Progressives usually accuse Joe Biden of being “naïve” when he insists that he can work with Republicans. Cynical supporters maintain that Biden knows that the GOP won’t work with him, and that he is simply telling his supporters what they want to hear. Is there a better argument in his favor?
Yes, although you will never hear it from him, because it is a variant of the cynical position. It starts with these premises: (a) the system is currently stacked against any major progressive changes, and no amount of “fighting” can alter that; (b) the country is dangerously divided, and liberal democracy is at risk from the radical right; and (c) time and demographics are on the side of the progressives, but that train won’t arrive for a few years. As a result, what we need is a transitional figure who can purge the system of Trumpism without pushing too hard for divisive progressive reforms over the next four years. After rebuilding unity and trust by feeding the alligators during a single term, Biden can then turn the job over to a younger progressive in 2024, at which time the demographic situation will look more promising than it does today.
If you want fundamental change immediately, this isn’t ideal, but with the current Supreme Court, the Electoral College, and the rules of the Senate, what’s the more plausible alternative to treading water and waiting for the future?