#370: We answer the question
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If we look back at the Biden Administration's first nine months, it's mostly A- action, with a few exceptions. Here's the breakdown:
1. Has he stabilized the economy? A-
The American Rescue Plan, passed in March '21, was what the economy needed to get pretty much back up to normal. It also meant we could withstand the Delta variant's attack, the current shock to supply chains, and the uptick in prices--all likely inevitable following Covid's initial surge.
Could he have done more? Short answer: no, boosterism gets you only so far.
A possible missed opportunity: combining his legislative agenda (which, though paid for, is expensive) with an effort to cut expenditures to reduce the Deficit, symbolically to begin with, but with wider potential once the economy recovers. This effort could then have been rolled out just prior to unveiling his Afghan exit, with a 'peace dividend' part of a larger context. The goal might be saving $100 billion over ten years, which could include suggestions submitted by individual Americans. This would then insulate his administration from attacks over deficit spending, and dilute any internal opposition to passing his agenda.
2. Has he fought off Covid? A
Yes, he's done just about everything reasonable. He's listened to the science, most importantly. He's also accelerated vaccine availability, eased into vaccine mandates, and generally kept up with the pep talk.
There are of course those who fault him for not committing more vaccines to countries which haven't the resources for an inoculation campaign. Though it's true that, because of variants, we aren't safe until everyone's safe, worldwide, there are always nay-sayers, and plenty of them, who'll complain about not getting our own house in order, first. So, his chosen lane is understandable.
Speaking of which, nay-sayers to the vaccine were always likely, and it certainly wasn't his fault that inoculation rates weren't higher, faster. In fact, in the long run, the anti-vax crowd will almost certainly help sink Republican party prospects (due to lingering Covid in Red America), not only because the anti-vax argument is so obviously selfish and near-sighted, but because there are so many more voters who have received the vaccine than not.
3. Does he have progress to point to, legislatively? A
Assuming Build Back Better passes later this month, he'll have pulled off something approaching a miracle. With just 50 Democrats in the Senate, the odds were not good. Though things are far from certain, the likelihood is that spirits will rise, money will flow, the economy will respond, and Biden's poll numbers will turn around from 'poor' to 'competitive'.
4. Has he kept his dignity and sense of humor? A-
If anyone has any doubt, check out the transcript from his recent town hall, which appeared a week or two ago on CNN. He jokes about his agenda, his age, etc. There's a mischievousness about his words, as if he's enjoying himself to the utmost. He handles his talking points well, though there's a bit more stumbling around than one encountered with Barack Obama or Bill Clinton. But he comes across as an everyman who's trying.
5. Is his own party with him, for the most part? A-
Yes, and the few hiccups to puncture the good-natured ambiance among Democrats have only highlighted the breadth of party opinion; from "democratic socialist" Bernie Sanders to "conservative" Democrat, Joe Manchin. And this wide range of opinions is likely necessary to win elections. Allowing Republicans to claim the 'moderate' vote would be disastrous. There are simply too many middle-of-the-road and independent voters for Democrats to ignore the center.
6. Are there signs that peace is breaking out around the world? B+
The Iran nuclear deal is set to be re-instated, or at least that is the plan. Then there's the exit from Afghanistan, and Iraq soon enough.
What's missing is a comprehensive plan that rolls back military spending around the world. This should be a top priority, as it's otherwise just a matter of time before tensions erupt and suddenly we're committing more lives and hundreds of billions to what could have been avoided.
Worldwide commitments could have been rolled into the ongoing Climate Change conference, with reductions redirected, and poorer nations leaning into good behavior, due to a peace dividend flowing their way. Or, a separate conference could effect the same end.
7. How about the US border? He's received his lowest grades there. B
Unfortunately, there's little he can do, barring legislation that addresses the issue.
The low grades he receives are almost certainly due to both sides of the question being unsatisfied, leaving very few happy campers.
8. Has scandal infected his cabinet or hangers on? A
No, though it may be that we are unaware of what will soon spill out. Let's hope not.
Martin Longman, at Progressive Pond, made the point that our former president couldn't turn the tables on the infamous 'infrastructure week' gag. He didn't have the negotiating skills, despite protests to the contrary, and he and his cabinet, handlers, and associates were practitioners of 'crony' capitalism (for example, building cheap toll roads that some big shot buddy could use to skim a percentage off of the driving public). Plus, it's hard to imagine what Biden Administration hanky-panky would even look like.
9. Is he convincing Americans that his agenda is worthy? B
Yes, he makes his appearances and presents his talking points. And compared with an Obama or a Clinton, it isn't all so different.
But, his outreach could be a bigger deal. It could easily be a 'must see' moment every week if he convened experts and cabinet members to talk through a specific subject, with probing questions from the President, and then an audience asked before and after to register opinions on the matter at hand. He could start out each appearance with a circling back to previous topics, giving an update on legislation here, a proposal there, a major announcement, and so on.
The format would be a breath of fresh air compared to reading from a tele-prompter. Most importantly, it would be collaborative, giving viewers the sense that government is working on issues that're important. It could also be entertaining, with video clips used for illustration. Celebrities with expertise could humanize the discussion. Improv comedians could be at the table to interject levity. Close with a musical number as the credits roll. Hold each appearance in a different location.
In short, show the captain in action, and he'll likely be captivating.
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