Amid calls for President Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee after his disastrous debate performance last month, he has turned to an unlikely ally for support: progressives.
Biden has long claimed to be a moderate. In the 2020 Democratic primary, he positioned himself as a pragmatic and less polarizing choice than the more progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Throughout his first term, Biden has often clashed with the more left-wing elements of the party over a variety of issues. immigration per IsraelHe found common ground with them though Inflation Reduction Act and advanced progressive concepts such as a The billionaire tax.
Now Biden is asking for their help again — and they’re offering it willingly.
As did Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA). Requested in public For Biden to back down on Wednesday, the New Yorker published an interview with Sanders in which he has thrown his support behind Biden’s candidacy. This comes after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a member of the progressive so-called “Squad.” There is no room left for doubt That Biden should be the nominee and said, “I support him and make sure we win in November.”
Biden’s need for allies — wherever he can find them — could create opportunities for progressives to negotiate with him on policy. The AOC made this clear in its comments earlier this month, saying That Biden should “lean” into a bolder economic agenda and lean more toward the working class.
Which seems to be happening. Biden is suddenly pushing progressive priorities Reform of the Supreme Court per Capping fares. He renewed his call for a Assault weapons are prohibited Following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally last weekend.
Two questions loom over this push by Biden. One, are these proposals actually achievable — especially since, if he wins the presidency, he likely won’t have a majority in Congress to enact his agenda? And two, could this late push help him politically?
Biden’s new progressive priorities
The progressive policies Biden is pushing have little chance of becoming law, even though they may be popular among the Democratic base voters, not just voters on the left.
Biden is alleged weight Legislation that would impose term limits on Supreme Court justices who are currently for life (or until they decide to retire) and introduce a new ethics code in the wake of several scandals involving conservative justices. Clarence Thomas And Samuel Alito. Such legislation would likely be dead on arrival in the Republican-controlled House and would struggle in a Senate full of members hesitant to flout institutional rules.
He is It is said to be considering A constitutional amendment would reverse a recent Supreme Court decision granting broad presidential immunity from prosecution for government actions. Since any amendment requires the approval of 38 states — a tall order that has not been met for decades — this constitutional change seems unlikely. That said, endorsing such policies would mark a major shift for a president who has previously been reluctant to pack the Supreme Court with more justices amid calls from the left, sometimes referred to by Democrats as the nuclear option.
On Tuesday, Biden revived his call for one National assault weapons are prohibited. The gunman who tried to kill Trump used an AR-style assault weapon, which he said “killed many others, including children.” The president’s last efforts on this front failed due to a lack of congressional interest; Although there have been several high-profile shootings since then, little has changed with Congress’ willingness to engage in gun reform.
Also on Tuesday, Biden proposed the legislation Limit fare increase In an environment where housing price inflation is higher than overall inflation figures for the year.
Biden would bar landlords who raise rents by more than 5 percent annually from getting the tax credit for 2024 and the next two years. More than 20 million rents will be affected under the plan, which applies only to landlords who own more than 50 units and exempts newly constructed or renovated properties.
There is disagreement Economist And Housing advocates Whether it will help tenants. Even leaving that aside, this proposal, like the others, is unlikely to be passed by Congress before the November elections
And even if Biden wins a second term, his current performance in the polls is now Endangered down-ballot Democrats That would have to win overwhelmingly to get the numbers in Congress to pass such ambitious legislation.
What is Biden’s strategy?
All of which begs the question: What exactly is Biden’s game plan here? These proposals are unrealistic at the best of times for Democrats, and right now is not the best of times for Democrats.
These policies could boost support for Biden among voters in the Democratic base at a time when his candidacy is in doubt. Nearly two-thirds of Democrats now want Biden to drop out of the race, according to a recent poll AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research the poll
But less than four months to an election is not when a candidate needs to think about rallying support in any wing of their party. In a general election, a nominated candidate’s position will be secure; They can spend their time on swing voters who are there Especially likely to be identified as a moderate And those who support them must also win.
that That seems to be what Trump is doing. His former rivals in the Republican primaries have largely rallied around him. The former president’s message to the Republican National Convention (Careless though) is One of unity In a divided America.
Biden, however, is still looking to negotiate with his own party for support — a dangerous place to be.
