Marjorie Taylor Greene: Biden’s Not-So-Secret Foe

How Marjorie Taylor Greene has become Biden’s favorite boogeyman

A new Biden campaign ad uses Greene’s own words to tout his accomplishments. It’s just the latest way he is using the Georgia Republican to draw contrast with the “extreme MAGA” GOP.

July 19, 2023, 5:26 PM UTC

By Mike Memoli

Introduction

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s campaign is utilizing an unexpected ally to drive his message of an economic comeback that transcends party lines: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. A new campaign video released by Biden‘s team features Greene’s own words praising Biden‘s efforts in social infrastructure and environmental programs, comparing them to the legacies of former Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson. The video sarcastically underscores Greene’s previous criticism of Biden, using a cheery soundtrack to contrast her tone. The video has already generated over 39 million views on all platforms, making it one of the most popular Biden campaign videos since his inauguration.

This strategic use of Greene is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to highlight the contrast between their policies and what they view as the “extreme-MAGA” wing of the Republican Party. Over the past five months, Biden has referred to Greene by name or as the “gentlelady from Georgia” in public remarks, including a cutting joke at the White House Correspondents Dinner in April. Now, the president plans to visit Greene’s district to showcase a major economic initiative, emphasizing how Republicans who have opposed his economic agenda are starting to experience its benefits even in conservative areas.

The Biden-Greene Dynamic

Biden‘s emphasis on Greene as a provocative figure represents a deliberate strategy to draw attention to what he sees as the dangerous direction of the Republican Party. Greene’s controversial remarks, such as her claim that the January 6 insurrection could have succeeded with her leadership, have made her a clear example of the party’s shift towards extremism. Biden‘s advisers have stressed the importance of “calling extreme things out when you see them,” which is why they have singled out Greene.

Moreover, Greene’s high national recognition among relatively junior Republican congresswomen, as shown by polling data presented to Biden‘s advisers last year, makes her a particularly effective foil for the president. By targeting Greene and other Republicans who have aligned themselves with extreme ideologies, Biden hopes to draw a contrast between their culture war issues and his focus on fulfilling campaign promises and promoting bipartisanship.

Spotlighting Economic Benefits

Biden‘s upcoming visit to Greene’s district is part of the administration’s wider effort to highlight the positive impact of their economic initiatives. The president’s trip will coincide with an event by a South Korean solar panel manufacturer to mark a $2.5 billion expansion of its manufacturing operations. The location of this economic milestone in Greene’s district exemplifies the administration’s eagerness to showcase how Republicans who initially opposed Biden‘s economic agenda are now witnessing its benefits even in heavily conservative areas.

Earlier, Vice President Kamala Harris visited the same company’s plant in neighboring Dalton, where she emphasized the potential for economic growth and opportunities in communities that have faced significant challenges. By focusing on job creation and economic revitalization, the Biden administration aims to demonstrate that their policies are not only addressing the needs of Americans but also gaining support from unexpected quarters.

Responding to the Strategy

Greene responded to Biden‘s new campaign video by sharing a fuller video of her remarks, challenging the president’s portrayal of her words. Some Democrats have found the White House’s use of the “extreme MAGA” talking point to be clunky, but Biden‘s advisers believe it is part of a successful strategy for the upcoming midterm elections.

Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson, linked Greene to another Republican singled out by the administration, Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. Bates highlighted how both Greene and Tuberville’s actions have blocked or threatened key initiatives, such as economic growth in Greene’s district and military promotions affected by Tuberville’s stance on abortion policy. Bates urged mainstream Republicans in Congress to stand up against these more radical elements within their party and support the president’s agenda.

Conclusion

President Joe Biden‘s campaign has strategically employed Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene as a prominent figure to highlight the contrast between their policies and what they view as the extreme wing of the GOP. By showcasing Greene’s previous criticism of his administration and then juxtaposing it with her own words praising his efforts, the campaign aims to underscore the success of their economic agenda and their commitment to bipartisanship.

Biden‘s visit to Greene’s district, alongside a major economic initiative, further bolsters the administration’s emphasis on the benefits their policies bring to Republican strongholds. By drawing attention to areas that have experienced economic revitalization due to their initiatives, Biden hopes to garner support from Republicans who may have initially opposed his agenda.

As the 2022 midterm elections approach, Biden and his team are using figures like Greene to demonstrate a clear contrast between their pragmatic approach and what they perceive as the more extreme ideologies within the GOP. Whether this strategy will successfully mobilize support for the administration’s policies remains to be seen, but it signals their intent to engage in robust political discourse while delivering on their promises.

Keywords: Politics, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Biden, conspiracy theories, politics

This article was written by , a current affairs commentator for The New York Times.