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CALL US CRAZY, but we think the similarities between Joe Biden and Donald Trump are growing. Maybe it’s the job and the issues, maybe there’s something in the water. Consider:
Trump ignored the advice of his national security advisers; Biden apparently didn’t listen to warnings of an imminent collapse in Afghanistan.
Trump kept U.S. allies in the dark; Biden has infuriated leaders in Germany and other European countries by not consulting with them on Afghanistan.
Trump wanted to end nation-building and bring troops home from Afghanistan; same with Biden.
Trump’s actions unleashed a torrent of congressional hearings and investigations; even Democrats are planning a withering probe of Biden’s Afghan pullout.
Trump was increasingly furious with Beijing; Biden’s relations with China may be even worse.
Trump goosed the economy with massive tax cuts and new spending; ditto for Biden, who wants to extend the child tax credit and spend $4.5 trillion on new programs.
Trump’s big spending agenda pleased the financial markets; Biden’s $1.9 trillion Covid aid bill helped fuel the recent rally.
Trump blasted Jerome Powell; Biden is listening to progressive Democrats who want to replace the Fed Chairman.
Trump was no friend of big tech — he loathed the industry for censuring him; Biden has nominated fierce critics of big tech to head the regulatory agencies.
Trump was an anti-industry populist on issues like drug prices; so is Biden.
Trump could never get along with Mitch McConnell, who is now fiercely criticizing Biden.
Trump had two extremely polarizing governors, Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott; Biden has Andrew Cuomo and Gavin Newsom.
Trump faced persistent criticism from his own party’s moderates; Biden faces a moderate rebellion in the House over infrastructure legislation.
Trump hated the media but used it as a foil; watch Biden lash out in upcoming weeks as press criticism of him increases.
Trump confused the public on Covid policy; Biden’s CDC isn’t clear on booster shots.
Trump was defeated in his quest for a second term; if Biden runs he will face fierce criticism on crime, inflation, illegal immigration — and, of course, Afghanistan.
OBVIOUSLY, THERE ARE HUGE DIFFERENCES between the two, especially on climate change and race, and their temperaments are radically different. Both would adamantly reject any suggestion that they have similarities — but the record would indicate otherwise.
Related: The Great Geopolitical Threat
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