President Biden has a lean, short path to success in his first six to nine months, top advisers tell Axios. His success, or failure, will determine whether he can fend off Republican critics – and activist Democrats who want him to get bigger and faster.
The big picture: Biden needs to get the vaccinations going and pump the stimulus bill, so the economy will start to fluctuate, advisers said. That’s why he loaded his White House with experienced loyalists who focused almost exclusively on these two topics.
- Success would turn him on in a maximalist position with the public – and Congress. Behind the scenes, top advisors worry that even with maximum strength, the reality of what lies ahead leaves little room for celebration.
Cedric Richmond, Senior White House adviser and director of the Office of Public Engagement, “Axios on HBO” said the White House feels “an extreme sense of urgency.”
- “We’re not passing on,” Richmond said. ‘It all falls on our doorstep. But President Biden ran to President, knowing those things, and he will address them. ”
- “It will be difficult – very difficult. But we’re going to give it all our attention, all our might, and we’re going to try it to the limit. “
Richmond said The White House will continue to make rapprochement with Republicans, but made it clear that Biden is ready to push through his $ 1.9 trillion bailout with just a few or even zero GOP votes.
- “I can tell you about the US bailout, “Richmond said,” if our choice is to wait and go bipartisan with an insufficient package, we’re not going to do that. ‘
What’s next: This Presidency does not expect much joy. Even in the best case, the virus decreases; the economy is roaring – look at the known unknowns Biden faces, who could suddenly consume his presidency:
- Another pandemic.
- An emerging China.
- A cyber attack, as we have just seen by the Russians.
- More countries get nuclear weapons.
Go Deeper: Richmond sees progress in first-term reparations.