Monday, November 9, 2020

Back to the 'old normal' in the US

Around three years before the pandemic struck, Donald Trump ushered in a new form of public engagement and governance in the US, in a radical departure from the past. 

A whole swathe of presidential conduct changed dramatically -- aspects ranging from decision-making to implementation; from interaction with the media to engagement with world leaders; from honouring time-tested traditions to characterising as enemies people who had divergent views.

This was a 'new normal' people in the US and many people abroad were forced to get accustomed to.

They now won't have to. It's back to the presidential demeanour and diplomacy that we have always known.

This video popped on my YouTube feed ... as if reminding me of where the thread was left ... President Obama surprising Vice President Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on January 12, 2017. (It's 37 minutes long.)

Fast forward three years, 10 months ... President-elect Biden delivers the acceptance speech on Nov 7, 2020.

Biden seems to have recouped his energy during the four-year break. Good for him. Hopefully, good for America and for the rest of the world.

Can't leave Kamal Harris out. A great speech.

13 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Well, relief that the Trump has been trumped. ...am not overly convinced with the alternative, I admit. Though am excited for Kamala-ji! YAM xx

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    1. Hi Yamini - Biden has his weaknesses, but going by the vast amount of experience he has, probably he will be able to manage well the mess that has been inherited.

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  2. It may be a victory, but unfortunately, the fight is far from over. The republicans have already shown they won't follow the law when it suits them. The struggle against them will be going on for a long, long time.

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  3. I don't know if it was energy he recouped. Before 2016, his son had just passed away. That's hard on anyone. And would he have won in 2016? We can't be sure of that. Too many people liked *45's rhetoric, and they're emboldened now.

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  4. The media and the Democrats could not accept Hillary Clinton lost in 2016 for 4 years. I hope Republicans do not do the same. Accept the loss and try to win over the people.

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  5. A welcome change for the 'normal' the Americans are accustomed to . Here is hoping that the new team would contain immediately the Covid menace and eradicate it eventually. I hope the transition will be smooth.

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    1. Hi KP - Hope it all settles down fast and there is less of negativity coming out from that part of the world.

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  6. No Politician is above the welfare of the common man. Even in kingdoms. This is a democracy!

    Destination Infinity

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  7. Hi Pradeep - interesting post and I just hope sense will come through as we settle down again ... take care - Hilary

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  8. It's been an interesting few years watching the US and their govt - it's made me very grateful that I live in Australia and that our govt is much more moderate and more reflective of the general population - we don't have the huge emotional reactions to govt decisions that I see coming thru from the US on Facebook. I hope that once the dust settles, we'll see the Americans returning to a calmer state.

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    1. Hi Leanne - Looks like the limits of tolerance are receding. I hope this unsavory phase in the US doesn't last too long, and 2021 will herald a new era.

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  9. Back to normal, yes, and with a great vice president too

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