Kamala Harris concedes election to Donald Trump, pledges to help him with transition
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed her supporters and the nation at her alma mater Howard University in Washington, D.C. Wednesday afternoon, where she publicly conceded the race to former President Donald Trump. Harris – the 60-year-old former California Attorney General and U.S. senator currently serving as vice president – called for loyalty to the U.S. Constitution and the peaceful transition of power in her speech. She clearly conceded the race and pledged to help former President Donald Trump with the transition. “My heart is full today, full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country and full of resolve,” Harris said to begin her remarks. “The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, but hear me when i say the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.” Harris thanked her family, supporters, her team, President Joe Biden, her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and poll workers. “Over the 107 days of this campaign we have been intentional about building community and building coalitions, bringing people together from every walk of life and background, united by love and country with enthusiasm and joy in our fight for America’s future,” Harris said. “And we did it with the knowledge that we all have so much more in common than what separates us.” Harris’ comments come as voting results continued to pour in showing former President Donald Trump either winning or leading in all seven swing states, putting him over 300 electoral votes and a roughly 5 million vote lead in the popular vote. Now, Harris is expected to certify the election in early January ahead of Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. “We must accept the results of this election,” Harris said in her remarks. “I also told [Trump] that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transition of power. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign, the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people,” Harris continued. Harris reportedly called Trump to concede the race earlier Wednesday afternoon. Harris held off on addressing her supporters or calling Trump into the early morning Wednesday as results poured in and made her path to the White House impossible. Trump gave his own remarks early Wednesday, promising a new “golden age” in America. “Frankly, I believe this was the greatest political movement of all time, and maybe beyond,” Trump said, promising to “help our country heal.” President Biden also reportedly called to congratulate Trump, who outperformed expectations on Tuesday after indictments, assassination attempts and constant media criticism in a historic political comeback. No president has had two nonconsecutive terms since Grover Cleveland, who was elected president for the second time in 1892. In her speech, Harris laid out some of the policy or ideological issues that motivated her campaign, pledging to continue to fight for those ideas. She also spoke an encouraging message to the young people in attendance at her speech. “To everyone who is watching … this is not a time to throw up our hands,” Harris said. “This is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, to mobilize and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together.” Republished with permission from The Center Square. The Center Square is a project of the 501(c)(3) Franklin News Foundation, headquartered in Chicago.
Poll: Harris more popular than Biden, still trailing Trump in 5 swing states
A new poll of five swing states shows Vice President Kamala Harris trails Donald Trump in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania, with the two tied in Wisconsin. But voters in these states support Harris, age 59, by 3 or more points than Biden, whose age and cognitive capacity had reduced voter enthusiasm. “Harris has recovered a portion of the vote for the Democrats on the presidential ticket since the fallout after the June 27 debate,” Executive Director of Emerson College Polling Spencer Kimball said. “Harris’ numbers now reflect similar support levels to those of Biden back in March.” The percentage of undecided voters in each state is enough to tip the votes. Arizona shows the largest discrepancy, with 49% supporting Trump versus 44% supporting Harris 44%. However, 7% are still undecided. In Georgia, Trump leads with 48% while Harris garners 46% of voter support. While Trump and Harris are close in Michigan at 46%-45%, the state has the largest percentage of undecided voters among those polled, 9%. Pennsylvania results show Trump ahead of Harris 48%-46%. In Wisconsin, a major swing state which hosted the Republican National Convention last week and Harris’ first campaign rally Tuesday, Trump and Harris are tied at 47% each. Nevada and North Carolina were not included among the swing states polled. Male voters support Trump around 10 percentage points more than female voters in every state, with male support in the mid-50s and female support in the low or mid-40s. Young voters in particular have become more enthused about the Democratic party now that a younger, female, minority candidate is running. “Young voters have shifted toward Harris: her support compared to Biden increased by 16 points in Arizona, 8 in Georgia, 5 in Michigan, 11 in Pennsylvania, and 1 in Wisconsin earlier polling this month,” said Kimball. More than 75% of voters polled in each state think Harris should be nominated as the Democrat’s candidate in August. The poll was conducted July 22-23. The sample size for Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan respondents was 800 per state with a margin of error +/-3.4%. The sample size in Pennsylvania was 850, and Wisconsin’s was 845. Both had a +/-3.3% margin of error. This story was republished with the permission of The Center Square. The Center Square is a project of the 501(c)(3) Franklin News Foundation, headquartered in Chicago.
Joe Biden drops reelection bid and endorses Kamala Harris
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), President Joe Biden announced that he is ending his reelection campaign. In a subsequent message on X, he endorsed his vice president and running mate, Kamala Harris, saying, “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.” The news of his withdrawal follows 25 days of pressure for Biden to drop out of the race after what has been described as a disastrous debate with President Donald Trump. NBC News reported just days ago that 13 congressional Democrats joined the call of 12 before them to publicly ask Biden to step aside and forgo his efforts to seek reelection. pic.twitter.com/RMIRvlSOYw — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024 My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Victims and shooter identified in assassination attempt on Donald Trump at Butler rally
This story originally appeared on Pennsylvania Capital-Star. The FBI said early Sunday it had identified the man who shot former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler on Saturday as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks was killed at the scene. Trump was pronounced safe shortly after the incident. Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Pennsylvania, who was at the rally with his family, was killed in the shooting and two others were injured. Local news reports identified Comperatore as a former fire chief for Buffalo Township. “Tonight we had what we’re calling an assassination attempt on our former president, Donald Trump,” Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek of the FBI Pittsburgh field office said at a press conference late Saturday. “We do not currently have an identified motive.” Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday said flags will be flown at half-staff at Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the state. “Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community most especially, Corey loved his family,” Shapiro said during a press conference. “Corey was an avid supporter of the former president, was so excited to be there last night with him in the community. I asked Corey’s wife if it would be OK for me to share that we spoke. She said yes. She also asked that I share with all of you that Corey died a hero. That Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally. Corey was the very best of us. May his memory be a blessing.” Pennsylvania State Police identified the other two victims as David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township. Both were listed in stable condition Sunday afternoon, PSP said. “These victims and their families are certainly in our thoughts today,” state police Col. Christopher Paris said Sunday. “The Pennsylvania State Police continue to work tirelessly alongside our federal, state and local partners as this investigation continues.” State voter records show Crooks was a registered Republican, and a Federal Election Commission filing showed he made a $15 donation on Jan, 20, 2021 to the “Progressive Turnout Project,” before he would have been old enough to vote. He was a 2022 graduate of Bethel Park High School, the school district confirmed in a statement. The U.S. Secret Service said Saturday night that the shooter “fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue.” Trump thanked well-wishers in a post to Truth Social Sunday morning. “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness,” he wrote. “Our love goes out to the other victims and their families,” he continued. “We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed. In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win. I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.” The site of the shooting at the Butler Farm Show Inc. about 40 minutes north of Pittsburgh, remained an active crime scene, although authorities said they did not believe there was any ongoing threat. Anyone who attended the rally or has information is asked to call 1-800-call-fbi, or go to fbi.gov/butler. The shooting began shortly after Trump took the stage at about 6 p.m. Saturday. Several loud pops could be heard and a bloodied Trump was whisked from the stage, but not before pumping his fist toward the crowd. Trump confirmed he was shot in a post to Truth Social a few hours after the shooting. “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” he wrote. How the shooter was able to get so close to the former president was not clear. Rojek said it was “surprising,” and added “the Secret Service really needs to answer that question, they conduct the initial site survey, they do the initial security assessments and determine where the different security locations should be, and they’re the ones who are in charge of securing the scene.” President Joe Biden condemned the shooting in a brief statement from Delaware Saturday night. “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence,” Biden said. Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, have initiated an investigation into the incident. U.S. Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, sent an email to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle requesting her to appear at a committee hearing July 22. The Trump campaign said Saturday the former president, who was out of the hospital and at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, would attend the Republican National Committee in Milwaukee this week as planned. He will receive the GOP’s formal nomination as its 2024 presidential candidate on Thursday. Updated at 3:56 p.m. with additional details. Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kim Lyons for questions: info@penncapital-star.com. Follow Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Facebook and X.
Candidate Gerrick Wilkins announces border security plan
On Wednesday, Congressional candidate Gerrick Wilkins announced his “America First Border Security Plan.” Wilkins said that his plan focuses on robust border security, adherence to the rule of law, and the safety of American citizens to solve the pressing crisis at our southern border. “As the crisis at our border escalates into a dire national security risk, it’s imperative for Congress to act decisively,” Wilkins said. “Our ‘America First Border Security Plan’ is a call to action, not just a policy proposal.” The key pillars of the plan are: · Constructing a formidable physical barrier along the entire southern border. Wilkins said this initiative is aimed at deterring illegal entry and symbolizes national resolve. · Significant funding increases for ICE and CBP by reallocating funds from the IRS expansion and Ukraine’s security. · Mobilizing the National Guard to bolster border security. Wilkins seeks the support of the US military to assist Mexico in eradicating drug cartels, highlighting the shared challenges in border security. · Enhanced collaboration with border states to strengthen security programs. · Deploying advanced technology such as drones, satellites, and surveillance tools for border monitoring and security. · Funding to streamline legal processes for asylum, deportation, and enforcement actions by empowering local law enforcement. · Reinstating President Donald Trump’s “Stay in Mexico” policy. · Ending Biden’s catch-and-release program · Stricter regulations and severe penalties for human traffickers · Expanding background checks for all individuals entering the country. · Imposing substantial penalties for visa overstays · Holding foreign governments accountable for facilitating or ignoring illegal immigration into the United States. · Companies will be mandated to verify the immigration status of their employees. · Immigration reforms shifting from family-based to merit-based immigration that aligns with national needs. · Reforming the refugee system to focus on low-risk individuals. · Increased costs of visas, background checks, and the naturalization process, as well as for international money transfers. These adjustments are designed to generate additional revenue to support the funding of enhanced border security measures. 2.76 million illegal immigrants crossed the southern border in fiscal year 2022 alone – that is equal to 55.1% of the population of the state of Alabama. That was followed by a record-breaking 3.2 million in fiscal year 2023 – equivalent to 64.5% of the population of the state of Alabama. The open border is also contributing to the deadly fentanyl epidemic, which is killing 107,000 Americans a year. 69.5% of the deaths are males. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45. Wilkins is involved in his local church, serving as a deacon and lay leader, engaging in mission work locally and globally, and working with Gideons International. Wilkins says that he is a Christian who loves the Lord. Gerrick also serves on several local advisory boards, including one for Mission Increase and Samford University’s Brock School of Business. Wilkins and his wife of 24 years, Carol, have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to churches, various charities, mission organizations, and educational programs. They have one daughter. They have lived in Alabama since 2006 and in Vestavia Hills since 2014. Wilkins has a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College. He also has a degree in theology from Liberty University and a master’s in business administration from Samford University. Wilkins has worked for over 24 years in the automotive industry. His experience includes managing large-scale dealerships and helping other community-based dealers grow. While managing car dealerships in Alabama, he has learned firsthand the constant heartaches small businesses must contend with from overregulation and excessive taxes. Wilkins is running against incumbent Gary Palmer (R-AL06) and insurance agent Ken McFeeters in the Republican primary on March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democrat Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Rep. Bob Good elected chairman of House Freedom Caucus
Virginia Republican Congressman Bob Good was elected to lead the House Freedom Caucus in a closed-door vote late Monday evening. Good is replacing conservative Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., who is stepping down. He takes command of the approximately three dozen-member caucus in January. The Virginia congressman has been known to march to the beat of his own drum, including his involvement in ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. earlier this year. Good was one of eight Republican members who crossed the aisle to vote against McCarthy, the only Republican from the commonwealth to do so. Good also broke ranks with many in the caucus by endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his presidential bid against former President Donald Trump in the Republican primary. Trump has remained a popular figure among caucus members, often characterized as MAGA Republicans by those on the left. Good’s chairmanship vote was not without some controversy within the conservative caucus. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, announced he would not seek reelection to the caucus board following the recommendation that Good lead the group. Davidson reportedly sent a letter to colleagues voicing his concern as to the direction of the caucus. “I am concerned that our group often relies too much on power (available primarily due to the narrow majority) and too little on influence with and among our colleagues. This approach is not a strong foundation for success,” Davidson wrote in the letter, according to published reports. “For me, these concerns culminate with the Board’s recommendation that Bob Good serve as the next Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus.” Despite Davidson’s grim outlook on the news of Good’s chairmanship and the caucus, Good steered clear of any mention of infighting. He praised Perry’s work while focusing on the mission of the caucus. “It is my privilege and honor to serve as the next House Freedom Caucus chairman,” Good said in a statement. “I thank Rep. Perry for his outstanding leadership of the caucus, and I look forward to building on the work he has done and continuing the fight to reduce government spending, secure our borders, and defend our constitutional freedoms.” Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Jerry Carl wants to make America energy-independent
Congressman Jerry Carl (R-AL01) said, “Environmental groups are really, really working with the President to get things shut down.” Carl commented during an interview with Champions of Rural America on the RFD-TV network. Carl warned that our energy industry will feel the impact of President Joe Biden’s (D) energy policies for ten years. “So what we are seeing in production in America, it’s slowing up,” Carl said. “We are just beginning to see it. It is far from over. It will be ten years before we feel the full impact of it.” President Biden’s anti-American energy policies are a direct opposite approach from President Donald Trump’s (R) pro-energy policies. “That’s really the dangerous part about government,” Rep. Carl said. “We can’t take an industry, and every time we change a president, either encourage it to run or encourage it to shut down.” Carl said that higher fuel prices hit American farmers particularly hard. “And fuel prices – people think, well, it didn’t go up but 50 cents a gallon, but to a farmer running multiple tractors, that is a huge amount of money that is being burned up.” Carl blamed the Biden administration. “It goes back to this administration,” Carl said. “They do not want new production of anything carbon-related. Until we can change the environment attitude of government as a whole and how we deal with energy, we’re in trouble.” Carl said the result, in addition to the higher fuel prices, is that the U.S. is importing more oil from Venezuela. “This Venezuelan oil that’s being brought in. It’s not our own oil,” Carl said. “It is actually Venezuelan. So when you fill your car up, think about the communist country that we are supporting. That is unfair to we, the Americans. I want to be energy-independent. This country wants to be energy independent. The environmental groups they wouldn’t have a problem with importing Venezuelan oil. The nastiest oil known to man. It is just horrible. We have got the cleanest that can be produced. It is produced right there in the Gulf and several places within the continental United States.” “The environmental groups are really, really working with the President to get things shut down,” Carl warned. Carl says the oil industry does more for the community than just providing jobs and energy. “The oil industry as a whole does so much for just the community,” Carl said. “They have a self-imposed tax that is called GOMESA. That is a tax dollar we get in Mobile, for example. In 2020, we got $26 million from that tax that’s imposed on them. We use that $26 million in the Gulf Coast region for environmental projects. We did a huge restoration of grass fields. It is all earmarked for environmental projects.” Carl has represented Alabama’s First Congressional District since 2020. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jack Smith asks Supreme Court for decision on Donald Trump’s immunity
Special counsel Jack Smith wants the U.S. Supreme Court to decide if former President Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election were protected by presidential immunity. Smith is moving forward on two fronts to have the matter in the Washington D.C. case decided before the March 4, 2024, trial date. “The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request,” prosecutors wrote in their request to the Supreme Court. “This is an extraordinary case.” Smith wants to fast-track Trump’s appeal to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, but he wants the nation’s highest court to weigh in first. “This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he has been impeached but not convicted before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote. Trump has argued that he has presidential immunity from D.C. charges, which accuse him of criminal conspiracies to subvert the 2020 election results. The Washington D.C. trial is set to start March 4. Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team of federal prosecutors charged Trump with four federal counts related to contesting the 2020 election and the storming of the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. The charges include conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction, and conspiracy against the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted, according to the indictment. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. That trial starts the day before Super Tuesday on March 5, when 15 Republican primaries and caucuses are scheduled to take place. Trump has repeatedly said that the federal cases against him amount to election interference. The early GOP frontrunner has largely blamed Biden and Democrats for his legal troubles. Federal prosecutors have previously argued in court filings that Trump has been trying to delay federal criminal trials until after the 2024 election “at any cost.” On Monday, Trump posted poll numbers and criticism of other Republican candidates seeking the GOP nomination, especially former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, to his social media site, Truth Social. He did not reference Smith or the Supreme Court request. Download PDF Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Tommy Tuberville dismisses reports Katie Britt influenced drop on military holds, likens U.S. Senate to a ‘cartel’
Appearing on the Dixon and Vining Show on Birmingham’s Talk 99.5 FM this morning with Richard Dixon and guest host Apryl Marie Fogel, Tommy Tuberville talked about a wide range of topics, focusing on what he described as the upcoming change in rules that resulted in his drop on military holds. Tuberville told Dixon and Fogel that while he cannot claim a victory on his eleven-month-long effort to stop the Department of Defense from expanding access to abortions on U.S. military bases, he intends to continue the fight in the future. He explained the timing of his actions this week, which resulted in 425 nominations being confirmed, saying, “They changed the rules on me in the last couple of months.” He claimed to have had the votes with bipartisan support to leave it in the military budget that he anticipates passing next week to change the policy back to where it was before the DOD’s post-Supreme Court updates. Expressing his frustration, he said, “This is not a government. This is a cartel. This is run by the Democrats.” Before going on to say, “I don’t understand some of my Republican colleagues,” describing the process where they agreed with Chuck Schumer to change the 200-year-old rule to lift his hold before the budget came to a vote. As reported by Politico in early November, several Republican members of the Senate took to the floor to force Tuberville’s hand on confirming 60 nominees. That effort was led by Senator Dan Sullivan, who was joined by Joni Ernst of Iowa, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Todd Young of Indiana, and Mitt Romney of Utah. Tuberville stressed, “We fought hard. I’m not done. We’re going to continue to fight; looks like we’re gonna have to get President [Donald] Trump back in office, then we’ll get it changed back.” He is continuing his hold of 4-star generals. The interview continued with Fogel asking about a Punchbowl News story that has gained national attention saying that Alabama’s junior senator Katie Britt acted as an intermediary in the final negotiations that led to his release of the holds. Tuberville demurred, saying they had had a “couple of conversations.” He then pivoted quickly to credit his colleagues Mike Lee, Roger Marshall, and Rick Scott for supporting his efforts over the last eleven months. He said if he got a call from anyone else, it was, “Hey, we need to get this done. You know it could hurt the election next year; could hurt our possibilities of getting a senator or two.” Tuberville emphasized that elections weren’t his priority, saying, “That wasn’t my concern.” Tuberville wrapped up his response to the report that Britt had a pivotal role in negotiations to end his hold. He said, “I don’t know where that other information came from.”
Alabama’s GOP presidential debate draws headlines
On Wednesday night, four Republican presidential candidates faced off in Tuscaloosa for the Fourth Republican Presidential Debate. This is the first presidential debate held in Alabama and the first-ever hosted by NewsNation. Frontrunner former President Donald Trump again chose not to participate in the debate. Recent polling has former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in second place, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy rounded out the stage for what could be the last of the GOP presidential debates in this election. Haley continued her crusade to ban the Chinese government-controlled social media platform TikTok “once and for all.” Haley alleged that the site is fueling antisemitism. Haley also called for an end to anonymous social media identities. “Every person on social media should be verified by their name,” Haley said. “That’s, first of all, it’s a national security threat. When you do that, all of a sudden, people have to stand by what they say.” “That is not freedom; that is fascism, and she should come nowhere near the levers of power, let alone the White House,” Ramaswamy said of Haley and her proposal. Christie predicted that Trump would be convicted of one of the 140 plus charges he faces in four separate felony trials, so he won’t be able to even vote in 2024. “You’ll all be heading to the polls to vote, and that’s something Donald Trump will not be able to do,” Christie said. “Because he will be convicted of felonies before then, and his right to vote will be taken away. If we deny reality as a party, we’re going to have four more years of Joe Biden.” Christie also criticized Trump’s trade policy, which Haley supported. “All he did was impose tariffs, which raised the prices for every American,” said Christie. “Nikki Haley’s campaign launch video sounded like a woke Dylan Mulvaney Bud Light ad talking about how she would kick in heels,” Ramaswamy said. Haley said that Ramaswamy was not even worth responding to. “No, it’s not worth my time to respond to him,” Haley said when asked to respond. Christie opposes the Alabama Vulnerable Child Protection Act, which bans gender transitioning of children. Christie said that parents and not governments should make those decisions. “Republicans believe in less government, not more,” Christie said. “I trust parents.” “This is an angry, bitter man who now wants to be back as president because he wants to exact retribution on anyone who has disagreed with him,” Christie said of Trump. DeSantis said Trump is too old to be President. “Father time is undefeated,” Desantis said. “Right now, the average homeowner in America is 49 years old,” Haley said. “You’ve got young people everywhere. That used to be the American dream, and now it’s out of reach.” DeSantis said inflation and housing market prices are ‘taking the American dream away.’ “We’re gonna get the interest rates down,” DeSantis said. “We’ll reduce spending, and I believe we’re going to have to veto.” DeSantis said that student loans should be backed by colleges and universities instead of the federal government. “Another thing that’s burdening young people are these student loans,” DeSantis said. “These student loans are going to be backed by the universities because they need to have an incentive to produce gainful employment for people.” Haley promised that if elected, she would be “a no-drama president.” That would be a marked change from the Biden and Trump administrations, both of which have been noted for their scandals and investigations. “My approach is different: no drama, no vendettas, no whining.” Trump has called for the RNC to stop holding these debates. A fifth has not been scheduled. The Iowa presidential caucuses are just six weeks away. The Alabama presidential primary will be held on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Ron DeSantis: Donald Trump is too old to be president
By Casey Harper | The Center Square Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attacked former President Donald Trump’s age and sparred with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over Trump’s mental fitness to be president during the Republican primary debate at the University of Alabama on Wednesday night. The remarks came after DeSantis was asked about previous comments in which he said Trump has “lost the zip on his fastball” and whether that meant he was questioning Trump’s mental fitness. “Father time is undefeated,” DeSantis said. “The idea that we are going to put somebody up there who is 80 and there is going to be no effects from that, we all know that’s not true. So we have an opportunity to do a next generation of leaders and really move this country forward.” The attack on Trump came in the second hour of the debate after a first hour of constant attacks between the candidates over their records, donors, and past comments. “I think we need to have somebody younger,” DeSantis said when asked directly by the moderator if Trump was mentally fit to be president. “I think when you get up to 80. I don’t think it’s a job for that.” Christie pushed DeSantis to give a yes or no answer to whether Trump is mentally fit or not. DeSantis answered by saying that Trump is not as bad as Biden was but is too old for the job. Trump did not participate in the debate, the fourth of this Republican primary. “We also need a president who can serve two terms,” DeSantis added, pointing out that Trump is only eligible to be a lame-duck president immediately because he has already served one term. “I don’t think Donald Trump will be able to get elected,” DeSantis added. “The Democrats, they are going to turn the screws the minute, if he got the nomination, you’re gonna see it.” Real Clear Politics’ polling averages show Trump with a wide lead over his GOP rivals, including in the early primary states. In Iowa, the first primary state to caucus, Trump leads nearly 30 points, and in New Hampshire Trump leads by about the same amount. Overall, Trump has 61% support, more than all his opponents combined. DeSantis is in second with 13.5% support, according to RCP, and Haley comes in third with 10.3%. Ramaswamy has 4.9% support overall. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy receives warm welcome from Alabama GOP
President candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was in Hoover on Tuesday night at Ross Bridge Golf Resort for a reception held by the Alabama Republican Party before Wednesday’s Republican Presidential Debate. Ramaswamy said, “We are in a war” in this country between those who believe in the founding ideals of this nation and those who do not. Ramaswamy was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the son of immigrants from India. “I have founded multiple corporations,” Ramaswamy said. “My wife is a throat surgeon. She is saving lives. We have two sons. I am worried that that American dream is not going to exist for my sons.” “We are in the middle of a war in this country,” Ramaswamy continued. “It is not a war between Black and White as the media would have you believe. It is not even a war between Democrats and Republicans – not really. It is a war between those who believe in the founding ideals of our country and a fringe minority who believes that your identity defines you by race, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. They believe we can use our military to defend somebody else’s border halfway around the world, but if you favor using our military to defend our border, then you are a racist and a xenophobe. Either you believe in free speech, or you do not. This country requires a commander in chief who understands that we are in a war.” Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl welcomed Ramaswamy to Alabama. “It is rare for Alabama to have one of the frontrunning candidates for President of the United States stopover in Alabama for a meet and greet,” Wahl said. “You have seen him on the debate stage.” The third Republican Presidential Debate is Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa. “I am proud to have the debate here in Alabama,” Wahl said. “This is the first-ever presidential debate that Alabama has ever hosted – Republican or Democratic.” Wahl said he is glad the debate is being held on the University of Alabama campus. “It is so important that we engage with young people,” Wahl said. Wahl said that Democrats have a “complete lack of understanding of foreign policy, a complete lack of understanding of economic policy, and a complete lack of understanding of how you run a country.” “We are tempted to believe this is another election,” Ramaswamy said. “If we lose, I am not convinced that we can get this country back. We are working in a short period of time.” “We need a commander in chief from the next generation,” Ramaswamy continued. “I am from the next generation. I am 38 years old. If nominated, I will be the youngest Republican ever nominated. I will be the youngest person ever to be elected if you put me there.” Ramaswamy warned that we are losing the next generation. “This is the most dire challenge we face,” Ramaswamy stated. “60% (of young people in a recent poll) said that they would give up their right to vote for their ability to use electronics. Less than 16% of Gen Z say that they are proud to be an American.” Ramaswamy said that he believes in the ideals of faith, patriotism, hard work, and family and that these ideals have largely disappeared in the youth today and have been replaced by “poison.” “The media, they will fill that vacuum with their vision of gender, race, sexuality and climate,” Ramaswamy continued. “We believe in the ideals of the American Revolution.” “We will end affirmative action and race-based quotas,” Ramaswamy promised if elected. “We believe in the rule of law. We will use our military to secure our southern border. We the people create a media that is accountable to us. We will shut down government bureaucracies that should not exist from the FBI to the CDC to the Department of Education.” Ramaswamy added that we need “elections that we can trust” with single-day elections, paper ballots, and state-issued voter IDs. “I believe deep in my heart that those ideals still exist,” Ramaswamy continued. “We forgot all the ways that we really are the same as Americans.” “A culture of fear has replaced free speech in the United States,” Ramaswamy said. “The best measure of our country’s health is the percentage of people who feel free to say what they actually think in public. Speaking the truth not just when it is easy, but when it is hard.” Ramaswamy will be on the debate stage Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former President Donald Trump is not participating in the debates. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
