Intelligence Squared Joe Biden: Moderate or Radical? With Evan Osnos and Mark Mardell
May 7, 2021
Evan Osnos, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of 'Joe Biden: American Dreamer,' joins Mark Mardell to delve into the complexities of Joe Biden's presidency. They discuss Biden's evolving political identity amid societal changes and how personal tragedies influenced his leadership style. Osnos analyzes Biden's approach to foreign policy, particularly with China and Taiwan, and highlights his ambitious legislation aimed at economic inequality. The conversation underscores the dual challenges of navigating political outrage while addressing pressing issues like climate change.
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Biden's Shift
- Joe Biden's seemingly radical actions as president can be attributed to changed circumstances and deferred political maintenance.
- His long experience in Washington allows for swift action, focusing on reforms to keep democracy vibrant.
Bipartisanship and Intransigence
- Biden's experience as vice president taught him the limitations of bipartisanship.
- Current Republican intransigence is unprecedented, with a stark popularity gap between parties.
Post-Neoliberal Governance
- Economic disparity and the desire for an activist government are driving Biden's policy changes.
- The focus is on structural economic reforms, reflecting the public's desire for change.
