Why Joe and his Democrats can only hope Trump comes back to power As the first woman: Independent Natasa Pirc-Musar becomes Slovenia’s president

A constant in Joe Biden’s long political life is that he is constantly underestimated. This may have to do with the fact that the Democrat comes from a small state. Or that he’s an old-fashioned politician.

Biden will be all the more pleased with the outcome of the midterm elections. As one of the few presidents in recent US history, Biden is starting the second half of his first term stronger, even though his Democrats are likely to lose a majority in the House of Representatives.

This success, at least at first glance, has little to do with Joe Biden as a person. The president is not popular. And a majority of voters would welcome the 80-year-old’s departure from the political scene.

But it is also true that Biden is the national figurehead of his party. During the election campaign, he specified the topics that allowed Democratic candidates to position themselves as “Team Normal” — as responsible politicians who rejected extremism.

That’s a recipe for success, at least as long as Republicans keep Donald Trump in check. And at the moment there are no signs that the ex-president wants to resign voluntarily. He will announce his next White House candidacy on Tuesday. In doing so, he ensures that his party cannot cut itself off from him. Much to the delight of the Democrats. (bzbasel.ch)