Staff Reports
Amid the unrest on college campuses regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, Joe Biden is facing a challenging situation within his party’s base. The Democratic Party’s reliance on Jewish voters makes it necessary for Biden to address their growing discomfort with the party’s response to antisemitism. Additionally, Biden needs to appeal to young voters who seem to support Hamas over the United States.
To maintain support within the Democratic Party, Biden appears to be making concessions that may not align with his administration’s initial policies. In a recent decision, the Biden administration is reversing its plan to ban menthol cigarettes, citing concerns about potential political backlash from Black voters.
The Reason Why Joe Biden Scrapped This Policy Is Political Pandering at Its Worst https://t.co/sAt8ZYLohD
— Joyeux (@Joyeux8414) April 28, 2024
Menthol cigarettes make up a significant portion of cigarette sales in the United States, with a large percentage of Black and Hispanic smokers using them. Due to this, some leaders within the Black community and members of the Congressional Black Caucus have opposed the menthol ban, expressing worries about the expansion of illicit cigarette markets and the potential for racial profiling of Black smokers by law enforcement.
This decision to backtrack on the menthol ban has raised criticism of the Biden administration’s competency and its approach to public policy. Some have suggested that the administration should have considered the demographics of menthol cigarette consumers before pursuing the ban. This move has led to speculation about the administration’s ability to make informed and effective policy decisions.
Overall, the decision to reverse the menthol ban is seen as an act of political pandering, potentially undermining the administration’s credibility and leadership. The skepticism surrounding this decision raises questions about the Biden administration’s strategy and competence in addressing critical policy issues.
