Russia’s War Is Uniting Democrats, Republicans, And Independents In Fight For Freedom
March 3, 2022—Before the war in Europe started a week ago, you could say U.S. President Joe Biden led a country deeply divided by bitter politics and a populace upset by soaring inflation. The foul mood was evident in day-to-day life, even if you avoided the daily barrage of noise and diatribes of cable news.
“Biden,” a man muttered as we crossed paths in the post office parking lot in late February. It happened to be Presidents Day—a U.S. holiday celebrating past presidents—and the very mention of the word brought on a tirade of complaints. “Gas prices… That Biden.”
Then just a few days later, everything changed in America. It happened when Russian leader Vladimir Putin sent his troops and missiles into Ukraine to destroy a civilized nation and subject its people to his will. Now, all eyes are tuning into what’s happening in Europe. People are focused on the fight for sovereignty. They are draping themselves in yellow and blue in moral support for the Ukrainians standing against oppression and evil.
Rallying Support
For his part, the U.S. president is pivoting from a man pushing a partisan agenda at home to a world leader rallying a global coalition.
In his first address to Congress in the annual State of the Union, Biden sounded a theme of unity. He reportedly dropped plans to push a stalled domestic agenda, largely focused on a social spending plan that is dividing not only the country but also the Democratic Party.
Domestic Policies
Instead, he trimmed down the agenda to breathe life into things garnering bipartisan support. These include:
- An ‘Innovation and Competition Act.’ The bill, S. 1260, already passed the Senate with a 68-32 vote.
- Investing in research and development.
- Manufacturing supplies and semiconductors in the United States.
- Tax credits for residential energy efficiency and solar equipment.
- Reducing the deficit.
- Keeping schools open.
- Passing criminal justice reforms while funding police forces, rather than “defunding” them.
- Addressing the opioid epidemic.
- Securing the U.S. borders and fixing the immigration system.
On domestic areas where the parties disagree on the specific solutions, Biden often stuck to the themes and goals.
Foreign Policy
On foreign policy, Biden voiced the view emanating from many offices on Capitol Hill: that standing for freedom, peace and civility is a unifying cause.
“Tonight we meet as Democrats, Republicans, and independents, but, most importantly, as Americans with a duty to one another, to America, to the American people, and to the Constitution, and an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny,” Biden said.
Biden promised to go after Russian oligarchs “who’ve bilked billions of dollars off this violent regime.” His Justice Department is establishing a special unit to target their crimes and work globally to seize private jets, yachts and assets. The policies are already having an effect. Yesterday, Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich announced plans to sell his ownership stake in Chelsea football team. Today, European countries started seizing yachts.
Furthermore, Biden discussed the sanctions on Russia and the global coalition against Putin’s aggressive war. And finally, Biden rallied the U.S. Congress to their feet in standing ovation for the courage of the Ukrainian people.
“In the battle between democracy and autocracies, democracies are rising to the moment and the world is clearly choosing the side of peace and security,” Biden said. “This is the real test, and it’s going to take time. So, let us continue to draw inspiration from the iron will of the Ukrainian people.”
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