Afghanistan Banana Stand – “The Sunday Political Brunch” -- August 22, 2021
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Afghanistan Banana Stand – “The Sunday Political Brunch” -- August 22, 2021
“The Ugly Departure” – We knew it was coming, but it was not pretty, or well-executed. And certainly no one prominent predicted that nation’s government would simply not put up a fight, and collapse, and let the Taliban seize power again in just 11 days. West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner (R) said the last two presidents share in the blame. Warner was a State Department contractor there for five years beginning in 2010, to help set up the Afghan legal system. Last year then-President Trump promised all U.S. troops out by May 1st, and then President Biden said August 31st. "It is a bad idea. You don't tell the enemy when you're pulling out. The statement, 'you have the watches, we have the time.' They outlasted Alexander the Great, Genghis Kahn, the British Army, the Soviet Army and now the U.S.," Warner said.
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“President Biden’s Response” – This was a classic case of the images getting out well ahead of the official White House statement, position. and agenda. Like some of his predecessors, Biden appeared frozen in place. Think Jimmy Carter during the Iran hostage crisis, and Donald Trump in the initial phases of the COVID-19 response. People want leaders to act publicly and visibly (beyond what they do behind the scenes). Chaotic and dangerous images, especially at the Kabul airport, played out for three days on our TV screens before Biden finally addressed the nation.
“Biden in His Own Words” -- "That's why we're still there. We were clear-eyed about the risks. We planned for every contingency. But I always promised the American people I would be straight with you. The truth is, this did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated," Biden said. “I made a commitment to the American people when I ran for President that I would bring America’s military involvement in Afghanistan to an end. And while it’s been hard and messy - and yes, far from perfect - I've honored that commitment," Biden added. Senator Lindsey Graham (R) South Carolina called for Biden’s impeachment, which won’t happen in a Democrat controlled Congress.
“Manchin Muses” – A lot of the domestic U.S. criticism focused on the blame game between Democrats and Republicans, and who was more responsible, Biden or Trump. But there was a third option, and that was to blame the Afghan people themselves for their own government’s collapse. Yes, we invaded 20 years ago when they were harboring Al-Qaeda terrorists who attacked us. The U.S. spent more than $1 trillion dollars over two decades rebuilding the country with a democracy and creating a stand-alone military. They apparently didn’t want it. "There was no end in sight, okay? There's never a good time or right time to end. The people were never accepting and buying in that it was their country, and that they were defending their country. Basically, it's tribalism," said Sen. Joe Manchin (D) West Virginia.
“Election 2022 Impact?” – The “blame game” is going to be a big issue now as we head into campaign 2022. Look, Republicans need to win a net-gain of just ONE seat in the U.S. Senate, and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) Kentucky is again the majority leader. If Republicans win a mere six-seat gain in the House of Representatives, then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) California is toppled from power. A new poll by 538.com shows Biden’s approval rating dropping from 50.3 percent to 49.1 percent. Four out of five other polls taken this week also show Biden dropping below 50 percent approval. It may seem slight, but this could be significant for 2022.
“Infrastructure Redux” – Well, they’ve passed a bipartisan $1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill in the U.S. Senate. So, now the proverbial bouncing-ball goes back to the U.S. House. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) California says she would never consider that “physical infrastructure” bill unless the House takes up and votes on a $3.5 trillion dollar plan that includes so-called “social infrastructure” to include things such as child-care reimbursements, home healthcare, and universal pre-kindergarten funding.
“What is Infrastructure Anyway?” – Well old-school says roads, bridges, highways, and now even broadband. But others, including progressives, argue you can’t get mom or dad back to work without childcare and maybe home health care for parents and in-laws. So, they want “social infrastructure” needs addressed in the $3.5 trillion dollar House bill, versus the $1.2 trillion dollar Senate bill. That’s a huge gap. The House reconvenes on Monday, August 23rd.
“A Huge Fight Looms” – As mentioned, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi says she will not take up the traditional infrastructure bill unless Congress backs her social infrastructure bill first. Is that legal? Can she do that? The answer is, yes. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R) Georgia once told me, “My greatest power as Speaker is the calendar. If I don’t schedule it, it won’t happen!” To that end, I asked Rep. Carol Miller (R) West Virginia what she thought of the looming social infrastructure bill.
“The Miller Killer” -- "It is not infrastructure. That is just a socialist agenda, on cradle to grave. And that is not what we need. We need a good solid infrastructure bill. So, I am hoping she will take what the Senate has and make something good,” said Miller.
“Support Independent, Insightful Journalism” – Dear readers: I would not be where I am without the guidance, advice, and knowledge of long-time Washington, DC political reporter Jamie Dupree. We’ve been colleagues and friends for 37 years from when we were students at the University of Florida and reporters in Washington, DC. You can tap into his encyclopedic Congressional and White House knowledge by subscribing to his daily updates by writing to: [email protected]. The content is GOLD!!!!
What are your thoughts on President Biden’s response to Afghanistan? Please comment
