Politico: “The next few months will push President Joe Biden to wield every drop of his influence over Congress. Democrats are plunging into messy internal debates over social programs from child care to drug pricing as they try to beat back GOP resistance on voting rights while steering the United States away from economic catastrophe. And in order to avert a government shutdown, avoid a debt default and fight ballot access restrictions passed in some GOP states, Democratic lawmakers are urging Biden to get more directly involved.”

“Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin said that Biden, ‘more than anyone,’ maintains sway over his caucus’s 50 members: ‘There is no comparable political force to a president, and specifically Joe Biden at this moment.’ Biden appears to be answering the call. The president is getting increasingly involved in Congress’ chaotic fall session as he battles sagging approval ratings, heightened concerns around the pandemic and some internal criticism over his withdrawal from Afghanistan. Rebounding as the midterms draw nearer will depend on whether his big social spending ambitions are realized and if his party can dodge a government shutdown and credit default. But even if he has success on those fronts, he still needs to maintain momentum on Democrats’ elections legislation, which Republicans look certain to torpedo. ‘I have full faith and confidence in Joe Biden in all of this,’ said House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, who’s pressed Biden to endorse a filibuster carve out for voting rights legislation. ‘He is working this… and that’s how it should be.'”