Goliath

Wednesday April 26, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 26, 2023

Old Titans Clash: Biden vs. Trump Rematch – Who Will Outlast the Other?

April 6, 2023

The upcoming re-election bid of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has been met with mixed reactions from Democrats and Americans alike. Some see it as a continuation of his legacy and a chance to build on his accomplishments, while others are concerned about his age and the potential challenges he may face during the campaign and if he were to win a second term.

On one hand, Biden’s supporters argue that he has been an underrated president who has accomplished significant legislative wins despite facing challenges. They point to his achievements in passing coronavirus relief, bipartisan infrastructure laws, and historic climate, healthcare, and tax plans, as well as his ability to maintain a narrow majority in Congress and defy historical trends in the midterm elections. Biden’s experience, empathy, and proven electoral success against Donald Trump in 2020 also make him a safe choice in comparison to the alternative.

News: Biden Announces Re-election Bid, Defying Trump and History  

December 8, 2022

On the other hand, there are concerns about Biden’s age and potential health issues, as he would be 86 at the end of a second term, making him the oldest president in US history. There are also concerns about the gap between Democratic officials and public sentiment, with many Americans expressing dissatisfaction with Biden’s job approval rating and citing his age as a concern. Some progressives are disappointed with his policy decisions and view him as representing the status quo, which they believe may not be enough to defeat the Republican party and advance a progressive agenda.

In addition, there are potential challenges that Biden may face during the campaign, including a gruelling schedule, attacks from right-wing media about his age and potential succession by Vice President Kamala Harris, and the need to navigate a polarized political climate. There are also questions about the viability of other potential Democratic candidates, with some seen as too unpopular, too young, too old, or too fringe to be credible alternatives.

Opinion: The Coming Biden Blowout  

May 27, 2020

In many ways, the rematch between Biden and Trump can be likened to the biblical story of David vs. Goliath. Biden, despite his age and potential challenges, represents an experienced and battle-tested politician who has achieved significant accomplishments and proven electoral success. Trump, on the other hand, represents a formidable opponent with his popularity among his base but also faces legal baggage and widespread unpopularity among a majority of Americans.

As the 2024 election approaches, Democrats and Americans will have to weigh the pros and cons of Biden’s re-election bid. Will his experience and accomplishments outweigh concerns about his age and potential challenges? Will he be able to overcome the gap between Democratic officials and public sentiment? Will he be able to fend off attacks from Trump and the Republican party? Only time will tell, but the upcoming rematch between Biden and Trump promises to be an epic battle in American politics, with echoes of the legendary tale of David vs. Goliath. (AI)

 

Wednesday October 12, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 12, 2022

Ukraine-Russia war: G7 countries will back Kyiv ‘for as long as it takes’

Leaders of the G7 group of rich nations have said they will back Ukraine for “as long as it takes” in the wake of Monday’s major Russian missile strikes.

February 26, 2022

The group, which met for emergency virtual talks, said it would keep on giving military and humanitarian aid.

Nato also said it would stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary.

At least 19 people were killed and scores more injured, as Russian missiles hit regions across Ukraine, including central Kyiv.

Strikes continued into Tuesday, with civilians advised to stay in air raid shelters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attacks were in retaliation for a strike on a key bridge linking Russia with occupied Crimea, for which he blamed Ukraine.

Western leaders were quick to condemn the Russian escalation, and the G7 on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to Ukraine.

“We will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic and legal support and will stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” the group said in a statement.

April 12, 2022

The bloc also condemned Mr Putin’s recent attempts to annex four regions of Ukraine with self-styled referendums.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the G7 for further air defence capabilities.

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the military bloc would also continue to stand by Ukraine.

In a press conference, Mr Stoltenberg suggested that Nato needed to produce more weapons, as supplies have run low due to the war. Nato is in discussions with member nations and defence companies, he said.

Following indirect threats from Mr Putin, Mr Stoltenberg said the alliance was closely monitoring Russia’s nuclear forces, but had not seen any changes in their posture.

March 4, 2022

He added that any attack on infrastructure critical to Nato would trigger a “united and determined response”. It comes two weeks after a series of attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which many Western leaders indirectly suggested may have been caused by Russia.

In its statement the G7 said is was “deeply troubled” by these attacks, and welcomed further investigation into what caused them.

The G7 is made up of the seven largest “advanced” economies.

It includes Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US. (BBC)