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Key Political Developments and Controversies in 2024: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and the Gaza War

GOOVER DAILY REPORT August 3, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Kamala Harris’s Presidential Campaign
  3. Donald Trump’s Legal and Political Challenges
  4. Gaza War and U.S.-Israel Relations
  5. Supreme Court and Constitutional Reforms
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report provides a comprehensive overview of key political events and controversies leading up to the 2024 U.S. elections. It covers Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump's legal and political challenges, and the ongoing Gaza War involving Israel and Hamas. Kamala Harris is set to be the Democratic nominee, backed by strong endorsements and effective fundraising strategies. Donald Trump faces significant legal issues and security failures, yet remains a formidable candidate. The Gaza War has generated critical international responses and severe humanitarian crises. Furthermore, U.S. President Joe Biden has proposed significant Supreme Court reforms aimed at restoring trust and accountability, sparking mixed reactions from various political factions.

2. Kamala Harris’s Presidential Campaign

  • 2-1. Positioning in 2024 elections

  • Kamala Harris is positioned to be the Democratic nominee for the presidential elections in 2024. After President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Harris secured enough delegates to win the nomination according to the Associated Press. If she officially becomes the nominee after the Democratic National Convention, she will be the first woman of color to be a major party presidential nominee. Harris has already received endorsements from prominent figures such as President Biden and former President Barack Obama.

  • 2-2. Fundraising strategies

  • Kamala Harris has been proactive in soliciting small-dollar donations as part of her fundraising strategies. Within hours of Biden’s announcement to drop out, Harris was already asking Americans for $20 contributions. Such small-dollar donations are significant as they indicate grassroots support and can demonstrate a candidate's connection with everyday people. ActBlue raised over $27.5 million from small-dollar donors within five hours of Biden endorsing Harris. Harris’s campaign has also leveraged email and text message campaigns to maximize donations, which is essential for covering various campaign costs including staff payments, polling, and events.

  • 2-3. Potential vice-presidential picks

  • Several potential candidates for Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential pick have been discussed. According to Newsweek and ChatGPT's analysis, top contenders include Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Whitmer was highlighted for her executive experience and crisis management skills, making her a strong pick from a crucial swing state. Shapiro, noted for his governance in Pennsylvania, also stands out as a strategic choice. Harris's decision on a running mate is expected to be announced within the next two weeks.

  • 2-4. Political endorsements

  • Kamala Harris has secured endorsements from key political figures and groups. President Biden and former President Barack Obama have endorsed her, bolstering her campaign with significant political support. Civil rights leader Dolores Huerta publicly campaigned for Harris in Arizona, emphasizing her support for the Latino community. Harris's campaign manager, Julia Chavez Rodriguez, also highlighted Harris as the 'perfect candidate to take on Donald Trump.' Additionally, labor unions and various Democratic organizations have shown strong support for Harris, contributing to her robust endorsement portfolio.

3. Donald Trump’s Legal and Political Challenges

  • 3-1. Assassination attempt and security failures

  • On July 13, 2024, an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump occurred during his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee questioned FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate and acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe about the security failures. Major flaws included non-operational Secret Service drones due to connectivity issues and poor coordination between local law enforcement and the Secret Service. Rowe admitted the Secret Service's embarrassment over these failures, including the lack of communication about an active shooter that stayed within state and local enforcement and did not reach the Secret Service in time.

  • 3-2. Legal battles over hush-money payments

  • Former President Donald Trump is engaged in an ongoing legal battle related to hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Convicted by a Manhattan jury of falsifying business records to conceal the payments, Trump is appealing the conviction. His lawyers argue that a Supreme Court decision shielding presidents from prosecution for official acts should apply. However, prosecutors maintain that the Supreme Court's decision does not pertain to this case as it involves unofficial acts from before Trump was elected. They assert that Trump’s immunity argument was not timely raised and does not warrant vacating the jury’s unanimous decision.

  • 3-3. Electoral strategies and campaign responses

  • Trump has taken various steps in response to Kamala Harris’s ascendency as the Democratic presidential candidate. His campaign refuses to commit to any future debates until the Democratic nominee is officially decided, suggesting that the political chaos surrounding Joe Biden's withdrawal complicates such commitments. Trump has been active in defending controversial remarks made by his running mate, JD Vance, and has been heavily critical of Democratic policies and figures, including Harris. Despite controversies and legal challenges, Trump retains substantial support, evidenced by polling that shows a close race between him and Harris, with a significant portion of the electorate viewing him favorably.

4. Gaza War and U.S.-Israel Relations

  • 4-1. Netanyahu's Speech and Criticisms

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a confrontational speech to the U.S. Congress, criticizing anti-Israel protests and labeling some protesters as 'Iran's useful idiots.' He condemned allegations against Israel regarding war crimes and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing them as antisemitic and fabrications. Netanyahu praised President Joe Biden for his unwavering support for Israel while also hinting at past disagreements between the two leaders over the Gaza war. His speech drew mixed reactions from U.S. lawmakers, with some Democratic members boycotting the event in protest.

  • 4-2. Biden's Engagement with Netanyahu

  • President Joe Biden hosted Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House, where they discussed a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas. Biden emphasized the urgent need to finalize the deal, resolve the hostage situation, and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite their historically close relationship, Biden's stance during this meeting was notably tougher, reflecting his disapproval of Israel's prolonged military actions. Vice President Kamala Harris also met with Netanyahu and expressed serious concerns over the humanitarian toll in Gaza, signaling a more empathetic tone compared to previous U.S. positions.

  • 4-3. Protests and International Reactions

  • Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. sparked significant protests, with many opposing Israel's actions in Gaza. These protests included instances where the Secret Service had to intervene. U.S. officials, like Secretary of State Antony Blinken, acknowledged the protestors' right to express their dissent while condemning any antisemitic rhetoric. Internationally, Netanyahu's confrontational stance in his speech drew further criticism, widening the political divide. The sentiments expressed by Netanyahu have intensified debates within the U.S. and among the international community regarding both the military actions in Gaza and the broader Israel-Palestine conflict.

  • 4-4. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

  • The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 39,000 Palestinians killed and widespread destruction complicating access to vital resources. Netanyahu has been accused of exacerbating the crisis and blocking aid to Gaza. This situation has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups and international observers. Despite Netanyahu’s claims to the contrary, reports from the United Nations and other organizations highlight dire conditions, with significant portions of the Gaza population facing critical food insecurity. The Biden administration has stressed the need for improved aid flow and protection of civilian lives during military operations.

5. Supreme Court and Constitutional Reforms

  • 5-1. Biden’s Proposals for Supreme Court Reforms

  • US President Joe Biden has unveiled proposals to reform the Supreme Court, which include term limits for justices and new ethics rules. Specifically, Biden is calling for 18-year terms for Supreme Court justices and a stricter ethics code similar to those for federal judges. Additionally, he is urging for a constitutional amendment that would challenge the Supreme Court’s recent ruling backing former President Donald Trump’s claims to presidential immunity. Biden’s reforms aim to restore trust and accountability to the court and democracy.

  • 5-2. Impact on Presidential Powers

  • Biden's proposed reforms seek to prevent the abuse of presidential power and restore public faith in the Supreme Court. By advocating for the aforementioned constitutional amendment and term limits, Biden aims to undermine the court's recent decision that supported Trump's claims to presidential immunity and bolster democratic guardrails.

  • 5-3. Public and Political Reactions

  • The reforms have been met with mixed reactions. Analysts suggest Biden’s chances of getting the reforms passed in a divided Congress are slim. However, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren believes this push could encourage voters to support Kamala Harris and Democrats in the elections. The White House has stated that both Biden and Harris look forward to working with Congress on these reforms. Former President Trump has criticized these efforts as a partisan attack on the justice system intended to interfere with the presidential election. Additionally, the Supreme Court has faced recent ethics scandals, further complicating public perception.

6. Conclusion

  • The report underscores the complex political dynamics and controversies shaping the 2024 U.S. elections. Kamala Harris's campaign is bolstered by significant endorsements and strong grassroots fundraising, positioning her as a historic candidate. However, Donald Trump's continuing legal battles and recent assassination attempt highlight the volatile nature of his campaign. Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza War and the ensuing humanitarian crisis add another international dimension that could influence U.S. foreign policy and electoral outcomes. Additionally, Joe Biden's proposed Supreme Court reforms, targeting term limits and ethics codes, aim to ensure accountability, although facing substantial political resistance. These findings illustrate ongoing political fragmentation and underscore the necessity for vigilant monitoring of emerging trends. Future political developments will likely be influenced by these intertwined factors, emphasizing the importance of strategic adaptability for political leaders and policymakers.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Kamala Harris [Person]

  • Vice President of the United States and Democratic presidential candidate for 2024. Harris has focused her campaign on issues like abortion rights, gun safety, and addressing racial and economic inequalities. She faces critical decisions in selecting a vice-presidential candidate and is actively engaging in fundraising efforts.

  • 7-2. Donald Trump [Person]

  • Former President of the United States and Republican candidate for the 2024 election. Trump is dealing with multiple legal challenges, including a recent assassination attempt and ongoing security issues. His campaign strategy involves addressing legal controversies and mobilizing his support base.

  • 7-3. Benjamin Netanyahu [Person]

  • Prime Minister of Israel who has been a central figure in the Gaza war and its international repercussions. Netanyahu’s speeches and policies have significant implications on U.S.-Israel relations and the broader geopolitical context.

  • 7-4. Gaza War [Event]

  • Ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and a complex humanitarian crisis. The war has prompted international protests and diverse political reactions, significantly impacting U.S. foreign policy.

  • 7-5. Supreme Court Reform [Issue]

  • Proposals by President Joe Biden to implement changes to the Supreme Court, aimed at ensuring accountability and limiting presidential power abuses. These reforms include term limits for justices and have sparked substantial political debate.

8. Source Documents