Was Joe Biden a good president?

Whether Joe Biden was a "good" president is a subject of significant debate, with assessments varying widely depending on political perspectives, economic experiences, and foreign policy priorities.

Historians, political scientists, and the public often view his presidency (2021–2025) through two very different lenses. On one hand, he is credited with passing some of the most significant domestic legislation in decades. On the other, his tenure was marked by severe inflation, border security challenges, foreign policy crises, and deep political polarization.

Arguments that Joe Biden was a "good" president (The Successes)

Supporters and several historical scholars point to a robust list of legislative and policy achievements, arguing that Biden was one of the most effective domestic policy presidents in modern history.

•Major Legislative Achievements: Despite working with an exceptionally slim congressional majority, Biden signed several historic, bipartisan, and major pieces of legislation into law:

•The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021): A trillion-dollar bipartisan bill to rebuild the nation’s roads, bridges, public transit, and clean water systems.

•The CHIPS and Science Act (2022): A major investment in domestic manufacturing, aiming to bring semiconductor production back to the U.S. and boost competitiveness with China.

•The Inflation Reduction Act (2022): The largest federal investment in climate change mitigation and clean energy in U.S. history, which also allowed Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices.

•COVID-19 and Economic Recovery: Biden took office during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the American Rescue Plan (2021) and a massive federal vaccine rollout, his administration stabilized the economy, leading to a rapid return to historically low unemployment rates (dipping to 3.4%, the lowest in 50 years) and robust job growth.

•Rebuilding International Alliances: Biden shifted American foreign policy back toward multilateralism. He strengthened NATO in the face of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and successfully rallied Western allies to provide financial and military aid to Ukraine.

•Historian Rankings: In a 2024 survey of presidential historians (the Presidential Greatness Project), Biden was ranked 14th overall, with scholars praising his legislative output, commitment to democratic norms, and stabilization of the presidency after the tumultuous transition of 2021.

Arguments that Joe Biden was a "bad" president (The Failures and Criticisms)

Critics, primarily Republicans and a significant portion of the electorate, argue that Biden’s policies weakened the country domestically and internationally.

•Inflation and Cost of Living: Although the job market was strong, the U.S. experienced its highest inflation in 40 years during Biden's presidency. Critics argue that the massive influx of government spending (particularly the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan) overstimulated the economy and fueled this inflation. High prices for groceries, housing, and gas severely damaged his public approval ratings.

•Border Security and Immigration: The southern border faced historic numbers of migrant crossings during Biden's term. Critics blamed his administration for rolling back previous immigration policies too quickly without adequate enforcement measures, leading to a humanitarian and political crisis that deeply concerned voters.

•Foreign Policy Low Points:

•The Afghanistan Withdrawal (2021): The chaotic and tragic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and the rapid return of the Taliban, severely damaged Biden's foreign policy reputation.

•Global Conflicts: Critics point to the outbreak of major wars in Europe (Ukraine) and the Middle East (Gaza) as evidence of a perceived decline in American deterrence. Furthermore, his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict alienated progressive Democrats who opposed his strong support for Israel, while drawing fire from conservatives who felt he was not supportive enough.

•Age, Re-election Decision, and the 2024 Election: Biden faced persistent concerns regarding his age and mental acuity. His insistence on running for re-election in 2024—despite promising in 2020 to be a "bridge" or transition candidate—drew intense criticism. Though he eventually withdrew in July 2024 following a disastrous debate performance, many within his own party argued his delay crippled the Democrats' campaign, ultimately paving the way for Donald Trump's return to the White House.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Joe Biden’s legacy is highly polarized:

•To his supporters, he was a steady, highly effective statesman who saved the country from a pandemic, passed generational investments in infrastructure and climate, and restored traditional international alliances.

•To his detractors, he was a weak leader whose economic policies triggered painful inflation, whose border policies created a national security crisis, and whose political stubbornness ultimately led to the return of his political rival to power.

Citations (7)

1port.ac.ukAcademic
port.ac.uk
Backs: “Whether Joe Biden was a "good" president is a subject of significant debate, with assessments varying widely depending on political perspectives, economic experiences, and foreign policy priorities.”
2washingtonpost.comNews and mediaquality 0.82
washingtonpost.com
Backs: “Whether Joe Biden was a "good" president is a subject of significant debate, with assessments varying widely depending on political perspectives, economic experiences, and foreign policy priorities.”
3floridapolitics.comNot yet classified
floridapolitics.com
Backs: “On the other, his tenure was marked by severe inflation, border security challenges, foreign policy crises, and deep political polarization.”
4millercenter.orgAcademic
millercenter.org
Backs: “On the other, his tenure was marked by severe inflation, border security challenges, foreign policy crises, and deep political polarization.”
5axios.comNews and mediaquality 0.90
axios.com
Backs: “Historian Rankings: In a 2024 survey of presidential historians (the Presidential Greatness Project), Biden was ranked 14th overall, with scholars praising his legislative output, commitment to democratic norms, and stabilization of the presidency after the tumultuous transition of 2021.”
6latimes.comNews and mediaquality 0.85
latimes.com
Backs: “Historian Rankings: In a 2024 survey of presidential historians (the Presidential Greatness Project), Biden was ranked 14th overall, with scholars praising his legislative output, commitment to democratic norms, and stabilization of the presidency after the tumultuous transition of 2021.”
7theweek.comNews and mediaquality 0.64
theweek.com
Backs: “Critics, primarily Republicans and a significant portion of the electorate, argue that Biden’s policies weakened the country domestically and internationally. Inflation and Cost of Living: Although the job market was strong, the U.S.”