# The Biden Administration - the first 1,500 days \[NOT an Afghanistan discussion\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 8, 2020, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057 "2020-11-08T15:09:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 49
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/963 "2021-07-25T01:15:58Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > You can’t make national changes without having a majority of Senators and Congresspeople agree with you. This is not a correct statement. This is: “You can’t make national changes without having 60% of Senators and a majority of Congresspeople agree with you.” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/964 "2021-07-25T01:26:41Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > This is not a correct statement. This is: > > "You can’t make national changes without having …five Supreme Court Justices? ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/965 "2021-07-25T01:51:08Z")
SCotUS is an after-the-fact part of the equation. You can make changes with a majority on the court, but the court can subsequently reverse your changes. In the future, though – if you move to sell off the park service to extraction companies and it goes to SCotUS, by the time they get around to ruling, the parks could already have become trash heaps. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/966 "2021-07-25T16:16:37Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > …conservatives fight to maintain the staus quo and the traditional rules and structures of government… Wow, really. I guess I wasn’t aware that was the case. Huh. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/967 "2021-07-25T17:05:56Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > “They want blue paper clips? No way, man, Congressional paper clips must be Red! Tell the President Pro Tem that we are filibustering blue paper clips!” It’s more, "They want paper clips? No way, man, Congressional paper clips must be Red! Tell the President Pro Tem that we are filibustering paper clips unless they are red!” Democrats, “Fine, we’ll make them red, if that will be a show of bipartisanship.” Republicans: Not a single vote. Claim that their lack of vote proves that the Democrats rammed the paperclip bill through without any Republican input. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2021, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/968 "2021-07-26T02:42:48Z")
> [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > > [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > > > …conservatives fight to maintain the staus quo and the traditional rules and structures of government… > > Wow, really. > I guess I wasn’t aware that was the case. Huh. Yes, it is the case. It tells you that there are 2 conservative Republicans – the rest being some other thing for which non-derogatory labels are exceedingly hard to come by. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2021, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/969 "2021-07-26T07:28:40Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > Republicans: Not a single vote. Claim that their lack of vote proves that the Democrats rammed the paperclip bill through without any Republican input. Totally characteristic of Repubs to torpedo a paper clip bill, after one of their own _invented_ the damn things! > **[Clipped](https://www.wired.com/1999/03/clipped/)** > > Well, if Al Gore really did create the Internet like he says he did, then maybe it's possible that Trent Lott actually invented the paper clip. That's what the Senate Majority Leader claimed in a tongue-in-cheek press release obviously meant to tweak... tl;dr: After Al Gore claimed he invented the Internet (what he actually did was promote funding for early net development), Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott claimed to have invented the paper clip. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/970 "2021-07-29T01:58:42Z")
Ok, what’s the catch? 🤔 > **[$1 Trillion Infrastructure Deal Scales Senate Hurdle With Bipartisan Vote...](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/28/us/politics/senate-infrastructure-deal.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage)** > > The vote was a breakthrough after weeks of wrangling among White House officials and senators in both parties, clearing the way for action on a top priority for President Biden. > [@](#): > > WASHINGTON — The Senate voted on Wednesday to take up a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that would make far-reaching investments in the nation’s public works system, as Republicans joined Democrats in clearing the way for action on a crucial piece of President Biden’s agenda. > > The 67-to-32 vote, which included 17 Republicans in favor, came just hours after centrist senators in both parties and the White House reached a long-sought compromise on the bill, which would provide about $550 billion in new federal money for roads, bridges, rail, transit, water and other physical infrastructure programs. > > Among those in support of moving forward was Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader and a longtime foil of major legislation pushed by Democratic presidents. Mr. McConnell’s backing signaled that his party was — at least for now — open to teaming with Democrats to enact the plan. > … I have a hard time believing this is on the level. Are they trying to draw attention away from the Jan 6 hearings? ---
**Author:** ![eenerms](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cdc98d/32.png) [@eenerms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eenerms)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/971 "2021-07-29T02:15:47Z")
Inflation ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/972 "2021-07-29T03:02:40Z")
“Infrastructure” in the abstract is always easy to support. This was just a vote to begin the debate on the bill, and there’s no actual bill text yet for anyone to get mad at. And the financing of it as described in media reports is pure fiction, relying on a mix of already-passed coronavirus stimulus funding, toying with some prescription drug rules, and the ever popular “savings from reducing waste, fraud and abuse.” Democrats dropped the idea of new taxes on the rich or even stepping up enforcement of existing tax laws to pay for it. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/973 "2021-07-29T03:59:47Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > Democrats dropped the idea of new taxes on the rich or even stepping up enforcement of existing tax laws to pay for it. They had to do this to get any Repub support, which is a seriously poison pill. Sooner or later in the process, it’s going to get torpedoed over how to pay for it. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/974 "2021-07-29T04:10:40Z")
Its mostly being paid for by reappropriating existing unspent funds. The plan is for the sybsequent reconciliation bill to be paid thru new taxes. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/975 "2021-07-29T04:42:03Z")
> [@DeadTreasSecretaries](#): > > The plan is for the sybsequent reconciliation bill to be paid thru new taxes. Speaking of which, [Senator Krysten Sinema has come out and said that she can’t support the $3.5 million reconciliation package](https://www.rollcall.com/2021/07/28/sinema-deals-blow-to-democrats-budget-reconciliation-target/) that Democrats are working on because the price tag is too high. Joe Manchin has previously made comments suggesting $2 billion was his upper limit. Budget Chairman Bernie Sanders had originally sought a $6 billion package. Senate Democrats will need every singe one of their members on board to pass the bill, as no Republicans will vote for it. And of course, the House is still a thing that exists so whatever deal that can get all 50 Democratic Senators on board has to pass over there too. Long story short, it’s by no means a certainty that a subsequent “soft infrastructure” bill will pass through reconciliation. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/976 "2021-07-29T12:56:25Z")
> [@DeadTreasSecretaries](#): > > Its mostly being paid for by reappropriating existing unspent funds. > > The plan is for the sybsequent reconciliation bill to be paid thru new taxes. That seems like bullshit to me. How about next time we give a tax break to billionaires and corporations we just reassign existing tax breaks and say, “You’re good to go.” ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/977 "2021-07-29T13:02:29Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > Long story short, it’s by no means a certainty that a subsequent “soft infrastructure” bill will pass through reconciliation. I don’t expect it to pass, but I thought Mitch’s firm stand was, “We don’t cooperate with Dems on this in any way, shape, or form. Case closed. Don’t bother us about it again!” \<_said with arms folded across his chest and a foot stomp thrown in for good measure_\> So is _pretending_ to play nice a ploy to distract from the Jan 6 hearings? ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/978 "2021-07-29T13:06:40Z")
i believe sen. mcconnell wants a particular bridge fixed and will allow the bill through. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/979 "2021-07-29T14:07:47Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I don’t expect it to pass, but I thought Mitch’s firm stand was, “We don’t cooperate with Dems on this in any way, shape, or form. Case closed. Don’t bother us about it again!” \< _said with arms folded across his chest and a foot stomp thrown in for good measure_ \> > > So is _pretending_ to play nice a ploy to distract from the Jan 6 hearings? To respond to your last point first – I don’t think so. Schumer’s the one who schedules the votes in the Senate. The simple explanation is that they’re about to go on a month-long recess and want to be able to spend that month bragging about all the infrastructure money they’re brining home. I also think your characterization of McConnell misses the mark. Mitch isn’t a tantrum-throwing toddler (that’s Trump), he’s a cynical, soulless political operator ready to embrace any position that will protect and add to his caucus. Obstruction is generally good politics for Senate Republicans, as it fires up the base and lets Republicans bemoan that Democrats aren’t being “bipartisan” (even though its Republicans refusing to cooperate). But he’s always been flexible about cooperating with Democrats here and there to avoid being tarred as too obstructionist – e.g. he’s voted for most of Biden’s cabinet nominees. All that being said, I can’t imagine Mitch is too excited about this bill. An infrastructure bill _could_ be a huge political boost for endangered Republican incumbents who would spend the next year wearing hard hats and leaning on ceremonial shovels at groundbreakings. But Mitch doesn’t really have any endangered incumbents. The Republican Senate seats in most danger are open seats – PA, NC, OH. Maybe WI depending on what Ron Johnson ends up deciding to do. Meanwhile Democrats do have several incumbents running for reelection in potentially tough races in AZ, GA, NH and NV. I think Mitch got steamrolled here a bit by those retiring members and Republicans in “safe” seats who still want to be able to brag about bringing home the bacon. But Mitch isn’t one to pout when he doesn’t get his way – he voted for the motion to begin debate. He’s still got some plays here to make, and I never count McConnell out. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/980 "2021-07-29T14:11:31Z")
EDIT: nm read your post correctly this time. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/981 "2021-07-29T15:53:48Z")
In before ‘Infrastructure is just a democrat code word for SOCIALISM!’ ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2021, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057/982 "2021-07-29T16:31:39Z")
Good post. 👍🏽@flurb > [@flurb](#): > > All that being said, I can’t imagine Mitch is too excited about this bill. An infrastructure bill _could_ be a huge political boost for endangered Republican incumbents who would spend the next year wearing hard hats and leaning on ceremonial shovels at groundbreakings. As long as they make sure Democrats don’t get credit for it. Lying should fix that. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057.md?page=48) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-biden-administration-the-first-1-500-days-not-an-afghanistan-discussion/925057.md?page=50)