Biden’s numbers on specific issues have also steadily improved in recent months. Quinnipiac showed 50% approving of his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, 44% approving of his approach to the climate, and 38% approving of his handling of the economy, a full 10-point bounce compared to July. A majority still disapprove of Biden’s performance in office.

The president’s surge is easily attributable to a string of legislative wins following months of opposition from Republicans and select members of his own party. That list includes the Inflation Reduction Act, a veterans healthcare bill, a more than $50 billion investment in the nation’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, the first gun reform bill in decades, and nearly half a trillion in student loan debt relief, a top priority among progressives.

The individual components of the Inflation Reduction Act, a highly touted climate, healthcare, and tax reform package, score exceptionally high among voters. Politico and Morning Consult found in August that more than 70% of respondents supported the bill’s prescription drug price reforms, while more than half supported both the implementation of a 15% minimum tax on large companies and the nearly $400 billion in clean energy programs and other incentives.

A separate Morning Consult poll found that just 48% approved of Biden’s debt cancellation as a whole. Still, 54% approved of the plan’s caps on borrowers’ minimum monthly repayments, 55% approved of forgiving unpaid monthly interest as a reward for not missing monthly payments, and 56% approved of Biden’s decision to extend the pause on student loan payments through the end of 2022.

Meanwhile, the Chips and Science Act, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and PACT Act were all passed through both chambers of Congress with Republican votes, though the PACT Act required massive public outrage against initial Republican opposition to the bill (galvanized largely by comedian Jon Stewart) to secure the requisite votes for passage.

So why is Biden still polling far below the aforementioned laws and executive actions?

There are two specific issues on which Biden still receives basement marks: his handling of the southern border and his general foreign policy, especially in response to the war in Ukraine. The most recent Quinnipiac poll gave Biden’s foreign policy a 37% approval rating, while his immigration and border policies scored a dismal 27%.

Russia’s economy is now expected to have only contracted by 3% at year’s end, even after the United States and allies levied the strictest multilateral sanctions package in modern history in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion. Furthermore, Biden’s Department of Homeland Security has encountered historic numbers of illegal border crossings throughout Biden’s term in office, while nationwide drug overdoses have skyrocketed, especially from cartel-sourced fentanyl.

Some of Biden’s proposals, like the student loan forgiveness plan, have also proved more controversial than the polling would indicate. A few Democrats in competitive races backed away from Biden’s proposal. Benefits sometimes poll well until voters factor in costs.

The president and top administration officials are planning to crisscross the country over the next 90 days as part of a midterm election campaign blitz, even though Biden’s poll numbers remain 10 points underwater following his summer bump.

In total, Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet secretaries, and other high-profile administration figures will make 35 trips to 23 different states before Nov. 4.

“Other upcoming events will illustrate how President Biden worked to get things done, including passing a historic gun safety law and making smart investments to keep our competitive edge and rebuild American manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said a recent memo authored by White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield and senior adviser to the president Anita Dunn. “Our goal for the next few weeks is simple: Take our message — one that we know resonates with key groups — and reach the American people where they are.”

Senior Democratic officials claim that although Biden is battling to get back to 50% approval, voters should compare him and up-for-election Democrats to the alternative.

“Democrats are the only party bringing real solutions for helping low-income families and making the wealthiest pay their fair share in taxes,” one senior Democrat stated. “Meanwhile, Republicans are using flawed math to make the same arguments they’ve been making for decades: Investing in our future will cost normal Americans in the long run. It’s a flat-out lie.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“Republicans consistently criticize our economic plans but fail to offer up any viable alternatives,” a second Democratic official added. “You can expect us to make the differences abundantly clear over the next few months.”