Time Magazine unveils new cover after Joe Biden’s withdrawal

Time Magazine has unveiled a new cover featuring Kamala Harris after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race.

President Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democrat nominee after he announced he was dropping out of the race.

The magazine cover shows Ms Harris walking into the frame as President Biden steps out of the picture.

Joe Biden withdraws from US presidential race, endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic presidential nominee.

US President Joe Biden has ended his re-election campaign and endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to succeed him as the Democratic candidate, in an extraordinary decision that upends an already dramatic race for the White House.

Mr Biden, 81, said in a Sunday written statement that it was the "greatest honour" to serve but his withdrawal was "in the best interest of my party and the country".

The announcement caps a tumultuous period in US politics, which began with his sometimes incoherent debate performance against Donald Trump on 27 June. Mr Biden says he will remain president until January.

Ms Harris, 59, said that she was "honoured" to be endorsed, adding she would "earn and win this nomination" and unite the country against Trump.

"We have 107 days until election day," she said. "Together, we will fight. And together, we will win."

While Ms Harris has been picking up endorsments from many big figures in the party, she is yet to be officially nominated, and that may not happen until the Democratic National Convention in August.

A resurgent Trump meanwhile has pulled ahead in polling and was confirmed as Republican nominee at the party's convention in Milwaukee this week, five days after surviving an assassination attempt.

In the wake of Mr Biden's decision, he declared the president "was not fit to run... and is certainly not fit to serve". Other senior Republicans joined him in their criticism, and called on Mr Biden to leave the White House immediately, not just the Democratic candidacy.

Potential Harris rivals fall in line

Sources told the BBC that even senior White House staff and campaign officials were told of Mr Biden's decision only moments before the statement was released on Sunday afternoon, although the president had spoken to Ms Harris and a handful of others beforehand.

Dozens of senior Democrats and grandees including former president Barack Obama, Senate leader Chuck Schumer and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi immediately praised the decision and lauded Mr Biden's accomplishments in office.

Former president Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic candidate for president Hillary Clinton said they backed Kamala Harris as the party's candidate for November's vote, saying they would "fight with everything we've got to elect her".

While Mr Obama stated that he had "extraordinary confidence" that an "outstanding nominee emerges", he did not explicitly back Ms Harris or any other candidate.

Ms Pelosi has not commented.

Peter Welch, the first Democratic senator to call on Biden to drop his re-election run, called for an "open process" to nominate Harris.

But there are already signs that many in the party will unify behind her, including from high-profile politicians who had been touted as potential rivals for the nomination in the event Mr Biden stepped aside.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is believed to have presidential ambitions, praised Mr Biden as "selfless" and said he backed the "fearless" and "tenacious" Ms Harris to face Trump.

Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania governor, said he would do "everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States".

Pete Buttigieg, the current transport secretary and a former presidential contender, said Mr Biden was "one of the most consequential presidents in American history", adding he would do "all that I can to help elect Kamala Harris the next President."

Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan, stated that her job "will remain the same... doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump."

The Democratic National Committee meanwhile filed to amend the names of its fundraising committees to the Harris Victory Fund and Harris Action Fund.

Two major Democratic donors - LinkedIn co-funder Reid Hoffman and investor Alexander Soros - publicly endorsed Harris.

And within an hour of Mr Biden's announcement, the pro-Trump super-PAC campaign fund Make America Great Again posted an advert attacking Mr Harris, claiming "she covered up Joe's obvious mental decline".

Trump added: "Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same."

Weeks of intense scrutiny

Mr Biden had faced intense scrutiny since his debate performance in June. Less than two weeks ago, he hosted a high-profile summit with Nato leaders in Washington.

The occasion did little to calm nerves within his own party, with him mistakenly introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin”, and appearing to refer Ms Harris as "Vice President Trump".

At one point he told an interview that only the "Lord Almighty" could make him withdraw, but then later said he would consider doing so if he had a health condition. On Friday, while in isolation after testing positive for Covid, he said he would return to the campaign trail in the coming week.

In his statement on Sunday, Mr Biden thanked his Ms Harris, saying she was an "extraordinary partner".

"And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me," his statement added.

"I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do - when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America."

Officials from the Democratic National Committee held an emergency meeting on Sunday evening.

The focus will now be on the party's national convention, which is scheduled to start on 19 August.

Mr Biden swept the party's primaries, meaning that the delegates representing each state at the convention were pledged to vote for him - although they are now expected to be released to vote for another candidate.

United Press Team

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Increasing Concerns Over President Biden's Health: Insights from Medical Experts

Doctors are Growing Alarmed Over Biden’s Health

Nine medical professionals recently shared their views on President Biden’s health, and almost all expressed concerns that his symptoms might extend beyond the normal aging process. Since Joe Biden announced his presidential candidacy in 2019 at the age of seventy-six, questions about his age have persisted. Despite being a "transitional" figure, Biden has governed effectively, passing significant legislation. However, over the past year, apprehensions regarding his cognitive fitness have gained momentum and validity.

Reports from staff, donors, and officials have highlighted mental lapses. Special counsel Robert Hur referred to Biden as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory" in his report on Biden’s handling of classified documents. A recent presidential debate performance, watched by over fifty million Americans, further fueled these concerns. Biden stumbled over numbers and words, often losing his train of thought, appearing unfocused, and requiring assistance from the First Lady to exit the stage.

Following the debate, Axios reported that Biden, now eighty-one, tends to tire and misspeak before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Biden himself acknowledged needing to "pace myself a little more." Supporters have attributed his performance to various factors such as jet lag, a cold, and a busy schedule, but these explanations are reminiscent of conversations about an elderly relative's ability to drive safely, not about a presidential candidate’s fitness to govern.

A Spectrum of Medical Opinions

In an attempt to understand Biden’s health better, I consulted nine doctors, including an internist, geriatricians, neurologists, and a neurosurgeon. Most of these doctors, politically left-leaning, from different parts of the country, ranging in age from their thirties to sixties, emphasized that diagnosing from afar is challenging. However, nearly all voiced concerns that Biden’s symptoms might indicate more severe cognitive issues or neurodegenerative conditions, advocating for a comprehensive evaluation for neurological disorders.

A neurologist from the West Coast remarked that Biden’s debate performance raised alarms among her colleagues. She stated, "All of us had a gut reaction that this is not normal."

Historical Context and Ethical Considerations

Presidential health has often been shrouded in secrecy. Historical instances include Grover Cleveland’s secretive surgery for an oral tumor and Woodrow Wilson’s stroke being hidden from the public, with his wife taking over many of his duties. Ronald Reagan’s cognitive decline during his second term also led to discussions about invoking the Twenty-fifth Amendment.

The ethical dilemma of discussing a public figure’s health is complex. In 1964, psychiatrists openly questioned Barry Goldwater’s mental fitness, leading to the establishment of the Goldwater Rule, which restricts psychiatrists from commenting on public figures they have not examined. Despite this, some physicians argue that they have a duty to warn the public about potential risks, as seen in discussions about Donald Trump’s mental fitness during his presidency.

Current Medical Evaluations and Public Perception

The President’s medical team has consistently reported that Biden does not show signs of a neurodegenerative condition. In February, Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, attributed his stiff gait to spinal arthritis and stated that a detailed neurological exam revealed no significant issues. However, details about cognitive assessments and specific imaging remain vague.

Public trust in Biden’s health is waning. His debate performance and subsequent reports have led to growing concerns among voters, with many believing it is time for him to step aside. A neurologist from New York remarked, "He’s fading in front of us. You don’t need to be a neurologist to see it."

Balancing Transparency and Privacy

The balance between transparency and privacy in discussing a president’s health is delicate. While it is intrusive to dissect someone’s health publicly, the stakes are higher when it involves a world leader. The public deserves clarity on Biden’s cognitive fitness, given its implications for national and global stability. Comprehensive neuropsychological testing could provide definitive answers, helping to address the public’s concerns.

In conclusion, while Biden’s administration has managed to achieve significant legislative success, the growing concerns about his cognitive health cannot be ignored. As the debate over his fitness for office continues, it underscores the need for a transparent and thorough evaluation to ensure that the nation’s leadership remains robust and capable.

Carlos Alves de Sousa
United Photo Press

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George Clooney’s Call for Biden to Step Aside: A Political Analysis

In a surprising and bold move, George Clooney, a high-profile Hollywood actor and influential Democratic fundraiser, has publicly urged President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. This development, highlighted in Clooney's guest essay for The New York Times, underscores the growing concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden’s age and his ability to lead the party to victory in the upcoming election.

Clooney’s Argument

Clooney's central argument is that Biden, despite his accomplishments and experience, is no longer the dynamic leader who can galvanize the electorate. Clooney poignantly notes that "the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time." He reminisces about a more vigorous Biden, contrasting it sharply with the current president, whom he describes as visibly aged and less energetic. This perception, according to Clooney, is not merely a personal observation but a sentiment shared privately by many Democratic leaders and donors.

Strategic Implications

Clooney's essay is not just a critique but a strategic call to action. He warns that Biden’s continued candidacy could jeopardize the Democrats' chances not only in the presidential race but also in down-ballot contests. The actor's concerns reflect a broader anxiety within the party about maintaining control of the House and Senate. By voicing what many insiders are reportedly saying off the record, Clooney aims to catalyse a more open and urgent discussion about the party’s future.

Reaction from the Biden Campaign

The Biden campaign’s reaction to Clooney’s essay was swift. According to insiders, there was an intensive effort to dissuade Clooney from publishing his piece, led by influential figures like Jeffrey Katzenberg. This pushback highlights the campaign’s awareness of the potential damage such a high-profile defection could cause. Nonetheless, Clooney’s decision to go public indicates a significant rift within the party's fundraising elite, who are crucial for mounting a successful campaign.

Wider Democratic Concerns

Clooney is not alone in his stance. The essay coincides with similar calls from other prominent Democratic figures and Hollywood insiders. For instance, Rob Reiner echoed Clooney’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for younger leadership to counter existential threats to democracy. Such voices reflect a broader unease about Biden’s ability to lead a vigorous campaign against likely Republican challengers.

George Clooney’s public plea for President Biden to step aside marks a critical moment in the Democratic Party’s pre-election dynamics. It reflects deep-seated concerns about Biden’s age and electability, concerns that are being voiced increasingly by influential figures within the party. As the election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a crucial decision: whether to rally behind an incumbent president showing signs of age or to seek new leadership capable of energizing the base and securing victory in November. This debate, catalyzed by Clooney’s high-profile intervention, is likely to shape the party’s strategy and could determine its future success.

Carlos Alves de Sousa

United Photo Press

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Billionaires Backed Republicans Who Sought to Reverse US Election Results

The Club for Growth’s biggest beneficiaries include Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, above, 

the duo who led the effort to overturn the election result. 

Guardian analysis shows Club for Growth has spent $20m supporting 42 rightwing lawmakers who voted to invalidate Biden victory.

An anti-tax group funded primarily by billionaires has emerged as one of the biggest backers of the Republican lawmakers who sought to overturn the US election results, according to an analysis by the Guardian.

The Club for Growth has supported the campaigns of 42 of the rightwing Republicans senators and members of the House of Representatives who voted last week to challenge US election results, doling out an estimated $20m to directly and indirectly support their campaigns in 2018 and 2020, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.

About 30 of the Republican hardliners received more than $100,000 in indirect and direct support from the group.

The Club for Growth’s biggest beneficiaries include Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, the two Republican senators who led the effort to invalidate Joe Biden’s electoral victory, and the newly elected far-right gun-rights activist Lauren Boebert, a QAnon conspiracy theorist. Boebert was criticised last week for tweeting about the House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s location during the attack on the Capitol, even after lawmakers were told not to do so by police.

Public records show the Club for Growth’s largest funders are the billionaire Richard Uihlein, the Republican co-founder of the Uline shipping supply company in Wisconsin, and Jeffrey Yass, the co-founder of Susquehanna International Group, an options trading group based in Philadelphia that also owns a sports betting company in Dublin.

While Uihlein and Yass have kept a lower profile than other billionaire donors such as Michael Bloomberg and the late Sheldon Adelson, their backing of the Club for Growth has helped to transform the organization from one traditionally known as an anti-regulatory and anti-tax pro-business pressure group to one that backs some of the most radical and anti-democratic Republican lawmakers in Congress.

Here’s the thing about the hyper wealthy. They believe that their hyper-wealth grants them the ability to not be accountable Reed Galen

“Here’s the thing about the hyper wealthy. They believe that their hyper-wealth grants them the ability to not be accountable. And that is not the case. If you’ve made billions of dollars, good on you. But that doesn’t make you any less accountable for funding anti-democratic or authoritarian candidates and movements,” said Reed Galen, a former Republican strategist who co-founded the Lincoln Project, the anti-Trump campaigners.

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Galen said he believed groups such as the Club for Growth now served to cater to Republican donors’ own personal agenda, and not what used to be considered “conservative principles”.

The Lincoln Project has said it would devote resources to putting pressure not just on Hawley, which the group accused of committing sedition, but also on his donors.

The Club for Growth has so far escaped scrutiny for its role supporting the anti-democratic Republicans because it does not primarily make direct contributions to candidates. Instead, it uses its funds to make “outside” spending decisions, like attacking a candidate’s opponents.

The newly elected far-right gun-rights activist Lauren Boebert, a QAnon conspiracy theorist, is a beneficiary of the Club for Growth. Photograph: Us House Of Representatives Handout/EPA

In 2018, Club for Growth spent nearly $3m attacking the Democratic senator Claire McCaskill in Missouri, a race that was ultimately won by Hawley, the 41-year-old Yale law graduate with presidential ambitions who has amplified Donald Trump’s baseless lies about election fraud.

That year, it also spent $1.2m to attack the Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke, who challenged – and then narrowly lost – against Cruz.

Other legislators supported by Club for Growth include Matt Rosendale, who this week called for the resignation of fellow Republican Liz Cheney after she said she would support impeachment of the president, and Lance Gooden, who accused Pelosi of being just as responsible for last week’s riot as Trump.

Dozens of the Republicans supported by Club for Growth voted to challenge the election results even after insurrectionist stormed the Capitol, which led to five deaths, including the murder of a police officer.

The Club for Growth has changed markedly as the group’s leadership has changed hands. The Republican senator Pat Toomey, who used to lead the group, has recently suggested he was open to considering voting for Trump’s impeachment, and criticised colleagues for disputing election results. Its current head, David McIntosh, is a former Republican member of Congress who accompanied Trump on a final trip to Georgia last week, the night before Republican candidates David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, both heavily supported by the Club for Growth, lost runoff elections to their Democratic opponents.

Neither the Club for Growth nor McIntosh responded to requests for comment.

Public records show that Richard Uihlein, whose family founded Schlitz beer, donated $27m to the Club for Growth in 2020, and $6.7m in 2018. Uihlein and his wife, Liz, have been called “the most powerful conservative couple you’ve never heard of” by the New York Times. Richard Uihlein, the New York Times said, was known for underwriting “firebrand anti-establishment” candidates like Roy Moore, who Uihlein supported in a Senate race even after it was alleged he had sexually abused underage girls. Moore denied the allegations.

A spokesman for the Uihleins declined to comment.

Yass of Susquehanna International, who is listed on public documents as having donated $20.7m to the Club for Growth in 2020 and $3.8m in 2018, also declined to comment. Yass is one of six founders of Susquehanna, called a “crucial engine of the $5tn global exchange-traded fund market” in a 2018 Bloomberg News profile. The company was grounded on the basis of the six founders mutual love of poker and the notion that training for “probability-based” decisions could be useful in trading markets. Susquehanna’s Dublin-based company, Nellie Analytics, wagers on sports.

In a 2020 conference on the business of sports betting, Yass said sports betting was a $250bn industry globally, but that with “help” from legislators, it could become a trillion-dollar industry.

A 2009 profile of Yass in Philadelphia magazine described how secrecy pervades Susquehanna, and that people who know the company say “stealth” is a word often used to describe its modus operandi. The article suggested Yass was largely silent about his company because he does not like to share what he does and how, and that those who know him believe he is “very nervous” about his own security.

Yass, who is described in some media accounts as a libertarian, also donated to the Protect America Pac, an organisation affiliated with Republican senator Rand Paul. The Pac’s website falsely claims that Democrats stole the 2020 election.

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