Biden’s Race Against Time To Build On ‘Red-Hot’ First 100 Days
By
Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency is the historic benchmark for judging the first 100 days of any new
There are at least three key reasons why Biden has pushed the envelope in his first 100 days. Firstly, at 78 years of age, he knows his time in office could be limited. Indeed, he might be the first president since
Secondly, there may only be a narrow window of opportunity to secure his domestic agenda. This is because
Thirdly, like Roosevelt in the Great Depression era, Biden’s presidency has so far been shaped by a cataclysmic event: The coronavirus pandemic. This has provided the context for a potentially transformational period of politics, exemplified by his
While that
This clean-energy act, which is currently being considered by
However, as “red-hot” as Biden’s first three months have been, there are serious question marks over whether he can now use this momentum to ensure a successful presidency. Roosevelt was able to convert his strong first 100 days into one of the most successful administrations in US history, but this is by no means guaranteed for the current
Part of the reason for this is the partisan balance in
Today,
Moreover, whereas Roosevelt enjoyed Democratic majorities in both chambers throughout his presidency, the
The delicate partisan balance in
Beyond the issue of legislative achievement, perhaps the key domestic issue Biden is likely to be judged on will be whether his post-pandemic governing agenda can bring the country together, rather than drive it further apart. The schisms in the country are not just political (between
This is why, after the rancor of recent years, Biden would be wise to continue to encourage reconciliation. In the tumult of the US today, this theme of national renewal could be very powerful if he, like Roosevelt and other successful presidents, can command popular understanding and help heal frayed relations to move the country closer toward realizing one of its longstanding mottos: “E pluribus unum” (out of many, one).
Hosemann won't close door to Medicaid expansion in Mississippi
Most Stocks Up As Earnings Kick Off
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News