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.
Recommended Citation
McJessy, Coleman P., "“I am the Democratic Party”: The Role of Washington Experience in Democratic Presidents’ Success". Senior Theses, Trinity College, Hartford, CT 2022.
Trinity College Digital Repository, https://digitalrepository.trincoll.edu/theses/943
Comments
Senior thesis completed at Trinity College, Hartford CT for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.