President Joe Biden is gearing up for his reelection bid with a straightforward pitch to voters — let him “finish the job.” While his formal plans have not been released, Biden’s goals for his second term align with the ambitions laid out during his first term. Priorities include addressing child care, community college, prescription drugs, and unfulfilled promises on civil rights issues such as safeguarding ballot access, preventing police misconduct, and restoring the nationwide right to abortion. The ban on assault rifles remains a key focus.
Despite bipartisan victories on infrastructure and funding for the domestic computer chip industry, Biden faces significant challenges. Many of these goals hinge on Congressional cooperation, an aspect that has proven elusive in the past. Democrats would need substantial majorities in both the House and the Senate to overcome opposition and advance the president’s agenda.
Bruce Reed, Biden’s deputy chief of staff, acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We’re going to finish as much of the job as we can in the next year, and finish the rest after that.”
Biden’s campaign is confident that the president’s agenda will resonate with voters. Kevin Munoz, a campaign spokesman, framed the election as “a choice between fighting for the middle class or shilling for rich special interests,” highlighting a contrast the campaign is eager to emphasize.
A critical distinction between Biden and his potential 2024 opponent, Donald Trump, lies in their approach to American democracy. Biden has made defending democracy a central theme of his administration, while Trump attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
As the 2024 campaign unfolds, it not only holds the potential to reshape government policies but also to impact the future of the country’s foundational institutions. The election emerges as a pivotal moment in determining the trajectory of the United States.
