The Clock is Ticking: Can Biden Secure His Legacy in His Final Months?

As Biden nears the end of his presidency, can his actions still define a lasting legacy, or are they overshadowed by the looming 2024 election?

As we approach the final stretch of Joe Biden’s presidency, a crucial question arises: Can a president with so little time left truly make and shape a legacy? With January 20, 2025, fast approaching in just a few months, the window for action narrows down, and the world is watching to see if Biden’s last-ditch efforts will be significant or simply swept away by the succeeding administration.

The truth is that Biden's power is effectively diminished as his influence wavers in what is often referred to as a “lame-duck” period. Historically, most lame-duck presidents struggle to achieve lasting accomplishments, as the nation shifts its view to focus on the incoming leader. A clear example of this kind of administration is Barack Obama's final year in office in 2016, when his Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland was blocked by the Republican-controlled Senate, with leaders arguing that the next president should decide the appointment. Despite efforts in areas like healthcare and climate change, many of Obama's initiatives faced resistance and were later reversed by the Trump administration. The limited time Biden has left leaves him vulnerable to opposition not just from political opponents at home, but from foreign forces like Hamas, who may see the upcoming election as an opportunity to delay important negotiations in hopes of a more favorable resolution. 

A few months are not enough to cement a strong legacy. Consider how many initiatives are launched by one president, just to be reversed by their successor. For instance, Donald Trump spent much of his term undoing the policies of his predecessor, Barack Obama, and it’s likely that whoever follows Biden will do the same. His achievements like climate action, healthcare reform, and economic recovery are vulnerable, especially if they’re enacted via executive orders or policy changes that lack support. Without broad political consensus, many of Biden's efforts may be swept away, negating any meaningful impact he has left, let alone what impact he may leave in his last few months. 

Additionally, Biden’s age has already tarnished his reputation, further diminishing his influence. At 81 years of age now, Biden faces widespread public concern over his ability to lead effectively, and this perception has only worsened as he nears the end of his presidency. Many view him as a transitional figure, with his age and declining approval ratings suggesting that he’s already being replaced in the minds of both domestic and international leaders. Not to mention, jokes floating around on social media further dull his reputation, spreading a general consensus that Biden no longer has the ability to make good and effective decisions. This skepticism weakens his ability to command authority or rally support for significant actions, apparent in his weak campaigns when he hadn’t backed out of the elections. All of this makes it even harder for him to secure a meaningful legacy in his remaining time.

One might argue that Biden could avoid the constraints of political maneuvering and focus on making bold decisions without worrying about re-election. After all, he no longer faces the pressure of winning over voters or courting campaign donors. In theory, this freedom could allow him to prioritize actions for the greater good, regardless of political consequences. However, this freedom is largely illusory. A president’s lasting power does not lie in immediate action, but in the durability of their policies. Biden’s remaining time is insufficient to ensure that his final decisions become lasting legacies, particularly in the face of an incoming administration with likely different priorities.

All in all, it’s Biden’s successor who decides the final fate of his administration. The real challenge lies in whether the next president will continue, modify, or dismantle his initiatives. If Harris wins the elections, it may very well be easier for him to establish lasting policies, especially with his former subordinate who shares some of the same priorities. The nature of presidential power in the U.S. means that even the most well-intentioned actions in the final months can be undone. A legacy, in this sense, is not defined by action alone, but by its endurance.

Zephyr Liu