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UPDATE, NOV 15:

With President Joe Biden signing the infrastructure bill on Monday, I spoke with Monocle 24’s Georgina Godwin about the significance of the measures for American recovery and for Biden’s political position.

We discuss the change in the political narrative, especially if this is followed by passage of the $1.85 trillion social-environmental budget; the shift in the position of Democratic progressives; and the necessity for action on infrastructure.

Listen from 32:34:

UPDATE, NOV 9:

I joined China Radio International on Monday for further analysis of the House passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, the state of the proposed $1.85 trillion social-environmental budget, and the significance for the US and the world.

Listen to Discussion from 14:17

ORIGINAL ENTRY, NOV 6: I joined the BBC World Service’s James Coomarasamy on Saturday to discuss the passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill by the US House.

We discuss the significance of the package, in combination with the proposed $1.85 trillion budget for social and environmental programs which may be advanced by mid-November. Can Republican obstruction, and the holdout of two Democratic senators, be overcome? How much does the breakthrough alter the political narrative in the US, days after Republicans used myths about “culture wars” for gains such as Virginia Governor?

Listen to Discussion from 30:06

Now Biden has his narrative back in part. He can say, “Look, we’ve achieved this for bridges, roads, tunnels, broadband, climate change initiatives.”

He now needs to get the budget through to complete that shift in narrative for 2022, not just for elections but for American recovery.

See also House Passes Infrastructure Bill; Budget Vote Still Awaited
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