INEC in America’s November election (1)

“America has many contradictions in spite of its claim to exceptionalism.“ THERE will be a significant election this year in a significant country which prides itself as the greatest democracy on earth. That country, a super power, claims that the election will be consequential, and will have ramifications for its citizens, and the whole world. For about two centuries this country has held this poll on the first Saturday in November in the election year. For this year, that date falls on November 5. The election was initially slated to be a fierce battle between two old men, one in his late 70s, and the other in his early 80s. It was supposed to be a rematch, sort of, because the duo had battled each other four years ago with the older prevailing. You already know because that country is the United States of America where the then incumbent president, Donald Trump, was defeated in 2020, and his successor, Joe Biden, was defeated from seeking a second term by a disastrous presidential debate outing on June 27. Biden came under intense pressure from his party people, and had to ‘pass the torch’ in July to his vice president Kamala Harris who is younger and more energetic. America has many contradictions in spite of its claim to exceptionalism. There’s is no record that it has been governed by any other means except through the ballot box, at least not in the last 200 years. It lays claim to democracy but it fails to meet the key ingredient of rule by the majority of its citizens voting in an election. Certainly, not for the election of its president. The classical definition of democracy is government of the people by the people for the people. In many climes, it is also governance by representatives who had been elected by a majority of voters during any election. Not so in the United States. In 2016, Hillary Clinton, candidate of the Democratic Party lost the presidential election in spite of winning three million more popular votes of the electorate. His rival, Donald Trump, of the Republican Party with an inferior popular votes tally was returned as the winner. The unique but apparently an undemocratic (to many outsiders) Electoral College gave victory to Trump. The candidates and the parties in that contest knew the rule and so could not complain. “The constitution in its 12th Amendment recognised ‘electors’. And the ‘electors’ for each of the 50 states have been determined, and the number of ‘electors’ for each state may be reflective but not necessarily proportional to the population of the state. Any candidate who secures a minimum of 270 Electoral College votes wins the presidency irrespective of the outcome of the popular votes.“ The name, Electoral College, which determines who is elected as the US president is not in that country’s constitution. History has it that the founding fathers of the country inserted this mode of electing a president as a compromise between election of the president by a vote in Congress (parliament), which used to be the practice, and the election of the president by a popular vote of qualified citizens. Until the 1960s not many people were qualified to vote in elections. There was no universal suffrage. The constitution in its 12th Amendment recognised ‘electors’. And the ‘electors’ for each of the 50 states have been determined, and the number of ‘electors’ for each state may be reflective but not necessarily proportional to the population of the state. Any candidate who secures a minimum of 270 Electoral College votes wins the presidency irrespective of the outcome of the popular votes. The Electoral College has been a vexatious subject in American politics for centuries. And that explains why surveys showed that in the past 200 years more than 700 proposals had been introduced in Congress to either reform or eliminate the Electoral College. Probably, to underline its undemocratic nature, it has been recorded that there have been more proposals for constitutional amendments on changing the ‘electors’ method for determining the winner of the American presidency than on any other subject. Apart from politicians, America’s body of lawyers, the American Bar Association, has had cause to criticise the Electoral College as “archaic” and “ambiguous”, and its polling showed that 69% of lawyers favoured abolishing it in 1987. In addition, public opinion polls showed that Americans favoured abolishing it by majorities of 58% in 1967; 81% in 1968; and 75% in 1981. The conventional wisdom is that any candidate who wins a majority or plurality of the popular votes nationwide has a good chance of winning in the Electoral College, but there are no guarantees as implicated in the presidential election results of 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000 and 2016. It has been suggested that the Electoral College was contrived by the founders of the US to stem the possible agitations for separation from the Union by less populated states who may feel cheated and excluded in producing the president of the country. In effect, the Electoral College was informed by the need for the accommodation of all segments of the society. However, some scholars argued that the ‘electors’ scheme was indeed the handiwork of a segment of the elite among the founding fathers who did not want to totally relinquish the election of the president to the masses. On November 5, two candidates  Harris (Democrat), and Trump (Republican ) will lock horns for who occupies the American presidency which is generally regarded as the most powerful office in the world. Third party candidates are usually inconsequential since none has won the office ever. Harris appears to have an edge in the race at this time but election watchers reckon that in reality, the two candidates are running neck-and-neck. The proposition for the moment is that any of Harris or Trump can win the election. And this uncertainty is down to the complexities of the Electoral College. In 2016, polls and pundits put Hillary Clinton ahead by

Why I Withdrew From Presidential Race – Biden

President Joe Biden of the United States (US) has explained why he withdrew from the November 5 election. Biden, 81, served as deputy of Barack Obama, during his two terms as America’s number one citizen. Like Obama and other Democrats, Biden lined up behind Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Presidential election won by President Donald Trump. Four years later, Biden defeated Trump who was seeking reelection. Then 77, he had made history as the oldest person to be elected into the Oval Office. However, his presidency has been marred with controversies, especially on account of ill-health and fitness. The issue reached its height after Trump defeated him by a wide margin in a presidential debate some weeks ago. Biden had consistently resisted pressure to quit until he announced it in a post on his X handle, on Sunday. While announcing his decision to step down, Biden said he would remain as President and Commander-in-Chief until his term ends in January 2025. Speaking in a televised address on Wednesday night, Biden said he ended his re-election campaign in a bid to save US democracy. According to him, he endorsed his deputy, Kamala Harris, to unite their fellow Democrats and the country. He said: “I revere this office. But I love my country more. I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. “That is the best way to unite our nation.” The US president said he believed his record warranted a second term, but “nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition”. He added: “The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.” Biden is the first sitting president not to seek re-election since 1968 when Lyndon Johnson halted his campaign as his popularity sank during the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump launched a volley of attacks against Harris on Wednesday. In his first rally since Harris became the de facto Democratic Party nominee, Trump described her as a “radical left lunatic”. He also claimed that the US vice president was in favor of the “execution” of babies due to her position on abortions. “She is a radical left lunatic who will destroy our country,” the former president and Republican nominee said. So far, opinion polls indicate a tight race between the former president and Harris in a hypothetical match-up.

World leaders react to Biden’s withdrawal from U.S. presidential race

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma President Joe Biden’s decision on Sunday to end his campaign to seek reelection in November is generating reactions from foreign leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had known Mr Biden for years and that “he’s a great man.” Mr Trudeau added, “Everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As president, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his reaction on X, said, “Joe Biden has achieved a great deal – for his country, for Europe, for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the U.S. is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition.” Reacting in a statement, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.” “I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.” Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his unwavering support of Israel over the years. “Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship,” Mr Gallant stated. In his comments on X, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he admired “the brave and dignified decision” of the U.S. president. “Thanks to his determination and leadership. The U.S. overcame the economic crisis after the pandemic and the serious assault on the Capitol and has been exemplary in its support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s Russian aggression. A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom,” Mr Sanchez stated. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement, “On behalf of the people and government of Ireland. I … would like to thank you, Mr President, for your global leadership and your friendship as you make your announcement that you will not stand in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. “Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland, and our country owes him a great debt for this.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said, “The elections are still four months away. And that is a long period of time in which a lot can change. We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens. The priority for us is the special military operation (the war in Ukraine). Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Stoere and his Polish and Czech counterparts Donald Tusk and Petr Fiala, respectively, reacted to Mr Biden’s withdrawal from the U.S. presidential race.

Biden Tests Positive For Covid, White House Confirms

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, confirmed that President Biden, who is vaccinated and has received booster shots, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. The 81-year-old President was active earlier in the day, visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. However, a scheduled campaign speech later in the night was cancelled following the positive test result. Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden plans to isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to perform “all of his duties fully.” Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the President’s doctor, reported that Biden has presented with upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough. The President has started a course of Paxlovid, an antiviral medication used to treat Covid-19. In a tweet, President Biden expressed gratitude for the well wishes and assured the public of his commitment to continue working during his recovery. The President’s positive test comes amid increasing pressure from within his party regarding concerns about his age and its potential impact on his candidacy for re-election. According to US media, Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader, Hakeem Jefferies have privately met with President Biden to express their concerns that his candidacy could adversely affect other House and Senate races. President Biden took to Twitter to address the situation. In one tweet, he thanked everyone for their well wishes and reassured the public that he would continue to work during his recovery. In another tweet, he humorously remarked, “I’m sick… of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here.”

US Elections: An Assassination Attempt on Trump

Hooliganism and thuggary reared an ugly head in America yesterday as a gunman identified as Thomas Mathew Crook in an assassination attempt shot at former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pensylvania. The assassination, which motif is yet to be established as at press time, got the former President, tearing off a part of his right ear with blood streaming down on that part of his face. The shooter, aged twenty was profiled as a Republican who donated to a group named as the Democratic-aligned. After the incident, Mr. Trump was harried into a waiting armoured SUV to a medical facility in the town. Security experts are currently working to put the bits and pieces together in order to arrive at the motive for the assassination attempt which happened from an unmanned rooftop close to the venue of the rally. Assassination Attempt: Biden, Democrats Condemn Attempt President Joe Biden and other top Democrats have condemned the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Mr. Biden, while condemning attempt, said that regardless of whatever the situation may be, Trump should be able to do his rally without any harm to his life. Trump, while reacting to the attempt, told his supporters via an email, “I will never surrender.”

Biden’s Blunder Fuels Criticism from Russian Officials

In a recent interview with MSNBC, US President Joe Biden stumbled over his words, mistakenly conflating Ukraine with the Middle East while discussing international affairs.  Former Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev seized on the blunder, claiming it reflects Biden’s deteriorating mental state. During the interview, Biden discussed the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, stating, “We shouldn’t have gone into Ukraine.” He quickly corrected himself, referring to the US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This confusion is not isolated, as Biden has faced criticism for similar slips in the past. Medvedev, currently serving as deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, posted a clip of the gaffe on social media, accompanied by a scathing remark, labeling Biden a “rare kind of idiot.” Some Russian officials suggest Biden’s mistake was Freudian, implying underlying sentiments about US involvement in Ukraine. The conflict in Ukraine is viewed by Moscow as a US-led proxy war against Russia. In the interview, Biden also criticized former President Donald Trump’s skepticism towards NATO, highlighting the organization’s importance for national defense. However, Moscow perceives NATO’s expansion in Europe as a contributing factor to tensions with Ukraine. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding Biden’s mental acuity and his ability to effectively navigate international relations.

Biden’s Michigan Visit Sparks Criticism from Arab American Community Over Israel Support

President Joe Biden’s recent trip to Michigan has laid bare a widening gap between him and the sizable Arab-American community in the state, casting doubt on his chances for re-election in the upcoming November general election. While meeting with members of the United Auto Workers union, who had endorsed his re-election bid, Biden’s motorcade was rerouted through side streets in Warren to avoid approximately two hundred protesters expressing their dissatisfaction. The Arab-American community in Michigan, a key electoral group, voiced their disapproval of Biden’s steadfast support for Israel, particularly during the Gaza conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 27,000 people, primarily women and children. Chants of “Genocide Joe has got to go” resonated among the protesters, who also displayed Palestinian flags. According to analysis, “If Biden loses even half of their vote, it’s unlikely he can win Michigan – and without Michigan, he has a very narrow path to winning a second term.” Protesters on the ground expressed frustration and disappointment, with one demonstrator, Hawraa, emphatically stating, “There is nothing that will ever make me vote for a genocidal president, ever.” The sentiment was echoed by others, highlighting a sense of betrayal within the Arab American community. Salma Hamamy, an activist with Students for Justice in Palestine, accused Biden of “entirely abandoning” the Palestinian and Arab communities, as well as “the concept of humanity.” Protesters vowed not to support Biden on election day, citing his continued backing of Israel. This protest signifies a shift in the voting approach of the Arab American community. As Salma Hamamy declared, “Arab Americans will no longer choose between the ‘lesser of two evils.’ We will be voting for people who are deserving of our vote.” This shift could have substantial implications for Biden’s electoral standing in this critical state.