Haven't the past few weeks been a bit of a frenzy in American politics? In March, President Joe Biden gave a State of the Union speech that showed he could be vigorous and feisty, and now... he's out. Meanwhile, Republican sycophants took to their convention wearing pretend plasters on their ears in adulation for their nominee, Donald Trump, who had almost literally dodged a bullet.
Right now, it looks like the 2024 match will be between former president Trump and vice-president Kamala Harris.
Biden's anointing of Harris saw an unco-ordinated Republican frenzy of accusations and recriminations. Republican Representative Tim Burchett, was among the earliest to call out Harris as a "DEI hire". DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion, and Burchett and other Republicans taking this line are saying Harris is where she is only because of her gender and skin colour. Burchett subsequently stated his regret for the statement, before adding, "But it was the truth."
Senior Republican leadership have tried to crack down on this line of attack because, well, it looks childish.
Denne historien er fra August 10-16, 2024-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra August 10-16, 2024-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
