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Biden spent much of his time away from Washington over the past week on the phone discussing the days ahead with advisers and others in his extended orbit, plotting next steps in what could prove a pivotal month for his presidential ambitions. That includes preparation for a speech marking next week’s one-year anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot, a moment that underscores the stakes of his tenure and the strained political environment in which he governs.
Since then, tensions seem to have cooled, though Biden told reporters on Tuesday he hadn’t spoken to Manchin this week. White House officials are hopeful talks can be revived on a more limited bill, or set of bills, in the new year.
“President Biden, who I have worked for for many years … has a habit of pulling legislative rabbits out of hats. And has done so many times,” said Jared Bernstein, the president’s top economist, on CNN. “He is not by any means done fighting for Build Back Better. When I talk to him about that, he has some confidence about that.”
Democrats in Congress, who have been left politically vulnerable by retirements and GOP redistricting plans, enter the midterm election cycle eager for Biden and Manchin to strike some kind of accord, even if the final package lacks the ambition of the sweeping social and climate bill the President initially proposed.
“I think it is important we pass whatever components we can through Congress and get them signed into law,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, this week. “If we do that, we make our own luck and increase the chances of doing better in the midterms and delivering for the American people.”
Viewed by the President and his team as a rebuilding year after the tumult of the Donald Trump era, 2021 was marked by a series of challenges that dramatically eroded Biden’s political standing. His approval rating entered negative territory over the summer and has not rebounded since.
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Source : cnn
