Was Joe Biden a good president?

Whether Joe Biden was a "good" president is inherently subjective. It depends on one's political values, priorities (e.g., economic metrics vs. lived cost-of-living experiences, foreign alliances vs. specific interventions, social policies), and how one weighs achievements against shortcomings. There is no single objective score. Public opinion was polarized and generally lukewarm-to-negative by the end of his term (January 20, 2021–January 20, 2025), with average approval around 42% and ending in the high 30s to low 40s.[1][2] Early historian surveys (mid-term, 2024) ranked him roughly in the top third (around 14th out of 45), ahead of some recent Republicans but behind many Democrats and iconic figures—though rankings evolve and can reflect partisan leanings among scholars.[3][4]

His presidency occurred amid the COVID-19 recovery, high polarization, thin congressional majorities early on, and major global events (Ukraine invasion, Middle East conflict). Here is a balanced overview of major elements based on records and contemporary assessments.

Major Legislative and Policy Achievements

Biden secured significant domestic legislation despite narrow margins:

Economy: Strong post-COVID recovery by many metrics—one of the strongest among G7 nations, with a soft landing (avoiding deep recession amid high rates). Over 16 million jobs added (most of any single-term president in some counts; consecutive monthly gains); unemployment hit multi-decade lows (e.g., 3.4%, with records for various demographic groups); real GDP growth solid (cumulative around 12%+ in some measures); manufacturing/investment boosts; record small business applications; median household wealth gains.[5][9][10] Wage growth was stronger at the lower end initially.

Foreign policy: Ended the Afghanistan war (longest U.S. conflict); led Western support for Ukraine against Russia (aid, sanctions, NATO strengthening/expansion with Finland/Sweden, higher allied defense spending); alliances restored/reinvigorated (e.g., AUKUS, Indo-Pacific focus, Camp David principles with Japan/South Korea); actions against terrorist leaders.[6][8]

Supporters highlight these as transformative investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, climate, and alliances after a chaotic prior period and pandemic, plus competent crisis management early on. Some call the legislative output among the most consequential in decades for a one-term president.[11]

Major Criticisms and Shortcomings

Critics argue these overshadowed wins, that stimulus overheated the economy, border policies encouraged migration, and leadership appeared diminished later. Approval cratered after Afghanistan and stayed low amid inflation/border issues.[17][18]

Broader Context and Legacy

Biden entered with high 50s% approval amid hopes for normalcy post-2020 election/Capitol riot/COVID peak; it fell and stayed underwater for most of the term.[2] The 2024 election (Harris as successor after his exit) resulted in a loss, tying his political legacy partly to that and Trump’s return.[8]

Long-term views may shift: Infrastructure/climate/CHIPS investments have multi-year payoffs; economic soft landing and alliance rebuilding could look better in hindsight (as with some past presidents whose contemporaries disliked them). Conversely, inflation scars, border optics, and Afghanistan may linger negatively. Historians note early successes (legislation, recovery, Ukraine) vs. later overshadowing issues (immigration, inflation, personal decline, Gaza).[19]

In short: Progressive or center-left perspectives often rate him highly for pandemic recovery, major bills advancing green energy/manufacturing/social goals, and restoring democratic norms/alliances. Conservative or right-leaning views typically see failure on inflation, borders, crime perceptions, energy, and competence. Independents and the broader public were more negative on the economy and direction of the country despite strong macro numbers. "Good" is in the eye of the beholder—evaluate the record against your own criteria rather than seeking a universal verdict. Legacy assessments will continue evolving with more distance and data.