campaign
Biden lands win, but virus surge threatens to derail agenda
Joe Biden wagered his campaign and now his presidency on the premise that government itself could still work, even at a time of fractious political division.
When the Senate voted this week, with bipartisan support, to begin work on an infrastructure bill that Biden supported, he seemed to have proof of the concept.
But the triumph was overshadowed by the surging delta variant of the coronavirus that has forced the restoration of mask guidelines, imperiled the nation’s economic recovery and threatened Biden’s central promise that he would lead the United States out of the pandemic.
READ: Biden to launch vaccine push for millions of federal workers
“Democrats have to put wins on the board going into 2022, and COVID clouds on the horizon make getting infrastructure and reconciliation done all that much more important,” said Robert Gibbs, former press secretary to President Barack Obama. He added that it’s “imperative for the Biden administration to communicate on this regularly and prepare for us for the ups and downs of this pandemic.”
The president’s first six months in office, for which he has received strong marks in most public polls, featured the full vaccination of more than 60% of Americans, the creation of more than 3 million new jobs and the passage of a sweeping $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill. And in recent days, he has made progress along the massive, two-pronged infrastructure track that could pour $4.5 trillion into the United States’ economy while he also eyed future moves on voting rights and immigration.
But the virulence of the delta strain coupled with stubborn vaccine hesitancy among a significant portion of the American population have raised alarms about another punishing wave of the pandemic, a prospect that has rattled financial markets already nervously eyeing the possibility of long-term inflation.
And now Biden has entered a more challenging phase of his presidency as the virus has once more proven to be an intractable foe that now endangers the nation’s fragile return to normalcy.
“I know this is hard to hear. I know it’s frustrating. I know it’s exhausting to think we’re still in this fight,” Biden said to reporters at the White House on Thursday. “And I know we hoped this would be a simple, straightforward line, without problems or new challenges. But that isn’t real life.”
At the same time, the administration response has hardly been seamless. The administration has been criticized about its messaging on the virus, including confusing guidance this week as to when and why even vaccinated people would need to resume wearing masks indoors.
Biden himself had decreed July 4th to be the day that American declared its “independence” from the virus in front of 1,000 mask-free people at the White House. But just weeks later, staffers and journalists working at the White House were required to don face coverings again, regardless of their vaccination status.
And across the country, Americans who reveled in a return to normalcy are now being asked to wear masks again, stirring resentment in some of those who have followed health guidelines throughout the pandemic, including getting the shot. And the rollback calls into question whether the Biden administration had been too quick to relax guidelines and now risked losing some of the public’s confidence.
READ: Biden woos working class with new ‘buy American’ efforts
“They broke their word. They broke their own rules,” said Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. “And now they’ve broken the trust of the American people.”
To be sure, though, the vaccine hesitancy has been most pronounced in areas strongly associated with support for former President Donald Trump, and some conservative media outlets have amplified the wariness.
Any president must be able to set aside the most organized, carefully laid plans to deal with a sudden crisis. Trump was overwhelmed by the pandemic, his best reelection argument — a strong economy — vanishing overnight while his administration’s erratic and sporadic response to the virus was judged harshly by voters.
Biden’s White House is more methodical and spent months carefully working on its infrastructure plan, which the president has prioritized for months even amid calls from some in his own party to focus on voting rights. The strategy was crafted to reach a bipartisan agreement by persuading at least 10 Republicans to lay down their partisan arms to reach a deal on so-called hard infrastructure — highways, broadband internet access, mass transit — while then proceeding on a larger, Democrats-only budget reconciliation vote for the rest of the plan.
Though the negotiations were left for dead more than once, Biden’s bet on reaching across the aisle paid off, as 17 GOP senators voted to advance the nearly $1 trillion bipartisan plan. It marked a significant win for the White House, even as numerous twists and turns surely lie ahead, including keeping all the Democrats in line for the $3.5 trillion reconciliation plan.
Biden had framed it as necessary to prove that the two parties could still work together as a demonstration that democracies could still deliver for their people.
“Our economy grew more in six months than most Wall Street forecasters expected for the entire year before we implemented our plan,” said Biden, who predicted that the infrastructure deal is “going to continue this momentum over the long term by making the most significant investment to rebuild America in nearly a century.”
Biden has pushed his broadly popular agenda directly into conservative strongholds — he has held about a half-dozen events in Republican-controlled districts in recent weeks — in an effort to paint Republicans as the party of no while hoping to rein in their turnout next fall when he tries to help preserve threadbare Democratic majorities in Congress.
With a wary eye on inflation, the president is betting that voters will reward him for his policies, as the White House argues it is Republicans who are running solely on identity politics rather than sincerely delivering for their voters.
But that strategy depends on the policy working — which is what makes the virus so dangerous.
READ: Russia and China vexing Biden
If another wave causes businesses or schools to close, not only would the public’s faith in Biden’s management of the virus surely waver, but the economic recovery would likely stagnate, jeopardizing the Democrats’ central arguments heading into next fall’s midterms.
“We’re not out of the woods,” Gibbs said.
Samsung brings big offers ahead of Eid
Due to the current state of the world, many families are going through financial instability and cannot afford television with great features.
To solve this problem, Samsung Consumer Electronics Bangladesh has launched the campaign "Big Offer Eid Jombe Ebar" ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
READ: Samsung Galaxy M32: A Budget Friendly Phone with Massive Battery
Customers willing to purchase the 55-inch or 75-inch 4K Smart Crystal UHD TV can win an air purifier or a washing machine with the option of paying through EMI in 36 months.
They can also enjoy a cashback of up to Tk100,000 on selected products. On top of it, customers will receive a 50% discount on soundbars when purchased with UHD TVs and can enjoy up to Tk20,000 on exchange offers on television.
The ongoing offer will end on July 31, read a press release.
READ: Samsung releases new version of Galaxy A32
Realme offers great deals on smartphones for Eid
realme has kicked off its ‘Mega Eid Campaign’ where the buyers and fans can win prizes including deep freezer and washing machine.
It also guaranteed data bundle offer as well for Robi, Airtel and Banglalink users.
In consideration of the recent situation, the users could buy realme smartphones from their nearest outlets through home delivery facility and enjoy these offers.
Read: realme to bring G85 gaming processor-equipped phone C25s
This campaign would continue till 20 July.
Each purchase during the offer period would be rewarded with a guaranteed prize that includes deep freezer, washing machine, realme 8 Pro, realme 8, realme 8 gift box, realme C21 gift box, realme Buds Classic, realme T-shirt and instant cashback.
This offer would be valid for realme official smartphones only.
Read realme narzo 20 review: Best Features, Specs and Price phone in Bangladesh 2021
Prize winners would be informed via SMS.
To know more about the campaign buyers could call this number -09610555555.
Buyer could order for home delivery with the Eid offer at the link: https://myrealmeoffer.com.
Read realme C25s Review: G85 Equipped Powerful Gaming Smartphone
Oppo launches 'Trusty Rusty' campaign ahead of Eid
Global smart device brand Oppo has launched a new campaign ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to give smartphone users a chance to share their most trustworthy person's happy moments captured in pictures.
Through the "Trusty Rusty" campaign, smartphone users can express their gratitude to the person they count on most.
Read: OPPO partners with Thales for World’s First 5G SA-Compatible eSIM
To participate in the activity, the smartphone users will have to share their most trustworthy person's happy moments' picture and write why the person is trustworthy to them in the comment box of Oppo Facebook page.
The participants have to tag the person they trust most and share the post in public as well. While sharing the post, they will have to use the hashtag #OPPOTrustworthiness #OPPOEidHappiness.
Read: Oppo offers discounted prices on Reno5, A15s
To make this activity all the more rewarding for smartphone users, there will be exciting prizes for the winners.
The most beautiful trustworthy reason will be selected as the winning entry, and the top three winners will get wireless earphones Oppo Enco W11.
Read Best Upcoming Phones in July 2021 in Bangladesh: Official and Unofficial
Trump targeting GOP impeachment voter at Ohio revenge rally
Former President Donald Trump will return to the rally stage this weekend, holding his first campaign-style event since leaving the White House as he makes good on his pledge to exact revenge on those who voted for his historic second impeachment.
Trump’s event at Ohio’s Lorain County Fairgrounds, not far from Cleveland, will be held Saturday to support Max Miller, a former White House aide who is challenging Republican Rep. Anthony Gonzalez for his congressional seat. Gonzalez was one of 10 GOP House members who voted to impeach Trump for his role in inciting the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol building.
Trump wants them to pay.
The rally, held five months after Trump left office under a cloud of violence, marks the beginning of a new, more public phase of his post-presidency. After spending much of his time behind closed doors building a political operation and fuming about the last election, Trump is planning a flurry of public appearances in the coming weeks. He’ll hold another rally in Florida over the July Fourth weekend unattached to a midterm candidate and will travel to the southern border next week to protest President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.
The rally also comes as Trump is facing immediate legal jeopardy. Manhattan prosecutors informed his company Thursday that it could soon face criminal charges stemming from a wide-ranging investigation into the former president’s business dealings. The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that charges could be filed against the Trump Organization as early as next week. Trump has denounced the investigations as nothing more than a “witch hunt” aimed as damaging him politically.
Although Trump remains a deeply polarizing figure, he is extremely popular with the Republican base, and candidates have flocked to his homes in Florida and New Jersey seeking his endorsement as he has tried to positioned himself as his party’s kingmaker.
Trump has said he is committed to helping Republicans regain control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. But his efforts to support — and recruit — candidates to challenge incumbent Republicans who have crossed him put him at odds with other Republican leaders who have been trying to unify the party after a brutal year in which they lost control of the White House and failed to gain control of either chamber of Congress.
READ: ‘Fire and Fury’ author writes new Trump book ‘Landslide’
So far, nine of the 10 House Republicans who voted for Trump’s impeachment have drawn primary challengers. And Trump has offered to support anyone who steps forward to challenge the remaining candidate, Rep. John Katko of New York, syracuse.com reported.
“We’re giving tremendous endorsements,” Trump boasted Friday morning as he called into the conservative Newsmax channel and explained his endorsement rationale.
“Fake Republicans, anybody that voted for the impeachment doesn’t get it,” he said. “But there weren’t too many of them. And I think most of them are being, if not all, are being primaried right now, so that’s good. I’ll be helping their opponent.”
Gonzalez, a former college and professional football player, has stood by his impeachment vote in the face of fierce criticism from his party’s conservative wing, including his censure by the Ohio Republican Party.
At the same time, Trump continues to obsess over his ongoing efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which he insists he won, even though top election officials, his own attorney general and numerous judges have said there is no evidence of the mass voter fraud he alleges.
On Monday, he told the conservative Real America’s Voice that he had never conceded the race or admitted defeat. And he publicly entertained the idea that he could somehow be reinstated into office, even though no legal or constitutional basis for doing so exists.
At the same time, he continues to tease the possibility that he will mount a comeback run for the White House in 2024. Aides say Trump, who was banned from Twitter and Facebook after Jan. 6, will make a decision after the midterms next fall.
Trump’s rallies have been an instrumental part of his political brand since he launched his 2016 campaign. The former reality star is energized by performing in front of his audiences and often test-drives new material and talking points to see how they resonate with the crowd. His political operation also uses the events to collect critical voter contact information from attendees and as fundraising tools.
READ: Seized House records show just how far Trump admin would go
And they have spawned a group of hardcore fans who traveled the country, attending dozens of rallies, often camping out overnight to snag prime spots. Some of those supporters began lining up outside the venue days early this week as they reunited for the event.
Daraz inks deal with Monster
Online marketplace Daraz recently signed an agreement with the internationally-renowned brand Monster to add a new range of audio, video, and gaming products to its collection.
Monster is now the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance cables, which are widely used to connect audio and video components. The brand has a wide range of products, including headphones, speakers, HDMI cables, and power solutions.
Also read: Discount prices offered on realme phones during Daraz campaign
Daraz Bangladesh Head of Cross Border Ehtesham Hossain Eram said: "As Monster has earned international repute over the years, we have struck a deal with them so that music and gaming enthusiasts can buy their products from Daraz at affordable prices."
Customers can enjoy up to 45% discount on Monster products during the "Daraz Electronics Week" campaign which will run until June 15.
Also read: Daraz becomes sponsor of national cricket team
Campaign on right to food, health launched
A campaign aimed at ensuring the right to food, food safety and health began with the pledges made by youths to achieve the objectives through personal action and advocacy.
Over 100 youths from 18 countries, including Bangladesh, USA, Canada, Ireland, Brazil, Switzerland and China, took oaths at the campaign titled "Act4Food Act4Change" held virtually on Tuesday night.
"Act4Food Act4Change" is a global youth-led movement promising to achieve sustainable global food systems that provide all people with access to healthy and sustainable diets.
Switzerland-based organization ‘Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)’ and UK-based non-government organization ‘The Food Foundation’ jointly facilitated the virtual programme from their respective locations.
Read: UAE provides 50 mts humanitarian food aid to Bangladesh
UK and Ireland governments are associate partners, said a media release on Wednesday.
The campaign will also be carried out in social media platforms such as Facebook, youtube, twitter and instagram.
The campaign, being held ahead of United Nation Food System Summit, will continue till September this year. The event is likely to be extended later.
The supply of nutritious and safe foods for people has become a challenging task recently due to Covid-19 situation, said the organizers.
Hence, they said, it is imperative to ensure the availability of those foods with the combined efforts of all concerned along with raising awareness of people.
Dipty Chowdhury, a youth leader of UN Food System Summit Action Track-1 and representative of Bhalo Khabo Bhaloa Thakbo campaign of GAIN Bangladesh; Rayan Kassem, Regional Director Youth4Nature, Lebanon; Priya Prakash, Founder HealthSetGo, India; Sophie Healy; Food system and nutrition advocate & Lead Group member of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement (SUN), Ireland; among others, spoke at the event.
Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, has given video message for the campaign.
Femi Oke, internationally renowned journalist, moderated the event.
In her address, Dipty Chowdhury, youth leader of Bangladesh said, “I want to see nutritious food as a basic right and get rid of all the cheap junk food that is now readily available to us”.
Read:Antimicrobial resistance can even threaten food security: PM Hasina
In a statement, Dr. Rudaba Khondker, Country Director of GAIN Bangladesh, said, “Youths especially the girls and young women can shape the food systems for affordable nutritious and safe food for all. During Covid, its importance has become even more crucial and critical”.
Both of them said, Bangladesh can take the lead in line with global pledge by engaging members of Nutrition Clubs across the country and raise awareness on healthy diets among students.
The success of “Bhalo Khabo Bhalo Thakbo” campaign, supported by GAIN Bangladesh, more than 1 million adolescents have so far pledged to consume better food. It has worked as an inspiration to this global youth movement and initiative.
“Bhalo Khabo Bhalo Thakbo” is an ongoing campaign in Bangladesh where any adolescent can take part in it.
Walton AC free for writing slogan or tagline
Walton announced various prizes including free ACs for writing attractive slogans or taglines for the Walton air conditioners.
Under the ‘Creativity Challenge Season-1’ campaign, 10 best taglines or slogans will be awarded. Of them, the best three writers will get 2, 1.5 and 1 ton Walton AC respectively.
The remaining seven writers will get a Walton blender of WBL-10GX65 model each. The competition will run until May 31.
Also read: Walton AC records 450% sales growth during Jan-April
Khalilur Rahman, brand manager of Walton AC, said the participants will be able to submit their taglines or slogans through Google form or making comment or sending message on Walton AC’s verified Facebook page.
After submitting the slogans or taglines, participants have to share the photo banner of Walton Smart AC’s Creativity Challenge on their Facebook timelines. The person who submits first will be given preference in case of the same taglines or slogans.
The Google form can be found on this link- t.ly/tu7Q. Phone calls can be made to these numbers- 16267 or 09612316267 for more information.
Also read: Air Conditioner Brands, Buyer Guide, Models, with Price in Bangladesh
Walton Hi-Tech Industries Limited’s Deputy Managing Director Humayun Kabir said that most of the people are staying home during this pandemic.
“Walton’s AC department is working to develop people’s skills and talents by involving them in creative works during this lazy time. I think participants’ creative skills will be developed through this campaign,” he said.
He added that the taglines or slogans related to Walton AC could be written in Bengali or English using elegant language. Creating awareness about Walton and information about its products should be given emphasised in this creative writings.
Also read: Air Cooler price in Bangladesh with Buying Tips
Besides, Walton is providing various facilities to its AC customers. Among them, up to 200 percent sure cashback is given under the ongoing digital campaign season 10. Customers are enjoying free installation and home delivery services. Walton is also providing up to 40 percent discount on specific models of ACs. There is also 1 year EMI and installment facility up to 36 months with 0 percent interest.
Customers can also purchase new ACs of Walton brands at a 25 percent discount in exchange for their old ACs of any brands. Walton released various new models of inverter technology ACs with dual-defender, ioniser, ultra-violet care features which helps protect houses from virus or bacteria.
Its Inverna series ACs consume electricity only Tk 2.8 per hour in eco-mode which is tested by BUET.
Read How to Use ACs (Air Conditioners) Safely Amid COVID19 Pandemic?
Besides, 1, 1.5 and 2 ton split ACs, Walton is producing and marketing 4 and 5-ton cassettes and ceiling type ACs for medium establishments like school-college, mosque, madrasa, hospital, hotel, restaurant, conference hall. For larger establishments like factories and offices, Walton has variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and Chiller.
Walton is providing one-year replacement guarantee as well as 10-year guarantee on the compressor of its split type ACs.
Walton has 76 service centres across the country under the ISO Certified Service Management System to provide fast and best after sales service. Walton’s skilled and experienced engineers and technicians are providing free service to AC buyers after every 100 days.
Read Walton TV offers big discounts ahead of Eid
Siam Safa inspiring everyone to share their Eid happiness in OPPO’s new Eid microfilm
Smart device brand Oppo is airing new microfilm to inspire the privileged people to share the happiness of Eid with the needy ones during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
In the microfilm, Siam Ahmed and Safa Kabir are seen preparing food and buying new attire for their beloved ones and in the end, they share their good feelings and joyous moments with the old parents at a nursing home.
Read Robishop brings big deals, discounts ahead of Eid
F19 Pro Eid edition
Oppo has also launched the limited Eid edition of F19 Pro. The phone uses Oppo's popular Reno Glow Effect and its crystal silver colour introduces an improved printing effect that is a step above the etching process.
Moreover, the F19 Pro Eid edition also features Dual-View Video along with AI Color Portrait Video mode that comes with a suite of AI algorithms, which provide the subject matter in natural colours while presenting the background in natural monochrome.
Read bKash offers up to 40% instant cashback on Eid shopping, iftar, grocery payment
The Dual-View Video feature lets users harness both the rear and front cameras to make a split-screen video that offers both perspectives.
F19 Pro is equipped with 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0; the users can enjoy 3.2 hour-talk times with five minutes of charge and it takes only one hour to charge the device fully, read a press release.
Read iPhone Eid mega deal in G&G
Robishop brings big deals, discounts ahead of Eid
Robi Axiata's e-commerce platform Robishop (https://robishop.com.bd/) has recently launched a big discount campaign ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
During the campaign, which will continue till May 15, customers can enjoy up to 67% discount on selected digital gadgets like smartphone, smartwatch, trimmer, shaver, headphone, headset, and earphone by placing their orders online.
Read Community Bank, Robi launch device bundle offer
Also, they can enjoy a 10% discount on credit card payments along with a 0% EMI facility. However, a maximum of Tk500 discount can be availed using cards.
Customers can also get 10% cashback with a maximum discount limit of Tk100 on bKash payments. Moreover, a flat discount of Tk300 can be availed on a single new sign-up on the Robishop website.
Read OPPO presents trove of gifts, offers for Eid
Robishop lets the consumers discover and experience products and offers from a wide array of categories ranging from electronics to household appliances, latest phones, computers, laptops, and accessories.
Popular mobile handset brands like Vivo, Oppo, Samsung and Motorola are on offer as part of the Eid campaign; branded digital gadgets from Philips, Remax, Joyroom, Lenovo, Anker, Havit are also available under it, read a press release.
Read Eid-ul-fitr offers, deals on electronics gadgets in Bangladesh in 2021