Ben Roback: Biden can continue to expand the state – now that Republicans are too distracted by the culture wars

Biden wants to act quickly and boldly while his party has unified control of Congress, knowing full well that could change next year.

Ben Roback: After Biden’s stumble on the steps, Harris’ stroll to the White House?

The President’s age and fall together shines an spotlight onto the woman who would assume the presidency were he to vacate it.

Ben Roback: Biden’s new administration. Are you not entertained? (No: and don’t expect to be.)

After the gladiatorial theatre of the Trump years, American politics is returning, at least in terms of government, to something more like normal.

Iain Dale: 400,000 police records have gone. In the Blair years, home secretaries were forced to resign over less.

Plus: Where have Allegra Stratton’s live press conferences got to? And why I hate Twitter.

Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Cakeism in action – Johnson is at once humorous and serious

The unenviable role of humourless teacher trying to discipline an impudent schoolboy was played by the Leader of the Opposition.

Ben Roback: Will Trump explode America’s two-party system?

Seventeen Republican senators would be needed for the two thirds majority required to impeach him. This seems a high bar.

Ben Roback: Who would bet on Trump turning up at Biden’s inauguration?

Intriguingly, he has retweeted an article which said: ‘May God bless him, Melania, and their family, as God leads him to the next chapter in his life.’

Biden’s top team takes shape. Diversity is required in principle though not always in practice.

The President-elect’s closest circle of advisers seem to be selected on the basis of trust and experience.

Lord Ashcroft: “If Trump loses…he can run again.” My American election focus groups in Pennsylvania and Arizona.

“Trump lies a lot and Biden’s kind of not all there.” And it’s less than a week to go until voting day.”

Lord Ashcroft: “If you’re voting for Trump, you keep your mouth shut.” My American election focus groups in Georgia and Ohio.

Many felt the election was going to be close – and that, whatever the outcome, there was a widespread expectation that things would get messy.

Ben Roback: The polls only point to one election outcome – a Biden win. But what if they’re wrong?

The worst-case scenario for polling day and the weeks that follow is illegal, armed militias imposing themselves on polling stations and state capitols.

Lord Ashcroft: Trump – “toxic”, “awesome”, both or neither? My American election focus groups in Michigan and North Carolina.

Several of our participants remained undecided. They wanted to hear more about where both candidates stood on policy, especially healthcare.

Iain Dale: If Milling isn’t up to being Party Chairman, why was she appointed in the first place?

Plus: virtual conferences are the way of the future. America’s vice-presidential debate worked. And: Fox deserved better from his WTO campaign.

Lord Ashcroft: “I think there might be riots whoever wins.” My American election campaign focus groups in Florida and Wisconsin.

“I could see this dragging out for weeks…we probably won’t know who’s president until late December or early January.”

Ben Roback: Vice-presidential debates usually don’t matter. Tonight’s does – because either contender could be president soon.

With Trump’s health still uncertain and Biden an even older man, Pence v Harris may turn out to be very important indeed.