Podcast Summary: Tangle – PREVIEW - The Friday Edition: Reviewing Joe Biden's Presidency Released on January 25, 2025

Introduction

In the January 25, 2025 episode of Tangle, host Will K. Back, editor and political analyst, delves into a comprehensive retrospective of Joe Biden's presidency. This detailed review assesses Biden's fulfillment of campaign promises, his handling of unforeseen challenges, and the overall impact of his administration on various facets of American society and global standing. The episode aims to provide listeners with a holistic understanding of Biden's legacy as he leaves office amidst a transitioning political landscape.

Overview of Biden's Presidency

Will K. Back begins by highlighting the improbability and tumultuous start of Biden's 2020 campaign. From a shaky beginning—failing to secure top spots in early primaries—to surging ahead with crucial endorsements and adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden's ascent to the presidency was anything but straightforward. The episode sets the stage by contextualizing Biden's term against significant events, including the pandemic's waning, the economic downturn, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Biden's Core Promises

To evaluate Biden's performance, the podcast identifies 12 core promises based on his campaign materials, the 2020 Democratic Party platform, and the administration's Immediate Priorities List. Each promise is assessed on a Promise Meter from 1 to 10, with 10 indicating complete fulfillment and 1 denoting failure.

1. COVID-19 Response

• Promise: Increase testing, reopen schools and businesses, and launch a national vaccination program.
• Outcome:
  Biden successfully rolled out a widespread vaccination program, achieving approximately 70% full vaccination by November 2022—significantly higher than the global median. The administration also secured funds to support states and localities. However, challenges persisted with virus surges due to variants like Delta and Omicron, and the comprehensive pandemic plan faced criticism for falling short in supporting key groups.
• Notable Quote:

  "Biden set the country on a path to a robust economic recovery that has significantly outpaced peer countries." [02:50]

• Promise Meter: 7/10

2. Immigration

• Promise: Roll back Trump's restrictive policies, implement paths to legal status for migrants, and reunite families.
• Outcome:
  The administration reinstated DACA, offered pathways to citizenship, and introduced the Keeping Families Together policy. Despite these efforts, migrant encounters surged, leading to overwhelmed border facilities and bipartisan criticism. In response, Biden reinstated some stricter policies, including Title 42.
• Notable Quote:

  "Biden's policies were incredibly effective relative to the promises he made." [06:15]

• Promise Meter: 7/10

3. Abortion

• Promise: Support abortion rights by repealing the Hyde Amendment, restoring funding to Planned Parenthood, and codifying Roe v. Wade.
• Outcome:
  While Biden withdrew from the Mexico City Policy and restored funding to Planned Parenthood, efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment were only partially successful, with the Senate ultimately blocking the repeal. The landmark Dobbs v. Jackson decision in June 2022, which overturned Roe v. Wade, severely hampered federal abortion protections, leaving Biden unable to fully secure his abortion rights agenda.
• Notable Quote:

  "Despite his repeated statements in support of abortion rights legislation, such bills never made it through a split Congress." [12:30]

• Promise Meter: 2/10

4. Climate

• Promise: Achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035, net-zero emissions by 2050, and halt fossil fuel drilling on federal lands.
• Outcome:
  Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Accords and enacted the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), investing heavily in renewable energy. Solar and wind power production surged, positioning the U.S. as a leader in clean energy. However, the administration approved additional fossil fuel leases on public lands, contradicting earlier commitments.
• Notable Quote:

  "I guarantee you we are going to end fossil fuels." [09:45]

• Promise Meter: 7/10

5. Economy

• Promise: Invest in infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and create millions of good-paying jobs to achieve full employment.
• Outcome:
  The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill facilitated significant job creation and economic stimulus. While the economy showed robust metrics, including low unemployment rates and strong GDP growth, persistent inflation (peaking at over 6%) and rising living costs tarnished public perception. Despite economic indicators being favorable, many Americans struggled with low savings, high housing costs, and the effects of inflation.
• Notable Quote:

  "When you take a step back, you see the Biden economy really wasn't that bad on paper." [18:00]

• Promise Meter: 8/10

6. Healthcare

• Promise: Expand the Affordable Care Act, lower prescription drug costs, restore federal funding for Planned Parenthood, and expand healthcare coverage.
• Outcome:
  Biden rejoined the World Health Organization, restored Planned Parenthood funding, and enacted policies to reduce prescription drug prices, including allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices. The Inflation Reduction Act further expanded healthcare accessibility, resulting in a record 24 million Americans enrolled in the ACA marketplace. However, goals like lowering the Medicare eligibility age and creating a public option remained unmet.
• Notable Quote:

  "He immediately brought the US back into the World Health Organization, and he restored Planned Parenthood's funding." [22:10]

• Promise Meter: 8/10

America's Global Standing

• Promise: Restore and strengthen alliances strained under the Trump administration, re-engage with international treaties, and reaffirm global leadership.
• Outcome:
  Biden's administration rejoined numerous international agreements and organizations, including the Paris Climate Accords and the UN Human Rights Council. Efforts to bolster NATO were particularly significant following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, resulting in chaotic evacuations and a swift Taliban takeover, represented a major foreign policy misstep. Additionally, while supporting Ukraine led to eventual ceasefire negotiations, the prolonged conflict presented challenges to global stability.
• Notable Quote:

  "Biden reentered many of the treaties Trump had withdrawn from and worked to strengthen NATO." [25:00]

• Promise Meter: (Not explicitly rated in the transcript)

Conclusion

As President Biden concludes his term, Tangle presents a nuanced evaluation of his administration. While Biden achieved significant progress in areas like healthcare expansion, climate initiatives, and economic investments, challenges such as immigration crises, the abortion rights rollback, and foreign policy blunders like the Afghanistan withdrawal marred his legacy. The podcast acknowledges the complexity of governing during unprecedented times, including inheriting a ravaged pandemic landscape and navigating global geopolitical tensions.

Will K. Back emphasizes the importance of assessing Biden's presidency with both objective metrics and an understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced. As Biden exits office, the Democratic Party grapples with an uncertain future, and the nation stands at a pivotal juncture, reflecting on the accomplishments and shortcomings of his four-year tenure.

Closing Remarks

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and evaluations presented in the Tangle podcast episode reviewing Joe Biden's presidency. For a more in-depth analysis and continuation of the review, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Tangle's newsletter at readtangle.com and explore their premium podcast offerings.