Biden Faces 'Steep Challenges' to Overcome Even After Crossing the Presidential Election Threshold

Show Extreme Polarization in the Presidential Election Process
Challenges of Social Integration in the United States
Division Between Republican and Democratic Parties in Both Houses
Possibility of Continued Division Throughout the Term

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] If Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate, wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election, he will face the challenge of uniting a divided American society. With extreme divisions evident not only during the election but also throughout the vote-counting process, policies that embrace both supporters and opponents have become necessary.

During Donald Trump's four-year presidency, American society became deeply divided. In this election as well, Trump supporters are shouting "Stop the steal" following Trump's claims that the election results were stolen. Meanwhile, Biden supporters are responding by chanting "Count every vote," creating a confrontational atmosphere.

Even the United States, accustomed to the dichotomy of Democrats and Republicans or progressives and conservatives, is issuing warnings about extreme polarization. Especially in this election, there is a stark division based on race, income, residence, and gender. According to exit polls conducted by the Associated Press, Biden and Trump represent completely different segments of the American population.

Particularly, with President Trump showing signs of legal challenges and refusal to accept the election results, the wounds that American society will suffer after the election are expected to be severe. If the current electoral map is confirmed, the House of Representatives will be controlled by the Democrats, while the Senate will be held by the Republicans. If American society cannot overcome this division, conflicts may continue throughout the next president’s term.

Seemingly aware of this, Biden stated, "We campaigned as Democrats, but I will govern as the President of the United States," adding, "The presidency itself is not a partisan institution. It is the only office that represents all Americans and requires the duty to care for them. That is what I intend to do."

Twelve years ago, President Barack Obama traveled to Washington by train, like President Abraham Lincoln, to raise the banner of unity. The need to demonstrate bipartisan cooperation for American unity has also grown.

In addition to uniting American society, Biden’s tasks include overcoming crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, considered the worst since World War II. It is also important to promptly pass economic stimulus measures that were delayed due to the election.

To address these challenges, cooperation from the incumbent President Trump is essential. Biden must work alongside Trump and the current administration, who have shown resistance to the election results by alleging corruption and fraud, to tackle national crises like COVID-19.

A swift transition process for the next administration is also unavoidable. When Biden served as Vice President in the Obama administration, the economic team was finalized on November 24, 2008, two months before inauguration, demonstrating a rapid approach.

Restoring alliances with traditional allies is urgent as well. To move away from Trump’s unilateral foreign policy and restore America’s traditional diplomatic relationships, new considerations must be given to major countries such as China, Russia, and Europe, as well as international organizations. How Biden balances checking China while regaining American leadership will depend on his capabilities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.