What Biden can still do in his final weeks after losing White House race
A look at how the out-going president might use executive powers before January. Historical comparison with Jimmy Carter shows how last-minute decisions can create lasting impact
Joe Biden faces a tough situation with just weeks left as president - his approval ratings stay low and many democrats feel let down by his leadership choices. The upcoming hand-over to Donald Trump marks a big change in US politics direction
The situation brings to mind another one-term democratic president: In late-80‚ Jimmy Carter dealt with similar challenges. His ratings dropped to 30s‚ and the country struggled with economic issues; still he managed to leave a lasting mark through smart use of presidential powers
Back then Carter focused on protecting Alaskaʼs environment. Working with Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus‚ he used the old Antiquities Act to shield 50-million acres of land. Ted Stevens‚ Alaskaʼs senator wasnt happy but couldnt stop it. The president knew his geography well – during one meeting he out-detailed Stevens about Alaskaʼs landscape (which really surprised the senator)
- Commute death row sentences
- Speed-up climate project funding
- Put limits on government surveillance
- Make immigration system more humane
- Push for middle-east peace deals
- Fill empty judge positions
The Department of Justice must ensure that everyone in the federal criminal justice system is treated fairly and humanely
With Trump ready to restart federal executions and change many current policies‚ Biden still has time to make some key moves. Even if they wont fix everything these actions could help democrats build new plans for coming years
