All of president Trumps lawsuits will probably not change the outcome of the US elections. Joe Biden won the peculiar “electoral vote”, and contrary to Tump’s election, Joe Biden also won the popular vote by more than 5 million votes. Thus, on the 20th of January 2021, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the USA.
Now it is time to look ahead. What will Joe Biden be able to accomplish as president? I dare to predict what is certainly a very hazy future.
As soon as Joe Biden takes over the office, he will undo some of the slog done by Trump. He will probably re-join the Paris Accord on Climate Change and try and roll back some of the nastiest measures to control immigration. Biden might well reduce some of roadblocks installed by the trade war against China, and will reaffirm the US commitments to its Allies, particularly the NATO.
The Senate is likely to be controlled by the Republicans under Mitch McConnell and his merry men (and women). That will limit Bidens ability to pass big impact policies. The stimulus package to revive the economy is going to be smaller than hoped for by most Democrats. Further enhancements to the Obamacare Act will be limited and the frugal Republicans would rally against any reversals of Trump’s Tax cuts. The far-left wing of the Democrats, lead by Ocasio-Cortez, would push for more social spending. She wants to see her famous dream of a “green new deal” become reality and an increase the Taxes on the super-rich.
These strong forces require the most skilled negotiations and political wrangling. Joe Biden is probably one of the most qualified to handle these delicate situations. But with one hand tied behind his back, and having been dealt a bad opening hand, the chances for proper changes are slim.
Bidens hand will change once the elections for 1/3 of the Senate seats are held in 2 years’ time. By then the Democrats should be able to convince the voters that, contrary to what Trump told them, they are not socialist or even communists. The Democrats should be able to gain more votes from the Latino communities in Florida and Texas. Even some of the rural white voters could be convinced that the lies, or in words of the current administration “alternative facts”, are simply not true and the central core of the Democrats can be trusted.
The gain of full control in 2022 will be to little too late for Biden. There is simply not enough time to experience the effects of the legislations that Biden will be able to pass while in control of both houses. Mr Bidens age will also count against him in the next elections and the American people would likely choose a Republican president in 2024, if they manged to shake off the Trump baggage.
As a one term president, the real value of Joe Biden’s victory is going to be unappreciated. Joe Biden did not win because his new policies are going to make racial tensions disappear. He did not win because his legislations are going to make society more just and fairer. He did not win because everybody is now more equal. Joe Biden’s victory was one of the most important ever. It shows that the truth trumps lies, that creating divisions in society only benefits those creating the divisions and that united is the best way to creating a better tomorrow.
Political leaders must be ideals that young kids look up to and aspire to be. They should reflect the best in human nature and defend the liberal values that previous generations have fought so hard for. They should be models’ citizens that feel honoured to be able to govern, not entitled to rule. They should show empathy for those in need and stand up to bullying and hatred. It is all what Joe Biden is, and what Donald Trump was not.