Do You Agree With Fareed Zakaria?

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   Sharlee01posted 3 years ago

   
   " CNN host and Washington Post columnist Fareed Zakaria admitted Thursday he was puzzled by President Biden's unpopularity.
   
   In a Post piece headlined, "The puzzle of Joe Biden’s unpopularity," Zakaria claimed Biden's low approval rating wasn't actually his fault, but that he was instead "paying the price" for being president during "complicated times."
   
   "I find President Biden’s unpopularity puzzling. He is rounding out his first year in the White House with the lowest end of first-year approval ratings of any elected president in modern times with the exception of Donald Trump. Why?" Zakaria wrote.
   
   He described Biden as "a genial, likable person," and noted that some of his policies were popular amongst Americans with even some Republican support, but also claimed that the country was doing "reasonably well" economically, despite record inflation, nationwide supply chain challenges and a labor shortage.
   
   He suggested Biden's massive approval rating drop from the start of his presidency to now was because of his "lack of political capital," but also because of other factors like the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the rise of the delta variant of the coronavirus, and the massive increase in inflation.
   
   "The best summary of the current situation would be ‘it’s complicated,'" Zakaria wrote, appearing to excuse Biden's performance by suggesting Americans were upset that the U.S. was "no longer the sole superpower," as well as over the "huge logjams and hiccups" that came with restarting the global economy following pandemic-induced shutdowns.
   
   He did, however, admit that Biden did have some blame for the country experiencing more inflation, and added that violent crime was up across the country.
   
   "Presidents often get rewarded for being around in good times, whether they caused them or not. In Joe Biden’s case, he has mostly handled his job with intelligence and decency. But he is paying the price for the complicated times that we are living through," Zakaria wrote.
   
   Zakaria's bemoaning of Biden's unpopularity followed a number of other liberal media figures who also made excuses for his low marks with Americans.
   
   Liberal MSNBC host Chuck Todd defended Biden over his low approval earlier this week, suggesting the poor numbers were due to situations outside the White House's control rather than the president's policies.
   
   In November, multiple pundits and guests on left-leaning CNN and MSNBC suggested Biden wasn't faring well in the polls partly because Americans weren't engaged enough in politics. "
   
   Source ---  https://www.foxnews.com/media/cnn-host- … popularity
   
   What are your thoughts, do you agree with Zakaria?

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      Credence2posted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, I agree with Zakaria. But to add to that Biden needs to push harder to succeed in getting his agenda in place as people ultimately only judge based on results.
      
      Donald Trump had even lower marks among Americans what do you think the explanation for that was?

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         Sharlee01posted 3 years agoin reply to this

         I think Zakaria's thoughts are very palatable, non-bias in many ways.
         
         I would think that is true, I know the majority of Republicans would not want Trump to run again. I believe there are polls to prove that.  I feel most Republicans feel his lack of accepting there was no widespread fraud in 2020, which would differ from other elections, has soured them on all the disruption his claim has caused the country. I think most still liked his agenda, but not all the hoopla that came during his time in office. 
         
         The question will they vote for him if he runs, I can only say, I think most would. It will depend on what's happened with Biden in the next few years. if it continues to be problem after problem he could win. IMO, many just look at problems and do not consider the reasons or origin of a given problem but blame the guy who is living in the White House ---
         
         I disagree with your thought that Biden should push his agenda --- Hey, Biden has three more years, he certainly might pull back to the middle to calm the majority. It could work, citizens are looking for calm, milk toast. And a smart politician might consider that, and live to work on or keep their party in office to push their agenda in a second term.  I think myself if Biden would have come out like a lamb, he would not be being devoured by many wolves.  He did get the infrastructure bill, and most American's seemed pleased about that accomplishment.
         
         Just saying...

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            Credence2posted 3 years agoin reply to this

            As for wanting Trump to run again, I am not that sure. I know that is your attitude. The man virtually controls the Republican Party with their politicians rising or falling based on his approval.
            
            I did not elect Biden to adhere to Republicans ideas or agenda. People want to see the jobs, lower inflation and better life, Biden has to deliver that or risked being replaced with another Republican administration. If we can't get the car on the runway we are not in a position to see how fast she will go.
            
            Biden needs to learn from Republicans, come out strong and remove impediments quickly and then look for ways to moderate if it is Line with our objectives.

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         Sharlee01posted 3 years agoin reply to this

         Cred, I am sure you heard the news in regard to Manchin announcing he will not vote for BBB putting that final nail in the bill's coffin. This may have perhaps been avoided if Joe would have taken a slower approach when coming into office. In my opinion, a few bad decisions lead to inflation, which Manchin mentions as a drawback to voting at this time for BBB. IMO, Biden has had poor advice from day one. I do realize you were for Joe pushing ahead with force. But with the country in a time of upheaval, pushing adds stress, sometimes that stress can lead to a breaking point, and all comes to a halt. As what seems to be happening. Biden let off a shock wave that has been felt and well noted by Citizens from both parties.
         
         "Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., declared Sunday that after months of negotiations he has determined that there is no way he can support the massive social spending bill known as the Build Back Better Act.
         
         Speaking with "Fox News Sunday," Manchin said that he has spoken with President Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.,
         
         "I've done everything humanly possible," Manchin said, talking about how hard he has worked to try to reach an acceptable compromise on the
         bill."
         
         In the end, however, he said that between ongoing inflation, the national debt, "geopolitical unrest," and the COVID-19 pandemic, the bill being pushed by his fellow Democrats was too much.
         
         "When you have these things coming at you the way they are right now … I cannot vote to continue with this piece of legislation," he said, stating that if he cannot explain to his constituents why he would vote for a bill, then he cannot vote for it, despite all the work he and other Democrats have put into trying to make it work.
         
         "This is a no," he said. "I have tried everything I know to do."

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            Credence2posted 3 years agoin reply to this

            Machin and the Sienna lady in Arizona are Republicans in sheep's clothing.
            
            I have to blame Biden who should have been aware of this obstinate circumstance from two critical Democrat votes and get clever and find work arounds. So, yes, the Republicans win even though they lost the elections by having the will of the majority of voters electing Biden thwarted and neutralized.
            
            Heaven help us if another Republican administration is elected in 2024.
            Biden is too moderate, there can be no room to negotiate with fundamentally rightwing ideologues. I did not support him as the nominee for just such a reason. He should have been working faster to
            short circuit their influence earlier in the game instead of waiting for them to see reason, as they never do.
            
            This is a sad day for America.
            
            As you already know, I don't care for neither Republicans nor their philosophies and I see a dark path into the future with them at the helm.

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               Sharlee01posted 3 years agoin reply to this

               Not sure if you remember, but I supported his infrastructure bill and certain things that were in the BBB bill. I felt it was too big, and if cut down some would have passed. Biden should not have listened to his far-left but worked on getting some of the programs many even Republicans could support.
               
               I think he could pull some of the protectors out and pass them on their own. This certainly could start pulling American's back together and get some needed programs. 
               
               The name of the game maybe should have been to keep the seats in 2022 with some positive wins for all...
               
               I really think Biden has had the wrong people in his ear. He may just make a turn about.  I won't be surprised if he starts listening to his gut.
               
               I think we need to pull together as people and start listening to our own gut feelings.

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                  Credence2posted 3 years agoin reply to this

                  I will be honest with you Sherlee, I did complain about the radical left insistence that both infrastructure bills should be voted on as a package. It did seem at the time that Biden was better off getting something that he could pass rather than hold out for nothing at all.
                  
                  I wanted most of the benefits of the more expensive proposal put forth by our democratic left, but this was not the time and if Biden could get something out there, the economy could improve and the Dems would not risk taking so great  a beating in the upcoming 2022 midterms. That would bury his agenda and remainder of his Presidency under the burden of Republicanism.

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   Sharlee01posted 3 years ago

   I see your point, but I think it could be a real gamble due to lots of ongoing variables or one could say problems that we are currently having.
   
   He came out pretty strong, and some problems have occurred that may not have had to in my view.
   
   I think a bit better stradigy would have been to take a calm not rock the boat for a bit, and then move into his agenda.  I think he has burned some bridges.

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   Ken Burgessposted 3 years ago

   Zakaria is just a mouthpiece, what he says is about as useful as gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe.

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      CHRIS57posted 3 years agoin reply to this

      It may not be my business to comment on USA domestic political questions.
      But here on the contrary to you, Ken, i find Zakaria to be very unbiased and with sharp analytic mind. His opinion pieces are mostly spot on and reveal a lot of insight, at least that is what i think.
      
      Having said this, yes i agree with Zakaria.
      
      I don´t know what his role with CNN is, but he appears to be very independend minded, comparable to some extent to Chis Wallace, ex FOX News.
      
      Concerning chewing gum: Isn´t that outdated? Today you run over masks on the walkways and not over sticky chewing gum. The pandemic must have a devastating impact on the chewing gum industry, me think.

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         Ken Burgessposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, the art of being a good mouthpiece is to appear sincere and independent.
         
         But of course he is on CNN where little is left to chance or unscripted.
         
         Its messaging, plain and simple, the MSM that falls in line with Dem politics were told to batten down the hatches and give Biden a hand.
         
         https://nypost.com/2021/12/08/white-hou … -coverage/
         
         https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics … ar-AARzc8K

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         Nathanvilleposted 3 years agoin reply to this

         What you say is also my thoughts and impression.

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   Credence2posted 3 years ago

   Chris and Arthur, I think that your imput provides a unexplored perspective on how we are seen from the outside, I consider that of value.
   
   I would certainly have things to say about your domestic matters or at least inquire them, when Specific incidents Garner my interests.
   
   The Right wing here will profess and always give more credibility to a Tucker Carlson over Zakaria due to blantant rightwingism and bald face partisanism, the actual content of Mr. Zakaria commentary is besides the point.

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      Ken Burgessposted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Yes Tucker is mouthpiece for the Right/Fox news.
      
      It is no different, it is biased messaging, with intent to pander to it's audience and to certain  corporate & owner interests.
      
      There are no fully honest and unbiased MSM American News sources.

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   Valeantposted 3 years ago

   Build Back Better could end up being infrastructure week during Trump's four years.  If Biden can get a handle on inflation, maybe he can revisit with Manchin.  Manchin does support voting rights, and those cost nothing, so passing those would be another big win.

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      Sharlee01posted 3 years agoin reply to this

      Just my two cents --- but he could have a win by breaking up BBB and offering pieces of BBB that both sides could see as positive.
      
      It would be a hard task, but I think it would be a move that could be a win-win. He could get something or make the other side look pretty
      dam bad for jamming up the government.

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