I wonder if Americans realise just how protracted their election cycles appear from outside. The date of the UK's latest general election was only announced on 22 May, but the newly elected government rolled into office just 44 days later on 5 July. With the months (years) of politicking going on over in America before every 4-yearly presidential election it's surprising they manage to get anything else done in between.
I'm very well aware and hate it. It seems most of the time that it's all about the next election and getting re-elected and all that rather than actually doing anything about anything. It's really quite frustrating and exhausting...
how's that meme go? "That's the thing. They don't!"
Like Obscura says, it feels like first term presidents do almost nothing but set up their re-election campaign four years later. Instead of really meaningfully undoing the damages of the previous president, or trying to do anything really notable or memorable to make things better for anyone. And it is SO frustrating to live through again and again.
Content warning: re: CW: US and UK elections