Bidenomics has been great, but elections are about messaging. And Biden and the Dems have been atrocious at that game. They need to start parroting their success stories consistently to drive home the point.
You have no idea how much I hope that you are right about this. It is just so scary to think that we could have Trump again. I never thought that he would win in 2016, and being so wrong the first time is what scares me.
Jul 31, 2023·edited Jul 31, 2023Liked by Robert Reich
Having voted for Sanders in the primary, I can only say that the new green industrial policy part is okay progress, but it needs to be better pitched. The IRA’s climate-smart agriculture spending, ocean shipping reform and antitrust should be the core of Biden’s appeals to rural America, for example.
There are three big flaws in the three big acts as I see it: there’s too much reliance on tax credits overall rather than direct spending and as a result it will be very prone to the whims of asset managers, a consequence of the “submerged state” that is our tangled administrative status quo; not enough action on labor; and not enough climate justice measures for the Global South, which will be crucial to stabilizing the world order.
Biden should 1) use the bully pulpit to shut up asset managers and go big on direct spending for building new public housing and daycares, and electrifying and automating passenger rail to cut at the core of inflation which is housing, child care and car dependency, 2) put the PRO Act or even full Taft-Hartley repeal as his first legislative priority, and work to establish a bank for starting worker cooperatives, and 3) dare Congress to reallocate the war contingency funds to diplomacy, and maybe exporting union-made renewables and trains to the poorest countries.
There is a strike going on at Wabtec’s Erie, PA factory in favor of building cleaner diesel locomotives, and the UAW who are a big player in Michigan politics might vote for Trump if the Big Three don’t give them extra benefits for building EVs. They’re not perfect, but supporting these unions is low-hanging fruit for Biden politically.
I've been telling anyone who will listen to me (and, keep in mind, Biden was not my first choice back in 2020) that Joe Biden has led the passing of legislation which I consider historic. Stuff I haven't seen since (at least) LBJ and probably closer to FDR. (I'll be 76 in a month and I've been paying attention to politics since I listened to my Mom and Dad arguing about Eisenhower and Stevenson) For the last 23 years of my working life I taught sixth graders and I always ADVOCATED for classroom research to come "from the bottom up" instead of the "top down." Unfortunately, like our recent politics prior to "Bidenomics," much of the changes during my career in education came from the top down - and, often times had little to do with the day to day realities of the classroom - with many teachers ignoring directives out of being in "survival mode." (I was teaching in Middle School and I'm referencing young teachers who first had to learn how to manage a classroom with 30+ students in it before figuring out how to implement the latest "thing") I really like Biden's "bottom up middle out" approach to economic development. It makes total sense that with more people at the "bottom" having money to spend even those at the TOP who've been pushing the "trickle down" garbage on America (I've always called it "trickle up") are benefiting. (just check out corporate profits since Biden took office) And, along with Dr. Reich's comments about the exploding deficits during the Reagan, Both Bush, and Trump administrations due to "tax cuts for the rich," I've always suggested a "bottom up" approach to the economy would, over time, reduce the annual deficits to zero or even surplusses. (Which Clinton accomplished toward the end of his second term) The one thing Biden has failed in doing, in my mind, is MARKETING his successes - but, I would expect if the monthly data remains historically strong, that will change. Biden is proving having an experienced politician (with a conscience) is an asset which should set a precedent for the future. (Despite his "age issue" AND, this is not to mention his foreign policy bona fides - which may end up being his greatest achievement - depending how the Ukraine war ends) The reality of what China is doing around the world (Trump pulled "we the people" out of the TPP agreement Obama negotiated to mitigate China's emerging power) is a serious issue - but, "we the people" must get our own house in order before taking up that impending issue. Just think where we'd be if Trump was successful in his coup d'etat back in 2020 and 2021. Vote and try to get someone else who usually doesn't vote to vote as well. The issues go well beyond the good economic news (ie Climate, women's rights, civil rights, voting rights, etc.) but as James Carville was once quoted: "It's the economy stupid." wise words indeed!
I think in an ideal world you're right, but in the one we have I don't think that the excellent economic news is being heard by the people who need to hear it. Also I fear that what should be an easy win for Biden will in fact be close or a loss due to outrageous gerrymandering and outright election theft in key states.
Regarding today’s question of why President Biden will get another term, and Democrats control over Congress, what does one think? We’ll many hope that comes to pass in 2024. Let us hope the Democrats find a way with the Media to portray Bidenomics in a positive light and Democrats at the city, state, and national level can get the word out in facts and figures that give those willing to listen cause for spreading the news and reason to show up and vote in 2024. Thanks RR!
From your lips to God’s ear as my grandmother used to say. I do still worry about the capacity of workers to buy the populist garbage Trump and the GOP are selling and to vote against their self-interest, especially if they can be convinced that as much as Bidenomics is helping them it’s helping those undeserving “others” too or more.
If Biden and Democrats are going to do well in the election because of the strong economy, then they’re really going to have to get that message out themselves (something they are astoundingly sucky at doing) because not only will the media NOT relay that message, the media will steadfastly claim the economy isn’t doing well.
Hundreds of millions of dollars will not be earned by media companies if the 2024 election isn’t a horse race.
A close race means viewers and advertising dollars. A forgone conclusion means they don’t get those advertising dollars.
So the news folks are working overtime to ignore any good news about the economy. They’ve been promising a recession is imminent for years and that it will mean trouble for Biden’s re-election chances.
It hasn’t come. The economy is doing extremely well and is going to continue to do so. And they can’t stand it and won’t report on it.
You are right off course but I am not as optimistic as you are considering that historically around 30% of our compatriots harbor fascistic feelings ( just check the NYT polls in the 30s) and when one thinks this ways he does not care about objectivity, economics, or improved conditions. He votes his beliefs and only his beliefs. I just hope that the majority of Americans will find the brain and courage to vote so that we will maintain the democracy in our country.
I absolutely agree. My biggest concern is that the Fed will continue to raise interest rates for too long and undo the positives that have been happening.
Thank you Professor, great column, Yes the economy is much improved. If it weren't for the Do Nothing Trump party in Congress we might even get a wealth tax passed. The proposals of 2% to 5% sound very insignificant, but when you realize we are talking about billions of dollars, that is a lot of money for our Treasury and very little for the billionaire class, no matter how much they squeak and whine. We must retain Joe and Kamala, the Senate, and regain the House. Let's get to work.
I fear Bidenomics will fail to persuade voters. Continued inflation in the bread and butter categories - especially food and fuel which aren't even counted in the "official" inflation calculation because they're too volatile - is the one fact that voters confront every day. And then there's the cost of shelter. I live in a state where the median income can't afford the median two-bedroom apartment. A falling published inflation rate and vanishingly low unemployment are good news for people who can afford to see the macro. Families struggling with the basics have no such luxury.
Bidenomics has been great, but elections are about messaging. And Biden and the Dems have been atrocious at that game. They need to start parroting their success stories consistently to drive home the point.
You have no idea how much I hope that you are right about this. It is just so scary to think that we could have Trump again. I never thought that he would win in 2016, and being so wrong the first time is what scares me.
I agree, but Democrats and the Biden campaign must continue to highlight it, talk about it, and push the message.
Having voted for Sanders in the primary, I can only say that the new green industrial policy part is okay progress, but it needs to be better pitched. The IRA’s climate-smart agriculture spending, ocean shipping reform and antitrust should be the core of Biden’s appeals to rural America, for example.
There are three big flaws in the three big acts as I see it: there’s too much reliance on tax credits overall rather than direct spending and as a result it will be very prone to the whims of asset managers, a consequence of the “submerged state” that is our tangled administrative status quo; not enough action on labor; and not enough climate justice measures for the Global South, which will be crucial to stabilizing the world order.
Biden should 1) use the bully pulpit to shut up asset managers and go big on direct spending for building new public housing and daycares, and electrifying and automating passenger rail to cut at the core of inflation which is housing, child care and car dependency, 2) put the PRO Act or even full Taft-Hartley repeal as his first legislative priority, and work to establish a bank for starting worker cooperatives, and 3) dare Congress to reallocate the war contingency funds to diplomacy, and maybe exporting union-made renewables and trains to the poorest countries.
There is a strike going on at Wabtec’s Erie, PA factory in favor of building cleaner diesel locomotives, and the UAW who are a big player in Michigan politics might vote for Trump if the Big Three don’t give them extra benefits for building EVs. They’re not perfect, but supporting these unions is low-hanging fruit for Biden politically.
I've been telling anyone who will listen to me (and, keep in mind, Biden was not my first choice back in 2020) that Joe Biden has led the passing of legislation which I consider historic. Stuff I haven't seen since (at least) LBJ and probably closer to FDR. (I'll be 76 in a month and I've been paying attention to politics since I listened to my Mom and Dad arguing about Eisenhower and Stevenson) For the last 23 years of my working life I taught sixth graders and I always ADVOCATED for classroom research to come "from the bottom up" instead of the "top down." Unfortunately, like our recent politics prior to "Bidenomics," much of the changes during my career in education came from the top down - and, often times had little to do with the day to day realities of the classroom - with many teachers ignoring directives out of being in "survival mode." (I was teaching in Middle School and I'm referencing young teachers who first had to learn how to manage a classroom with 30+ students in it before figuring out how to implement the latest "thing") I really like Biden's "bottom up middle out" approach to economic development. It makes total sense that with more people at the "bottom" having money to spend even those at the TOP who've been pushing the "trickle down" garbage on America (I've always called it "trickle up") are benefiting. (just check out corporate profits since Biden took office) And, along with Dr. Reich's comments about the exploding deficits during the Reagan, Both Bush, and Trump administrations due to "tax cuts for the rich," I've always suggested a "bottom up" approach to the economy would, over time, reduce the annual deficits to zero or even surplusses. (Which Clinton accomplished toward the end of his second term) The one thing Biden has failed in doing, in my mind, is MARKETING his successes - but, I would expect if the monthly data remains historically strong, that will change. Biden is proving having an experienced politician (with a conscience) is an asset which should set a precedent for the future. (Despite his "age issue" AND, this is not to mention his foreign policy bona fides - which may end up being his greatest achievement - depending how the Ukraine war ends) The reality of what China is doing around the world (Trump pulled "we the people" out of the TPP agreement Obama negotiated to mitigate China's emerging power) is a serious issue - but, "we the people" must get our own house in order before taking up that impending issue. Just think where we'd be if Trump was successful in his coup d'etat back in 2020 and 2021. Vote and try to get someone else who usually doesn't vote to vote as well. The issues go well beyond the good economic news (ie Climate, women's rights, civil rights, voting rights, etc.) but as James Carville was once quoted: "It's the economy stupid." wise words indeed!
I think in an ideal world you're right, but in the one we have I don't think that the excellent economic news is being heard by the people who need to hear it. Also I fear that what should be an easy win for Biden will in fact be close or a loss due to outrageous gerrymandering and outright election theft in key states.
Brilliant and wonderfully presented.
Congratulations!
I totally agree and on top of that I believe that Trump popularity is way overstated!
Regarding today’s question of why President Biden will get another term, and Democrats control over Congress, what does one think? We’ll many hope that comes to pass in 2024. Let us hope the Democrats find a way with the Media to portray Bidenomics in a positive light and Democrats at the city, state, and national level can get the word out in facts and figures that give those willing to listen cause for spreading the news and reason to show up and vote in 2024. Thanks RR!
Sounds great In theory. So why are people feeling insecure, professor; and not just about the economy either.
From your lips to God’s ear as my grandmother used to say. I do still worry about the capacity of workers to buy the populist garbage Trump and the GOP are selling and to vote against their self-interest, especially if they can be convinced that as much as Bidenomics is helping them it’s helping those undeserving “others” too or more.
If Biden and Democrats are going to do well in the election because of the strong economy, then they’re really going to have to get that message out themselves (something they are astoundingly sucky at doing) because not only will the media NOT relay that message, the media will steadfastly claim the economy isn’t doing well.
Hundreds of millions of dollars will not be earned by media companies if the 2024 election isn’t a horse race.
A close race means viewers and advertising dollars. A forgone conclusion means they don’t get those advertising dollars.
So the news folks are working overtime to ignore any good news about the economy. They’ve been promising a recession is imminent for years and that it will mean trouble for Biden’s re-election chances.
It hasn’t come. The economy is doing extremely well and is going to continue to do so. And they can’t stand it and won’t report on it.
You are right off course but I am not as optimistic as you are considering that historically around 30% of our compatriots harbor fascistic feelings ( just check the NYT polls in the 30s) and when one thinks this ways he does not care about objectivity, economics, or improved conditions. He votes his beliefs and only his beliefs. I just hope that the majority of Americans will find the brain and courage to vote so that we will maintain the democracy in our country.
I absolutely agree. My biggest concern is that the Fed will continue to raise interest rates for too long and undo the positives that have been happening.
Thank you Professor, great column, Yes the economy is much improved. If it weren't for the Do Nothing Trump party in Congress we might even get a wealth tax passed. The proposals of 2% to 5% sound very insignificant, but when you realize we are talking about billions of dollars, that is a lot of money for our Treasury and very little for the billionaire class, no matter how much they squeak and whine. We must retain Joe and Kamala, the Senate, and regain the House. Let's get to work.
I fear Bidenomics will fail to persuade voters. Continued inflation in the bread and butter categories - especially food and fuel which aren't even counted in the "official" inflation calculation because they're too volatile - is the one fact that voters confront every day. And then there's the cost of shelter. I live in a state where the median income can't afford the median two-bedroom apartment. A falling published inflation rate and vanishingly low unemployment are good news for people who can afford to see the macro. Families struggling with the basics have no such luxury.