After two years on the job, President Joe Biden has seen his public approval numbers take big swings.
In the first seven months of his term, Biden was enjoying far better approval ratings than his predecessor Donald Trump. But in the second half of 2021, and for most of 2022, Biden’s number often appeared dismal.
In recent weeks, Biden’s approval ratings have been curious, to say the least.
An Economist/YouGov poll from Jan. 8-10 showed Biden with a positive net approval rating. Biden’s approval rating was 47%, while his disapproval was 45%. A reason for the results may be due to poor approval ratings for Republicans, who came off disappointing midterm elections. The same poll showed only 41% had a favorable opinion of the Republican party, while 50% had an unfavorable opinion.
A poll released on Jan. 9 from Investor’s Business Daily and TIPP showed Biden’s approval rating jumped to a nine-month high, climbing 4.5 points to 49.1%.
But the improved public approval number didn’t last long. A week later, those numbers took a sharp dip, as Biden faces growing scrutiny for classified documents found at his home.
The Economist/YouGov poll for Jan. 14-17, showed Biden remained at 47% approval but his disapproval ratings shifted to 51%.
A Harvard/Harris poll released last week showed slumping numbers of a 42% approval rating and a 56% disapproval rating. A Reuters/Ipsos poll also showed poor results, with Biden at 40% approval and 53% disapproval. A poll from Quinnipiac University was even worse for Biden — 38% approval and 53% disapproval.
It’s unclear how much of the seesaw ratings will impact Biden’s decision to seek re-election. Pundits have suggested that Biden will run again if Trump appears likely to win the Republican nomination.
“Sure. Why would I not run against Donald Trump? He’s the nominee, that increases the prospect of running,” Biden told ABC News in December 2021.
The poll results also come as Ron Klain is set to step down as White House chief of staff in the coming weeks. Jeff Zients, who ran Biden’s COVID-19 response effort, is expected to replace Klain.
