Concern in Democratic Party as San Francisco protests spotlight dissension over Biden trade and foreign policies during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. As world leaders meet in San Francisco for the APEC summit, progressives are taking a stand against Biden’s administration’s approach to the Israel-Hamas war and are calling for a shift in the trade agenda.
A massive protest is expected to take place during Biden’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Sunday’s protest in San Francisco attracted thousands of participants, who spoke out through a variety of methods, including placards, music, and poetry. The aim of this protest and many others is to challenge the neoliberal economic policies of APEC that protesters say favor big corporations at the expense of workers and the environment.
In California, despite its strong Democratic identity, recent polls have shown a growing dissatisfaction among voters towards the president’s performance. The disapproval seems to resonate beyond just the American political landscape, bringing together various groups like environmentalists, economic justice activists, and advocates for Palestinian rights. San Francisco itself has a rich history of dissent, and the APEC summit has given people the platform to collectively raise their voices against global economic issues.
The mounting opposition from far-left Democrats reflects a broader divide within the party. Some House members have criticized President Biden’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war, warning about the potential consequences this might have on the upcoming elections. This kind of disunity points to a seemingly greater divide among constituents, party officials, and even the president himself.
The upcoming San Francisco protest marches are poised to impact the ruling party and the country’s foreign policy, reflecting a deep-seated frustration with growing economic inequality and seemingly endless conflicts. Defiance and pressure from progressives in strongholds like San Francisco are exerting a significant influence on the policy discourse, moving the needle in the Democratic Party’s political trajectory.
