WASHINGTON — When Joe Biden took charge, he aimed to enact what he termed a national exorcism, focusing on the need to “restore the soul” of America. His vision was to demonstrate that Donald Trump was merely an anecdote in the country’s narrative rather than a substantial chapter.
As historian Sean Wilentz puts it, Biden’s approach was framed as an attempt to return to normalcy, a wish that has largely gone unfulfilled. In hindsight, despite Biden’s success in bipartisan negotiations and international alliances, he ultimately failed to alter the narrative established by Trump. The outcome of the recent elections, with voters opting for Trump after having initially chosen Biden four years prior, paints a stark picture for Biden—one that will influence how history perceives him in the future.
“The abnormality of the political landscape did not cease to exist,” remarked Wilentz, now a Princeton University professor. “Biden may not fully grasp the extent of the challenges he faced.” Just days before wrapping up his presidency, Biden is set to express his reflections in a farewell address delivered from the Oval Office. Nonetheless, Trump’s looming return raises questions regarding Biden’s capability to shift the nation’s course in ways that his distinguished predecessors were able to accomplish.
In a recent letter to the citizens, Biden acknowledged that a crucial element of his 2020 campaign remains incomplete. He stated, “I ran for president because I thought the soul of America was at stake. The essence of who we are hung in the balance, and that concern remains.”
Public sentiment appears to reflect impatience with Biden’s assessment, with polling data indicating that only 25% of Americans consider him a good or great president. This approval rating is notably lower than the perspective on Trump during his departure post the January 6 Capitol riot and amid the severe pandemic crisis.
Biden’s allies argue that perceptions may evolve over time. Steve Ricchetti, a close advisor to the president, acknowledged the loss in a tightly contested election but asserted that the accomplishments achieved under Biden’s leadership have positively influenced the nation’s trajectory. He maintained that the strategy Biden adopted offers a template for success for future leaders.
As Trump readies to reclaim power, he has signaled intentions to implement an even bolder agenda than during his tumultuous first term. This revival prompts speculation—even among Biden’s supporters—about whether the outgoing president represented a mere blip in a broader political evolution toward populism and right-wing ideologies.
The question posed by Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, captures the uncertainty: “Which one stands as the aberration, Biden or Trump?” He acknowledged that it remains an unresolved issue.
Biden’s journey in politics is heavily influenced by the passage of time. He entered the Senate in 1973 as the youngest member in history, at merely 30 years old. Following two unsuccessful presidential attempts, he became Barack Obama’s running mate in 2008, finding himself a seasoned politician by then.
David Axelrod, a senior advisor to Obama, noted that Biden’s age was a significant factor in his selection, as there was an expectation that he wouldn’t run for the presidency at an advanced age.
Biden’s political saga took a turn following personal tragedy—the loss of his son to cancer—and Trump’s alarming rhetoric on race relations. This prompted him to reenter the race, where he proved naysayers wrong by capturing the Democratic nomination, echoing a message of empathy in contrast to Trump’s perceived insensitivity during the pandemic.
Upon taking office, Biden prominently displayed Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s portrait in the Oval Office, emphasizing his ambition to be a transformative leader. He championed major initiatives to enhance infrastructure, promote clean energy, and stimulate economic recovery, as well as implementing regulations to lower prescription drug costs and tighten gun laws.
Despite these accomplishments, Biden struggled to fulfill broader social service goals while grappling with rampant inflation, which spurred public concerns. The ongoing crisis abroad, particularly a mismanaged withdrawal from Afghanistan, along with staunch support for Israel, produced internal conflicts among Democrats.
As Biden’s presidency faced challenges, the political landscape shifted favorably towards Trump, who gained traction while Biden’s popularity waned. Axelrod noted that Biden’s ambition to be historically significant sometimes hindered his ability to acknowledge shortcomings.
Undeterred, Biden declared his intention to seek reelection even as he approached an advanced age of 86, a decision drawing parallels to Roosevelt’s fourth-term pursuit despite his declining health—an effort that was fatal shortly after his election win.
Despite concerns about his age, Biden remained resolute that he could triumph over Trump once more. However, his election campaign ultimately unraveled, culminating in his withdrawal after a lackluster debate performance against Trump. In a party intent on overcoming Trump’s resurgence, doubts about Biden’s viability were magnified, leading to complications even following his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a Rose Garden address two days post-election, Biden reflected on his “historic presidency,” maintaining an optimistic outlook, although overshadowed by the events that unfolded. He emphasized the need for continued engagement and the belief that the American spirit endures.
Ben LaBolt, serving as the White House communications director, took solace in comparing Biden’s trajectory to that of former presidents Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson, both of whom faced unpopularity but drove significant change during critical times.
When asked if he regretted running for reelection and whether that decision catalyzed Trump’s political resurgence, Biden expressed confidence in his choices, asserting that he still believed in his capability to win had he remained in the race.
