Cliff’s Take: Nation Begins To Move Forward
Ten days since November 3rd and still counting. This is definitely not Brazil, where I lived for nearly a decade. On their election day, votes are tallied that night in a matter of hours. All electronic ballots; all digital.
Here in the US, we are old school—4,800 local administrative units (including counties and townships) and 50 separate states. They all have a say in how votes are counted. It is a mess; but what a beautiful mess. And Americans are on board with it. Heading into the election, a full 60% of Americans said they believe the process will be open and fair, idiosyncracies aside.
While the count continues, Joe Biden has been declared the winner by all the major media outlets. For the most part, America agrees. But President Trump and some of his cohorts are holding out, not yet ready to concede. Yes, this is 2020—a year where the natural order of things is just off. But, in my opinion, with public opinion and the institutions squarely behind Biden, Trump’s hopes aren’t even glimmers anymore.
- Record-breaking turnout. More people voted this year than ever before. Most projections put the final count at anywhere from 157 to 165 million when all is said and done; tens of millions more than the 136 million who cast a ballot in 2016. Incredible—democracy in action even in our COVID -19 world. The people will be heard. Look at the data below. We should all remember this historic moment.
- Trump, love him or hate him. Why such large numbers of voters you ask? Only one reason and his name is Donald Trump. Look at the results of Ipsos’ evaluation of Brand Biden vs. Brand Trump. Trump is a force—for attraction or repulsion, motivating unprecedented turnout. Biden, less so.
- Acceptance. Americans agree that Biden won. Democrats more than Republicans but still—majorities independent of political genome. Trump may have scant political capital at this point—but a plurality of Republicans are still in for the pound. But for how long?
- Dem détente. The Biden victory is even lifting optimism about the economy. Look at the data. Momentary fits of glee from Democrats or something more long-term? We shall see.
- A nation in two. Let’s not forget that we are still a divided nation. Yes, Biden won, but millions voted for Trump. These two camps see the world very differently. Look below. Dems see the system as rigged; Reps as not restrictive enough. And no one trusts the political class. Remember what Lincoln said about a house divided.
For a synthesis of the above, listen to my most recent interview with Tim Farley. As always, be safe and be sane.
For more information, please contact:
Clifford Young
President, U.S.
Public Affairs
+1 202 420-2016
[email protected]
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