he was "good" depends on weighting: If you prioritize pandemic recovery, jobs, climate/infrastructure investments, alliance-building, and certain social policies, many rate him positively or adequately. If you prioritize inflation control, border security, perceived strength abroad, executive restraint, or peak mental acuity, many rate him poorly. Outcomes mixed—strong in some recovery metrics, weak in cost-of-living and migration. Polarization, media ecosystems, and the 2024 election context (he did not seek re-election; Harris lost) heavily color views. For deeper dives, check primary sources like BLS economic data, CBO scores, White House archives, congressional records, or nonpartisan trackers (e.g., FactCheck.org, Pew, Gallup).