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Biden and McConnell's visit to Kentucky signals White House roadmap for next two years under split Congress

  
Via:  Vic Eldred  •  last year  •  20 comments

By:   POLITICO

Biden and McConnell's visit to Kentucky signals White House roadmap for next two years under split Congress
The president and Senate GOP leader each stand to gain some political capital from the joint visit.

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S E E D E D   C O N T E N T



Covington, Ky. — Joe Biden's first public appearance of 2023 came alongside a Republican lawmaker reviled by progressives, someone opposed to much of the White House agenda and who once pledged to make the last Democratic president a one-termer.

But on Wednesday, a smiling Biden feted Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell as a friend, colleague and "man of his word."

"It wouldn't have happened without your hand," Biden told McConnell during a trip to the Kentucky lawmaker's home state to celebrate last year's bipartisan infrastructure law. "He's willing to find common ground to get things done for the country."

The rare joint appearance in Covington, Ky., represented an early effort to signal the White House's eagerness for cooperation ahead of a politically combative next two years.

It was also an attempt at political inoculation. The White House specifically invited McConnell along with other senators and governors from Kentucky and Ohio, and used the event as a chance for Biden to highlight the $1.6 billion slated to rebuild a bridge between the two states as a bipartisan success story.

Biden aides and allies say they're counting on the minority leader to remain something of a bulwark against the GOP's riskier impulses — hammered home this week by chaos on the House floor over the election of a new speaker. The White House recognizes the need to avoid a government shutdown, keep aid to Ukraine flowing and stave off a catastrophic breach of the debt ceiling. They see McConnell as key to all those items.

"There's still going to be strong partisan differences on a large majority of issues," said an adviser to the White House. "But they both understand that when you can agree, you should if it's in the best interest of the country and it serves your political purpose."

Speaking to a crowd along the Ohio River, McConnell called the infrastructure law a "legislative miracle." And though he declined to address Biden by name, the Republican praised the effort to find common ground "no matter who gets elected."

"The country needs to see examples like this of coming together and getting an outcome," he said.

Biden was far more direct.

"Mitch, it's great to be with you," he said, joking that he'd "asked permission" to compliment McConnell. "I said I'd campaign for him or against them — whichever would help him the most." But the president quickly noted: "When he gives you his word you can take it to the bank, you can count on it."

The Biden-McConnell relationship is, to a degree, an anachronism. The two men served for decades together in the Senate. And they have a history of cutting deals dating back to the Obama era, when they reached agreements on extending the Bush tax cuts, lifting the debt ceiling and the so-called fiscal cliff, which averted an economic meltdown. Biden, as vice president, appeared at the McConnell Center in Louisville in 2011, where he lavished praise on the senator at a time when the Kentucky Republican was openly trying to dislodge his boss from power. Four years later, McConnell was the lone Republican to attend the funeral for Biden's son, Beau.

"They've known each other for decades," said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a close McConnell ally. "And Joe Biden is a hard guy not to like, even though you may disagree with him on policy."

Since Biden was elected, aides to both men said, the two have maintained a working relationship as well as a shared belief that the Senate can still get things done. McConnell helped pass last Congress' bipartisan infrastructure law and backed bills to boost semiconductor manufacturing and improve gun safety.

"His support, in my view, of the infrastructure bill itself was critically important to our being here today," former GOP Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, who led the legislation, said of McConnell, adding that the Republican leader had "showed political courage."

Biden on occasion has gone so far as to refer to McConnell as a "friend," and sought his advice in crafting U.S. policy toward Myanmar, an area in which the Republican leader maintains a deep interest. At one point last year, the White House planned to nominate an anti-abortion judge favored by McConnell to Kentucky's district court — a scheme halted only after fellow Republican Sen. Rand Paulrefused to sign off on what he called the "secret deal."

The event was part of a broader administration blitz to promote Biden's legislative accomplishments across the country and portray him as an enthusiastic cross-aisle collaborator. McConnell greeted Biden on his arrival in Kentucky and rode with him in the motorcade.

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and Democrats Sen. Sherrod Brown and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear were also among those in attendance.

Paul and newly sworn-in GOP Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio were also invited to appear with Biden on Wednesday, a White House official said, but opted against it.

For Biden and McConnell, the event came at a political crossroads for both men, with Biden having one eye on a likely reelection campaign and McConnell picking up the pieces of a failed effort by Republicans to win back control of the Senate.

It is a particularly opportune time for the administration, offering a split screen moment with House Republicans who spent a second day feuding over who they should pick to lead them. By highlighting the investment in McConnell's state, officials are explicitly seeking to broaden Biden's cross-aisle appeal with voters — and draw a clear contrast with the partisan hostility that the White House anticipates from the newly GOP-controlled House.

As he departed the White House on Wednesday morning, Biden told reporters the House speaker drama was "embarrassing" but "not my problem."

"Biden is absolutely sending a message to the American people that there are people you can trust to govern," the adviser to the White House said of the calculations behind the event. "And then there's the House Republican caucus."

But while McConnell's appearance may represent the possibilities of bipartisanship over the next two years, the standoff in the House underscores the challenges facing Biden. As he prepares for a series of showdowns on critical issues like the federal budget, funding for Ukraine and the debt ceiling, there is little to suggest that the White House will have any luck moving legislation through a GOP-led House chamber.

Administration officials have sought to play up Biden's record in reaching compromises — and make clear to McConnell and other deal-minded Republicans that they're open to bipartisan coalitions aimed at finding even small areas of agreement.

"I think that will begin to reach people there: Look what bipartisanship looks like," Brown said prior to the event. "This is a $1.6 billion investment. It took a new president and a new Senate to do it."

Though McConnell has opposed much of Biden's agenda, he's resisted the most extreme demands of the GOP's conservative base — including flatly rejecting the idea of impeachment.

Both Biden and McConnell allies, however, cautioned against reading too much into Wednesday's joint appearance. There's little expectation on either side that Biden and McConnell will immediately find a slew of other shared legislative goals. The Brent Spence Bridge event, they noted, serves to benefit their respective interests.

For McConnell, funding for the project will help break a lengthy impasse over how to pay for repairs to a critical roadway between Kentucky and Ohio — and deliver a win for a lawmaker who has reinforced his political power over decades by consistently delivering for his constituents.

"This is a bridge that has been a major national issue for 25 years, and my top transportation project for decades," McConnell said in a brief interview Tuesday. "And it's going to be fully funded by the infrastructure bill, which I supported."

The White House, for its part, is using the occasion to kick off what's likely to be an extended campaign to emphasize the impact of infrastructure legislation that aides believe most voters haven't yet fully grasped. Biden advisers view that public relations effort as crucial to the president's popularity ahead of an anticipated reelection bid, especially with his policy ambitions likely limited by the GOP blockade in the House.

"President Biden at the end of 2022 spoke to the country about how his most significant achievements of his first two years of his term were bipartisan achievements," said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), who added that Wednesday's event with McConnell demonstrates the president "understands that we make our best progress as a country when we do it together."


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Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1  seeder  Vic Eldred    last year

A partnership that may not be good for the country.

Here is the president who ruled like a dictator for two years, now willing to deal with the Senate Minority Leader after losing the House and any chance at legislation for the next two years. On the other hand we have the longest reigning Senate Leader who failed to regain the majority in the midterm elections.  Suddenly they are willing to deal?

 
 
 
Ronin2
Professor Quiet
1.1  Ronin2  replied to  Vic Eldred @1    last year

McConnell is a sell out pure and simple. So long as he maintains his power over Republicans in the Senate he doesn't care if Democrats are in charge or not. He will do what is best for himself; and his Establishment benefactors; and screw the rest of us.

Republicans in the Senate must have a very short memory.

McConnell passed the infrastructure bill with the understanding that BBB was DOA. Instead Democrats screwed him over and passed the inappropriately named Inflation Reduction Act- a stripped down version of BBB.

Then McConnell helped Democrats pass the 1.7 trillion Omnibus bill in order to avoid the new Republican House from having a say. He claimed victory because of increase Defense Spending and 45 billion to Ukraine. Like Democrats were going to be against either one of those things. If the military isn't resupplied then military aide to Ukraine dies. Democrats are our to get Putin; so funding to Ukraine (one of the most corrupt and pro Fascist governments on the planet) was never in danger. Democrats got their pork laden honey pot wish list of leftist bullshit spending in return.

It is past time for McConnell to be put out to pasture; along with the Establishment Republicans that sided with him to pass the Omnibus bill. We can do w/o their get along, by going along, it doesn't really affect any of them BS.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.1.1  seeder  Vic Eldred  replied to  Ronin2 @1.1    last year

Unfortunately, every bit of that is true.

You have to remember, the GOP has establishment Republicans, Conservatives and as we now know 20 right wing members in the House. For the democrats it's much simpler: The radical left has taken control of the entire party. The GOP needs a new leader.

 
 
 
Ronin2
Professor Quiet
1.1.2  Ronin2  replied to  Vic Eldred @1.1.1    last year
The GOP needs a new leader.

New leaders (plural). Ones that remember what they are supposed to be for; and who they represent. It sure as hell isn't caving to; and being outsmarted/screwed over by Democrats!

 
 
 
Greg Jones
Professor Participates
1.1.3  Greg Jones  replied to  Ronin2 @1.1    last year

I don't follow what goes on in Europe all that much, so I don't know if the Ukraine government is corrupt or the "most pro Fascist governments on the planet."

What I do know is that evil government of Russia headed by an insane dictator attacked Ukraine without provocation.

I also know that good and moral people all the world support the courageous and innocent civilians of Ukraine and their ongoing resistance to this unprovoked invasion.

The US has to continue our support...there is no alternative.

The truth is....the Republicans have been screwed over, out played,  and outwitted by the Democrats for some time now, because they can't seem to unite for the common good, which beating the Democrats. This latest clown show by the House "leadership" is yet another example of idiocy. If the hard right and the election deniers gain control of the House, all hope is lost. Winning elections for them will become a thing of the past.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.1.4  seeder  Vic Eldred  replied to  Ronin2 @1.1.2    last year

There will be a lot of soul searching in the House right now and McCarthy will be doing most of it.

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
1.1.5  JohnRussell  replied to  Vic Eldred @1.1.1    last year
and as we now know 20 right wing members in the House.

wow ! is that comedy ! 

if they're lucky, there might be 20 Republicans in the House that arent batshit crazy

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.1.6  seeder  Vic Eldred  replied to  JohnRussell @1.1.5    last year

Remember, the vantage point from which you are looking in...

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
1.1.7  JohnRussell  replied to  Greg Jones @1.1.3    last year

There is a guy named Steve Perry who is trying to be the kingmaker in the House. One of his demands in a speaker is that they pledge not to ever work with the Democrats. 

The inmates have taken over the asylum on the Republican side and now they are going to get their karma. 

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.1.8  seeder  Vic Eldred  replied to  JohnRussell @1.1.7    last year
One of his demands in a speaker is that they pledge not to ever work with the Democrats. 

Well, guess what: If they can't decide on a Speaker nothing ever will get done!

 
 
 
Hallux
Masters Principal
1.1.9  Hallux  replied to  Vic Eldred @1.1.6    last year
Remember

Ah yes, memories ... of republicans killing their own ...

512

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.1.10  seeder  Vic Eldred  replied to  Hallux @1.1.9    last year

Deja vu!  McCarthy didn't have the votes and a reluctant Paul Ryan was recruited.

 
 
 
Hallux
Masters Principal
1.1.11  Hallux  replied to  Vic Eldred @1.1.4    last year

I hear Kevin tried to find his soul in Nancy's former office, the videos and pics of him moving stuff back out will be ... "where angels fear to tread" priceless!

 
 
 
Sparty On
Professor Principal
1.1.12  Sparty On  replied to  Hallux @1.1.11    last year
I hear Kevin tried to find his soul in Nancy's former office,

Good luck, that office has been soulless for years.    Decades even and Nana fit right in ..... square peg, square hole.

 
 
 
Ronin2
Professor Quiet
1.1.13  Ronin2  replied to  Greg Jones @1.1.3    last year
What I do know is that evil government of Russia headed by an insane dictator attacked Ukraine without provocation.

I also know that good and moral people all the world support the courageous and innocent civilians of Ukraine and their ongoing resistance to this unprovoked invasion.

The US has to continue our support...there is no alternative.

Actually there is an alternative. Force are so called NATO allies and the EU to do their damn jobs for a change! This is happening in their back yard. They are the ones quaking in their boots; yet 75 percent plus of money and military aide is coming from the US.

Also, no of what you stated denies the fact that Democrats wouldn't have voted against the aide to Ukraine. McConnell acting like it is something he won is ridiculous.

I am also sure China is loving every last minute of the US throwing money, weapons, and munitions Ukraine's way. The more of our capabilities Ukraine sucks down the better it is for China. The fact that Russia is suffering for it is all the better for them. Putin is having to make deals with China that are horrendous for Russia; but great for Xi.

 
 
 
Ronin2
Professor Quiet
1.1.14  Ronin2  replied to  JohnRussell @1.1.7    last year

Nancy Pelosi would approve. Or did you miss her entire rein of terror and partisanship?

Republicans don't need Democrats in the House. Nor should they work with them in any way shape or form.

 
 
 
Vic Eldred
Professor Principal
1.1.15  seeder  Vic Eldred  replied to  Hallux @1.1.11    last year

He violated Pelosi's #1 rule. Never put anything to a vote without having the votes to win.

I have no use for Pelosi, but everyone can see why she had such faith in that.

 
 
 
bbl-1
Professor Quiet
2  bbl-1    last year

Gee Vic, what is the problem?  Been trying to get the darn bridge fixed for decades and now finally it appears as if it will happen.  No politics here.  Just fixing the damn bridge.

 
 
 
Sparty On
Professor Principal
2.1  Sparty On  replied to  bbl-1 @2    last year
No politics here. 

lol .... if you really believe that, I have a bridge to sell you that connects Michigan’s upper and lower Peninsula’s

 
 
 
bccrane
Freshman Silent
2.2  bccrane  replied to  bbl-1 @2    last year

Do you live anywhere near that bridge or passed over it in the last few years?  It was a traffic mess up until this last fall when the construction was finally completed, so it has already happened without the infrastructure bill.

 
 

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