Americans Shocked As President Biden Demonstrates Empathy
President Joe Biden gave a forward looking speech last night, and millions of Americans said “aaahhhh.” There was no bashing of immigrants, no name calling, no grandiose claims about how only he could fix problems.
Instead of bluster, threats, and empty promises, we heard the leader of our country offer up words of hope for the immediate future; words of condolence for the losses so many people have suffered, and --most importantly-- a summoning of the American people to join together.
After four years of narcissism and “You need me,” the President of the United States said “I need you.” I’d almost forgotten what a real president sounds like.
“I promise I will do everything in my power, I will not relent until we beat this virus, but I need you, the American people. I need you. I need every American to do their part. That’s not hyperbole. I need you. I need you to get vaccinated when it’s your turn and when you can find an opportunity, and to help your family, your friends, your neighbors get vaccinated as well.”
https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1370211493690630146?s=20
Biden's speech included a rundown of the elements of the $1.9 trillion relief package that he said will help defeat the virus, nurse the economy back to health and deliver direct aid to Americans struggling to make ends meet.
(See Joan McCarter’s run down on various aspects of the legislation at this link)
Congressional Democrats did something Americans almost never see by passing legislation the public deeply wanted to see enacted. According to a new survey from CBS News/YouGov, 75% of respondents approved of Congress passing the COVID-19 relief package, including 77% of independents and 46% of Republicans.
In keeping with the underlying philosophy baked into the law, the President acknowledged that we’re finally past the era of stifling collective action and saying it’s everyone for themselves.
"We need to remember that government isn’t some foreign force in a distant capital. No. It’s us, all of us."
As Michelangelo Signorile noted:
All of that is kryptonite to Republicans, who thrive on disunity and division. Sure, one speech after one bill may not change many people’s minds, and the GOP’s not about to divert from its reckless course, held hostage by Trump. But Biden has Americans’ attention with a major piece of legislation that they like and which he signed into law, and he has a leadership style that is steady and reassuring. He’s using that to his advantage.
The driving force throughout Biden’s speech was that loss Americans have experienced — something that has escaped no one in this one-year period, whether they lost loved ones or a job, a home, the ability to see grandparents, go to a wedding, attend a ball game, or all of the above. He has a natural ability to connect with people who are grieving, and did that time and again. He focused on the shared experience that transcends political party.
If you need a barometer for how successful President Biden's speech was last night, check out all the ridiculous tweets by the GOP and coverage by Fox News.
https://twitter.com/revrrlewis/status/1370344724356333570?s=20
Keep in mind Fox & Friends did more than 1,000 segments on Benghazi, where 4 Americans died.
The most hilarious reaction I saw was Tucker Carlson’s twist on Biden’s aspiration about families spending July 4th together this year.
How dare you tell us who we can spend the Fourth of July with!
https://twitter.com/donkamion78/status/1370431147092668421?s=20
Since Republicans had no hand in passing the Biden American Rescue Plan, the best Sen Mitch McConnell can do is to try and claim credit for its likely impact.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has upgraded projections for economic growth to 6.5% this year, and 4% next year. Back in December, they were saying growth would be limited to 3.2%.
https://twitter.com/LeaderMcConnell/status/1370188479087452164?s=20
Oh, and I almost forgot… offer another tax break for the wealthy.
McConnell and Senate Republicans have reintroduced their bill to repeal the estate tax, which applies to a portion of the estates of a tiny fraction of the very richest Americans after they die.
From Huffington Post:
Only 1,900 estates were valuable enough to owe this tax in 2018, according to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. Over 90% of those estates came from the top 10% of income earners; almost half of the total tax paid came from the richest 0.1% of Americans.
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doubled the estate tax exemption to $11 million for individuals and $22 million for couples, meaning the government only taxes the portion of an estate above those amounts and lower-valued estates go tax-free. Families can also make deductions for things like charitable donations and gifts, to reduce the size of the estate before a 40% tax applies, and there are special provisions that allow farms and small firms to defer payment and use an installment plan.
Democrats have some decisions to make coming off this victory with the rescue plan. What’s next? Some say they should plow straight ahead and force the GOP to make them revise the filibuster in order to pass voting rights legislation.
Others, including some in the Biden administration, say a (yet to be crafted) $1 trillion infrastructure bill will show the American people that Democrats are serious about delivering the goods.
And then there’s the PRO Act (Labor law), and Immigration reform, to name a few.
One thing is for sure, actions will speak louder than words when it comes to preventing GOP victories in the 2022 elections.
Finally, here’s Markos at Daily Kos:
The unified Republican opposition to the $1.9 trillion rescue package is the best gift Republicans could’ve handed Democrats. Second best? Not even trying to undermine it, publicly. Dr Seuss won’t win them any elections.
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https://twitter.com/TrishFL1/status/1370094384323162112?s=20
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