House Republicans’ Speaker Race Stalemate: A Complex Political Drama Unfolds

Finny Adams on December 4, 2023

In a recent political saga, House Republicans find themselves grappling with a speaker race stalemate, creating significant buzz and raising questions about the future leadership of the GOP. This article delves into the intricacies of the situation, exploring the candidates, their prospects, and the implications for the Republican Party.

The Race Reaches a Standstill

House Republicans entered the weekend facing an unexpected twist: Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a leading speaker candidate, abruptly withdrew from the race on Friday. This move reset the race to choose the Speaker of the House and left the party in a state of uncertainty. It’s an unusual development that has generated both intrigue and concern among political analysts and observers.

An Embarrassment for the Republican Party

Former speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Ca., didn’t mince words when he expressed his feelings about the situation. He deemed it “embarrassing for the Republican Party” and even extended this assessment to the entire nation. This strong language underscores the gravity of the issue and the potential ramifications for the party’s image. The public embarrassment not only puts pressure on the party’s leadership but also raises questions about their ability to unite and govern effectively.

Candidates Enter the Fray

With Jordan’s exit, a flurry of Republican candidates threw their hats into the ring, signaling a competitive battle ahead. Among them, Majority Whip Tom Emmer emerges as a frontrunner, but the race is far from decided. The surge in candidates and the dynamic nature of the contest inject a sense of excitement and unpredictability into the political landscape.

Meet the Contenders

The article provides a list of the Republican candidates vying for the position, shedding light on their diverse backgrounds and potential strengths. Readers can gain a deeper understanding of the individual candidates’ qualifications, further contributing to their ability to make informed assessments of the potential leaders. These candidates come from various states and bring different perspectives to the table, making the speaker race all the more intriguing.

McCarthy Nominates Emmer

Former Speaker McCarthy nominated Tom Emmer as his preferred candidate, emphasizing Emmer’s ability to pass challenging legislation and secure majorities. However, not all Republicans have rallied behind a single nominee, revealing divisions within the party. This internal discord adds a layer of complexity to the speaker race, highlighting the need for Republicans to find common ground and consensus.

The Uncertain Voters

While some Republicans, like Rep. Michael Turner and Rep. Michael McCaul, have not yet committed to a candidate, they express a strong desire to conclude the election swiftly to ensure effective governance. Their hesitancy to endorse a specific candidate underscores the challenges of rallying support within the party.

A Call for Unity and Efficiency

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich suggests that House Republicans should maintain focus and unity in their decision-making process. He underlines the importance of maintaining a speaker’s ability to secure votes for an extended period to avoid recurring political standstills. This perspective prompts critical thinking about the party’s strategy and the long-term stability of their chosen leader.

The Lack of Female Candidates

Gingrich also highlights the absence of women candidates in the race, suggesting that female representatives like Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Beth Van Duyne could be more effective in unifying the House. This gender disparity within the candidate pool is an important issue worth noting, as it raises questions about diversity and representation within the party’s leadership.

Global Implications

Rep. McCaul draws attention to the inopportune timing of the speaker race stalemate, given ongoing world events. Issues like the Israel-Hamas war and the conflict in Ukraine underscore the urgency of resolving the situation for the sake of foreign policy and global relations. This aspect introduces a broader perspective, encouraging readers to consider the impact of the speaker race on international affairs.

The Clock is Ticking

The article concludes by noting the Republicans’ plan to reconvene and discuss potential speaker candidates. The timeline for voting is set, with hopes to have a Speaker elected soon. This final note on the timeline serves as a reminder of the pressing nature of the situation and its potential consequences.

East Palestine becomes GOP’s next focus

Finny Adams on September 5, 2023

East Palestine – At East Palestine, Ohio, a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed earlier this month.

Because of the dangerous chemicals on board, the train derailment resulted in a fire.

Additionally, because of the danger of an explosion, officials ordered an evacuation for the area within a mile of the crash, which happened near James Street.

While the EPA community removed floating trash while monitoring the air, dams stemmed the flow of contaminated water.

Despite the fact that individuals have returned, some have reported health difficulties such as:

Breathing troubles
Nausea
Rashes

Norfolk Southern, the company in charge of the hazardous material, has actively participated in the monitoring by distributing bottled water to East Palestine residents.

Yet, some passengers have filed a first-class action lawsuit against Norfolk Southern.

In addition, Republican lawmakers are proposing a probe into the train disaster.

The news

According to committee leaders, several House Republican committees plan to investigate the event in East Palestine, Ohio.

Republican senators have threatened to use their oversight powers to investigate the Biden administration’s “flawed” response to the event.

A Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed on February 3, compromising East Palestine residents’ access to city air and public water.

According to authorities, Republicans have left the door open for hearings, possibly summoning Michael Regan and Pete Buttigieg to speak publicly.

Buttigieg is the Secretary of Transportation, while Regan is the director of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Regrettably, the decisions have not yet been made.

A fresh sense of urgency

The Republican Party’s increasing emphasis on monitoring comes after numerous senators chastised President Joseph Biden for neglecting to visit East Palestine.

Last week, Biden said he had no plans to visit the site, citing his administration’s stance.

“You know, we were there two hours after the train went down – two hours,” said the president.

“I’ve spoken with every single major figure in both Pennsylvania and in Ohia, and so the idea that we’re not engaged is just simply not there.”

“And initially, there was not a request for me to go out even before I was heading over to Kyiv, so I’m keeping very close tabs on it. We’re doing all we can.”

A committee has been created to look into what transpired and hold the Biden administration and the train sector accountable for the accident.

The committee consists of:

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform

Additionally, some GOP committee members are discussing having a field hearing in East Palestine.

Formal plans have yet to be finalized, according to sources involved with the conversations.

Reaching out

The Energy and Commerce Committee asked that the Environmental Protection Agency come before the panel’s Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee.

According to a committee aide, GOP Rep. Bill Johnson, who represents East Palestine, chairs the panel.

Johnson is joined by Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the Energy and Commerce Committee Chair and a Republican from Washington state.

On February 17, they opened the inquiry by writing to Regan and asking for information regarding the chain of events preceding the train disaster.

They also asked for the following:

A list of the chemicals on the train
Materials relating to the EPA’s and local agencies’ response
Other information regarding the derailment

The deadline for responding to Johnson and McMorris Rodgers’ request is March 3.

Meanwhile, the Energy and Commerce Committee sought an all-members briefing and a hearing date from EPA officials.

According to insiders, they are still waiting for a response.

Close tabs

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee spokesperson Justin Harclerode stated that the committee wants to keep members informed when additional information becomes available.

The committee is also keeping a close eye on the National Transportation Safety Board’s inquiry.

“The important thing is to learn exactly what happened, what factors played a role in the accident, and what factors did not,” said Harclerode.

“The Committee is staying engaged on this issue, but no one should jump to any conclusions or act without all the facts. Which is exactly what the NTSB is working to provide through their investigation.”

On Friday, House Oversight Chairman James Comer wrote to Pete Buttigieg, describing the situation as an environmental and public health disaster that affects Americans.

Comer requested that Buttigieg turn over materials relating to the catastrophe, including what the administration learned about the disaster and communication about the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s handling of the derailment’s paperwork.

“At this time, Chairman Comer is focused on acquiring the documents and information requested in his February 24 letter to Secretary Buttigieg,” said Austin Hacker, a spokesman for Comer.

Risk Factors for Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Finny Adams on April 24, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global health crisis, disrupting daily life in ways that can significantly impact mental health. As the pandemic continues, it is important to understand the risk factors associated with mental health during this time. This article will provide an overview of the risk factors associated with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biological Effects of COVID-19

Biological effects are the physical, psychological, and behavioral changes when living organisms are exposed to environmental stressors. COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, it can also cause more severe complications, such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. However, the virus can also cause other biological effects, such as inflammation of the heart, kidneys, and other organs.

This can be compounded by the uncertainty of how long the virus will last and how it will affect their lives. The long-term effects of COVID-19 are still unknown, as the virus is still relatively new. However, scientists are beginning to understand more about the virus and its effects on the body. For example, some studies have found that people with COVID-19 may experience long-term fatigue, muscle pain, and other symptoms.

Psychiatric Effects of COVID-19

Research suggests that mental health issues could be linked to viral illnesses, with the body’s immune system responding to viruses and other microorganisms, producing cytokines that may contribute to depression and other psychiatric issues. Increased levels of cytokines in the body can interfere with the production of the chemicals (neurotransmitters) that brain cells (neurons) need to communicate with each other.

Without these chemicals, our usual behavior and emotional responses to the world around us can be disturbed. When inflammation occurs in the body, certain chemicals can be released that can damage or destroy neurons. This disruption in communication between neurons can cause changes in thinking, feeling, and behavior.

What COVID-19 Can Do to Your Brain

COVID’s effects on the brain may be linked to small blood clots and inflammation, similar to what is seen in traumatic brain injury, which can lead to sudden personality changes such as aggression or suicidal thoughts.

The type of shaking from a traumatic head injury is distinct from the effects of COVID-19, yet both can lead to brain damage due to tiny strokes and inflammation. It appears that the virus can cause inflammation in the body, which can affect the brain. Depending on which brain area is affected, this could lead to various mental health issues, including hallucinations, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

It appears that COVID-19 might cause neurological issues due to its ability to create an inflammatory response in the body. This inflammation could release certain chemicals in the brain, which could result in various mental health symptoms, such as hallucinations, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, depending on which areas of the brain are affected.

Research suggests that the virus does not invade neurons or other cells in the brain because of the protective blood-brain barrier. Evidence suggests that a small amount of virus may be able to enter the brainstem and cerebellum through circumventricular organs, which are openings in the blood-brain barrier located near these regions. The presence of detected viruses in these regions supports this. Other illnesses can travel through the small openings in the brainstem and cause long-term sickness. These illnesses can lead to mental health issues such as OCD and tics.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has had a major impact on mental health, with isolation, financial struggles, job loss, fear of contracting the virus, fear of death, and lack of access to resources all posing risks. Those with existing mental health issues are particularly at risk. It is important to be aware of these factors and to protect mental health, such as seeking social support, practicing self-care, and accessing mental health services.

Portland News is a digital platform with up-to-date information on various topics, including business, entertainment, health, technology, sport, and politics. It offers insight into the latest news and trends. Stay tuned for more online health news.

Donald Trump still a top GOP candidate for 2024 elections

Finny Adams on April 3, 2023

Donald Trump — Last week, Donald Trump became the first president, past or present, to be charged.

The Manhattan grand jury made their decision after lengthy deliberation.

This is just one of several high-profile Trump cases.

A surprising rally

One would think that with a series of indictments against him, Donald Trump’s political aspirations are imperiled.

Yet, many Republican leaders have resisted criticizing him.

They have instead attacked Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who launched the charges against Trump.

Likewise, betting markets continue to indicate that Donald Trump is a lock for the Republican candidacy in 2024.

Improved prospects

The indictment shifted the world on its axis, ushering in a unique situation with a shifting political reality.

Three elements are most likely to account for Donald Trump’s popularity:

Trump’s polling edge in the GOP primary for 2024 has risen in the last month, despite the indictment hovering over his head.
Republicans believe the investigations are politically motivated.
Most Trump supporters are unconcerned about his chances in the general election.

Similarly, polls from Fox News, Monmouth University, and Quinnipiac University show that Donald Trump’s Republican primary prospects are improving.

Trump was leading in polls by double digits in March.

Additionally, the former president gained an advantage over his nearest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has yet to begin his campaign.

Trump built a 12-point advantage in February.

Divided sentiments

The conclusions of the Quinnipiac study were disclosed last week.

Just 18% of registered Republican supporters felt Trump’s charges about a hush money scheme in New York were genuine.

58% of individuals believed they weren’t.

There may be a shift in thinking as a result of the indictment, but it may not be as significant as it looks.

According to the Quinnipiac poll, the majority of Republicans do not believe Alvin Bragg is objective.

Almost every Republican (93%) and the majority of voters (63%), felt his case was motivated by politics.

Republicans look to be on Trump’s side when it comes to any indictment.

A recent Marist College poll asked respondents if they felt the various Trump investigations were fair or a “witch hunt.”

The 2020 elections

Donald Trump has also been linked to the Capitol Riot, in addition to the Manhattan case.

Most Republicans feel his efforts to overturn the 2020 election result did not constitute criminality.

Polls show that the majority of Republicans believe President Trump’s actions were justified.

The majority of people believed Joe Biden won only due to voter fraud.

The bigger picture

Republicans’ assumption that the lawsuits are politically motivated is only one component of the problem.

Another factor to examine is how Republicans regard Donald Trump in relation to the bigger general electorate.

Republicans believe he is innocent, but that his legal issues will be a hurdle in the general election because people believe the investigations are fair.

When it comes to Republican primary candidates, polls show that agreement on ideas is more essential than electability.

According to a CNN poll, Republicans and Republican-leaning independents prioritized opposing Biden over policy agreement by a 59% to 41% margin.

Trump supporters were divided, with 61% stating that issue agreement should take priority above electability and 39% disagreeing.

The results show a major shift from what happened in the 2020 Democratic primary.

By March 2020, 73% of Biden supporters encouraged voters to put electability ahead of issue consensus.

In other words, Biden’s presentation to Democratic voters outperformed Trump’s offer to Republicans.

A new hope

Despite the fact that most Republicans feel other potential candidates have a greater chance of unseating Biden, Trump remains the frontrunner.

A February Marist poll found that 54% of Republicans feel that someone other than Trump could give the Republican GOP a better chance of winning back the White House in 2024.

But, Republican voters may not have made a mistake in 2023.

Notwithstanding the likely electability difficulties, Donald Trump looks to be gaining a lead over Joe Biden in general election polls earlier in the 2024 cycle than he did in the 2020 cycle.

Yet, the same poll revealed that DeSantis outperforms Trump versus Biden, which is consistent with what most Republicans feel.

Donald Trump receives news of indictment

William Mason on April 3, 2023

Donald Trump — According to two sources, Donald Trump is charged with more than 30 counts of business fraud in a Manhattan grand jury indictment.

The indictment is the first time a current or former president has been charged with a felony in American history.

On Tuesday, Donald Trump is due to appear in court.

The indictment was filed under seal and will be made public shortly, but no charges have been made public.

Investigations

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office was investigating Donald Trump’s probable participation in a hush money payment scheme and cover-up involving adult film star Stormy Daniels.

The infidelity story originally came to light roughly a decade ago, but the hush money charges came to light soon before the 2016 presidential election.

Although grand jury discussions are confidential, a source claims that a witness talked with the grand jury for more than 30 minutes before choosing to indict Trump.

The decision

With this judgment, the American political system will definitely shift and reach uncharted terrain.

The fact that a former leader is facing criminal charges while campaigning for president for a second time is making history.

Notwithstanding this, following the indictment, Donald Trump delivered a statement in which he claimed political persecution and high-level election interference.

“I believe this Witch-Hunt will backfire massively on Joe Biden,” said Trump.

“The American people realize exactly what the Radical Left Democrats are doing here. Everyone can see it.”

“So our Movement, and our Party – united and strong – will first defeat Alvin Bragg, and then we will defeat Joe Biden, and we are going to throw every last one of these Crooked Democrats out of office so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Getting the news

According to one insider, Trump was taken aback by the grand jury’s decision to prosecute him.

Trump predicted an indictment, but he anticipated it would take weeks.

“Is this a shock today? Hell yes,” said the anonymous source.

Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team was called by Bragg’s office.

“This evening, we contacted Mr. Trump’s attorney to coordinate his surrender to the Manhattan DA’s Office for arraignment on a Supreme Court indictment, which remains under seal,” Bragg’s office said on Thursday.

“Guidance will be provided when the arraignment date is selected.”

The campaign and witch hunt

Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2024 took a fresh turn when he declared his determination to run despite criminal charges.

Trump has regularly referred to his investigations as a “witch hunt.”

He has attempted to convince the people by portraying himself as a victim of Democratic prosecutors’ political probes.

As the indictment date approached, Donald Trump called on his supporters to protest his detention, echoing his call to action in the 2020 election, when he vowed vengeance for his failure.

He has long avoided legal ramifications for his personal, commercial, and political actions, settling countless private civil claims and paying his way out of Trump Organization problems.

He was impeached twice as president by the Democratic-led House but was not acquitted by the Senate.

Notwithstanding his lack of indictment, the Trump Organization was charged with various tax fraud violations in December.

Trump supporters and GOP opponents lobbied the Manhattan district attorney’s office for the 2024 indictment.

“I think the unprecedented indictment of a former president of the United States on a campaign finance issue is an outrage,” said former Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday.

“It appears to millions of Americans to be nothing more than a political prosecution that’s driven by a prosecutor who literally ran for office on a pledge to indict the former president.”

GOP comes to Trump’s defense

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has committed to investigate the matter.

Republicans in Congress, on the other hand, raced to Trump’s defense, attacking Bragg on Twitter and accusing him of leading a political witch hunt.

Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, criticized the claims and demanded that Bragg testify before Congress about the investigation.

Senator Ted Cruz described the indictment as “totally unprecedented,” alleging that it militarizes the legal system even more.

One Republican, on the other hand, had faith in the legal system.

“I believe in the rule of law,” said Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska.

“I think we have checks and balances and I trust the system.”

“We have a judge. We have jurors. There is appeals. So I think in the end, justice will be done.”

“If he’s guilty, it will show up. But if not, I think that will be shown too.”

Biden’s documents are the subject of GOP outcries

William Mason on January 16, 2023

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Biden’s documents: The credibility and national security of the United States might be harmed by the leak of confidential documents from a former vice president (now the President).

These records could include private data about previous operations, diplomatic ties, and guerilla warfare that enemies could use against the nation.

Such documents might disrupt politics and damage the former vice president’s name and legacy.

Also, take into account the likelihood that someone who had access to the documents during the previous vice president’s administration may have released them to the public.

Such circumstances can create uncertainty about the security measures in use.

The government would have to take measures to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of confidential data and to hold offenders accountable.

The most recent disclosure of President Joe Biden’s documents points to a potentially disastrous political climate.

The news

The discovery of Biden’s documents at his former office may raise questions about the Donald Trump case, wherein he retained confidential material.

On Thursday, the White House revealed classified documents from Joe Biden’s stint as vice president stored at his home in Wilmington, Delaware.

Republican critics of Trump who believed the investigations into confidential documents at Mar-a-Lago were unfair were given ammo by the news.

According to a White House release, Biden’s documents were discovered in a storage facility in his garage and an adjacent room.

On Thursday, he stated that he was working with the DOJ and reassured the public that the materials were in “locked storage.”

The GOP reacts

Although the National Archives are legally obligated to obtain the documents, Donald Trump is currently striving to delay them.

Joe Biden’s troubles are opening the door for the pro-Trump House majority in spite of Trump’s endeavors.

The GOP has already begun building a research machine to back up its argument that Democrats have infiltrated the federal government and turned intelligence agencies against conservatives.

The conduct of President Joe Biden and his inner circle are being compared to those of former President Donald Trump in an attempt to draw comparisons.

A boomerang effect

Joe Biden will undoubtedly face criticism and accusations of hypocrisy due to his critical comments on how Trump handled confidential material.

The merits of the case will be considered in the evaluation.

The possibility that Trump may be held accountable for conduct comparable to Biden’s makes prosecutions politically difficult too.

The circumstance supports the former President’s claims that his unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign was purposefully undermined.

But the disclosure of Biden’s documents might give his campaign new life.

Republican uproar

The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jim Jordan, asserts that Republicans could utilize Biden’s documents to strengthen their case strategically against the White House.

On Thursday, he mentioned the apparent double standard and asked if Biden would also be subject to a raid.

He failed to add that the FBI search from last year was carried out on the authority of a court-approved warrant.

Additionally, Trump put off turning over the records while falsely claiming ownership over them.

Biden’s attorneys sent the documents to the National Archives as soon as they became publicly known.

Despite key distinctions, Trump and his Republican friends will likely skim over it and focus on making a ruckus.

Senator Lindsey Graham of the Republican Party suggested that a special prosecutor looks into the Biden document situation.

Effect on Democrats

Biden’s revelations have drowned out democratic attempts to capitalize on the Republican crisis as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy pushes for further concessions to preserve his diminishing majority.

Rep. George Santos is supported by the new House GOP despite changes to his credentials and history that led his New York party to call for his resignation.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are forced to defend themselves due to Biden’s documents, despite the numerous GOP issues.

Significant differences

Despite identical circumstances, there were notable distinctions in how Trump and Biden handled their classified documents.

The President’s counsel swiftly handed the files over to the National Archives after learning about Biden’s documents.

The FBI raided Trump’s Florida residence after he wavered and declined to submit the documents.

Additionally, the documents are different in many ways.

Only a small number of classified documents were present in Biden’s office as opposed to hundreds found at Mar-a-Lago.

Despite the differences, the GOP continues to call Biden a hypocrite for criticizing Trump.

Reference:

Biden’s document scandal eats away at efforts to hold Republicans accountable

TikTok ban seems impossible with wide reach

Joshua Porter on January 2, 2023

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TikTok: The video-sharing app has come under much scrutiny over the past few years, and a ban seems imminent.

Since the early years of former President Donald Trump’s administration, security issues have been a recurring problem for TikTok.

The company, however, has survived the Trump administration.

Since then, it has only been more popular, rising to the top spot for app downloads in the US (and staying there).

Countless business owners who found success on TikTok would be impacted if the ban were to take effect.

The future of TikTok

The video-sharing app had more than 100 million users in 2020.

TikTok’s importance to American culture and influencers’ and business owners’ lives increased over the following years.

Republican governors had grown wary of the app during that time.

They recently declared that using government-owned gadgets by state personnel is prohibited.

While this was happening, a Republican-led FCC (Federal Communications Commission) panel pushed Apple and Google to take stricter measures against TikTok.

Sen. Marco Rubio and two other US legislators recently introduced a bill to ban the app in the US.

The political witch-hunt is taking place as a major evaluation of TikTok’s and other social media platforms’ effects on younger users is underway.

There are disagreements on the suitability of TikTok’s material for teenage audiences.

Concerns about the TikTok algorithm have also been brought up regularly since it could result in the posting of potentially harmful content.

Criticism

Due to TikTok’s connections to China through its parent business, Washington has criticized the company.

After a Buzzfeed News report this year claimed that some US user data had been accessed from China, the criticisms intensified.

An employee was cited in the article as saying that China could see everything.

In the meantime, TikTok acknowledged that some Chinese staff members had access to US user data.

Negotiations

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the video-sharing app have been in negotiations for years.

They have been attempting to come to an agreement to address worries about national security while still allowing the app to operate.

There have been rumors of negotiation delays, however.

National security experts claim that TikTok’s popularity just makes it more difficult to ban the app.

Critics of TikTok have weighed in, questioning whether a ban is the best course of action.

Senator Josh Hawley wrote a bill prohibiting TikTok from US government devices.

He stated last week that he would be fine with a compromise between the US government and TikTok that protects user data in the US.

“But if they don’t do that then I think we’re going to have to look at more stringent measures,” said Hawley.

The community

TikTok users have been fostering a sense of community even as lawmakers have stepped up their requests for harsher regulations on the app.

Many people have made a living off of the video-sharing app.

The following were made possible through TikTok:

Culinary habits
Fashion and beauty trends
Reviving old music
Popularizing new songs

Additionally, TikTok has been used by US politicians to promote their campaigns for the midterm elections.

To reach new audiences, the historic news company Associated Press, which has been around for 176 years, recently joined the app.

“So many people, myself included, are always on TikTok,” said user Kahlil Greene.

“That’s where we get our entertainment from, our news from, our musical taste from, our social inside jokes we make with friends come from memes that started on TikTok.”

With more than 580,000 followers, Green is known as the Gen Z historian thanks to his chronicling of social and cultural issues.

He was eventually summoned to a White House press conference about the Russian invasion of Ukraine after the Biden administration took notice of his popularity.

“So much of our culture and lives are driven by TikTok,” Greene added.

“Now that it’s not just something you can rip away easily.”

Popularity

Undoubtedly, one of the most widely used social networking sites in the US is TikTok.

The business, which Beijing-based ByteDance controls, is committed to transferring user data to Oracle’s cloud platform.

Additionally, it is making substantial changes to separate US user data from other business sectors.

Weeks earlier, TikTok announced it would work with a special internal committee headed by US-based authorities to reorganize its US-focused legal, policy, and content moderation teams.

A representative for TikTok commented on the bill, saying:

“It’s troubling that rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review of TikTok, some members of Congress have decided to push for a politically-motivated ban that will do nothing to advance the national security of the United States.”

“We will continue to brief members of Congress on the plans that have been developed under the oversight of our country’s top national security agencies – plans that we are well underway in implementing – to further secure our platform in the United States.”

Additionally, highlighting TikTok’s success, the representative said:

“TikTok is loved by millions of Americans who use the platform to learn, grow their businesses, and connect with creative content that brings them joy.”

Other notes

TikTok continues hiring employees, especially American engineers, while other tech companies have been laying off staff.

According to recent job postings, the company may be attempting to surpass Amazon as the leading online retailer by setting up its own domestic warehouse network.

According to Rick Sofield, a partner at Vinson & Elkins LLP who specializes in export controls, national security reviews, and economic sanctions, TikTok’s immense size presents problems for the federal government.

“I think their minds are made up that ByteDance owning is a national security concern,” said Sofield.

“The reason that we’ve been hung up is it’s too big to fail, and they’re trying to figure out a soft landing.”

“There’s a whole lot of things I think that would have to happen first, before there’s a ban.”

Reference:

TikTok might be too big to ban, no matter what lawmakers say

Donald Trump voter standing hits lowest in seven years, according to polls

Kelly Matthews on January 2, 2023

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Donald Trump, a former president, recently declared his bid for the presidency in 2024, although he doesn’t seem to have the same influence as before.

A poll by Quinnipiac University on Wednesday revealed that Trump’s popularity among voters has fallen to its lowest level in more than seven years.

The poll

According to a Quinnipiac University poll, only a pitiful 31% of registered voters have a favorable opinion of the former US President.

59% of those who participated in the survey had an unfavorable opinion.

The university reports that Donald Trump’s rating in the survey is at its lowest point since he announced his first presidential campaign in July 2015.

Independent voters didn’t think things were getting any better.

Comparatively, only 25% of respondents supported Donald Trump, while 62% disapproved of him.

Since Quinnipiac posted the poll in May 2015, the evaluation was his lowest in the group.

The results among his fellow Republicans were marginally better, with Trump receiving 70% favorable and 20% negative votes.

Although there was a big difference, it was still Trump’s lowest approval rating since March 2016.

Between last Thursday and this past Monday, 1,456 registered voters were questioned for the poll, which had a 2.6 percentage point margin of error.

“Former President Trump’s post-presidential announcement numbers are heading in the wrong direction,” said Tim Malloy, a polling analyst for Quinnipiac University.

“You would have to go back at least six years to find less support for him from Republican, independent, and American voters as a whole.”

Biden

President Joe Biden’s job approval rating increased to its best level since September 2021, according to a Quinnipiac University poll, even though it is still below average.

Although 43% of respondents approved and 49% disapproved of Biden’s efforts, the survey nonetheless showed an uptick from the Quinnipiac poll conducted in November.

The poll also revealed that he had a 36% job approval rating and a 55% disapproval rating.

Despite defeating Trump in 2020, President Joe Biden hasn’t declared his desire to run for office again in 2024.

He did, however, say that he would fight Trump again.

Despite his statements, most registered voters surveyed by Quinnipiac said they would prefer not to see Trump or Biden nominated for President in 2024.

Signs

The Quinnipiac poll is the most recent in a line of surveys that indicate Trump’s support is either dwindling or collapsing after the midterm elections in November.

Following the defeat of many of the candidates he personally supported in high-profile contests, Donald Trump has recently been under pressure from his fellow Republicans.

As a result, in a season many predicted would favor the GOP, the Democrats increased their Senate majority.

A rising power

Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, has been gaining ground as Donald Trump’s influence declines.

In the Republican Party, DeSantis is one of the rising stars.

He handily prevailed in the November reelections and established a significant lead over Trump in the early 2024 Republican primary polls.

In a Wall Street Journal poll conducted on Wednesday, DeSantis had a double-digit lead over Trump among probable GOP primary voters (52% to 38%).

The outcome had a plus or minus six percentage point margin of error.

DeSantis didn’t declare a run for President, but the result came.

Instead, he agreed to serve another four-year term as governor.

Additionally, the Florida governor was not raised for President in the Quinnipiac survey.

When questioned, a Trump-affiliated source cited a recent Morning Consult poll indicating that Trump was the clear front-runner.

49% of likely GOP primary voters supported him, compared to 31% endorsed DeSantis.

Trump

Donald Trump is the only significant contender to date to declare his 2024 presidential campaign.

Unfortunately, he has yet to spend a lot of time campaigning.

Instead, his campaign for the White House has been marred by scandals and defeats.

Trump advocated for the abolition of the Constitution on social media to regain power.

Later, he would retract his remarks.

Trump also had dinner with Ye, a musician who lost popularity after making antisemitic remarks and identifying as a white supremacist.

Herschel Walker, the former President’s first choice for the Georgia Senate, fell short in a runoff election in December against Senator Raphael Warnock.

In the end, two Trump Organization entities received criminal convictions.

A jury in New York this week found Trump’s companies guilty of several offenses, including:

Tax fraud
Falsifying business records
Conspiracy

Three weeks after announcing his candidacy for President in 2024, Trump received guilty verdicts on 17 offenses.

The ruling dissatisfied Trump, who declared he would appeal.

“It is a continuation of the Greatest Political Witch Hunt in the History of our Country,” he wrote in a statement.

“New York City is a hard place to be ‘Trump.'”

Other notes

Donal Trump posted on social media earlier on Wednesday, hinting that he will make a significant statement on Thursday.

A video of Trump declaring, “America needs a superhero,” was included in the article.

A quick animation of a cartoon Trump firing lasers out of his eyeballs in front of Trump Tower was also shown in the film.

References:

Trump hits 7-year low in new national poll as Biden approval climbs

Trump Organization convicted in New York criminal tax fraud case

Republicans aren’t happy about the next Trump campaign

Jamal Murphy on November 21, 2022

…

Republicans of the House and the Senate aren’t excited that former president Donald Trump launched his third race for the presidency this week.

Trump’s announcement came on Monday.

The reaction of Capitol Hill showed a drop in support after years of disputes and scandals.

In addition, the lack of interest in the Republican Party comes from their disappointing midterm performance.

Interviews

A few dozen Republicans from both chambers were asked about Donald Trump’s return.

However, very few expressed enthusiasm for the 2024 race.

Instead, many have pinned their hopes on another emerging candidate or in a broader field so voters can choose someone appealing to mainstream voters.

South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds was among those who wanted someone new, saying:

“I want someone who is going to unite our party. That’s how we win elections. A reasonable person who would unite the party.”

Idaho Rep.Mike Simpson shared his sentiments, saying:

“Let’s see who runs. Personally, I don’t think it’s good for the party.”

“I think his policies were good,” Simpson added. “I just don’t need all the drama with it.”

One-time allies

Many former Trump allies shared Mike Simpson’s sentiments.

Many have pointed out how alienated the former president has become on Capitol Hill, especially after Tuesday’s election.

When asked about Donald Trump running again, Texas GOP Rep. Dan Crenshaw said, “Still?”

He was asked if he would align with Trump, and Crenshaw responded, “Hell no.”

“None of us are entitled to these jobs,” said Trump ally and North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer regarding the 2024 bid.

“He’s certainly not entitled to it. And I certainly wouldn’t be making any decision (to endorse) this soon.”

Moreover, according to Cramer, the party would win if more candidates ran in 2024.

“I think we’re all better if there’s more of them up on the stage.”

Meanwhile, others have begun to float rival candidates.

GOP Sen. Jerry Moran said he was focused on Mike Pompeo, a fellow Kansan and former secretary of state, and Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina.

“I think we have lots of Republicans who are interested in being our nominee for president,” said Moran, referencing Trump.

“And I’m interested in letting the American people make this decision. And I’m interested in seeing those people rise to the top.”

Republican Florida Representative Maria Elvira Salazar dodged questions about her support for Trump, saying instead:

“Let me tell you something: I do know the next Republican presidential contender is coming from Florida.”

Blame and distance

On Monday, several Republicans accused Donald Trump of pushing halfhearted candidates.

They also pointed to his obsession with his 2020 election loss, which undermined the case they were trying to make against Democrats that year.

South Dakota Senator June Thune of South Dakota said pursuing the 2020 election was not a winning strategy.

Surprisingly, many agreed with his view.

“I think looking forward is always a better campaign strategy,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia.

“Looking back to 2020 obviously didn’t work out.”

However, a moderate GOP lawmaker had a harsh take at Trump’s presidential bid, saying:

“It’s like we’re on season 7, 8 of ‘The Apprentice.’ People are sick of it, they want to turn the channel. Let’s find something else.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s longtime critics, like Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, want no involvement with Trump’s third run.

Reference:

Trump’s 2024 bid gets harsh reaction among Hill Republicans

President Joe Biden eyes Musk’s work relationships

Kelly Matthews on November 21, 2022

…

President Joe Biden recently noted that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and new owner of Twitter, has a unique relationship with other countries.

He also says Musk’s relationship is worth checking out.

However, Biden declined to elaborate on how.

President Biden

In a Wednesday conference at the White House, the President shared his thoughts on Elon Musk as a threat to the United States.

Interviewers mentioned the joint acquisition of Twitter by Musk and foreign governments.

“Elon Musk’s cooperation and/or technical relationships with other countries is worthy of being looked at,” said President Joe Biden.

“Whether or not he is doing anything inappropriate – I’m not suggesting that.”

“I’m suggesting it’s worth being looked at and that’s all I’ll say.”

Elon Musk

Conversely, the new Twitter owner is not a fan of Biden.

Elon Musk is actively criticizing the Democrats on his social media accounts.

Throughout the year, Musk accused President Joe Biden of neglecting his electric vehicle company despite his success.

Instead, Biden would favor the old automakers and their union.

As a result, Elon Musk promised to vote for the Republicans.

National security reviews

Before Musk completed the $44 billion acquisition, Bloomberg reported that Biden administration officials discussed subjecting his operations to national security reviews.

According to CNN, the Biden administration dismissed the report, citing people familiar with the matter.

National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said: ‘We do not know of any such discussions.’

According to a Treasury Department spokesperson, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States does not publicly comment on transactions, which it may or may not review under law and practice.

Additionally, several foreign companies and equity investors have pledged to help Musk finance the deal, including Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund and Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia.

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal was one of Twitter’s most prominent investors before Musk bought the company.

References:

President Biden says Elon Musk’s relationships with other countries are worth looking into