Analysis of 2020 US Presidential Election Essay Example

The year 2020 ended in division, controversy, and uncertainty, and 2021 has certainly begun in much the same manner. Nonetheless, certain American traditions continue despite the upheaval, albeit in nontraditional circumstances. The inauguration of the Forty-Sixth President is no exception. Joseph Biden has taken the oath of office, and a new era has begun. 

The year 2021 has had one of the most eventful months of January ever. On the first Wednesday of the month, rioters stormed the capitol to protest the Election of 2020. The insurrection, as new President Joseph Biden called it, quickly turned violent, and was an absolute disgrace to the United States as a whole. On the second Wednesday of January, the impeachment of former President Donald Trump took place. President Trump is the only president to be impeached twice, in the history of the United States. Last Wednesday, or the third Wednesday of January, the Inauguration of the Forty-Sixth President, Joseph Biden took place. 

President Biden and Vice President Harris’s administration has taken on one of the most stressful states the United States has ever experienced, amidst an extremely divided country and a worldwide pandemic. There is also something very special about the Biden-Harris administration, and that is Vice President Kamala Harris. Regardless of one’s political views, no one can deny she has made immense history. Not only is she the highest-ranked female elected in government as the first woman to serve as the Vice President of the United States, but she is the first Black Vice President and the first South-Asian Vice President. President Harris has shown young girls around the country that they can do anything they set their minds to. 

For many young people, the Election of 2020 was the first election in which they have truly been invested. It is very easy to forget that before this past year, Americans have not only been known for their diversity and unity but especially for their peaceful transfer of power. The President typically hands over his responsibilities respectfully, and the new president even expresses gratitude to the former president for his dedication to the country. Unfortunately, that was not the case during this transition. Former President Donald Trump chose not to attend The Inauguration. There were other traditions broken as well, such as the first lady giving the new first lady a tour of the white house. In an interview back in December, President Biden was asked if he cared whether or not the Trumps attended the inauguration. He replied with, “Personally, no. But, for the sake of the tradition of the peaceful transfer of power and for the country, it would be better.”  Although it did break tradition, it was probably a good thing in general that President Trump did not attend. It would have seemed ingenuine. Former Vice President Michael Pence did attend the inauguration, which was very nice, along with the Obamas, the Buschs, and the Clintons. Hopefully in the future elections will be held to a higher standard of respect. Throughout all negativity around the country, President Biden and Vice President Harris kept tremendous class. This tradition of class extended through the actual inauguration ceremony. 

President Joseph Biden’s inauguration speech was very well thought out. It included themes of democracy, truth, and unity. He praised America as a whole, calling it a “great nation” with “good people.” It is vital Americans know how great this country is, even in times of divide. President Biden mentioned the COVID-19 Pandemic and the recent insurrection at the capitol. He claimed a riotous mob could never stop America’s democracy, by saying “It did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever.” President Biden spoke with intelligence, confidence, and respect. It was perfectly said. He even brought his faith into the speech, speaking about St. Augustine, a Catholic Saint. President Biden even paused to say a prayer for the four hundred thousand lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. That was a very nice touch. The way he brought up his faith made his speech more personal, without forcing his faith onto anyone. 

President Biden was not with stage time at the Inauguration. Performers such as Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Garth Brooks all sang classic American favorites, like Amazing Grace and The National Anthem. There was a young poet, named Amanda Gorman, who delivered a very powerful poem about unity, togetherness, and democracy. She related to the history set by Vice President Harris, by referring to herself as, “a skinny black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother [who] can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one.” Overall, Amanda Gorman’s performance was incredible and moving. 

The general theme of Inuaguration Day, being unity, was heartwarming. It is essential to be optimistic during a time like this, especially, that unity is possible. All teams work best when everyone is willing to be a team player, and the United States of America is no exception. There is hope a fresh start with President Biden and Vice President Harris will make unity possible. It is very important that during this transitional time every American offers the same respect and acceptance to the new administration as they would want to have. No matter what political veiws one has, they should try to be open minded until there is a real reason not to do so.