Joe Biden is preparing to take on historic challenges. For the past two weeks, he has been making announcements, both for the training of his cabinet and for the implementation of economic or social programs.
Many observers have their eyes riveted on the January 5 elections in Georgia, speculating on the Democratic chances of winning two Senate seats. It goes without saying that by winning, the Democrats would offer the new president the opportunity to benefit from support in both chambers.
A fragile unit
For my part, I consider that the elected president must also keep an eye on the division which reigns within his formation. Many American publications emphasize more and more often that the beautiful unity of the electoral campaign is crumbling and that the most progressive elements are already calling into question the choices of the one who has just beaten his Republican rival by 7 million votes.
Despite a comfortable margin for the popular vote, we found that victory was difficult to secure in a few pivotal states. These closer struggles are often explained by the fear of a section of the electorate of a democratic program considered too progressive or “socialist”.
That Joe Biden was the Democratic candidate with the most progressive platform in history does not seem sufficient to satisfy a certain left more and more influenced by the movement woke. The candidate however marked the blow, associating with Franklin Roosevelt and promising a modern version of the New Deal.
Despite the label of moderate, the former vice-president nevertheless promises a fight against climate change, more accessible education and health care as well as investments in the economy. He did not hesitate to point out the need for reform in police training or an open discussion on systemic racism.
Despite his speeches and efforts, he still fails to find favor in the eyes of his critics. It is too pragmatic for ideologues of big cities who seem to forget that there is a whole world outside the circles where their ideas find much support. However legitimate they are locally, the claims of these activists do not yet allow the Democratic Party to impose itself across the country.
Patience is a must
If Joe Biden must make sure to reserve positions for progressives while satisfying some of their demands, they must not forget that the country and the constitution are based on a very simple principle, but complex to respect: compromise.
The American system is slowly changing. The Founding Fathers often preferred the status quo to change if there was not enough support. We can deplore it, but constantly complaining about it is pointless.
The most progressive who wish to have a lasting influence on their country should learn the virtues of patience. Rather than stubbornly wanting to be right, they must stick together and make sure they retain power first.
