Paragraph 1: Biden’s Approval Rating at a Nadir
As President Biden’s time in office dwindles to its final month, his public approval has plummeted to a new low. The Marquette Law School national poll, conducted in early December 2024, reveals a stark 34% approval rating against a backdrop of 66% disapproval. This represents a four-point decline since October and marks the lowest point in Biden’s presidency according to Marquette’s polling data. This downward trend is echoed by other national surveys, including the Fox News poll, which places Biden’s approval slightly higher at 41%. The confluence of persistent economic challenges, lingering anxieties about border security, and perhaps a general sense of weariness with the current administration appear to be contributing to this negative public sentiment.
Paragraph 2: A Trajectory of Decline – From Early Optimism to Deepening Discontent
President Biden’s approval rating enjoyed a relatively comfortable position in the low to mid-50s during the initial six months of his term. This initial period of optimism, however, proved to be short-lived. Starting in August 2021, a series of events began to erode public confidence. The chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan drew widespread criticism, while a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, particularly among the unvaccinated, further fueled anxieties. These events, combined with the relentless rise of inflation and the escalating migrant crisis at the southern border, created a perfect storm that dragged down the president’s approval ratings.
Paragraph 3: Trump’s Resurgence and Retrospective Approval
In contrast to Biden’s declining popularity, former President Trump appears to be experiencing a resurgence in public perception. Leaving office four years ago with a 47% approval rating, according to Fox News polling at the time, Trump now enjoys a 53% retrospective approval rating, according to the Marquette survey. This marks a three-point increase since October and the highest retrospective approval Trump has received since Marquette began tracking this metric. This shift in public opinion could be attributed to a combination of factors, including a sense of nostalgia among some voters, dissatisfaction with the current administration, and perhaps a re-evaluation of Trump’s first term in office.
Paragraph 4: Public Opinion on Trump’s Second-Term Cabinet Appointments
While Trump’s retrospective approval has improved, public opinion remains divided on his cabinet appointments for his hypothetical second term. The Marquette survey reveals a near-even split, with 49% approving and 51% disapproving of Trump’s cabinet choices. This division likely reflects the controversial nature of some of his appointments, which have sparked debate and concern among various segments of the population. The Fox News poll paints a similar picture, with 47% approving and 50% disapproving of Trump’s cabinet selections. The contentious nature of these appointments highlights the deep political divisions that continue to characterize the American political landscape.
Paragraph 5: Favorability Ratings – A Stark Contrast
The Marquette survey also sheds light on the favorability ratings of key political figures. Trump’s favorability stands at 49%, with 50% viewing him unfavorably – his highest favorability rating since leaving office. In stark contrast, President Biden’s favorability rating sits at a much lower 37%, with 62% holding an unfavorable view. Vice President Kamala Harris has also seen a decline in her favorability, dropping from 45% in October to 41% in the latest survey, with 57% holding an unfavorable view. These contrasting favorability ratings underscore the deep polarization that continues to grip American politics.
Paragraph 6: The Methodological Context and Implications
The Marquette Law School poll, conducted from December 2nd to 11th, 2024, surveyed a representative sample of American adults. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points, which should be considered when interpreting the results. The findings of this survey, along with other recent polling data, offer a snapshot of the current political climate as the nation heads into the final weeks of President Biden’s term. The declining approval ratings for Biden and Harris, juxtaposed with Trump’s rising retrospective approval and improving favorability, suggest a complex and dynamic political landscape. These trends will undoubtedly influence political discourse and strategic calculations as the country navigates the transition to a new presidential administration.
