Biden Exits Presidency: Achievements Praised, but Frustration Lingers Over Defeat
As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office on Monday, his final days in the White House are marked by a bittersweet mix of nostalgia for his decades-long political career and frustration over its abrupt conclusion. Having spent half a century in public service, Biden departs reluctantly, believing he still had more to contribute but facing mounting questions about his age and leadership.
Biden’s tenure as the 46th president of the United States brought significant achievements but also challenges that shaped his legacy. While he guided the nation through the pandemic and spearheaded landmark infrastructure investments, his presidency was marred by rising inflation, contentious immigration policies, and a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In his farewell address from the Oval Office, Biden expressed hope that history will judge his administration favorably, emphasizing the long-term impact of his policies. “It will take time to feel the full impact of all we’ve done together,” he said. “But the seeds are planted, and they’ll grow and bloom for decades to come.”
Biden’s presidency was a mix of triumphs and setbacks. His administration restored alliances abroad, particularly during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and achieved major domestic wins, such as investing in infrastructure and creating thousands of jobs. However, the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, surging border crossings, and the controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, left critics questioning his leadership.
Despite these challenges, Biden takes pride in ending America’s longest war, achieving a last-minute ceasefire in Gaza, and restoring a sense of normalcy to the presidency after the tumultuous Trump years. Yet his approval ratings faltered, and his reelection bid was overshadowed by concerns over his age and communication skills.
Biden’s departure has also highlighted tensions with Vice President Kamala Harris, his successor as the Democratic presidential candidate. Biden’s comments suggesting he could have defeated Donald Trump in the 2024 election have sparked frustration among Harris’s supporters, who view his remarks as undermining her leadership.
While Biden praised Harris’s competence, his reluctance to offer unqualified support for her potential future presidential bid has added to the strained dynamic between the two. Harris, for her part, has remained loyal to Biden, standing by his side during key moments of his final weeks in office.
As Biden transitions to private life, he plans to focus on writing a memoir, fundraising for a presidential library, and staying engaged in public affairs. “I’m not going to be out of sight or out of mind,” he said, signaling his intention to remain active in political discourse.
Harris, meanwhile, is expected to evaluate her political future, with speculation about a potential run for California governor in 2026 or another presidential bid in 2028. “It is not my nature to go quietly into the night,” she told staff as she prepared to leave the White House.
Biden’s departure leaves the Democratic Party grappling with the aftermath of its 2024 election loss and the challenges of rebuilding for the future. As the nation transitions to another Trump administration, Democrats are focused on moving forward and addressing the concerns of their base.
Reflecting on Biden’s legacy, Democratic leaders expressed hope that his accomplishments will gain greater recognition over time. “On substance, I think you’re going to find that Joe Biden is going to be treated very, very well by history,” said Rep. Jim Clyburn.
For Biden, who entered Washington as the youngest senator in U.S. history and exits as its oldest president, his career has been a testament to perseverance and public service. “While my term in office is ending, the work continues,” he said, leaving behind a complex legacy and a deeply divided nation.