Can Biden heal the wounds?
Donald Trump likes to call his chief political rival “Sleepy Joe”, but should the President lose the upcoming election, a new nickname could be in order. Former Vice-President Joe Biden would require the moniker of “Cleaner-in-Chief” should he be sworn in next January. In just three months the mop-up job he potentially faces has gone from doable to extremely daunting.
Normally incoming leaders try to push through a couple of key projects in their first term while their political capital is greatest. Biden, who probably thought major change would be secondary to setting a new tone and restoring more conventional government, now has a longer list.
With the outpouring of anger and grief and demands for a policing overhaul following the death of George Floyd, comprehensive justice and civil rights reform is a must. But Biden would also have to focus on political and legal changes in Washington after the Trump Administration.
Last week Trump tested the limits of his security powers in hair-curling ways, using strongman tactics and raising questions of just how quietly he would go if defeated.
At one point, he threatened to deploy troops across the country as peaceful protesters near the White House were cleared away with tear gas. Trump then walked to a nearby church and held a Bible aloft for a photo op. The White House released a video of the “Dear Leader”-style stunt.
America’s streets have at times looked like a war zone. Trump, who talked of dominating the streets, took advantage of the District of Columbia’s nonstate status to flood Washington with troops, some unidentified. There was a swift backlash from former military leaders and some Republicans, and public defiance from Defence Secretary Mark Esper. Democrats want to limit the President’s powers under the Insurrection Act.
Long-term policy planning does not appear to be on Trump’s radar. Biden, who has called the election a moral test, would have to try to improve national unity and repair international ties with allies at a time of deteriorating relations with China.
He would likely inherit an economy still with high unemployment. There will be ongoing effects and lessons to be learned from the pandemic. The existing health system needs surgery. Issues such as climate change, gun violence, inequality and infrastructure improvements await attention.
Biden’s choices for vice-president, attorneygeneral, secretary of state and treasury would be particularly crucial. It cannot be all old hands returning and long-term solutions — the younger generation out protesting will want new blood and bold steps taken straight away.
Trump’s former defence secretary, Jim Mattis, wrote: “We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership. We can unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society.”
Biden, who has spoken of bringing younger, diverse leaders through, will need all the help he can get to sweep with a new broom.
This newspaper is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to formalcomplaints@nzherald.co.nz. If dissatisfied, the complaint may be sent to the Media Council, P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www.mediacouncil.org.nz Include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.