It’s been slightly more than 30 hours since President Joe Biden, prioritizing the nation over party interests, withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed his faithful Vice President Kamala Harris. Acclaim for Biden has poured in globally and domestically, while endorsements and financial contributions for Harris have rapidly and overwhelmingly increased.
Kamala Harris has contributed to one of the most effective presidencies since Franklin Roosevelt’s time after World War II. Her colleague and mentor, Joe Biden, with his modest upbringing in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and a political career grounded in his working-class Catholic roots, has declared his exit from the presidential race.
Biden, an experienced politician with one of the longest records in the Oval Office, served 36 years as a U.S. senator from Delaware and eight years as vice president before winning against Donald Trump in the 2020 election. His superpower resided in mastering the art of accomplishing tasks on a bipartisan basis, a critical skill that Harris honed over time.
Here is a summary of key achievements by Biden and Harris during their nearly four-year tenure. It’s important to recall that when former President Donald Trump left office, the nation was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy was in disarray, unemployment was high, and the situation was nearly as dire as what FDR inherited in the late 1930s.
- American Rescue Plan Act (2021): The \$1.9 trillion stimulus package was designed to offer economic relief to Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It encompassed direct payments to individuals, prolonged unemployment benefits, funds for vaccine distribution, and financial aid for small businesses and local governments.
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021): Commonly known as the bipartisan infrastructure bill, this legislation, valued at $1 trillion, is dedicated to revitalizing America’s infrastructure. It designates funds for the repair of roads and bridges, enhancement of public transportation, expansion of broadband internet coverage, and investment in clean energy initiatives
- COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: Under the leadership of President Biden, the administration has effectively implemented one of the most comprehensive vaccination campaigns in history, which has substantially increased the number of vaccinated Americans and contributed to controlling the spread of COVID-19..
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After the big three there are plenty more
- Rejoining the Paris Agreement: On his inaugural day, President Biden executed an executive order to re-enter the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling the United States’ renewed dedication to addressing climate change and curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Executive Orders on Racial Equity and Social Justice: President Biden enacted multiple executive orders to promote racial equity, tackle systemic racism, and safeguard the rights of marginalized groups. These measures include initiatives to overhaul the criminal justice system and improve fair housing policies.
- Expansion of the Child Tax Credit: The expansion of the Child Tax Credit under the American Rescue Plan delivered monthly payments to numerous families, which played a significant role in lowering child poverty rates across the United States.
- Strengthening International Alliances: Biden focused on restoring and reinforcing international alliances, especially with NATO and other democracies. His administration levied stringent sanctions against Russia following its incursion into Ukraine and was instrumental in providing Ukraine with military and humanitarian assistance.
- Healthcare Improvements:The Biden administration has worked to broaden access to affordable healthcare via the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by enhancing subsidies, extending enrollment periods, and implementing measures to reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
- Climate Initiatives: In addition to re-entering the Paris Agreement, the Biden administration has implemented assertive climate policies. These include establishing rigorous goals for cutting carbon emissions and funneling investments into renewable energy technologies
- .CHIPS and Science Act (2022): This legislation was designed to enhance the domestic production of semiconductors, allocating $52 billion to bolster computer chip manufacturing in the United States. Additionally, it funded scientific research and development to preserve the nation’s technological advantage
- .Economic Recovery: Biden’s policies contributed to a robust economic recovery following the pandemic. The economy saw significant job growth, with millions of jobs added, and a decline in the unemployment rate.
Harris will supervise the expansion of women’s reproductive rights, aiming to enshrine the core principles of Roe v. Wade into federal law. The agenda includes enhancing the Voting Rights Act to provide Americans with more opportunities to vote, reforming campaign finance laws to reduce monetary influence in elections, providing daycare for working families, expanding food programs for families in need, and securing the Southern border. These are just a few of the many tasks on Harris’s agenda.
Biden has provided Harris with a roadmap for the future, along with a skilled team that includes Secretary of State Tony Blinken and CIA Director Bill Burns, among others. While she may select some individuals for her team, the transition is expected to be seamless overall.
The difficult task now is to defeat Donald Trump in the November election, which will undoubtedly not be easy. Harris is certainly up for the challenge, but it is expected to be a tough, expensive, and tightly contested race.
Washington based CEO & Founder of LJC. Media covering politics, sports, & entertainment A seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director, and podcast host. Digital Director and Washington Bureau Chief at News Talk Florida & The Daily Cable
