Newly minted President Biden made a pledge for unity in his inaugural address Wednesday, a stirring speech that reflected his desire to calm the roiling divisions enveloping the country. But the biggest test of whether he’ll be successful is if he’s willing to compromise with sizable Republican minorities, who remain disillusioned and dispirited after a turbulent transition period. …
Facing a weakened Republican Party, Biden will have plenty of opportunities to live up to his inaugural promise of bipartisanship. Many Americans are simply looking for basic governmental competence. If he can accelerate the distribution of vaccines and secure additional economic relief for struggling Americans, he’ll secure an extended political honeymoon.
But with Democratic control of Washington only guaranteed for the next two years, and many liberals in the administration urging him to think boldly, there will be a temptation to overreach. CONTINUED
Josh Kraushaar, National Journal
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