Hello Quartz readers,
Americans who cast their ballots for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden did so for varying reasons. Some were simply fed up with the current White House occupant; others were concerned for the fate of democracy itself, and still others were channeling a more hopeful view of the future. Either way, the defeat of Donald Trump promises a wave of policy rollbacks and reversals by the former US vice president and Delaware senator.
Having averted another four years of Trump’s restrictive immigration policies, destructive environmental choices, and isolationist approaches to matters of global concern, America now has a chance to restore trust in the US and its institutions. But first it must tame an out-of-control virus and come up with enough federal aid to prevent a double-dip recession.
What can Americans, and the world, expect from a Biden administration? We put together a guide to key issues, including:
😷 The Covid-19 response
🚧 Immigration
⚕️ Healthcare
📋 Regulation
🌳 Climate change
⚖️ The US Supreme Court
👶 Paid family leave
🌎 International relations
🇨🇳 China
Of course, that all comes after Biden gets through his Day One checklist, which includes rejoining the World Health Organization, calling up NATO to repair relations, ending Trump’s “Muslim ban,” and making DACA permanent. (It’s going to be a long first day.)
The turnout is real
In the first century or so of American democracy, voting rights were held by white, male property-owners, and partisan politics was a big part of civic life. US voters turned out at high rates, equal to about 80% of the eligible voting population.
Over time, more people became eligible to vote, and politics became less central to everyday life. Today, American voters tend to participate far less than their predecessors. But judging by record turnout numbers in this week’s election, the situation could be shifting.
Photo finish
European leaders sent Biden their congratulations on Saturday, with well wishes pouring in from French president Emmanuel Macron, UK prime minister Boris Johnson, and Italian president Sergio Mattarella, among others. Meanwhile, in cities across the US, Americans took to the streets to celebrate Biden’s victory.
Tough questions ahead
Of course, much can still happen from here. We pulled together some pressing questions for the next few months.
What if Trump won’t concede? Most immediately, not a big deal. There’s no law requiring a written or verbal handover of the presidency between an incumbent and their successor.
What can he do in the lame duck period? The decorum of Trump’s exit remains to be seen, but he’ll have ample opportunity to create a mess on his way out.
What if…I don’t even want to say it. It may sound morbid, but at 77 Biden is the oldest president-elect in history, running amid a pandemic. Here’s what would happen if the worst were to happen.
Can the US “nevermind” leaving the Paris climate accords? It’s easy enough: just a signature and a 30-day waiting period. Here’s what else the 180-degree US pivot on climate change will look like.
…What if Trump had won? We thought about that. From an MIA Covid-19 response to major climate implications, the US narrowly skirted a dystopian future.
Finally, how do you clean Covid-19 out of a White House? Asking for a president-elect.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, reaction photos, and lame ducks to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our iOS app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by the entire exhausted Quartz staff.