Election 2020

President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Phoenix Goodyear Airport on Oct. 28, 2020, in Goodyear, Ariz. AP Photo by Evan Vucci

Trump’s endorsements will remain a force within the GOP, new study says

Trump’s backing would make Republicans more likely to support his candidate, according to a new survey by researchers from Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers. Though some Republican lawmakers like Liz Cheney have moved away from him, the 45th president will continue to be a major force within the Grand Old Party

by Peter Ramjug February 16, 2021

President Joe Biden signs his first executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Advice for Biden’s first 100 days: Bring in new perspectives and focus on the possible

President Joe Biden’s to-do list is long and his goals are ambitious. We asked Northeastern professors to suggest what’s most important—and most practical—on the economy, healthcare, and social justice.

by Peter Ramjug January 21, 2021

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021, as their children Ashley and Hunter watch. AP Photo by Andrew Harnik, Pool

In a divided Washington, Biden has some paths to unity, Northeastern experts say

“America First” became “America United” as Biden charted an optimistic course for the country in his first presidential speech, Northeastern faculty experts say. Biden pledged to help the nation bridge an ever-widening political divide to face numerous challenges, including a raging pandemic and high unemployment. The political tide may work against him but early wins are possible, faculty predict.

by Peter Ramjug January 21, 2021

President Donald Trump arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Dec. 12, 2020, AP Photo by Andrew Harnik

Momentum grows for a Trump impeachment

Calls for President Donald Trump’s removal from the White House continue from both Democrats and Republicans after last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol. But according to Northeastern law professor Jeremy Paul, while impeachment permanently bars a president from being appointed to a federal position in the future, it’s not clear if that ban also includes elected office, like the presidency. "There's some dispute about that," Paul says.

by Peter Ramjug January 11, 2021

District of Columbia National Guard stand outside the Capitol, Wednesday night on Jan. 6, 2021, after a day of rioting protesters. It's been a stunning day as a number of lawmakers and then the mob of protesters tried to overturn America's presidential election, undercut the nation's democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House. AP Photo by John Minchillo

People stormed the Capitol—was it domestic terrorism?

People who attack non-military targets like a government building for a political goal could be categorized as domestic terrorists, but it’s more complicated than that, a Northeastern professor says. People like those who rioted at the Capitol tend to be afforded greater legal protections under the First Amendment, he adds.

by Peter Ramjug January 7, 2021

Georgia Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate Raphael Warnock, left, and Jon Ossoff, right, gesture toward a crowd during a campaign rally on on Nov. 15, 2020, in Marietta, Ga. AP Photo by Brynn Anderson

Second win in Georgia gives Democrats control of Senate for first time in 6 years

Jon Ossoff edged out David Perdue to win the other Georgia seat, allowing Democrats to set the legislative calendar and work in tandem with President-elect Joe Biden to make good on his campaign promises, say Northeastern professors. But slim Democratic majorities in Congress likely means Biden won’t get everything he wants, they add.

by Peter Ramjug January 7, 2021

Voters wait in line to cast their ballots in Georgia's Senate runoff elections at a senior center, on Jan. 5, 2021, in Acworth, Ga. AP Photo by Branden Camp

Even if both Democrats win, Georgia cliffhanger could delay Biden’s confirmations

Though Democrats clinched one Georgia Senate seat and are leading in another, expected litigation means the personnel confirmation process is essentially frozen, says Northeastern professor Daniel Urman. The delay could also shape the kind of nominees Biden puts forth for the remaining open positions, he adds.

by Peter Ramjug January 6, 2021

President Donald Trump walks to the White House on Dec. 31, 2020, in Washington. AP Photo by Evan Vucci

That Trump phone call to Georgia was an abuse of office, but probably not criminal

The House likely won’t pursue impeachment while it counts down the final days of the Trump administration, and it would be difficult for prosecutors to mount a federal criminal case, say two Northeastern professors. Like another Republican president who faced impeachment, they add, Trump should channel his inner Nixon and concede that he lost the election to Biden and move on.

by Peter Ramjug January 4, 2021

President-elect Joe Biden speaks after the Electoral College formally elected him as president on Dec. 14, 2020, at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del. AP Photo by Patrick Semansky

Biden’s attorney general pick will need to depoliticize the Justice Department

Weeks away from the inauguration, the top prosecutor’s job in Biden’s cabinet is still without a nominee. Whoever ends up with the role will have to lower the political temperature and juggle several high-profile federal investigations, including one involving Biden’s son, says Northeastern law professor Jeremy Paul.

by Peter Ramjug December 17, 2020

President-elect Joe Biden. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

The Electoral College vote will put Biden one step closer to the Oval Office

Electors are expected to throw their support behind Biden, effectively ending President Trump’s legal odyssey to overturn his loss, Northeastern professors say. Come Jan. 20, Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States, they add, but reforms are needed to the long, drawn-out process of choosing a leader.

by Peter Ramjug December 11, 2020