Former US vice president and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden opposed a controversial provision to use federal funds for abortions for decades before switching his stance in June 2019. — AFP Photo WASHINGTON — Leading US Democrat Joe Biden, facing major pressure from several rivals chasing the party's 2020 presidential nomination, on Thursday reversed his longstanding opposition to using federal funds for abortions. For decades the former vice president supported the controversial provision that many in his party are now aiming to overturn. The 40-year-old Hyde Amendment makes it illegal for US tax dollars to be spent on abortions except in rare cases when a pregnancy endangers the life of the mother, or when the pregnancy results from rape or incest. As a US senator for more than 30 years, Biden -- a 76-year-old Catholic who is personally opposed to abortion -- voted dozens of times in support of the amendment. But with several … [Read more...] about Biden, in flip, opposes ban on federal funds for abortion
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North Korea slams Joe Biden for criticizing leader Kim Jong-un
They called him "bereft of elementary quality as a human being." The criticism contrasts with North Korea's repeated references to the good relationship between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kim said in April his personal relationship with Trump was still good despite the collapse of their second summit in Vietnam in February. According to Newsweek, Biden said at a campaign launch in Philadelphia on Saturday: "Are we a nation that embraces dictators and tyrants like (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Kim Jong-un?" State media the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) responded to criticism of the North's leadership in a commentary late on Tuesday. "What he uttered is just sophism of an imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being, let alone a politician," it said. KCNA listed previous controversies concerning Biden, including allegations of plagiarism and falling asleep during a speech by former President Barack Obama in 2011. "We will never pardon anyone who dare … [Read more...] about North Korea slams Joe Biden for criticizing leader Kim Jong-un
Former Vice President Joe Biden to make third run for the White House
Biden, who has made his appeal to the disaffected working-class voters who deserted the party in 2016 a key part of his political identity, will announce his bid by video, according to a source familiar with the plans. He then is expected to make his first public appearance as a candidate on Monday at an event in Pittsburgh featuring union members, a key constituency. Biden, 76, had been wrestling for months over whether to run. His candidacy will face numerous questions, including whether he is too old and too centrist for a Democratic Party yearning for fresh faces and increasingly propelled by its more vocal liberal wing. Still, he starts as the leader of the pack in opinion polls of a Democratic field that now will total 20 contenders seeking the chance to challenge President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee, in November 2020. Critics say Biden’s standing in polls is largely a function of name recognition for the former U.S. senator from Delaware, whose … [Read more...] about Former Vice President Joe Biden to make third run for the White House
Biden stops just short of saying he’s running in 2020
He declined to announce his 2020 plans but dropping hints, including a memorable gaffe that suggests he will soon be all in. As the number of Democratic White House hopefuls keeps growing, Biden is expected to jump into the crowded race to see who will challenge Donald Trump next year, but the former vice president has maintained the suspense. He received a hero's welcome in his home state of Delaware, where he told nearly 1,000 party brokers and leaders at a Democratic dinner that it was time to restore America's "backbone," but also that political "consensus" was necessary to move beyond the toxic tone of the Trump era. "Our politics has become so mean, so petty, so vicious, that we can't govern ourselves; in many cases, even talk to one another," he said. Then, a startling slip by the notoriously gaffe-prone Biden -- perhaps an accident, perhaps a perfectly placed tease as he inches towards a presidential campaign. "I'm told I get criticized by the new left. I have the most … [Read more...] about Biden stops just short of saying he’s running in 2020
Obama, Clinton among targets of suspected bombs ahead of U.S. election
Obama, Clinton among targets of suspected bombs ahead of U.S. electionThe Saigon Times Daily (L-R) U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Democratic Party donor George Soros and former U.S. President Barack Obama are pictured in a combination photograph made from Reuters file photos – PHOTO: REUTERS WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (REUTERS) - Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were among the targets of suspected package bombs delivered to several high-profile Democrats and CNN in what New York officials on Wednesday called an act of terrorism. At least eight suspicious parcels were intercepted before reaching any intended recipients, including Obama’s attorney general, Eric Holder, former CIA Director John Brennan and prominent Democratic Party donor George Soros. Two packages were sent to California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the FBI said. Investigators were … [Read more...] about Obama, Clinton among targets of suspected bombs ahead of U.S. election