麻豆社

In a new series, James Naughtie examines the legacy inherited by President Biden, and what might come next.

The Trump administration achieved a series of major changes, some of which seem likely to persist - in foreign policy, how America's economy functions, the membership of the country's highest court and, in this first episode, American politics. But it also left America divided more than ever before - often along lines which existed long before Donald Trump entered politics. President Biden has said that he wants to bring people together, but can he, and what will it take to salve his nation's wounds?

Speaking to key figures in the orbits of both Presidents, James will explore the implications of a consequential presidency, which reconstructed the country's political coalitions, gave voice to many who had felt ignored and overlooked, and dramatically reshaped what being president means and how one should behave. Understanding the forces which propelled Donald Trump to the White House will be key to the success of the Biden presidency, but Biden faces other pressures too. Will it be possible just to turn the clock back, or is a very new model of presidential leadership now required?

Producers: Giles Edwards and Jonathan Brunert.