Apple News Today: Episode Summary – "Biden Exits with Low Public Approval. Where Did He Go Wrong?"

Release Date: January 16, 2025
Host: Shemitha Basu

In this compelling episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitha Basu delves deep into the multifaceted challenges facing President Joe Biden as he prepares to leave office amidst declining public approval. The episode navigates through Biden's final address, the precarious Gaza ceasefire, trends in gun violence, and the FDA's recent action on red food dye, providing listeners with an insightful analysis of current events shaping the national discourse.

1. Biden’s Farewell and Plummeting Approval Ratings

As President Biden delivers his final address from the Oval Office, Basu examines the factors contributing to his dwindling public support. In his poignant farewell, Biden reflects on his five-decade career in public service, stating, “This will be my final address to you from the American people, from the Oval Office, from this desk as president. And I've been thinking a lot about who we are and maybe more importantly, who we should be.”

Despite signing significant legislation early in his presidency, Biden faces criticism as the tangible benefits of these policies remain out of immediate reach for many Americans. A recent CNN survey highlighted that only 36% of Americans approve of Biden's job performance, with particular discontent in areas such as immigration and the economy.

Andrea Shellal, White House correspondent for Reuters, attributes Biden's struggles to delayed policy impacts and external factors like rising prices. Biden acknowledges this challenge: “For most Americans, the bridges, the roads, the factory down the road, those things matter, but they matter in a very diffuse and not tangible way. And what they felt was the price of eggs, the price of gasoline, the.”

The administration's handling of immigration, particularly the surge in illegal crossings and the subsequent executive actions to restrict asylum requests, has also been a point of contention. Additionally, Biden's efforts on police reform have been perceived as insufficient, taking two years to address misconduct following George Floyd's murder in 2020.

Economic concerns have been paramount, with high costs of childcare and housing lingering post-pandemic. Despite promises to bolster the care economy, initiatives like the child tax credit extension and universal pre-K investments stalled, leading to continued financial strain for many Americans. Biden's age and perceived mental fitness further eroded voter confidence, especially after a less-than-stellar debate performance.

Reflecting on his tenure, Biden remarked, “The Democrats lost this election and I think it's just a heavy time for him to be leaving office and to know that much of what he worked for and his administration worked for may be unwound and undone.”

2. Gaza Ceasefire Deal on Shaky Ground

The episode shifts focus to the fragile Gaza ceasefire deal, initially brokered with enthusiasm but now teetering on the brink of collapse. Yesterday, Hamas confirmed reaching an agreement with Israel, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog publicly endorsing the accord. However, tension mounts as The Wall Street Journal reports Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's accusations against Hamas for allegedly breaching parts of the agreement.

The Israeli Cabinet has delayed the approval meeting of the ceasefire, which was set to commence a six-week pause in hostilities on Sunday. Concurrently, Israel intensified airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in 81 fatalities within the last 24 hours. Despite these developments, Hamas maintains its commitment to the agreement, as per a draft reviewed by the Journal.

Key components of the ceasefire include:

• Israeli Withdrawal: Israeli forces pledge to vacate populated areas.
• Hostage Release: 33 hostages, including vulnerable groups and two Americans, are slated for release.
• Reciprocal Measures: Hamas agrees to return deceased hostages' bodies, while Israel plans to release hundreds of Palestinians from prisons.
• Future Negotiations: Both parties intend to revisit talks after a few weeks to explore a permanent ceasefire.

However, the terms appear unchanged from previous offers made when the conflict's intensity was still escalating. With over 46,000 Palestinians dead, roughly 1 in every 50 Gaza residents, the humanitarian toll remains devastating.

President Biden, in his final Oval Office speech before the deal's potential unraveling, emphasized the collaborative effort: “[...my team had worked hard to secure a deal and that they'd involved Trump's team to make sure all would go smoothly with Trump taking office next week.](00:00- something similar)

As the situation evolves, Basu underscores that the U.S. transition of power remains a secondary concern compared to the immediate crisis unfolding between Israel and Hamas.

3. Unveiling Surprising Trends in Gun Violence

Gun violence continues to be a pressing issue in America, with Shemitha Basu presenting a revealing analysis from The Trace. Over the past decade, tens of thousands of lives have been lost to shootings, but the data challenges common perceptions about where this violence is most prevalent.

Samantha Storey, Managing Editor at The Trace, shares, “We noticed that 13 out of 20 of the cities were located in the South.” Contrary to popular belief, half of the top 20 cities and towns with the highest shooting rates are small communities with populations under 1 million, such as Selma, Alabama, and Clarksdale, Mississippi, rather than large metropolitan areas like Chicago or Philadelphia.

Moreover, The Trace's analysis reveals a 10% nationwide decline in shooting deaths by the end of October 2023, particularly in large Democratic-run cities with significant non-white populations, including San Francisco and Baltimore. This contradicts political narratives that predominantly allege rampant gun violence in major cities.

An alarming pattern uncovered is the proximity of shootings to schools: 188,000 shootings over the past decade occurred within 500 yards of a school. In 2023 alone, approximately 6 million children attended schools with at least one nearby shooting incident. Storey comments, “So kids say in Philadelphia have to walk past crime tape in the morning on their way to and from school.” highlighting the pervasive impact on young lives.

Additionally, incidents of road rage-related shootings have surged by over 400% in recent decades, resulting in more than 3,000 casualties. The analysis also critiques state laws permitting open carry of firearms without permits or training, finding no deterrent effect on shootings. In fact, 16 out of 20 states that enacted such laws experienced an uptick in shooting deaths.

This data-driven examination by The Trace underscores the complexity of gun violence in America, dispelling myths and prompting a reevaluation of policy approaches.

4. FDA's Bold Move to Ban Red Food Dye

In another significant development, the FDA has announced a ban on Red Dye 3, a food coloring linked to cancer in animal studies. The Los Angeles Times reports that while Red Dye 3 was previously prohibited in cosmetics and drugs applied to the skin since 1990, its use as a food additive continued due to the absence of the specific biological process causing cancer in rats from transferring to humans.

However, the FDA is now enforcing the Delaney Clause, which prohibits any color additive proven to cause cancer in animals or humans. Companies have been granted a two-year window to reformulate products free of Red Dye 3. Consumers are advised to check ingredient labels, as not all red products contain Red Dye 3—Swedish Fish and candy corn are notable exceptions.

5. Additional News Highlights

• Trump’s Cabinet Confirmation: POLITICO reports on the ongoing confirmation hearings for Trump’s nominee, Pam Bondi, to lead the Department of Justice. Despite Democratic reservations about her loyalty to Trump and her involvement in overturning the 2020 election results, Bondi appears poised for a smooth confirmation as Senate Democrats hesitate to expend political capital on opposing her.

• Starbucks’ Bathroom Policy Change: In a controversial policy shift, Starbucks now requires payment for bathroom use and lingering within their stores. This move aims to deter non-paying patrons, particularly targeting the unhoused population seeking shelter. Previously, Starbucks locations allowed free public access to restrooms, positioning their stores as a third place beyond work and home.

Conclusion

This episode of Apple News Today offers a thorough exploration of President Biden's final days in office amid declining approval, the unstable Gaza ceasefire, evolving patterns in gun violence, and significant regulatory actions by the FDA. By interweaving expert insights and authoritative data, Shemitha Basu provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of these critical issues shaping the nation's landscape.

For the latest updates and comprehensive analysis, tune into Apple News Tomorrow for continued coverage of these evolving stories.