Healing divisions and uniting people, a priority for new US leader

Democratic candidate Joe Biden has finished first in the nail-biting race to the White House. Although there still remain conflict, even legal arguments regarding the ballots, Biden has declared himself ready to take the helm and guide the US through the storm, in accordance with his election commitment of “Build Back Better”.

FILE PHOTO: Democratic 2020 US presidential nominee Joe Biden speaks at his election rally, after the news media announced that Biden has won the 2020 US presidential election over President Donald Trump, in Wilmington, Delaware, US, November 7, 2020. (Reuters)
FILE PHOTO: Democratic 2020 US presidential nominee Joe Biden speaks at his election rally, after the news media announced that Biden has won the 2020 US presidential election over President Donald Trump, in Wilmington, Delaware, US, November 7, 2020. (Reuters)

In his victory speech, Biden emphasised his top priority being healing a deeply divided nation and promoting US unity. Having twice run as a presidential candidate before entering this year’s fierce race, the experienced Democratic politician thoroughly understands the serious challenges which have arisen as the country has seen deep division. He has stated it is time for the US people, regardless of gender and race, to put aside the prejudices of “red state” or “blue state” in order to build a powerful united nation. When he officially assumes the role, he will lead the country not as a politician of any faction, but in his capacity as the President, commander-in-chief of all Americans.

Engaging people in a joint effort is not only a priority, but also an urgent task for any White House leader in the current context, as the US has been immersed in a multidimensional crisis resulting from the serious and unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused a medical emergency, pushing the world’s no. 1 economy into a dire recession and putting to an end a 127 month run of growth, with unemployment rates closely approaching the record levels of the Great Depression in the 1930s. Meanwhile, the disease has not shown any sign of abating; on the contrary, the situation has evolved seriously in recent days with the number of cases increasing every day. The prospect of a “Dark Winter” is imminent if the US does not take comprehensive measures to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Stressing his top priority being quickly beating down the pandemic, Biden has said he would select an outstanding individual for the task of making a master plan to terminate COVID-19. He affirmed he would listen and encourage medical experts and scientists to make consistent recommendations to the people regarding COVID-19 prevention and control. Committing to continuing the support of those affected by the disease and an increase in the budget to help businesses create more jobs, the Democratic candidate also reiterated his wish to maintain the affordable care act, commonly known as Obamacare, but added that necessary adjustments would be made to extend its coverage to those experiencing economic difficulties, especially after the pandemic.

However, to realise that priority goal, the new leader of the White House will face a big challenge, settling differences between the two sides over budgets to support anti-epidemic and economic recovery efforts. The economic bailout package launched in March has expired, while talks between the Democrats and the Republicans on a new bill are still deadlocked. In the context of the thus far ineffective efforts to curb the disease and the mounting pressure on economic recovery, in the near future, the US government may still struggle in choosing between the maintenance of lockdowns to fight the pandemic or reopening to save the economy.

Regarding foreign affairs, the goal of restoring the US position in the international arena has been outlined following a series of controversial steps recently, which were both introverted and focused intently on protecting the national interest. In his campaign policy, Biden pledged to create a flurry of change in the way the US contributes to the world and how it deals with international issues, most prominently the goal of restoring cooperation with multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, World Trade Organisation (WTO) and World Health Organisation (WHO); rejoining global agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change; strengthening ties with its allies in NATO and Europe. However, barriers remain on these foreign affairs goals, as divisions persist in the bipartisan politics in the US.

A series of challenges are being posed to the new head of the US administration, from the pandemic, economic recession and racism to the reform of the judicial system, ensuring national security and improving foreign relations. To respond to and overcome these challenges, the 46th President of the US will need to exert a great degree of effort and prioritise the goal of healing political divisions and uniting the people.