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→ The end of American monarchy
In exiting the presidential race on Sunday, Joe Biden appears to have brought to a close an era of political dynasties.
This November will mark the first US presidential election without a Bush, Biden or Clinton on the ticket, either as a presidential or vice-presidential candidate, in 48 years. The last time these names weren’t in play was 1976, when Jimmy Carter won the election.
This will be the first Presidential election since 1976 to not have a Biden, Bush, or Clinton on the ticket.
— Ben Jones (@BW_Jones) July 21, 2024
We salute the President for returning the Oval Office back to the American everyman. Oh wait, there’s another Kennedy involved…
→ Starmer and Corbyn spar over Gaza
Old buddies Keir Starmer and Jeremy Corbyn had an opportunity to chat today for the first time in the new parliament. Independent Corbyn, whom Starmer chucked out the Labour Party, asked the Prime Minister whether he would call for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the West Bank and end the UK’s arms supply to Israel.
I asked Keir Starmer if his government would end the supply of arms to Israel. He refused to answer.
pic.twitter.com/hzq2CsUbUv— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) July 22, 2024
Starmer gave a vague response about conflict resolution and the true causes of migration. “The prospect of a ceasefire is there,” he said. “I’m urging all parties to take that opportunity.”
Corbyn wasn’t too pleased with the answer, responding: “I asked Keir Starmer if his government would end the supply of arms to Israel. He refused to answer.” Good to see there are no hard feelings…
→ UK Green Party squabbles over Biden withdrawal
These days, simply saying something nice can come with a political cost. The co-leader of the UK’s Green Party, Carla Denyer, felt this keenly today as she was forced by the pro-Palestine wing of her party to apologise for the statement she made about President Joe Biden.
Shortly after his announcement that he would not run for president in November, Denyer posted a statement saying: “I wish President Biden well and thank him for his many years of public service. This cannot have been an easy decision for him. [It] is a true sign of leadership.”
For decades successive US Governments have supported the Israeli government’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land, and Biden is complicit in the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza.
Last night I was positive about President Biden’s decision to stand aside as a candidate.…
— Carla Denyer (@carla_denyer) July 22, 2024
Denyer then faced criticism from a Green Parliamentary candidate who called her post a “horrendously bad take”. Commentator Owen Jones added: “Joe Biden has armed and facilitated the mass slaughter of innocent people.”
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SubscribeThis is the third with a Trump on the ticket. It won’t be the last.
Melania v Michelle? Perhaps the US will be ready for candidates that don’t say much.
Interesting observation, which had never occurred to me. I’m not sure Joe Biden counts as a dynasty on his own, though.
Can Hamas-Stonewall name an American president who has not been ‘complicit in the slaughter of innocent people’? Maybe Trump?
I’m not sure if you are joking (and apologies if you are), but Trump, Jared and Ivanka were buddies of Netanyahu. Trump even moved the American embassy to Jerusalem to please Netanyahu.
… which is a Good Thing.
How does that connote complicity with Netanyahu’s subsequent war with Hamas?
Joe Biden’s sister, Valerie Biden Owens, has endorsed the former Meghan Markle’s obvious ambition to become President of the United States, but it is little Lilibet, who was also born in the United States, who will be 55 in 2076. What a way to mark the Tricentenary, by electing a President whose first cousin was King George.
Of course! Meghan Markle! The solution to the Democrats’ problem has been staring us all in the face for months. How did we not notice?
As we say in Australia, if Meghan Markle is the answer, then it was a damn stupid question.
Commentator Owen Jones
Shouldn’t that be Commissar?
I always thought Jeb Bush would have made a good President.
Crikey – that Starmer response to Corbyn was shockingly bad!