America Had It Good in 2024—Then We Threw It Away

Biden gave working Americans a real shot. Then came a return to chaos.

Apr 07, 2025

Introduction

2024 of the Biden presidency was the comeback year—and we let it slip through our fingers. From record job growth to falling inflation, Biden’s final year proved what’s possible.

Let’s be honest: after the chaos of a global pandemic, economic shutdowns, and political whiplash, Americans deserved stability. We deserved leadership that didn’t just talk about rebuilding—but actually did the rebuilding.

And in the final full year of Joe Biden’s presidency, that’s exactly what we got.

While cable news chased headlines and social media spiraled into noise, something real was happening across the country: the economy was getting stronger. Working people were catching a break. The stock market was climbing. Wages were finally outpacing inflation. American factories were humming again.

Here’s what the Biden administration got right—and why it matters for you.

The Stock Market Surged — and So Did Retirement Accounts

Let’s start with a little reality check: the stock market isn’t just for Wall Street suits—it’s tied to your 401(k), your pension, and your kids’ college fund.

- In 2024, the S&P 500 hit record highs, up over 20%.

- The NASDAQ exploded by over 40%, lifted by tech innovation and investor confidence.

Translation? If you had a retirement account, you made money. Period.

That doesn’t happen in a flailing economy. It happens in a stable, forward-moving one. And it happened on Joe Biden’s watch.

Inflation Fell—And Your Dollar Went Further

We all felt the sting of inflation in the post-pandemic world of 2021 and 2022. Groceries, gas, rent—everything was up.

But in 2024, inflation dropped significantly, coming down from its pandemic highs to about 3.4%.

Even better? Wages started to outpace inflation. That means you weren’t just treading water anymore—you were getting ahead.

And while the Federal Reserve helped bring prices down, Biden’s long game—investing in supply chains, clean energy, and manufacturing at home—helped build the economic muscle to keep prices stable.

Unemployment Stayed Near Record Lows

Here’s a stat that’s more than a stat: millions of Americans stayed on the job.

- Unemployment in 2024 was around 3.7%, near the lowest we’ve seen since the 1960s.

- That’s not just luck. That’s a sign of a strong labor market where people can find work and keep it.

And these weren’t just gig jobs or short-term contracts. Many were solid roles in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and clean energy.

This matters because economic growth means nothing if everyday Americans aren’t part of it. Under Biden, they were.

Millions of New Jobs—Built in America

Let’s talk about the comeback of American jobs—and not just in the big cities.

In 2024 alone, the economy added over 2.7 million new jobs.

That brought the total during Biden’s term to over 13 million jobs created—the most of any president in a single term.

Jobs came back in places that had been left behind. Small towns saw new factories break ground. Workers in red states and blue states alike got job offers from companies building semiconductor plants, battery factories, and solar farms—thanks to smart laws like the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.

These weren’t abstract bills. They were job engines.

Real Wages Rose — Finally

For years, people have been working hard and falling behind. But in 2024, that trend finally reversed.

Real wages (what your paycheck is worth after inflation) began to rise. And the biggest gains? They showed up for working-class and hourly wage earners.

For the first time in a long time, hard work started to mean real progress.

That’s not a coincidence—it’s what happens when leadership focuses on people, not just profit margins.

The Made-in-America Revival

This one doesn’t get enough airtime, but it should: under Biden, America’s manufacturing base roared back to life.

- Over $600 billion in private sector investment was committed to U.S. manufacturing during his term.

- Clean energy projects, semiconductor facilities, infrastructure upgrades—they’re putting Americans to work right now.

This wasn’t just about creating jobs. It was about bringing resilience home. No more relying on overseas parts for our tech, our energy, or our future.

This is economic patriotism in action.

Gas Prices Stabilized

Remember when gas spiked to over $5 a gallon?

By late 2024, gas prices settled around $3.25—down significantly from the post-pandemic global shock.

Thanks to efforts to increase domestic energy production and manage global supply disruptions, Americans got a much-needed break at the pump.

And this isn’t just about driving—it’s about the cost of goods, the price of groceries, and what’s left in your pocket after a Costco run.

Consumer Confidence Rebounded

When the economy feels off, people pull back. But by the end of 2024, Americans were finally starting to feel something new again:

Optimism with consumer confidence rising steadily through the year, as people saw:

- Prices cooling

- Jobs staying

- Paychecks growing

- Markets recovering

This wasn’t a fluke. It was the result of steady, competent, people-first leadership.

A Shrinking Deficit? Yes, Really.

Contrary to the tired talking points, Biden actually reduced the federal deficit by $1.7 trillion during his first two years—and kept it down through smart economic growth and winding down emergency pandemic spending.

While others shouted about “fiscal responsibility,” this administration actually did something about it.

Final Word: A Presidency That Delivered When It Mattered

Joe Biden didn’t just show up after a crisis—he led through it. He didn’t blame the pandemic, he rebuilt after it. He didn’t talk about the economy from a podium—he built one where you had a chance to win.

Let’s be clear: this wasn’t about perfection. No presidency is. But when it comes to the direction of the country, Biden delivered on the promise that America could come back stronger, fairer, and more united than before.

Jobs. Wages. Stability. Dignity.

That’s what we got.

And it’s worth remembering while today’s noise gets louder and the chaos stronger.

Mitch Jackson, Esq. | links

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PS- Want to fix things? Great. Now is the time to start. Please do the following:

If you’re not already registered as a democrat, do so today.
Help share the facts and my articles with your community—which probably includes some of the 90 million eligible voters who sat on the sidelines in 2024.
Vote democrat in all local and national elections moving forward.