WASHINGTON — After a decisive election, President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, and President Joe Biden all spoke about national unity. But while the words are there, actions may not follow.
Trump, addressing supporters after his victory, pledged to “help our country heal,” while Harris, conceding the race, said she would work toward a peaceful transfer of power. However, Harris made it clear that accepting the results didn’t mean accepting Trump’s policies, particularly on issues like abortion and the economy.
Despite a smooth transition, the divisions that have plagued American politics for years remain. Trump’s rhetoric has often been combative, and critics worry he will not change course, especially after his victory, which includes both the popular vote and Electoral College.
Biden, who campaigned on unity, has faced challenges from within his own party, with some blaming him for Democrats’ midterm losses. He acknowledged the difficulty of achieving unity in a divided Washington, especially after his own struggles with partisan gridlock.
In the end, unity will require trust and compromise across party lines — something that seems increasingly rare in today’s polarized political landscape.
