Headline RoundupOctober 11th, 2022

Biden to ‘Re-evaluate’ US-Saudi Relations After OPEC+ Oil Cuts

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Key Facts: National Security Council spokesman John Kirby suggested Tuesday that President Joe Biden was re-evaluating relations with Saudi Arabia after OPEC+ approved its largest oil production cut since the start of the pandemic. 

Key Quotes: “I think the president’s been very clear that this is a relationship that we need to continue to re-evaluate, that we need to be willing to revisit,” Kirby told CNN (Left bias), adding, “And certainly in light of the OPEC decision, I think that’s where he is, and he’s willing to work with Congress to think through what that relationship ought to look like going forward.” Kirby also said Biden would be willing “to have those conversations right away.”

For Context: OPEC+ is heavily influenced by Saudi Arabia, and its oil cuts could raise U.S. gas prices ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. Biden visited Saudi leaders in July as U.S. gas prices reached record levels. Falling gas prices have since been key in stabilizing U.S. inflation by canceling out rising prices in other sectors. September’s CPI inflation data is scheduled for release on Thursday. 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was widespread and mostly balanced across the spectrum. Coverage from some outlets framed the OPEC+ oil cuts as a “betrayal” that “angered” Biden and Democrats. 

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