This Week in Politics

President Biden Drops Out of the Race

After a devastating debate performance, the Biden Team had hoped for a quick recuperation. However, as the fallout persisted and polling only worsened Democrats increasingly worried about the president's chances of re-election. With this in mind President Joseph R. Biden determined the best course of action to be dropping out; swiftly endorsing his vice president, former California Senator and prosecutor, Kamala Harris. The extensive network of the Biden-Harris Campaign was rapidly re-geared toward Harris and Democrats united behind the candidate. Soon Vice President Kamala Harris had secured enough delegates to win the nomination, thereby becoming the presumptive nominee, alongside an immense fundraising record. Within the first 24 hours her newly started campaign procured over $80 million in funds, a record. Moreover, her candidacy excited a Democratic base that had been bored by Joe Biden.

At her first campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a vital city required to win the state's 10 electors, attendees cheered and chanted; "Kamala, Kamala, Kamala!" The vice president spoke about central election issues and painted a picture of her, a prosecutor, going after Trump, a convicted felon. She claimed to know "Trump's type" and gave remarks about topics such as freedom; not least opportunity for all and abortion. Walking off the stage the crowd heard the Beyoncé song Freedom, Kamala Harris secured the right to use the song from the famed artist quickly. Furthermore, an array of younger celebrities unwilling to endorse Biden stepped forward throwing their fully-fledged support for the late newcomer. Singer and songwriter Charlie XCX, who is British, stated "Kamala IS Brat" practically an endorsement of the vice president.

Whether Kamala Harris will defeat Donald J. Trump and J. D. Vance in November remains unclear. However, the monumental task of rebuilding support and launching a national campaign is now her duty. She seems to be already making major headway; narrowing polling and redefining the narrative from Biden's age to Trump's history. Lastly, the Harris Campaign's opportunity to pick a moderate running mate is an incredible advantage. J. D. Vance was selected on the Republican ticket assuming Biden was the opposition. Vance is clearly in the right-wing faction of the GOP and meant to energise the base, however, he risks alienating pivotal moderates that a Rust Belt governor or moderate Democrat could pander to on Kamala Harris' ticket.

Labour Suspends MPs

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sent a clear message to Labour MPs; do not go against the party line. The Labour Party suspended 7 of its MPs due to them voting for a proposed scrapping of the two-child benefit cap. Some Labour members are up in arms about the move believing it was unnecessarily harsh. Sir Starmer's Labour Party is hoping that the decisive action prevents future insurrection against the party whip. The 7 MPs have been suspended for the coming 6 months and a review is pending. What the party decides in the coming weeks could become defining what type of government Keir Starmer wants. However, so far he does not want the infighting and fragmentation of the Conservative party; even if that comes at the expense of fellow party members.