Susan Page, Washington bureau chief at USA Today, brings her political expertise to discuss Joe Biden’s presidency as it nears its end. She highlights his role in overcoming the Covid crisis and achieving significant legislative successes amidst a backdrop of partisan conflict. The conversation reveals the complexities of his decision to run for a second term, which some see as a gamble that could define his legacy. Page argues that Biden's transformative potential may echo for decades, painting a nuanced picture of his impact amid public perception and challenges.
Joe Biden's presidency was marked by significant legislative successes and transformative initiatives that faced challenges from partisan gridlock and inflation perceptions.
His decision to seek a second term has sparked debate about its consequences for his legacy and the potential risks of a Trump resurgence.
Deep dives
The Ambitious Agenda of Joe Biden
Joe Biden's presidency began with an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at transforming the country, comparable to the Great Society era of Lyndon B. Johnson. His administration successfully pushed through significant infrastructure investments and climate initiatives while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these achievements, the perception of Biden's effectiveness as a transformative leader is complicated by partisan gridlock and diminishing public credit for his efforts. The delayed and long-term benefits of many initiatives often obscured their immediate impact, leaving voters with a sense of unmet expectations.
The Decision to Run Again
Biden's choice to seek a second term, contrary to early expectations that he might step aside, has sparked debate about its implications for his legacy. His belief in his political viability was bolstered by early successes and a strong showing in the 2022 midterms, but this decision was seen as a miscalculation by some observers. Polls indicated that many voters preferred a different candidate, but Biden's inner circle did not communicate this effectively, leaving him in a precarious position. The ramifications of this choice could endanger his administration’s achievements, particularly in the face of a possible Trump resurgence.
Challenges of Economic Perception
Despite having recorded low unemployment rates during his presidency, Biden struggled with public perception due to rising inflation, which disproportionately affected everyday Americans. The presidency’s credit for economic success often intertwines with the blame for inflation, complicating Biden’s narrative as a successful leader. Initiatives like the infrastructure bill yielded long-term benefits that the public did not immediately recognize, contributing to a lack of credit for his administration. The inability to transition effectively from pandemic relief to addressing inflation alongside ongoing economic challenges ultimately shaped voters' opinions as Biden faced re-election.
January 20 will mark the end of the presidency of Joe Biden.
Biden came into office as the man who stopped Donald Trump, with promises of serving one term then passing the torch to the next generation.
His administration led the country out of the Covid crisis and included some blockbuster legislative successes, as well as a great deal of partisan gridlock. But it might be his decision to run again that will come to define his legacy.
“He decided to seek a second term and that proved a perilous decision,” says Susan Page, Washington bureau chief at USA Today, pointing out that many Democrats blame him for Trump’s victory in November.
And yet, she tells Diane on today’s episode of On My Mind, she considers Joe Biden to be a transformative president whose accomplishments could be felt for decades to come.
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