Article Summary –
The Christian Science Monitor has published an analysis of President Joe Biden’s old-school approach to politics, in contrast to the more combative style of his predecessor, Donald Trump. The article argues that Biden’s style, characterized by compromise and personal relationships, seems at odds with a new political landscape where voter demands drive policy decisions. It questions whether Biden’s vision of politics, which often produces slow progress without clear winners, can still be effective in today’s hyperpartisan times.
A Shift in American Politics: From Old-School Politicians to Modern Democratic Approach
Recent discussions have raised questions, such as the implications of former President Trump’s anti-democratic words and the type of politics America desires going forward. President Joe Biden, one of the last of Washington’s old-school politicians, came into political maturity during a time of compromise, personal relationships, and civility. But this era was also marked by under-the-table deals, unnecessary spending, and powerful party brokers.
Yet, the American electorate has voiced its rejection of this kind of politics. Biden’s political contemporaries have either been removed, retired, or adapted to the contemporary American political landscape. In this new realm, voters wield the most power, a trend personified by Trump, who delivered “big time” to his constituency.
On the surface, this seems like a logical progression for a democracy. In America’s democratic republic, voters are sovereign. However, the manifestation of this concept has dramatically evolved in recent years.
Postwar American politicians acted as trustees—elected by the people but given freedom to govern based on their instincts. Currently, officials mirror delegates—elected to carry out the exact will of the people. A significant portion of Trump’s voters elected him to shape judicial conditions to overturn Roe v. Wade, for example, and he delivered.
The current approach emphasizes winning or at least attempting to prevent the opposition from triumphing. This is the prominent feature of modern American politics—a shift that was taking root well before Trump’s presidency. Trump simply capitalized on these new rules. Should he have a second term, it would likely reveal how these rules have transformed and where they might guide the U.S.
Four years ago, America opted for the traditional politician, leading to a period of relative tranquility. But has Biden sufficiently catered to his voters like Trump did? Probably not. Will this factor be crucial in November? That remains a salient question.
Biden’s political vision, lacking party bosses, hidden deals, and superfluous spending, cannot yield results like Trump’s approach. This method of governance can be exasperating, especially in highly partisan periods—it’s slow, and seldom does anyone achieve an outright win. Does this approach still have a place, or has the victory-oriented mindset completely reshaped American politics? Every election is a test of this trajectory. But in November, these two pathways will be particularly stark.
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