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Joe Biden has become the 46th president of the United States, thankfully without any violence at the U.S. Capitol as he was sworn in. His inauguration speech, in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s talk of “American carnage” four years ago, was an appeal to America’s better angels, reminiscent of the Barack Obama address I took in as a White House correspondent in 2009. Like Obama, Biden has taken over the job from an unpopular and divisive president — I remember people jeering and raising their middle fingers at George W. Bush as Marine One flew over the Capitol on Jan. 20, 2009. Now, of course, the Bush years seem a lot less chaotic than the past four were. Hearing Biden speak of unity, healing — not to mention the tribute he paid to the 400,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19 — was like a balm for the soul.
Today in The Conversation Canada, Thomas Klassen of York University outlines the normalcy Biden is likely going to bring back to the presidency on everything from climate action to foreign policy and his outreach to congressional leaders. But he notes: “A normal presidency with clear objectives and strategies seems easy in the exhilarating first weeks of a new administration. Then, invariably, the unforeseen occurs, events escalate uncontrollably and crises ensue. Only then will the character of Biden and his presidency be fully revealed.”
Also today:
Regards,
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Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021.
(Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP)
Thomas Klassen, York University, Canada
After four tumultuous years under Donald Trump, Joe Biden becomes president and pledges to advocate for unity and healing.
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Joe Biden has cast his campaign to “restore the soul of America” as an antidote to the turmoil of the Trump presidency.
AP Photo/Scott Applewhite
Daniel McNeil, Carleton University
Joe Biden has said he wants to create a cabinet that "looks like America." But getting racialized people into powerful positions should be a means to tackle structural inequalities, not a goal in and of itself.
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Hydrogen gas was banned for use in airships based on misinformation and outright falsehoods 100 years ago.
(Piqsels)
Barry E. Prentice, University of Manitoba
Hydrogen-filled cargo airships could do for the Northern economy what the railways did for Western Canada 125 years ago. It's time to lift the antiquated ban on hydrogen gas for use in blimps.
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Children’s television has grown increasingly diverse, reflecting an awareness of the importance of inclusion and representation.
(Shutterstock)
Kim Wilson, Ryerson University; Adrianna Ruggiero, Ryerson University; Colleen Russo Johnson, Ryerson University; Josanne Buchanan, Ryerson University
A trend towards including more diverse characters has changed children's television, but there's still work to be done, especially when it comes to gender and representation.
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Politics
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Scott Lucas, University of Birmingham
Biden's inaugural speech focused mainly on healing domestic rifts and a new kind of politics at home. But he also signalled a return to engagement with the outside world.
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Business + Economy
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William Chittenden, Texas State University
Since 1953, the economy has only rarely been in recession when a Democrat was in the White House.
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Health
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Yoram Vodovotz, University of Pittsburgh; Michael Parkinson, University of Pittsburgh
Lifestyle medicine targets the root of chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Experts explain why everyone should embrace these free prescriptions for good health.
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