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All bad things come in threes. Joe Biden (79) learned that on Thursday. For the third time in three months, the US President drove to Capitol Hill to convince his party of his plans. For the third time: without success.
“I honestly don’t know if we can get through this,” Biden said afterwards. He would need the votes of the Democrats Joe Manchin (74) and Kyrsten Sinema (45) to abolish the so-called filibuster: the possibility of preventing a decision in parliament through constant speeches. Then Biden could pass his planned electoral reform with a simple majority in the Senate. But the two party colleagues block.
A bad start to the election year. In the midterm elections in November, the Democrats must fear losing their majority in the House of Representatives and in the Senate.
How did the US President fare in his first year? Sunday view shows Biden’s record so far – and what he has to do now.
business
So far, Biden has done a lot right: The economy has grown strongly again after the toughest months of the pandemic, unemployment is falling and in November the President was finally able to sign his cross-party infrastructure package. $1.2 trillion for roads, bridges and high-speed internet. But the mega-inflation is ruining his balance sheet and, despite higher wages, is putting pressure on families’ wallets in particular. Last December consumer prices rose a full 7 percent – the highest increase in almost 40 years.
What Biden must do now: Getting his “Build Back Better” climate and social package through Congress – according to experts, that could be the quickest way to reduce financial burdens.
corona
Joe Biden started with a comprehensive pandemic plan, quickly expanding vaccine production and distribution. As early as April there was a spade for everyone, and from September there was a boost. But the fact that you can get vaccinated in the drive-thru or between the toothpaste and the refrigerated section in every drugstore in the USA does not help: around 38 percent are not yet vaccinated, only a good 23 percent have been boosted. On Thursday, the Supreme Court also stopped Biden’s planned compulsory vaccination and testing for larger companies. And test capacities for the omicron wave are rare and expensive.
What Biden must do now: More investment in Covid-19 drugs, masks and tests.
abroad
Whether it’s the Paris Climate Agreement or the World Health Organization: the USA has played an international role again since Biden took office. The US President also focused directly on China, emphasizing his support for Taiwan. In June he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin (69) in Geneva. But the Afghanistan withdrawal turned out to be a disaster. Since then, the reputation of the Biden government in terms of foreign policy has been damaged.
What he has to do now: Preventing Putin from invading Ukraine, the US and Russia held renewed talks this week in Geneva.
Ali Maisam Nazary: «Taliban fight each other»(03:18)
climate
Under Biden, the USA recommitted itself to the 1.5 degree target and passed important guidelines. Among other things, Biden put an end to the financing of fossil fuel projects in developing countries, imposed a CO₂ savings program on the federal government and founded a national climate task force. But the big hit – the legislative package “Build Back Better” – is still missing.
What Biden must do now: Hoping for a revised version that party rebel Joe Manchin supports.
weapons
After several killing sprees early in his tenure, Biden declared war on the gun lobby. But like Barack Obama, business is stuck in Congress. And the US Supreme Court could now even extend the right to bear arms: The verdict in the relevant case “NYSRPA v. Bruen” is expected in the summer of this year.
What Biden must do now: Abolish the filibuster so his gun reform can pass the Senate with a simple majority.
Trump’s legacy
The electoral fraud lie is poisoning the United States. A majority of Republican voters still have doubts about the outcome of the election, in rural areas the January 6, 2021 Capitol strikers are being celebrated like heroes and Republican Trump critics like Rep. Liz Cheney (55) are marginalized in their own party. In 49 US states, Republicans are preparing or have passed discriminatory electoral laws. A danger to democracy, experts warn.
What Biden must do now: Ensure that the Democrats defend their thin congressional majority in the midterm elections. And convince Senators Kyrsten Synema and Joe Manchin to abolish the filibuster.
Fabienne Kinzelmann: “Biden gave an emotional rant against Trump”(03:51)
party and government
Biden’s government started well prepared. But in the past few months, not only has his conflict with Trump-loving Republicans intensified, but also with moderate and progressive Democrats. His most important projects are stuck in internal party disputes. There are also problems with his Vice President Kamala Harris (57), whom he has entrusted with Sisyphean tasks such as the border crisis, and which employees are running away from in droves.
What Biden must do now: Enabling his deputy to feel successful – or replacing them.
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