Joe Biden, the outgoing President, finds himself in the abyss of declining approval rates, with a mere 37% of the population sanctioning his performance. This is a near-record low, painting a sobering picture of the current state of our nation. It corresponds with the pessimistic sentiment prevalent amongst citizens, only one third of whom believe that we are on a promising trajectory. This disapproval is stark, especially when it dovetails with the question of whether we are veering on the correct path as a nation.
Four years ago, when Biden triumphed to presidency, the scene was different. An Emerson survey gave him a 49% approval rating – a clear 12-point fall from his current state. Especially concerning is the 16-point dip witnessed amongst his Democratic supporters, reflecting the growing disenchantment even within his party. Biden’s tenure, it seems, has left many disillusioned.
Presently, a mere 70% of Democrats, a paltry 10% of Republicans, and just one third of independent voters approve of Biden’s tenure. This indicates a drastic decline from the past and is indicative of the President’s dwindling clout. This erosion of support presents a stark contrast to the favorable consensus observed when Biden had initially assumed office.
The prevalent sentiment amongst Americans appears to be that we’re headed towards a problematic future. Currently, a worrying 67% believe in the ‘wrong track’ narrative. This cynicism is a solid increase from the 46% disapproval rate registered four years ago. This heightened disillusionment cuts across party lines, as revealed by the Emerson survey.
As Biden’s time in the Oval Office dwindles, his approval rating plumbs new depths. Other polls echo this sentiment, with surveys noting a trend of increasing discontent. It is an understated yet poignant sign of the erosion of faith in his leadership.
A Gallup poll revealed that Biden’s legacy is likely to be cast under a shadow of mediocrity or worse. A striking majority, 54%, forecast that Biden will be remembered as a mediocre (17%) or underperforming (37%) president. The negative-35 net rating he harbors is comparable only to Richard Nixon’s negative-42 net rating, situating him in particularly unfavorable company.
Trump, on the contrary, enters his presidency with a clear upper-hand. Registry evidences a strong 52% approval to Trump’s favor, painting a positive picture for his forthcoming tenure. Not only does Trump enjoy a favorable perception, but he also escapes the challenge of his political adversary questioning the election’s legitimacy or a pandemic of historic severity.
Furthermore, an Emerson poll shed light on American citizens’ concerns. Topping the list with 36% is the economy, especially the escalating inflation. Inflation heavily influenced the election narrative, swaying a considerable number of votes towards Trump. This issue, it seems, has played a crucial role in public sentiment, and consequentially, the election.
Other issues like immigration (17%), health care (12%), and threats to democracy (10%) also featured as prominent concerns. Less than 5% listed education, crime, housing affordability, abortion access, or foreign policy as their primary concern. It appears that health care is gradually becoming a significant issue, while threats to democracy are receding in public discourse.
As for additional territories, most Americans concur that this is unnecessary. Biden’s decision to impede the deal between Japan’s Nippon Steel and Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel has met with some support, but the common sentiment among the voters is one of dismissal.
On a different note, the handling of the California wildfires has attracted bipartisan critique. A fragmented response emerged from the public, with half of the Democrats supporting Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s approach, whereas a solid 61% of Republicans disapproved. This differing perspective showcases the polarized reactions to this environmental crisis.
A majority (58%) agreed that climate change significantly contributed to these rampant wildfires. However, this belief varied according to age demographics, with a significant 74% of voters under 30 agreeing with this connection. Once again, one can discern a clear schism in viewpoints amongst different age groups.
The partisan divide is glaringly apparent with the issue of climate change. While an overwhelming 85% of Democrats implicate climate change in the recent wildfires, a trifling 36% of Republicans concur with this assessment. This stark contrast underscores the deep-rooted political divide that pervades aspects of daily life.
Regarding the scrutiny of the personal lives of cabinet picks during Senate confirmation hearings, there is a significant consensus. Many Americans deem it fair game, hinting at the desire for a transparent and accountable political environment.
The cabinet picks, according to a plurality of Americans, are anticipated to herald tangible change in Washington’s landscape. However, given the current disdain for Biden’s administration, one wonders how this belief will evolve in practice.