The Bottom Line

Are US Democrats facing a smackdown in next year’s election?

The Republican Party reaps the rewards as Biden’s approval ratings sink and Democrats wallow in internal squabbles.

When President Joe Biden unseated Donald Trump and received the most votes of any US leader in history, liberals believed America was ready for real change towards more socialism.

But in reality, the Democrats have razor-thin margins in Congress, and the internal tug of war between progressives and conservatives has paralysed the party’s agenda.

The schism became apparent as Biden tried to push his plans for US society and the environment through Congress, where they remain stuck.

Host Steve Clemons talks to Washington Post newspaper columnist David Von Drehle and Politico reporter Tara Palmeri about the recent shifts in US politics.