Evaluating the Biden Presidency

Well, this is the last day of a somewhat successful presidency that ended in mass failure. I don’t think that historians have much more insight on immediately evaluating a presidency as anyone else who follows politics closely. But I also don’t think the Bide…
Karma Rowe · 7 days ago · 2 minutes read


Evaluating the Biden Presidency: A Tale of Policy Wins and Political Misfires

Policy Successes

Historians have debated the merits of presidents since the dawn of time. While immediate evaluations can be challenging, it's difficult to ignore the undeniable policy successes of Biden's presidency.

Biden's bold decision to end the war in Afghanistan, a move that should have earned him accolades, unfortunately faced criticism and controversy. Yet, the significance of finally concluding this unpopular conflict cannot be overstated.

Moreover, Biden's unwavering support for organized labor sets him apart as a champion of working families. Even his critics acknowledge his efforts to strengthen unions, harkening back to the glory days of FDR's presidency.

Political Failures

However, Biden's political acumen leaves much to be desired. His appointment of Merrick Garland epitomized his naive belief that a stable, non-partisan approach would appease the electorate. Alas, what he perceived as responsible leadership was seen by many as a lack of boldness.

Biden's failure to fully grasp the importance of inflation and the subsequent torpedoing of his party's chances in the 2024 elections underlined his detachment from the electorate's priorities. His unwillingness to admit his advanced age and bow out gracefully further crippled his legacy.

The Dilemma of Politics versus Policy

Balancing policy and politics is a delicate art that eluded Biden. While he excelled in the former, his political missteps overshadowed his accomplishments.

Some argue that his policy successes should earn him a high ranking among presidents. However, given the catastrophic potential of a Trump restoration, many would label Biden as an average president at best, despite his detailed policy mastery.

In the end, the division of opinions on Biden's presidency will hinge on how we weigh policy accomplishments against political failures.