President Biden claims the US is in a better position than any country in the world – despite migrant crisis, crime and a struggling economy – as he speaks to Ryan Seacrest via satellite from a beach holiday St Croix

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said America is better positioned to lead the world than any other country and served up his holiday fare in a New Year's Eve interview.

The Bidens appeared via satellite from their beach vacation in St. Croix with host Ryan Seacrest on ABC's New Year's Rockin' Eve show from Times Square.

Seacrest asked the pair what their expectations were for 2024, with Biden making no mention of the possible rematch with Trump that seems the most likely scenario for the presidential election, but hinting at how he felt he had improved America.

“My hope is that everyone has a healthy, happy and safe New Year, but beyond that I hope they understand that we are better placed than any country in the world to lead the world. We will be back and it's about time,” President Biden (81) said.

Seacrest also asked the Bidens what their memories and highlights of 2023 were, with the president once again attempting to discuss his presidency.

He told a story that began with an anecdote from his late father and a promotion of his policy to get Americans back to work.

'One of the big highlights stands out to me… my father used to have an expression. He would say, Joey, a job is about much more than a paycheck, it's about your dignity, it's about respect,” President Biden said.

“So many people in the Midwest and in the middle of the country, their jobs have been shipped overseas the last few times, they lost hope and confidence.”

“We've brought a lot of jobs back to the United States, people are now in a position to make a living. They have created a lot of jobs, 14 million.”

“I guess I just feel good that the American people have stood up. They've been through a tough time with the pandemic, but they'll be back. We are back,” he added.

The First Family was also asked about their holiday eating habits, with the president making a nod to his love of ice cream.

“I ate everything put in front of me,” Biden said. 'Pasta, which I love. Eating a lot of chicken, chicken parmesan.'

First Lady Jill, 72, reminded her husband that he had also eaten ice cream, with the president saying it had a “chocolate flavor.”

She also referred to her work as a teacher and hoped for a positive spirit in 2024.

“I think this is what I would always say to my students: be positive, be optimistic, be kind to each other. Happy new year.'

Despite the hopeful message, the president faces a tough 2024, dealing not only with both domestic and foreign issues, but also a possible rematch with Donald Trump in his bid to be re-elected as the nation's oldest-ever president .

Biden has tried to manage a series of crises. From Ukraine to the Middle East and the border with Mexico, he has juggled the demands of international allies, as well as friends and foes from Congress, from the White House.

He continues to be plagued by voters' doubts about the strength of the economy, as well as worries about the security of the U.S.-Mexico border and worries about crime.

Continued investigations into the business dealings of the president's son, Hunter Biden, and the impeachment inquiry announced this week will continue to create headaches next year.

Immigration will also continue to be a significant problem, with cities such as New York and Chicago struggling to cope with the influx.

Biden's absence from Washington DC this week is emblematic of Republicans' general lack of government doing anything to resolve the critical issue.

Authorities say at least 10,000 migrants arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border every day, many of them asylum seekers. A migrant caravan of thousands of people from across the region – mostly Venezuelans – has passed through southern Mexico this week, inching closer to the US.

The border has been a headache for Biden for months and his approval ratings continue to fall, with just 38 percent of voters saying they approve of his handling of immigration, down from 46 percent in November.

Republicans are also trying to gain some political leverage for upcoming negotiations in January on an additional spending package that will focus on Ukraine, Israel and the situation at the border.

Voters are still concerned about the economy after seeing everything from rents to grocery prices during a year of massive inflation that remains above average.

Inflation still stood at 3.1 percent last month, down from a high of 9.1 percent in June 2022, but refused to fall to the Federal Reserve's 2 percent target.

American workers are finding it hard to be excited about declining inflation because most of their wages still have to make up for the damage to their budgets.

President Biden hasn't had much luck since taking office as the post-Covid economy overheated, along with supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine.

His approval rating on the economy averages just 32.7 percent, compared to 57.9 percent disapproval according to the latest polls.

About 71 percent of Americans think the country's economy is heading in the wrong direction, and only five percent of Republicans and 58 percent of Democrats rated the economy as excellent or good.

Former President Donald Trump has a handy lead on this issue, 59 to 37 percent, according to a New York Times poll of five crucial swing states.

Inflation-adjusted incomes have fallen by just over one percent since he took office, and at the same time during Trump's presidency they were up three percent.

Poll after poll shows that his positive message that he is the best person to lead the post-pandemic economic recovery is falling on deaf ears.

Aides say privately he will ramp up his campaign events in the new year.

It can't come soon enough for his supporters. He has seen his lead over Trump evaporate over the past six months.

In head-to-head competition, our DailyMail.com poll had Biden ahead by one point in June; one point behind in September and October, and now three points behind.

Even if Trump fails to win the Republican nomination, Biden appears ready to compete in November.

With 16 days to go before Iowa Republicans become the first in the country to choose the candidate they want for the 2024 elections, an exclusive DailyMail.com poll shows Nikki Haley is the best candidate to replace President Joe Biden defeat.

Our survey of 984 likely voters shows she would beat Biden by five points if an election were held tomorrow.

In contrast, former President Donald Trump would win by three points, while Ron DeSantis would lose by two points, reinforcing the sense that his campaign for president is on life support.

Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, has seen her stock rise in recent weeks, fueled by a series of strong debate performances and major endorsements.

And the results of our survey with JL Partners support her argument that she is better positioned than other candidates to win the 2024 election.

It gives her 40 percent support to Biden's 35 percent in a head-to-head matchup.

Trump would take 46 percent to Biden's 43 percent, while DeSantis would take 41 percent to Biden's 43 percent, all with a margin of error of 3.1 percent.