On Tuesday, President Joe Biden will mark 6 months in office. He has had strong successes, but there is much more to accomplish ahead
Biden’s popularity is positive and steady above 50 per cent. His policy proposals have met with strong approval: how he has managed the pandemic, the vigorous jobs gains and economic recovery, the direct financial support to families and workers, a more normal summer of being together with friends and family and travelling again, and an overall sense of optimism about the future.
The troops have come home from Afghanistan, American leadership on the world stage is valued again by US allies. There was direct engagement with President Putin. Biden is strengthening policy across Asia and will soon engage more directly with China.
Biden’s Cabinet officials are performing well. His White House staff is viewed as exceptionally able. Processes are orderly. The chaos of the Trump years is gone. The press is no longer the enemy of the people.
While it has been an exceptionally good six months, there are many challenges yet to be faced and overcome
Partisanship in the capital is at poisonous levels.
The Senate Republican leader says he is committed to “100%” opposition to what Biden is doing. Legislation that passes the House of Representatives faces death by filibuster in the Senate.
President Joe Biden speaks about his administration’s response to the coup in Myanmar in the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
There is no movement on issues that tear at the fabric of American life: voting rights, gun control, immigration reform.
What is the Republicans game-plan?
While Biden supporters clamour for action but there is no clear road ahead. The Republican game-plan is simple: stop Biden from governing and take that failure to the midterm elections next year and take back control of Congress.
Former US President Donald Trump
The next crucial piece of economic recovery – rebuilding the country with a vigorous infrastructure program and advancing Biden initiatives on education, climate, and health care – are all in the balance in the Senate. Whether the bipartisan infrastructure agreement truly holds – will it die because of lack of sufficient Republican support? – will be the crucial test of whether any meaningful engagement between the president and the Republicans is possible. Votes are expected this month.
But where is Biden really vulnerable?
Republicans have not been successful in attacking Biden frontally on his major legislative achievements: curbing the pandemic, rolling out the vaccines, financial support, jobs and growth, infrastructure, education and skills.
Instead, their focus is on cultural issues that tap into the raw emotions Trump unleashed throughout his presidency, and they are pushing these hot buttons:
Crime, and the rise in crime violence in American cities. Over the weekend, there was a shooting outside National Stadium in Washington, where a ballgame was underway.
Immigration, and whether the southern border is “out of control.” There have been as million arrests at the border this year, and over 180,000 in June – a 20-year high.
Inflation, where there are sharply rising costs for petrol, housing, and some foods, and whether the massive Biden spending programs are fueling these price rises.
Instability in Cuba and Haiti, and whether this will trigger as wave of refugees headed to Florida.
Afghanistan, and whether the Taliban will take control over the country and threaten terrorism.
Republicans will take these culture war issues into next year’s elections.
Biden knows all this. He is focused. He knows what he wants to get done. And he believes he can.
Bruce Wolpe is a Ticker News US political contributor. He’s a Senior Fellow at the US Studies Centre and has worked with Democrats in Congress during President Barack Obama's first term, and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He has also served as the former PM's chief of staff.
Trump rules out firing Fed Chair Powell and hints at lowering China tariffs, easing investor concerns.
In Short
President Trump confirmed he won’t fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and is considering lowering tariffs on China to soothe market concerns.
He stated that while current tariffs are too high, attempts to remove Powell could disrupt markets and lead to legal issues.
President Trump stated he has no intention of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. He also mentioned potential reductions in tariffs on China, which calmed investor fears after recent aggressive actions from the administration.
Following Trump’s comments, U.S. stock futures and the dollar saw gains, while gold futures retreated from their record highs. His reassurances came after earlier criticisms of Powell, where Trump expressed discontent on social media, indicating Powell’s termination should happen quickly.
Lower rates
Despite rising tensions, Trump downplayed recent comments from Kevin Hassett, suggesting an examination of Powell’s job security. Trump also remarked that it is an ideal time to consider lower interest rates, but clarified that firing Powell would not be the solution.
Concerns within the administration focused on how such an attempt could disrupt markets and result in a legal challenge. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent voiced these apprehensions, warning of possible consequences for market stability.
Trump elaborated that current tariffs on China, at 145%, are excessive and would be lowered, though not completely eliminated. Attempts to remove Powell might lead to legal complications, as Federal Reserve governors can typically only be dismissed for cause.
Ultimately, undermining the Fed’s independence could increase borrowing costs for many, leading to adverse outcomes for both the president and the economy.
Pope Francis dies aged 88 as world mourns historic papacy
The world mourns Pope Francis, the transformative first Latin American pontiff, who died at 88, with global tributes and a nine-day mourning period ahead of a conclave.
The world mourns Pope Francis, the transformative first Latin American pontiff, who died at 88, with global tributes and a nine-day mourning period ahead of a conclave.
The world is grieving the loss of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, who died aged 88.
Known as The People’s Pope, he championed mercy, humility, and compassion throughout his 12-year papacy.
Leaders across the globe, including President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have paid tribute to his lasting legacy. A nine-day mourning period begins, followed by the election of a new Pope via conclave at the Vatican.
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Pope Francis was a spiritual giant who championed humility
Pope Francis, aged 88, dies from double pneumonia, leaving a legacy of compassion and inclusion as the Church’s first Latin American and Jesuit leader.
Pope Francis, aged 88, dies from double pneumonia, leaving a legacy of compassion and inclusion as the Church’s first Latin American and Jesuit leader.
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, following complications from double pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday morning, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell announcing that “the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father” at 7:35am.
The first Latin American and Jesuit Pope, Francis led the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade, earning global praise for his humility, progressive stance, and focus on inclusion and compassion.
Just days before his passing, the Pope surprised crowds at Easter Sunday Mass, blessing worshippers in St Peter’s Square. Despite recent hospitalisation with bronchitis, he appeared in good spirits, even pausing to bless children from the Popemobile.
His death has triggered nine days of mourning in Italy. Leaders around the world have paid tribute. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called him a man “whose compassion embraced all humanity,” while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton described his devotion as unwavering.
Francis will be remembered not only as a man of many firsts — the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Global South — but also as a tireless advocate for the poor, refugees, and marginalised communities.