'Nation Divided to Extremes and COVID-19'... Challenges for the Biden Administration (Comprehensive)

Show Extreme Polarization in Presidential Election Process
Challenges of Social Integration in the US
Division Between Both Houses and Republicans and Democrats
Possibility of Continued Division Throughout the Term
Urgent Resolution Needed for COVID-19 and Economic Stimulus
Stable Governance and Transition Work Required During Regime Change

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden won the U.S. presidential election on the 7th (local time). On one hand, there were cheers of victory, while on the other, cries of refusal to accept the results erupted. Before the final confirmation of the election results, if the trend is confirmed, the losing side does not even congratulate the winning side. President-elect Biden faces the task of uniting an extremely divided American society. With severe divisions evident not only during the election but also throughout the vote counting process, policies that embrace not only supporters but also opponents have become necessary.

Supporters of President Donald Trump are protesting in disagreement with the election results. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

During Donald Trump's four-year presidency, American society became extremely divided. In this election as well, supporters of President Trump are shouting "Stop the stealing" following Trump's claim that the election results were stolen. President Trump, who must accept the election results, is raising issues about the voting and counting process and is refusing to concede. The incumbent president thus serves as a focal point of division in American society.

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 an extreme confrontation structure based on race, income, residence, gender, and other factors. Looking at the exit polls conducted by the Associated Press, President-elect Biden and President Trump represent completely different Americans. Although Biden received 74 million votes, the most in U.S. history, President Trump also secured 70 million votes, reaffirming his solid support base.

In particular, as President Trump shows moves to legally challenge the election results, the wounds that American society will suffer after the election are expected to be severe. If the current election structure is confirmed, the House of Representatives will be controlled by the Democrats, while the Senate will have a Republican majority. If American society cannot overcome this division, conflicts may continue throughout the next president's term.

Citizens are taking to the streets to celebrate as the victory of President-elect Joe Biden is confirmed.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Seemingly aware of this, President-elect 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 position that represents all Americans and requires the duty to care for the American people. That is exactly what I will do."

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

In addition to uniting American society, addressing disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic, considered the worst crisis since World War II, is also his task. It is also important to promptly process economic stimulus measures that were delayed due to the election.

According to CNN reports, President-elect Biden will launch a COVID-19 task force on the 10th. This moment confirms his intention to prioritize COVID-19 in future governance.

CNN, citing a Biden campaign official, reported that President-elect Biden plans to announce a COVID-19 task force composed of 12 members.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The task force is expected to be led by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner David Kessler, and Yale University professor Marcella Nunez-Smith.

CNN explained that this move shows how much importance President-elect Biden places on COVID-19 response even before taking office.

With winter beginning, the United States is already experiencing a second wave of COVID-19. It is necessary to suppress the spread, maintain medical resources, and accelerate vaccine and treatment development. Above all, it is urgent to shift the American society's quarantine response system to minimize casualties.

To solve these tasks, cooperation from the incumbent President Trump is essential. President-elect Biden must coexist with President Trump and the current administration, who have shown refusal to accept the election results by alleging corruption and fraud, to address national crises such as COVID-19.

However, as President Trump shows signs of continuing lawsuits without accepting the election results, concerns arise about governance during the transition of power between the current and next administrations. Efforts are also needed to persuade President Trump to acknowledge the election results and cooperate with the transfer of power to the next administration.

A swift preparation process for the next administration is inevitable. In the Obama administration, in which Biden participated as vice president, the economic team was finalized on November 24, 2008, two months before inauguration, demonstrating a rapid approach. At that time, the election was also settled early, but this time, delayed confirmation of election results, expected lawsuits, and the incumbent president's non-cooperation are challenges that must be addressed.

Restoring alliances with traditional allies is also urgent. To move away from President Trump's unilateral foreign policy and restore traditional U.S. diplomatic relations, relationships with major countries such as China, Russia, Europe, and international organizations must be reconsidered. How much the United States can regain its leadership while containing China depends on his capabilities.

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