Recent polls and surveys indicate that President Joe Biden’s time in office may be remembered as one of the worst in modern American history. A series of polls—most notably by J.L. Partners—have revealed that as Biden’s term draws to a close, voters are increasingly disillusioned with his leadership. According to these surveys, Biden’s approval ratings have sunk to record lows, with his handling of key issues, such as the controversial pardon of his son Hunter Biden, further undermining public confidence in his presidency.
This comprehensive analysis examines the factors behind Biden’s plummeting ratings, including the fallout from his unexpected reversal on the promise not to pardon his son, the repercussions of his policies on the U.S. southern border, and the public’s response to his handling of international crises like the Afghanistan withdrawal. We also consider how Biden’s legacy compares to other modern presidents—stretching back to Richard Nixon—and explore the broader implications for the Democratic Party and U.S. political discourse.
As President Joe Biden’s term draws to a close, emerging polls suggest that he may be remembered as one of the worst modern presidents in American history. Recent surveys, notably from J.L. Partners, have captured a stark picture: voters have consistently rated Biden far below many of his predecessors. With comparisons stretching back to the Nixon era, Biden’s net score among registered voters has plunged to levels worse than those recorded for both Richard Nixon and Donald Trump.
Central to this growing discontent is Biden’s controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden—a decision that not only reversed a long-standing promise but also exacerbated public frustrations over his administration’s handling of key issues. Critics argue that this move, combined with perceived failures on issues such as the Afghanistan withdrawal and border security, has contributed to a broader narrative of executive mismanagement and misplaced priorities.
In this report, we will unpack the multiple layers of Biden’s declining approval, examining recent poll data, analyzing the fallout from the Hunter pardon, and exploring the broader political and historical context that has shaped public opinion.
2. Poll Results and Voter Sentiment
2.1 J.L. Partners Poll: Biden’s Record-Breaking Ratings
A recent poll conducted by J.L. Partners, which surveyed 1,006 registered voters, has painted a grim picture of President Biden’s legacy. In this survey, voters were asked to rank Biden alongside every other president from Richard Nixon onward. The results were startling: only 14% of respondents placed Biden in the top two, while a staggering 44% ranked him among the worst two presidents. Biden’s net score came in at 30 points underwater—a score even lower than that of Nixon, who finished with a net score of -25, and Donald Trump, who garnered -15.
Pollster James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, described the results as “diabolical” for Biden. Johnson noted that, while recency bias is inevitable—given that Biden is the incumbent—the data indicates a broader disillusionment with his leadership. Voters pointed to his age, perceived mishandlings such as the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and border management, and the fallout from his decision to pardon Hunter Biden as critical factors influencing their evaluations.
2.2 Comparative Rankings: Nixon, Trump, and Others
The J.L. Partners poll did not just isolate Biden; it also provided a comparative framework for evaluating modern presidencies. In the survey:
- Ronald Reagan topped the list with a net score of +30, reflecting his enduring popularity and the strong public memory of his leadership.
- Barack Obama surprisingly secured second place with a net score of +21, highlighting a significant divergence between popular perceptions and the more polarized narratives of recent years.
- Bill Clinton ranked third with +17, while George W. Bush had a modest +1, Jimmy Carter was at zero, and George H.W. Bush at -1.
- In stark contrast, Biden’s net score of -30 positions him as the worst among these modern presidents.
These comparisons not only reveal voter sentiment about Biden but also highlight the dramatic shifts in public opinion over time. The fact that Biden’s rating falls so far below even those of presidents who faced their own controversies speaks to the unique challenges and criticisms of his time in office.
3. The Hunter Biden Pardon: A Turning Point
3.1 The Controversial Reversal of a Long-Standing Promise
One of the most contentious moments of Biden’s presidency was his decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. For nearly a year, Biden had consistently promised that he would not pardon his son, who has faced various legal challenges, including gun and tax charges. However, in a surprising reversal, Biden granted a broad pardon that covered an 11-year period. This decision was seen by many as a betrayal of his previous stance, further fueling frustration among both his critics and disillusioned Democrats.
The pardon was framed by Biden as an effort to address what he believed were unfair prosecutorial tactics targeting Hunter. He echoed sentiments similar to those expressed by President Trump regarding the weakness of the cases against them. However, public reaction diverged sharply from this narrative. In a poll conducted on December 2 by Napolitan News Service, only 30% of registered voters supported the pardon, while 62% opposed it—41% expressing strong disapproval.
3.2 Public and Political Reactions to the Pardon
The decision to pardon Hunter Biden has emerged as a pivotal moment in Biden’s presidency. The backlash was immediate and intense:
- Among Voters: A significant portion of the electorate saw the pardon as a blatant case of favoritism and an example of cronyism. Many voters believed that Biden’s reversal not only tarnished his credibility but also undermined the principle of fairness in the justice system.
- Within the Democratic Party: The pardon appears to have sown seeds of discontent among Democrats. Polls indicate that the decision may have triggered a reassessment of Biden’s leadership within his own party, with some Democrats now blaming him for the party’s poor performance in the 2024 elections.
- Media Commentary: The New York Times and other major outlets criticized the pardon as “a significant misstep that could cause lasting damage.” Political analysts argue that such high-profile decisions have the potential to reshape public opinion and leave a lasting imprint on the historical record of Biden’s presidency.
Ultimately, the Hunter Biden pardon is seen as a turning point—an event that encapsulates broader criticisms of Biden’s leadership style and policy decisions. It has become a rallying point for those who believe that Biden’s administration has been marked by inconsistency, mismanagement, and a failure to uphold the principles it once promised.
4. Additional Policy Failures and Public Grievances
4.1 The Afghanistan Withdrawal and Border Security
Beyond the Hunter pardon, voters have also pointed to other significant policy failures during Biden’s tenure. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, widely criticized for its execution and the resulting humanitarian and geopolitical fallout, remains a major sore point. Many Americans view the withdrawal as emblematic of a broader pattern of indecisiveness and mismanagement in Biden’s foreign policy.
Similarly, issues at the U.S. southern border have been a persistent source of controversy. Critics argue that Biden’s policies have contributed to a surge in illegal border crossings, further straining public resources and compromising national security. These issues, when combined with the fallout from the Hunter pardon, create a cumulative picture of a presidency that has struggled to meet the expectations of a significant portion of the electorate.
4.2 Economic Challenges and Leadership Criticism
Voters’ discontent is not limited to foreign policy and immigration issues. Economic challenges, including rising inflation and concerns over federal spending, have also played a role in shaping negative perceptions of Biden’s leadership. Many Americans feel that his administration has failed to deliver on promises of economic recovery and fiscal responsibility. This sense of economic disillusionment has further eroded support, contributing to Biden’s plummeting ratings in national polls.
Together, these policy failures form a mosaic of grievances that have significantly impacted public opinion. For many voters, Biden’s record is characterized by a series of broken promises and missteps—issues that resonate deeply in an era of heightened political polarization and economic uncertainty.
5. Reactions from the Media and Political Commentators
5.1 Response from Trump Supporters and Conservatives
Conservative commentators and Trump supporters have been quick to seize on the poll results and the fallout from the Hunter Biden pardon. They argue that Biden’s decision to pardon his son is symptomatic of a broader pattern of executive mismanagement and corruption. Prominent conservative voices have pointed to Biden’s low approval ratings and compared them unfavorably to those of past presidents like Nixon and Trump. For these critics, the incident reinforces their view that Biden’s presidency has been fundamentally flawed—a failure that has left him with a net score that is “30 points underwater.”
Social media has erupted with hashtags such as #WorstPresident and #BidenBetrayal, as conservative pundits call for greater accountability and a re-evaluation of the Democratic Party’s leadership. The narrative that emerges is one of a once-promising leader who, through a series of high-profile missteps—including the Hunter pardon—has alienated voters and squandered the trust of the American people.
5.2 Reaction from Progressive Media and Activists
On the progressive side, reactions have been more mixed. While some initially supported the pardon as a means of addressing what they perceived as unjust legal proceedings against Hunter Biden, subsequent polls revealed that a majority of registered voters—particularly within the Democratic base—view the pardon negatively. The revelation that only 30% of voters supported the pardon has sparked internal debates within the party, with some activists warning that this decision could have lasting implications for future elections.
Progressive media outlets have attempted to contextualize the pardon within the larger framework of Biden’s foreign and domestic policy failures. However, the stark poll results suggest that even many Democrats are beginning to question the administration’s judgment on key issues. This internal discord is seen by some as a potential factor in the party’s poor performance in the 2024 elections, as voters reassess their support for a president who appears to have compromised on critical promises.
5.3 Expert and Analyst Commentary
Political analysts have weighed in on the implications of these poll results and the Hunter pardon. Pollster Scott Rasmussen noted that Biden’s low ratings may signal a broader partisan re-evaluation, particularly among Democrats who feel that the president’s actions have directly contributed to electoral losses. Analysts also point out that the fact that more voters believe Trump was unfairly targeted by the Justice Department than those who believe a similar narrative about Hunter Biden suggests a double standard in public opinion—a phenomenon that will likely fuel further debate in the coming months.
The media’s coverage of these developments has been extensive, with major outlets dissecting every aspect of Biden’s record and the public’s response. While headlines vary from “Biden’s Presidency: A Record of Broken Promises” to “Hunter Pardon: The Final Straw for Biden,” the underlying theme is one of deep-seated voter dissatisfaction and a growing sense of disillusionment with the current administration.
6. The Implications for the Democratic Party
6.1 Partisan Re-evaluation and Electoral Consequences
The latest poll results and the fallout from the Hunter Biden pardon have significant implications for the Democratic Party. With Biden now widely viewed as one of the worst modern presidents by a significant portion of voters, there is growing concern within the party that his leadership may have played a role in the party’s setbacks in recent elections. As pollster Scott Rasmussen noted, “I suspect the anger at Biden among Democrats is ready to bubble over. Over time, the party will come to believe that the only reason they lost in 2024 is because Biden selfishly tried to run for re-election.”
This internal reassessment could lead to a rethinking of leadership within the party. The discord over the Hunter pardon—combined with other policy failures—might prompt calls for new approaches or even a shift in the party’s strategy heading into future elections.
6.2 Leadership and Policy Debates Within the Party
Within Democratic circles, the controversy over the Hunter pardon has sparked vigorous debates about presidential accountability and the need for a coherent, principled approach to governance. Some party insiders argue that the pardon is emblematic of a broader failure in judgment—a decision that not only undermined public trust but also signaled a willingness to place personal loyalty above policy principles.
As discussions intensify, there is a growing call for a fresh start and for leaders who can reconcile the party’s progressive ideals with the practical challenges of governing a diverse nation. The internal debates prompted by these poll results may well shape the trajectory of the Democratic Party in the years to come, influencing both policy decisions and the selection of future leaders.
7. Historical Comparisons: Modern Presidents Ranked
7.1 Biden’s Ratings Compared to Nixon, Trump, and Others
The J.L. Partners poll, which ranked modern presidents from Richard Nixon onward, provides a striking comparative framework:
- Ronald Reagan received a resounding +30, reflecting his enduring popularity and the nostalgic appeal of his leadership.
- Barack Obama followed with +21, a testament to his broad appeal despite polarizing opinions.
- Bill Clinton secured +17, while George W. Bush held a modest +1 and Jimmy Carterreceived a neutral score.
- In sharp contrast, Joe Biden was rated a staggering 30 points underwater—worse than Nixon’s -25 and Trump’s -15.
These numbers reflect a significant shift in voter sentiment, as Biden’s net score places him at the bottom of this modern presidential ranking. The steep decline in his ratings is indicative of a deep dissatisfaction among voters, who cite factors such as his age, policy missteps, and, notably, his controversial pardon of Hunter Biden.
7.2 The Role of Recency Bias in Voter Evaluations
Pollsters acknowledge that recency bias can affect how voters rank sitting presidents. As the incumbent, Biden is subject to the immediate impact of his current policies and controversies. However, even accounting for this bias, the overwhelmingly negative ratings suggest that his performance has left a lasting mark on public opinion.
This phenomenon is further compounded by the perception that Biden’s actions have not only failed to meet expectations but have actively undermined the principles of effective governance. Voters appear to hold him to a high standard, and his apparent missteps—exemplified by the Hunter pardon and other policy failures—are seen as irredeemable.
8. Broader Implications for U.S. Governance and National Policy
8.1 Accountability and Executive Decision-Making
The controversy surrounding Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden raises fundamental questions about presidential accountability. The decision to reverse a long-standing promise has significant implications for how executive power is perceived by the public. Critics argue that such unilateral actions erode trust in the presidency and contribute to a culture of cronyism, where personal loyalties take precedence over the public good.
This episode also serves as a reminder that transparency and consistency are crucial for maintaining democratic accountability. As voters increasingly scrutinize the actions of their leaders, any deviation from promised policies can have lasting repercussions—both for the individual president and for the broader political system.
8.2 The Future of Presidential Leadership in a Polarized Era
Biden’s dismal ratings, when viewed in historical context, point to a broader challenge facing modern presidents: navigating a highly polarized political landscape where every action is magnified and every misstep is remembered. The shifting public perception—highlighted by the poll’s stark comparisons to past presidents—suggests that future leaders will need to be especially mindful of their policy decisions and public messaging.
The fallout from the Hunter pardon and other controversial decisions may well influence how presidential candidates are evaluated in future elections. As voters seek leaders who can balance strong governance with principled accountability, the legacy of Biden’s presidency may serve as a cautionary tale for those aspiring to the highest office in the land.
9. Conclusion: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward
The emerging consensus from recent polls, including the J.L. Partners survey, paints a stark picture: President Joe Biden is expected to leave office with one of the worst modern presidential ratings. His controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter—after steadfastly promising otherwise—has significantly contributed to this negative perception. Voters, now more disillusioned than ever, have assigned Biden a net score that places him far below presidents such as Reagan, Obama, and even Nixon.
This critical moment in American politics highlights several key lessons:
- The Vital Importance of Trust: Presidential leadership is built on trust, and any deviation from established promises can have lasting, detrimental effects on public confidence.
- Accountability in Governance:Transparency and consistency are essential for maintaining democratic accountability. The backlash against the Hunter pardon underscores the public’s demand for leaders who uphold their commitments and prioritize the common good.
- The Impact of Policy Failures: Beyond the pardon, issues such as the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and border security challenges have compounded voter dissatisfaction. Together, these failures create a cumulative narrative that undermines the legitimacy of a presidency.
- The Power of Comparative Metrics:Historical comparisons offer a sobering context for evaluating modern presidencies. Biden’s ratings, when juxtaposed with those of past leaders, reveal a deep-seated disillusionment that will likely shape future political debates.
As we move forward, the implications for the Democratic Party and U.S. governance are profound. Internal debates are already underway regarding the future direction of the party and how best to restore voter trust in its leadership. Meanwhile, the broader public discourse will continue to scrutinize every action taken by presidential administrations, emphasizing the need for strong, principled, and accountable leadership.
In conclusion, while President Biden’s legacy may be defined by a series of high-profile missteps, including the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden, it also serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of accountability and integrity in public office. The lessons learned from this turbulent period will undoubtedly influence the political landscape for years to come, as voters and leaders alike strive for a more transparent, effective, and responsible approach to governance.
