First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, often portrayed by the media as a beloved figure, has been delivering commencement speeches at small community colleges rather than major universities. The recent graduation ceremony she spoke at, held by Erie County Community College in Pennsylvania, had only 65 graduates in attendance. Despite her background as a college professor and focus on higher education, she is not being invited to speak at larger institutions with significant graduating classes.
Biden’s speeches at these community colleges typically contain generic words of inspiration, which some recipients may quickly forget if not for the White House connection. While supporters may argue that she intentionally chooses to speak at two-year schools due to her advocacy for tuition-free education, this does not align with the media’s portrayal of her as a popular and sought-after public figure.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered remarks at the Erie County Community College commencement ceremony in Pennsylvania Saturday. https://t.co/uSSeRA7PuY
— KYMA (@KYMA11) June 2, 2024
In contrast to the media narrative, reports show that Jill Biden has garnered significant disapproval ratings, even lower than former First Lady Melania Trump. According to a Newsweek report, Biden’s approval rating falls below 30%, with a notable portion of Americans rating her performance as “poor” or “below average.” These rankings paint a different picture from the media’s portrayal of her as a widely adored figure.
It is essential to consider the discrepancy between media coverage and public perception when evaluating First Lady Jill Biden’s popularity. Despite media hype, her approval ratings suggest a different reality, showcasing a divergence between portrayal and public sentiment.

