Our Political Times

ELECTION

Buttigieg Surprise Leader in Iowa

On Friday, presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg landed the Iowa top state democratic delegate spot with 26.2%, barely edging out Bernie Sanders by a mere 1/10 of a percent with 100% of results reported. That didn't stop Sanders from claiming victory for the largest number of popular votes. Elizabeth Warren finished in third place with 18% of state delegate votes, ahead of Joe Biden's disappointing 15.8%. Amy Klobuchar trailed behind Biden with 12.3% of delegate votes. Andrew Wang reportedly made significant reductions to his campaign staff after earning just 1% of Iowa state delegate votes.

WHITE HOUSE

Triumphant Trump Turns Away Evangelicals

AP News

In his speech at the annual National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday morning, Donald Trump's blistering attack on perceived political rivals compelled many evangelical Christian leaders to disagree with Trump's rhetoric. Although Trump was eager to celebrate his recent impeachment acquittal in the senate, the primary focus of his speech was self-promotion and anger aimed at verbally berating various individuals involved in the impeachment process, especially House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and senators Chuck Schumer and Mitt Romney. Trump's contemptuous lack of civility was labeled excessive and inappropriate by many faith leaders in attendance, including Jerry Falwell Jr.

Huawei Deal Sparks Fury

CNN

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week accused Trump of "failing to lead" after Trump ripped into Johnson during a phone call. Trump unleashed his anger at Johnson because of UK's decision allowing Huawei into its 5G networks, despite heavy pressure from the US over national security concerns. Reportedly, Johnson has been slowly distancing himself from Trump in recent weeks.

GLOBAL

Doctor's Death a Catalyst in China

Wall Street Journal

The death this week of Dr. Li Winliang from the novel coronavirus in China has proved a catalyst for anti-government sentiment among Chinese citizens. Winliang was among small group of Chinese doctors who were reprimanded by the Chinese government at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak for stoking unnecessary fear by comparing the new illness to SARS and trying to warn others. The national outpouring of frustration, grief, and anger has been impossible for the government's propaganda and censorship system to contain. Risking government retribution, Dr. Winliang is being called out as martyr and hero by Chinese citizens and leaders.

Syrians Flee Toward Turkey

NBC News

Amid 200 airstrikes by the Syrian government and Russian warplanes, 700,000 displaced refugees from northern Syria were fleeing toward Turkey last week. The Syrian government, backed by Russia, has intensified attacks on the last remaining rebel stronghold in Idlib. An international crisis is anticipated as the refugees arrive on the Turkish border.