Journalists and casual political observers are noticing a major stylistic change in U.S. politics.
The Joe Biden presidency — barely three weeks old — has been marked by its contrast to the previous administration. No more late-night tweets, personal attacks, bizarre rallies, or public fights with the media. Fewer blatant falsehoods and less self-promotional salesmanship. In these ways, the new administration is limiting the spectacle of American politics.
This is intentional. Biden sold himself as the calm, unifying candidate who would help end a “dark era” of bitterness in Washington. After winning the election, Biden promised to “lower the temperature” and is even ignoring (rightly, in my view) Donald Trump’s ongoing impeachment trial.
But Biden’s quiet style, along with the media’s focus on impeachment, has made it easy to miss the important policy shifts underway. The first 100 days are typically when a president wields the most power because he has high political capital and can start with executive actions.
So what has Biden done so far? Let’s start with the biggest policies.
Rejoining Paris Agreement & World Health Organization
These have been Biden’s most important actions on the international stage. In these areas, it is beneficial for the U.S. to stand among other nations for global cooperation instead of punitive anti-China posturing. While imperfect, the Paris Accord serves as an important framework for climate goals and brings transparency to countries’ emissions. The WHO is responsible for massive public health achievements such as eradicating smallpox, and it continues to support critical health infrastructure in developing countries.
Axing Keystone XL & Freezing Fracking on Federal Lands
These are moderate steps in the right direction on climate change. In response to the GOP’s attacks about the loss of jobs, the White House should remind voters that the U.S. needs to compete in the emerging global clean-energy economy, where we lag behind. My only wish is that Biden would go further. He is freezing fracking on federal lands for 60 days, but he should ban it outright.
Ending U.S. Support for Saudi Offensive in Yemen
On the surface, this is the best thing Biden has done. The Saudi assault against the Houthi rebels in Yemen has been a humanitarian disaster. The fact that the U.S. government has helped carry out this tragedy for almost seven years is shameful. Biden has not ended all sales of weapons to Saudi Arabia, however, and should be pressured to do so.
Ending Trump’s Travel Ban & Construction of Wall
Biden was able to reverse these immigration policies on his very first day. These particular policies were simply ineffective. For all Trump’s fear-mongering, nobody from any of the countries listed on the travel ban had come to the U.S. and killed an American citizen since 9/11. Also, experts have repeatedly said that border walls are inefficient.
Strengthening ACA & Medicaid
Biden extended the ACA enrollment period, which will help more people get coverage. He is also removing the Trump-era work requirements for Medicaid, which is especially vital during an economic crisis. This is pretty much what we expected from Biden on healthcare, who has shown no interest in Medicare for All and hardly even talks about the public option.
LGBTQ Protections
Biden has directed federal agencies to enforce last year’s Supreme Court decision, which declared discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity to be unconstitutional. Biden also reversed Trump’s transgender military ban. I imagine that only the most deeply socially conservative people could disapprove of these decisions.
Mask Mandate in Federal Buildings & Domestic Transport
This is a basic public health measure to protect federal workers. It reaffirms the new administration’s commitment to mask-wearing, social distancing, and “listening to the scientists”. Perhaps this is a bit symbolic, but it is still a big improvement from Trump’s waffling on whether or not masks work.
Expanding COVID Testing & Vaccination Sites
The U.S. vaccine rollout has been a logistical disaster. Nevertheless, the Biden administration has taken steps to create federal vaccination sites at community centers like gymnasiums and stadiums. Biden has also increased federal support to states for reimbursing virus-related costs. The pandemic seems to be in retreat, with falling case numbers each day, but it is far too early to celebrate.
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I am happy with all of these actions, even if some do not go far enough. I give the administration credit for getting these things done quickly.
However, most of Biden’s executive actions were simple reversals of Trump's most unpopular policies that any generic Democrat could have done. There are still enormous progressive priorities and campaign promises unfulfilled.
The big things to watch going forward:
COVID Stimulus Bill
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan continues to move through Congress. While I think the stimulus checks should be larger, the overall plan is surprisingly bold. I agree with the decision to go through budget reconciliation — where only 50 Senate votes are needed — but I wish it was done sooner. Millions of Americans are food insecure, and each day that goes by is precious time. Joe Manchin continues to be a thorn in the side of passage as he has shown resistance to any bill with a $15 minimum wage. If Biden can leverage his relationships in Congress to quickly herd the votes for this plan, he will deserve credit. But if this goes on another month or more, it will be a failure of leadership.
Forgiving Student Debt
This is a campaign promise on which Biden has not delivered. Although he has frozen student loan payments until September, he has not forgiven any debt. The White House says that it is “reviewing” possible executive actions, and we will have to see if Biden follows through. At most, I could see him wiping out $50k of federal student debt per person.
Marijuana Policy
Biden’s “decriminalization” position is out of step with the American public. Polls show that people overwhelmingly support marijuana legalization. Lawmakers know this, and top Senate Democrats are reportedly set to introduce a legalization bill. If a bill makes its way to Biden’s desk, he better sign it.
Afghanistan
Recent reports indicate that Biden plans to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan. This would be a huge disappointment. As Vice President, Biden promised that the Obama administration would leave Afghanistan by 2014. We are now 20 years and $2 trillion into the conflict, and we have not slowed the Taliban control of the region. There is no clear definition of victory anymore, and we need to get out.
Iran Deal
Biden has promised to re-enter the U.S. into the Iran nuclear deal, which was a signature diplomatic accomplishment of the Obama administration. Unfortunately, Biden’s Secretary of State is stalling and demanding “full compliance” from Iran before re-entry. It is hard for the U.S. to make such demands after our country initially violated the deal by imposing crippling sanctions. We need to lift the Trump-era sanctions and negotiate with Iran in good faith. The good news is that Biden’s recent pick for Iran envoy has a history of seeking peace with U.S. adversaries.
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Overall, Biden’s actions so far have been beneficial and popular. He holds a +17 net approval rating, far better than Trump ever fared.
However, I think we’re approaching the end of the presidential “honeymoon phase”. Biden’s early executive actions have allowed him to grab some low-hanging fruits, and the political effect of those will wane. Americans and especially progressives will want to see if Biden can deliver on real change.
