President Joe Biden's reelection prospects came to an abrupt halt on November 5, 2024, as he was defeated by his predecessor and successor, Donald Trump.
Politico reported that the outcome not only marked the end of Biden’s hope for a second term but also signaled the death knell for the policies and "achievements" he had built during his presidency.
Biden's presidency, characterized by devastating wars abroad and unrest domestically, has been widely panned as one of the worst in modern American history.
Biden hoped to correct the trainwreck that was his first term if he had secured another term, but Trump denied him any chance of saving his legacy.
Biden's time in office is marked by multiple massive crises and a total failure to bring about a sense of "normalcy" which was one of his major campaign promises.
Rising inflation during his term evoked memories of economic challenges reminiscent of the Jimmy Carter era, and his leadership was often described as lacking in vision.
This perception was further exacerbated by his performance during a debate in June 2024, which many viewed as a critical moment in his reelection campaign.
Biden's policy endeavors were frequently contrasted with historic figures like Franklin Roosevelt, falling short in terms of lasting impact. Biden's administration enacted significant legislation, notably the American Rescue Plan, which aimed at economic recovery.
This act would go on to inflame the already horrific inflation that was crushing Americans and is widely seen as one of the worst legislative actions that Americans have had to endure in recent years.
His foreign policy measures were hardly an improvement as Biden’s administration has failed to achieve peace in multiple conflicts that exploded following Biden's arrival in the White House.
Some of his decisions were outright criminally negligent as Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal led to the deaths of servicemembers and the fall of secular Afghanistan to the hands of the Taliban.
Domestically, Biden's legislative accomplishments included significant bills focused on economic aid during the pandemic which worsened soaring inflation which became a central issue during the election.
Some of Biden’s personal decisions also stirred controversy. Notably, his decision to pardon his son, Hunter, was met with divided opinions. While this move was contentious, many viewed it as relatively insignificant in the grand scope of his presidency.
President Biden’s style of public leadership remained subdued and often labeled as insufficiently assertive. This perception affected his ability to galvanize sustained public support and momentum.
Historically, few presidents have made a significant impact during a single term without winning a second. Biden’s failure to secure reelection positions his legacy in potential jeopardy with Trump’s return to office. Much of what Biden "accomplished" could face reversal under the new administration.
