The United States' problems won't be over when the slow-motion train wreck of the election is finally concluded and, as now seems likely, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden sits behind the desk in the Oval Office.

As president, Mr Biden will come to power diminished by the narrowness of his victory over Republican rival Donald Trump. He will also face some of the most daunting problems ever to confront a US president. Many are obvious - a raging pandemic, a convalescent economy and a deeply divided society.