Many more Americans believe President Joe Biden’s term will be viewed unfavorably than favorably, according to a new Gallup poll. This puts Biden around Richard Nixon territory. The same survey found the numbers for former Presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama have improved.
By The Numbers:
Only 4% of Americans believe Biden’s presidency will be viewed as “outstanding” and just 12% percent believe it will be viewed as “above average.” Twenty-six percent of Americans believe Biden’s presidency will be viewed as average. A majority–54%–of Americans believe Biden’s presidency will be viewed as “below average” (17%) or “poor” (37%), for a net positive rating of -35 points.
The only former president with worse net positive rating (-42) is Nixon. Only twelve percent of Americans view his presidency as “outstanding” (4%) or “above average” (8%). Fifty-four percent view his presidency as “below average” (24%) or “poor” (30%).
Kennedy (+68), Reagan (+38), and Obama (+21) have the highest net positive numbers of all the former presidents. George H.W. Bush (+7), Jimmy Carter (+6), Bill Clinton (+5) are in positive territory, while Donald Trump (-4) and George W. Bush (-9) have low net negative numbers but have improved since they each left office.
The Bottom Line: A president’s favorability rating and job approval rating tends to improve over time. Nixon’s anemic numbers are understandable but Biden’s similar numbers should alarm the soon-to-be former president. Part of his poor position can be chalked up to his failures fresh in Americans’ minds, but Biden’s bitter exit from office is likely adding fuel to the flames. He’d be best served by taking showing some humility while exiting the national stage.
