Tuesday night’s State of the Union address arrives with Joe Biden’s approval rating in the dumps at about 42%. Chaos continues. There’s pain in Ukraine. Inflation rages. “I did that” stickers with Mr. Biden pointing at high prices are showing up on gasoline pumps across the country.
But with so many issues most Americans roll their eyes—sanctions, antitrust, climate, zzzz. Out of sight, out of mind. For 79-year-old Joe Biden’s political survival, he needs a new slogan: “Out with the old, in with the bold.” He should forget the Beltway babble and pivot hard to do something right in front of our faces.
Here’s what I’d do: Announce the Biden Bonuses, a set of gestures providing “everyday Americans,” as Hillary Clinton called us, exactly what we want. Yes, it’s time to put some pop into populism.
Use the bully pulpit. Start with masks. A few control freaks still love them, but the rest of us know they’re a charade—spit diapers, beard hats, facial disgracials. Encourage masking but declare it completely optional, especially on planes. HEPA filters and rapid circulation probably make planes the safest place to be near other people. At the same time, flood the zone with Covid tests to prevent hoarding. Make them as plentiful as green M&Ms. Every home and office should have a bowl of rapid Covid tests. Two years on, this should have happened already.
Speaking of travel, stop making us remove our shoes and belts or take our laptops out at airport security checkpoints. Everyone knows it isn’t effective. Let’s do random screening—every 20th passenger or so gets a thorough exam. And have the Federal Aviation Administration stop requiring that seat backs be returned to their upright uncomfortable position for takeoff and landing, though it’s no problem if there’s at least 37 inches of legroom, like in United’s Economy Plus. Make standing up before it’s your row’s turn to exit a misdemeanor. And while travelers can wear headphones and eye masks to dull the senses, please forbid enchiladas, tuna-fish sandwiches or any olfactorily offensive meal on planes. Nearly all Americans will agree.
Speaking of food, announce the end of calorie labeling at restaurants.
