The Biden Administration: A Team Approach to Governance

Joe Biden's approach to his presidency is deeply rooted in his experience as both Vice President and a seasoned politician. In his administration, Biden is placing great emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, particularly with Vice President Kamala Harris. This shift in emphasis is not without reasoning, and it reflects a strategic and thoughtful approach to governance.

A Team-Based Administration

During his time as Vice President, Biden worked closely with President Obama, who respected his work and characterized their relationship as a team. This experience has shaped Biden's understanding of how a well-coordinated administration can navigate complex challenges and achieve significant policy goals. One key aspect of this approach is Biden's active role in highlighting the contributions of Vice President Kamala Harris. By drawing attention to Harris's work, Biden is reinforcing the idea that a two-person team is essential to effective leadership.

Personal vs. Team Efforts

There is often a tendency to focus on the president's actions and decisions, to the exclusion of the vice president's efforts. However, Biden's experience as Vice President has taught him that this perspective is overly simplistic. When speaking about himself, Biden is emphasizing his role as part of a team, rather than solely as the decision-maker. This is particularly relevant given the significant work Harris has done in her various roles, including as a US Senator and Attorney General.

Historical Context: Previous VPS and Presidents

Biden's approach is reminiscent of other instances where the Vice President has had a significant impact alongside the President. For example, George H. W. Bush, who was Vice President under Ronald Reagan, went on to serve a term as President himself. Both Biden and Bush had extensive political and civil service backgrounds, which provided them with the experience needed to navigate complex policy challenges.

Biden's vice presidency under Obama was marked by a wide range of responsibilities. He oversaw critical policy decisions, ranging from financial crisis management and terror containment to healthcare policy implementation. His extensive experience in the Senate, combined with direct access to the presidency, made him a key figure in shaping policy and maintaining the overall direction of the administration.

Substantive Policy and Leadership

Biden's emphasis on a team-based approach also reflects a recognition of the challenges facing the country. In these early days of the administration, there are numerous internal and external threats that require a coordinated response. The pandemic, political polarization, and global crises all demand an experienced and capable team at the top.

By fostering a strong partnership with Vice President Harris, Biden ensures that there is a deep pool of knowledge and experience within the administration. Harris, with her legal and political background, is well-positioned to learn from and complement Biden's leadership. This not only strengthens the administration's ability to tackle challenging issues but also ensures a smoother transition for Harris as a potential future leader.

Conclusion

The Biden administration, with its emphasis on teamwork, reflects a strategic and forward-thinking approach to governance. By recognizing the value of a strong partnership between the president and vice president, Biden is positioning himself to lead the country effectively through these challenging times. Time will tell how this approach pans out, but the early signs are promising for an administration that values collaboration and experience.