I am no expert in American politics, but as I learned in 2016, neither are most Americans. From here, it looks as if it is over for Joe Biden. He had been a good president. For one thing, as Ian Leslie has argued, he was the only candidate who could have beaten Donald Trump in 2020. So it is a shame that his presidency should end this way, and in a way that seems likely to hand the White House back to his opponent, who is more dangerous this time. I may have missed it, but I am surprised by the absence of debate in the US about alternative Democratic candidates who could beat Trump. The Democratic Party seems to accept passively that Kamala Harris is the only possible alternative, and that she would lose. But the US system is flexible enough to allow other candidates to be drafted late, and someone – Gavin Newson, Gretchen Whitmer, Pete Buttigieg – must have the potential to surprise swing voters positively. |
|
|
Philippopolis, named after Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, is now called Plovdiv, in which country? |
Answer at the bottom of today's email |
|
|
At The Independent, nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own mind and aren't afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences. With your support, we challenge the status quo, uncover crucial stories, and amplify unheard voices. If you like what we do, do take out a subscription and help support the best quality online-only journalism. |
|
|
| Ukrainian leader spoke at European summit in Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Britain's wartime prime minister |
|
|
| Centre-right candidate returned for another five-year term in vote of European parliament |
|
|
| Foreign secretary said even JD Vance called Trump 'America's Hitler' |
|
|
What else you need to know today |
|
|
What can Keir Starmer achieve in his meeting with European leaders? |
|
|
As a large body with no clear aims, the European Political Community is prone to platitudes and the "lowest common denominator" in any declarations it makes... Read more |
|
|
A look back at the week in the Westminster bubble |
The King's Speech dominated the headlines |
The huge list of bills and draft bills in the King's Speech succeeded in dominating the headlines. Unless you get all your news from the Daily Mail, Telegraph, Express or GB News, the general impression was broadly positive, of a new government with a lot of constructive work to do. Even so, the doubts were never far below the surface. As I commented, most of the bills create new bureaucracies, set targets in law and make things that are already illegal more illegal. The substantive legislation, on planning reform and employment rights, is not outlined in sufficient detail yet to allow a sensible judgement. The things that matter to the government's record for delivery were not even in the King's Speech: cutting NHS waiting lists and stopping the boats. Nor was Keir Starmer's immediate challenge, namely the pressure to lift the two-child limit on benefits, which is why he rushed out a statement before the debate announcing a review of child poverty. |
|
|
"We do know the situation; we do our best; we did improve the situation during the past few years; and we will follow up" Emmanuel Macron, French president, speaking at the Blenheim Palace summit about small boats |
|
|
Join the conversation or follow us |
|
| Download the free Independent app |
|
|
Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter. To unsubscribe from The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345
Read our privacy notice and cookie policy
|
|
|
|
