POLITICAL HAY
=====August 2024=====
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‘Hay’ is used in the sense of something unimportant that is now being elevated for reasons of bad publicity. It isn’t necessarily false news but a promotion of a small matter into a big factor.
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Everything by Zorek Richards unless otherwise noted.
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August 27, 2024:
Meet the megadonors pumping millions into the 2024 election
The 50 biggest donors this cycle have collectively pumped $1.5 billion into political committees and other groups competing in the election, according to a Washington Post analysis of Federal Election Commission data.
The vast majority of money from top donors has gone to super PACs, which can accept unlimited sums from individuals and often work closely with campaigns despite rules against coordinating their advertising.
(Washington Post 8/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The 50 biggest donors this cycle have collectively pumped $1.5 billion into political committees and other groups competing in the election, according to a Washington Post analysis of Federal Election Commission data.
The vast majority of money from top donors has gone to super PACs, which can accept unlimited sums from individuals and often work closely with campaigns despite rules against coordinating their advertising.
(Washington Post 8/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Feds file new indictment in Trump Jan. 6 case, keeping charges intact but narrowing allegations
Special counsel Jack Smith filed a new indictment Tuesday against Donald Trump over his efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election that keeps the same criminal charges but narrows the allegations against him following a Supreme Court opinion that conferred broad immunity on former presidents. (Virginia-Pilot 8/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Special counsel Jack Smith filed a new indictment Tuesday against Donald Trump over his efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election that keeps the same criminal charges but narrows the allegations against him following a Supreme Court opinion that conferred broad immunity on former presidents. (Virginia-Pilot 8/27/24) READ MORE>>>>>
August 26, 2024:
Texas lawmaker-seminarian opposes Christian nationalism
At a time when some evangelicals see voting for a Democrat as incompatible with being a Christian, Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, asserts his Christian faith leads him to support the Democratic Party and its presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. Talarico, who serves in the Texas House of Representatives, is convinced Harris’ policy positions on issues ranging from expanded health care to immigration reflect a compassionate approach to “how we treat our neighbors.”
That belief—along with deep concern about the rise of Christian nationalism—prompted Talarico to endorse Evangelicals for Harris and to oppose former President Donald Trump.(MSN 8/26/24) READ MORE>>>>>
At a time when some evangelicals see voting for a Democrat as incompatible with being a Christian, Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, asserts his Christian faith leads him to support the Democratic Party and its presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. Talarico, who serves in the Texas House of Representatives, is convinced Harris’ policy positions on issues ranging from expanded health care to immigration reflect a compassionate approach to “how we treat our neighbors.”
That belief—along with deep concern about the rise of Christian nationalism—prompted Talarico to endorse Evangelicals for Harris and to oppose former President Donald Trump.(MSN 8/26/24) READ MORE>>>>>
August 23, 2024:
Trump responds to Obamas' DNC speeches: 'He was very nasty'
Former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump offered some rare praise for his White House predecessor ahead of Barack Obama's speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. He may have spoken too soon. Just ahead of Michelle and Barack Obama's speeches at the national convention, Trump, a harsh critic of Obama and his time in office, actually offered some rare praise for his predecessor while speaking to reporters Tuesday. That praise? Trump referred to the
44th president as a “nice gentleman” whom he happens to “like and respect,” in an interview with CNN. “I thought he was a terrible president. He didn’t do the job. He let people take advantage of us on trade,” Trump said while on the campaign trail in Michigan. “Especially trade—he was very weak on trade. But I happen to like him. I respect him and his wife.”
(The Tennessean 8/21/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump offered some rare praise for his White House predecessor ahead of Barack Obama's speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. He may have spoken too soon. Just ahead of Michelle and Barack Obama's speeches at the national convention, Trump, a harsh critic of Obama and his time in office, actually offered some rare praise for his predecessor while speaking to reporters Tuesday. That praise? Trump referred to the
44th president as a “nice gentleman” whom he happens to “like and respect,” in an interview with CNN. “I thought he was a terrible president. He didn’t do the job. He let people take advantage of us on trade,” Trump said while on the campaign trail in Michigan. “Especially trade—he was very weak on trade. But I happen to like him. I respect him and his wife.”
(The Tennessean 8/21/24) READ MORE>>>>>
August 20, 2024:
Ben Carson blasts 'woke' pastors, warns church has left people 'drifting in the open sea'
Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson criticized "woke" pastors that capitulate to modern culture and asserted that church needs to keep people anchored to a moral foundation. "Unfortunately, so many of our pastors have become woke and they're walking around with their fingers in the air, seeing which way the wind is blowing and then accommodating to that," Carson said on the "Furthermore with Amanda Head" podcast. Carson added that many churches have adapted to popular opinion, in contrast with the role of the church itself. "The church should be a place where there are standards which help to keep people anchored to a moral foundation... not drifting in the open sea," he said. "But that's what we're having right now." (Just The News 8/20/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson criticized "woke" pastors that capitulate to modern culture and asserted that church needs to keep people anchored to a moral foundation. "Unfortunately, so many of our pastors have become woke and they're walking around with their fingers in the air, seeing which way the wind is blowing and then accommodating to that," Carson said on the "Furthermore with Amanda Head" podcast. Carson added that many churches have adapted to popular opinion, in contrast with the role of the church itself. "The church should be a place where there are standards which help to keep people anchored to a moral foundation... not drifting in the open sea," he said. "But that's what we're having right now." (Just The News 8/20/24) READ MORE>>>>>
August 18, 2024:
Kamala Harris Erases Donald Trump's Significant Lead On Mental Sharpness
Vice President Kamala Harris has reversed Donald Trump's former significant lead in two attributes on which President Joe Biden was seriously lagging before he dropped out of the presidential race, according to a new poll. The survey, conducted between August 9 and 13 by Langer Research Associates for ABC News and The Washington Post, revealed that the majority of Americans now see Harris as more physically able to serve as president than Trump. When asked who was in better physical health to serve, Harris had 30-point lead, with 56 percent of respondents choosing her and only 26 percent choosing Trump. The poll surveyed 2,336 adults and had a margin of error of +/- two percentage points.
(Newsweek 8/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Vice President Kamala Harris has reversed Donald Trump's former significant lead in two attributes on which President Joe Biden was seriously lagging before he dropped out of the presidential race, according to a new poll. The survey, conducted between August 9 and 13 by Langer Research Associates for ABC News and The Washington Post, revealed that the majority of Americans now see Harris as more physically able to serve as president than Trump. When asked who was in better physical health to serve, Harris had 30-point lead, with 56 percent of respondents choosing her and only 26 percent choosing Trump. The poll surveyed 2,336 adults and had a margin of error of +/- two percentage points.
(Newsweek 8/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
August 16, 2024:
Reps. Meng and AOC secure $190 million to address destructive flooding in Queens
Under the federal Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), local lawmakers were able to secure $190 million to address flooding in Queens over the next two years. The provision of the WRDA, which authorizes the Army Corp of Engineers to improve the nation’s water infrastructure, was originally introduced by U.S Representatives Grace Meng, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. While they secured $120 million in 2022, this year, an additional $70.8 million was allocated for Queens. (PoliticsNY 8/16/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Under the federal Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), local lawmakers were able to secure $190 million to address flooding in Queens over the next two years. The provision of the WRDA, which authorizes the Army Corp of Engineers to improve the nation’s water infrastructure, was originally introduced by U.S Representatives Grace Meng, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. While they secured $120 million in 2022, this year, an additional $70.8 million was allocated for Queens. (PoliticsNY 8/16/24) READ MORE>>>>>
JD Vance’s plane makes emergency landing after door malfunction
The charter plane carrying former president Donald Trump’s running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) made an emergency landing in Milwaukee after a door seal malfunction, the campaign said Friday. The plane, a Boeing 737, declared an emergency shortly after it had left the airport in Milwaukee and returned for repairs, campaign spokesperson Taylor Van Kirk said in a statement. The issue was resolved, and the plane continued to Cincinnati, where Vance lives. Vance was in Milwaukee for a campaign event at the city’s police association. A National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson said the agency is not investigating the plane’s grounding as it does not qualify as an accident, defined as “events that result in serious injury or death or substantial damage.” (Washington Post 8/16/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The charter plane carrying former president Donald Trump’s running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) made an emergency landing in Milwaukee after a door seal malfunction, the campaign said Friday. The plane, a Boeing 737, declared an emergency shortly after it had left the airport in Milwaukee and returned for repairs, campaign spokesperson Taylor Van Kirk said in a statement. The issue was resolved, and the plane continued to Cincinnati, where Vance lives. Vance was in Milwaukee for a campaign event at the city’s police association. A National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson said the agency is not investigating the plane’s grounding as it does not qualify as an accident, defined as “events that result in serious injury or death or substantial damage.” (Washington Post 8/16/24) READ MORE>>>>>
August 13, 2024:
Musk told Trump that Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings "not as scary as people think." Trump: "That's great."
Of the many, many weird exchanges between Donald Trump and Elon Musk in last night's mock interview, their casual remarks about nuclear devastation might be the most bizarre: Musk: "Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed but now they're full cities again." Trump: "That's great. That's great." Musk: "Yeah, so it's not as scary as people think."
(Boing Boing 8/13/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Of the many, many weird exchanges between Donald Trump and Elon Musk in last night's mock interview, their casual remarks about nuclear devastation might be the most bizarre: Musk: "Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed but now they're full cities again." Trump: "That's great. That's great." Musk: "Yeah, so it's not as scary as people think."
(Boing Boing 8/13/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Z-NOTE: August 11, 2024:
JD Vance did a few Sunday morning TV Interviews🙄
Zorek Richards
JD Vance is fundamentally a fake person who changes his tune depending on what audience he's in front of. Today he did what he could to change the subject whenever he could. But where to if he was trying to misdirect? Vance has no concept of what he is or what he believes. His answers went in circles. He also likes to use misdirection in order to get the questions to not be about him. Hello? He is the interviewee and not the interviewer. Misdirection...sometimes called project...is a hallmark of the Trump/Vance campaign.
CNN's Dana Bash was aware and address it:
Vance: This (Harris) is a fundamentally fake person
Bash: With respect, you changed your position on an important thing, Donald Trump
Vance: Of course I did!
Bash: So why are you not a chameleon?
What's he going to have to complain about when Harris sits down for an interview? I think what he was trying to do is position himself as being brave because he talked to the press. Bravery before the press, however, is not answering questions....it's answering questions truthfully and not constantly trying to misdirect.....which is now a common thing to do in the Maga Party.
Eight years ago, in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, J.D. Vance was a bitter critic of Donald Trump. Publicly, he called the Republican presidential candidate an "idiot" and said he was "reprehensible." Privately, he compared him to Adolf Hitler. But by Vance was tapped to be his running mate he had become one of Trump's most ardent defenders, standing by his side even when other high-profile Republicans declined to do so.
Now Vance appears to be trying to normalize Trump's stupidity.
Like Nikki Haley, Vance's political career should be over for trying to con both sides of the political spectrum. There's no reason that politicians should be given good paying jobs with benefits simply for lying better than the other.
CNN's Dana Bash was aware and address it:
Vance: This (Harris) is a fundamentally fake person
Bash: With respect, you changed your position on an important thing, Donald Trump
Vance: Of course I did!
Bash: So why are you not a chameleon?
What's he going to have to complain about when Harris sits down for an interview? I think what he was trying to do is position himself as being brave because he talked to the press. Bravery before the press, however, is not answering questions....it's answering questions truthfully and not constantly trying to misdirect.....which is now a common thing to do in the Maga Party.
Eight years ago, in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, J.D. Vance was a bitter critic of Donald Trump. Publicly, he called the Republican presidential candidate an "idiot" and said he was "reprehensible." Privately, he compared him to Adolf Hitler. But by Vance was tapped to be his running mate he had become one of Trump's most ardent defenders, standing by his side even when other high-profile Republicans declined to do so.
Now Vance appears to be trying to normalize Trump's stupidity.
Like Nikki Haley, Vance's political career should be over for trying to con both sides of the political spectrum. There's no reason that politicians should be given good paying jobs with benefits simply for lying better than the other.
August 11, 2024:
‘Disgusting!’ Adam Kinzinger Pens Scathing Column for Fox News Burying Trump and Vance Over Stolen Valor Claims Against Tim Walz
Ever since the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, ex-GOP congressman Adam Kinzinger has been one of the Right’s most vocal critics of former President Donald Trump. As such, it can hardly be considered surprising that Kinzinger — an Air Force veteran who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — would attack Trump and Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) for their stolen valor claims against Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN). However, the venue for Kinzinger’s latest condemnation of Donald Trump is sure to raise some eyebrows. Kinzinger, a senior political commentator for CNN, made a cameo for Fox News digital late Friday — penning a column for FoxNews.com in which he slammed Trump and Vance for going after the Minnesota governor.
(MediaIte 8/11/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Ever since the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, ex-GOP congressman Adam Kinzinger has been one of the Right’s most vocal critics of former President Donald Trump. As such, it can hardly be considered surprising that Kinzinger — an Air Force veteran who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — would attack Trump and Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) for their stolen valor claims against Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN). However, the venue for Kinzinger’s latest condemnation of Donald Trump is sure to raise some eyebrows. Kinzinger, a senior political commentator for CNN, made a cameo for Fox News digital late Friday — penning a column for FoxNews.com in which he slammed Trump and Vance for going after the Minnesota governor.
(MediaIte 8/11/24) READ MORE>>>>>
August 9 2024:
Harris hits Arizona on swing-state tour, while Trump rallies in Montana
Speaking here Friday to the largest crowd of her nascent presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris responded to protesters by calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and the freeing of hostages there — a contrast with her response to a similar interruption earlier this week. “Now is the time and the president and I are working around-the-clock every day to get that cease-fire deal done and bring the hostages home,” she said to cheers after pausing her stump speech to acknowledge a disruption in the crowd. Harris has previously called for a cease-fire, in line with the Biden’s administration policy as it works to secure a deal. But when interrupted by protesters at a rally in Detroit on Wednesday, Harris responded, “If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.”
(Washington Post 8/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Speaking here Friday to the largest crowd of her nascent presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris responded to protesters by calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and the freeing of hostages there — a contrast with her response to a similar interruption earlier this week. “Now is the time and the president and I are working around-the-clock every day to get that cease-fire deal done and bring the hostages home,” she said to cheers after pausing her stump speech to acknowledge a disruption in the crowd. Harris has previously called for a cease-fire, in line with the Biden’s administration policy as it works to secure a deal. But when interrupted by protesters at a rally in Detroit on Wednesday, Harris responded, “If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.”
(Washington Post 8/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Trump Media reports $16.4 million quarterly loss
Former president Donald Trump’s social media company Trump Media reported a $16.4 million loss and less than $1 million of quarterly revenue, showing that the business’s financials remain tentative following a public debut earlier this year.
Trump Media and Technology Group, which owns the social media platform Truth Social, said Friday the company earned $837,000 in revenue for the second quarter, while shelling out millions of dollars of legal expenses associated with its stock market listing. Trump has relied heavily on Truth Social in his presidential campaign, where he posts frequently to his 7.5 million followers. He began using the platform after his Twitter account was suspended in 2021.
(Washington Post 8/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Former president Donald Trump’s social media company Trump Media reported a $16.4 million loss and less than $1 million of quarterly revenue, showing that the business’s financials remain tentative following a public debut earlier this year.
Trump Media and Technology Group, which owns the social media platform Truth Social, said Friday the company earned $837,000 in revenue for the second quarter, while shelling out millions of dollars of legal expenses associated with its stock market listing. Trump has relied heavily on Truth Social in his presidential campaign, where he posts frequently to his 7.5 million followers. He began using the platform after his Twitter account was suspended in 2021.
(Washington Post 8/9/24) READ MORE>>>>>
August 4 2024:
Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown to Skip DNC, Will Not Campaign with Kamala Harris
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) will reportedly skip the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and will not be campaigning with Kamala Harris in her bid for president. Brown, who finds himself in a difficult reelection battle in a state trending toward former President Donald Trump, will also reportedly not issue a defense of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Southern Border with Mexico, per CNN. Brown will instead keep his focus on Republican challenger Bernie Moreno by attacking his character and past business practices. (Breitbart 8/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) will reportedly skip the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and will not be campaigning with Kamala Harris in her bid for president. Brown, who finds himself in a difficult reelection battle in a state trending toward former President Donald Trump, will also reportedly not issue a defense of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Southern Border with Mexico, per CNN. Brown will instead keep his focus on Republican challenger Bernie Moreno by attacking his character and past business practices. (Breitbart 8/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Donald Trump missteps stir growing Republican worry, campaign seeks Vance reset
Donald Trump's comments questioning Kamala Harris' Black identity and stumbles by his running mate JD Vance are prompting growing unease among Republicans. In response to a backlash over Vance's remarks about childless women, the Trump campaign is seeking to help him move past the controversy by focusing on issues such as the border that resonate with the GOP base. Republican allies outside the Trump campaign are downplaying their 2024 presidential nominee's recent statements about his Democratic rival and her race as they move into damage control mode with less than 100 days until Election Day. Some in the party are genuinely concerned, though.
(USA Today 8/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Donald Trump's comments questioning Kamala Harris' Black identity and stumbles by his running mate JD Vance are prompting growing unease among Republicans. In response to a backlash over Vance's remarks about childless women, the Trump campaign is seeking to help him move past the controversy by focusing on issues such as the border that resonate with the GOP base. Republican allies outside the Trump campaign are downplaying their 2024 presidential nominee's recent statements about his Democratic rival and her race as they move into damage control mode with less than 100 days until Election Day. Some in the party are genuinely concerned, though.
(USA Today 8/4/24) READ MORE>>>>>
August 3 2024:
Supreme Court injected into Trump-Harris race
The Supreme Court is becoming a bigger issue in the unfolding presidential race between Vice President Harris and former President Trump. The nation’s highest court is always a hot-button issue in presidential races given the president’s power to appoint justices. But it is taking on added importance this year as Harris has become the likely Democratic presidential nominee in place of President Biden. Biden’s decision to drop out of the race and endorse Harris as his successor means the Democratic ticket is almost certain to be led by a Black and Indian American woman. That puts a different sheen on debates over the conservative court’s impact on such issues as abortion and affirmative action.
(The Hill 8/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The Supreme Court is becoming a bigger issue in the unfolding presidential race between Vice President Harris and former President Trump. The nation’s highest court is always a hot-button issue in presidential races given the president’s power to appoint justices. But it is taking on added importance this year as Harris has become the likely Democratic presidential nominee in place of President Biden. Biden’s decision to drop out of the race and endorse Harris as his successor means the Democratic ticket is almost certain to be led by a Black and Indian American woman. That puts a different sheen on debates over the conservative court’s impact on such issues as abortion and affirmative action.
(The Hill 8/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Scaramucci: ‘Disaster’ if Trump doesn’t debate Harris
Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci signaled Saturday that former President Trump could face “disaster” if he doesn’t debate Vice President Harris ahead of November. Harris, who was officially nominated Friday to lead the Democratic ticket in the fall, has pressured Trump to agree to debate her on the ABC News-led Sept. 10 date he originally set with President Biden, who dropped out of the race last month.
(The Hill 8/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci signaled Saturday that former President Trump could face “disaster” if he doesn’t debate Vice President Harris ahead of November. Harris, who was officially nominated Friday to lead the Democratic ticket in the fall, has pressured Trump to agree to debate her on the ABC News-led Sept. 10 date he originally set with President Biden, who dropped out of the race last month.
(The Hill 8/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>