Jill Biden: Is she the person to heal America’s divisions?

As the Bidens prepare to enter the White House, Sean O’Grady considers what America – and the world – can expect to see from the soon-to-be first lady

The next first lady has signalled her intent to continue as a professor of English (Getty)

Christmas was very different for the Bidens this year and not just because it was the last they will spend before moving into the White House. No doubt some family rituals were honoured: Joe insisting on the careful personal placement of each ribbon of tinsel on the tree, for example. Usually they have 26 or so assorted members of the clan around, but this year they pared it down to just a few. Though the president-elect and soon-to-be first lady have had their Covid jabs, that wasn’t long ago and they are anxious to set an example of restraint and self-discipline. Maybe next year, when the new first lady will be in charge of the White House decorations, there will be a bigger reunion. Presumably Jill will not be asking her mates, “Who gives a f*** about Christmas stuff?” as poor Melania Trump was caught doing. 

This year’s restrictions are a wrench for everyone, of course, but maybe particularly for the Bidens, given the extra-special closeness of Jill and Joe. This is not a sentimental point, as much as a simple statement of fact, and of something that America and its friends around the world will have to get used to. For very soon, America will have the most cosy, lovey-dovey couple in the White House that they have had in living memory, and a first lady with maybe more influence than most. It will certainly be a partnership of equals.