Fact Check: "Biden Worst US President"
What We Know
The claim that Joe Biden is the "worst U.S. president" is a subjective assessment that has gained traction in recent polls. A survey conducted by J.L. Partners, which involved 1,006 registered voters, ranked Biden as the worst U.S. president in nearly five decades, with a net approval rating of negative 30, significantly lower than previous controversial figures like Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter (source-3). This poll reflects a broader sentiment among voters, with 44% placing Biden among the bottom two presidents and only 14% ranking him in the top two (source-3).
Historical rankings of U.S. presidents have been conducted since the mid-20th century, often relying on surveys of historians and political scientists. These rankings typically evaluate presidents based on their achievements, leadership qualities, and failures (source-1). While Biden's presidency is still ongoing, he has not yet been included in most scholarly rankings, which often place him in the middle tier of presidents, with figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln consistently ranking at the top (source-1).
Analysis
The assertion that Biden is the worst president is primarily supported by recent polling data, which reflects public opinion rather than academic consensus. The J.L. Partners poll is notable for its size and methodology, but it is also important to consider the potential biases in public opinion polls, especially those conducted during a president's term. The poll's findings may be influenced by recent events, such as Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and ongoing economic challenges, which have contributed to his low approval ratings (source-3).
In contrast, historical rankings based on scholarly assessments tend to provide a more nuanced view of presidential performance. For example, Biden's predecessors, such as George W. Bush and Donald Trump, have also faced significant criticism but have not consistently ranked as the worst in historical surveys (source-1). The reliability of these historical rankings is generally higher due to the expertise of the respondents, who are often historians and political scientists, compared to the general public.
While the J.L. Partners poll indicates a strong negative perception of Biden, it is essential to recognize that public opinion can fluctuate based on current events and media portrayal. Additionally, the claim that he is the "worst" president lacks the support of comprehensive historical analysis, which typically places him in a more moderate position among his peers.
Conclusion
The claim that Joe Biden is the "worst U.S. president" is Partially True. While recent polling data suggests a significant portion of the public views him unfavorably, particularly in comparison to recent presidents, this assessment is not universally accepted in historical rankings, which often reflect a more complex evaluation of presidential performance. As Biden's presidency continues, his legacy will likely be reassessed over time, potentially altering his standing in both public opinion and historical evaluations.
Sources
- Historical rankings of presidents of the United States
- Donald Trump or Joe Biden? 5 Worst Presidents in US History - MSN
- Joe Biden Ranked 'Worst President' in Modern History, Poll ...
- Ranking The Presidents From Best To Worst - Factinate
- Best and Worst US Presidents – From Washington to Biden
- Who was voted the worst American president? | newscentermaine.com
