Key Political Events and Policies from 9/11 to Biden's Presidency

Liberal vs Conservative

  • Liberal Ideology

    • Support for abortion
    • Support for LGBTQ+ rights
    • Advocate for government intervention in the economy and social matters
    • Emphasis on environmental protection

  • Conservative Ideology

    • Advocate for traditional values
    • Support for gun ownership rights
    • Opposes abortion and LGBTQ+ rights
    • Prioritize border security and strict immigration laws

Remembering 9/11

  • Al Qaeda

    • A terrorist group responsible for the attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001, motivated by grievances against U.S. foreign policies and military presence in the Middle East.

  • Major Targets on 9/11

    • The Pentagon
    • Twin Towers of the World Trade Center
    • A field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania

Bill Clinton

  • Economic Achievements

    • The U.S. achieved a budget surplus during his presidency.
    • Passed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1993 to reduce trade barriers between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., boosting trade significantly.
    • The rapid expansion of Internet-based businesses during his administration led to a surge in the stock markets.

  • Foreign Policy Failures

    • Involvement in Somalia where intervention during the civil war led to significant American casualties.
    • Lack of intervention during the Rwandan genocide, which raised ethical concerns about U.S. responsibilities in humanitarian crises.

  • Social Policies

    • Introduced the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, which allowed gay and lesbian Americans to serve in the armed forces while keeping their sexual orientation private.

  • Impeachment Reasons

    • Allegations of sexual harassment against Paula Jones.
    • Involved in a court case where he lied under oath, leading to his impeachment.

George W. Bush

  • 2000 Election Context

    • Candidates: George W. Bush vs. Albert Gore, Jr.
    • The close vote count in Florida led to a recount demand by Democrats.

  • Election Controversies

    • Similarities between the 2000 and 2016 elections: Both involved significant controversies over recounts and foreign interference.

  • Patriot Act

    • Enacted post-9/11 to enhance national security. Expanded government surveillance powers, stirring debates on civil liberties and potential overreach by authorities.

  • Homeland Security

    • Established to coordinate national efforts in protecting against terrorism and threats; consolidated various agencies for improved information sharing and response capabilities.

  • Hurricane Katrina (2005)

    • Exposed catastrophic failures in disaster response by the federal government, leading to extensive criticism of the Bush administration's preparedness.

Iraq War (2003)

  • Rationale for Invasion
    • Justified primarily on the claims that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and had connections with terrorist organizations.
    • Subsequent revelations disputed these claims, leading to debates over the war's legitimacy and justification.

Financial Crisis (2008)

  • Triggers and Impacts
    • Initiated by the collapse of the housing market, resulting in extensive bank failures, a significant economic recession, and necessitating government intervention to stabilize financial systems.

Education Policy

  • No Child Left Behind
    • An education act aimed at enhancing student achievement through defined standards and testing; emphasized accountability for schools based on performance outcomes.

Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib

  • Raised severe human rights concerns, particularly relating to the treatment of prisoners. Reports of abuse at Abu Ghraib prison sparked debates regarding ethical conduct and legality of such practices.

Barack Obama

  • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

    • Major healthcare reform intended to expand coverage, enhance quality, and minimize costs; mandated individuals to purchase health insurance.

  • Economic Response in 2009

    • The Obama administration tackled the recession inherited upon taking office, employing multiple measures to stimulate economic recovery.

  • Major Successes

    • War on Terror: Oversaw the successful operation that killed Osama Bin Laden.
    • Promoted environmental policies including participation in the Paris Agreement.
    • Progressed LGBTQ rights: Repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, advocated for same-sex marriage.

  • Supreme Court Appointments

    • Nominated Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, increasing female representation on the Supreme Court to a total of three.

Donald Trump

  • Campaign Slogan

    • MAGA (Make America Great Again) became the hallmark of his political campaign.

  • Foreign Policy Actions

    • Engaged in trade disputes with China.
    • Withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal.
    • Conducted diplomatic outreach to North Korea.

  • Domestic Policy Actions

    • Implemented significant tax cuts resulting in numerous economic impacts.
    • Enforced stricter regulations in immigration policy.

  • Reasons for Impeachments

    • First impeachment in 2019 due to accusations of abuse of power related to Ukraine.
    • Second impeachment in 2021 following charges of incitement of insurrection post the U.S. Capitol attack.

Joe Biden

  • COVID Vaccine Goals

    • Committed to administering 100 million vaccine doses in the first 100 days, successfully surpassing this target.

  • Foreign Policy - Ukraine

    • Provided extensive military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, testing Biden's diplomatic capabilities amidst ongoing tensions.

  • Domestic Actions on Environment and Economy

    • Addressed inflation concerns and efforts to enhance job creation.
    • Rejoined the Paris Agreement, encouraging international collaboration toward environmental objectives.
    • Made history by appointing Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, representing a significant milestone in diversity.