While President Joe Biden might not possess his former debate prowess, his ability to govern remains potent. This was vividly demonstrated late Thursday when dockworkers and port employers reached a tentative agreement, temporarily halting a three-day strike that had paralyzed major container ports along the East and Gulf coasts. The deal, which includes a 61% pay increase and extends the coastwise master contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) until January 15, 2025, was secured just two days after Biden publicly supported the union. He had previously criticized marine terminals and shipping lines for not negotiating in good faith and urged them to resume contract talks. Biden reinforced his stance when senior administration officials pressed employers for a more substantial offer during a Zoom meeting on Thursday. This intervention proved decisive. "Those were our marching orders," stated a source close to the employers' decision-making process. This outcome represents a significant success for Biden, showcasing how an experienced politician can strategically align with a party and influence the resolution. It's an even greater triumph for Democrats, who averted a potentially damaging controversy just weeks before a closely contested general election, without alienating organized labor. The settlement's swiftness, though slightly different from the initial prediction, aligns with the strong expectation that the union would secure favorable terms amidst a booming economy.