The closing chapter of Joe Biden’s presidency is marked by a complex interplay of policy achievements, public disapproval, and personal controversies, leaving many to ponder: Where Is Joe Biden standing as he prepares to leave office? Despite his administration’s efforts to highlight economic successes and foreign policy wins, particularly the brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Biden’s legacy is shadowed by persistent low approval ratings and criticisms from both sides of the political spectrum.
One of the most controversial decisions in his final days was the pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, on federal gun and tax charges. This move, reminiscent of language often used by Donald Trump, drew immediate backlash, even from within his own party. Biden attributed the prosecution to “raw politics” and a “miscarriage of justice,” showcasing a sense of frustration and defensiveness. This decision ignited internal White House tensions, highlighting the delicate balance Biden navigated between his political team and his family. Some family members felt the president’s inner circle, including figures like Dunn and Bauer, were not serving him effectively, especially as his approval ratings declined during the lead-up to the 2024 campaign.
Hunter Biden accompanied by first lady Jill Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden
Hunter Biden, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, leaving federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, June 11, 2024.
The internal dynamics within Biden’s White House became strained as the 2024 election cycle intensified and his public standing weakened. The article suggests a palpable tug-of-war between Biden’s political advisors and his family, with some family members expressing discontent with the strategies employed by his team. This tension underscores the personal and political pressures weighing on Biden during his term. The pardon of Hunter Biden further fueled these tensions, leading to resentment and blame within his inner circle, particularly directed towards Hunter and Jill Biden. These family dramas are likely to persist and potentially become subjects of congressional investigations, especially concerning accusations of a cover-up regarding Biden’s mental acuity, allegations consistently denied by the White House.
Despite these challenges and controversies, Biden and his supporters point to significant achievements during his presidency. He championed major legislative initiatives, aiming to establish long-term economic stability. His administration also emphasizes his success in uniting international allies against Russian aggression in Ukraine, positioning it as a crucial foreign policy victory. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, a development reached after months of intense negotiations, is another key accomplishment highlighted by the White House. While Biden acknowledged shared credit with the Trump administration for this breakthrough, his initial reaction to the question of credit – “Is that a joke?” – hinted at a sense of underappreciation for his efforts.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the recently announced cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas while joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
President Joe Biden addressing the media about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
White House spokesperson Bates defended Biden’s record, asserting it as “the strongest record of any modern administration,” underscoring the administration’s belief in its accomplishments. However, this perspective contrasts sharply with public perception and critical narratives. Biden faced relentless criticism, particularly regarding his border policies, which were seen as initially lenient and contributing to a surge in illegal crossings. Despite later tightening border controls, public opinion had already turned against him on this issue.
Economic perceptions also contributed to Biden’s struggles. Some Democrats argue he failed to connect with populist sentiments, missing an opportunity to rail against corporate greed and instead attempting to convince the public of an economic recovery they weren’t feeling. This perceived disconnect between the administration’s message and the lived experiences of many Americans highlights a crucial challenge in his communication strategy. The end of pandemic-era subsidies, coupled with rising prices, created a “double whammy” for many voters, leading them to believe they were financially better off during the Trump administration, despite the economic complexities of both presidencies.
Yet, some long-time allies, like Democratic donor John Morgan, strongly defend Biden’s presidency. Morgan points to infrastructure investments, a thriving stock market, low unemployment, and effective pandemic management as evidence of a “great presidency.” He expresses bewilderment at the lack of public recognition and praise for these achievements, echoing Biden’s own sentiments of feeling underappreciated. Despite these objective indicators, public opinion remained largely unmoved. Biden’s consistently low approval ratings, culminating in a 36% approval rating as he prepared to leave office, reflect a significant disconnect between his administration’s perceived successes and public sentiment.
President Biden Provides Update On Covid-19 Response
President Biden removes his mask while providing an update on the Covid-19 pandemic response in October 2021.
Reflecting on Biden’s term, political strategist James Carville suggests an alternate reality where Biden stepped aside earlier, potentially allowing him to be remembered for his long career of public service and achievements, rather than the challenges of his final term. Carville poignantly notes, “Joe Biden had many successful acts in his life. Unfortunately, you get remembered for your last act. Right now, he’s remembered as the guy who stayed too long.” This sentiment encapsulates the complex and somewhat disappointing conclusion to a presidency that, despite notable accomplishments, struggled to gain widespread public approval and is now largely defined by controversies and a sense of unfulfilled potential. Ultimately, where Joe Biden truly stands in the annals of presidential history remains a question that will be debated and re-evaluated for years to come.
