Progress: Liberals praise President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their legacy

– President Joe Biden –

Advancing Climate Action

President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (2022) is hailed as the most significant climate investment in U.S. history. This landmark legislation dedicates $369 billion to clean energy, boosts renewable energy capacity, and positions the U.S. as a global leader in combating climate change.

On his first day in office, Biden canceled the Keystone XL pipeline. The crude oil pipeline runs from Alberta, Canada, through Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Biden’s “climate victory” crippled a major energy supply route and helped drive up fuel prices—but it is saving the planet.

Social Equity and Justice

Biden earned widespread praise for signing the Respect for Marriage Act (2022), which codified federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. He also expanded the Child Tax Credit, temporarily lifting millions of families out of poverty, and made history with a judiciary that included over 70% women and people of color.

These achievements reflect the administration’s commitment to social equity, satisfying the demands of progressive advocates for systemic change that will affect future generations.

Addressing Inflation

During the 2022 inflation peak of 9.1%, Biden worked to alleviate economic pressures through the Inflation Reduction Act, which targeted healthcare and energy costs, and through actions to stabilize supply chains and reduce gas prices.

While inflation presented significant challenges, left-leaning economists acknowledged his efforts to minimize its long-term impact. Although inflation spiked under his watch, left-leaning economists applauded him for trying—blaming global issues while crediting him for not making it worse.

Immigration and Workforce Policies

Biden’s immigration policies allowed millions of migrants to enter through expanded pathways, addressing labor shortages in agriculture, healthcare, and service industries. These efforts aligned with progressive values of inclusion and economic opportunity.

Although an estimated 8 to 15 million undocumented immigrants entered, critics labeled it an “invasion” that fueled crime and strained public resources. Still, to supporters, it was simply the price of progress toward a more “inclusive” and compassionate nation.

– Vice President Kamala Harris –

Historic Firsts and Representation

Vice President Kamala Harris broke barriers as the first woman, South Asian, and—eventually—Black vice president, a transition in identity that, while confusing to some, underscored her commitment to diversity. Her presence became a powerful symbol of progress, and her leadership helped drive record-setting judicial appointments to make the federal bench look more like America—at least in terms of appearance.

Advocacy for Social Justice

Harris championed LGBTQ+ rights by advocating for workplace and healthcare protections and played a pivotal role in rallying support for reproductive rights after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision. Progressives were particularly satisfied with her leadership in mobilizing state and grassroots organizations to defend abortion access.

Immigration Advocacy

Harris championed the economic upside of migrant inclusion, advocating for pathways to citizenship and policies allowing undocumented individuals to fill workforce gaps—even if through illegal entry. While her rhetoric was strong, her visible action on the border crisis was minimal, a strategic silence perhaps meant to let “compassion” speak louder than enforcement.

Together, Biden and Harris are celebrated by progressives for their ambitious agenda—historic climate promises, sweeping social justice reforms, and economic visions that prioritize equity over outcome. Their leadership has undeniably shaped modern left-liberal policymaking.

Approval Ratings

President Joe Biden:

• Start of Term: In January 2021, Biden’s approval rating was approximately 57%, reflecting initial public optimism. The Presidency Project
• Mid-2022 Peak: By July 2022, his approval rating declined to around 36%, influenced by economic concerns and other factors. The Presidency Project
• End of Term: As of October 2024, Biden’s approval rating remained at 39%, indicating a modest recovery but still below initial levels. The Presidency Project

Vice President Kamala Harris:

• Start of Term: Harris began her vice presidency with an approval rating near 50% in early 2021. FiveThirtyEight Projects
• Mid-Term Decline: By December 2023, her approval rating had decreased to approximately 45.6%, with a disapproval rating of 46.7%. Newsweek
• End of Term: In November 2024, Harris’s approval rating was around 46.9%, with a disapproval rating of 49.5%, reflecting a slight improvement but remaining below initial levels. The Hill Elections 2024

CNN Polls as Biden and Harris leave

A CNN poll by SSRS, conducted January 9-12, 2025, shows President Joe Biden leaving office with historically low approval ratings. As his 2021-2025 term ends, only 36% of Americans approve of his presidency, with even weaker ratings on immigration (31%), foreign affairs (32%), and the economy (33%).

Biden’s overall favorability is 33% favorable to 58% unfavorable, near his low. Biden’s presidency saw economic decline driven by policy failures across multiple sectors:

Vice President Kamala Harris also departs with a 39% favorability rating, an improvement from 29% last year but still underwater, with 50% viewing her negatively.

A staggering 61% of Americans see Biden’s presidency as a failure, far below Bill Clinton (68%) and Barack Obama (65%). With 71% saying the country is on the wrong track, Biden’s legacy is marked by economic turmoil, border chaos, partisan warfare, and deep public dissatisfaction.