The year 2020 was marked by an extraordinary amount of difficulty, both at home and abroad. A global health crisis seemingly appeared out of nowhere, straining resources and economies and, worst of all, taking lives. As the country navigates the pandemic, it also must deal with extreme political tensions that have only grown worse.

In normal times, the dawn of a new year might bring at least a small sense of renewal and optimism. From a political standpoint, 2021 looks to be even more polarizing than the last 12 months. The transition to a new administration will largely be colored by claims of election fraud, mishandling of the pandemic, and guilt by association.