"I suspect that the next administration will continue this "let's find a way to backdoor stuff".", Sure they will, there is no going back anymore. If they don't do it some other government will. Today it's about how and by who those possible backdoors, and the data, is used.
As for the election, yes the circus has started, the zoo is full, and Hollywood hasn't got a chance to compete in money or entertainment for a long time. I wouldn't give shit about it, if it was about "Zzstan", but it's not. Please Americans, get involved, be critical, don't eat shit, vote. The result will touch you too.