The First 100 Days

100 days is an unusual unit of measurement for anything. Normally, we'd just say "about three months." Is there anything besides a president's time in office we measure in 100-day increments?

Candidates make pledges for steps they will take once in office during that timeframe. Pundits, political scientists, and historians count the bills signed, executive orders issued, promises kept and promises broken in those first few months. 

First coined by former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, "the first 100 days" have been used as a yardstick for all presidents since. They are a lens through which we measure a president's style, the success of their transition, the mettle of their leadership, and their sway over Congress.

As we approach President Biden's 100th day in office this week, Major Garrett examines the beginning of Biden's administration -- his handling of compounding pandemic, economic, climate, and immigration crises, the legislative battles waged in Congress, and executive actions uprooting the policies of his predecessor. Major also embarks on a historical comparison of this benchmark for all modern presidents since FDR.

Joining us this week: Dr. Barbara Perry, Director Director of Presidential Studies at the University of Virginia's Miller Center, and CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Nancy Cordes.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.