The Full Belmonte, 9/20/2023
Russia has turned food, energy and even children into weapons against Ukraine, Zelenskyy says at UN
“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday at the U.N. General Assembly’s annual top-level meeting that Russia is ‘weaponizing’ everything from food and energy to abducted children in its war against Ukraine — and he warned world leaders that the same could happen to them.” Read More at AP News
“Attorney General Merrick Garland is set to testify before the House Judiciary Committee today. Republican lawmakers are expected to ask him about how the Justice Department handled the Hunter Biden investigation and former President Donald Trump's indictments.” [NPR]
David Zalubowski/AP
The chance of a government shutdown is increasing after House negotiations failed.
“What happened? House Republicans couldn’t agree on a stopgap funding bill yesterday, which was destined to fail in the Senate anyway.
What it means: More work for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who must get a razor-thin majority, including hard-right members, to an agreement before the end of the month.
Also on the Hill: Attorney General Merrick Garland is set to testify today.”
Read this story at Washington Post
Politics
“Hard-right House Republicans blocked a bill to fund the military, another setback for Speaker Kevin McCarthy as he tries to avert a government shutdown.” [New York Times]
“Donald Trump is said to have instructed a former aide not to tell federal investigators about the boxes of government documents he had kept at Mar-a-Lago. She told them.” [New York Times]
“Hunter Biden plans to plead not guilty to three federal charges brought against him for a 2018 gun purchase.” [New York Times]
“The governors of Iowa and Georgia criticized Trump after he called a six-week abortion ban in Florida ‘a terrible thing.’” [New York Times]
The UAW threatened to expand its strike if talks don’t progress by Friday.
“The latest: United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain yesterday set a deadline of noon Friday to see ‘serious progress’ in negotiations with the Big Three automakers.
What’s next? Fain did not say which locals would join the 12,700 workers on strike. The UAW and companies remain far apart on terms for a new four-year contract.
A political angle: Donald Trump is planning a Detroit rally next week — skipping a Republican primary debate — and Democrats want Biden to visit the picket lines.”
Read this story at Washington Post
"The group that won a Supreme Court case against affirmative action sued West Point, arguing it should be barred there too.” [New York Times]
Temple University says acting president JoAnne A. Epps has died after collapsing on stage
“Temple University’s acting president JoAnne Epps collapsed and later died after an event on Tuesday, the university said. She was attending a memorial service and became ill.” Read More at AP News
Kilo of fentanyl stored on playmats at day care where child died, prosecutors say
“A kilogram of fentanyl was stored on top of children’s playmats at a New York City day care where a 1-year-old died and three other toddlers overdosed after exposure to the powerful opioid, according to a newly unsealed federal complaint.
The day care’s owner, Grei Mendez, and her tenant, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, are now facing federal charges of possession and conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death, according to prosecutors.
Mendez has already been arraigned on state charges of murder, manslaughter and assault, and Brito was also scheduled to appear in court. Mendez pleaded not guilty, and maintained that she had no knowledge of the fentanyl on the day care’s premises.
The NYPD was searching for a third person, Mendez’s husband, in connection with the case.” [NBC News]
“Proper hypertension treatment could prevent 76 million deaths globally by 2050, WHO says. High blood pressure affects one in three adults worldwide and can lead to other health problems such as heart attacks, stroke, and kidney damage.” [CNN]
Prosecutors are examining whether Tesla properly disclosed perks Chief Executive Elon Musk might have received.
PHOTO: NATHAN HOWARD/GETTY IMAGES
Federal prosecutors are scrutinizing personal benefits Tesla might have provided Elon Musk since 2017—longer than previously known.
“It is part of a criminal probe ( read for free) examining use of the electric-vehicle company’s resources on a proposed glass house for the billionaire and transactions between Tesla and other entities connected to Musk, people familiar with the investigation said. Prosecutors have referenced the involvement of a grand jury. On his social-media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Musk has said there isn’t a glass house ‘built, under construction or planned.’ He didn’t address past work or plans, and neither he nor his representatives responded to requests for comment. Separately, in a wide-ranging conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a Tesla factory in northern California, Musk floated the idea of charging users of X, saying it was the only way to eradicate fake and spam accounts. The platform didn’t respond to a request for comment.” [Wall Street Journal]
Alabama high school band director tased by police
“Alabama police have released bodycam showing officers tasing a Birmingham high school band director after he allegedly ignored orders to stop his band’s performance following a football game last week.
Officers had asked the directors from both school bands to stop performing so the crowd would leave the stadium after Thursday’s game, according to the police report.
The video shows police asking Minor High School band director Johnny Mimsmultiple times to stop playing, but he refuses to do so.
The situation escalates and Mims was hit with a stun gun several times by one officer, then placed in handcuffs, according to the video. Police alleged that Mims took a swing at an officer, a claim he denies.
‘Nothing we were doing at the time was being a danger to the community, fans or the school,’ Mims told NPR on Monday. ‘Everyone was enjoying themselves. That's the part I'm having a hard time grappling with.’
Mims said he is still physically recovering from the incident. He is charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, and resisting arrest.” [NBC News]
Pennsylvania
“Democrats maintained control of the Pennsylvania House by winning a special election in Pittsburgh.” [New York Times]
“Pennsylvania, a swing state, will automatically register residents to votewhen they get a driver’s license or state ID.” [New York Times]
Trust in political system hits new low
Data: Pew Research Center. Chart: Axios Visuals
“Americans' views of the political system have reached new lows, according to a Pew survey that found near-record distrust of government and disgust with both parties.
Why it matters: Congressional infighting threatens a government shutdown, and the 2024 election appears to be headed for a Biden-Trump rematch most Americans don't want, Axios' Stef Kight writes.
By the numbers: Four times as many Americans have unfavorable views of both parties today than in 2002 — an all-time high. Republicans and Democrats are equally unpopular.
Trust in the government is near a 70-year low. Just 16% say they trust the federal government most of the time.
2 in 3 say they always or often feel ‘exhausted’ when thinking about politics. The top two words they use to describe U.S. politics: ‘divisive’ and ‘corrupt.’
Between the lines: The problem could get worse as younger generations start to make up a greater share of the population.
Younger people are far more likely to be critical of both parties.
Americans have become deeply cynical of politicians who run for office, the survey found.
A vast majority supports term limits (87%) and age restrictions (79%).” [Axios]
UNGA Kicks Off in New York
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Sept. 19.Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
“World leaders gathered in New York City on Tuesday for the 78th annual United Nations General Assembly. Among the biggest talking points were Russia’s war in Ukraine, human rights abuses against Palestinians, renewed violence in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the future of the U.N. as we know it.
Kicking off the gathering was Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Following U.N. tradition, Brazil always speaks first—a policy adhered to since 1995. The Latin American leader called for higher taxes on the nation’s wealthiest citizens, stronger protections to combat deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, and greater multilateral cooperation, which he has led through the so-called BRICS group. ‘Brazil is back,’ Lula said, touting democratic rule as vital to overcoming disinformation and oppression.
Up next came U.S. President Joe Biden, who also centered his speech on global collaboration efforts. As the only leader of a permanent-five member of the U.N. Security Council to attend the summit in person, Biden called on the body to authorize a ‘security support mission’ to help Haiti battle gang violence. He also urged ‘de-risking, not decoupling’ with China and celebrated improving Israeli-Arab relations.
However, Biden wasn’t preaching kumbaya policies with everyone. The U.S. president unequivocally blamed Russia for its war in Ukraine and renewed Washington’s commitment to support Kyiv. ‘If you allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure?’ he asked.
Biden’s pledge to continue aiding Ukraine came as Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to strengthen Moscow’s alliances elsewhere. On Tuesday, the Kremlin announced that Putin will travel to Beijing in October to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This will be Putin’s first foreign trip since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him in March for forcibly relocating Ukrainian children, a war crime. Neither Putin nor Xi is attending this year’s U.N. General Assembly.
Other key speakers included Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. But it was Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s podium time that caught people’s eyes. Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s neutral position toward Russia’s war in Ukraine, asserted his support for Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia, and called for the U.N. Security Council to expand veto power to more than five nations.
The most anticipated speech, though, came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky’s first in-person appearance at the summit since the war began was meant to drum up additional international support in the form of arms deals and humanitarian funding. He also questioned Russia’s membership in the United Nations, calling on the body’s dedication to protecting state sovereignty.” [Foreign Policy]
“The big whodunit. Diplomatic relations between Canada and India exploded on Monday after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi of involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in western Canada in June. The announcement followed weeks of state-led investigations and behind-the-scenes negotiations between Canada and its allies. Many of Canada’s closest friends, including the United States, have refused to join Ottawa in condemning New Delhi.
Trudeau’s declaration marks one of the lowest periods in Canada-India relations in history. And if the report is true, then it would signal one of the world’s first state-sponsored assassinations on friendly soil in decades. Following the allegations, Canada expelled an Indian diplomat for allegedly being an intelligence officer. India followed suit by expelling a Canadian diplomat on Tuesday and accusing the country of interfering in India’s internal affairs.” [Foreign Policy]
“‘Anti-terrorist’ campaign. Fighting erupted in Nagorno-Karabakh on Tuesday when Azerbaijan launched an ‘anti-terrorist’ military campaign against Armenian forces in the contested region. According to Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry, only the complete ‘dissolution’ of Nagorno-Karabakh’s pro-Armenian government will stop the violence.
Full-blown war over the region last sparked in 2020, when Azerbaijani troops reclaimed much of the contested ethnic Armenian territory that it had lost over the last two decades. More than 7,000 people were killed at the time. The fighting halted only after Russia brokered a cease-fire and sent in peacekeepers. But clashes in recent months, including Tuesday’s assault, suggest a new surge in violence could be just around the corner.” [Foreign Policy]
“Britain passed a sweeping law to regulate online content, introducing age-verification requirements for pornography sites.” [New York Times]
“Unrest in Derna. Hundreds of Libyans marched through the eastern city of Derna on Monday to demand the removal of government officials responsible for poor infrastructure in the nation, including two dams that burst last week, killing at least 11,300 people. Protesters have called for the removal of Aguila Saleh, the speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, as well as other top officials.
Fearing public unrest, Derna’s local government ordered all journalists to leave the city, and many foreign correspondents were briefly detained by the country’s military. Search and rescue teams are still pleading for international aid to help survivors as the death toll continues to rise.” [Foreign Policy]
Tory Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considering diluting some of his green policies, including delaying a 2030 UK ban on new gasoline and diesel cars and weakening a plan to phase out gas boilers. Britain has a goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but Sunak has faced pressure from his party to scale back plans.
Rishi Sunak Photographer: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe
September 20, 2023
Good morning. We’re covering a change in how Biden talks about the world….
President Biden at the United Nations General Assembly.Doug Mills/The New York Times
A bigger tent
“President Biden has made it a signature phrase of his administration: The world is engaged in ‘a battle between democracy and autocracy.’
He publicly expressed a version of this idea at least a dozen times during his first year in office and a dozen more during his second year, according to Factba.se, an online database that tracks his remarks. But Biden has used it less often during his third year in office — and he notably did not use the phrase when speaking to the United Nations General Assembly yesterday. Last year in the same setting, he did use it.
What explains the change? Biden still very much believes in the basic idea, but he and other administration officials have come to think that the framing comes with downsides.
Biden’s phrase accurately captures the leading players in the core struggle for global influence today. The U.S., Japan, South Korea, Western Europe and a few other rich countries are healthy democracies on one side of the divide. Russia and China are autocracies on the other side.
Many other countries, however, have not chosen sides. They are willing to work closely with both Washington and Beijing, depending on the issue. These countries tend to be flawed democracies (like Brazil, India, Israel and Nigeria) or autocracies (like Saudi Arabia and Vietnam). If the U.S. suggests that only democracies are welcome in its alliance, that alliance will shrink.
‘Defining the current contest as one between democracies and autocracies is a flawed strategy,’ Walter Russell Mead, a foreign policy expert at the Hudson Institute, wrote in The Wall Street Journal this spring. ‘Abroad, this approach weakens America’s ties with key allies and exposes us to devastating charges of systemic hypocrisy.’ Mead is a conservative who often criticizes Biden, but some members of the administration have had similar concerns, as Peter Baker, The Times’s chief White House correspondent, has reported.
In June, Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, acknowledged the tension. ‘I do think we are dealing with the gathering and march of autocratic forces in ways that are not in the United States’ national interest, and that we do need to rally the values, norms and forces of democracy to push back against that,’ Sullivan said. But, he added, Biden ‘has also been clear that in that larger effort, we need constructive relationships with countries of all different traditions and backgrounds.’
The C.I.A. and Stalin
There is, of course, a long history of the U.S. working with autocracies as part of a stated strategy of fostering democracy. Sometimes, this history has been tragic, as during the Vietnam War. Other times, the practice has aged well, such as the alliances with Stalin’s Soviet Union during World War II or with Persian Gulf kingdoms to evict Saddam Hussein from Kuwait during the 1990s.
The democracy-vs.-autocracy dichotomy has probably been most helpful in energizing Western Europe to come to Ukraine’s defense and persuading Japan and South Korea to strengthen ties as a counterweight to China. Over the past year, though, the administration has also tried to build ties with countries that are democratically weaker:
India is another potential counterweight to China, and Biden hosted its prime minister, Narendra Modi, for a warm three-day visit this year despite Modi’s crackdown on critics of his Hindu nationalist government. (This week, Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, accused India’s government of killing a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia.)
The U.S. strengthened its ties with Vietnam — which remains a one-party state — when Biden visited Hanoi this month. Both countries are worried about China’s ambitions.
Turkey, Hungary and Poland are important parts of the alliance supplying Ukraine with weapons to fight Russia.
The Biden administration is talking with Saudi officials about establishing a mutual defense treaty in which each country would promise to come to the other’s aid if attacked, my colleagues Edward Wong and Mark Mazzetti reported yesterday. The talks are part of an effort to persuade Saudi Arabia and Israel to normalize their relations.
All of this may help explain the approach Biden took at the U.N. yesterday. He continued to celebrate the virtues of democracy, saying that it ‘can deliver in ways that matter to people’s lives’ while describing programs to build infrastructure in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Yet he did not use any versions of the words ‘autocracy’ or ‘authoritarian.’
In a dangerous world, the U.S. evidently wants to woo many kinds of allies.” [New York Times]
“The world economy may be set for a slowdown as interest-rate increases weigh on activity and China struggles to right its ship. Global growth will ease to 2.7% in 2024, the slowest since the Covid-19 outbreak, according to the latest OECD forecasts. Besides increasing attention on China’s economic challenges, national leaders are concerned about how corporations are picking sides when it comes to politics. Experts are warning it could tear the global economy apart.” [Bloomberg]
“New US home construction dropped 11.3% in August to the lowest level since June 2020, highlighting the toll of declining housing affordability. The drop was largely driven by a sharp decline in multifamily construction. The recent rise in mortgage rates has also helped drive housing affordability to record lows, suppressing demand and souring builder sentiment. But there’s a twist: applications to build—a proxy for future construction—picked up by the most in almost a year. Markets were slightly lower ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve rate decision. Here’s your markets wrap.” [Bloomberg]
“Bankrupt crypto exchange FTX sued former chief executive Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents, Allan Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried. They allegedly exploited their access and influence within FTX to ‘enrich themselves, directly and indirectly, by millions of dollars,’ at the expense of the debtors and creditors, the company alleged in court papers. The couple’s lawyer denied the allegations. The role Bankman and Fried played at the company has been coming under increased scrutiny.” [Bloomberg]
Barbara Fried, mother of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, leaves a bail hearing for her son on Aug. 11 in New York. Photographer: Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
SPORTS
Betnijah Laney of the New York Liberty.Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
“W.N.B.A.: The New York Liberty advanced to the semifinals after defeating the Washington Mystics, 90-85. The Dallas Wings secured their place in the other semifinal, where they will face the Las Vegas Aces.” [New York Times]
“Baseball: After surgery, Shohei Ohtani is expected to hit next season but not pitch until 2025, his agent announced.” [New York Times]
Patriots fan death during game under investigation
“Authorities are investigating the death of a New England Patriots fan during Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium after a fight broke out in the stands.
Dale Mooney, a 53-year-old New Hampshire man, died after suffering an ‘apparent medical event’ during the fourth quarter of the Patriots game versus the Miami Dolphins, Massachusetts state police said.
Witnesses described to NBC10 Boston a brawl that broke out before Mooney’s death.
‘It was really one punch that I saw and the victim got punched really hard on the side of the head, and went down. He's a bigger guy but he just crumbled,’ one witness said.
Cell phone video shows security moving in to break up the fight, and paramedics attending to an injured man.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Mooney was struck before his death, and the Norfolk District Attorney's Office said no charges have been filed in the case as of now.” [NBC News]
Dino for sale
Photo: Abdul Saboor/Reuters
“A well-preserved and rare skeleton of a dinosaur that lived about 150 million years ago is going up for auction in Paris next month.
The Camptosaurus, known as Barry, was first discovered in Wyoming in the 1990s, Reuters reports.
The dino — 6.9 feet tall and 16.4 feet long — is expected to sell for $1.28 million.” [Axios]