With the end of his presidency approaching, President Joe Biden reflects on his legacy, which is assessed with both optimism and skepticism. While he may tout significant achievements, the shadow of his decisions looms large, particularly as the nation braces itself under the renewed leadership of Donald Trump.
Biden’s presidency has seen historic judicial confirmations, surpassing those of any recent administration. On December 15, Senate Democrats confirmed their 235th judicial nominee under Biden. "We’re proud of this milestone. Not only because of the number, but because of what it means. It means our bench is now far more balanced in its expertise, experiences and qualifications," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during the announcement.
The Biden administration’s judicial appointments highlighted significant diversity, marking historical milestones. His most notable achievement includes the nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who became the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. While these accomplishments paint part of Biden's tenure as progressive, they also stand in stark comparison to the Trump administration’s record, which featured more appellate court confirmations.
Economically, President Biden asserts positive developments, pointing to measures like the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act as pivotal to revitalizing the economy. Speaking at the Brookings Institution, he highlighted, "Most economists agree, the new administration is going to inherit a fairly strong economy, at least at the moment." He emphasized significant job creation and low unemployment rates, arguing his administration's policies will continue to yield benefits long after he’s gone.
Despite these claims, inflation remains Biden’s most pressing challenge, casting doubt over his economic legacy. Rates surged to levels not seen for decades during his term, peaking at 9.1% in June 2022, fueling dissatisfaction among American voters, as evidenced by polls showing 68% viewed the economy negatively on Election Day. "The first burst of inflation was probably at least partially responsible for Biden’s approval rating going from net positive to net negative," remarked Nathaniel Rakich of FiveThirtyEight.
The decision to run for re-election has become central to Biden's narrative, with many arguing it may define his legacy negatively. Discussions among political analysts suggest this choice, made amid growing age-related concerns, facilitated Trump’s return to the presidency due to the vacuum left by Biden's frailties. Geoffrey Skelley of FiveThirtyEight noted, "Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 election pretty much guarantees it will at least be mentioned in the history books."
Many Democrats now grapple with the fallout of Biden's decision-making processes, raising questions about the party’s future direction. Political scientist Julia Azari commented, "Biden’s presidency will be seen as a turning point in the Democratic Party... the 2024 election loss puts a lot of strain on the alliance between factions."
The administration's struggles, coupled with issues such as the controversial pardon of his son Hunter Biden, serve as additional blemishes. Critics argue this decision undermined Biden’s commitment to transparency and accountability, significantly affecting public perception of his presidency. Historian Douglas Brinkley said, "He gave his word, crossed his heart, and then alas, he ended up doing it."
Looking beyond his personal actions, Biden's policies have initiated considerable changes, yet they face the threat of reversal under Republican governance. With Trump set to take office again, analysts predict many of Biden's initiatives could be dismantled, provoking discussions about their long-term viability. The coming years will reveal whether measures like the Inflation Reduction Act and other progressive policies will stand the test of political shift.
Assessment of Biden's presidency, then, becomes complex. Balancing his legislative achievements against significant electoral losses and facing accountability for personal decisions complicates narratives about his effectiveness. Historian Monica Potts noted, "Biden always has been focused on creating good-paying jobs for the working-class folks he grew up with, but he cannot escape how his choices facilitated Trump’s return."
Historians will likely take years to fully articulate Biden’s ultimate impact on the nation. Yet, opinions exist about future evaluation being inherently tied to the outcomes of Trump’s impending term and its treatment of Biden’s previous endeavors. Biden himself remarked on the handover of power, expressing optimism for his successor: "It is my hope the new administration will preserve and build on this progress." This sentiment of hope stands as the thin line between Biden's achievements and the realities of relinquished power to the very forces he sought to dismantle.
Regardless of the eventual historical assessment, Biden's legacy appears to be firmly intertwined with the narratives of his presidency's endgame, as well as the emergence of the reality he leaves behind.
