After One Year, the Afghanistan Withdrawal still remains a Serious Aspect of Biden's Approval Rating
After One Year, the Afghanistan Withdrawal still remains a Serious Aspect of Biden's Approval Rating
Uniic Media Newsletter - Monday - August 15, 2022
President Biden’s Approval Rating is still being Affected by the Afghanistan Withdrawal
Political News
Nearly seven months into his presidency, President Joe Biden faced a horrifying moment in which a video of civilians rushing for a United States plane for safety as it left the Kabul airport was released. Not only were citizens affected, by 13 American soldiers and nearly 170 Afghans died that day as the collapse of the Afghanistan government took place.
The positive side is that it ended a 20-year conflict, but one year later, it is still a talking point in discussions of Biden’s supposed strong suit of foreign policy. Lt. Daniel Davis, a two-time deployed veteran of the Afghan war, said, "I remember so much good that we genuinely did do – all of it just going away with a dust in the wind. It's really painful."
Following the withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover of the country’s government, Biden was shellshocked and his approval rating dipped below the 50% mark for the first time. As his approval rating is getting better, it hasn’t fully recovered due to the inflation running wild in the United States, the economy not being the healthiest, bottlenecks in the supply chain, and a Covid pandemic that is taking longer than expected to control.
Fox News will be the Biggest Leverage for any Republican Candidate in 2024
Political News
Fox News will be the host of the 2024 Republican Presidential Primary, as per usual, and Republicans have already started tossing around creative ideas as to how to get on the network and how to reach their audience — aka, possible voters.
For many, this seems to be a competition within the competition as Republican officials push to get favorable airtime and the right amount of attention through the news network. Efforts headed to get attention on the network will be especially important when it hosts the presidential debate, potentially.
“There isn’t a path to the GOP nomination for president that doesn’t run through Fox. For 2024, fundamentally after the first four states, you can’t actually do the retail politics. You’re going to need to reach the loudest megaphone.”
Michael Mirer, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, said.
China continues its Military Exercises as Five new U.S. Lawmakers Arrive in Taiwan
World News
More exercises will be carried out near Taiwan by the Chinese military today just as five more United States lawmakers arrived on the island. The lawmakers arrived unannounced being led by Senator Ed Markey and following in the footsteps of Nancy Pelosi.
The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, the group responsible for the area adjacent to Taiwan, claims it had organized a multi-service combat readiness patrol along with combat drills on the ocean and in the ski. According to the unit, “The exercises were a stern deterrent to the United States and Taiwan continuing to play political tricks and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
Even as Markets seem to be regaining Strength, the Fed warns of “More Turbulence” ahead
Economic News
Many are seeing the Fed’s shift of monetary policy during the attempt to ease inflation as one of the most aggressive. As the Fed gave a hawkish message concerning the United States housing markets, people saw that as an anticipated message, but some are saying the monetary policy shift is being done “with a shrug.”
Since June, stock prices have semi-returned to normal running up more than 15%. In July, companies added a mere half a million jobs. Also, after falling in July, “junk bond” issuance is also growing. There are still potential issues to be faced by the Fed, however, for a central bank with a major influence on the economy, financial markets can be a healthy indicator of what is to come.
Philippines Cut Russian Helicopter Deal in fear of being Sanctioned, Turn to the U.S. for a Deal
Political News
After a deal fell through with the Russians worth nearly $228 Million, the Phillipino government is now turning to the United States to buy heavy-lift chinook helicopters. Just days before the Phillipino President, Rodrigo Duterte ended his term, the deal with the Russians was cut due to fears of sanctions.
"This cancellation of this contract is precipitated mainly by the war in Ukraine. While there are sanctions expected to come our way, from the United States and western countries, obviously it is not in our interest to continue and pursue this contract."
Jose Manuel Romualdez, an ambassador, said.
A deal is said to be in consideration for the United States at the same rate that the Phillippines was set to spend with Russia with the addition of maintenance, servicing, and parts. Further discussions with Russia will be had in an attempt to recover the nearly $38 Million down payment for the airships.
