This Week in Politics
Biden NYC Fundraiser Makes History
Moving closer toward the presidential election in November it has become abundantly clear that this race is tight and anyone's bet, independents seem to think so at least. The main contenders, President Biden and former President Trump, are head to head in most polls with Trump pulling ahead in most. However, the campaigning is far from over and both parties have entered a phase of ruthless fundraising, money helps win elections. The Democrats made a strong impression in New York City when President Biden, former President Obama and Clinton all took part in the same fundraising event. And as the title suggests it was record-breaking; in total the Democratic Party reported +$26 million in donations for the re-election of Mr Biden. The fundraiser's result showcases the support Biden has and perhaps most important the willingness of other Democrats to support the president. Rarely do 3 presidents find themselves in the same room outside official occasions. However, Mr Trump's win in 2016 proves that funds on their own do not win elections, Mrs Clinton outspent former President Trump and still lost. The effectiveness of the Biden campaign to weald the raised capital will be instrumental in the final tally. The Republicans stated that their fundraiser had +$33 million in pledged donations for the Trump campaign, though that remains to be seen. The race for the presidency has started and has begun with finding the resources to win.
Tory No to Pact with Nigel Farage
The ruling Conservative Party (Tories) of the United Kingdom has ruled out the possibility of forming a pact with right-winger Nigel Farage, stating "We don't do deals." The comments come admits heightening pressures toward Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to neutralise the threat of Reform UK. The Tories have long enjoyed abysmal polling and worry that the right-wing vote may be hampered by vote splitting. Reform UK is currently polling at roughly half the size of Rishi Sunak's party. Moreover, those calling for the pact fear that they may lose their elections - its business not just working with another party to the right. With their jobs on the line, many Conservative MPs have chosen to become strong advocates for the formation of a pact with Nigel Farage, deemed as a major threat due to his knack for politics and idolisation by many on the right (if he becomes an active part of Reform UK's election campaign). Mr Farage brought Britain to leaving the EU, if he wanted he could likely deal the final blow to an already struggling party. Number 10 Downing Street probably thinks that Reform UK and by extension, Nigel Farage can be contained without deals, however, this could be a fatal miscalculation that could come with the hefty price of the prime ministership.
DUP Leader Steps Down
The leader of Northern Ireland's largest Unionist party has stepped down due to being arrested for what the Police Service of Northern Ireland called "non-recent sexual offenses." Per the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) rules the leader's, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's, membership has been suspended pending the outcome of the judicial process. Nevertheless, Sir Donaldson resigned as leader with immediate effect. This leaves the DUP vulnerable in the short term, considering the period between now and the next assembly election the DUP can relax to some extent. However, considering the time between now and the next British general election the party should start focusing on rebuilding its image as best it can. The party would preferably for its own sake remain the largest NI grouping in parliament.
