The Long Alliance

1. Biden and Obama: An Unlikely Partnership Forged Through Adversity

"I made a mistake, and it was born out of my arrogance," he said. "I didn't deserve to be president."

Complementary strengths. Biden and Obama's partnership, though initially unlikely, grew into one of the most consequential in modern American politics. Their contrasting backgrounds and styles complemented each other:

• Obama: young, charismatic, visionary
• Biden: experienced, relatable, skilled in Senate politics

Overcoming differences. Despite early tensions and differing approaches, they developed a strong working relationship and personal bond:

• Weekly lunches became a cornerstone of their partnership
• Biden's experience in foreign policy and legislative negotiations proved valuable
• Obama came to appreciate Biden's loyalty and counsel

Mutual growth. Both leaders evolved through their partnership:

• Obama gained a deeper understanding of Washington politics
• Biden broadened his perspective on national and global issues
• Their shared experiences during crises strengthened their trust and respect

2. The 2008 Financial Crisis: A Test of Leadership and Economic Policy

"Mr. President-elect, this is your holy shit moment," Romer said, effectively kicking off a meeting that would go down in ObamaWorld lore.

Immediate action required. The Obama-Biden administration inherited an economy in free fall, necessitating swift and decisive action:

• Unemployment rising rapidly
• Financial institutions on the brink of collapse
• Consumer confidence plummeting

Stimulus package. The administration pushed for a massive economic stimulus package:

• $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
• Investments in infrastructure, education, and clean energy
• Tax cuts and aid to state governments

Long-term impact. The administration's economic policies, while controversial, helped stabilize the economy:

• Unemployment rate decreased from 10% peak to 4.7% by end of Obama's term
• Stock market recovered and reached record highs
• Auto industry rescued, saving millions of jobs

3. Healthcare Reform: Obama's Signature Achievement and Biden's Role

"This is a big fucking deal," Biden whispered to him close enough to be caught on the mic.

Ambitious goal. Obama made healthcare reform a centerpiece of his domestic agenda, despite significant political risks:

• Aimed to provide coverage to millions of uninsured Americans
• Sought to control rising healthcare costs
• Faced intense opposition from Republicans and some Democrats

Biden's contribution. While not the public face of the effort, Biden played a crucial role:

• Used his Senate relationships to help secure votes
• Provided political insight and strategic advice
• Helped sell the plan to skeptical Democrats

Landmark legislation. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) passed in 2010:

• Expanded coverage to over 20 million Americans
• Prohibited denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Allowed young adults to stay on parents' insurance until age 26

4. Foreign Policy Challenges: Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Killing of Osama bin Laden

Biden replied that this one made sense if he could truly be the final person in the room with Obama for his decisions, if he could attend his intelligence briefings, if he could maintain a serious, wide-ranging portfolio as opposed to accepting specific small tasks, and if Obama would commit to having a weekly, agenda-free lunch with him whenever they were both in Washington.

Afghanistan strategy. Obama and Biden often disagreed on the approach to the war in Afghanistan:

• Obama initially supported a troop surge
• Biden advocated for a more limited counterterrorism approach
• Their debates shaped a nuanced policy balancing military action and diplomacy

Iraq withdrawal. The administration successfully withdrew U.S. troops from Iraq:

• Biden took a leading role in managing the drawdown
• Challenges emerged with the rise of ISIS, requiring renewed engagement

Bin Laden raid. The decision to launch the raid that killed Osama bin Laden tested the Obama-Biden relationship:

• Biden initially advised caution
• Obama ultimately decided to proceed with the operation
• Success of the mission boosted Obama's foreign policy credentials

5. The 2012 Re-election: Overcoming Republican Opposition and Internal Doubts

"The same people who are saying this are the people who thought invading Iraq was a good idea," which would again crystallize for him the promise of change central to his bid and his opposition not just to Clinton but most of the rest of the field, too.

Challenges faced. The Obama-Biden ticket faced significant headwinds in their re-election bid:

• Slow economic recovery
• Intense Republican opposition
• Disappointment among some progressive supporters

Campaign strategy. The re-election campaign focused on:

• Highlighting economic progress since 2008
• Contrasting Obama's vision with Republican challenger Mitt Romney
• Mobilizing the diverse coalition that propelled Obama to victory in 2008

Biden's role. The Vice President played a crucial part in the campaign:

• Appealed to working-class voters, especially in swing states
• Delivered a well-received convention speech
• Performed strongly in the vice presidential debate against Paul Ryan

6. Biden's Decision Not to Run in 2016: Personal Tragedy and Political Calculations

Biden was sullen, looked back. "Well, I'm your loyal soldier," he said. They understood each other by now. "But you know my view, Mr. President."

Personal loss. Biden's decision-making process was deeply affected by personal tragedy:

• Death of his son Beau in 2015
• Emotional toll on Biden and his family
• Uncertainty about his readiness for a grueling campaign

Political landscape. Biden faced a challenging political environment:

• Hillary Clinton's strong position as the presumptive nominee
• Bernie Sanders' unexpected surge on the left
• Concerns about dividing the party

Obama's influence. The President's stance played a role in Biden's decision:

• Obama's perceived preference for Clinton
• Desire to preserve party unity
• Biden's loyalty to the administration's legacy

7. The Rise of Trump: Underestimating a Political Outsider

Obama said he couldn't believe it, stood up, asked the perpetrator to meet him in the Oval Office, and left the room.

Initial dismissal. The Obama administration, like many others, initially underestimated Donald Trump's political appeal:

• Viewed Trump as a fringe candidate
• Assumed traditional Republican candidates would prevail
• Failed to recognize the depth of voter dissatisfaction

Populist message. Trump's unconventional campaign resonated with many voters:

• Anti-establishment rhetoric
• Promises to "drain the swamp"
• Appeal to economic anxieties and cultural grievances

Late realization. The administration's understanding of Trump's threat evolved slowly:

• Concern grew as Trump secured the Republican nomination
• Struggled to counter Trump's unorthodox campaign style
• Underestimated the impact of social media and disinformation

8. Obama's Legacy and the 2016 Election: A Shocking Upset and Its Aftermath

Obama picked up his phone after Biden left the stage. He felt a new kind of gratitude for his partner, like Biden had stepped up to fix his mistake.

Legacy at stake. The 2016 election became a referendum on Obama's presidency:

• Healthcare reform
• Economic recovery
• Foreign policy achievements

Clinton campaign challenges. Hillary Clinton's campaign faced unexpected difficulties:

• Struggle to articulate a compelling vision for the future
• Difficulty balancing embrace of Obama's legacy with promise of change
• Underestimation of voter discontent in key swing states

Shock and reflection. Trump's victory prompted soul-searching within the Democratic Party:

• Questions about the party's connection to working-class voters
• Debates over the future direction of progressive politics
• Concerns about the resilience of Obama's policy achievements

Obama-Biden legacy. The unexpected outcome forced a reassessment of the Obama-Biden years:

• Achievements in healthcare, climate policy, and social progress
• Unfinished business in areas like immigration reform and income inequality
• Lasting impact of their partnership on American politics and leadership

Last updated: October 1, 2024