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US military plane carrying illegal Indian immigrants landing at Amritsar || Trump proposes to take over Gaza, threatens to annihilate Iran || US pauses tariff on Canada, Mexico || China counters US tariff with 5% more || Muslim spiritual leader Aga Khan dies at 88 || Will Kash Patel's amorous manoeuvres threaten US security? || - India Travel Times.Com   [Estd: 1998]       * * *    Travel, More Travel, Travel Means A Million Things     * * *    
In days or months, Kamala Harris is President of United States

ANALYSIS: A pious Catholic and a gentleman (in contrast to the savage-looking felon), Biden is the most experienced politician that he doesn't look. Of Irish descent, he has been around the Capitol Hill and the White House for over five decades, quietly observing people and events. With his rich experience and insight, understanding Biden and what he does now will be possible only retrospectively, may be a year later!! Therefore not many Americans can see that for some time now he has been preparing his 'favourite child' to take on his mantle.

At the end of it all what will stand is what Nikki Haley said on X, "Mark my words... Biden will not be the Democratic nominee. Republicans, get your guard up!"

If and when he withdraws from contest, he must quit White House as well. Why?

WASHINGTON, July 6: US President Joe Biden has said he will stay in the 2024 presidential race 'to the end' despite mounting pressure from Democrats to step aside following what has been generally described as a disappointing debate with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on June 27 that showed his apparent failing physical and cognitive abilities due to old age. He is 81. (Trump is 78).

In his latest reaction on Friday, in a forceful speech in Madison, Wisconsin, he insisted, "I am running and gonna win again." He asserted that he only can to prevent Trump from returning to White House in the November 5 election. Only the "Lord Almighty" could convince him otherwise.

Earlier in an interview with ABC News also (released on Friday during the Madison campaign), Biden blamed a severe cold on the day of the debate. "I was sick, I was feeling terrible... We were trying to figure out what's wrong. They did a test to see whether or not I had some infection, you know, a virus. I didn't. I just had a really bad cold,” he explained. About undertaking an independent neurological examination, he said, “I get a full neurological test every day. I’ve had a full physical."

He said the voters should consider his accomplishments in office. “Who’s going to be in a position where I’m able to keep the Pacific Basin in a position where, at least we’re checkmating China now? Who’s going to do that? Who has that reach?”

However, in a concerning interview with Philadelphia World Radio on Thursday (see video) Biden apparently confused himseflf to say: "I am proud to be the first (woman) Vice-President, first Black woman, served with a Black President." His latest flub in the bizarre radio interview proves his cognitive decline, observers said. Given the controls of the nuclear button, as the President his condition is a security risk, it was pointed out.

This was the only instance after the debate he repeated what appeared to be a cognitive impairment. At all campaign speeches since the debate he has been forceful and logical.

The Friday after the debate Biden delivered a fierce campaign speech in North Carolina. He said, "I don't walk as easy as I used to, I don't speak as smoothly as I used to, I don't debate as well as I used to, but I know how to tell the truth." He said he would not be running if he did not believe he could do it.

The repalcement proposals

Soon after the Trump debate debacle, anxious Democrats worried that the party would lose if matters move at this rate, began proposing suitable candidates as repalcement for Biden who could defeat Trump.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear were all seen as possible replacements to Biden. But most of them are Biden supporters and campaigners.

Thereafter Biden called a meeting of his campaign staff and several Democratic lawmakers and Governors at the White House on Wednesday, and vowed to continue in the race rejecting calls to drop out. He met virtually and in person with 24 Democratic Governors and the Mayor of Washington, D.C.

Among them, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and New York Governor Kathy Hochul were categoric of their support to Biden and vowed to stand with him. Tim Walz, who is also chair of the Democratic Governors Association, said Biden is fit for office.

Biden's family members told him to stay in the race for a second term in office. They have blamed his staff who prepared him for the face-off with Trump. The Sunday following the debate Biden spent at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland, and discussed the issue with his family. First lady Jill Biden, his children and grandchildren were at the retreat. It is said he listens to Jill Biden and his son Hunter on such matters.

A CBS News poll conducted two days after the debate showed three-quarters wanted him to step down.

Leading Democrats and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton support Biden to stay course. So also other prominent members like James Clyburn, Raphael Warnock.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama was asked by many to stand in but she has umpteen times denied saying "politics" is not in her "soul". Even Republicans like US Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Trump himself are on record speculating Michelle will replace Biden.

Former President Barack Obama, meanwhile, said, "bad debate nights happen" but in the end it is a choice between "someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself."

There are problems of replacing a presumptive nominee after all the primaries and just before the party convention and election day.

Why it has to be Kamala Harris

The surge in widespread anti-Biden calls immediately following the debate has over the week ebbed and suddenly a pro-Kamala Harris wave has taken over in the fast moving politics. Last week her name did not appear among those which were floated.

Democratic donor Reid Hoffman told Reuters his team would "enthusiastically support a ticket led by our tough and savvy Vice- President if Biden were to step aside for any reason." So also Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn, who was instrumental in Biden's 2020 win.

The first woman, the first Black and the first South Asian to serve as Vice-President, Kamala Harris, the ex-prosecutor, will be a formdable challenge for Trump who has suddenly begun a malicious campaign against her online, anticipating she will step into Biden's shoes anytime and pull support from women, minorities and the youth. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre quietly warned on Friday that Trump's aspersions are "gross" and "disturbing".

Although she has no right as VP to be named a candidate as it is a party matter, logically if Biden steps aside as a candidate on health ground he has to step down as President as well because the Constitution says he cannot continue if health is failing, especially mental faculty, and then Harris automatically becomes the acting President. And the party will find it difficult to stop her and nominate someone else.

At this juncture a doubt arises if Biden has been privately working towards putting his "favourite child" in the saddle and go?

At the end of it all what will stand is what Nikki Haley said on X, "Mark my words... Biden will not be the Democratic nominee. Republicans, get your guard up!"

CAMP DAVID: Camp David is the US President’s country residence. Located in Catoctin Mountain Park in Frederick County, Maryland, Camp David has offered every President since Franklin D Roosevelt, who established the residence, a retreat, an ideal place to work and host foreign leaders. President Eisenhower renamed it after his grandson David. It is modelled after the winter vacation home in Warm Springs, Georgia.


SELECTIONS FROM OUR ARCHIVES

A PROGNOSIS: Much maligned over old age and gaffes (or allowed to be !), Biden (81) leaving the scene has made Trump (78) the old man in the field! Now on a weak wicket, having forced to change his target mid-stream and rearrange his campaign strategy, the 'rogue' behind the Capitol rampage will be asked by a woman opponent, how old are you? Additionally, the sharpshooting prosecutor will be converting the hustings into a trial court for a decisive onslaught where the convicted felon will finally succumb.

OPINION: Quotas, permanent Government jobs, pay scales and tons of allowances and more than matching pensions are the 'gifts' of wretched vote bank politics in developing societies masquerading as a type of nascent democracy. Depressing poverty and painful migrations are the byproducts. The reality is: There can't be permanent jobs because demand for work is a 'variable'. And quota is its offspring. The agenda of creating jobs and quotas is therefore poor economics, with far-reaching social impacts, but of course serves those politicians in the short term.

ANALYSIS: A pious Catholic and a gentleman (in contrast to the savage-looking felon), Biden is the most experienced politician that he doesn't look. Of Irish descent, he has been around the Capitol Hill and the White House for over five decades, quietly observing people and events. With his rich experience and insight, understanding Biden and what he does now will be possible only retrospectively, may be a year later!! Therefore not many Americans can see that for some time now he has been preparing his 'favourite child' to take on his mantle.

At the end of it all what will stand is what Nikki Haley said on X, "Mark my words... Biden will not be the Democratic nominee. Republicans, get your guard up!"

If and when he withdraws from contest, he must quit White House as well. Why?

OPPOSITION WAKES UP ! The Opposition accused the Prime Minister, who seems to insist he alone will inaugurate everything in the country, of "hurriedly inaugurating" an "incomplete terminal" in March last for publicity on the eve of the general elections. At that time he had also laid the foundation stone for 15 other airport projects across the country. He was also accused of inaugurating an incomplete Ram temple in Ayodhya in January which started leaking in the first downpour last weekend.

It is also puzzling why every few years airport buildings are demolished in Delhi and new plans are made for new constructions and nobody seems to take notice! (Because the airport itself is tucked away in a far corner, not easily accessible to the discerning, with a web of roads going only round and round like a tape around a spool, as if not reaching anywhere!)

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi Government of "corruption and criminal negligence" in the name of infrastructure projects (launched every other day) in the last 10 years. Kharge also said Modi has been keen on indulging in ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale asked, "Why shouldn't PM Modi be charged with culpable homicide?"

COMMENT: A simple question but difficult to understand is why the people should be concerned about whether an NTA director is sacked for paper leakage or a DGP is removed for law and order breakdown. The people have nothing to do with the elite appointments nor their conduct. They are the cousin-brothers of the political dispensation. If not barred by fixation, kindly take a look at other countries!

“What I want to do and what I will do is, you graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically as part of your diploma (two-year programs or doctoral degrees) a green card to be able to stay in this country” permanently, the presidential candidate said. Asked if he would promise to allow the “best and the brightest around the world to (come to) America,” Trump firmly replied: “I do promise.”

COMMENT: Could Biden visualise a better immigration formula to build a still stronger America? Will Kamala Harris, in charge of migration, and struggling for ideas, take note?

Delhi has recorded the hottest night (35+ deg C), unheard of since the beginning of time! For 30 consecutive days the maximum temp is above 40 deg C and in the nights too the mercury stayed high as there is hardly any earth around to absorb and dissipate the day's heat. Add on to the nightmare the acute water shortage in the national Capital due to the power-hungry, low-grade politicians squabbling for one-upmanship. More than 200 people died in Delhi-NCR in the past two days. Most of them are poor people, labourers, the homeless, beggars.

An anatomy of NEET 2024: From the start till finish NEET will stay put as a conundrum jinxed as it is. What if it was thought angels would come down from the heaven to conduct the entrance exam if done at the Centre and if in the States, they would be conducted by the corrupt mortals. So NEET was born... It's 'guaranteed' that no party will ever be able to do what is required to be done in the country. Because of their genetics. Frauds will only multiply. Is there anything worse? Yes. Shoot the messenger!

A video shows the terrifying scene of the chopper swirling and dropping nose down mid-air around the helipad. In fact, the rear rotor had gone for a toss and the pilot was performing autorotation for a crash-landing. He pulled it off! Congrats!

True or false, Savitri claimed her husband had told her to throw Vinod into the canal as all that he does is eat. "How much torture can my son endure?" She picked him up when he was asleep.

Marking a decisive stage in the ongoing tussle between Governors and the Governments in some States, the Governor of Bengal has thrown down the gauntlet to the State police, asking the Raj Bhavan staff to refuse any enquiry from the cops in the sexual harassment case filed by a woman employee against him.

COMMENT: In many a case complaints can be frivolous, made under certain circumstances. So it is more in the interest of the accused that there is an investigation to clear his name. Denial may only mean acceptance of the guilt. Besides, quoting Constitutional immunity in sexual harassment cases is nothing short of a vulgarity of the feudal landlord. Nobody is above the law.

While the universal apprentice scheme will enable the educated youth to stand up (literally) in a country where the people are trampled by wretched politicians, and look about for avenues to earn a living confidently, the provision of student credit cards of up to Rs 10 lakh will ensure each and every student of this country receives equal opportunities to fulfil their aspirations of higher education irrespective of their financial conditions. It will be a game changer. These are on the lines of what US Vice-President Kamala Harris visualised to be happening to the Third World when she hailed Ajay Banga as a transformative World Bank President.

Peter Higgs is the father of the mysterious Higgs boson, otherwise called 'God Particle', which gives mass to all elementary particles, and created our universe. His contribution helped other scientists understand how the Big Bang created something out of nothing 13.8 billion years ago. The equations of particle physicists which did not have a leg to stand on till then, the 'God Particle' came as a Godsend. The theories so far to describe the universe did not hold water.

It was only by 2012, after 50 years of the boson discovery, that scientists at CERN could make the big announcement that they had finally found a Higgs boson using the Large Hadron Collider.

Higgs instantly broke into tears, tears of profound satisfaction, in the lecture hall where the announcement was made.

LEGAL REMEDIES: Last year, on the directive of the Supreme Court, the Governor granted assent to one Bill, and referred seven Bills to the President. The petition against the President also challenges the Governor's action of referring the Bills to her.

The unprecedented step by the State may also establish that it always upholds the Constitution and the rule of law in order to pre-empt any eventuality of getting dismissed on flimsy grounds invoking provisions of the Constitution later on; and, also provide a thrust to an emerging platform of regional forces pitted against the ongoing centralisation of every subject and activity in the country under one umbrella where the States will ultimately 'wither' away (for some time).

OPINION: Made to happen as it does just weeks ahead of the general elections, the arrest may signal, if not the cause of, far-reaching consequences in the course of Indian politics. The Opposition charges that the ruling party at the Centre has unleashed the police to catch a leader every other day for corruption allegedly indulged in in the present or the remote past in order to incapacitate any concerted opposition to the ruling dispensation.

The “My way or the highway" man, Trump has predicted 'apocalypse' for Americans if he is not elected the President in the upcoming election. He sounds “extremism, affection for violence." As always, he is also seeing what others don't, and repetitively using words like "(2020) election was stolen"! And that's a symptom! Delivering a no-holds-barred speech at a rally in Ohio, he also predicted the US won't see another election if he did not win the November battle against the incumbent President. With his savage push against the God-fearing Catholic, and the heap of criminal cases pending in the courts, the unpredictable Trump's nomination exposes a season of drought of leadership of calibre in the United States.

The much-touted 'one-nation, one-election' argument was purportedly to prevent wasteful expenditure of the people's money, manpower and deceleration of development, but the committee report when implemented will end up paving the way for holding more elections than currently being held. Because of the logistics and democratic limitations involved, the committee was not expected by commonsense to be out of a loose end either! Those who are alive at that time, and further for ten more years thereafter, can count the rounds and compare with the present numbers. Therefore, either the agenda is different or the 8-volume presentation is faulty/made-up!!!

The manager has defended himself saying that dry ice got mixed with mouth freshener by the negligence of the staff...After taking the mouth freshener the customers felt a burning sensation and started vomiting blood. Five of them were hospitalised. Two are in critical condition.

Harmful effects of dry ice: Ingested, dry ice can burn your mouth, esophagus and stomach as it sublimates on contact with the moisture of the organs and turns into CO2, apart from other damaging physical and chemical changes it induces. The pressure building up in the stomach due to sublimation can also rupture the stomach muscles. It turns lethal. In normal direct handling it leads to frostbite due to the cold temperature.

One of them is seen in CCTV being shot at close range. The motive is suspected to be personal enmity.

TAILPIECE: Almost every other day we hear of shootings in one place or other in the country. India will very soon replace the US as the world's No 1 in the incidence of mass shooting. It will eclipse terrorism as a source of concern. Who can help? At least, has it occurred to anyone's mind?

'This Moment' of Shakti fusion won the Best Global Music Album at the Grammys. Zakir Hussain has won two other awards too. In a great victory for Indians, five of them have won the Grammys this time. In other sections, Taylor Swift got her fourth Album of the Year award and Miley Cyrus got an award for the first time.

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