Biden’s Unexpected Moves Delight Progressives

Biden’s Legacy: Drawing Inspiration from FDR

A striking portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt has prominently nestled over the fireplace in the Oval Office since the inauguration of President Joe Biden, marking a significant departure from the tradition of honoring George Washington in that prime location. This choice reflects a tribute to a presidency that deeply inspires Biden, particularly the values associated with FDR’s focus on the working class and the utility of government as a protector of the vulnerable.

Throughout his political journey, Biden has often cited Roosevelt as a pivotal figure, indicating his desire to emulate some of the New Deal spirit during his term. Biden’s supporters believe he has made strides toward realizing that ambition. Senator Bernie Sanders hailed Biden’s commitment to progressive policies, stating, "President Biden, when he came into office, said that he would be the most progressive president since FDR… on domestic issues, he has kept his word." However, drawing parallels between Biden’s presidency and FDR’s legacy remains a controversial comparison.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoed similar sentiments, emphasized that Biden has made considerable efforts to center the needs of working-class citizens in his domestic policy decisions. She pointed out the surprising degree of transparency exhibited during the early days of his administration. This commendation is particularly notable given Biden’s past reputation as a moderate, especially before he secured the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

As Biden entered the White House, he promised to shape a progressive administration, aiming to implement measures that would create lasting benefits, particularly in a post-pandemic recovery landscape. His administration has funneled trillions into tackling the economic aftermath of COVID-19, revamping infrastructure, addressing climate change, and reindustrializing America through initiatives like the CHIPs bill. Biden made history as the first serving president to join workers on a picket line, indicating his commitment to labor rights, while also advocating for student loan debt relief for millions of borrowers and pushing to rein in corporate power.

However, the efficacy of these policies in shaping a durable coalition akin to Roosevelt’s remains debated. Historian Julian Zelizer pointed out that part of FDR’s enduring success was his ability to cultivate a broad, durable coalition that would not just maintain progressive programs but continue to evolve them. In contrast, Biden’s presidency has seen challenges in sustaining high levels of public awareness and approval for his achievements. This raises questions about the long-term impact of his policies.

Biden’s initiatives included a child tax credit established during his early presidency, which provided a safety net for children and families. However, the lapse of this credit due to congressional inaction highlights a significant obstacle: while Biden enacted notable policies, he struggled to galvanize public recognition and support for many of them. Representative Becca Balint emphasized that citizens should be able to identify specific progressive actions that have affected their lives positively, which has not occurred to a satisfying degree.

Amidst these challenges, progressive Democrats credit Biden for adapting to the shifting sentiments within the party, recognizing the impact of Sanders’ campaign and its progressive message during the 2020 election cycle. Ocasio-Cortez mentioned that new Democratic leaders, potentially influenced by Biden’s economic progressivism, could continue pushing that agenda in future electoral battles.

This nuanced dynamic encompasses Biden’s compromise between traditional moderate approaches and emerging progressive ideologies. As the Biden administration looked forward, Darren Bernstein, the chief economist, remarked that the initiatives undertaken could transform the economic landscape if cultivated properly, transcending partisan divides. He underscored the significance of fostering facilities aimed at job creation, suggesting that political ideologies may blend where economic needs are concerned.

At the same time, political winds are shifting; prominent figures within the Democratic Party have varied methods for approaching inevitable opposition from President Trump’s new administration. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s strategy highlights the importance of seeking common ground, particularly on issues like cost reduction and manufacturing job creation while rigorously opposing detrimental trade policies.

In summary, Biden’s presidency embodies a complex interaction between progressive aspirations and longstanding political dynamics. While aligning with FDR on certain principles, the challenge ahead lies in ensuring the resilience and recognition of his accomplishments in a fractured political landscape. The testimonies of figures like Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders signal that while the ideological journey of Biden’s administration is fraught with hurdles, the potential for future Democrats to continue advocating for a more economically equitable society remains strong.