Joe Biden's complicated legacy

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Joe Biden's Complicated Legacy"
Consider This from NPR
Release Date: January 19, 2025

---

Introduction

In this compelling episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Scott Detrow delves into the multifaceted legacy of President Joe Biden as his term comes to an end. Joined by NPR White House correspondent Asma Khalid, Detrow explores Biden's accomplishments, the challenges he faced, and the complexities surrounding his unpopularity despite significant legislative achievements.

---

Biden’s Final Day and Farewell Address

As Joe Biden prepares to leave office, the episode opens with Detrow noting the end of Biden's extensive career in Washington, D.C., spanning over half a century.

“On Monday at noon, Joe Biden becomes a private citizen. He's been holding office in Washington, D.C. for more than half a century.”
— Scott Detrow [00:01]

Biden’s farewell address from the Oval Office emphasizes his belief in America's enduring institutions and the importance of citizens safeguarding democracy.

“After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands, a nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure. Now it's your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keepers of the flame.”
— Joe Biden [04:24]

---

Warnings in the Farewell Address

In a surprising turn, Biden issues a dire warning about the rise of an oligarchy in America, coining this term within an American context for the first time.

“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy.”
— Joe Biden [05:00]

Asma Khalid highlights the significance of this message, noting Biden's concern over the disproportionate power held by ultra-rich individuals and its potential impact on misinformation and policy-making, particularly regarding climate change.

---

Biden’s Legacy: Accomplishments vs. Unpopularity

Despite low approval ratings throughout his presidency, Biden leaves office with notable legislative accomplishments that promise long-term benefits.

“It will take time to feel the full impact of all we've done together. But the seeds are planted and they'll grow and they'll bloom for decades to come.”
— Joe Biden [02:02]

Asma Khalid discusses Biden's significant investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductor manufacturing, framing these as foundational changes aimed at reducing America's reliance on competitors like China.

“He has made certainly massive investments in things like infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductors. Most presidents get one major bill through Congress in their first term. Biden managed to get several legislative wins through to really reach these sort of historic levels of spending.”
— Asma Khalid [09:58]

---

Reasons for Biden’s Unpopularity

The episode examines the factors contributing to Biden's unpopularity, despite his legislative successes.

“A majority of Americans disapprove of how Biden has performed as president on a whole range of issues.”
— Asma Khalid [06:20]

Key issues cited include:

1. Inflation: Biden faced criticism, particularly from Republicans, for rising inflation rates. Although the Federal Reserve primarily controls inflation, Biden's administration was blamed for the economic discomfort.

2. Immigration: The handling of immigration saw a surge in unauthorized border crossings early in his term, leading to perceptions of a mishandled response.

3. Foreign Policy: Biden's approach to the war in Gaza and the subsequent hostage deal received mixed reactions. While a ceasefire was achieved, Asma Khalid points out the ambiguity regarding whether this outcome was due to Biden’s efforts or Donald Trump's influence.

“He did manage to get this ceasefire hostage deal through last week just as he was leaving office. But it is a plan that the incoming president, Donald Trump is taking credit for.”
— Asma Khalid [07:13]

---

Biden’s Decision to Run for Re-election

Despite unpopularity and concerns over his age, Biden chose to seek re-election in 2020. Asma Khalid explores the motivations behind this decision.

“Biden felt that he was the best option to defeat Trump, but that decision, insistence on running for re-election and not dropping out until July, prevented a real Democratic primary from taking place and shortened up the campaign for his party.”
— Asma Khalid [09:26]

Biden articulated that the gravity of the national situation regarding the economy, foreign policy, and domestic divisions necessitated his continued leadership.

“What changed was the gravity of the situation I inherited in terms of the economy, our foreign policy and domestic division.”
— Joe Biden [09:26]

---

Long-Term Accomplishments and Future Impact

Looking ahead, Asma Khalid emphasizes the enduring impact of Biden’s policies, particularly his embrace of industrial policy to reshape the American economy.

“Biden openly embraced industrial policy, spurring investments from private companies. A whole range of new projects and investments have been announced in a range of states, including a number of Republican-controlled congressional districts.”
— Asma Khalid [10:58]

These investments are poised to strengthen national security by ensuring the United States maintains autonomy in critical industries.

“The seeds are planted and they'll grow and they'll bloom for decades to come.”
— Joe Biden [02:02]

---

Conclusion

As Joe Biden concludes his presidency, "Consider This" paints a picture of a leader whose tenure was marked by significant legislative achievements overshadowed by persistent unpopularity. The episode underscores the complexity of Biden's legacy, balancing immediate public dissatisfaction with the promise of long-term progress stemming from his administration's policies.

“Whether or not you approve of Biden as president, it is an accurate assessment that he has made certainly massive investments in things like infrastructure, clean energy and semiconductors.”
— Asma Khalid [09:58]

---

Produced by: Jordan Marie Smith and Briana Scott
Edited by: Roberta Rampton, Adam Rainey, and Jeanette Woods
Executive Producer: Sammy Gadigan

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “On Monday at noon, Joe Biden becomes a private citizen. He's been holding office in Washington, D.C. for more than half a century.” — Scott Detrow [00:01]

• “Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy.” — Joe Biden [05:00]

• “It will take time to feel the full impact of all we've done together. But the seeds are planted and they'll grow and they'll bloom for decades to come.” — Joe Biden [02:02]

---

Final Thoughts

"Joe Biden's Complicated Legacy" provides a nuanced exploration of a presidency that achieved significant policy milestones amidst challenges in public perception and political dynamics. Listening to this episode offers valuable insights into the enduring effects of Biden's administration and the intricate balance between immediate approval and long-term impact.

Transcript

[Scott Detrow]

On Monday at noon, Joe Biden becomes a private citizen. He's been holding office in Washington, D.C. for more than half a century.

[Joe Biden]

The youngest new face in the US Senate next year will be that of Democrat Joseph Biden of Delaware. So young, in fact, that at the time of his election on November 7, Biden was not yet old enough to serve. Yesterday, that problem was resolved.

[Scott Detrow]

Senator representing Delaware.

[Joe Biden]

Joe Biden's my name. I'm the Democratic candidate for the United States Senate. Mind if I ask you a question? No, go ahead. Do you believe politicians when they tell you something in election year?

[Scott Detrow]

No.

[Asma Khalid]

Most of the time, no.

[Joe Biden]

Would you believe me if I told you something as a politician in election year? Could believe you for now.

[Scott Detrow]

But what about later as vice president?

[Joe Biden]

Since I've never been called a man of few words, let me say it as simply as I can. Yes. Yes. I accept your nomination to run and serve with Barack Obama, the next President of the United States of America and.

[Scott Detrow]

For the past four years as President of the United States. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. Do solemnly swear.

[Joe Biden]

I, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. Do solemnlys swear that I will faithfully.

[Scott Detrow]

It is fair to say that Biden is not leaving office the way he wanted to. When he ran for President in 2020, he vowed to turn the page on then President Donald Trump. Here's Biden four years ago delivering his inaugural address.

[Joe Biden]

We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue.

[Scott Detrow]

But on Monday, it is Trump who will once again take the oath of office and deliver a second inaugural address. Biden's presidency was dogged by middling to low approval ratings. And after a disastrous debate performance, Biden was pressured by leaders of his own party to end his presidential bid last year. And yet Biden is leaving with accomplishments measures signed into law that will affect the country for decades to come. Like the trillion dollar infrastructure investment law.

[Joe Biden]

It will take time to feel the full impact of all we've done together. But the seeds are planted and they'll grow and they'll bloom for decades to come.

[Scott Detrow]

Consider this. Now that Donald Trump is returning to the White House, Biden is the only one term president of the past three decades. What mark did he leave on Washington and the country from npr, I'm Scott Detrow.

[NPR Sponsor]

Support for NPR and the following message come from Washington Wise decisions made in Washington can affect your portfolio every day. Washington Wise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab that unpacks the stories making news in Washington. [e-mail] Washingtonwise this message comes from Carvana. Discover your car's worth with Carvana Value Tracker. Stay up to date when your car's value changes. Always know your car's worth with Carvana Value Tracker.

[Asma Khalid]

For every headline, there's also another story about the people living those headlines. On weekdays, up first brings you the day's biggest news. On Sundays, we bring you closer with a single story about the people, places and moments reshaping our world. Your news made personal every Sunday on the up first podcast from npr.

[Scott Detrow]

It's consider this from npr. President Biden is spending the last full day of his presidency in South Carolina. As Biden has said repeatedly, without South Carolina, he never would have been president. That was the pivotal state that helped revive Biden's fledgling campaign in the 2020 presidential primaries. Tomorrow, Biden's predecessor and now successor, Donald Trump, will take the oath of office and return to the White House. And to mark this moment, we are joined by somebody who can give us the long view on Biden, NPR White House correspondent Asma Khalid, who along with me covered that Biden 2020 campaign, his time in the White House. Asma covered that truncated run for a second term. Hey there, Asma.

[Asma Khalid]

Hey there, Scott.

[Scott Detrow]

So you and I were covering it. Earlier this week, the president gave his goodbye, a farewell address from the oval office.

[Joe Biden]

After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands, nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure. Now it's your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame.

[Scott Detrow]

Now, Asma Biden has been trying in many different ways to shape his legacy on his way out the door, tried to do that in his speech. But it was also interesting. He had a dire warning.

[Asma Khalid]

He did. And Scott, it was a warning that genuinely surprised me.

[Joe Biden]

Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy.

[Asma Khalid]

And that word, oligarchy, I mean, that is the first time that he has used the idea of an oligarchy in an American context. He went on to warn against the idea of a, quote, tech industrial complex. He said there's a small group of ultra rich people who have too much power in the country. And he said that it could have dangerous consequences for misinformation and for policies like climate. You know, Scott, what was so striking to me about this final speech is that he did not explicitly ring the alarm bells about the next president he didn't name check Donald Trump once.

[Scott Detrow]

And that was so interesting because he raised that alarm so many times throughout his time in office. And it seemed like one of his major goals was to turn the page on Donald Trump. Obviously, that that didn't happen. And I think that gets to the next question. Asma, on one hand, when you talk to Biden and his allies, and I feel like you especially heard a lot of this this past summer when he dropped out of the race, his allies will make the argument Joe Biden is one of the most consequential presidents of the last half century when it comes to things signed into law. And at the same time, Joe Biden is somebody throughout almost the entirety of his presidency, he was deeply unpopular. He leaves office deeply unpopular with the American public. How do you sort through that?

[Asma Khalid]

Well, let's start with the approval ratings. I mean, you are right that a majority of Americans disapprove of how Biden has performed as president on a whole range of issues. You know, you can look at the economy, immigration, but at the same time, Biden has invested billions of doll in infrastructure projects with the goal to make more things in America. And the other night in that farewell speech, he tried to make the case that it's going to take time for this all to really be understood.

[Joe Biden]

It will take time to feel the full impact of all we've done together. But the seeds are planted and they'll grow and they'll bloom for decades to come.

[Asma Khalid]

You know, but right now, in this moment, people see Biden as a one term president who had really hoped to turn the page on Donald Trump. He had described Trump as a threat to democracy. But now, of course, we are seeing Donald Trump return to the White House.

[Scott Detrow]

Any thoughts on why ultimately Biden was so unpopular?

[Asma Khalid]

You know, he is blamed, often blamed particularly among Republicans for inflation. And while, you know, yes, the White House could have recognized people's financial pain perhaps more quickly, controlling inflation is largely the purview of the Federal Reserve. And Biden believes deeply in the independence of the Fed. Biden has also been blamed for how he handled, or you could say mishandled immigration. You know, initially under Biden, the number of people crossing the border without authorization soared and the president did not act quickly enough to get that situation under control. I will say, Scott, there are, you know, a number of issues that made Biden unpopular. I think you could look for example, at the war in Gaza. He was routinely protested by people on the left as he traveled the country. You know, he did manage to get this ceasefire hostage deal through last week just as he was leaving office. But it is a plan that the incoming president, Donald Trump is taking credit for. And I think it's a valid question whether or not this deal would have actually happened without Trump. His Middle east envoy was also involved in the negotiations. And Trump had said that if the hostages were not freed by his inauguration, there would be hell to pay.

[Scott Detrow]

So let's get to the big question that so many Democrats have been frankly angry about over the past year. Given that unpopularity, given Biden's advanced age, why did he decide to run for reelection initially?

[Asma Khalid]

You know, Biden didn't seem to understand the mood in the country. And I will say he seemed out of touch, perhaps even with parts of his own party. You know, many people, including Democrats, thought that he would be too old, 86 years old at the end of a possible second term. When he ran back in 2020, given his age, the thought was that he was going to be a one term president. And last summer, shortly after he bombed that debate against Trump, he held a press conference and I asked him about his decision to run for reelection in 2020. You referred to yourself as being a bridge candidate for a younger, fresher generation of Democratic leaders. And I wanted to know what changed.

[Joe Biden]

What changed was the gravity of the situation I inherited in terms of the economy, our foreign policy and domestic division.

[Asma Khalid]

I think, Scott, what this comes down to is the fact that Biden felt that he was the best option to defeat Trump. You know, but that decision, insist on running for reelection and not drop out until July, prevented a real Democratic primary from taking place and it shortened up the campaign for his party.

[Scott Detrow]

Let's end with the long view. Let's zoom out. What do you think some of the accomplishments are that Biden will be remembered for? What do you think, as he said in that clip we heard earlier, are some of the things that maybe won't come into fruition for a long period of time, but will be Biden administration accomplishments.

[Asma Khalid]

You know, whether or not you approve of Biden as president, it is an accurate assessment that he has made certainly massive investments in things like infrastructure, clean energy and semiconductors. Most presidents get one major bill through Congress in their first term. Biden managed to get several legislative wins through to really reach these sort of historic levels of spending, not just, you know, to improve bridges and airports, but to fundamentally make more things in America so that the United States doesn't rely on competitors like China for some of the things that, that he sees as being really vital for national security. You know, for years there was this idea of industrial policy, and that is the idea of using huge infusion of government money to reshape the economy. And it was taboo here in Washington. Biden, though, openly embraced it. And that also spurred investments from private companies. A whole range of new projects and investments have been announced in a range of states in a range of places, including a number of Republican controlled congressional districts.

[Scott Detrow]

That was NPR's Asma Khalid. This episode was produced by Jordan Marie Smith and Briana Scott. It was edited by Roberta Rampton, Adam Rainey and Jeanette Woods. Our executive producer is Sammy Gadigan. It's consider this from NPR. I'm Scott Detrow.

[NPR Sponsor]

This message comes from BetterHelp. Every January brings 365 blank pages waiting to be filled. What do you want your story to be this year? BetterHelp Online therapy can help you craft the next chapters with [e-mail] NPR Wait.

[Scott Detrow]

Wait, don't tell me. Fresh Air up first, NPR News. Now, Planet Money TED Radio Hour Throughline the NPR Politics podcast Code Switch Embedded books we love Wild Card are just some of the podcasts you can enjoy. Sponsor free with NPR. Get all sorts of perks across more than 20 podcasts with the bundle option. Learn more at plus.NPR.org Want to hear.

[NPR Sponsor]

This podcast without sponsor breaks? Amazon prime members can listen to Consider this Sponsor free through Amazon Music.

[Asma Khalid]

Or you can also support NPR's vital.

[NPR Sponsor]

Journalism and get consider this [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org.