Staff Reports
Bidenomics, the president’s grand economic experiment, has proven to be a binding agent of disappointment for many Americans. His recent attempts to showcase a thriving economy haven’t exactly worked miracles, as reflected in his job approval rating of a meager 39.1%. Inflation continues to plague most households, pushing 60% of Americans to disapprove of how he’s been managing the economy. It’s a striking contrast to the confident predictions and rosy outlooks spun by the administration, leaving voters even more convinced that they need to get their economic house in order—with a very different kind of leadership.
In the wake of the elections, 68% of voters expressed that the economy is “not so good” or “poor,” while only a scant 5% dared to call it “excellent.” It seems voters have long memories when it comes to economic conditions. President Trump garnered overwhelming support among those dissatisfied with Biden’s economic prowess, receiving 70% of the votes from those who rated the economy poorly. When it comes to the economic issue, voters showed a clear preference for Trump, who earned the trust of 53% of all voters—much to Biden’s chagrin.
“Most economists agree the new administration is going to inherit a fairly strong economy…It is my profound hope that the new administration will preserve and build on this progress.”
Pres. Biden delivers speech on his economic legacy after the pandemic. https://t.co/Mm2z4YjodT pic.twitter.com/uP2pgCfkYp
— ABC News (@ABC) December 10, 2024
Biden’s struggles aren’t solely about age and public perception. His penchant for making typical Democratic economic claims fell flat during a time when inflation and high living costs were front and center in voters’ minds. While eager to peddle his “middle-out” economic strategy, it failed to gain traction among a populace feeling the squeeze of rising prices. As the clock ticks down on his presidency, his inability to communicate effectively—whether reading from a teleprompter or speaking off-the-cuff—has severely limited his effectiveness in conveying any sort of economic recovery narrative.
His recent address at the Brookings Institution only reaffirmed the lack of connection with the American people. Biden, still fixated on the idea of trickle-down economics being the root cause of all economic woes, reiterated themes that have not gained any sympathy over the years. His rhetoric about the progress made was interpreted by many as a desperate attempt to rebrand his presidency, even while the American Rescue Plan—his signature legislative achievement—has been widely criticized for triggering soaring inflation rates.
Despite his assurances of an economy rebounding to “pre-pandemic” levels, voters were quick to recall the stark differences during Trump’s presidency, which was marked by low unemployment and rising wages without the oppressive inflation burden. By making vague nods to “my successor” while simultaneously referencing “my predecessor,” he served to further confuse a populace yearning for clarity and straightforward leadership. Biden’s inability to square his mixed messages only fueled suspicions that he’s attempting to rewrite history while drifting further from the issues that really matter to most Americans.
In the end, the Biden administration’s legacy seems destined to be one of inflated promises and deflated expectations. With voters signaling a clear desire for the return of Trump and the economic stability he once provided, it looks like the next chapter will finally focus on the bottom line rather than more government interference—a shift many conservative Americans are more than ready to embrace.
