Janice R. Andrews
As President Joe Biden approaches the end of his four-year term, a startling consensus emerges among Americans: his accomplishments are largely unremembered. A poll conducted by J.L. Partners for DailyMail.com reveals that a significant portion of the public, regardless of political affiliation, struggles to name a single success from his presidency.
Poll Uncovers a Grim Verdict
The survey, which included 1,009 registered voters, asked participants to summarize Biden’s legacy in one word. The most common response? “Nothing.” This word dominated across political lines, with others like “economy,” “inflation,” and “infrastructure” also appearing but failing to improve the overall perception.
Democrats offered slightly more positive descriptors, such as “good,” “stability,” and “better.” However, even among his supporters, the results suggest his impact has been minimal.
Key findings from the poll include:
- Over 50% of respondents couldn’t recall a single Biden achievement.
- 37% strongly agreed they were unable to name any successes.
- Among Democrats, more than one-third admitted struggling to identify a notable accomplishment.
Biden Compared to Past Presidents
Biden’s lackluster approval ratings aren’t new. Previous polls have ranked him among the least successful recent presidents, a sentiment reinforced by J.L. Partners co-founder James Johnson. He noted that Biden’s tenure is overshadowed by public concerns over inflation and doubts about his mental sharpness.
“Even Biden’s legislative wins, like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, are eclipsed by the prevailing view that his presidency lacked substance,” Johnson said. “In the public’s mind, there’s no significant legacy to reflect on.”
Achievements That Missed the Mark
Despite these perceptions, Biden’s administration touts several notable achievements:
- The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated $1.2 trillion for infrastructure improvements, including bridges, railways, and airports, promising long-term benefits.
- The Inflation Reduction Act, which invested in green technology and environmental sustainability, aiming to modernize the energy sector and combat climate change.
Biden also led the country through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing vaccine rollouts and economic recovery measures.
However, these accomplishments have failed to resonate with voters. Democratic strategist Brad Bannon blamed poor communication from the White House. “The administration struggled to connect its successes with the public, leaving many unaware of Biden’s achievements,” he explained.
An Uneasy Farewell
In recent weeks, Biden has sought to shape his legacy. During a foreign policy speech, he highlighted America’s strengthened global alliances and the weakening of its adversaries, claiming his administration had positioned the nation for future success. Domestically, he pointed to key legislative victories as long-term achievements.
“My administration is leaving the next one with a strong foundation,” Biden said in a farewell message. “The seeds we’ve planted will bloom for decades to come.”
Yet, his efforts have done little to sway public opinion. Critics argue that his presidency will be remembered more for economic struggles—such as persistent inflation—than for transformational policies.
Hope for Future Recognition
Despite the negative outlook, some believe history may judge Biden more kindly. Bannon suggested that Biden’s environmental initiatives and infrastructure investments could prove pivotal in the long run, even if they are underappreciated now.
“The Inflation Reduction Act and other green policies could eventually be seen as landmark achievements,” Bannon said. “But their true impact will take years to become evident.”
For now, however, Biden’s presidency remains defined by a disconnect between his administration’s accomplishments and public perception.
The Challenge Ahead
As Biden prepares for life beyond politics, the struggle to reshape his legacy begins. While his defenders highlight significant legislative victories, the immediate consensus is harsh: his presidency left little lasting impression. The question remains whether history will vindicate him or confirm the widespread view that his term was, in essence, “nothing.”
