American Political Polarization Gives Way to Bipartisan Productivity #

It is widely known that American politics is greatly polarized, with the Republican Party leaning right and the Democratic Party leaning left. This has resulted in a perception of gridlock in Washington. However, the past four years have defied this expectation, with unprecedented levels of bipartisanship.

During the Covid pandemic, Democrats and Republicans in Congress collaborated to pass emergency responses. Under President Biden, major bipartisan legislation has been enacted, covering areas such as infrastructure, veterans’ health, gun violence, same-sex marriage, anti-Asian hate crimes, and the electoral process. The Biden administration has even maintained and expanded some policies initiated by the previous Trump administration.

Recent examples of bipartisan progress include the passage of a bill aiding Ukraine and other allies, the enforcement of a sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner, and a disaster relief bill. Notably, House Democrats stepped in to support a Republican speaker, an unprecedented scenario.

This surprising wave of bipartisanship is attributed to a new form of American centrism, which is not as moderate as previously perceived. Ambitious economic policies, such as rebuilding infrastructure and boosting the semiconductor industry, demonstrate the assertiveness of this new centrism.

Despite the deep polarization in American politics, recent years have proven that bipartisan collaboration and productivity are indeed possible.