Night Owls is a themed open thread appearing at Daily Kos seven days a week.

At The Nation, Rafael Khachaturian writes—Trump Has Left the Building, but the Foundations Are Still in Place. Attention has rightly been paid to his malign influence. But the shift to the right started before his presidency, and promises to continue after it:

It has been an ignominious close to a historical moment that will be measured by its impact for years to come.

On inauguration day, 2021, the internet was taken hold by viral content not seen in years. An image of Sen. Bernie Sanders, arms and legs crossed, mask-wearing, and wearing warm Vermont-made mittens, watching the inaugural proceedings, took off. Memes were created using Sen. Sanders.

A story written by me was placed here and enjoyed.

We have a new president!

But Republicans still run the show in most statehouses, and they’re not going to be shy about using their power to stymie the Biden agenda at every opportunity.

And then there’s the next round of redistricting, where GOP gerrymandering is likely to return the U.S. House to an artificial GOP majority after 2022.

Sorry, sunshine was for Inauguration Day.

Before leaving the White House in shame, Donald Trump used his power to ensure one last thing: that he and his family members would receive continued protection from the U.S. Secret Service for at least six months.

Back when it was safe to fly, I always dreaded the landing. As a recovering Catholic, I still do the sign of the cross out of impulse, a long-lingering tic that convinces me I’m making myself safe.