History As It Happens: "Biden in History" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host: Martin DeCaro
Guest: Jeremy Suri, Historian, University of Texas at Austin

Introduction

In the January 21, 2025 episode titled "Biden in History," host Martin DeCaro engages in an in-depth conversation with historian Jeremy Suri to assess the legacy of President Joseph R. Biden Jr. As Biden steps aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee after a single, tumultuous term, the episode explores his policies, leadership style, and the consequential impact of his presidency on both domestic and international fronts.

Biden's Early Presidency and Goals

The episode opens with reflections on Biden's inauguration, marking the culmination of a long political career. Biden entered office amid significant challenges:

• Democracy Under Threat: At [00:41], Biden emphasizes the fragility of democracy, stating, "democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. ... democracy has prevailed."

• Vision for Unity: In his inaugural address, Biden aspired to "bring America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation," aiming to restore traditions and stability after the chaotic Trump era ([03:33]).

Domestic Policies and Achievements

Bidenomics

Biden introduced "bidenomics" as his economic blueprint, focusing on job creation and strengthening the American heartland. At [04:44], he declares, "American willing to work hard should be able to get a job no matter where they are... That's bidenomics."

Child Poverty Reduction

One of Biden’s early legislative successes was a significant reduction in child poverty. As Jeremy Suri notes at [43:18], "Joe Biden's early legislation cut the child poverty rate in the United States in half," a milestone not seen since the 1960s. This achievement underscores Biden's commitment to social welfare programs, emphasizing long-term benefits for children's well-being.

Healthcare and Education

Biden aimed to expand healthcare accessibility and eliminate student debt. Although these initiatives faced substantial opposition and did not fully materialize, they represented key components of his agenda to enhance social security and educational opportunities.

Legislative Efforts and Challenges

Biden's ambitious "Build Back Better" plan sought comprehensive reforms across various sectors:

• COVID-19 Relief: The American Rescue Plan provided critical pandemic relief in March 2021.

• Infrastructure and Climate: Bipartisan infrastructure bills, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act marked significant legislative milestones.

However, despite these efforts, many social policies, including universal preschool and childcare support, stalled due to congressional divisions and opposition from figures like Senator Joe Manchin ([05:01], [05:08], [44:00]).

Foreign Policy

Afghanistan Withdrawal

Biden's decision to end the long-standing war in Afghanistan was a pivotal moment. At [05:23], Biden announces, "the United States military has begun strikes against Al Qaeda terrorist training camps," followed by an additional troop deployment to Afghanistan. The subsequent chaotic withdrawal in August 2021 resulted in significant loss of life and damaged Biden's approval ratings ([05:37], [06:03]).

Support for Israel and Gaza Conflict

Biden's unwavering support for Israel has been both lauded and criticized:

• Empathy and Support: After the 2023 Hamas attacks, Biden visited Israel, expressing solidarity: "We're so proud that you, the President of the United States came here to Israel to support this country" ([13:40]).

• Palestinian Concerns: Despite advocating for a rules-based international order, Biden faced backlash for not adequately addressing Palestinian humanitarian crises, leading to accusations of complicity in Gaza's destruction ([14:26]).

Ukraine and Russia

Biden played a crucial role in rallying NATO and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. While his administration provided substantial resources to Ukraine, the long-term outcomes remain uncertain:

• NATO Strengthening: Biden's efforts enhanced NATO's cohesion, including the integration of Finland and Sweden ([53:00]).

• Negotiation Challenges: The absence of a viable peace agreement for Ukraine leaves Biden's legacy in this area open to future historical assessment ([53:00]).

China Policy

Biden continued a confrontational stance toward China, maintaining and even escalating tariffs while promoting semiconductor manufacturing within the U.S. The CHIPS Act aimed to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains, although its effectiveness is debated ([54:34], [56:42]).

Democracy Promotion

Biden sought to advance a global agenda promoting democracy over autocracy. However, historian Jeremy Suri critiques this effort, noting a lack of substantial progress and inconsistencies in policy application ([58:43]).

Leadership Style and Communication

Biden's leadership style has been characterized by:

• Storytelling and Vision: Attempts to embody the role of a unifying storyteller, drawing parallels to presidents like FDR and Reagan ([27:36], [30:29]).

• Communication Challenges: Increasingly criticized for deteriorating communication skills, apparent in his farewell address struggles and perceived as a "frail, grandfatherly figure" ([34:26], [34:56]).

Approval Ratings and Electoral Challenges

Biden's approval ratings experienced a decline throughout his term, peaking at 43% post-Afghanistan withdrawal and dropping to 36% after a contentious debate with Donald Trump ([06:03], [10:39]). His decision to seek re-election despite his advancing age and declining communication effectiveness contributed to electoral setbacks, allowing Trump’s return to the White House to be interpreted as a referendum on Biden’s presidency ([35:10], [36:38]).

Historical Assessments and Legacy

Assessing Biden’s legacy remains complex:

• Policy Consequences: Much of Biden's policy impact, such as infrastructure investments and semiconductor manufacturing, will require decades to fully evaluate ([17:55], [19:03]).

• Comparative Legacy: Comparisons to past presidents like Harry Truman highlight the difficulty of immediate assessments, with long-term evaluations needed to determine Biden's true historical significance ([02:53], [19:03]).

• Unfulfilled Agenda: Despite legislative successes, many of Biden's ambitious social policies did not materialize, leaving gaps in his legacy ([40:12], [45:11]).

Conclusion

"Biden in History" encapsulates the multifaceted and often contentious nature of President Joe Biden's single term. While achieving notable successes in areas like child poverty reduction and infrastructure, Biden's presidency is marred by challenges in foreign policy, legislative stumbles, and declining public approval. As historian Jeremy Suri posits, the true measure of Biden's legacy will unfold over the coming decades, shaped by the enduring consequences of his policies and the evolving landscape of American and global politics.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Biden [00:41]: "democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. ... democracy has prevailed."
• Joe Biden [04:44]: "American willing to work hard should be able to get a job no matter where they are... That's bidenomics."
• Joe Biden [13:40]: "We're so proud that you, the President of the United States came here to Israel to support this country."
• Joe Biden [31:46]: "We stand, in my view, at an inflection point in history."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a crucial starting point for understanding the complexities of Biden's presidency. As the nation transitions to a new administration, the historical ramifications of Biden's policies and leadership will continue to be a subject of analysis and debate among scholars, policymakers, and the public alike.