Biden defends first year record as approval sags

U.S. President Joe Biden defended his tenure so far at a news conference on Wednesday, as he approaches one year in office.

Biden was asked about his sagging approval ratings and whether he had promised more than he could deliver.

"Look, I didn't over promise. But I think, if you take a look at what we've been able to do, you'd have to acknowledge we made enormous progress.”

Both of his administration’s priorities have failed in Congress, the infrastructure spending package “Build Back Better” and a federal voting rights bill.

Although, Biden says he could still pass it in "big chunks," if not the full package.

He acknowledged his administration could have done more on COVID-19 testing and that he could do better to connect with the American people.

However, Biden defended U.S. job and new business growth and low unemployment.

One challenge he said he underestimated was pushback from the opposing party.

"I did not anticipate that there'd be such a stalwart effort to make sure that the most important thing was that President Biden didn't get anything done. Think about this. What are Republicans for? What are they for? Name me one thing they're for."

Biden’s Democrats are fighting to retain control of Congress, amid falling approval ratings and a flood of Republican-backed state laws that civil rights advocates say could suppress Black and minority votes.

Midterm elections will be held this November.