The Atlantic
The Lessons Biden and the Democrats Learned From the First Impeachment
Trump’s trial threatened to derail the administration’s agenda. But as the proceedings wind down, the new president may be coming out ahead.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Midway through his speech at the Pentagon last Wednesday, President Joe Biden veered from global threats to a personal promise. The visit was Biden’s first to the building as commander in chief, and he was surrounded by symbols of power and position. He stood in front of four American flags, behind a lectern adorned with the presidential seal. He would never “dishonor” or “disrespect” the military, he vowed, nor would he ever “politicize the work you do.” He didn’t mention his predecessor.