OPINION         Joe Biden: A chance at reelection?

Will the 46th US president see a second term? 

By Harris Morand; Freshman

Joe Biden, the 46th US President, was elected President in 2020 and inaugurated into the office early the next year. I am sure we all remember hearing the poll results coming in.

Running on a campaign of hope, Biden promised to assist the nation’s economy, tighten gun control, solve Covid-19, and more.

However, according to many, he has failed to keep a lot of the promises he had made in his campaign.  

This, his old age, and other factors, have led to what could be considered the perceived downfall of Joe Biden. There are memes about him on the internet, as a result of people who dislike his policies and leadership.

But, that’s not all.

As with many other US Presidents, Joe Biden and his supporters/family have been steeped in scandal. From alleged reports storing top secret documents, corruption, and worse, Biden’s campaign may have some scandal with it.

On the topic of unpopular Presidencies, 3 US Presidents have been impeached. The 17th President, Andrew Johnson, was impeached for violation of the Tenure of Office act. He was acquitted, and escaped removal with 1 vote. 

Bill Clinton, the 42nd, had been impeached on charges of perjury, obstruction of justice, power abuse, etc. However, he was acquitted.

Most recently, Donald Trump, had been impeached twice, in office. Both times he had been called out for things like power abuse, and obstruction of justice. However, he was acquitted both times. As of today, Trump may be facing some trouble in regards to some of his actions, both inside and out of office.

There has also been some buzz about Trump running for reelection, in 2024. However, with an ongoing investigation at his own property, his chances of reelection are likely in shambles too.

But, back to the main topic, Joe Biden; his public opinion isn’t doing so well. Currently, according to the NORC, Biden’s approval rating has been decreasing, but hovers at 38%.

For problems like inflation, food shortages, and weak leadership, Biden has been widely criticized. Not only to mention a spotty approval rating, but some extremists even advocate for the impeachment and removal of power for Joe Biden.

In the past, President Nixon would have been impeached, and likely removed, for his action in regards to what happened at Watergate. However, he resigned before that. 

However, do not let those numbers fool you. Ever since President Truman (the 33rd President, from 1945-53) to Trump (45th, 2017-21), the average final approval rating of the President is 47%.

A handful of the members from the Democratic Party are somewhat hesitant of trying to get Biden reelected President.

According to the website Politico, even Biden himself may decide not to run for the presidency again. He is, after all, 80 years old.

Many believe that with his old age, Joe Biden may be incapable of running a nation. Despite this, Biden stated in a 2021 CNBC interview, “My plan is to run for reelection (next term). That’s my expectation.”

The job of the President, after all, can be very stressful and demanding.

With Presidential elections on the horizon for next fall, Biden’s chances of being re-elected are dwindling. In his defense, however, Biden does still have some support, throughout the population, and his own party loyalists.

To add, Biden had done some good in office. Protection of LGBTQ+ individuals, racial protections, anti-discrimination measures, and meeting with world leaders, to name a few.

This all being said, the only way to find out if he’ll win, is to wait.