Trump's Reemergence and the Overshadowed Legacy of Biden's Infrastructure

The political landscape is once again shifting as Donald Trump returns to the White House, this time with a promise to dramatically overhaul America's infrastructure. From fast-tracking oil production to launching a half-trillion-dollar initiative in artificial intelligence, Trump aims to usher in what he calls the "Golden Age of America." Yet, a closer look reveals that Trump's ambitious plans might largely build upon the groundwork laid by previous administrations.

The State of U.S. Infrastructure: A Backstory

In 2021, as Joe Biden began his presidency, the American Society of Civil Engineers issued a sobering report card on U.S. infrastructure. Energy infrastructure was rated a C minus, roads a D, and transit a dismal D minus. These unimpressive grades stirred urgency for action in a nation with the world's highest GDP.

Biden's Legislative Achievements

During Biden's tenure, two major legislative efforts significantly reshaped the infrastructure landscape: the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (BIL) and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These bipartisan initiatives pumped $1.2 trillion and $369 billion, respectively, into revitalizing sectors ranging from transportation and energy to water and broadband.

Despite their transformative potential, these legislative victories received minimal attention in Democratic campaigns. In a revealing 2022 poll by Third Way and Impact Research, 80% of respondents favored the BIL's description, but less than a quarter realized it was already law. This disconnect suggests a failure in communicating policy successes to voters.

The Messaging Gap and Political Implications

Across the political spectrum, Democratic messaging fell short, particularly for Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign. The focus on tough-on-crime narratives overshadowed substantial achievements like middle-class job creation. This oversight left Democrats vulnerable to economic criticisms, particularly given the inflationary pressures and the expiration of welfare programs from the American Rescue Plan.

Republican Response and Benefits

While Republicans may criticize the BIL and IRA as excessive spending, their states stand to gain significantly. About 60% of BIL funding is allocated to Republican states, and 79% of clean technology funds from the IRA are destined for red districts. Public investments thus benefit both sides, despite Republican skepticism. According to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, the approach may be to refine rather than dismantle these laws due to their advantages.

Trump's Potential Strategy

Trump's history suggests he may likely claim the successes of the BIL and IRA as his own, similar to previous instances where he took credit for others' accomplishments. From Obama's economic recovery to Biden's insulin price cap, Trump's pattern of taking undue credit is well-documented.

As Democrats face calls to refocus their platform on pragmatic issues, the lesson is clear: effectively communicating policy achievements like the BIL and IRA is essential. "It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them," said Senator Bernie Sanders, underscoring the need to highlight government interventions that directly improve American lives.