2024: Joe Biden’s Transformative Presidency Should Continue

By Ajay Bhutoria

In the realm of leadership, President Joe Biden has emerged as a truly exceptional figure, earning recognition as one of the greatest presidents in recent history. Far surpassing the criteria of merely being a good leader or a preferable choice to his predecessor, Donald Trump, Biden stands as a beacon of democracy and freedom. The Biden-Harris Administration’s achievements extend beyond impressive statistics, including record-breaking stock market highs, historic job creation with 14 million new jobs, and strong leadership on the world stage. What sets Biden apart is his unwavering commitment to restoring stability and decency to the presidency, effectively revitalizing the soul of America.

 As the 2024 elections loom, it is imperative to acknowledge the significance of the Biden-Harris administration’s achievements, from addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises to taking resolute steps on climate change and racial injustice. Their commitment to fulfilling promises to the American people is evident in landmark legislation, such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most comprehensive gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years.

Facing unprecedented challenges on both domestic and global fronts, President Biden’s leadership has been characterized by decisive action and a profound understanding of the weight of his responsibilities on the world stage. Internationally, President Biden has demonstrated leadership by rallying support for Ukraine against Putin’s aggression, strengthening alliances, and executing successful counterterrorism missions against Al Qaida, ISIS, and Israel war against Hamas. In the face of the global rise of autocracy, Biden has stood firm, defending the values that make America a symbol of freedom. The administration’s accomplishments extend to everyday challenges faced by American families, with the historic Inflation Reduction Act significantly lowering costs, combating the climate crisis, reducing the deficit, and ensuring fair contributions from the largest corporations. The act not only negotiates drug prices but also caps the cost of insulin for seniors at $35.

Addressing the needs of diverse communities, the administration delivered on student loan forgiveness, benefiting three million borrowers. Bold steps towards marijuana policy reform, coupled with historic criminal justice reform, underscore their dedication to building a fair and just society. As the nation approaches 2024, it is evident that more than just another election year, it marks a pivotal moment demanding strong and principled leadership. President Biden, embodying the spirit of a great American leader, defends fundamental values at home and abroad.

For Asian American and Indian American voters, their voice holds immense importance, potentially being the margin of victory in battleground states. President Biden’s engagement with the Indian government and the Indo-Pacific region underscores the global recognition of India’s significance. The strategic partnership between the United States and India is deemed one of the most consequential of the 21st century, supporting India’s emergence as a leading global power and a vital partner in fostering a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

In promoting economic opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders including Indian American small businesses, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders launched regional economic summits in January 2023. These summits directly connected community members with federal leaders, expanding accessibility to federal resources, including contracting and procurement opportunities.

Over the past three years, the Biden-Harris Administration has achieved remarkable milestones for Asian Americans and Indian Americans. Confirming over 160 highly qualified federal judges, with a focus on appointing more AA and NHPI federal judges, especially women, sets a new standard. The Inflation Reduction Act has played a crucial role in lowering healthcare costs for AA and NHPI communities, benefiting approximately 197,000 uninsured individuals and facilitating health insurance coverage for an additional 120,000 in 2023. Commitment to language access and native language revitalization is evident as agencies translated essential resources into multiple languages, addressing immigration concerns through the renewal of H1B visa stamping and actively working to reduce the green card backlog.

A potential second term for Donald Trump would cast a dark shadow over the progress and values that define America. Banning Muslims, rounding up Latinos, banning abortion, and emboldening white supremacists – that is Donald Trump’s America. A Trump administration would devastate middle-class families, endanger Black and Brown communities, and upend the very institutions that form the bedrock of American democracy.

Trump’s dangerous vision for a second term is evident in his plans to use children as political pawns and end birthright citizenship, aiming to divide the American people and deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. His proposed national abortion ban, fueled by Supreme Court justices instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, poses a severe threat to reproductive rights. Trump’s championing of the systematic practice of family separation, using children as political pawns and doing nothing to secure the border, reveals a callous approach that undermines the values of compassion and humanity.

Moreover, Trump’s willingness to undermine American democracy is alarming. His promises to use the Justice Department to go after political adversaries, starting with President Biden and his family, signals a blatant disregard for the rule of law. Plans to implement sweeping immigration crackdowns, potentially separating families in mass detention camps, reflect a fundamental departure from the principles of inclusivity and compassion that define the United States.

Let us take pride in the leader we have in Joe Biden. His certainty and conviction have brought victory in times of uncertainty. As we approach 2024, let us unite behind this historically great President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris, ensuring the continuity of progress, stability, and decency. None of us can choose history, but history has chosen us. It is time to reaffirm our commitment to a brighter future under the leadership of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

As America faced challenges, Joe Biden emerged as a steadfast hero. It’s our turn to champion Biden-Harris in 2024, to get involved in grassroots support, and collectively ensure a triumph against the looming threat of Trump. The quiet heroism of Joe Biden beckons us to be active participants in shaping the future we believe in. In 2024, it’s time for the Biden-Harris administration again.

(CA-based Bhutoria is DNC Deputy National Finance Chair.)