President Biden Reaches Out To Prime Minister Ardern

Written By: - Date published: 11:18 am, February 7th, 2021 - 42 comments
Categories: Donald Trump, jacinda ardern, Joe Biden - Tags:

No good citizen in their right mind would want to see democracy further eroded in the United States of America. Cold cash and mercantilist in all levels of political process have lowered – shall we say Trumped – how the United States is perceived internationally. President Biden set out his thoughts for the world to consider yesterday.

Making all the right moves, yesterday also he sent a letter to Prime Minister Ardern congratulating New Zealand about Waitangi Day.

New Zealand is one of our closest friends and partners. The unbreakable bond we share was established when the first US Consul to New Zealand was on hand to witness the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6, 1840.”

Sure, it’s optics. But optics is the most powerful currency in trade within this political economy.

And there is so much to rebuild. Post-Trump politics is never going to reward virtue and diplomatic niceties – his impact will stretch for years and years. Instead, publicity will remain its own political reward. While Joe Biden has had a seamless rollout, Republicans have continued making a political virtue of publicity and outrage.

Star performer is Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. She’s called for the executions of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and multiple other head-explosions. For that she has been stripped by fellow elected members of her committee titles, but she has also been fulsomely supported by the great majority of the Republican base. Politics has no patience for those who expect success to just arrive: Greene has a 10+ rating among Republicans. Half-sensible ones like Liz Cheney are on a -28% rating. She is making her case to be the heir-apparent to Trump’s inferno: outrage is the petrol to her fire.

The Never Trump republicans muscling into the Trumpworld lane even in the post-Trump Washington have a very good chance of being run down flat. The Republican base still adore him.

Even if there’s no breakaway party or media empire formed in Trump’s wake, he will remain a revolution within the Party.

Perhaps Trump’s supernova will set behind the moon of Fox News and both will decline. We all waited for some peak to arrive as if Karma was real. It ain’t.

Perhaps Pelosi and Harris will get the full big stimulus through, and Pelosi will be even more trenchant in how her political muscle is flexed.

Perhaps Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy will continue to substitute spectacle and outrage for substance.

For the Republicans at least, it’s certainly enough for now.

There is absolutely no reason that Biden’s sensible and substantial politics will rise above Republican anomie and bombast. All he can do is start, and work harder than he ever has in his life.

But Biden’s signal to Ardern shows he is seeking to rebuild a United States politics that had been supplanted for four years. They are so low that even a country as otherwise internationally insignificant as ours is worth paying real attention to.

Sure some dignity that befits its commercial and cultural power will take more than the one term that Biden offers. But his footing so far is bold, generous, and faultless.

42 comments on “President Biden Reaches Out To Prime Minister Ardern ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. AB 1
    7 February 2021 at 12:25 pm

    "even a country as otherwise internationally insignificant as ours is worth paying real attention to"

    The Ardern brand is much larger than the actual international significance of NZ. He's attaching himself to that – and it's good move. The affluent centrists who love all the paraphernalia of a civilised society without the actual economic underpinnings that would make it real (a massive downwards redistribution of wealth and power), will be delighted.

    And to be fair, Biden is doing better than expected. But until he (say) ends all sanctions on Venezuela and/or presses Israel to return to pre-1967 borders, we know he is not going to put a dagger into the heart of the imperial beast.

      • Ad 1.1.1
        7 February 2021 at 3:27 pm

        Make some analysis or at least add some semblance of thought.

        Do you want the return of Colbert to be a good thing or a bad thing?

        • Incognito 1.1.1.1
          7 February 2021 at 11:15 pm

          My analysis and thoughts on the linked article: it raises many good points, one of which is why Ministers and the PM spend time behind closed doors to discuss another visit by a US talk show host, if this is true, which is likely to be another PR/advertising campaign on behalf of Tourism New Zealand and should therefore be judged purely on commercial merits. I can’t see the borders opening to international tourists any time soon. The OIA issue was raised again and it is clear why this is a critical problem with this Government: it does not practice what it preaches and promises; it is strong or rhetoric but underwhelms and disappoints in delivery. In addition, it is not nearly as accountable and transparent as it claims and promised to be; the ‘team of five million’ must not be taken for granted by its dutifully elected representatives in Government.

          https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/117231513/stephen-colberts-new-zealand-visit-cost-kiwi-taxpayers-100k

          My thoughts on a hypothetical visit to NZ by Stephen Colbert: it leaves me cold whether he comes or not. He’s just another influencer, isn’t he? The Kiwi and Ardern brand, for that matter, doesn’t need any more investment, I’d think, less is more. It could be a distraction from more pressing issues in and of NZ.

          In relation to your Post, which is too US-focused for my liking, I look forward to Kamala Harris and Nanaia Mahuta sharing the stage and they should arrange some kind of meeting ASAP; they both could be the next POTUS and PM of NZ, respectively. Biden’s letter was a nice touch though.

          Happy now?

    • Macro 1.2
      7 February 2021 at 2:07 pm

      But until he (say) ends all sanctions on Venezuela and/or presses Israel to return to pre-1967 borders, we know he is not going to put a dagger into the heart of the imperial beast.

      Give him a break!

      The US has to put its own house in order first, after 4 years of absolute chaos and mayhem. The rise and rise of alt right and conspiracy weirdos, fostered by 30,000+ lies, Faux News, QAnon, Evangelicals, Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, et al to name but a few, means that the US is very much a divided country right now. The Marjorie Taylor Greene's are but the tip of an iceberg. The Republicans are even more repugnant, and even now embracing the lies and conspiracies fostered by QAnon. They are more concerned with regaining power than working for the good of the country.

      On top of all this, Biden has the immense task of dealing with a pandemic which the previous administration did absolutely nothing to address in their final 6 months. Now the country has 1/4 of the total cases world wide, and around 10,000,000 active cases and thousands dying each day. The resulting mess is the worst unemployment figures in decades, millions destitute and facing homelessness, and a right wing opposition who are only concerned with giving themselves a bigger tax cut, than in helping their fellow citizens.

    • Adrian Thornton 1.3
      7 February 2021 at 2:48 pm

      "But until he (say) ends all sanctions on Venezuela and/or presses Israel to return to pre-1967 borders, we know he is not going to put a dagger into the heart of the imperial beast."…wouldn't hold my breath on that one if were you, he has shown absolutely nothing in his past actions that should make you think that he isn't actually an operating part of that 'imperial beast', correct me if I am wrong.

  2. Ad 2
    7 February 2021 at 12:32 pm

    Also particularly good to see President Biden specifically rebuking Larry Summers and going for the full stimulus package, Republicans and austerians be damned.

    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/biden-beats-back-the-austerians-at-the-gates_n_601dc729c5b6d78d444666ec

  3. Adrian Thornton 3
    7 February 2021 at 1:58 pm

    "While Joe Biden has had a seamless rollout"

    Well apart from straight faced lying about the $2000 cheques….insider trading, Wall St pay off's, and continuing the forever wars in the Middle East….sounds not much different than Trumps lot to me…same old corruption and decay..just not the tweets, and and all done with a air of civility….does that make it any better?

    Then…

    Biden’s Final Pitch To Georgia: Vote Blue And $2,000 Checks Will ‘Go Out The Door Immediately’

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackbrewster/2021/01/04/bidens-final-pitch-to-georgia-vote-blue-and-2000-checks-will-go-out-the-door-immediately/?sh=72d90845744d

    Now…

    Joe Biden Critics Claim President 'Lied' about $2,000 Stimulus Checks

    https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-critics-president-lied-2000-stimulus-checks-1565633

    Critics say Biden’s Covid relief plan breaks promise of $2,000 stimulus checks

    https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-critics-president-lied-2000-stimulus-checks-1565633

    Of course Biden will allow the forever wars to continue…….

    Biden admin likely to keep US troops in Afghanistan

    https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-admin-us-troops-afghanistan-amid-escalating-violence/story?id=75547504

    Janet Yellen…

    Then….

    Janet Yellen Urged Glass-Steagall Repeal And Social Security Cuts, Supported NAFTA

    Now...

    Janet Yellen’s Cash Haul of $7 Million Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg; She Failed to Report Her Wall Street Speaking Fees from JPMorgan and Others in 2018

    https://wallstreetonparade.com/2021/01/janet-yellens-cash-haul-of-7-million-is-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-she-failed-to-report-her-wall-street-speaking-fees-from-jpmorgan-and-others-in-2018/

    Nancy Pelosi

    Nancy Pelosi Buys Tesla Calls, Stands To Benefit From New Biden EV Plan

    https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nancy-pelosi-buys-tesla-calls-191017279.html

    Dianne Feinstein

    Sen. Dianne Feinstein fails to disclose husband's stock purchase, says she's willing to pay a fine

    https://www.businessinsider.com/dianne-feinstein-senate-california-stock-purchase-disclosure-2021-1?r=AU&IR=T

  4. Adrian Thornton 4
    7 February 2021 at 3:59 pm

    "The stimulus package including the cheques was cleared through the Senate in the last day" ….yeah for $1400 not $2000 as far as I can see, so those links are really quite relevant actually..

    Third stimulus check: When could you get a $1,400 check? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stimulus-check-1400-dollars-covid-relief-2021-02-06/

    "Your links about Feinstein and Pelosi have nothing to do with President Biden at all"

    Just pointing out the systematic rot within the very top of Biden's Democratic party..and as I am sure he voted for Pelosi as speaker just a few weeks ago, I would say quite relevant…but I guess you got me on Feinstein because I can't be bothered finding out if Biden is linked to her or not, who cares.

    How about this then…

    Gen. Lloyd Austin

    "Retired Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III serves on the board of Raytheon, one of the world’s largest weapons makers, and is a partner in an investment firm that buys military suppliers."

    Biden’s Choice for Pentagon Faces Questions on Ties to Contractors

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/us/politics/lloyd-austin-pentagon-military-contractors.html

    Biden embraces the military-industrial complex over civilian control

    https://www.aei.org/op-eds/biden-embraces-the-military-industrial-complex-over-civilian-control/

      • arkie 4.1.1
        7 February 2021 at 4:34 pm

        Biden’s Final Pitch To Georgia: Vote Blue And $2,000 Checks Will ‘Go Out The Door Immediately’

        A day before Georgians head to the polls to decide control of the Senate, President-elect Joe Biden sought to cast the election as a choice between immediate stimulus relief or months of gridlock, promising that victory by Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff would mean $2,000 stimulus checks would be sent out ‘immediately’

        https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackbrewster/2021/01/04/bidens-final-pitch-to-georgia-vote-blue-and-2000-checks-will-go-out-the-door-immediately/

        The promise made on 1/4/21 makes no reference to the Trump stimulus passed on the 12/30/20.

        https://abcnews.go.com/Business/600-stimulus-checks/

        • The Al1en 4.1.1.1
          7 February 2021 at 4:38 pm

          That's correct. The full $2000 promised is now available.

          From your link.

          “Perdue and Loeffler joined Democrats and President Donald Trump in backing $2,000 direct payments last month, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) blocked the effort, calling $2,000 payments “socialism for the rich.”

          “Congress passed $900 billion in stimulus aid last month that will send $600—not $2,000”

          “Biden has said he intends to push for another stimulus package that includes more direct payments, state and local aid, additional funding for vaccine distribution, among other relief programs when he assumes office later this month.”

          • arkie 4.1.1.1.1
            7 February 2021 at 4:53 pm

            Except Biden intended "another stimulus package", as in an additional separate cheque, of $2000. If that was never the intention, then that was very poorly communicated before the Georgia senate elections. The figure of $1400 only emerged after.

            • The Al1en 4.1.1.1.1.1
              7 February 2021 at 5:00 pm

              It was flagged back in January what was going to happen (in the link I provided earlier) so I think it's been well understood by Americans.

              The $2000 figure was also pushed by Democrats before Christmas.

              Republicans block Democratic effort to increase direct checks to $2,000

              The recent criticism from AOC, for example, is a bit two faced, as she voted for the bill on the 28/12/20 to increase the stimulus cheques from $600 – $2000

              “Democrats, including Biden, have largely backed $2,000 checks and made them the center of the recent Georgia runoff elections, in which the two Democratic candidates, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, won, handing control of the Senate to their party.

              ″$2,000 means $2,000. $2,000 does not mean $1,400,″ Ocasio-Cortez told the Washington Post.”

              “However, Biden’s plan mirrors a stand-alone bill passed by the House at the end of December, supported by Ocasio-Cortez, that increased the $600 payments to $2,000.”

              https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/15/critics-say-bidens-covid-relief-plan-breaks-promise-of-2000-dollar-checks.html

              • arkie …
                7 February 2021 at 5:15 pm

                On the 4th January it was '$2000 cheques out the door immediately', the Georgia election was on the 5th January, the 'flagged' change to $1400 happened on the 8th January. This all happened after Trump signed off on the separate $600 cheques on the 30th December 2020, which even he had signaled should be $2000. Again, if the intention was that the Biden stimulus was to considered cumulative with the final Trump one, this was only 'flagged' when the Democrats had the majority to pass cheques of any figure.

                • The Al1en …
                  7 February 2021 at 5:21 pm

                  The house voted to increase the cheques to $2000 in December, and that figure has carried through until they passed it.

                  If you think Biden has lied to the people of Georgia to win control of the senate – So be it. It will go down as the most giving episode of dirty politics ever. 🙄

                  I wonder what the voters think of the added $1400 just given them, bringing it up to the figure pushed for by Democrats since before the new year, and whether it would have made them switch their votes to republican, who were giving them nothing?

                  I haven’t seen protesters on the streets shouting ‘stop the steal’.

                  • arkie …
                    7 February 2021 at 5:37 pm

                    If you think Biden has lied to the people of Georgia to win control of the senate – So be it. It will go down as the most giving episode of dirty politics ever.

                    The messaging around these cheques before and after the Georgia senate election was different. That's it. It was not clear to many that they were to be thought of as one payment of $2000. That's my point.

                    I wonder what the voters think of the $1400 given them, bringing it up to the figure pushed for by Democrats before the new year, and whether it would have made them switch to vote republican, who were giving them nothing?

                    The Georgia Republican senate candidates were also calling for $2000 cheques, and had just 'given them' $600 cheques through Trump's stimulus.

                    Obviously Biden and the Democrats are better than the alternative, but pointing out inconsistencies in the messaging, and advocating against austerity is not support for their opposition.

              • Adrian Thornton …
                7 February 2021 at 5:24 pm

                A link from the Washington Post, seriously?….yawn.

                It seems like pretty much all US press heard Biden say he was ready to send out $2000 checks….including the Wo Po only a short few weeks ago

                $2,000 stimulus checks could become a reality with Democratic control of the Senate

                https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/01/06/georgia-election-2000-stimulus-checks/

                President-elect Biden pushes for $2,000 'stimulus check' for Americans

                "at a campaign rally in Georgia this week–Joe Biden made a promise–for if Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock turned the senate blue..

                "Their election would put an end to the block in Washington on that $2,000 stimulus check," said president-elect Biden."

                "That money that will go out the door immediately to people who are in real trouble."

                US President-elect Joe Biden has called for a $2,000 "stimulus checks" to his fellow Americans, arguing that the current $600 coronavirus relief payment is not enough

                https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/president-elect-biden-pushes-for-2-000-stimulus-check-for-americans-121011100330_1.html

                Biden tells Georgia voters that $2,000 stimulus checks will never arrive if Republicans win Senate runoffs

                President-elect Joe Biden told Georgia voters on Monday that $US2,000 stimulus checks would be sent out to Americans right away if the state voted for the Democratic candidates

                https://www.businessinsider.com.au/biden-georgia-senate-runoff-2000-stimulus-checks-immediately-2021-1?r=US&IR=T

                Is there no line of bullshit the Democratic party can feed you, that you won't swallow…I mean that seriously.

                • The Al1en …
                  7 February 2021 at 5:26 pm

                  You gonna leave this post up or delete it, again? lol

                  “A link from the Washington Post, seriously?….yawn.”
                  “Is there no line of bullshit the Democratic party can feed you, that you won’t swallow…I mean that seriously.”

                  And then

                  https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/01/06/georgia-election-2000-stimulus-checks/

                  Good work, fella. You ironized me into a laugh 😆

                  • Adrian Thornton …
                    7 February 2021 at 6:10 pm

                    Notice how it is always $2000 stimulus checks? not $1400 checks…OK now here is an exercise for you, show us all one link when Biden is on the campaign trail were he explains to his audience that it will be in fact be $1400 minus the $600 already paid out that will be posted out to the US public and not the $2000 that he seems (to everyone but you) to be implying…you find us that link and then you win, you don't and you lose..there you go, for once a simple and easily resolved debate..and hey maybe there is one out there of him doing just that, I don't know, maybe you do….so prove me wrong.

                    • The Al1en …
                      7 February 2021 at 6:43 pm

                      $2000 was the amount pushed before Xmas by the dems, the added $1400 voted for in the house, now what the people have got or will get.

                      If democrat haters so desperately need to push the Biden is a liar line, go for it, it's a free country, but it's a weak attack line and low bar, when the people are actually getting the 2k they were originally promised.

                      I don't know your end game here, or care, but I doubt it's to ensure eligible Americans get another 600 bucks.

                      Though of course, feel free to fight that fight from provincial NZ.

                    • Macro …
                      7 February 2021 at 7:53 pm

                      @ The Al1en.

                      Sometimes it is just better to walk away.

                      It is obvious to anyone with a modicum of rationality that the $2000 promised is made up of the initial $600 that the Repugnants reluctantly gave, and the $1400 that has now only just made it through the Senate. And they were lucky to achieve that. There must have been some arm twisting of Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia for instance. He is in a very purple seat and was extremely reluctant to vote the extra amount.

                      But you just can't convince some people sometimes, because they just don't want it to be true.

                    • The Al1en …
                      7 February 2021 at 7:55 pm

                      Copy that, Marco.

                    • Adrian Thornton …
                      7 February 2021 at 8:55 pm

                      No just an exercise in exposing your usual sycophantic defence of the undefendable…as you and Marco have proved time and again that is nothing out of the ordinary.

                  • Adrian Thornton …
                    7 February 2021 at 7:53 pm

                    I didn't think so…you lose, and that goes for you too now it seems Marco.

                • Gabby …
                  8 February 2021 at 12:39 pm

                  2000 in 2 cheques instead of 1? Heinous.

                  • Adrian Thornton …
                    8 February 2021 at 3:01 pm

                    Explain this…they all say $2000 were coming, they all only ever said $2000 was coming, they never once said $1400 is coming because you have already received $600…don't you get it….millions of desperate US citizens along with all the US media believed what Biden and Co said at face value….you find us one instance of the Democrats explaining that they were going to send out $1400 checks during the run….or go away.

                    MASHUP Shows All The Times Dems Promised $2000

                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aIzXsFY6XA&t=43s

      • The Al1en 4.1.2
        7 February 2021 at 5:08 pm

        Mate, you’re barking 🙄

        I’ll just leave the links and be on my way.

    • Tricledrown 4.2
      7 February 2021 at 11:27 pm

      Adrian $600 had already been paid out during transition the gopers wanted a much smaller stimulus package austerity infact.

      $600 +$1400 = $2,0000.

      • Adrian Thornton 4.2.1
        8 February 2021 at 3:06 pm

        These are the people who also believed those lying arseholes whom you seem so eager to defend, I would like to see you defend this obvious lie to them…

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZODnJ8gAL8

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW0vNxcBQ98

        • The Al1en 4.2.1.1
          8 February 2021 at 3:13 pm

          Those videos are showing food lines in Texas and California – The first before thanksgiving, the second showing clips from April 2020.

          Isn't your contention Biden made the $2000 cheque promise before the Georgia run off in January?

          How did Biden obviously lie to them?

          • Adrian Thornton 4.2.1.1.1
            8 February 2021 at 8:42 pm

            Sorry did I forget that these poor people just turn up in fucking miles and miles of endless queues only once in their life to be waiting for hours and hours on end to get food, just so they can cross it of their bucket list of fun things to do with the family?….I assume by your comment you rgink those people have all the food and safe and secure housing they need now that Biden the Knight in tarnished armour has shuffled and gaffed his way to the white house. … mate your fanatical defence of these people is turning you into some sort of goon, and seriously you are more and more starting to sound not all that much different from the Right wing goons I have had to deal with in my time over the years.

            Feeding America

            “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment has soared and food insecurity is on the rise. More than 50 million people may face hunger because of coronavirus.”

            https://www.feedingamerica.org/

            “Millions of Americans could face eviction under President Joe Biden's executive order extending federal protections for renters through March 31.

            About one-third of all Americans, roughly 107 million people, are renters. Nearly 40 million have been protected by some form of an eviction moratorium since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the scattershot collection of local, state and federal protections has made navigating the bureaucratic process nearly impossible for the average tenant.”

            https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/02/02/bidens-federal-eviction-moratorium-may-not-protect-all-renters/4300051001/

            Don’t you get it? These people (you know other humans like you and the people you love) are the people who are getting fucking screwed first by Trump and now by Biden.

            I will ask you one last time, (and this time don’t obfuscate) If you really think that Biden and his crew were not trying to sell the public on the idea that they would be getting $2000 checks as soon as he was in the White House, then show us some evidence of them explaining that position while on the campaign trail….and if you cannot provide that evidence then what the fuck are you still doing defending these people for?

            I notice that Ad, Marco, Tricledrown and Gabby have not come back to provide that evidence…or you for that matter.

            • The Al1en 4.2.1.1.1.1
              8 February 2021 at 8:57 pm

              A lot of words that in no way address your claim that Biden lied to the people in the two videos you posted, from April in 2020 and before thanksgiving, about $2000 cheques. Want to try again?

              “These are the people who also believed those lying arseholes whom you seem so eager to defend, I would like to see you defend this obvious lie to them…”

              You getting angry and insulting doesn't change the facts (or dates) in this case.

              You don't seem to understand the timeline involved here. All the info has been provided above about the last republican stimulus package, the democrat's rejected house vote for 2k, then Biden's own bill whereby the full amount has now been pledged.

              If you want to still go on about Biden lying to win the Georgia run offs, I'm happy to keep rejecting your premise on the grounds you're just on a hate mission.
              If you want to congratulate the party for giving those poor people the $2000 worth of lifeline, flagged and promised in December 20, that would be both acceptable and fair.

            • McFlock 4.2.1.1.1.2
              8 February 2021 at 9:06 pm

              I mean, your own newsweek link quoted mnuchin as saying some of those $600 cheques hadn't been sent when Biden was speaking in early January, so I guess they got $2k cheques..

  5. Maurice 5
    8 February 2021 at 8:30 pm

    Perhaps he will sniff her hair?

  6. weston 6
    8 February 2021 at 10:02 pm

    Yep on the day of his inauguration american troops roll back into syria …faultlessly . Post trump the biden administration recognizes Juan guido the cia mustve been delighted at the smooth transition American embassy in jerusalem …no problem . i wonder what day he'll get togeather with the drone boys to sort out the kill lists ? Obama liked to do it on tuesdays apparently.Hes kinda lied about getting back into the iran deal also by imposing extra conditions that the iranians will naturally reject .

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  • New diplomatic appointments
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  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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