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Biden Seeks to Cement Legacy in Final Months of Presidency

 September 16, 2024

In the remaining months of his presidency, Joe Biden has turned his attention to securing his legacy by highlighting key domestic achievements and his foreign policy strategies.

With just under four months left to go, Biden feels a sense of urgency to focus on cementing his record through what he says are initiatives aimed at boosting the economy, supporting working-class Americans, and navigating international challenges, as the Washington Examiner reports.

As the end of his term approaches, Biden is reportedly very keen to demonstrate what he feels is the impact of his policies both at home and abroad.

Touring Key States to Highlight Economic Wins

In recent weeks, Biden has traveled to key swing states such as Wisconsin and Michigan, emphasizing job creation, infrastructure projects, and manufacturing revitalization. During a stop in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Biden spotlighted the addition of 142,000 jobs in August, illustrating what he says is his administration's focus on strengthening labor unions and investing in green industries.

His agenda includes the Inflation Reduction Act and the broader Investing in America plan, which he claims have funneled nearly $1 trillion into manufacturing and green sectors. These efforts aim to bolster the economy, particularly in Rust Belt states that were hit hard by deindustrialization over the past several decades.

Inflation Remains a Central Issue for Biden

Despite these achievements, Biden continues to grapple with the persistent issue of inflation, which has remained a significant burden for many Americans. Prices have surged nearly 20% since he took office, complicating the administration’s efforts to control the economic narrative. During his travels, Biden has sought to reassure voters by focusing on long-term investments in infrastructure and technology, while his team has been working to frame these achievements as part of a broader economic recovery.

Planned meetings with workers affected by his policies are scheduled to be recorded and distributed on social media, helping Biden to further shape the public’s perception of his economic legacy.

Striking a Balance on Voter Perception

One of Biden’s challenges has been addressing voter concerns about the economy while continuing to push his narrative of progress. Vice President Kamala Harris has taken on some of this burden, carefully discussing economic challenges without directly criticizing the administration.

One notable move from Harris includes her support for exempting service workers' tips from taxation -- a policy originally put forward by Donald Trump.

Biden’s balancing act between acknowledging economic struggles and highlighting his administration’s achievements is crucial as he continues his tour of swing states, where voter sentiment will play a key role in the Democratic Party’s prospects in the upcoming election.

International Conflicts Pose Challenges to Biden's Legacy

While domestic economic issues dominate much of the conversation, Biden’s foreign policy decisions also weigh heavily on his legacy. His administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers, continues to be a source of criticism.

In addition, Biden faces ongoing international challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. On Sept. 6, he met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss loosening U.S. weapons restrictions to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. Biden has remained resolute, stating that it is “clear that Putin will not prevail in this war,” underscoring his administration’s commitment to Ukraine.

Concerns About Iran and the Broader Middle East

Iran’s growing partnership with Russia presents another significant concern for the Biden administration. As noted by John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, Iran’s influence now "reaches well beyond the Middle East," particularly as it strengthens its ties with Moscow.

At the same time, Biden has been working on negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire, which have dragged on throughout the summer. His handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has sparked criticism from within his own party, with some Democrats voicing concerns that the president’s approach could lead to a wider regional war.

Planning Future Diplomatic Travels

Looking ahead, Biden plans to continue his diplomatic efforts with a series of international trips. His itinerary includes stops in Germany, sub-Saharan Africa, Peru, and Brazil for the upcoming G20 summit. Additionally, he may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming months as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to simmer.

Biden hopes these international efforts will help cement his legacy as a leader capable of managing complex global challenges while maintaining strong ties with U.S. allies. These travels also serve as an opportunity to set the stage for Vice President Kamala Harris, should she succeed him as the Democratic nominee.

Conclusion: A Legacy in the Balance

With only a few months left in office, President Joe Biden is working diligently to shape his legacy. His focus on economic recovery, bolstering the manufacturing sector, and addressing high inflation rates at home is balanced by significant international efforts, including his commitment to Ukraine and the delicate negotiations in the Middle East.

As his administration draws to a close, Biden's actions will not only define his time in office but may also pave the way for Vice President Kamala Harris in the future.