With just a few days left on the clock until his first 100 days in office, President Joe Biden has outlined some of the key legislative priorities that could define his presidency and offer a long-lasting and progressive step forward for the most vulnerable among us.
In a recently unveiled $1.52 trillion spending plan, President Biden prioritized education, research and fighting climate change. Scholar and President of Community Change Dorian Warren says the question now is: can the Biden Administration actually implement some of its big goals?
“The president has put forth a really exciting ambitious plan around the child tax credit. This is something that every parent could receive potentially $250 or $300 a month. It would cut child poverty and especially Black child poverty in half,” said Warren.
However, as good as the plan sounds, political scientist and What’s It In For Us host Dr. Christina Greer says the Democrats are not only facing an uphill battle with Republican opposition, which prioritizes hoarding wealth, but also in lack of messaging and awareness of such crucial policy.
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“The Obama administration was not good at [raising awareness],” said Greer. “When they had their ‘America Back to Work, Rediscovery Act, stimulus’—it had several different names and folks didn’t even know Obama was helping them out.”
This time around, says Warren, the White House should focus on connecting with organizers and activists on the ground working to connect people to the resources they need.
The hosts also discussed Caitlyn Jenner’s recent announcement of her plans to run for governor in the state of California. Jenner announced her bid on her Twitter page, while also championing a recall of current governor Gavin Newsom. Citing the administrations and policies of previous “celebrity candidates,” Warren and Greer agreed that while Jenner’s gubernatorial bid could have positive implications for trans visibility, she ultimately lacked the experience to govern one of the largest states in the country.
“Just because you’re a celebrity and you’ve walked some red carpets, doesn’t make you qualified governor of California,” said Warren.
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“I don’t know that it makes you qualified to be the mayor of Calabasas to be quite honest,” adds Greer.
Warren also pointed out that Jenner, a longtime Republican, has been working with former Trump campaign strategists to help lead her efforts, adding to the skepticism and criticism of her run.
Lastly, this week’s hosts reflected on the legacy and life of hip-hop legend Shock G, whose death was announced last Thursday. The Bay Area-based artist not only introduced the world to Tupac, but garnered respect and adoration for himself as a DJ, rapper and fun-loving alter ego, “Humpty Hump.” He was 57 at the time of his death.
As the clock of justice continues to ring, stay tuned to What’s In It For Us, the funny, politically edgy Black commentary podcast. Now streaming on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher.
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