Tevi Troy: Joe Biden’s final weeks are dangerous for America
Dec 9, 2024
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Tevi Troy, a presidential historian and author who served under George W. Bush, dives into the critical last weeks of Joe Biden's presidency. He discusses Biden's strategies to solidify his legacy while creating obstacles for Trump. Troy touches on the risks of a lame duck presidency, including Biden's controversial pardons and foreign policy actions regarding Ukraine and Israel. He also reflects on historical transitions and the importance of bureaucratic maneuvers during this politically charged period.
Biden's lame duck period showcases a unique leveraging of power through controversial decisions like pardons and sanctions to cement his legacy.
Despite the opportunities for bold actions, Biden risks public backlash with initiatives that may overreach, complicating his transition and future political landscape.
Deep dives
Biden's Strategic Use of a Lame Duck Presidency
The period of a lame duck presidency often allows for a unique leveraging of power, as seen in Biden's recent actions. He has engaged in significant moves such as the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden and sanctions against certain Israeli officials, which reflect an assertive approach to cementing his legacy as he prepares to transition power. Historically, this phase can be seen as a time when presidents take risks with decisions they would not pursue in the earlier stages of their term due to political ramifications. This trend highlights how lame duck presidents might feel liberated to make decisions that could have lasting implications, whether popular or contentious.
Potential Risks of Overreach
While presidents can take bold actions during their lame duck periods, there are inherent risks associated with overstepping public sentiment. Biden may be tempting fate by pursuing initiatives such as preemptive pardons, which could be perceived as an overreach and may provoke backlash from the incoming administration. Tevi Troy emphasized the historical precedent of presidents encountering voter rebuke during this phase and how they sometimes push boundaries with policies that the electorate may oppose. As Biden navigates this delicate phase, he must balance his legacy aspirations against the electorate's expectations to avoid exacerbating political tensions.
Impacts on Domestic Policy and Federal Spending
The Biden administration is currently working at full capacity to expedite the disbursement of federal grants before the transition to a new administration. This urgency stems from the understanding that once funding is allocated, reversing these financial commitments becomes increasingly challenging for incoming officials. The actions taken to distribute funds highlight a proactive stance aimed at solidifying Biden's legacy through tangible contributions to various sectors, including electric vehicle manufacturing. However, these moves could also be challenged by the next administration, depending on their policy direction and priorities.
Biden's International Actions and Future Legacy
Biden's decision-making in foreign policy during his lame duck presidency signals his desire to leave a mark on international relations, especially amid ongoing global conflicts. From authorizing military support in Ukraine to managing diplomatic tensions in the Middle East, Biden is emphasizing the importance of his foreign policy legacy. However, there is a concern that any significant actions taken as a lame duck could lead to unintended consequences if not carefully calibrated. As global events unfold, the repercussions of Biden’s final actions could define not only the tail end of his presidency but also impact future U.S. foreign relations.
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Presidential historian Tevi Troy breaks down what steps Joe Biden is taking now, with six weeks left in his presidency, to cement a legacy and undermine Donald Trump. Troy, who served in government under George W. Bush, explains how Biden can use the levers of bureaucratic power to throw up obstacles for the incoming administration.