As Joe Biden’s presidency draws to a close, his Biden approval rating remains a hot topic for Americans eager to assess his legacy. From navigating a global pandemic to tackling economic challenges and foreign policy dilemmas, Biden’s tenure has been anything but quiet. Yet, public opinion, as reflected in recent polls, paints a complex picture of his performance. For many, these approval ratings aren’t just numbers—they’re a snapshot of trust, frustration, and hope in leadership. In this blog, we’ll dive into the factors shaping Biden’s approval rating, explore what polls and Reddit discussions reveal, and unpack what it all means for Americans as they reflect on his time in office.
The Current State of Biden’s Approval Rating
In early 2025, Joe Biden approval rating hovers in the mid-to-high 30s, a significant dip from the 57% he enjoyed at the start of his term in 2021. According to a Gallup poll conducted in November 2024, only 37% of Americans approved of his job performance, just one point above his personal low. This decline reflects a challenging final year, marked by economic concerns and political polarization. On Reddit’s r/politics, users frequently debate these numbers, with one commenter noting, “Biden’s approval feels like a rollercoaster—high hopes early on, but inflation and global issues dragged him down.” This sentiment captures the volatility of public opinion in a divided nation.
Interestingly, approval varies sharply by demographic. Polls from Morning Consult show Biden retaining stronger support in states like Vermont and Maryland, while his net approval is underwater in 44 states. Black Americans and Democrats remain his most consistent supporters, with 55% and 65% approval respectively, per Pew Research. However, younger voters and independents are less enthusiastic, often citing dissatisfaction with economic progress and policy outcomes.
Why Approval Ratings Matter
Approval ratings are more than just a popularity contest—they’re a barometer of political capital. For Biden, a low approval rating in his final months limits his ability to push last-minute initiatives or shape the Democratic Party’s future. These numbers also influence how history will view his presidency. Gallup reports that 54% of Americans expect Biden to be remembered as a below-average or poor president, a stark contrast to the 19% who see him as outstanding. For American voters, these ratings offer a lens to evaluate leadership and set expectations for the next administration.
Factors Driving Biden’s Approval Rating
The economy has been a persistent thorn in Biden’s side. Despite jobless rates below 4% for over two years, many Americans feel pinched by inflation. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from September 2024 noted that voters ranked the economy as their top concern, with only 37% approving of Biden’s economic handling. Rising consumer prices, though slowing, have left a lasting impression. On Reddit’s r/economy, one user vented, “Gas and groceries are still too expensive. Biden’s team keeps talking about ‘progress,’ but my wallet doesn’t feel it.” This frustration underscores how pocketbook issues shape public perception.
However, some argue Biden faced an uphill battle. Global supply chain disruptions and post-pandemic recovery complicated his economic agenda. Policies like the American Rescue Plan provided relief but also contributed to inflationary pressures, a trade-off that critics highlight. For Americans, the disconnect between economic data and lived experience has been a key driver of disapproval.
Foreign Policy and Global Crises
Biden’s foreign policy record is another divisive factor. The chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021 marked a low point, with approval ratings sinking into negative territory. More recently, his support for Israel’s actions in Gaza has alienated some progressive Democrats, as noted in r/progressive discussions. One Redditor wrote, “Biden’s foreign policy feels inconsistent—strong on Ukraine, but Gaza’s a mess.” Meanwhile, a Pew Research poll from April 2024 showed only 30% of Americans approved of his handling of foreign affairs, the lowest of his presidency.
On the flip side, Biden’s leadership in rallying NATO allies against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earned praise from moderates. Yet, for many Americans, foreign policy feels distant compared to domestic concerns like gas prices or healthcare costs. This dynamic often overshadows his global achievements in approval polls.
Political Polarization and Party Dynamics
Polarization plays a massive role in Biden’s approval rating. Only 6% of Republicans approve of his performance, per Pew Research, while Democrats are more supportive but less enthusiastic than in 2021. This partisan divide is stark in online forums like r/Conservative, where users frequently criticize Biden’s policies as out of touch. One commenter remarked, “Biden’s lost the middle ground. Independents don’t trust him anymore.” Indeed, Gallup notes that approval among independents dropped to 32% by late 2024, a critical loss for a president aiming to unite.
Biden’s age—81 at the end of his term—has also been a lightning rod. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 59% of Americans believe he’s too old for another term, a sentiment echoed across Reddit’s r/moderatepolitics. This perception, amplified by Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on Biden’s memory, has fueled doubts about his leadership capacity, even among some Democrats.
Voices from the Ground: Reddit and Public Opinion
Reddit offers a raw, unfiltered look at how Americans view Biden’s presidency. In r/politics, discussions often center on his legislative wins, like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, juxtaposed against perceived failures. One user praised, “Biden got stuff done—roads, bridges, chips. But he’s terrible at selling it.” Others are less forgiving, with r/Libertarian users calling his spending policies inflationary and overreaching. These varied perspectives highlight the challenge of pleasing a diverse electorate.
Interestingly, some Redditors defend Biden’s record by pointing to external factors. A post in r/economics argued, “Biden inherited a mess—pandemic, supply chains, Trump’s tariffs. His approval’s low because people want instant fixes.” This view aligns with expert analysis suggesting that structural challenges, not just policy decisions, have shaped his ratings.
Expert Insight on Approval Dynamics
To understand these trends, we turn to Dr. Robert Y. Shapiro, a political science professor at Columbia University. “Biden’s approval rating reflects a polarized electorate and economic headwinds,” Shapiro explains. “Voters reward or punish based on immediate outcomes, not long-term policies. Biden’s infrastructure wins may pay off historically, but they’re not felt in daily life yet.” His insight underscores why approval ratings often lag behind legislative achievements, especially in a climate of instant gratification.
Challenges in Measuring Biden’s Approval Rating
Polls, while useful, have limitations. Approval ratings can vary based on question phrasing, sample size, and timing. For instance, a CNN Poll of Polls from December 2024 showed Biden’s approval at 37%, but individual surveys ranged from 35% to 41%. Margin of error—typically 3-4 points—adds uncertainty. On r/dataisbeautiful, users often dissect polling methodologies, with one noting, “Polls overweight vocal minorities. If you’re mad about gas prices, you’re more likely to answer.” This self-selection can skew results.
Additionally, approval ratings don’t capture nuance. A voter might disapprove of Biden’s economic handling but support his climate policies. Aggregating these views into a single number oversimplifies complex opinions, a point raised in r/statistics discussions about survey design.
Contextualizing the Numbers
Comparing Biden’s ratings to past presidents provides context. At similar points, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama had higher approvals (mid-50s), while Donald Trump’s were lower (43% in 2020). Biden’s 37% is historically low for a first-term president, but not unprecedented. Reddit’s r/history notes that Jimmy Carter faced similar struggles, with inflation and foreign crises tanking his ratings. For Americans, understanding this historical backdrop tempers snap judgments about Biden’s legacy.
The Future of Biden’s Legacy
As Biden’s term ends, his approval rating will influence how historians and voters remember him. While current polls are grim, long-term views may soften if his policies—like the CHIPS Act or student loan relief—yield results. On r/Futurology, users speculate that Biden’s climate investments could be a defining achievement, even if underappreciated now. However, persistent disapproval, especially among independents, suggests a challenging road to a favorable legacy.
Moreover, the 2024 election’s outcome, with Republicans sweeping Congress, has dimmed Democratic enthusiasm. Biden’s decision to step aside from re-election, while praised by some as selfless, hasn’t boosted his ratings. As r/PoliticalDiscussion users note, “Biden’s exit was noble, but it didn’t erase economic gripes or Gaza backlash.”
Conclusion
Joe Biden approval rating tells a story of a presidency tested by unprecedented challenges and deep divisions. From economic woes to foreign policy debates, Americans have judged his performance through the lens of their daily struggles and ideological leanings. Polls, Reddit threads, and expert insights reveal a nation grappling with high expectations and complex realities. While Biden’s legislative achievements lay groundwork for future gains, his low approval reflects immediate discontent. As Americans look to the next administration, these ratings remind us that leadership is judged not just by actions but by how they resonate with a diverse, demanding public. What will you remember most about Biden’s time in office?
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