Karl W. Smith, Columnist

Biden Can Afford to Build Back Better Slowly

The key to the president's success — and that of his party — is a more narrow and deliberate agenda.

March 25, 2021 at 6:37 PM UTC

Karl W. Smith is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. Previously, he was vice president for federal policy at the Tax Foundation and assistant professor of economics at the University of North Carolina.

Yes, but slowly.
Photographer: OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP

Provide news feedback or report an error

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

This article is for subscribers only.

In his bid to make his presidency historic, Joe Biden has taken a first step: He met with historians. They encouraged him to quickly enact his “Build Back Better” plan even if it means eliminating the filibuster and forgoing any attempts at bipartisanship. At his press conference Thursday, he indicated that he was open to the idea.

In fact, the key to his success is a smaller, slower agenda.