No images? Click here 10 July 2024The 46th | Defiant Biden opens NATO SummitPresident Joe Biden gave a defiant speech at the opening of the NATO summit in Washington DC yesterday, defending his foreign policy record and the alliance – only hours after heading off a leadership revolt in his own party. “Russia will not prevail,” said President Biden, speaking about the Ukraine war to a room of world leaders gathered for the 75th anniversary of NATO. “Before this war, Putin thought NATO would break. Today, NATO is stronger than it’s ever been.” The speech comes after a brutal week for President Biden who has faced an onslaught of calls to step down over concerns about his age and cognitive ability. Yet despite reports of a back-door plan by Senate Democrats to discuss the president’s candidacy, Democrats appeared to fall in line behind President Biden yesterday. “We’re ridin’ with Biden,” prominent Black Congressman James Clyburn repeated to reporters after a two-hour long, closed-door caucus meeting. Earlier in the week, President Biden issued a pre-emptive letter to his party rebutting concerns about his candidacy and took steps to lock in the support of the Congressional Black Caucus. The shaky show of unity may not be enough to save Democrats as they head into the November election however, with one Democratic senator predicting a “landslide” victory for Republican nominee Donald Trump. The latest national poll taken by Emerson College shows Trump up three points, leading President Biden 46 per cent to 43 per cent. NEWS WRAP‘What happens in Ukraine today can happen in Asia tomorrow’ - NATO Chief
![]() "If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race. The Lord Almighty’s not coming down.” President Joe Biden on ABC News | 3 July 2024 EVENT Election Watch 2024 | In Trump they trust: Reflections on the Republican National ConventionAs the 2024 US election season reaches fever pitch, Republican nominee Donald Trump is preparing for his coronation for a third time at the Republican National Convention (RNC). To explore what Australians should be watching for at the RNC, the USSC is hosting a live panel featuring the co-host of ABC TV's Planet America Chas Licciardello alongside President Ronald Reagan's Former Assistant Press Secretary Kim Hoggard, and the USSC's Director of Research Jared Mondschein. The panel will be moderated by the USSC's Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck. WHEN WHERE COST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Did you USSC?
BY THE NUMBERS NATO’s Indo-Pacific tiesWhile NATO leaders are expected to make an additional AU$64.2 billion pledge for the Ukraine war at the NATO Summit this week, NATO is increasingly receiving support from further afield from its Indo-Pacific partners. To date, Japan has given AU$11.67 billion in total contributions to Ukraine – the fourth highest allocation globally – according the Kiel Institute’s Ukraine Support Tracker. In the last decade, NATO has taken steps to strengthen its partnership with the Indo-Pacific Four, comprised of Japan, Australia, South Korea and New Zealand. For the third year running, all four countries will attend the inaugural NATO Summit. Their presence there reflects the convergence of global geopolitical challenges as the United States, NATO and its allies work to respond to Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Manage your email preferences | Forward this email to a friend United States Studies Centre |