[Genuine Realist]

I have at least a flicker of optimism that we as a country are capable of learning from experience. Except for the military and some other scattered denizens, we're soft mainly because we've had it easy. I would not be surprised if we came out of this pandemic with some greater sense of communitarianism, especially if the first year of what I expect to be a Biden presidency is not torn with even greater partisan controversy. He's obviously not going to please everyone, but I hope his promises of healing the country are realized to even a slight extent. I think he's going to win over some majority of the country if he manifestly tries to govern in a non-divisive fashion. But maybe I'm even more of a fool in my old age.

I had hoped that this pandemic would be a great unifier.  Alas, that did not happen (and while some blame does fall on the President, not all of it does).

If Biden wins (likely, but far from certain), I think you are overly optimistic that it will not be torn apart by partisanship.  Remember when the Great Financial Crisis brought us all together during the Obama administration?

BC

I am hopeful that moderates of both parties will be able to make their voices heard with more confidence when the President who deliberately excites rabid partisanship is gone.

The financial crisis of 2007-9 is not a good analogy. In the spring of 2009, Obama deliberately ignored the great unifying issue, deferred action on reform, and instead pursued a highly contentious plan of reform of medical care. You will recall my vehement expressions of dismay at the time and the bitter epithet I coined for him.

An issue or crisis will not a unify a nation .  . .  unless you actually use it as a unifying tactic. As different as their personalities are, neither Obama nor Trump did so. Biden may - hopefully  will - do better.

[Genuine Realist]

I have at least a flicker of optimism that we as a country are capable of learning from experience. Except for the military and some other scattered denizens, we're soft mainly because we've had it easy. I would not be surprised if we came out of this pandemic with some greater sense of communitarianism, especially if the first year of what I expect to be a Biden presidency is not torn with even greater partisan controversy. He's obviously not going to please everyone, but I hope his promises of healing the country are realized to even a slight extent. I think he's going to win over some majority of the country if he manifestly tries to govern in a non-divisive fashion. But maybe I'm even more of a fool in my old age.

I had hoped that this pandemic would be a great unifier.  Alas, that did not happen (and while some blame does fall on the President, not all of it does).

If Biden wins (likely, but far from certain), I think you are overly optimistic that it will not be torn apart by partisanship.  Remember when the Great Financial Crisis brought us all together during the Obama administration?

BC

I am hopeful that moderates of both parties will be able to make their voices heard with more confidence when the President who deliberately excites rabid partisanship is gone.

The financial crisis of 2007-9 is not a good analogy. In the spring of 2009, Obama deliberately ignored the great unifying issue, deferred action on reform, and instead pursued a highly contentious plan of reform of medical care. You will recall my vehement expressions of dismay at the time and the bitter epithet I coined for him.

An issue or crisis will not a unify a nation .  . .  unless you actually use it as a unifying tactic. As different as their personalities are, neither Obama nor Trump did so. Biden may - hopefully  will - do better.