By Michael Ge
After one year in office, it’s time to take a look back on how the Biden administration has been doing. Since taking office, President Biden has received his fair share of both praise and criticism. There have been high points and low points. How has he been doing? Let’s take a look.
Domestic issues: After victories in Georgia’s two Senate runoff elections, the administration was able to narrowly win control of Congress. Early on, the administration was quick to pass the American Rescue Plan to help struggling Americans. The bill has proven to be a great success that has helped millions of low-income and middle class Americans through its stimulus and other social programs. The administration has also been able to pass a bipartisan infrastructure bill which will contribute greatly to improving America’s crumbling infrastructure. Furthermore, the administration has reversed the Trump administration’s policy of not allowing transgender people to serve in the military. On the other hand, it’s ambitious Build Back Better bill and plan for voting rights has stagnated in the Senate due to the filibuster and lack of support. Major effort and negotiations are needed to pass the Build Back Better bill while the voting rights plan seems to be unlikely to pass as long as there is the filibuster in place. Although the administration has little room for error, it has still been able to make significant accomplishments.
Domestic grade: B-
The Economy: The Biden administration has been presiding over a period of economic recovery from the devastating effects of COVID-19. The administration has presided over a job increase of 6.4 million over the past year. On this front, things have gone very smoothly even though there are still many job vacancies. On the other hand, an inflation rate of 7% is an area of concern that could be highly dangerous if it were to continue. It is important that the administration be more proactive in combating this issue. As long as inflation can be managed, the economic policies of the administration will be able to work in the long run.
Economic grade: C
International issues: The rapid collapse of Afghanistan took center stage for Biden’s foreign policy halfway into his first year after the administration had finalized plans, originally devised under the Trump administration, for a withdrawal of all service members. Then, the Taliban were able to make advances which led to quick collapse of the Afghan government. These events shocked many, and the horrific scenes of the evacuation along with the deaths of 13 US service members has scarred the administration and damaged its reputation. At the G7 conference in the United Kingdom, the administration has taken a leading role in leading its allies, a stark contrast from the strained relations often seen during the Trump administration. Now, the administration must rally its allies as it faces a major test as tensions between Russia and Ukraine are reaching a boiling point. Its poor handling of the Afghanistan Crisis has been the most important international issue it has faced and it has not performed well in the face of such a challenge. Now with an aggressive Russia and rising China, the administration’s greatest tests are yet to come.
International grade: C-
COVID-19: The administration’s efforts to combat COVID-19 started remarkably well. With a successful vaccine rollout to lower cases, it seemed that we could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, with the Delta variant and now the Omicron variant, things have gone south. Cases are rising again and there is now once again no end in sight with Omicron not yet reaching its peak. Furthermore, its vaccine mandate was defeated in the Supreme Court, a blow to its efforts to combat the pandemic. Now, the Administration has taken steps to allow Americans to acquire home testing kits. This step may prove important in the following weeks as cases are once again soaring. The administration must keep doing everything in its power to replicate its earlier successes.
COVID-19 grade: C+
Climate change: The administration has taken proactive steps to lead efforts against climate change. On day one, the United States rejoined the Paris Agreement which it had previously left under the Trump administration. The United States has also attended the COP26 conference, a key climate change conference, under this administration. Although the administration has taken some action to combat climate change, many are hoping that the administration will do more to combat climate change.
Climate change grade: B-
Although there have been many disappointing moments throughout the first year of the Biden administration, its successes have outweighed those disappointments. Its successes have greatly benefitted millions of Americans, but there is certainly room for improvement. This year, the administration faces the ultimate political test, a midterm election. If it can pass successful legislation as well as expand on its accomplishments, then it will pass that test. If not, then it will face the midterms of years and presidents past, crushing defeat.
Overall grade: B-
