The President of the United States is arguably the most scrutinized individual in the world. Yet, when we assess the effectiveness of any president, we often fall into the trap of myopia. Instead of evaluating them on their broader legacy, we tend to focus on immediate impressions, many of which are shaped by the media. The portrayal of past presidents often sticks in our minds—whether it’s the bumbling Gerald Ford, the hapless Jimmy Carter, the intellectually challenged Ronald Reagan, or the ineffective George W. Bush. In more recent times, President Joe Biden’s image has similarly been skewed, especially after a rocky debate performance in 2020 against Donald Trump.
But here’s the thing: despite some of these surface-level impressions, Biden’s legacy as a one-term president might be one of the most impactful in modern American history. In fact, with all things considered, he could very well be one of the best one-term presidents we’ve ever had.
From the very start of his presidency in 2021, Biden took control of a fractured political landscape, particularly within his own party. Many pundits predicted that his moderate stance would leave him vulnerable to division by the Democratic Party’s more progressive members. Yet, Biden’s ability to unite the party was nothing short of impressive. Within a matter of months, he quelled concerns and rallied both progressives and moderates, crafting a domestic agenda that would end up achieving monumental legislative victories.
His greatest feat early on was the unification of the Democratic Party, a group often described as unruly and diverse in its views. Biden’s leadership through this challenging time proved that his ability to work across party lines and among various factions was an asset. He formed task forces to bring together the moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic Party, aiming to find common ground on key policy issues. These early actions set the tone for his presidency and helped shape his ambitious domestic agenda.
The results of Biden’s early political maneuvers were seen in the signature legislative achievements that followed. A seasoned veteran with over three decades of experience in the Senate and eight years as Vice President, Biden proved his mastery of Washington’s inner workings. He successfully championed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, which provided much-needed economic relief during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This wasn’t just about sending out checks to Americans; it was about providing critical support to families, small businesses, and healthcare systems. In the process, Biden managed to get a deeply divided Congress to pass one of the largest stimulus packages in history.
In addition to the American Rescue Plan, Biden also secured a $1 trillion Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act. This bill was designed to tackle America’s aging infrastructure—fixing bridges, roads, and expanding broadband access in rural areas. The bill also addressed the semiconductor shortage through the CHIPS Act, reducing U.S. dependence on foreign manufacturing. Biden’s success in getting these major bills passed was remarkable, especially given the slim Democratic majority in the House and the 50/50 split in the Senate. These legislative wins mark Biden as one of the most effective presidents in terms of enacting domestic policy in recent decades.
But Biden didn’t stop there. His economic stewardship also deserves recognition. Despite the pandemic’s devastating impact on the economy, Biden presided over an economy that saw unemployment drop to its lowest rate in decades. GDP growth remained strong, making the U.S. economy “the envy of the world,” as he proudly proclaimed. While the pandemic-era inflation did tarnish his economic record, it’s important to recognize that Biden inherited an economy in crisis, and his policies played a significant role in pulling it back from the brink.
Another crucial aspect of Biden’s presidency has been his role in reshaping the federal judiciary. As a former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Biden recognized the importance of federal courts in safeguarding the rule of law. By the time of this writing, he has successfully appointed 213 federal judges—a number that’s slightly behind Donald Trump at this point in their respective presidencies, but far ahead of Barack Obama, who left numerous federal judgeships vacant due to Senate obstruction. These appointments are vital for ensuring that the judicial system remains fair, just, and in line with democratic values.
But perhaps the most significant aspect of Biden’s presidency has been his commitment to restoring democratic norms and safeguarding democracy itself. Biden made this clear from the moment he announced his candidacy in 2019, citing the existential threat to democracy posed by Donald Trump. His campaign was centered on the idea of “restoring the soul of America,” and in many ways, that vision has guided his actions in office.
Biden’s victory over Trump in the 2020 election was a historic moment. It marked the first time in nearly 30 years that an incumbent president had lost their reelection bid. This was not just a political win—it was a victory for American democracy itself. By defeating Trump, Biden not only prevented a second term for a president who many saw as a direct threat to democratic institutions, but he also sent a message about the importance of upholding the values that define the nation.
Of course, no presidency is without its challenges, and Biden’s has been no exception. Despite his best efforts to unite the country, the political and social divide in America remains deep. Biden’s hopes of healing the nation and bridging the partisan divide have largely gone unfulfilled. Yet, he has proven himself to be a president who is committed to acting in the best interest of the country, even if that means sacrificing his own political fortunes. His decision to step aside and allow the Democratic primary to play out is a testament to his character and willingness to prioritize the well-being of the country over personal ambition.
There are certainly questions about what could have been. What if Biden had been more effective in conveying his administration’s economic successes? What if he had performed better in his 2020 debates with Trump, particularly in their final matchup? What if he had stepped aside earlier in the race, allowing another Democrat to emerge as a stronger challenger to Trump? These are questions that will likely linger for years to come, but they are ultimately speculative. What is clear is that Biden’s presidency has been marked by bold decisions, transformative legislation, and a steadfast commitment to preserving democracy.
In the end, Biden’s legacy will likely be defined by the challenges he faced during his time in office. His presidency came at a moment of profound political and social upheaval, and while he did not manage to heal all the divisions in the country, he accomplished a great deal. He may not be remembered as the savior of American democracy, but he will certainly be remembered as a steadfast defender of it. His accomplishments, from the legislative victories to the judicial appointments, have had a lasting impact on the nation. And while some will criticize his handling of the Trump era and the rise of populism, Biden’s role in stabilizing the country and defending its core democratic values will stand as a testament to his leadership.
As history looks back on Biden’s presidency, it may be tempting to focus on the “what ifs” and missed opportunities. However, the undeniable truth is that he took office at a time of unprecedented challenges and made decisions that will shape the nation for generations to come. Whether or not we agree with every move he made, there’s no denying that Joe Biden’s presidency has left an indelible mark on the history of the United States.
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