President Joe Biden speaking in Washington, Jan. 16.
Photo:
Michael Brochstein/Zuma Press
White House aides have been encouraging media coverage that credits President Biden with “a slew of legislative achievements” that give him “significant momentum” and leave him with “a stronger hand to play” in 2023. As he contemplates re-election, his approval rating has “surged” after the midterms.
Not according to the RealClearPolitics average. It has Mr. Biden’s approval rising, but only from 42.1% Election Day to a little under 43% today. That’s a budge, not a surge, and 3 points lower than
approval rating when he lost in 2020.
Admittedly, the Republican Party’s weak midterm showing gave Mr. Biden a better election than expected. But victory owing to your opponent’s weak candidates doesn’t mean you’re strong, only lucky. Luck often disappears in politics, especially if you’re making mistakes yourself.
The president’s bragging about the economy is certainly a mistake. His remarks last Thursday were filled with rosy descriptions. Inflation is dropping “month after month, giving families some real breathing room.” Gasoline and food prices are falling, wages are rising, unemployment is low—and because of Mr. Biden’s policies, “Americans are starting to feel the benefits in their everyday lives.”
Cue the band for “Happy Days Are Here Again.” Except voters aren’t happy. Year-over-year inflation has slowed modestly, but in December it still was almost five times as high as it was when Mr. Biden took office. Wage increases have lagged behind price hikes for almost two years. Mr. Biden’s approval on the economy is 38%—down about 2 points from Election Day. On the question of the country’s direction, a mere 29% believe America is headed the right way. This economic reality looks particularly grim next to the president’s claims that we’ve entered an economic land of…
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