CNN commentator Scott Jennings voiced a harsh critique of President Joe Biden’s legacy, describing his impending departure from office as a “disgrace.”
Jennings made the remarks during a panel discussion on CNN’s State of the Union with host Dana Bash and contributor Karen Finney, evaluating Biden’s term as it approaches its conclusion.
Finney offered a more positive perspective, acknowledging concerns about Biden’s health and fitness for office that surfaced earlier this year but arguing that his presidency was largely successful. “The impacts of his work will be felt for years to come,” she stated.
Jennings strongly disagreed, asserting, “I think he’s gonna leave office in disgrace.” He cited the controversial pardon of Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, as a key factor.
“The Hunter Biden pardon was disgraceful. He’s going to be remembered largely for inflation and for the disastrous Afghanistan pullout,” Jennings said, referencing two of the most contentious aspects of Biden’s presidency.
Jennings also raised concerns about Biden’s cognitive function, suggesting that the president’s staff concealed signs of decline throughout his term and leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
“I think it’s going to be a really ugly chapter,” he remarked, adding, “It’s a diminished presidency because of it.” He speculated that the full extent of efforts to obscure the situation in the West Wing remains unknown.
As Biden’s presidency winds down, his final actions have drawn significant attention. With less than a month before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, Biden has enacted several last-minute measures.
Among the most controversial was his decision to pardon Hunter Biden, a move that has sparked intense criticism from Republicans and some political commentators. Additionally, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, adding to the heated debate surrounding his final days in office.
Critics like Jennings argue that these decisions will tarnish Biden’s legacy, overshadowing achievements his supporters highlight. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and left many Afghan allies behind, remains a sore point in public perception of his leadership.
Rising inflation during his term has also been a focal point for detractors, contributing to broader dissatisfaction with his economic policies.
Despite these criticisms, Biden’s allies point to legislative accomplishments, such as investments in infrastructure and efforts to combat climate change, as evidence of a productive presidency.
Finney emphasized that these initiatives would leave a lasting impact, framing Biden’s tenure as one of significant progress despite its challenges.
The debate over Biden’s legacy underscores the polarizing nature of his presidency, with opinions sharply divided along partisan lines. As his administration comes to an end, the discussion about how he will be remembered continues to intensify.