Date of Award

Spring 2022

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Political Science

First Advisor

Professor Stefanie Chambers

Abstract

Upon his election to the presidency, Joseph R. Biden Jr. was the first Democratic President elected in a half century with extensive “Washington experience,” that is experience as a Senator, Congressman, or Cabinet Member. In doing so, he brought a different perspective to the White House, one that was familiar with the electoral, legislative, and organizational institutions that the leader of the Democratic party must manage. In addition, this experience has led Biden to be more trusting of the formal Democratic Party infrastructure and therefore more able to use it to support his goals. In comparison to former Presidents Clinton and Obama, I find that Biden’s Washington experience has led him to be more successful in legislating and in organizing the Democratic Party, but with little to no change in the electoral results of the party.

Comments

Senior thesis completed at Trinity College, Hartford CT for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Share

COinS