We’re back after our election-week hiatus. Joe Biden has won the 2020 presidential election, but what kind of country he’ll inherit remains a subject of fierce debate.
This week in OtherWords, Sarah Anderson and Margot Rathke report on the stunning efforts of groups like the Poor People’s Campaign to turn out low-income voters and ensure that their rights were protected. Biden owes these voters big change, they argue.
But standing foremost in front of that change is the lame duck president himself, who refuses to concede the election. Mitchell Zimmerman argues that Republican efforts to discredit the election may not stop the transition, but they can still do tremendous harm.
By most accounts, we remain a deeply divided country. But as other writers explore this week, not about everything. Paul Armentano outlines the marijuana legalization measures that went undefeated, while Jim Hightower rattles off progressive ballot initiatives that passed handily in red states as well as blue.
Finally, Jill Richardson reflects on the role of empathy in the White House. Khalil Bendib illustrates the challenges Biden will face. And Katharine Wilkinson imagines a more expansive policy for fighting wildfires.
New This Week…
Low-Income Voters Showed Up for Biden. Now They Need Relief. | Sarah Anderson and Margot Rathke
People didn’t turn out in record numbers in a pandemic to vote for a return to normal.
Republicans Aren’t Just Bad Losers — They’re Traitors to Democracy | Mitchell Zimmerman
Trump’s insidious rhetoric on the election won’t stop Biden from taking office, but it’s not harmless either.
Marijuana Was the Clear Winner on Election Night | Paul Armentano
In red and blue states alike, every legalization measure on the ballot this year won with big margins.
Putting Out Wildfires, Now and Tomorrow | Katharine Wilkinson
Yes, we need more immediate safety measures — but also longer-term solutions for the pollution causing these climate disasters.
Put Empathy Back in the White House | Jill Richardson
I used to think policy was all that mattered in a leader. But after four years of Trump, my feelings have changed.
It’s Not Trump’s Country — Even in ‘Trump Country’ | Jim Hightower
Progressive ballot initiatives passed handily across the country, even in so-called red states.
Back in the Bottle | Khalil Bendib
Some things you can’t fix in one election.
In Case You Missed It…
Remember the Truly Vulnerable | Rosaline John Baptiste
I’m an immigrant domestic worker and I’ve lost my home. We need relief, regardless of our immigration status.
Biden’s Tax Plan Would Make America More Equal | Sam Pizzigati
High-end financial firms are warning their top 1 percent clients that their extraordinary tax privileges could soon end.
Farmers and Meatpackers Are Teaming Up | Sarah Anderson
During the pandemic and recession, farmers are realizing they have more in common with immigrant meatpackers than agribusiness CEOs.
Banning Fracking Isn’t Bad Politics — It’s Good Science | Joshua Cho
Even in Pennsylvania, a majority of voters say they’re open to banning the dangerous practice.
