As President Joe Biden approaches the midway point of his term, he has earned praise for several key accomplishments. The passage of a monumental infrastructure bill and his ability to steer the U.S. economy through the choppy waters of a global pandemic without falling into a deep recession are highlights of his tenure. Biden, known for his empathy and pragmatic approach, has exceeded expectations in many ways, proving that political experience and steady leadership can yield tangible results.
However, despite these successes, Biden’s presidency faces two glaring shortcomings that could ultimately define his historical legacy: his handling of the war in Ukraine and his inability to protect American democracy from what many perceive as a looming autocratic threat.
The Russo-Ukrainian War: A Missed Opportunity
Biden’s foreign policy, especially regarding the war in Ukraine, has been a mix of caution and hesitation. While the U.S. has provided vital military and financial support to Ukraine, many argue it has not been enough or quick enough to tip the scales in favor of the besieged nation. From the start of the conflict, experts warned that a swift and decisive intervention was needed to give Ukraine a fighting chance against Russia’s military might. Unfortunately, Biden’s approach has been reactive, focused on just enough support to prevent Ukraine from losing but never enough to secure victory.
Critics contend that Biden’s reluctance to escalate military aid in the early days of the war has doomed Ukraine to a prolonged stalemate. While U.S. assistance has been substantial—billions of dollars in military aid, intelligence support, and sanctions against Russia—some say the U.S. could have acted sooner and more decisively to bolster Ukraine’s chances of winning. Moreover, Biden’s hesitancy to approve heavier weaponry like advanced fighter jets and long-range missiles only fueled frustrations among Ukrainian officials, who repeatedly called for more support.
While Biden’s diplomacy and support have prevented a complete Russian victory, critics argue that history will judge him for not doing enough to help Ukraine secure an outright victory that could have hastened the war’s end and prevented further bloodshed. This, for many, is Biden’s greatest foreign policy failure.
American Democracy Under Siege: A Bridge to Nowhere?
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of Biden’s presidency is his failure to address the existential threat to American democracy. Upon taking office, Biden framed his mission as one of saving democracy—both at home and abroad. He promised to restore the rule of law, safeguard voting rights, and combat the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. However, these promises have largely fallen flat.
The January 6th insurrection highlighted just how fragile American democracy had become. Since then, Biden has struggled to rally support for meaningful reforms, from expanding voting rights to curbing the influence of money in politics. Legislative efforts to protect voting rights have stalled in the Senate, blocked by Republicans and moderate Democrats alike. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, who played a key role in the assault on democracy, remains a dominant figure in American politics, with many fearing he could return to power in 2024.
Biden’s inability to unite the country and push through essential reforms has left many questioning his leadership on this critical issue. While Biden has repeatedly condemned efforts to undermine democracy, his failure to deliver on the promises of electoral reform has been a major disappointment to progressives and civil rights advocates.
As Trump’s influence over the Republican Party continues to grow, Biden’s efforts to “protect the soul of America” have seemed impotent in comparison. Many have begun to wonder if Biden’s commitment to bipartisanship and his preference for moderation are too great a hindrance in the fight against the rise of autocratic tendencies.
The Political Legacy of Joe Biden
Biden’s presidency has not been without significant achievements, but his shortcomings in these two critical areas—foreign policy and the preservation of democracy—could tarnish his legacy. As the Democratic Party looks to the future, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Biden’s decision to run for re-election in 2024 has prevented a more robust primary process, one that could have allowed for a new, stronger candidate to emerge.
One name that has often been mentioned as a potential challenger to Biden is Vice President Kamala Harris. While Harris has demonstrated remarkable resilience and poise, she has also been thrust into a near-impossible situation, with few allies within the administration and a fractured political landscape. Some critics argue that Harris’s political career has been irrevocably damaged by the flaws in Biden’s leadership, especially his handling of race, gender, and identity issues within the party.
In many ways, Harris’s future in American politics now seems uncertain, with her prospects overshadowed by the failures of her boss. Biden’s decision to run again in 2024 has prevented the Democratic Party from pursuing a more dynamic leader—one who could have been a stronger contender in the fight against Trump and the Republican Party’s growing authoritarianism.
A Missed Chance for a New Generation of Leadership
Had Biden stepped aside and allowed for a more open primary process, the Democratic Party may have had a chance to select a fresh leader—someone who could have re-energized the base, drawn new voters, and articulated a bold vision for the country’s future. Instead, the party is left with a leader who, despite his best intentions, has been unable to rise to the moment on the most important issues of his presidency.
As Biden prepares for his re-election campaign, there’s a growing sense that his presidency will be remembered not for what he accomplished, but for what he failed to do. The stakes are high, and history will judge him harshly for the two issues that have defined his time in office: Ukraine and democracy.
