Staff Reports
A deep examination into what a Biden-to-Harris transition might look like reveals more turbulence ahead than one might expect, especially for a duo that supposedly has such a close personal bond. The Washington Examiner cites history to suggest that the odds of a smooth transfer of power are anything but favorable. After all, the transition from George H.W. Bush to Ronald Reagan in 1988 was considered immensely difficult, setting a benchmark that was perhaps only surpassed by Donald Trump’s entrance after Barack Obama. While some may imagine a seamless handoff, history warns that appearances can be deceiving.
Experts point out that just because both Biden and Harris are cut from the same political cloth does not guarantee an easy shift. The turnover rate for presidential administrations sees an average of around 20% from one term to the next, but that spikes considerably in high-pressure situations like the transition between Reagan and Bush, which reached nearly 50%. New leadership almost invariably brings in new appointees, as fresh faces are often seen as a way to assert independence. Additionally, the rigors of serving in a previous administration can lead many to seek new endeavors after years of political trials and tribulations.
Wake up with the Washington Examiner: Harris transition challenges and election cases being decided now – Washington Examiner https://t.co/2lp7392MoG
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Meanwhile, on the election legal front, states are busy cleaning house and verifying their voter rolls, with a slew of lawsuits back in play. The Department of Justice is making headlines in Alabama, taking action against Secretary of State Wes Allen for purging voter rolls during the prescribed “quiet period” leading up to elections. This move has the potential to introduce further chaos just as ballots start to roll in.
In Arizona, the scrutiny is under the spotlight as Democrats face pressure from Republicans regarding the Secretary of State’s failure to confirm the citizenship of 218,000 voters. The state’s last election was decided by a mere 11,000 votes, making the stakes extraordinarily high. The Republican Party in Arizona is on standby, hoping for clarity in court and maintaining that most flagged voters are likely citizens who simply haven’t updated their records. Only time will tell if this points to broader voting issues in a state that has been a focal point of electoral contention.
Mississippi isn’t facing any less drama, with the Republican National Committee challenging the constitutionality of accepting ballots that arrive more than seven days post-Election Day. In what should come as no surprise, the state’s laws dictate that as long as the ballot is postmarked by Election Day, it counts. However, the ramifications of any favorable ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals could ripple across the nation, potentially shaping voting practices far beyond Mississippi’s borders.
In the greater political arena, as tension mounts and campaigns heat up, Biden appears to be navigating his way through a public schedule devoid of events, while Vice President Harris plans a late-night appearance in Pennsylvania. In the same vein, Trump continues to draw attention, if not confusion, about his candidacy. As the political landscape shifts, the curtain rises on what could be a chaotic election season, where nothing is certain, and surprises lurk at every turn.
