Joe Biden: Accomplishments and Challenges
A discussion with Grok about Joe Biden’s political career.
Prompt #1: I want to start a respectful conversation about President Biden, his accomplishments, his shortcomings and his legacy.
Grok’s Response #1:
Introduction
President Joe Biden’s presidency, from January 2021 to January 2025, was marked by significant challenges including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery efforts, geopolitical tensions, and domestic divisions. As of September 2025, reflections on his term highlight a leader who pursued ambitious progressive policies while navigating a polarized political landscape. Historians and analysts often describe his legacy as consequential yet complicated, with strong legislative wins offset by public dissatisfaction and the return of Donald Trump to the presidency. I’ll outline key accomplishments, shortcomings, and overall legacy in a balanced way, drawing from reliable sources. This is meant to spark discussion — feel free to share your thoughts or ask about specific aspects.
Key Accomplishments
Biden’s administration achieved notable successes in economic policy, infrastructure, climate action, and foreign relations, often through bipartisan or reconciliation-based legislation.
- Economic Recovery and Job Creation: Biden oversaw one of the strongest post-COVID economic rebounds among G7 nations, creating over 16 million jobs — the most in a single term — and achieving record-low unemployment. The American Rescue Plan Act (2021) provided $1.9 trillion in stimulus, including expanded unemployment benefits, $1,400 checks, and child tax credits that temporarily halved child poverty to about 5%.
- Infrastructure and Climate Investments: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021) allocated $1 trillion for roads, bridges, broadband, and public transit. The Inflation Reduction Act (2022) invested $370 billion in clean energy — the largest climate commitment in U.S. history — while capping insulin costs, allowing Medicare drug price negotiations, and extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. Conservation efforts protected over 674 million acres of lands and waters, more than any other president.
- Social and Civil Rights Advances: Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act (2022) to protect same-sex and interracial marriages, made Juneteenth a federal holiday, and appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman Supreme Court justice. He expanded veteran healthcare via the PACT Act, pardoned federal marijuana possession offenses, and commuted sentences for nonviolent offenders, including 37 death row inmates. Gun safety reforms included the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (2022), the first major federal gun law in decades.
- Foreign Policy and Alliances: Biden strengthened NATO by adding Finland and Sweden, provided over $100 billion in aid to Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion, and facilitated major prisoner swaps, including the largest since the Cold War in 2024. He also formed alliances like AUKUS and the Quad to counter China, and invested $55 billion in U.S.-Africa initiatives.
These efforts positioned Biden as one of the most legislatively productive presidents in recent history, comparable to Lyndon B. Johnson in scope.
Major Shortcomings and Criticisms
Despite these wins, Biden faced significant hurdles that eroded public support and drew bipartisan critique.
- Economic Challenges: Inflation peaked at 9.1% in 2022, driven by supply chain issues and global events, leading to high gas prices and stagnant wages for many. Recent revisions to job data (e.g., downward adjustments of about 95,000 manufacturing jobs in 2024–2025) have been seen as a stain on his economic record.
- Immigration and Border Issues: A surge in border crossings (over 600,000 undetected entries in FY 2023) overwhelmed resources, with policies like deportation moratoriums facing court reversals. This contributed to approval ratings dropping to 36% by mid-2024.
- Foreign Policy Setbacks: The 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal was widely criticized for the chaotic evacuation, Taliban takeover, and a deadly airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members, triggering calls for impeachment. Support for Israel during the Gaza conflict alienated some voters, with Arab American support plummeting from 59% in 2020 to 17% by 2023.
- Legislative and Political Failures: Ambitious proposals like the Build Back Better Act and voting rights bills stalled in Congress. Age and fitness concerns led to his 2024 withdrawal from re-election after a poor debate performance, with some Democrats blaming his delayed exit for Kamala Harris’s loss to Trump. A Republican-led impeachment inquiry into alleged corruption (which found no evidence) further polarized views.
Public perception was highly polarized, with 91% Democratic approval but only 8% from Republicans by early 2022.
Overall Legacy
Biden’s legacy is viewed as a mix of transformative domestic achievements and enduring challenges that contributed to his party’s 2024 electoral defeats. Scholars rank him favorably for legislative output, economic stewardship, and global leadership (e.g., on Ukraine), but his term is forever linked to Trump’s comeback, which some see as a failure to sustain Democratic gains. As of early 2025, only about 25% of Americans rate him as a “great” or “good” president, while 54% see him as below average or poor. Trump’s second term has begun dismantling parts of Biden’s agenda, such as aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act, potentially diminishing its long-term impact. Still, his focus on equity, climate, and alliances may endure as foundational shifts.
Grok’s Follow-Up Question #1: What do you think stands out most from his time in office, or is there a specific topic (like foreign policy or the economy) you’d like to dive deeper into?
Prompt #2: First I want to explore certain claims and comments I have heard from people across the political spectrum. I have heard that Biden was not good for the economy, the border or crime. I have also heard that he increased taxes and the national deficit. Starting with those, could you shed some light and also put it into context with other presidents as well.
Grok’s Response #2:
Economy Under Biden
Claims that Biden was “not good for the economy” often stem from high inflation and public dissatisfaction, but data shows a mixed picture: strong growth in jobs and GDP, outperforming peers, but challenged by inflation and uneven recovery. Let’s break it down with comparisons to recent presidents like Trump (2017–2021) and Obama (2009–2017).
- Job Creation and Unemployment: Biden’s term saw over 16 million jobs added, the most in a single term, with unemployment dropping to a 50-year low of 3.4% in 2023. This compares favorably to Trump’s 6.7 million jobs (pre-COVID; net loss of 2.7 million including pandemic) and Obama’s 11.6 million. U.S. job growth under Biden was the strongest among G7 nations.
- GDP Growth: Real GDP grew 11–12.6% under Biden, higher than Trump’s 8.6–9% (adjusted for COVID impacts) and Obama’s 15.8% over two terms (from recession recovery). Biden’s growth was driven by stimulus like the American Rescue Plan and infrastructure spending, leading to a “historically robust expansion.” However, per capita GDP and productivity were comparable to Trump’s non-COVID years.
- Inflation: This is a key criticism — inflation rose 20.1% cumulatively under Biden, peaking at 9.1% in 2022, versus 7.1% under Trump and about 12% under Obama. Factors included global supply chains, energy prices from the Ukraine war, and stimulus spending. By 2024–2025, it cooled to around 3%, but public perception lagged, contributing to Biden’s unpopularity despite overall growth.
In context, Democratic administrations (including Biden and Obama) have historically seen stronger GDP and job growth than Republican ones, though causality is debated (e.g., external factors like recessions). Biden’s economy was praised for resilience but criticized for not feeling equitable to many Americans.
Border and Immigration
The claim that Biden was bad on the border refers to record migrant encounters, but context shows surges predated him, influenced by global migration trends, and his policies evolved from humanitarian to stricter enforcement. Comparisons highlight higher volumes under Biden.
- Border Crossings: U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded over 10 million encounters from 2021–2024, the highest on record, compared to about 2 million under Trump (2017–2020) and 4.5 million under Obama (2009–2016). This included a shift from Mexican to Central/South American and global migrants fleeing violence/economic issues. Undetected entries (“got-aways”) were estimated at over 600,000 in FY2023.
- Deportations and Policies: Biden deported or removed more immigrants in some years than Trump (e.g., over 5,000 in early 2025 weeks), but overall, interior deportations were lower initially due to COVID-era pauses and asylum focus. He reversed some Trump restrictions but faced court blocks; later, he implemented asylum limits in 2024, reducing crossings by 55%. Obama had high deportations (over 3 million total) focused on criminals, while Trump emphasized walls and family separations.
Border crises affected all three recent presidents, with push factors like pandemics and instability amplifying under Biden. Critics argue his early rhetoric encouraged migration, while supporters note bipartisan reform failures.
Crime Rates
Contrary to claims of rising crime under Biden, FBI data shows declines, bringing violent crime near historic lows. This debunks narratives of a “crime wave,” though perceptions were influenced by urban spikes in 2020–2021.
- Overall Trends: Violent crime fell 4.5% in 2024, 3% in 2023, and 2.1% in 2022 (revised), with the 2022 rate at 370 per 100,000 — near a 50-year low. Murders dropped 11.6% in 2023 after rising in 2020 (under Trump). Property crime also declined, with larceny/theft most common.
- Comparisons: Under Obama, violent crime fell from 431 to 397 per 100,000; Trump’s term saw a slight rise (to 398 by 2020, with COVID spikes); Biden’s continued the downward trend post-2021. Factors like pandemic disruptions affected all, but Biden’s funding for police (e.g., American Rescue Plan) contributed to reductions.
Politicians selectively cite data — e.g., Trump highlighted 2020–2021 increases, while Biden emphasized overall drops — but FBI stats confirm no sustained rise under him.
Taxes
Biden did not broadly increase taxes on most Americans; he pledged no hikes for those earning under $400,000 and focused on corporations/wealthy. However, critics argue indirect effects (e.g., inflation as a “tax”) and proposals amounted to increases.
- Enacted Changes: Biden signed tax cuts via credits (e.g., child tax credit expansion, reducing poverty) and subsidies, but also hikes like a 15% corporate minimum tax and IRS funding for enforcement. Net, he approved $600B in gross cuts and $600B in increases, mostly on high earners. Fact checks confirm no direct hikes on low/middle-income families.
- Proposals and Comparisons: His budgets proposed $4.4T in gross hikes (e.g., top rate to 39.6%, capital gains to 44.6%), offset by cuts for working families, targeting the top 1%. Trump cut taxes by $1.9T (TCJA 2017), benefiting corporations; Obama raised some (e.g., ACA surtaxes) but extended Bush cuts. Revenues fell under Biden due to economy/credits, not hikes. Critics like Republicans claim his policies indirectly raised burdens via inflation (~$6,000 “tax” per family).
National Deficit
The deficit grew under Biden, as under most presidents, driven by COVID relief, infrastructure, and entitlements. Claims of massive increases are accurate but contextualized by bipartisan spending.
- Deficit Growth: Biden added $4.7T-$8.4T to the debt over his term, with annual deficits averaging $1.7T (down from $3.1T in 2020). This compares to Trump’s $7.8T-$8.8T (mostly COVID-related) and Obama’s $8.6T (Great Recession stimulus). Debt-to-GDP rose from 100% to 123% under Biden.
- Context: Both parties contributed; Biden’s budgets aimed for $3T in reductions over 10 years via tax hikes on wealthy, but Congress didn’t fully enact. Conservatives argue Biden outpaced Trump ($7.2T more than projected), while others note shared blame. Deficits have grown under nearly every president since Reagan due to wars, recessions, and tax cuts.
Grok’s Follow-Up Question #2: These claims often reflect partisan lenses — strong data on some fronts, weaknesses on others. What aspect surprises you most, or shall we explore another claim?
Prompt #3: Let’s explore more claims and look back at his whole political career. I’ve heard that his son had some problematic business ventures with Ukraine that he only got because of his dad. I have also heard that he got in trouble due to some mishandling of official documents. And looking back at his career, provide me with a comprehensive summary of his accomplishments and any and all of his controversial or questionable moments or legislative actions. I want to explore his legacy, not only as the President, but also as a senator and lifelong public servant.
Grok’s Response #3:
Hunter Biden’s Business Ventures in Ukraine
You’ve heard claims that Hunter Biden’s involvement with Ukraine, particularly the energy company Burisma, was problematic and only possible due to his father’s influence as Vice President. This stems from Hunter joining Burisma’s board in 2014, amid U.S. efforts to combat corruption in Ukraine, where Joe Biden was leading anti-corruption initiatives. Let’s unpack this with context from investigations and outcomes.
Hunter Biden served on Burisma’s board from 2014 to 2019, earning about $1 million annually, part of roughly $11 million his firm received from 2013–2018 through legal work, Burisma board fees, and Chinese investments. Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company founded by Mykola Zlochevsky, was under investigation for corruption, but Hunter’s role was advisory on corporate governance, not operational. Critics, including Republicans, allege nepotism and influence peddling, pointing to a 2015 email where a Burisma executive thanked Hunter for “an opportunity to meet your father,” though no meeting is confirmed. Joe Biden, as VP, pushed for the firing of Ukraine’s prosecutor Viktor Shokin in 2015–2016, who was investigating Burisma but widely seen as corrupt himself; this aligned with U.S., EU, and IMF policy, not a personal favor.
Investigations, including a 2020 Senate Republican report and 2022–2023 House inquiries, raised concerns about conflicts of interest but found no evidence Joe Biden personally benefited or altered policy for Hunter. A 2023 Ukrainian treason charge against individuals aiding Trump allies in discrediting the Bidens highlighted Russian disinformation efforts. Hunter faced unrelated U.S. charges for gun possession and tax evasion (guilty plea in 2024), but Joe pardoned him in December 2024 for offenses from 2014–2024, calling investigations politically motivated. Fact-checks confirm Hunter’s Burisma role raised ethical questions about access via family ties, but no proven illegality for Joe; perceptions split, with conservatives seeing corruption and liberals viewing it as overblown.
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In context with other presidents’ families: Similar scrutiny hit Trump’s children (e.g., Ivanka’s trademarks in China during his term) and Clinton’s (Chelsea’s foundation roles), but outcomes varied — no charges for Bidens, unlike some Trump associates.
Mishandling of Classified Documents
Claims of trouble over official documents refer to the 2022–2023 discovery of classified materials from Biden’s VP era at his Penn Biden Center office and Wilmington home. Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2024 report concluded Biden “willfully” retained and disclosed classified info (e.g., Afghanistan notes shared with his ghostwriter), but recommended no charges, citing insufficient evidence for conviction and Biden’s cooperation. The report noted Biden’s age and memory issues as factors in a jury’s potential sympathy, drawing Democratic backlash for politicizing health. Republicans criticized the lack of charges as a double standard compared to Trump’s ongoing case (indicted for similar retention but with obstruction allegations).
National security experts called the retention sloppy but not espionage-level, contrasting with Trump’s (over 300 docs) and Pence’s (minor, no charges). A 2023 House impeachment inquiry into Biden included this but found no high crimes, folding into broader family probes. Compared to predecessors: Clinton faced no charges for emails; Reagan for Iran-Contra docs. It damaged Biden’s image but didn’t lead to legal consequences.
Comprehensive Summary of Biden’s Political Career, Accomplishments, and Controversies
Joe Biden’s 50+ year career — from county councilor to President — reflects a centrist Democrat shaped by personal tragedy, legislative pragmatism, and evolving views. Born 1942 in Scranton, PA, he overcame a stutter and modest roots, graduating law school in 1968. His life was upended by the 1972 car crash killing his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi, and later his son Beau’s 2015 death from cancer. These influenced his empathetic style but also health issues (e.g., 1988 aneurysms). Here’s a chronological overview, balancing accomplishments (e.g., major bills) with controversies (e.g., gaffes, policy regrets), drawing from diverse sources.
Early Career (1969–1972)
Biden started as a public defender and New Castle County Councilor (1970–1972), opposing highways disrupting communities and supporting housing — early environmental and equity wins. Switched from Republican to Democrat over civil rights. No major controversies, but law school plagiarism (admitted, cleared as non-malevolent) foreshadowed later issues.
U.S. Senate (1973–2009)
Elected at 29, reelected six times. Accomplishments: Chaired Judiciary (1987–1995) and Foreign Relations Committees; authored Violence Against Women Act (1994), aiding survivors; Violent Crime Control Act (1994), expanding police/federal death penalty (bipartisan then, later criticized for mass incarceration — Biden called it a “mistake” in 2019); Bankruptcy Reform Act (2005), favored by banks (Delaware ties earned “Senator from MBNA” label, opposed by consumer groups). Foreign policy: Oppod Gulf War (1991), supported Bosnia intervention; voted for Iraq War (2002, later regretted as “mistake”); pushed arms control, NATO expansion.
Controversies: 1970s anti-busing stance (opposed forced integration, seen as racially insensitive); 1987 presidential run derailed by plagiarism (Kinnock speeches) and exaggerated academics/civil rights claims; mishandled Anita Hill’s 1991 testimony in Clarence Thomas hearings (limited witnesses, apologized 2019 but Hill unsatisfied); Defense of Marriage Act vote (1996, later evolved to support gay marriage); gaffes like 2007 Obama remark (“articulate and bright and clean” — called racist). Perceived as moderate: Liberals criticized crime/bankruptcy bills; conservatives his foreign dovishness.
Vice Presidency (2009–2017)
Obama’s VP pick for working-class appeal. Accomplishments: Oversaw Recovery Act (2009 stimulus); pushed gay marriage support (2012, ahead of Obama); foreign trips (e.g., Ukraine anti-corruption); cancer moonshot after Beau’s death. Controversies: Blunt style caused tensions (e.g., contradicting Obama); Iraq/Afghanistan policies criticized for over-optimism; Hunter’s Burisma role began here, raising conflict questions. Legacy: Loyal deputy, but some saw him as gaffe-prone; evolved on LGBTQ+ from earlier opposition.
Presidency (2021–2025)
Elected 2020 amid COVID/division. Accomplishments: American Rescue Plan ($1.9T stimulus, halved child poverty); Infrastructure Act ($1T); Inflation Reduction Act (climate/drug prices); record jobs (16M+), low unemployment; PACT Act (veteran care); first Black woman SCOTUS justice; Ukraine aid ($100B+), NATO strengthening; pardons for marijuana, nonviolent offenders; Juneteenth holiday; gun safety law. Foreign: Ended Afghanistan war (chaotic withdrawal criticized, 13 U.S. deaths); Gaza/Israel support with ceasefire push; prisoner swaps; Africa investments.
Controversies/Shortcomings: Inflation peak (9.1%); border surges (10M+ encounters); Afghanistan debacle (impeachment calls); Gaza policy alienated progressives/Arab-Americans; age concerns (debate flop led to 2024 withdrawal, Harris loss blamed partly on him); family probes (no evidence, but Hunter pardon seen as nepotism); false claims (e.g., fact-checks on 78 misleading statements in first 100 days); extended private prisons for immigrants despite promises. Polarized approval: High among Democrats, low Republicans.
Overall Legacy as Lifelong Public Servant
Biden’s legacy is transformative yet tarnished: Most productive legislator since LBJ (e.g., crime/women’s rights bills), bridge-builder VP, and crisis-manager President (COVID recovery, alliances). But regrets (Iraq, crime law), scandals (plagiarism, Hill hearings, family dealings), and 2024 election loss (Trump’s return dismantling agenda) dim it. Historians rank him mid-tier: Strong on equity/climate, weak on unity/perception. Compared to peers: More legislative wins than Trump, but less charisma; like Obama in progressivism, but more gaffes.
Grok’s Follow-Up Question #3: What stands out to you, or want to drill down?
Prompt #4: Let’s drill down on the way that his presidential term ended. There seemed to be somewhat of a consensus that his health was strongly deteriorating leading to the last months of his presidency. At the same time, he was undeterred in pursuing a second term. This would be cited as an excuse for the reelection of Trump. Would you say that he did indeed made a mistake by waiting until the last minute to drop out and then instead of allowing the party to figure out a candidate, endorsing his VP? Is there also evidence about a concerted effort to hide his health from the public?
Grok’s Response #4:
Overview of Biden’s Term End
President Joe Biden’s term concluded on January 20, 2025, after he chose not to seek reelection following a poor performance in the June 27, 2024, debate against Donald Trump. Despite earlier insistence on running again, Biden announced his withdrawal on July 21, 2024, and immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. This left Harris with about 107 days to campaign, during which she secured the nomination at the Democratic National Convention but ultimately lost to Trump in November 2024. Post-election analyses often link Biden’s delayed exit to Democratic setbacks, citing his low approval ratings (around 36–40% by mid-2024) and public concerns over his age and health as factors that tainted the party’s image. Trump capitalized on this, framing the election as a rejection of “Biden-Harris” policies.
Consensus on Health Deterioration
There is a broad consensus among journalists, political observers, and even some within the Democratic Party that Biden’s physical and cognitive health deteriorated noticeably during his final months in office, particularly from late 2023 through 2024. This became publicly evident after the June 2024 debate, where Biden appeared confused, struggled with coherence, and froze at times, prompting calls for cognitive testing from experts like CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Retrospective accounts, such as in the 2025 book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, describe Biden as increasingly incoherent, forgetting aides’ names, and relying heavily on staff for basic functions by 2024. The New York Times reported that advisors had raised age concerns as early as 2022, but Biden dismissed them. Polls reflected public worry: By February 2024, 86% of voters saw his age and health as major concerns, up from 76% in 2020.
Physical issues compounded this, including a May 2025 diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer that metastasized to the bone, though this post-dated his presidency. Conservative outlets like Fox News highlighted Democratic “gaslighting” on his fitness, while liberal sources like CNN admitted shock among party insiders who stayed quiet. Biden himself denied cognitive decline in a May 2025 interview, calling allegations “trickling out” misinformation. Overall, the consensus holds that his decline was real and accelerating, contributing to his debate performance and eventual dropout.
Pursuit of a Second Term and the Decision to Drop Out
Biden remained adamant about seeking reelection until the debate fallout. He announced his 2024 bid in April 2023, framing it as a battle against “MAGA extremists,” and resisted internal party pressure to step aside, believing he was the best candidate to beat Trump. Post-debate, donor funding dried up, and prominent Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama urged him to withdraw privately. His July 21 announcement came amid mounting calls, with over 30 congressional Democrats publicly pushing for his exit. He endorsed Harris the same day, consolidating party support around her to avoid a contested convention. This move unified the party quickly but limited time for Harris to rebrand and address voter concerns.
Was It a Mistake to Wait and Endorse Harris?
Yes, many analysts and Democrats argue that Biden’s delayed withdrawal and immediate endorsement of Harris was a strategic error that contributed to Trump’s reelection, though opinions vary by perspective. Here’s a balanced breakdown:
- Arguments It Was a Mistake:
— Staying in too long allowed his unpopularity — tied to inflation, border issues, and foreign policy — to rub off on Harris, who struggled to differentiate herself. BBC analysis noted she “failed to make the case that she would be different from her boss,” leading to voter rejection of the “Biden-Harris” continuity. Reuters reported post-election anger among Democrats, with some blaming Biden for “handicapping” Harris by not exiting earlier (e.g., in spring 2024), giving her only a short “sprint” campaign. David Plouffe, a former Obama advisor, called it a “nightmare” in his 2025 book, saying Biden “totally fucked us” by lingering, per The Guardian. CNN’s postmortem highlighted Harris’s campaign missteps but traced roots to inheriting Biden’s baggage without time to pivot. Conservative views, like those on Fox, frame it as Democratic hubris leading to Trump’s win.
- Arguments It Wasn’t (or Mitigated Damage):
— Some say an earlier exit might have led to a divisive primary, fracturing the party further. Endorsing Harris ensured unity and avoided chaos, as noted in Politico and WHYY analyses of the dropout’s takeaways. PBS emphasized it shifted the narrative against Trump, giving Harris a fundraising boost (over $1 billion raised). Defenders argue broader factors like economic perceptions and Trump’s base turnout were decisive, not just timing. However, even neutral sources like NPR’s “Uncharted” book suggest the late pivot amplified existing vulnerabilities.
In hindsight, with Trump’s victory, the prevailing view among Democrats and pundits leans toward it being a miscalculation — Biden’s persistence until July weakened the handoff, though external factors (e.g., global events, voter turnout) played roles.
Evidence of a Concerted Effort to Hide Health
There is substantial evidence from journalistic investigations, books, and public statements suggesting a deliberate effort by Biden’s inner circle to conceal his health issues from the public, though the administration denies a formal “cover-up.”
- Key Evidence:
— “Original Sin” alleges aides hid Biden’s decline since 2020, limiting public exposure, scripting interactions, and dismissing concerns as “cheap fakes.” It details private incoherence and staff discussions about wheelchairs or reduced schedules. CNN reported top aides “closed ranks” around him, with concerns dating back years. The Guardian described Biden as “cocooned from reality.”
— Vanity Fair’s 2025 piece on his final days claims advisors engaged in a “cover-up” exposed by the debate. The Conversation noted media complicity in not probing deeply enough.
— Public denials contrasted with reality: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and others rejected decline claims pre-debate, but post-facto books reveal internal awareness. X posts from 2025 reference this as a “scandal bigger than Watergate,” with examples like Biden struggling through video recordings deemed unusable.
— Trump has ordered a 2025 investigation into potential concealment, casting doubt on Biden’s pardons and actions. Republicans boycotted a Senate hearing on the “constitutional scandal” of the alleged cover-up.
- Counterpoints: Biden and aides like Jen Psaki (who questioned Trump’s “hiding” in 2025) deny orchestration, attributing perceptions to ageism or misinformation. No criminal charges have emerged, and some view it as protective staffing rather than malice. Still, the volume of insider accounts supports a pattern of minimization.
This episode has fueled ongoing debates about transparency in leadership.
Grok’s Follow-Up Questions #4: What part of this surprises you, or want to explore next?
Prompt #5 (final): I want to conclude with a similar exercise to the one we did with Kirk. I want you to convince me that Biden was a good president and lifelong politician. Additionally, provide me counter points to convince me otherwise. Please include any other relevant and key facts that we haven’t discussed, if necessary.
Grok’s Response #5:
Convincing Argument: Biden Was a Good President and Lifelong Politician
Joe Biden’s half-century in public service, culminating in his presidency from 2021–2025, can be seen as a testament to resilience, bipartisanship, and progressive achievements that addressed pressing national crises. Drawing from historical assessments and policy outcomes, here’s why he stands out positively.
As a lifelong politician, Biden embodied the archetype of a dedicated public servant. Elected to the Senate in 1972 at age 29, he served six terms, chairing key committees like Judiciary and Foreign Relations, where he shaped landmark legislation. His authorship of the Violence Against Women Act (1994) revolutionized support for domestic violence survivors, providing billions in funding and legal protections that have saved countless lives. As Vice President under Obama (2009–2017), he oversaw the Recovery Act’s implementation during the Great Recession, helping avert deeper economic collapse, and advanced issues like LGBTQ+ rights by publicly supporting same-sex marriage ahead of Obama in 2012. His foreign policy experience, including pushing for NATO expansion and arms control, positioned him as a steady hand in global affairs. Personal tragedies — losing his first wife and daughter in 1972, and son Beau to cancer in 2015 — fostered an empathetic style that resonated with working-class Americans, earning him the nickname “Amtrak Joe” for commuting home daily to raise his family.
As President, Biden inherited a nation reeling from COVID-19, economic turmoil, and the January 6 insurrection. He steered the U.S. through recovery with policies that historians credit for averting deeper crises. The American Rescue Plan (2021) delivered $1.9 trillion in aid, vaccinating over 230 million Americans, halving child poverty, and fueling 16.6 million new jobs — the most in any single term — with unemployment hitting a 50-year low. Infrastructure investments via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ($1.2 trillion) and CHIPS and Science Act ($280 billion) modernized roads, broadband, and semiconductor manufacturing, boosting domestic industry and national security. The Inflation Reduction Act marked the largest climate investment ever ($370 billion), capping insulin at $35 for seniors and enabling Medicare to negotiate drug prices. Internationally, he rallied NATO against Russia’s Ukraine invasion with $175 billion in aid, added Finland and Sweden to the alliance, and brokered prisoner swaps, restoring U.S. global leadership. Economists praise his handling of post-COVID challenges, noting stronger growth than peers despite inflation tied to global factors. Historians in a 2025 POLITICO roundtable ranked him “average” but commended his avoidance of pitfalls that doomed predecessors, likening his legislative output to LBJ’s. His focus on equity — appointing diverse officials, including the first Black woman Supreme Court justice, and pardoning marijuana offenses — advanced social justice. Overall, Biden’s career reflects a commitment to unity and progress, with tangible benefits for middle-class Americans, as evidenced by record business applications (21 million) and reduced deficits in later years.
Counterpoints: Convincing Argument Against Biden Being Good
Conversely, Biden’s record is marred by policy failures, ethical lapses, and a polarizing end to his term, leading critics to view him as ineffective or even detrimental. Public opinion polls rank him among the lowest-rated presidents, with some analyses calling him the worst since Nixon.
As a lifelong politician, Biden’s career included controversial shifts and missteps that alienated constituencies. His 1994 Violent Crime Control Act, while bipartisan, contributed to mass incarceration, disproportionately affecting minorities — a “mistake” he later acknowledged but which tarnished his progressive credentials. Early opposition to school busing (1970s) and support for the Defense of Marriage Act (1996) drew accusations of racial insensitivity and anti-LGBTQ+ stances, though he evolved. The 1987 plagiarism scandal derailed his first presidential bid, highlighting questions about integrity. As VP, his role in the Iraq War vote (2002) and optimistic Afghanistan assessments were later regrets, contributing to prolonged conflicts. Family business dealings, like Hunter’s Ukraine ties, fueled perceptions of nepotism, even if investigations found no direct wrongdoing by Joe.
Presidentially, critics argue Biden exacerbated divisions and economic woes. Inflation surged to 9.1% in 2022 under his watch, eroding wages and public trust, with policies like excessive stimulus blamed for fueling it. Border encounters hit records (over 10 million), overwhelming systems and drawing bipartisan rebuke for lax enforcement. The Afghanistan withdrawal (2021) was chaotic, resulting in 13 U.S. deaths and Taliban resurgence, labeled a foreign policy disaster. Support for Israel in Gaza alienated progressives and Arab-Americans, contributing to Democratic losses. Approval ratings plummeted to 36%, reflecting failure to unite, and his delayed 2024 withdrawal — amid health concerns — is seen as selfish, paving Trump’s return and dismantling Biden’s agenda. Rolling Stone’s 2025 review dubs him paradoxically “one of the best and worst,” citing unfulfilled promises like voting rights reform. Recent X discussions echo this, calling his legacy “destroyed” by ego and policy failures. Debt ballooned by $8.4 trillion, outpacing projections. Ultimately, his term ended with Trump’s reelection, seen as a repudiation.
Other Relevant Key Facts Not Previously Discussed
To round out the picture, here are additional elements from Biden’s life and legacy:
- Overcoming Personal Challenges: Biden overcame a severe childhood stutter through recitation therapy, which informed his empathetic communication style and advocacy for disability rights. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Obama in 2017 for his service.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout: His administration distributed over 670 million doses domestically and billions globally via COVAX, accelerating the end of lockdowns and economic reopening.
- Lesser-Known Policies: Among 30 under-the-radar actions, he expanded overtime pay eligibility for millions, approved over-the-counter birth control, and invested in drone technology for national defense.
- Controversies: In 2020, former staffer Tara Reade accused him of sexual assault in the 1990s, which Biden denied; investigations found inconsistencies, but it fueled #MeToo scrutiny. Post-presidency, his December 2024 pardon of Hunter for tax and gun charges drew nepotism charges.
- Post-2025 Health: Diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May 2025, which has metastasized, adding to reflections on his final years.
Biden’s story is complex — transformative in parts, flawed in others — inviting ongoing debate as history unfolds.
What is evident after this conversation is that Ex-President Biden seems like someone who battled with his own beliefs throughout his political career. Sometimes he was on the progressive side of the policies and sometimes he was on the right. What I did like about him is how he publicly expressed regret over decisions he supported such as the policies that led to a disproportional incarceration of minorities or the support of the war in Iraq. That is something that current politicians avoid at all costs. It is not about being perfect, but about having those dialogs, supporting what seems like the right thing for the most in need and for reflecting about past actions in order to be better in the future.
I was not a big fan of Biden, and don’t think I am now either, but I do realize that he deserves more credit than he receives.
