Fact Check: Bidens first term was better than Obamas entire presidency

Fact Check: "Biden's first term was better than Obama's entire presidency"

What We Know

The claim that "Biden's first term was better than Obama's entire presidency" is subjective and depends on various metrics of evaluation. Here are some relevant points based on available data:

1. Legislative Achievements: Biden's first 100 days included the passage of the American Rescue Plan, which is considered a significant legislative victory. However, compared to Obama's early legislative successes, such as the Affordable Care Act, Biden's achievements may not be seen as transformative (source-1).

2. Executive Actions: Biden has been noted for his high volume of executive orders, issuing 41 in his first 100 days, surpassing his immediate predecessors (source-6). This contrasts with Obama, who also used executive actions extensively but faced significant opposition in Congress.

3. Public Approval Ratings: Biden's approval ratings have fluctuated, with an average drop of about 15 points from his first year (source-4). In comparison, Obama's approval ratings were higher during his early presidency, particularly after the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

4. Regulatory Costs: In terms of regulatory actions, Biden's administration has implemented fewer regulations than Obama and Trump in most categories, which may appeal to certain economic perspectives (source-2).

5. Media Coverage: Early media coverage of Biden has been comparable to that of previous presidents, with a mix of positive and negative assessments (source-5).

Analysis

Evaluating the claim requires a nuanced approach, as it involves subjective interpretations of what constitutes a "better" presidency.

• Source Reliability: The sources used in this analysis are reputable, including academic analyses, government reports, and established news organizations. However, the interpretation of data can be influenced by the political leanings of the sources. For instance, while some sources highlight Biden's executive actions positively, others may focus on the limitations of his legislative achievements compared to Obama's (source-1, source-4).

• Comparative Metrics: The metrics used to compare presidencies—such as legislative achievements, public approval ratings, and regulatory actions—are inherently subjective. For example, while Biden's executive actions may be seen as proactive, they can also be viewed as a sign of legislative failure if Congress is unable to pass significant laws. Conversely, Obama's legislative successes were often met with significant political opposition, which can complicate assessments of effectiveness.

• Public Perception: Public opinion plays a critical role in evaluating presidential performance. Biden's fluctuating approval ratings suggest a more complex public perception compared to Obama's generally favorable early ratings (source-7).

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that "Biden's first term was better than Obama's entire presidency" requires further investigation and context. While there are metrics that suggest Biden has made significant strides in certain areas, such as executive actions and legislative achievements, these must be weighed against the broader context of Obama's presidency, which included transformative legislation and higher initial approval ratings. The subjective nature of "better" in this context means that a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn without more comprehensive analysis and public sentiment data.

Sources

1. Biden in Action: the First 100 Days
2. Comparing Regulatory Costs between Biden, Trump, and ...
3. Presidential Job Approval Ratings Following the First 100 Days
4. Biden's predecessors could have felt his first-year pain
5. Comparing early news coverage of Biden with that of past ...
6. How Biden's First 100 Days Compare With Trump, Obama ...
7. Issue Approvals of Biden, Trump, Obama in 6 Charts