He's a Jolly Good Fellow

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On January 20, President Joe Biden will hand over power and step down. Former presidents have kept busy after retirement, and some are very active. One of them is returning to power. But if there is any truth to the speculations about his declining health due to ageing, apart from what is already visible, this might be an end to a 52-year-long career in public service. In the good old days, when traditions were still important, you'd find newspapers full of homage to the outgoing president. That is not how today's media operates.

Today's media plays bigger games. It makes you angry or insecure. If it is an outlet like CNN, it resorts to contrarian subliminal tactics to tip the balance of scales in an unlikely direction, like the first presidential debate where an unflattering image building proved fatal for the incumbent's nomination and might as well have sunk the democratic boat. So, the media will have you obsessing about the days to come. This lot gets its kicks out of unnerving and frightening you.

As for the incoming administration, I have only two things to say: we have four years to evaluate the next administration's successes and failures, so what's the rush? Also, an ordinary person will tell you that as long as Trump is at the centre of that administration, you can expect a tactically hidden core of decency and patriotism despite the bitter aspects of his campaign and first presidency. That is to say, when the right moment comes, he will do what is right.

However, the flip side of this equation is that the media forgets you when you enter your lame duck period. No matter. Enough people out here believe in the value of old traditions. So, I will focus on President Biden's true legacy, and you will agree that there is enough here to pay homage to.

President Biden's campaign in 2020 was highly unconventional. Covid-19 was a factor. Many personal allegations were dogging him. And then there was the QAnon-led whispering campaign about his mental health, which later turned into the denial of the electoral outcome. But one thing is for sure. A decent man took over charge on January 20, 2021. Not only did he hit the ground running, he did what he could to allay the fears of historically marginalised communities. Historically, black areas got a promise of better infrastructure and healthcare from the get-go. More on that later.

When people talk about the Biden years, they usually talk about his foreign policy and the twin monsters of inflation and illegal immigration that haunt the Democratic party to this day. But that is not where the core of his contributions lie. If you want to see his accomplishments, you must turn your attention to the domestic agenda, particularly his legislative contributions.

Let's start with the "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (2021), with its $1.2 trillion package representing the most significant infrastructure investment in US history. This included allocating $550 billion in new spending over five years. Its key components are $110 billion for roads, bridges and major infrastructure projects. $66 billion for passenger and freight rail. $65 billion for broadband internet expansion. $65 billion to rebuild the electric grid. $55 billion for clean water infrastructure. $39 billion for public transit. It is also notable for gaining bipartisan support, with 19 Republican senators voting in favour.

Remember that America's racial past has created an uneven national infrastructure. On one hand is the historical evolution of infrastructure based on discriminatory policies like redlining, exclusory zoning laws and prejudiced lending procedures, which meant that historically black communities get access to fewer resources and low-quality roads and bridges. On the other hand, there is the issue of the forgotten heartland. The US coastal elite are good at monopolising resources. That is precisely why VP-elect JD Vance's book, Hillbilly Elegy, struck a chord with the voters. Then, there is the issue of broadband internet, which is more accessible to the urban elite. At the same time, people in rural and marginalised communities do not have it despite an overwhelming need for it. This remarkable bill seeks to undo these historical injustices and more.

Then there is the 'CHIPS and Science Act' (2022), with a $280 billion package to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Its key elements include $52.7 billion for semiconductor manufacturing subsidies, a 25% investment tax credit for chip manufacturing, and $170 billion for scientific research and development. The act specifically focuses on international technology competition and is designed to address supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic. It led to announcements of significant semiconductor manufacturing projects in states like Ohio, Arizona and Texas.

The billionaire oligarchs today can go scurrying to the Trump administration out of the fear of the antitrust policies of Lina Khan, the outgoing chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Still, they grew richer and created more jobs because of the policies and laws like the CHIPS Act.

Lina Khan's appointment in itself speaks volumes about his acumen. Of course, she has been a polarising figure, but there is a CBS '60 Minutes' segment on her policies and an interview with Jon Stewart. Watch these segments to know the amount of good that resulted from this one appointment. In fact, word has it that unions like the Teamsters withheld the support of VP Harris because, due to the pressure from big-ticket donors, she couldn't commit to retaining Ms Khan for the job.

Through his 'Bipartisan Safer Communities Act' (2022), he showed unprecedented courage and leadership on the issue of safer gun laws. The 'PACT Act' brought some relief to veteran burn pit victims. The laws sought to fight hate and prejudice.

Other initiatives, like the 'American Rescue Plan Act' and 'Inflation Reduction Act', proved more polarising for economists. Be that as it may, these are some life-defining steps the Biden administration took, and his legacy will be felt for decades. One such legacy is his brilliant choice for the vice president, who has a long career ahead of her.

Acknowledging this has its costs. Who wants to worry about a setting sun? But when countries and their people know that I mean only well, they open their hearts to me. While President Biden was treated very shabbily towards the end of his term, this needs to be said. As he rides into the sunset, he should know he is seen and his legacy celebrated. For he's a jolly good fellow.