Summary of "The Political Legacy Of Joe Biden" – NPR Politics Podcast

Episode Information:

• Title: The Political Legacy Of Joe Biden
• Host/Author: NPR
• Release Date: December 23, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Political Legacy Of Joe Biden," NPR's political correspondents—Sarah McCammon, Domenico Montanaro, and Mara Liasson—delve deep into President Joe Biden's extensive career within the Democratic Party. Spanning over five decades, Biden's political journey mirrors the evolution of the party itself, highlighting significant ideological shifts, pivotal moments, and ultimately assessing his enduring legacy.

Biden’s Role in the Democratic Party

Sarah McCammon opens the discussion by emphasizing Biden's longstanding presence in American politics, noting, "Joe Biden has been a national political figure now for more than 20% of this country's entire history" (00:32). This remarkable tenure has seen both Biden and the Democratic Party undergo substantial transformations.

Shifts in Party Ideology

Mara Liasson addresses the ideological landscape of the Democratic Party as Biden prepares to leave office. She observes, "Ideologically, I think the party is where it's always been, as the party that believes government can be used to help ordinary people" (01:17). However, she also highlights the increased diversity within the party compared to Biden's early days and reflects on Biden as "an old white guy" leading a more varied Democratic base.

Domenico Montanaro adds, "this is a party that you could have seen in the 1990s or before that, you know, quote, unquote, pro-life Democrats... [Biden] now feels like he's championed progressive causes, including women's reproductive rights" (01:50). He emphasizes the party's shift towards more ideologically pure positions while maintaining Biden’s inclination towards negotiation and compromise.

Anita Hill and the Senate Judiciary Committee

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Biden's role as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee during Clarence Thomas's Supreme Court nomination and the subsequent Anita Hill hearings. Mara Liasson remarks, "Biden came off as somebody who didn't quite know what to do with the Anita Hill charges" (04:07), acknowledging the backlash and criticism he faced. She connects this period to the broader movement known as the "Year of the Woman," which saw increased political activism among women and led Biden to sponsor the Violence Against Women Act—a legislative effort that demonstrated his responsiveness to the evolving dynamics within the party.

Biden’s Presidential Ambitions and Campaigns

The hosts recount Biden’s presidential aspirations, starting with his initial run in 1980. Domenico Montanaro recounts, "he wound up having to bow out because of a plagiarism scandal" (05:49), highlighting the challenges Biden faced early in his quest for the presidency.

Mara Liasson characterizes Biden as "a gaffe machine," which he has acknowledged about himself, but notes that his long-term resilience and dedication kept him in the political arena despite setbacks (06:30).

Vice Presidency Under Barack Obama

Biden's selection as Barack Obama's vice-presidential running mate in 2008 marked a turning point in his career. Domenico Montanaro explains, "Barack Obama needed somebody with some experience in Washington and what we would call here a gray beard" (09:11). This partnership revitalized Biden’s prominence, leveraging his Capitol Hill relationships to advance the Obama administration's legislative agenda.

The 2020 Presidential Race

The 2020 election is portrayed as a pivotal moment for both Biden and the Democratic Party. Mara Liasson emphasizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the election dynamics, stating, "it was happening in the midst of a pandemic that really helped Biden because he didn't have to keep a grueling in-person kind of rally a day schedule" (10:56). Biden’s victory over Donald Trump was seen as a significant achievement, positioning him as a "legislator in chief" committed to passing consequential legislation.

Domenico Montanaro adds personal dimensions to Biden’s 2020 run, linking it to the death of his son Beau: "Beau Biden's death was a real turning point in the Joe Biden story because it both made him more determined" (10:56). This personal loss fueled his resolve to seek the presidency, aligning his personal narrative with his political ambitions.

The 2024 Election and Declining Legacy

As the discussion shifts to the 2024 election, the hosts reflect on Biden’s faltering campaign, particularly his performance in debates. Sarah McCammon describes his debate against former President Trump as "one of the worst, if not the worst moment of Biden's political life" (13:34). This debacle, combined with mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party, led to Biden’s eventual withdrawal and the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris, who subsequently lost the election.

Mara Liasson critiques Biden's strategic hesitance, stating, "a lot of Democrats think that his aides covered up his decline and that if he had dropped out in a timely manner to allow a proper primary... he really hurt the party" (14:03). Domenico Montanaro echoes this sentiment, lamenting the "tragic end to a political career" and noting that Biden's accomplishments are overshadowed by his final campaign struggles (14:51).

Assessing Biden’s Legacy

The correspondents debate how Biden's legacy will be viewed historically. Domenico Montanaro suggests, "I don't think that Joe Biden is gonna be down there with James Buchanan as like, you know, among the worst presidents in history" (16:59), but also acknowledges that Biden won't reach the esteemed ranks of leaders like Abraham Lincoln or Franklin D. Roosevelt. Instead, his legacy will likely center on his effective management of the COVID-19 crisis and significant legislative achievements, despite failures in public communication and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan damaging his approval ratings.

Mara Liasson adds, "history's written in hindsight" (18:19), emphasizing that Biden's full legacy will be assessed over time, considering both his legislative successes and personal struggles. She notes that his approach as a legislator overshadowed his role as a communicator, leaving questions about the permanence of his legislative accomplishments.

Concluding Thoughts on Legacy

In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on Biden's personal resilience and long-term impact on the Democratic Party. While acknowledging the challenges and criticisms, they recognize his role as a key figure who navigated significant political and personal adversities. His ability to adapt and influence the party’s direction over decades underscores a complex legacy that historians will continue to unpack.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah McCammon (00:32): "Joe Biden has been a national political figure now for more than 20% of this country's entire history."

• Mara Liasson (01:17): "Ideologically, I think the party is where it's always been, as the party that believes government can be used to help ordinary people."

• Domenico Montanaro (01:50): "This is a party that you could have seen in the 1990s or before that... [Biden] now feels like he's championed progressive causes, including women's reproductive rights."

• Mara Liasson (04:07): "Biden came off as somebody who didn't quite know what to do with the Anita Hill charges."

• Domenico Montanaro (05:49): "He wound up having to bow out because of a plagiarism scandal."

• Mara Liasson (06:30): "He's a gaffe machine. And he's admitted that about himself all along."

• Domenico Montanaro (09:11): "Barack Obama didn't have much of an arc of political history when he ran... and he needed somebody with some experience in Washington."

• Mara Liasson (10:56): "...he said that Beau on his deathbed told him that he has to run."

• Domenico Montanaro (14:51): "There's a lot that Joe Biden got done as president that's gonna be overshadowed by how it ended."

• Mara Liasson (16:59): "History's written in hindsight. It's not a daily news story."

Conclusion

"The Political Legacy Of Joe Biden" offers a comprehensive exploration of President Biden's extensive career, highlighting his adaptability, legislative achievements, and the challenges that ultimately shaped his legacy. Through insightful discussions, the NPR correspondents provide a nuanced understanding of how Biden's personal experiences and political maneuvers have left an indelible mark on the Democratic Party and American politics at large.