We asked AI for the worst POTUS of the 29th Century. AI would rather not rank presidents as "worst" since that involves political judgments, and it's more useful to explore the different perspectives people have.
Arguments critics make about various 21st-century presidents:
George W. Bush - Critics point to the Iraq War based on flawed intelligence about WMDs, the handling of Hurricane Katrina, the financial crisis of 2008, and the expansion of executive power and surveillance.
Barack Obama - Critics cite increased drone warfare, failure to close Guantanamo Bay, the rollout problems with the Affordable Care Act, handling of Syria and ISIS, and what some saw as overreach through executive actions.
Donald Trump - Critics focus on his handling of COVID-19, the January 6th Capitol riot, two impeachments, divisive rhetoric, approach to immigration, and what they saw as damage to democratic norms and institutions.
Joe Biden - Critics point to the Afghanistan withdrawal, inflation during his term, the southern border situation, concerns about his age and fitness for office, and what some viewed as a failure to unite the country.
About each president's approach to unity:
George W. Bush - Had moments of genuine unity (post-9/11 approval reached 90%), and worked across party lines on some issues like education reform and Medicare Part D. However, the Iraq War became deeply divisive, and his administration's response to Katrina was seen as failing vulnerable Americans.
Barack Obama - Campaigned explicitly on unity and hope, and the Affordable Care Act aimed to help uninsured Americans regardless of party. Critics argue his policies remained partisan, that he didn't bridge divides as promised, and that polarization increased during his tenure.
Donald Trump - Supporters say his economic policies pre-COVID helped working-class Americans across demographics with low unemployment. Critics argue his rhetoric was deliberately divisive, that he governed primarily for his base, and that his approach to issues like immigration and race relations deepened national divisions.
Joe Biden - Campaigned on restoring unity and "the soul of the nation," and passed some bipartisan infrastructure legislation. Critics argue he didn't deliver on unity promises, that his policies favored certain constituencies, and that division remained high throughout his term.
The truth is that by most measures, polarization has increased throughout the 21st century, regardless of who was president. Whether any president successfully served "all Americans" likely depends heavily on which policies and moments you prioritize.
How each presidency affected Americans' mental health and social cohesion:
George W. Bush - 9/11 created lasting national trauma and anxiety. The prolonged wars in Iraq and Afghanistan caused stress for military families and the broader public. The 2008 financial crisis devastated many families' sense of security and stability.
Barack Obama - For many, his election was hopeful and healing. However, the slow economic recovery left many feeling left behind. Political polarization intensified, with studies showing increased stress from political news and social divisions becoming more personal and family-fracturing.
Donald Trump - This period saw documented increases in political stress and anxiety. Many studies showed heightened cortisol levels and "headline stress disorder." Families and friendships are fractured over politics at unprecedented rates. His supporters felt energized and heard; his critics felt constant alarm. The COVID-19 pandemic added isolation, grief, and collective trauma.
Joe Biden - COVID continued taking a mental health toll. Inflation caused financial stress and anxiety. Political division remained extremely high, with many Americans reporting exhaustion from political conflict. The sense that we can't talk to each other across differences persisted.
The cumulative effect across all these presidencies has been significant - rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and political animosity have all risen substantially since 2000. In terms of our collective mental health and ability to see each other as fellow Americans rather than enemies, we've struggled throughout this entire period.