President Joe Biden, along with friendly members of the press, has attempted to portray his presidency as the return of professionalism to the White House after four years of the Trump administration.

From the earliest days of his primary campaign, Biden promised to “fight for the soul of America,” while arguing that his “age,” “experience” and “wisdom” would allow him to do so effectively.

He staffed his administration with officials from the Clinton and Obama administrations, and promised reversals on issues like COVID-19 management, climate change, and Middle East policy.