Democracy, Biden, and Harris Trumps Trump
From Trump’s incompetence, divisiveness, falsehoods, and autocracy to Biden’s political prowess, reason, genuineness, and shared governance. The moment Biden assumed the office of the presidency, a new feeling in America was palpable. The feeling of calm and stability permeated communities throughout the United States.
The serenity was in stark contrast to the chaos and collective foreboding during the previous years. Although the national nightmare of Trump’s presidency has ended, the ramifications of his time in office will linger. Trump’s words and actions as president were damaging. And the damage is deep and long-lasting. In just four years, the harm Trump inflicted on American democracy and the trauma he exacted on our national psyche revealed that America’s institutions and social fabric are far more fragile than many have imagined. The insurrection by Trump supporters at the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021, exposed the frailty of America’s democracy and has brought a feeling of vulnerability.
Over the last four years, conspiracy theories, racism, political extremism, and white nationalism in America were given oxygen and encouragement from the corridors of the most powerful political office in the United States. Trump repeatedly agitated the cultural and racial fault lines of American society. The malevolent strategy employed by Trump fostered hatred and division. Further, Trump used the full power of the presidential office for his personal interests and to punish those who opposed him. After the 2020 presidential election, Trump exerted extreme pressure on the courts and federal and state officials to overturn the results of the election. At times, it seemed our democracy might break.
If not for the integrity and resolve of a few federal and state government officials, the story of the 2020 election might have been different. And our country irretrievably changed. Our democracy bowed but survived. Federal and state laws governing voting rights and processes should now be reviewed and strengthened to ensure the will of the people can never be seriously challenged again.
Without the protections of the presidential office, Trump now faces several criminal investigations and lawsuits. Trump could potentially be prosecuted for a number of federal crimes as well. If any investigations ultimately prove criminality on the part of Trump, he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Any leniency or pardons on Trump’s behalf would diminish the rule of law.
More citizens participated in the 2020 presidential election than at any other time in United States history. And Biden and Harris received more votes than any other presidential ticket in history. Kamala Harris is the first women, African American, and Asian American to serve as the Vice President of the United States. Such a historic achievement is in complete juxtaposition to Trump’s amoral and exclusionary vision of America. Harris’s accomplishment should be celebrated and honored. Trump’s vision of America was resoundingly rejected in the 2020 election. And that should always be so. The events of the last four years culminating with the assault on the Capitol building provide clarity on the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry and that our democracy should never be taken for granted.
