With the US election just two weeks away, its significance cannot be overstated – both for America and the world. As the UK’s closest ally, our economic and diplomatic future hinges on the outcome of this election. Democracy itself is at stake, and the stark contrast between the candidates is clear. Joe Biden, who many hoped would restore stability after the turbulence of the Trump years, has accomplished more during his presidency than many before him.
The underrated achievements of Joe Biden
Joe Biden’s presidency is often overshadowed by his age and a series of gaffes that ultimately spelt the end of his hopes for a second term. However, to overlook his achievements would be a disservice to a man who fought for decades to reach the Oval Office.
Biden successfully pushed through landmark legislation, most notably the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed to tackle the climate crisis, slash prescription drug prices, and cap healthcare costs for seniors. These changes will benefit millions of Americans for years to come, yet they received a fraction of the recognition they deserved.
He also made meaningful strides toward gun reform, something no president has managed in decades. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act enhanced background checks and allocated funds for crisis intervention, offering a glimmer of hope in a country plagued by mass shootings. Yet, these significant accomplishments were often buried beneath a media narrative fixated on his gaffes.
Biden led the nation to its largest economic recovery, creating over 15 million jobs and reducing unemployment rates to historic lows. His Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act poured $1.2tn into modernising crumbling roads, bridges, and broadband infrastructure – a bold move to build for the future. However, these successes often slipped under the radar, overshadowed by verbal slip-ups or momentary lapses in public appearances.
Through the Affordable Care Act, Biden expanded access to healthcare, making insurance more affordable for millions of families. Additionally, he announced plans for student loan forgiveness, providing a lifeline to many weighed down by crushing debt, even if these measures were temporary. On the global stage, Biden repaired alliances, rejoined the Paris Agreement, and stood firm with Ukraine as they resisted Russian aggression.
Despite these significant achievements, the president could not escape growing criticisms of his cognitive abilities.
The gaffes: a growing problem
As his presidency wore on, Biden’s cognitive decline became increasingly impossible to ignore. What might once have been dismissed as occasional missteps turned into fodder for his detractors, with even his staunchest defenders struggling to make excuses. From stumbling through speeches to mixing up names and dates, Biden’s public appearances became cringeworthy. His debate with Trump in the summer of 2024 was perhaps the final straw, as he faltered, unable to effectively counter Trump’s attacks or articulate his own policies during July’s televised event.
It would take even the coldest person to not feel sympathy for him. For Biden, who has spent his entire life overcoming adversity, these moments felt like hurdles he couldn’t quite clear. It was painful to witness.
The withdrawal: an inevitable end
Becoming the first sitting president to withdraw from a re-election campaign in over half a century, Biden’s decision was both historic and devastating. His aides had insisted he was all in, ready to fight for a second term, until suddenly, he wasn’t. Pressure from his party, with elected officials urging him to step down, became impossible to ignore. Biden’s departure opened the door for Vice President Kamala Harris, who now stands poised to take his place as the Democratic nominee.
Yet, Biden’s exit didn’t come easily. For a man who had fought so long to reach the presidency, relinquishing it felt like a harsh twist of fate. His personal history is one of resilience, from personal tragedies to public humiliations, but this time, the forces against him were too great. His age, mishaps, and doubts about his ability to govern became impossible to ignore.
Even his most loyal supporters struggled to defend him. Polls indicated that over two-thirds of voters believed he was too old to serve another term, and the chorus from within his party grew louder. Biden, always defiant, didn’t want to go – but in the end, he had no choice.
The possibility of a Trump return in 2024 looms large. The former president has recently accused the UK Labour party of interfering in the US election by sending volunteers to support Harris, leading to formal complaints from his campaign. Labour has downplayed these allegations, but if Trump wins, his strained relationship with Labour, including past clashes with figures like London mayor Sadiq Khan, could severely impact the US-UK dynamic.
A Trump administration would face a different UK government than in 2016, one led by Starmer, who has a markedly different agenda than the Conservative government Trump previously dealt with. Trump’s isolationist and protectionist policies could significantly strain the transatlantic alliance, especially if tensions escalate over the election interference issue. Starmer will need to exercise caution to maintain the UK’s standing with the US, no matter who wins in 2024.
What Biden leaves behind
While Biden’s gaffes have dominated headlines, his policies leave behind a US stronger in many ways than when he took office. This stability benefits global allies, including the UK. His work on climate change, economic recovery, and global alliances – particularly in supporting Ukraine – has bolstered shared western values.
Yet, Biden’s presidency wasn’t without its flaws. His support for Israel and handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal drew significant criticism, and he arguably leaves behind a more divided America. Nevertheless, his positive impact on issues such as healthcare, job growth, and gun reform will be felt for years to come. As he steps aside, his unfinished agenda will be a critical issue for whoever steps into the race. This coming change in US leadership could determine whether our “special relationship” thrives or falters.
