The Labor Pains of American Politics – “The Sunday Political Brunch” - September 5, 2021
Mark Curtis, MINDSETTER™
The Labor Pains of American Politics – “The Sunday Political Brunch” - September 5, 2021
“The American Afghanistan Departure” – In the final weeks, the pictures of departure and panic were jaw-dropping. "The bottom line was that more than 90% of Americans in Afghanistan who wanted to leave were able to leave, and for those remaining Americans, there is no deadline. We remain committed to get them out if they want to come out, " Biden said on his deadline date of August 31. An estimated 100 to 200 Americans remain in Afghanistan, with no clear-cut path to get them out. Will the U.S. negotiate a departure deal with the Taliban? Stay tuned. A deal might help both sides save face.
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“The GOP Response” – Perhaps no Republican has been more vocal and passionate in his criticism of President Biden, than House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R) California. He called the chaotic Afghan exit, "probably the biggest failure in American government on a military stage in my lifetime." McCarthy continues to hammer Biden hard but has stopped short of calling for his impeachment. That’s a tune that may change. Republicans need a net gain of six seats to retake the House next year, and a majority would make McCarthy Speaker of the House, with Biden’s head on the table. "We can never make this mistake again," McCarthy said of the harried Afghan departure.
“Watch-gate” – President Biden was sharply criticized for looking at his watch various times during a solemn event this week. This controversy reminded me of one of my favorite childhood tongue-twisters: “If two witches, were watching two watches; which witch, would watch, which watch?” I say this because of the turmoil over the return of 13 U.S. troops to Dover, Delaware, after they were killed in a suicide bombing attack. “When he did that (looked at his watch) yesterday, it was, it was a disgrace. I think the best thing he could do is apologize to the American people and apologize to the world,” former President. Trump said during an interview this week on Fox News.
“Why the Watch Look Matters” – President Biden is not the first leader seemingly caught checking time on his wrist. In 1992, during a reelection debate, President George H.W. Bush was caught looking at his watch in a debate with Democrat Bill Clinton and Independent Ross Perot. It had that look of, “When will this be over? I have somewhere else to be!” It gave an image of disengagement and impatience. Now, on the other hand, Biden supporters say the President was instead looking at a rosary band from his late son Beau Biden (a military and Iraq War veteran), which the president wears around his wrist next to his watch. It’s fascinating how two sides can view the same event in such opposite ways.
“The Georgia Bulldog Showdown?” – As with 2020 (and 2021), control of the U.S. Senate in 2022 may well again lie in Georgia. Senator Ralph Warnock (D), an African American minister, is being challenged by University of Georgia and NFL player Herschel Walker, a state legend, who is also Black. Walker is backed by his long-time friend and almost-USFL team owner Donald Trump, for whom he played briefly as ownership changed hands fast. But he and Trump built a strong relationship which lasts to this day. This could be the seat that decides control of the U.S. Senate in 2022.
“Walker’s Achilles’ Heel”—Three women have come forward, saying they have suffered abuse or stalking at the hands of Herschel Walker. One of those was Walker’s ex-wife, another was an ex-girlfriend. The latest this week is a friend of Walker’s ex-wife. She says they never had a relationship, but that he threatened and stalked her. Obviously, there’s no racial issue here, as both Senate candidates are Black. But will it be a gender issue among voters? Perhaps.
“Is There a Gender Gap?” -- Statistically, women vote in greater number than men, irrespective of race. In 2018, Democrat Stephanie Abrams came very close to winning the race for Governor of Georgia. The cumulative effect of the allegations against Herschel Walker by three women could hurt him. But remember, sexually charged allegations against both Bill Clinton and Donald Trump did not stop them from being elected. But there is a big difference between a perceived consensual sexual relationship, and alleged stalking, harassment, forced sexual activity, and threats. Again, the Georgia race could determine control of the Senate, so it will be competitive, ugly, and expensive. Perhaps, the marquee race of 2022?
“Abortion Ruling” – You can bet abortion will be a big issue in campaign 2022 and 2024, after it was relegated to the sidelines the last couple of election cycles. This comes after a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court vote not to take up a controversial Texas state law effectively banning most abortions.
