WASHINGTON, Nov 10, 2024 (AFP) – President Joe Biden will host President-elect Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, marking a historic moment in American politics as the Democratic leader pledges a peaceful transition of power back to his former Republican rival. This meeting, taking place in the Oval Office, will be the first between the two since Trump’s departure from the White House in 2021.

Trump’s return to the presidency comes just four years after he lost the 2020 election to Biden, a loss he never officially conceded, instead asserting unfounded claims of election fraud. This led to the January 6 Capitol riot and a departure from several presidential norms, including the tradition of inviting the incoming president to the White House and attending Biden’s inauguration. 

However, in a commitment to uphold the traditional peaceful transfer of power, Biden has confirmed his attendance at Trump’s upcoming inauguration.

The election on November 5, 2024, was a clear victory for Trump, who, despite his controversial past, won over voters by wider margins than he did in his initial run in 2016. Trump's second administration marks over a decade of his influence over the Republican Party and U.S. politics, with his campaign this time focused on conservative, right-wing principles.

An Unprecedented Presidential Comeback
At 78, Trump has successfully made a remarkable comeback despite a criminal conviction, two impeachments, and public criticisms from former administration officials. Former Chief of Staff John Kelly had even called Trump a “fascist,” a sentiment echoed by critics who view his return as a turn towards populism and nationalism. 

Nonetheless, Trump’s message resonated with a significant number of voters who cited economic concerns, particularly inflation, as their primary issues. Inflation surged under Biden, following the economic strains brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 81-year-old Biden, who formally exited the 2024 race in July, cited concerns about his age, health, and mental agility. Following his exit, Vice President Kamala Harris assumed the Democratic ticket, but her campaign faced significant challenges in the months leading up to Election Day. 

Reports suggest that some within the Democratic Party attribute the loss to Biden’s late departure from the race, limiting opportunities for potential Democratic contenders.

Democrats Seek Accountability
As Democrats reckon with the loss, internal disputes have arisen over the party's strategy. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the timing of Biden’s exit and his quick endorsement of Harris, suggesting it prevented other potential candidates from entering the race. 

"If the president had made his decision sooner, we might have seen a more competitive primary,” Pelosi told The New York Times. Pelosi, an influential figure within the Democratic Party, was reportedly instrumental in persuading Biden to step aside, citing the need for fresh leadership.

Despite the criticism, Pelosi defended Harris, praising her for bringing “a great deal of excitement” to the campaign. Democrats now face the challenge of understanding what went wrong in the 2024 election as they prepare for the new political landscape under Trump’s return.

Trump 2.0 Administration Takes Shape
Meanwhile, Trump has begun selecting his team for his second term. On Saturday, he announced that Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, would serve as his White House Chief of Staff. This makes Wiles the first woman to hold the position in a Trump administration, marking a significant shift from his previous choices.

However, Trump has also made it clear that he will not re-appoint certain officials from his first term. He has ruled out former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who had proposed a hawkish stance on Ukraine, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who challenged Trump for the Republican nomination earlier in the year.

Instead, former Ambassador to Germany Ric Grenell, known for his abrasive diplomatic style, is a leading candidate for the Secretary of State position. Also under consideration is Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who once referred to Trump as a "con artist" but has since reconciled with him.

Further solidifying his administration’s direction, Trump has promised a prominent role in health policy for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine advocate. 

In an interview with NBC, Kennedy clarified his stance, stating, “I'm not going to take away anybody's vaccines,” after Trump suggested Kennedy’s approach would focus on personal freedom in healthcare.

Trump may also bring in Elon Musk, the influential CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and X, to oversee government waste audits. Musk, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, has been a vocal Trump supporter, aligning himself with the former president’s vision of streamlined government.

A Nation Awaits
The upcoming meeting between Biden and Trump at the White House is emblematic of a broader political shift as the United States braces for the return of Trump’s polarizing yet influential leadership style. Both parties find themselves at a crossroads, with Democrats reevaluating their future strategies and Republicans preparing to wield power once more.

Trump’s return and his cabinet choices reflect his enduring hold on the GOP and a continuation of the policies and rhetoric that have defined his political career. 

With the new administration preparing to take charge, the nation watches closely as the Trump-Biden meeting unfolds, setting the stage for a dramatic chapter in American politics.

[AFP Inputs]

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