It was a week of unexpected developments in an unpredictable but consequential election year. Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York on charges of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made before the 2016 election. The jury selection process was completed in days, with twelve jurors and six alternates sitting in judgment of the former president. Despite hiccups, such as jurors reconsidering their impartiality and self-immolation scenes outside the courthouse, the trial is proceeding with opening arguments expected to begin next week.
House Speaker Mike Johnson faced backlash from the right wing of his party after 165 Democrats and 151 Republicans voted in favor of his plan to hold votes on aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Three Republicans expressed support for a plan to oust Johnson from the speaker’s chair. Johnson has retained the support of most Republicans and of Trump, but the fault lines within the GOP are under immense stress. If Johnson is to keep his position, he may need help from Democrats soon, potentially leading to bipartisan or coalition governing.
The House and Senate have shown support for providing more military aid to Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion, but opposition from the right wing of the GOP has delayed the aid. Johnson, a conservative, is on the verge of securing a vote in the House, highlighting the nationalist-veering GOP right wing that questions support for democracies globally. Meanwhile, potential all-out war between Israel and Iran has been averted for now after tit-for-tat strikes and responses between the two countries.
While the focus has been on Trump’s trial, President Joe Biden has been running a spirited presidential campaign. Biden has been traveling to various locations to push his economic populism, aiming to sustain the blue wall that wins Democrats recent presidencies. As Trump spins conspiracy theories, Biden is adopting some of Trump’s message on issues like tariffs while emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy. Critics question Biden’s age and ability for the job, but he continues to campaign earnestly to remain president.
“Bidenomics” faces mixed reviews, with Biden’s economic pitch potentially being a hard sell to Americans feeling the impact of inflation and housing market challenges. The International Monetary Fund is concerned that the US economy is overheating compared to other countries, suggesting that any talk of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve is likely to end. Biden’s efforts to address economic issues and protect democracy while campaigning vigorously reflect his commitment to securing another term as president.
