Political indiscretion has been a spectacle for the last four years. Initial distrust and frustration throughout the nation have broadened, and division has widened. Trump’s tenure has been marked and will remain known as one who left America polarized. He has done so by brandishing our differences and building his stage. Nonetheless, the performance has been entertaining. This dysfunction, so evident, has provided lots of material for the media, along with quite a bit of nervous laughter.

In recent years, news outlets have closely monitored Trump, desperately unpacking and subverting endless claims and conspiracies. This has served as quite the drama by no doubt, not to mention the drastic increase in political interest from the public. Furthermore, though we ought to disagree with personal political beliefs, we cannot deny that his presidency has transformed political news coverage as we know it. And, it was almost thrilling to watch. His moves never failed to surprise the public and perfectly embodied his role in the attention-seeking cultural figure.

But was this a distraction?

As an audience, we are not entirely innocent in this matter. Acting as compliances to Trump’s fervent role in the media, we were collectively drawn to this unpredictability. This led us to stray from crucial, longer-term storylines and drift towards the basic rhythm of chaos. All the while, we claim to crave anything but divisive politics. Only what could grasp the attention of so many served to broaden the dissension between parties and create further division.

So, do we need boring?

Politicians are not entertainers. And although the lack of outburst may affect those whose jobs demand public interest, a politician’s job is to cool passions, not inflame them. This is tradition. A president who fits this agenda might not keep the nation enthralled, but they will be practical and effective. Without the incitement of further troubles, our focus can turn to actual issues, ones we should have regarded years prior. Though no presidency will ever be free of interest or confirmation bias, one that prioritizes influence over assertion will deliver a much favorable outcome. If a president were to build a bridge to the opposite party, it ought not to be through baseless claims and insults.

Now, is Biden terrific for the job? Far from it. However, no president has yet to be. In light of recent years, it is a step in the right direction. The inauguration last month went according to plan, and his first few weeks in office have been quiet. The kind of quiet we might have taken for granted. If this silence lasts (fingers crossed), we need to continue to give the media the same attention. With Trump’s absence, perhaps they can focus on informing and educating the public rather than constantly unpacking his endless conspiracies. As a nation, we must take an interest in “boring” politics and understand that it need not be a raging inferno to find the news fascinating.

Can we let out the breath we have held for so long?

Unfortunately, no. Though things may be looking up, we must continue to hold both the media and political figures accountable. The importance of numerous political issues in our society has not simply emerged in the past four years. It has just become conspicuous. And now that light has been shed. We must settle them. Merciless jabs and takes at opponents doesn’t help any of us. In our democracy, we need initiative, we need guidance, and we certainly need maturity, but we don’t need entertainment.