January 4, 2020
I read Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book titled Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream to get some insights into what lies ahead for Joe Biden. Both men came from modest backgrounds, and did not attend Ivy League schools. They built their reputations in the U.S. Senate, and served as Vice Presidents under younger, less-experienced men. Through very different avenues, they ascended to the Presidency. What else do they have in common?
They both have extremely high interpersonal and emotional intelligence. Johnson prided himself in being able to assess fellow politicians quickly, and craft arguments uniquely suited to them. He believed that if he could get in front of anyone, whether it be a Congressman or a world leader, he could reach an agreement. He was able to reach across the aisle, and make deals. At his core, he liked people, and wanted to help them.
Joe Biden is known for his ability to connect with people. He feels their pain because he has experienced it himself. He works rope lines enthusiastically. He says that he wants to reach across the aisle and find common ground, but his success remains to be seen. The times are different. Johnson’s Great Society was successful because of huge Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate. Ultimately, it was derailed by the Vietnam War. The question then is Joe Biden already facing his own Vietnam as he addresses the pandemic and a fragile economy, which he needs to do before he can deal with climate change, infrastructure, immigration, income inequality, voting rights, gun safety, the Supreme Court, China/Russia/Iran/Cuba/NATO/WHO/Paris Accords/North Korea/, college debt and more.
The Spin Doctor 