Dispatches

Nov. 14

The second Democratic debate was initially billed as a discussion on economic policy, but the Paris attacks the night before thrust foreign policy to the forefront. Neither of the two front-runners—former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders—supported increased military intervention against ISIS, and Clinton said it “cannot be an American fight.” Sanders criticized Clinton’s support of the Iraq War in 2003, which he claimed led to the growth of al-Qaeda and ISIS. The debate then turned to minimum wages, tax increases on the wealthy, and Clinton’s purported ties with Wall Street. Only 8.5 million viewers tuned in—the lowest viewership of any debate in the race thus far. The Democratic race seems nearly decided: Clinton led Sanders by 24 points in mid-November, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average.

Fighting back

Nov. 15

Two days after Islamic State attacks in Paris that killed 130 people, France launched 30 airstrikes on Raqqa, Syria, the capital of the terrorist group’s so-called caliphate. Targets included a local political office, a military camp with ammunition warehouses, and the southern entrance of the city. Russia joined in with its own bombing campaign after confirming that a terrorist-planted bomb had downed a Russian plane over Sinai in October. While the ISIS-linked Amaq News Agency reported no casualties from the airstrikes, activists in the area said more than 33 militants were killed. Families of ISIS leaders have started leaving Raqqa for the safety of Mosul in Iraq, according to activists.

Blessed Beamer

Nov. 21

Virginia Tech football players carried their beloved head coach, Frank Beamer, off the field after his final home game at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. Although Virginia Tech lost to North Carolina in overtime, 30-27, the loss was overshadowed by celebration of the NCAA coach’s career: Beamer, who is retiring at the end of the season, coached at Virginia Tech for 29 years, leading the Hokies to 22 straight bowl games and winning seven conference titles. Virginia Tech is Beamer’s alma mater. After the final home game, Beamer said his career at the school made him “blessed and fortunate.”

Jindal drops out

Nov. 18

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced he would end his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, after months of struggling to gain traction in the crowded GOP field. Although known for his conservative policies in Louisiana, Jindal had the support of just about 1 percent of potential voters nationwide, keeping him from any prime-time debates. Jindal did not immediately endorse any of the 14 remaining candidates, but he called on the GOP to “never stop being the party that believes in opportunity.” Since Jindal is serving his last term as governor, he plans next year to return to work on his think tank, America Next.