Capitol Hill Democrats: Caught in a Dilemma over Biden’s Destiny as they Reconvene in Washington

As the Democrats return to Washington following their respective Thanksgiving breaks, they find themselves entwined in a web of dichotomous sentiments regarding President Joe Biden’s political fate. The Democrats occupying Capitol Hill are torn from within, battling the dual emotions of unwavering support to their leader and increasing alarm regarding his political clout, or the perceived lack thereof. One aspect of this inner discord stems from the growing apprehension around Biden’s sagging poll numbers. The President’s approval ratings have seen a shift towards the less favorable end of the spectrum in recent weeks, sparking an anxiety wave within Democratic ranks. The sinking figures are further compounded by the perceived lack of progress in delivering Biden’s transformative $1.75 trillion social and climate spending plan. Despite making headway in the House, the package has taken a steady beating in the Senate, with Democrats like Joe Manchin III and Kyrsten Sinema baulking at the price tag. These developments have the Hill Democrats perturbed. After all, the mid-term elections are fast approaching, and the sagging approval ratings of the President may hold profound implications for the Democratic fight to hold both the House and the Senate. Also, the pending Build Back Better Bill, almost emblematic of Biden’s broader political campaign, faces an uncertain passage in Senate, wherein a consensus within the Democrats seems to remain elusive. On the other hand, another group of Democrats remains fiercely loyal to their leader. For them, Biden’s fate, woven tightly within the fabric of democracy, isn’t and shouldn’t be dependent solely on the popularity index or the success of a single legislation. They argue that the robust response to COVID-19, his stance on climate change, and the presence of an experienced hand steadying the chaotic American political landscape should outshine the transient stumbling blocks. This section of the Democrats rallies behind the President, leading a spirited defense against the GOP who are keen on capitalizing on the intra-party anxiety. They applaud the President for taking on the Herculean task of recovery post-Trump era, tackling the pandemic head-on, stimulating the economy, and restoring international faith in American leadership. Additionally, some Democrats’ unwavering trust in the Biden administration’s ability also stems from their belief that there is still ample time to resuscitate the President’s legacy prior to the 2022 midterms. They argue that if the Department of Justice can hold those accountable for the January 6 Insurrection, and if Biden’s ambitious social and climate spending plan