At a glance:
- A new poll ranks Joe Biden as the worst U.S. president in modern history, surpassing even Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter in unpopularity.
- Voters cite his age, policy failures, and controversial decisions, such as the botched Afghanistan withdrawal and his pardon of son Hunter Biden, as reasons for their verdict.
- Ronald Reagan was ranked the best modern president, with Barack Obama and Bill Clinton following.
Joe Biden’s presidency will end in a cloud of public disapproval, as a new poll reveals that voters rank him as the worst president in nearly 50 years. The Daily Mail poll, conducted by J.L. Partners, found that Biden’s performance scored lower than even Richard Nixon, who resigned in disgrace following the Watergate scandal, and Jimmy Carter, who presided over double-digit inflation and a failed rescue mission in Iran.
The poll, surveying 1,006 registered voters, found that 44% placed Biden as one of the worst two presidents, while only 14% ranked him among the top two. With a net score of -30, Biden came in dead last among the nine presidents evaluated, trailing Nixon (-25) and Donald Trump (-15).
A Presidency Defined by Failures
James Johnson, cofounder of J.L. Partners, described the poll results as “diabolical” for Biden.
“Voters have obviously looked at his age, general conduct in office, his botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, the situation at the southern border, and decided that, in their view, it qualifies him to be the worst president in modern history,” Johnson explained.
Indeed, Biden’s tenure was marked by high-profile controversies and policy blunders. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 left U.S. allies and citizens stranded while costing the lives of 13 service members. His handling of the southern border, where record-breaking numbers of migrants overwhelmed U.S. facilities, drew bipartisan criticism.
Adding to the perception of failure was Biden’s controversial decision to issue a blanket pardon for his son Hunter Biden, convicted on gun and tax charges. The move, reversing earlier promises not to intervene in Hunter’s legal troubles, was viewed negatively by 52% of voters in a separate poll conducted by J.L. Partners.
Biden’s approval rating, already historically low, fell another four points after the pardon announcement, landing at just 37%.
Comparisons with Past Presidents
The poll also sheds light on how Biden compares to his predecessors. Ronald Reagan, credited with winning the Cold War and revitalizing the U.S. economy, took the top spot with a net score of +30. Barack Obama ranked second (+21), followed by Bill Clinton (+17).
In stark contrast, Biden’s ranking puts him below Nixon, who resigned in 1974 to avoid impeachment, and Jimmy Carter, who left office in 1981 amid economic turmoil. Nixon’s net score of -25 and Carter’s break-even score of 0 underscore how poorly voters view Biden’s leadership.
Notably, the results suggest that Biden’s unpopularity cannot be solely attributed to anti-Democratic sentiment. Obama and Clinton, both Democratic presidents, received high marks from voters.
A Legacy Of Decline
Biden’s presidency, once argued by Democrats to be a stabilizing force following Trump’s contentious first term, has become a cautionary tale in public disillusionment.
“From the man who beat Trump to the man who let him back in,” Johnson summarized, highlighting how voters perceive Biden as failing to capitalize on his initial mandate.
Biden’s decision to forgo reelection, announced in July amid mounting pressure from Democratic allies, further compounded his reputation. Senior party members criticized him for not stepping aside sooner to allow Vice President Kamala Harris sufficient time to mount an effective campaign.
Biden’s final weeks in office have only deepened voter frustration. A recent meeting in Angola saw him appearing to doze off, fueling further speculation about his age and fitness for office. At 82, Biden will leave as the oldest president in U.S. history.
The End of an Era
Biden’s departure marks a low point in the modern presidency, according to voters. The poll results reflect widespread dissatisfaction with his leadership and decision-making, from his handling of domestic issues to his foreign policy failures.
As the presidency transitions to Donald Trump’s second term, Biden’s legacy will likely be remembered as one of missed opportunities and unmet expectations—a stark contrast to the optimism that once accompanied his inauguration.
Biden’s presidency will serve as a reminder that even a leader elected to restore normalcy can face public repudiation if they fail to deliver on the challenges of the moment.