Joe Biden projects a calm, moderate demeanor. He is aided by a lifetime spent in Washington, an acquiescent media, and the marked contrast with Donald Trump’s volatility.

While Trump’s outsize personality attracted constant media attention and caused his critics and admirers to overestimate the significance of his policies, Biden’s aides have adopted an intentionally understated approach designed to induce complacency. Bill Clinton negotiated with congressional Republicans to enact many of his most important domestic bills, triangulating between the two parties to find a third way. Barack Obama resorted to executive actions and largely failed to pass major legislation after he lost control of Congress.