Biden's Withdrawal Opens a New Possibility for Democrats!

Yesterday brought the long-awaited news of Joe Biden's announcement to not pursue a second presidential term. This immediately reshaped the course of the U.S. presidential election.

At this point, many are likely certain that Biden’s withdrawal has secured Donald Trump’s re-election for a second term as the president of the world's leading superpower. However, I am not so sure about this.

Of course, I admit that Trump’s challenger is in a hurry to justify to the nation why he or she should be elected. The situation is not made any easier by the fact that the competitor has gained sympathy from an assassination attempt against him.

In reality, however, the new candidate—whoever he or she may be—holds a trump card, at least if he or she is relatively unknown to most of the electorate. This way, his or her first national appearance will create an unusually significant impression on the voters.

If this impression pleases the majority of voters, Donald Trump will be in trouble, because despite his great popularity, he also evokes a lot of negative feelings among people. Therefore, in a country with low voter turnout like the United States, an appealing candidate might motivate even those voters who could not imagine placing their trust in either Biden or Trump.

Therefore, the Democrats should look for a candidate who has the potential to successfully launch their campaign in the manner I described above. But if they fail to do so, another four years of Trumpism lies ahead.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Joe Biden Must Step Aside, But Can a Suitable Candidate Be Found?
Biden's dementia and Trump's speeches may improve European security
Risk of dementia in the U.S. presidential elections

Henna Virkkunen: Opportunist or Unsuitable Commissioner Candidate?

The so-called political far-right achieved a major electoral victory in the EU elections. At the same time, significant changes occurred in its organization, resulting in the formation of two fairly equally sized groups.

The parties belonging to the ECR share a common critical stance against Russian imperialism, a stance also found in other parliamentary groups. In contrast, the parties aligned with the PIE are either uncritical or outright supporters of Russian imperialism, aligning themselves with part of the far-left The Left group in this regard.

Among Finnish parties, the Finns Party is a member of the ECR and unequivocally supports Western values. This stance has been evident in both Finnish politics and a national public broadcaster's survey, which asked MEPs whether Hungary's presidency should be suspended due to Viktor Orbán's solo actions favoring Russia.

Among Finnish MEPs, an overwhelming majority - including the representative of the Finns Party - supported the suspension, but Elsi Katainen (Renew) and Henna Virkkunen (EPP) would allow Orbán to continue, and Katri Kulmuni (Renew) did not know how to respond. In this context, it is interesting that Henna Virkkunen is Finland's commissioner candidate.

The question, therefore, is whether Virkkunen's view diverged from that of other Finnish EPP members because she did not want to irritate the presiding country, or if she genuinely supported Orbán. If it was the former, her stance does not demonstrate even basic political integrity, but rather sole opportunism. If it was the latter, it raises the question of whether she is at all suitable as Finland's commissioner candidate.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
A National Rally election victory does not mean that France will become like Finland under the Finns Party
Former President of Finland, Tarja Halonen, suggested that Ukraine should cede part of its territory
Daniel Freund demanded a ban to Viktor Orbán

 

Joe Biden Must Step Aside, But Can a Suitable Candidate Be Found?

The fragile president of the USA, Joe Biden, failed completely in his recent debate but is still aiming for a second term. This would very likely mean that Donald Trump will return to lead the USA.

This is bad news for the entire world. However, it would also be bad if Biden continues in power, especially if he is as senile as he appeared during the debate.

This is because the world needs a competent leader for the flagship of democratic nations. One who can find ways to defeat Russia in Ukraine, ensure that China doesn't even consider attempting to conquer Taiwan, and keep Islamist extremists in check.

For this reason, I really hope that Biden will withdraw his candidacy. But that is not enough; a replacement candidate must also be found for the Democrats, someone who can guide the Western superpower’s economy to continue growing, take an interest in global politics, and ensure internal security in the USA.

It is unfortunately clear that the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, is not such a person, but could a competent replacement for Biden be found? Someone intelligent, competent, and capable.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Brianna Wu's advice and the reality of Finnish politics
Biden's dementia and Trump's speeches may improve European security
Risk of dementia in the U.S. presidential elections

Will an attitude lead Ukraine into EU?

The European Commission has taken a positive attitude towards granting Ukraine an official status as an EU candidate, according to Politico. The solution roots itself in Ukrainian requests for an official recognition as an EU candidate country as that would provide a morale boost to their soldiers and other citizens. 

An anonymous EU senior official said that "the Commission does not forget that Ukraine is the only country in Europe where people died, where people were shot at because they were on the streets carrying EU flags... Now, we cannot tell them, ´sorry guys, you were waving the wrong flags.´"

As having a great sympathy towards Ukrainians in their desperate defense against Russian invasion, I definitely would like to provide them a membership in the Union. Despite that, I urge that during the becoming negotiations EU will not loosen its demands and economic conditions to be fulfilled by a member country. That includes also getting rid of the wide and deep corruption known to have flourished forever in the country.

Good hope can be seen in the attitudes of Ukrainians. That was expressed by the deputy head of Ukrainian President office, who said that "when you ask Ukrainian soldiers fighting somewhere in the Donbas or in the south of Ukraine against Russian aggression, ´Do you want to be a part of the European Union family?´ They say, ´Yes, definitely. Because that´s what I’m fighting for. I´m fighting not only for Ukraine, I´m fighting for European values. I´m fighting against aggression in Europe.´"

I hope this attitude will make impossible a viable option, and help Ukrainians to turn their country to an acceptable and successful member of the European Union in near future. 

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
A new route for the Ukrainian crops
Afghanistan now and in the future
Tractor course for Ukrainians