Why Biden's approval rating is unlikely to rebound in time for midterms
If the past is any indication, President Biden shouldn't expect a big jump in his dismal poll numbers between now and Election Day in November, according to an analysis from Roll Call.
In over 70 years, "there hasn't been a single president who substantially improved his job approval rating from late January/early February of a midterm election year to late October/early November," Roll Call reports, per Gallup polling. And in the last 18 midterms, going all the way back to 1950, "the average president's job approval rating dropped 8 points between this time of year and Election Day."
That said, in the most recent Gallup survey conducted Jan. 3-16, Biden's approval rating was at 40 percent. For context as to how ratings have played out in midterms past, former President Barack Obama had a 45 percent approval rating when Republicans gained 63 seats in 2010. And in 1994, the GOP took over 53 seats when former President Bill Clinton had fallen to a 46 percent job approval rating, per Roll Call.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
As for what might change Biden's odds ahead of November ... there's not much he can do that will be seen as a bonus, claims Roll Call. What's more likely to affect the race is the GOP perhaps standing in their own way, what with former President Donald Trump's omnipresence and ongoing efforts to relitigate the 2020 election. "In short," writes Roll Call, "Republicans could discredit themselves as alternatives if enough voters are turned off by who they are and what they stand for."
But, Roll Call concludes, "until voters reach that breaking point," Republicans are "on the path to the majorities." Read more at Roll Call.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
What is cloud seeding and did it cause Dubai's severe rainfall?
The Explainer The future is flooded
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
American Airlines pilots are warning of a 'significant spike' in safety issues
In the Spotlight The pilot's union listed 'problematic trends' they say are affecting the airline's fleet
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
6 star-spangled presidential libraries to visit
The Week Recommends These institutions provide insight into American leaders
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
'Voters know Biden and Trump all too well'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Who will win the 2024 presidential election?
In Depth Election year is here. Who are pollsters and experts predicting to win the White House?
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Elevating Earth Day into a national holiday is not radical — it's practical'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Republicans want to silence Israel's opponents'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Peter Murrell: Sturgeon's husband charged over SNP 'embezzlement' claims
Speed Read SNP expresses 'shock' as former chief executive rearrested in long-running investigation into claims of mishandled campaign funds
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published