Julie Norman

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    Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill is good policy – and good politics

Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill is good policy – and good politics

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The Senate is set to pass a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill with bipartisan support. In this Q&A, Julie Norman explains what’s in the bill, what it means for Biden, and what’s next for Democrats – who are also pushing another infrastructure bill.
What’s included in the bipartisan infrastructure bill? 
The $1.2 trillion bipartisan bill – which is set to be voted […]

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    Is the battle over voting rights the biggest test of US democracy?

Is the battle over voting rights the biggest test of US democracy?

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In a 13 July speech in Philadelphia, US President Joe Biden called the fight around voting laws the “most significant test of our democracy since the Civil War.” Is he right? In this explainer, Julie Norman breaks down the voting rights battle now unfolding in Congress and discusses what’s at stake. 
What are the new voting laws? 
In the first six […]

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    Biden’s G-7 trip is about repairing international relationships and reviving US support for multilateralism

Biden’s G-7 trip is about repairing international relationships and reviving US support for multilateralism

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Joe Biden’s first overseas trip as president begins this week with the G-7 summit in the UK. Julie Norman writes that Biden’s has two aims for this trip: shoring up relationships with allies to promote US multilateralism, and reaffirming democratic values among the G-7, NATO, and the EU in opposition to China and Russia. 
What will Biden’s first international trip […]

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    In passing COVID-19 relief, appeasing party moderates was more important to Congressional Democrats than pursuing bipartisan compromise.

In passing COVID-19 relief, appeasing party moderates was more important to Congressional Democrats than pursuing bipartisan compromise.

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With Congressional approval of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, US President Joe Biden is poised to sign his first major piece of legislation this week. Julie Norman explains what’s in the bill, and what both the policies and the process tell us about how Biden and Congressional Democrats are likely to govern.
What’s in the bill? 
The $1.9 trillion coronavirus […]

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    Though conviction is unlikely, Democrats are pursuing the impeachment trial to hold Trump accountable

Though conviction is unlikely, Democrats are pursuing the impeachment trial to hold Trump accountable

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This week has seen the second impeachment trial of former President Trump unfold. Julie Norman looks at how the trial is being run, and the political implications of a likely acquittal. 
How has the trial unfolded? 
The trial began on Tuesday 9 February with a 4-hour debate on the constitutionality of the proceedings, followed by up to 16 hours of arguments from […]

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    Why the Democrats are continuing with Trump’s impeachment, even if conviction now seems unlikely. 

Why the Democrats are continuing with Trump’s impeachment, even if conviction now seems unlikely. 

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This week the House of Representatives officially delivered the article of impeachment to the Senate, accusing former President Donald Trump of inciting insurrection. Julie Norman gives an overview of what will happen next.
When will the trial begin?
The delivery from the House and reading of the impeachment article in the Senate marked the official start of Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. But arguments won’t begin until 9 February. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell had requested a two-week delay to […]

The uphill battle towards Trump’s second impeachment

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Following last week’s insurrection at the Capitol, the House of Representatives is likely to vote on Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time. Julie Norman explains what impeachment means and what the best course of action for Democrats might be now.
What is Trump being impeached for? 
The House resolution introduced by Democrats on Monday charges Trump with “incitement […]

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    The results of the Georgia runoff elections show just how much of a liability Trump has become for Republicans

The results of the Georgia runoff elections show just how much of a liability Trump has become for Republicans

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The upset Georgia Senate runoff election victories last week of Democrat Raphael Warnock over Republican Kelly Loeffler and Democrat challenger Jon Ossoff over incumbent Republican David Perdue puts Democrats back in charge of the Senate for the first time since 2014. Julie Norman writes that the victories also highlight the impact of grassroots voter mobilisation efforts by Democrats, while […]

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    Biden’s cabinet picks point to a moderate and pragmatic foreign policy.

Biden’s cabinet picks point to a moderate and pragmatic foreign policy.

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This week President-elect Joe Biden announced his picks for a number of his administration’s cabinet posts. In this Q&A, Julie Norman writes that the selection of experienced Obama administration veterans, such as Anthony Blinken for Secretary of State, may mean smooth Senate confirmations, and also point to a Biden foreign policy characterised by stability and multilateral cooperation.
Who are Biden’s key nominees […]

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    Trump’s intransigence won’t change the election result. But it’s still dangerous for security and democracy.

Trump’s intransigence won’t change the election result. But it’s still dangerous for security and democracy.

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Despite the 2020 presidential election being called for now President-elect Joe Biden on Saturday, President Trump has refused to concede, and many in his administration are actively working to obstruct the transition to the Biden administration. Julie Norman writes that the actions of Trump and his enablers may have real consequences for the security of the country, and risk […]

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