A recent Gallup poll reveals that most Americans anticipate President Biden will be viewed as a below-average president after leaving office. The survey indicates that 54% of respondents believe Biden's legacy will be either "below average" (37%) or "poor" (17%). In contrast, only 19% foresee a positive historical assessment of his presidency, with a mere 6% categorizing it as "outstanding" and 13% as "above average."
A significant 26% of those polled predict a legacy of "average" for the president. Gallup's comparison of Biden with nine other recent presidents highlights a concerning trend: only Richard Nixon scored lower in public perception, with a net positivity rating of -42 compared to Biden's -35. George W. Bush follows with a -9 rating.
Gallup notes that presidents facing challenging times in office often experience improved approval ratings after their terms conclude, citing examples like Jimmy Carter, Donald Trump, and George W. Bush. For context, Trump's first term received a -4 net positivity rating, while John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan hold the top spots at +68 and +38, respectively.
This poll coincided with Biden's interview with USA Today, where he addressed concerns regarding his age and reflected on his potential legacy. While expressing confidence in his ability to defeat Trump in a hypothetical rematch, Biden admitted uncertainty about his capacity to serve a full second term, referencing discussions with Barack Obama about his post-presidency plans. He emphasized his initial reluctance to run after his son's death and the sense of duty that prompted his candidacy against Trump.
Biden hopes to be remembered for restoring economic stability and reasserting American global leadership. He expressed his desire to be recognized for navigating a turbulent economy and establishing new international standards. The White House declined to comment on the Gallup poll findings.
