In an attempt to rewrite history, CNN historian Douglas Brinkley credited President Biden for successfully negotiating a bipartisan debt ceiling deal. However, the reality is that Biden was brought to the table, kicking and screaming, by Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy after months of refusing negotiation.
While Brinkley praised Biden’s “masterful” handling of the deal, Republican strategist Scott Jennings pointed out the President’s stubbornness for the past six months. It was McCarthy and House Republicans who pushed through a bill, forcing Biden to negotiate. The deal ultimately included several Republican-favored items, such as clawing back unspent COVID relief funds and work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving aid.
In the end, this debt ceiling deal highlights the underestimated efforts of Kevin McCarthy and the disingenuous claims of President Biden. The truth must not be forgotten: it was Republican leadership that brought forth a bipartisan agreement, not a “masterful” Joe Biden.
