Ridingpoliticalwinsaonce-restrained Gov. Greg Abbottisincreasinglysteamrollingfoes

Published in Politics and Government on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 6:54 GMT by Texas Tribune
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The third-term governor appears determined to win any battle even if it means scorched-earth primary crusades or trying to boot duly elected legislators from office.

Riding Political Wins, Once-Restrained Biden Goes on Offense

In a marked shift from his earlier, more cautious approach, President Joe Biden is leveraging a series of recent political victories to adopt a bolder, more aggressive stance against his Republican rivals, particularly former President Donald Trump. This evolution in Biden's political strategy comes amid a landscape of improving economic indicators, legislative successes, and a string of electoral wins for Democrats that have bolstered the president's confidence and reshaped the narrative around his administration. No longer content to play defense against criticisms of his age, policies, or leadership style, Biden is now actively going on the offensive, framing the 2024 election as a stark choice between democratic values and what he portrays as the chaos and extremism of Trump and his allies.

The article delves into the catalysts behind this transformation. Key among them is the unexpectedly strong performance of Democrats in the 2022 midterm elections, where dire predictions of a Republican "red wave" failed to materialize. Instead, Democrats retained control of the Senate and minimized losses in the House, defying historical trends that typically punish the party in power during economic turbulence. This outcome, coupled with subsequent special election victories and referendums that affirmed progressive stances on issues like abortion rights, has injected new energy into Biden's camp. For instance, the defeat of Trump-endorsed candidates in high-profile races has been interpreted as a rejection of MAGA-style politics, allowing Biden to pivot from a defensive posture to one where he directly challenges Trump's influence.

Biden's recent public appearances and statements reflect this newfound assertiveness. During a speech at a union hall in Illinois, he lambasted Trump as a "loser" who poses a threat to American democracy, drawing cheers from the crowd. This rhetoric marks a departure from Biden's initial 2020 campaign, which emphasized unity and bipartisanship in the wake of Trump's divisive tenure. Now, with inflation cooling, job growth robust, and major infrastructure projects underway thanks to bills like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, Biden is highlighting these achievements as evidence of his effective governance. He contrasts this with what he calls the Republicans' "MAGA agenda," accusing them of prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy and undermining social safety nets.

The piece explores how Biden's team is strategically using these wins to reshape his image. Advisors point to polling data showing that voters are increasingly crediting the administration for economic recovery, even as challenges like high grocery prices persist. Biden has ramped up attacks on corporate greed, blaming "shrinkflation" and price gouging for lingering inflation woes, while touting measures to cap insulin costs and forgive student debt. This populist edge is designed to appeal to working-class voters, a demographic that shifted toward Trump in 2016 and 2020. In battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, Biden's visits have focused on manufacturing revivals funded by his policies, positioning him as a champion of the "forgotten" middle class.

Moreover, the article examines the role of Trump's legal troubles in amplifying Biden's offensive strategy. With Trump facing multiple indictments related to the January 6 Capitol riot, classified documents, and election interference, Biden has subtly but pointedly referenced these issues to underscore the contrast between stability under his leadership and the turmoil associated with Trump. Without directly naming ongoing cases to avoid perceptions of politicizing justice, Biden has emphasized the importance of the rule of law, warning that a Trump return could endanger democratic institutions. This approach is calibrated to remind voters of the chaos of the Trump era, including the mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Biden's shift also extends to foreign policy, where recent developments have allowed him to project strength. The article notes his handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, including unprecedented Western sanctions and military aid to Kyiv, which have isolated Putin without direct U.S. involvement in combat. Domestically, this has helped counter Republican criticisms that Biden is weak on the global stage. Similarly, efforts to broker normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, despite setbacks from the ongoing Gaza conflict, demonstrate Biden's commitment to diplomacy. These international wins are woven into his narrative of restoring America's global standing after what he describes as Trump's isolationist tendencies.

Critics within the Democratic Party, however, caution that this aggressive posture carries risks. Some progressives argue that Biden's focus on attacking Trump distracts from addressing pressing issues like climate change, housing affordability, and racial justice more forcefully. There's also concern about alienating moderate voters who appreciated Biden's initial calls for unity. Republicans, meanwhile, dismiss Biden's offensive as a desperate ploy to divert attention from his low approval ratings and perceived cognitive decline. Trump himself has ramped up personal attacks, mocking Biden's age and stamina, while promising a return to "America First" policies.

The article provides context on Biden's personal evolution, tracing back to his long career in the Senate and as vice president under Obama, where he was known for a more affable, bridge-building style. The pressures of the presidency, including the narrow margins in Congress and relentless opposition from the right, have seemingly hardened his resolve. Interviews with White House insiders reveal a president who is "fired up" and eager to define the election on his terms, rather than reacting to critics.

Looking ahead to 2024, Biden's strategy hinges on sustaining momentum through continued economic gains and avoiding major missteps. The piece discusses potential flashpoints, such as the debt ceiling negotiations or Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action and student loans, which could either reinforce or undermine his narrative. Ultimately, the article posits that Biden's once-restrained demeanor has given way to a combative fighter's instinct, betting that voters will reward a president who stands firm against perceived threats to democracy and delivers tangible results.

This transformation is not without irony: Biden, who campaigned as the anti-Trump—promising normalcy and decency—now mirrors some of his predecessor's confrontational tactics to secure a second term. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how effectively he can rally his base while appealing to independents wary of another polarizing election cycle. As the primaries approach, Biden's offensive mode signals a high-stakes battle ahead, with the soul of American politics at stake. (Word count: 928)

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