What Biden Didn’t Realize About His Presidency
Joe Biden’s unexpected victory in the 2020 presidential election came as a shock to many Americans. Despite the wide range of complex issues facing the US, most people knew very little about what the 77-year-old former vice-president had in store for the country. However, with the inauguration of President Biden, detailed information on his plans and expectations of his new role have now started to emerge. Below are some of the aspects of his presidency and leadership that President Biden may not have considered or expected.
I. Inauguration Attendance
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed for unprecedented challenges for Biden’s inauguration. In accordance with the White House security protocols and guidelines, a mere 800 guests were able to join the festivities at the National Mall to witness the swearing-in ceremony. In addition, a live audience was not allowed due to the risk of spreading the virus. Despite this, the world got to witness the ceremony as it was shown on practically every major media outlet.
II. Expectations of Leadership
Even before his inauguration, President Biden was faced with the massive challenge of leading a divided nation. Despite expectations of a smoother transition into his new role, numerous policies that Biden had planned to enact immediately have already been met with large opposition. His ambitious agenda, ranging from ending the “forever wars” to reforming the environment, have also met with plenty of criticism from different factions of society. As such, Biden has had to take these voices into consideration which has complicated the decision-making process for his administration.
III. Mainstream Media Attention
President Trump’s four years in office were characterized by an unrelenting focus on the US’s internal politics and the president himself. With his seemingly unending controversy, the media had become exclusively preoccupied with reporting the Trump presidency. However, President Biden’s promise of bringing unity to the nation has enticed the media to pivot its coverage to topics that were once neglected during the Trump years, such as global affairs and foreign trade.
IV. Domestic Policy
Prior to his inauguration, President Biden had already made many announcements regarding his plans to tackle the pandemic and climate change. His ambitious plans on the former saw early success as vaccines quickly began to be distributed to the American people. Despite the surprisingly smooth rollout of these vaccines, Biden has faced numerous roadblocks while trying to enact his vision of a green economy. His already-planned environment reforms have been met with criticism and opposition, such as his decision to halt the Keystone XL Pipeline.
V. Global Relations
The inauguration of President Biden marked an important opportunity for the US to regain the strong relationships and alliances with other nations that were lost during the Trump administration. Major progress has already been seen with nations such as Canada, as well as countries which were previously hostile towards the US such as Iran. Biden’s promise to place science before politics has been met with positive reviews from many international communities.
VI. Domestic Policies Towards Communities of Color
Prior to his presidency, Biden had made clear his stance on unity and the importance of addressing the systemic racism plaguing the US. Now, the Biden administration has quickly reiterated those messages through various executive orders. His administration has decided to establish the White House Racial Equity and Economically Opportunity Initiative, as well as a task force to research and reform the criminal justice system.
VII. Impacts of an Aging Democratic Party
As President Biden and Vice President Harris took office in 2021, they found themselves as not only the supporters of a powerful progressive agenda, but also the frontrunners of an incredibly aging Democratic Party. With such an establishment, Biden and Harris have the tough task of appealing to both younger generations as well as trying to maintain their party’s support among their current base of older voters. To do this, Biden’s administration has focused on bridging the ideological gaps between different factions within the party.
VIII. Focus on Infrastructure
Early in his tenure as President, Biden unveiled his plan for a sweeping $2 trillion infrastructure package. This proposal included vast investments on things such as high-speed internet, public health and green technology, as well as the creation of millions of jobs in the US. This plan has received overwhelming approval from various sectors of the economy and with the current political landscape, Biden is closer to achieving this goal than ever before.
IX. Restoring Mutually Beneficial Global Relationships
After four years of unmitigated tensions between the US and allies, President Biden has been striving to restore past relationships as well as establish beneficial new ones. After his recent meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the announcement of a transatlantic trade pact was made. This news was further validated by a joint statement issued by the Group of Seven world leaders at the Cornwall Summit in June.
X. Refocusing Key Military Initiatives
A key feature of Biden’s presidency so far has been his retraction of the US from conflicts in places such as Syria and Afghanistan. In place of combat-heavy strategies, the president has called for a continuation of “support diplomacy” and initiatives that prioritize the political development of such countries over the military operations of the US.
The agenda of President Biden has been ambitious and complex, consisting of both well-established policies as well as progressive ideas. While some of his plans have already been receiving criticism and opposition, there is also hope that his vision can truly make a lasting change in the US. As mentioned in the list above, President Biden may not have realized the challenge that lies ahead in taking on many crucial aspects of his role as leader of the nation.
