Why Biden Thinks Name-Dropping Matters

President Biden recently shared an interesting thought during a speech at the Brookings Institution. He joked that former President Trump's name on COVID-era stimulus checks helped him gain credit, while his own checks didn't have his name. This isn't just a joke—it's a lesson in politics. Over the past few years, there have been three rounds of stimulus checks. The first two, under Trump, had his name on them. The third, under Biden, didn't. Biden's team said they did this to avoid delays, but some Democrats privately complained. The result?

Many people remember Trump as the one who sent them money. This isn't the first time Democrats have avoided taking credit. In 2009, President Obama gave a tax cut but didn't make a big deal about it. He later admitted he should have done more to tell people about it. It's a pattern: Democrats often try to avoid looking political while giving out money. But is this wise? Maybe it's time for a change in strategy. Putting a president's name on checks might feel crass, but it might also help people remember who's helping them out.

Actions