Biden’s administration has been credited with significantly accelerating the vaccine rollout, but his legacy will also be affected by challenges in managing the ongoing health crisis and its economic ramifications.
3. Economic Recovery and Infrastructure:
Biden has worked to steer the country toward economic recovery following the pandemic’s devastation. The American Rescue Plan provided stimulus checks, extended unemployment benefits, and allocated funds for COVID-19 vaccinations. Biden’s administration also pushed forward a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill (the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021) to modernize the country’s infrastructure, focusing on roads, bridges, broadband access, clean energy, and public transportation.
These initiatives are expected to leave a lasting impact on the American economy by investing in infrastructure, job creation, and economic equality.
4. Climate Change and Environmental Policy:
Biden has made addressing climate change a central part of his agenda. On his first day in office, he rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling the United States’ commitment to combating global warming. He has proposed ambitious plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, investing in clean energy and green technologies to reduce carbon footprints. Biden’s Build Back Better agenda, though facing challenges in Congress, also included provisions for environmental justice and clean energy investments.
Biden’s environmental legacy is still evolving, but his actions indicate a long-term commitment to tackling climate change and investing in sustainable energy sources.
5. Social Justice and Racial Equality:
Biden has worked to address issues of racial inequality and social justice. As Vice President, he supported initiatives like criminal justice reform and LGBTQ+ rights under President Obama. As President, Biden has continued to push for policies that promote racial and economic equity, including efforts to combat discrimination and increase access to opportunities for marginalized communities.
He has taken steps to address police reform, including appointing a task force to study and propose ways to reduce police violence. His administration has also made strides in advancing voting rights, particularly through support for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Biden’s racial justice efforts have been met with mixed results, with significant challenges remaining in achieving lasting reform in policing and racial equity.
6. Foreign Policy and Global Leadership:
Biden’s foreign policy legacy is deeply intertwined with his approach to global leadership, alliance-building, and his focus on diplomacy. After four years of an “America First” foreign policy under former President Trump, Biden sought to restore traditional U.S. alliances and reinstate U.S. leadership on the world stage. He rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement and emphasized working closely with NATO and other global partners to address issues like China’s rise, Russian aggression, and the Iran nuclear deal.
Biden’s foreign policy also includes a major shift in the Middle East, especially in Afghanistan. His decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021 ended America’s longest war, but it was marked by chaotic scenes, the rapid collapse of the Afghan government, and the Taliban’s return to power. The withdrawal significantly shaped Biden’s foreign policy legacy, with critics arguing it was mishandled, while others emphasized the need to end the war.
Biden’s legacy on global leadership will likely be evaluated based on his efforts to restore American alliances, manage great power competition (especially with China), and navigate complex international crises.
7. Health Care Reform:
Biden’s legacy on healthcare is largely defined by his efforts to expand and protect the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, which was a cornerstone of the Obama administration. As President, Biden focused on increasing access to affordable healthcare through expanded Medicaid and subsidies for private insurance. He also proposed a public option for healthcare, although it faced challenges in Congress.
Biden’s administration has worked to lower healthcare costs and expand coverage, but a full overhaul of the healthcare system remains elusive, and the ACA’s future will likely continue to be a key issue in American politics.
8. The Biden Doctrine:
Biden’s foreign policy has been characterized by a return to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, contrasting with the isolationist tendencies seen under the Trump administration. His administration has emphasized the importance of working with international partners to solve global problems, from climate change to pandemics to global trade.
The Biden Doctrine, as it’s sometimes referred to, focuses on rebuilding alliances, supporting democracy, and confronting authoritarianism, particularly in the context of rising tensions with China and Russia.
Challenges and Criticisms:
Despite his many accomplishments, Biden has faced significant challenges, particularly in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, the Afghanistan withdrawal, and political divisions in the U.S. His approval ratings have fluctuated, and his administration has been criticized for not doing enough on certain issues, such as immigration reform, voting rights, and police reform.
