The nearing conclusion of Joe Biden's presidency leaves behind a mixed legacy.
As noted by columnist Matt Lewis for The Hill, Biden came to power hoping to be a leader who would transform the country, much like Franklin Roosevelt or Lyndon Johnson once did. However, he lacked a political majority in Congress to fulfill such ambitions, and many of his initiatives were either not fully realized or had adverse effects. For instance, the repeal of certain immigration restrictions acted as a magnet for illegal immigrants, while the American Rescue Plan contributed to rising inflation.
The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan proved particularly painful for Biden, significantly lowering his approval ratings, which he has since struggled to recover. Despite some legislative accomplishments, Biden failed to demonstrate the necessary rhetorical and physical strength for a successful presidency. His choice of Kamala Harris as vice president turned out to be another misstep, as Harris was unable to become a genuine successor. The lack of a clear power transition strategy resulted in Democrats being unable to rally around a new strong leader.
"For these reasons, Biden's presidency resembles a bridge to nowhere more than a bridge to the future. He was elected for a 'return to normalcy' after Trump's tumultuous first term. But by failing to build a solid Democratic legacy, he inadvertently paved the way for Trump's return to the White House," concludes the columnist.
Source: thehill.