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Does Donald Trump stand a chance against Joe Biden?

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As Americans prepare to head to the polls, Democrats and Republicans may be tied for control of Congress

The U.S. is preparing for the all-important midterm elections in a matter of months.

For President Joe Biden, it could be a stark warning that his leadership is on thin ice, or it could be the validation he needs ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

There will be 435 seats in the House of Representatives, and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate up for contention this November.

But as President Biden prepares to ride the campaign wave, it’s the so-called “MAGA Republicans”, which are drawing attention.

“We have to be stronger and more determined and more committed to saving American democracy, than the MAGA Republicans and that guy destroying democracy.”

U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

The majority of Americans believe political violence will increase across the country. According to the same polling from CBS, U.S. voters think the nation will become less democratic for future generations.

Kim Hoggard is a former U.S. government official, who served in the Bush and Reagan Administrations, she said the current political climate is proving a challenge for leaders to connect with voters.

“I wonder how it is that in this period in American political history where divisiveness is so wide and so dangerous, how it could be that a president can achieve high approval ratings anymore.”

In fact, around six in 10 Americans (57%) disapprove of Biden’s performance, according to recent Ipsos polling from Reuters.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about the “soul of the nation” in a recent address.

The president’s dwindling ratings have been characterised by some factors out of his control—the pandemic, rising inflation, cost of living, and the war in Ukraine.

But there is one foreign policy outcome, which could be the reason for his falling support, according to Stephan Loosley from the U.S. Studies Centre.

“There’s no question that an enormous hole was punched in the Biden White House with the fiasco, the calamity of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which was badly mishandled.”

However, when it comes to the war in Ukraine, Loosley said Russian President Vladimir Putin misread the strength of U.S. intelligence, and Biden’s hold on his NATO allies.

“The President’s mobilisation of NATO in the face of the illegal Russian incursion of Ukraine has been extraordinary,” he said.

In light of this, President Biden has still managed a strong legislative agenda. This includes climate change action, healthcare reform, military aid for Ukraine, and infrastructure commitments.

Is this enough to sink Biden’s ship?

The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for November, and with a general election on the cards for 2024, there is much discussion about the rise of former President Donald Trump.

It’s been so far-reaching, even President Biden can’t seem to shake off discussion around his predecessor. In fact, he recently spoke about the rise of Make America Great Again (MAGA) Republicans during a nationwide address.

“There’s no democracy where you can be pro-insurrection and pro-democracy,” he said.

The president’s approval ratings are yet to reach the record low levels of President Trump, which sunk to 33 per cent at the end of 2017.

As it stands, the Democrats have 221 seats in the House of Representatives, and 48 members in the senate.

“The probability of the Democrats losing control of the house is very real. That’s been the history of American midterms since Harry Truman,” Loosley said.

“It’s just possible the Democrats may hold onto control of the Senate. A lot of that has to do with the ‘MAGA Republican’ candidates… those who are endorsed by the former president.”

STEPHEN LOOSLEY, U.S. STUDIES CENTRE

Of course, Trump hasn’t been without his own worries—the fallout from the Capitol riots, raids at his Mar-a-Lago estate, a lawsuit against his company, and a criminal investigation in Georgia.

Kim Hoggard, who is also a former White House Assistant Press Secretary, said these events demonstrate Trump is unfit for office.

“The mishandling of sensitive information and top secret intelligence information show what a dangerous person he would be if he were to regain the presidency,” she said.

He may be considered dangerous but nearly one in five (19%) of Americans identify as ‘MAGA Republicans’. This is hardly going to be a short-term blip on Joe Biden’s radar.

“There’s no question that Mitch McConnell is determined that Trump will bear any responsibility for Republican losses in the midterms,” Stephen Loosley from the U.S. Studies Centre said.

Mitch McConnell is the Minority Leader in the Senate and he believes the House of Representatives will flip this November.

“You have all these investigations, inquiries, and probes running simultaneously, it’s got to divert and distract the Republican Party and it’s got to damage some Republican candidates’ races,” Loosley said.

In terms of Trump’s 2024 possibilities, Kim Hoggard said the criminal investigations and lawsuits “are going to significantly affect his [Trump’s] ability to be a viable candidate”.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Pope Francis dies, ending 12-year papacy

Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, dies at 88 after 12 years of tackling division and reform in the Church.

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Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, dies at 88 after 12 years of tackling division and reform in the Church.

In Short

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at 88 after a 12-year papacy marked by reform attempts and health issues.

His passing initiates a period of mourning and the process for selecting his successor.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away.

The Vatican confirmed his death in a video statement released on Monday. His papacy lasted for 12 years and was characterised by both division and tension.

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.

“At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Concern for the poor

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

Pope Francis sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church, which faced criticism for its traditional practices.

At the age of 88, he had been dealing with several health issues during his time as pope. His leadership style often challenged the status quo within the Church.

Pope Francis’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Vatican.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

The global Catholic community will now enter a period of mourning and reflection. The process for selecting his successor will soon begin.

Carries the weight of the changes he proposed during his tenure.

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