WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden has a straightforward reelection message for voters: let him “finish the job.” So, what does that mean, and what’s left for him to accomplish?
In contrast to Donald Trump, the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination who has been sharing videos and statements outlining his agenda, Biden has not formally disclosed his plans as part of his campaign. However, his aspirations are no secret, and his objectives for child care, community college, and prescription drugs have been detailed during his first term. Unfulfilled promises on civil rights, such as safeguarding access to the ballot box, preventing police misconduct, and reinstating the nationwide right to abortion, are still on the agenda. Banning assault rifles also remains a priority.
The result is a second-term agenda that could closely resemble Biden’s first-term goals, facing similar political challenges. Most of these objectives hinge on congressional cooperation, with many already encountering obstacles or reductions due to opposition on Capitol Hill.
While Biden has secured bipartisan victories on infrastructure projects and public funding for the domestic computer chip industry, further progress requires substantial Democratic majorities in both the House and the Senate.
“We’re going to finish as much of the job as we can in the next year,” said Bruce Reed, Biden’s deputy chief of staff. “And finish the rest after that.”
Biden’s campaign is confident that the president’s agenda will fare well against Republicans in the upcoming election. Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson, characterized the election as “a choice between fighting for the middle class or shilling for rich special interests,” emphasizing a contrast the campaign is eager to underscore.
Another distinction between Biden and Trump revolves around their approach to defending American democracy. Biden has prioritized this as a cornerstone of his administration, while Trump sought to overturn his 2020 election loss.
The outcome of the 2024 campaign holds the potential to reshape not only government policy but also the future of fundamental institutions in the country.
TAXES
Biden’s plans involve significant expenses, and to avoid increasing the deficit, he aims to raise taxes on the wealthy. He has successfully implemented a 15% minimum tax on companies with annual income exceeding $1 billion.
Biden proposes raising the top tax rate to 39.6%, increasing the corporate tax rate to 28%, and implementing a 4% stock buyback tax. Additionally, he seeks a minimum tax of 25% on the wealthiest Americans, applied not only to income but also to unrealized capital gains. Implementing this “billionaire minimum income tax” could prove challenging, given Republican opposition to higher taxes.
SOCIAL SERVICES AND HEALTH CARE
Biden’s original Build Back Better plan, a comprehensive set of proposals altering the federal government’s role in Americans’ lives, was scaled down due to resistance from Sen. Joe Manchin. The resulting Inflation Reduction Act includes financial incentives for clean energy and limits on prescription drug costs, among other measures.
Biden aims to revive ideas left behind, including making two years of community college tuition-free, offering universal preschool, and capping the cost of child care at 7% of income for most families. He also intends to reinstate the expanded child tax credit, ensuring the monthly cost of insulin remains capped at $35 for Medicare recipients and extends the same limit to all patients.
GUN VIOLENCE
The White House has announced a new office dedicated to preventing gun violence, and Biden has signed legislation aimed at keeping guns away from domestic abusers and other dangerous individuals. However, his primary goal, a ban on assault weapons, faces Republican opposition. Universal background checks for gun sales also remain on the agenda.
CIVIL RIGHTS
Biden assumed office amid national turmoil over racism in policing and challenges to democracy. Despite promising landmark legislation, negotiations on Capitol Hill failed to produce a deal on policing, resulting in an executive order that made limited changes to federal law enforcement rules. Similarly, an executive order on voting rights, aimed at expanding registration efforts, was issued after Democratic legislation on ballot box access failed to advance due to filibuster rules.
Biden’s efforts to protect abortion rights faced a setback with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. While this may become a campaign issue for Democrats, legislative success depends on gaining more seats.
IMMIGRATION
Biden’s initial proposal for overhauling the immigration system, sent to Congress on his first day in office, did not progress. In a second term, he aims to address immigration, focusing on providing legal status and eventual citizenship for those in the U.S. illegally, along with a smoother and expanded visa process.
UKRAINE AND ISRAEL
Biden is contending with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, intending to provide military support to both regions, emphasizing its importance to U.S. national security interests. Congressional negotiations may pose challenges, with some Republicans resisting further assistance for Ukraine.
Both conflicts are likely to require prolonged U.S. involvement, with Biden seeking a two-state solution in the Middle East and addressing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
CLIMATE
Biden has seen success in fighting climate change, with the Inflation Reduction Act allocating nearly $375 billion for climate-related initiatives. This includes financial incentives for electric cars, clean energy, and stricter regulations on vehicles and power plants.
However, the U.S. is not on track to meet Biden’s ambitious emission reduction targets, requiring continued efforts to ensure the effectiveness of new programs. Overcoming red tape for energy projects, a challenge acknowledged by the White House, may necessitate compromises with Republicans, who may see opportunities for additional fossil fuel development.