Biden did not campaign as a progressive and was never considered one. But many of his successful policies fit the bill, and maybe it needed to be him who got them through.
Biden proves progressive policies work.
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
As I continue talking to progressives, both activists and many young people, the assertion that President Joe Biden is not a progressive is widely noted. This perspective is underpinned by comparing Biden’s policies and actions against the backdrop of the broader progressive agenda. Progressives advocate for transformative economic and social policies to address systemic inequalities and restructure the economic system to benefit a wider swath of the population, not just the elite few.
However, Biden’s presidency has inadvertently demonstrated a crucial point: even though he is not a traditional progressive, implementing policies that resonate with progressive ideology has yielded positive outcomes. This phenomenon underscores a fundamental principle of progressive thought – that government intervention, especially in times of economic distress, can be a powerful tool for social and economic betterment.
As highlighted, the American economy’s structural issues are a cornerstone concern for progressives. This system, designed to channel wealth upwards, marginalizes the majority to benefit a wealthy minority. The progressive critique of this system is not just about wealth distribution but also the inherent value of work and the disparities in compensation and recognition of different forms of labor. Those who benefit the most from this system often contribute the least in actual labor, a point that strikes at the heart of progressive calls for economic justice and fairness.
When President Biden took office, he faced an unprecedented economic crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His response, influenced partly by progressive thinkers, was to inject trillions of dollars into the economy. This approach, rooted in Keynesian economics, posits that government spending can stimulate economic activity during downturns. Biden’s economic stimulus packages, which included direct payments to individuals and support for businesses, were a practical application of this theory. The success of these measures in preventing a complete economic collapse and reducing poverty levels, albeit temporarily, lends credence to the progressive argument that government action can effectively manage economic crises.
Furthermore, the Biden administration’s approach challenged the longstanding conservative narrative that government spending inevitably leads to runaway inflation. The economic outcomes following the stimulus packages showed that infusing the economy with significant capital did not lead to unmanageable inflation, contrary to conservative predictions. This outcome aligns with the principles of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), as expounded by economists like Stephanie Kelton, which suggests that there is more flexibility in government spending than traditional economic models acknowledge.
The speaker’s assertion that Biden’s policies, though not explicitly progressive, have demonstrated the viability of progressive economic principles is a significant point of discussion. It suggests that even moderate or centrist political figures can enact policies that align with progressive goals, especially in times of crisis. This observation is critical as it implies that progressive policies are not just ideological positions but are practical, feasible solutions to real-world problems.
While President Biden may not be a progressive in the traditional sense, his administration’s actions during the economic crisis have inadvertently showcased the effectiveness of progressive economic policies. This realization is vital for the progressive movement as it provides tangible evidence that their proposed solutions are not just theoretical but can be successfully implemented, even under a centrist administration. The Biden presidency, therefore, offers a unique case study in the practical application of progressive ideas, demonstrating that they can lead to tangible benefits for the broader population.
Understanding the above is crucial as the nation moves forward, especially in the context of upcoming elections and the ongoing debate about the direction of economic policy in the United States. While many are tired of voting for the lesser of two evils and won’t mind some catharsis to block the undulating status quo, Joe Biden (even as he is completely wrong in handling the Gaza massacre) should not be that sacrificial lamb. If Biden is the standard bearer this cycle for the Democratic Party, his domestic policies prove that he can be a strong ally of progressives. A mature and forward-moving progressive movement holds pace when needed as it spends its time educating the masses away from the fallacies of the Right, the corporatists, and the neoliberals.
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