As student protests shake US campuses, Biden mum

13 Sept 17:53 Key points summarised by AI

President Biden has largely avoided commenting on widespread student protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, briefly condemning antisemitism while acknowledging Palestinian suffering, a stance complicating his reelection campaign.
Donald Trump has vocally criticized the campus demonstrations, urging college presidents to clear encampments and labeling protesters as 'raging lunatics and Hamas sympathizers.'
The White House attempts a delicate balance, condemning disruptive behavior and antisemitism while affirming students' right to peaceful protest and acknowledging the pain of the Gaza conflict.
The protests threaten Biden's support among crucial demographics like young voters, Muslims, and Arab Americans, potentially narrowing his electoral advantage against Trump.
A potential ceasefire in Gaza could help de-escalate campus tensions and improve Biden's political standing, with continued unrest risking a repeat of the 1968 Democratic National Convention marred by Vietnam War protests.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.