Political strategists believe that Biden is missing a chance to celebrate the country's progress on vaccines, which could be used to counter Republican attacks that the party is overly restrictive and hypocritical. However, some in the White House are cautious of declaring victory too soon due to the uncertainty of the pandemic.
The podcast hosts discuss the potential for fear to dissipate amongst individuals holding extreme beliefs once they start witnessing benefits from new policies. They also mention the role of love and kindness in reducing tribalism and bringing people closer together.
The passing of the infrastructure bill can have an impact on the Democratic party's chances in the 2022 election, as there is a belief that delivering enough good news to the party's base can help them win; however, printing money can lead to inflation that can result in a negative impact on the economy, which could affect the party's success in the election.
The host delves into the topic of cynicism in politics and uses examples from the Obama and Trump administrations to explain how politicians can act in their own self-interest rather than follow through with their beliefs. The recent vote on Obergefell and DOMA is discussed in the context of politicians using issues for strategic gain rather than genuine interest in the topic.
Members of Congress are dealing with serious security concerns related to death threats, with some liberal congresswomen frustrated that they're not always given safety details. Lawmakers have also turned to using campaign funds to pay for private security.
The 50-50 Senate and a slim majority in the House puts Biden in a weak position, possibly leaving him vulnerable to Russia's demands or NATO's protection.