He's More Sly Than We Thought
George W. Bush famously said, “I love being misunderestimated.” A lot of folks I encounter out here in rural Indiana don’t have a whole lot of use for President Biden. I’d go so far as to say that, out here anyway, there is evidence of a Biden Derangement Syndrome. I’ve heard folks dismiss him with comments that include language that (used to be, at least) considered not appropriate in polite company. Some even put signs in their yards. (Jeesh.)
The fact is the guy’s had several good weeks. Even the “conservative” National Review called his trip to Ukraine a gutsy and courageous move. (I about fell out of my chair when I read that.) I’m not sure conflict avoidant Barack Obama would have handled the Ukraine situation as deftly as Biden has.
At the State of the Union speech, Biden’s smiling tone of “Bring it!” made his hecklers look foolish.
I’m guessing some of the President’s advisors have said, “Let’s take the “Dark Brandon” meme vibe and use it to our advantage.” The steely gaze, the shades, the whole thing is being executed impressively.
Biden benefits from having started out with low expectations. He’s also succeeded in dialing down some of the more extreme voices to his left. His emphasis on doing what he can to influence the plight of the “forgotten” middle class has resonated.
My own sense is that Biden’s Catholicism is influential. Growing up Catholic, I was often reminded that I’d be returned to dust at death. Death is not far away in the Catholic context. When one gets old, one might as well swing for the fences on things that matter because one’s time is very limited here.
Two years, as they say, is a lifetime in politics. And, given his advanced accumulation of years, lots of different things could happen.
Still, I’d caution against “misunderestimating” the guy.