President Joe Biden's time in office is under increasing scrutiny as his administration faces mounting challenges, both from within his party and on the global stage. Once perceived as the steady hand guiding the U.S. through the tumultuous aftermath of Donald Trump's presidency, Biden is now grappling with significant discontent among lawmakers, especially concerning his approach to foreign policy and domestic transparency.
On November 20, 2024, nearly one-third of the Senate Democratic caucus defied the White House by voting for resolutions to halt arms sales to Israel. This rare act of rebellion is indicative of the doubts brewing among Democrats about Biden's handling of the U.S.-Israeli relationship, particularly following the deadly escalation of violence in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Among the critics, Senator Chris Van Hollen articulated significant concerns, stating, "The president's Middle East policy has failed... the carnage and destruction of Gaza will forever be a stain on his record." This sentiment was echoed by Bernie Sanders, who praised the courage of those senators standing against both the Democratic leadership and AIPAC, the powerful pro-Israel lobbying group.
During the same period, Biden's administration has faced backlash for failing to fulfill promises of governmental transparency. According to legal experts, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has not been prioritized under Biden, as government agencies have continued to withhold significant amounts of information. Fiscal year 2023 statistics revealed alarmingly high rates of censorship—two-thirds of FOIA requests were either denied or not fulfilled properly.
Matthew Connelly, the author of The Declassification Engine, criticized Biden's administration for not prioritizing transparency more than the preceding Trump administration. The promise of adhering to higher standards of transparency appears increasingly illusory with the DOJ's resistance to complying with requests aimed at exposing past government actions, particularly concerning drone strikes and surveillance.
While Biden's administration has pledged to uphold the principles of FOIA, actions have spoken louder than words. A recent memo from Attorney General Merrick Garland directed departments to apply openness when handling FOIA requests, but this call lacks teeth, as the Biden DOJ has continued to appeal rulings aimed at increasing disclosure, reflecting continuity rather than change.
Within the international arena, Biden's Middle East policy quagmire is compounded by rising tensions around the world. The conflict between Israel and Hamas shows no signs of abatement, and Congress appears to be losing patience with the Biden administration's unwavering support for Israeli military actions. The rebuff from nearly a third of Senate Democrats threatens to unravel Biden's remaining support among party leaders.
This fracture is not merely superficial; it cuts to the core of Biden's legacy aspirations. The former Vice President views his tenure as one aiming for transformative change comparable to FDR's, yet the persistent challenges to foreign policy and domestic governance seem to diminish those hopes.
Political analysts suggest this perceived faltering could have serious ramifications heading toward the 2024 elections. Biden's steadfast support for Israel's actions against Hamas is being met with increasing criticism from constituents, especially younger voters, who are becoming more vocal and organizing against perceived injustices.
One of the largest bolts for Biden's agenda, domestic policy, is also facing significant opposition. Early on, he promised to focus on transparency, which appeals to the American public's desire for accountability and honesty. Yet, the current tide suggests he is failing to deliver, which could cost him dearly with voters seeking change.
Looking forward, political insiders believe Biden's chances of running for re-election without significant change are slim. Democrats once rallied around his 'return to normalcy' message, but with key groups dissatisfied and showing signs of disengagement, Biden faces the stark reality of needing to pivot. Some leaders within the Democratic Party are already calling for fresh faces and new energy to invigorate stalled agendas.
With the 2024 election looming, it remains to be seen whether Biden can regain control over his administration and revitalized public confidence. The potential challenge from more progressive voices within his party also poses risks; advocates like Bernie Sanders are already calling for radical shifts away from traditional Democratic loyalties to policy initiatives unaligned with longstanding foreign aid standards.
One thing seems clear as retrospective lenses focus in on the Biden presidency: without significant changes to both domestic and foreign policies, the legacy he hoped to cement may instead be viewed as mere footnotes amid Trump’s looming shadow and historical crises he endeavored but failed to resolve comprehensively.
With the Democratic primary elections on the horizon and internal discord surfacing at nearly every angle, Biden’s presidency stands at the crossroads of decisive action or creative ambiguity as he navigates these challenges—a task calling for not just bold leadership but also genuine outreach to constituents he is finding increasingly alienated.
This is the crux of Biden's presidency moving forward: how will he reconcile the seemingly growing discontent within his party and the nation as he aims to forge his legacy beyond the cultural imprints left by the Trump era?
While the global stage remains turbulent, and constituents nationwide demand accountability and transparency, the Biden administration will certainly face increasing scrutiny. For now, the president's navigational prowess seems to be tested more than ever as 2024 approaches, and the stakes for his legacy—and for the Democratic party—could not be higher.
