How Biden Surprised Progressives – The New York Times
In the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, progressives were cautiously optimistic about Joe Biden’s candidacy. While many were excited to see a Democrat in office after four years of Donald Trump, there were concerns about Biden’s moderate policies and his history of working with Republicans.
However, as Biden’s first year in office comes to a close, progressives have been pleasantly surprised by his administration’s accomplishments. From passing the American Rescue Plan, which provided much-needed relief to millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, to rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and taking steps to address climate change, Biden has made significant strides in his first year as president.
One of the most surprising moves by Biden was his push for a $1.9 trillion infrastructure bill, which included provisions for clean energy and addressing climate change. Progressives had been calling for bold action on climate change for years, and Biden’s commitment to this issue has been a welcome change from the previous administration’s inaction.
Biden has also made strides in addressing racial inequality, signing an executive order on his first day in office to advance racial equity and support underserved communities. He has nominated diverse candidates for key positions in his administration and has taken steps to address systemic racism in the criminal justice system.
While Biden’s record on progressive issues is not perfect – many were disappointed by his handling of the crisis at the southern border and his failure to push for a $15 minimum wage – his administration has shown a willingness to listen to progressive voices and take action on key issues.
Overall, Biden’s first year in office has been a pleasant surprise for progressives. While there is still work to be done, his administration has made significant strides on issues like climate change, racial inequality, and economic relief. As we look ahead to the rest of his term, it will be interesting to see how Biden continues to work with progressives to enact bold and necessary change.