President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, August 2020

I joined Monocle 24’s Emma Nelson on Friday to analyze a competent and possibly historic first 100 days of the Biden Administration.

Rejecting the chatter about a “quiet” President Biden, I start with competence and responsibility and move to the economic and social programs which are the most ambitious since the 1930s. Has the Administration turned the bogeyman of “Big Government” into a collective effort where Government works with other groups to serve people’s interests.

Coronavirus is both the crisis and the opportunity where we don’t just shout “Big Government” but ask what Government and all of us can do for a more secure America.

We also look at the shifts in US foreign policy. I note the few notable concerns, such as the initial decision not to raise refugee admissions into the US and the rhetoric of confrontation with China.

Do not play to a polarized media. Do not play to the Trumpists. Play to the policies and hope that the decency of the policies will bring most Americans along.

And we assess the Administration’s ability to get beyond a narrative of “center v. progressive”.

Listen from 2:13: