Author name: Don Palladino

California Democrat Candidate for Governor Has a Full-Blown Meltdown Over Basic Questions
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California Democrat Candidate for Governor Has a Full-Blown Meltdown Over Basic Questions

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Former Representative Katie Porter of California is facing widespread criticism after a tense exchange during an interview in which she appeared unwilling to answer a question about how she would appeal to voters who supported President Donald Trump.

Porter, who officially launched her campaign for governor earlier this month, is considered a leading candidate in the race following Vice President Kamala Harris’s decision not to enter.

The California gubernatorial election uses a top-two primary system in which the two highest vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election.

During an interview with Julie Watts of CBS Los Angeles, Porter was asked a straightforward question about how she intended to reach California’s significant number of Trump voters.

“What do you say to the 40 percent of California voters who you’ll need in order to win, who voted for Trump?” Watts asked.

The exchange quickly became tense.

According to those present, Porter appeared visibly frustrated by the question and attempted to cut the interview short.

Sources said the candidate initially refused to continue filming, prompting members of her campaign team to step in.

Video of the moment later circulated online, showing Porter asking that the cameras be turned off while expressing anger over the question.

The incident drew immediate attention across social media and in news coverage statewide, with many viewers noting that Porter’s reaction was unusual for a candidate seeking to represent all Californians.

Commentators observed that her refusal to address nearly half of the state’s electorate could present challenges in a general election, especially as California’s political landscape shows signs of gradual realignment on issues such as crime, housing, and cost of living.

California has faced growing dissatisfaction over economic and public safety conditions in recent years.

Analysts note that rising housing prices, increasing crime rates, and outmigration have caused some traditionally Democratic areas to shift rightward, particularly in suburban and inland regions.

Political observers said that candidates in the 2026 governor’s race will need to address those concerns directly to appeal to a broader base of voters.

Porter, who represented California’s 47th Congressional District until earlier this year, built her political profile through high-profile House committee hearings and progressive economic policies.

Her campaign has emphasized issues such as affordable housing, climate change, and education.

However, critics have argued that her record in Congress and her response to voter concerns could alienate moderates and independents.

The CBS Los Angeles interview marked one of Porter’s first major media appearances since announcing her candidacy.

The gubernatorial race is still in its early stages, but Porter’s confrontation with Watts may influence voter perceptions of her ability to handle scrutiny and engage with constituents beyond the Democratic base.

Political analysts say that as California’s economy and public safety issues continue to dominate the state’s political discussion, candidates who can address those concerns across party lines will likely have an advantage in the general election.

The full interview segment aired Monday evening on CBS Los Angeles, where viewers saw the moment Porter attempted to end the discussion.

The clip has since been viewed widely online and has become a point of debate among both supporters and critics ahead of the 2026 California governor’s race.

Chicago Mayor ‘Declares War’ on Federal Government, TX National Guard Arrives
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Chicago Mayor ‘Declares War’ on Federal Government, TX National Guard Arrives

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Roughly 200 members of the Texas National Guard have been deployed to Illinois to assist federal authorities in protecting government property and personnel following a series of violent protests and attacks outside federal facilities in the Chicago area, the Pentagon confirmed Tuesday.

According to a statement provided to Fox News, the Pentagon said the troops were sent “in support of the Federal Protection Mission to protect federal functions, personnel, and property.”

The deployment, approved for an additional 60-day period, follows repeated incidents of violence targeting federal agents and facilities across the state, particularly at the federal center in Broadview, a suburb of Chicago.

The Broadview facility has become a frequent flashpoint for unrest in recent months, with multiple demonstrations escalating into physical confrontations and property damage.

Law enforcement officials said that protesters, many aligned with far-left activist groups, have attacked federal agents, vandalized vehicles, and obstructed operations.

Authorities reported that several individuals have been arrested for assaulting agents, throwing projectiles, and slashing government vehicle tires.

Federal Protective Service officers have used pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets in attempts to disperse the crowds, but the demonstrations have persisted.

The situation intensified on Saturday when approximately ten vehicles deliberately rammed and surrounded federal agents near the Broadview facility.

According to law enforcement reports, one of the rioters was armed, prompting agents to return fire in self-defense.

The Department of Homeland Security said no agents were seriously injured in the incident.

In response to the escalation, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that additional special operations personnel would be deployed to Illinois.

Noem called the ramming attack “an unacceptable escalation of violence against federal officers” and confirmed that DHS was coordinating with the Pentagon and state officials to secure federal property.

“The elite Texas National Guard are on the ground and ready to go,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on X on Tuesday.

“They are putting America first by ensuring that the federal government can safely enforce federal law.”

Several Democratic candidates running for an open congressional seat in Chicago have been linked to the protests.

Among them are Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive activist, who were recorded blocking federal vehicles and obstructing law enforcement outside the Broadview facility.

Federal officials said those actions are under review and may result in additional charges.

Tensions have also risen between local and federal officials over the deployment.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the operation, calling it “illegal, unconstitutional, dangerous and wrong.”

Johnson claimed during a Monday news conference that he has the authority to declare “ICE-free zones” within the city and prevent federal agents from making arrests.

“The Trump administration must end the war on Chicago,” Johnson said.

“The Trump administration must end this war against Americans. The Trump administration must end its attempt to dismantle our democracy.”

The Pentagon said the troops will continue working alongside DHS and other federal agencies “to protect federal operations and ensure the safety of government employees and facilities.”

The deployment marks one of the most significant federal security responses in Illinois in recent years, as officials seek to prevent further violence at federal sites in the greater Chicago area.

Kristi Noem Obliterates Country Star Zach Bryan Over Anti-ICE Song, Singer Responds
Entertainment

Kristi Noem Obliterates Country Star Zach Bryan Over Anti-ICE Song, Singer Responds

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sharply criticized country music artist Zach Bryan for his newly released song “Bad News,” which takes aim at federal immigration enforcement operations, as reported by The New York Post.

The dispute unfolded after Bryan posted a short demo of the track on Oct. 3, sparking backlash from law enforcement supporters and praise from critics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Speaking to conservative host Benny Johnson on Tuesday, Noem said she was “disappointed and disheartened” after hearing the song. “I hope he understands how completely disrespectful that song is, not just to law enforcement but to this country,” she said.

“To every single individual that has stood up and fought for our freedoms. He just compromised it all by putting out a product such as that, that attacks individuals who are just trying to make our streets safe.”

Bryan, 29, shared a clip of the song on social media with the caption “the fading of the red white and blue.”

The lyrics depict a struggling protagonist living amid social decay and reference an ICE raid:

“I heard the cops came / Cocky motherf–kers, ain’t they? / And ICE is gonna come bust down your door.”

The verse continues, “The middle fingers rising, and it won’t stop showing / Got some bad news / The fading of the red, white and blue.”

Noem addressed the controversy during a press briefing in Portland following the arrest of several illegal aliens, including an accused child rapist. She said she was “glad” she had never been a listener of Bryan’s music.

“Zach, I didn’t listen to your music. I’m happy about that today,” Noem said. “That makes me very happy that I never gave you a single penny to enrich your lifestyle, if you truly believe what that song stands for.”

The Homeland Security Secretary praised artists such as Jason Aldean, John Rich, Jon Pardi, and Kid Rock for what she described as standing for freedom. “Those guys know what it means to stand up to freedom,” she said. “Glad I didn’t waste any money on Zach.”

Noem also accused Bryan of hypocrisy for releasing an anti-law-enforcement song while relying on police protection during his concerts.

“That’s what’s so special about law enforcement, is that they don’t pick and choose who they defend when they do their jobs,” she said.

“They will even defend and protect people that don’t respect them or stand up for them.”

The Department of Homeland Security joined the dispute by posting a video montage on X featuring Bryan’s hit “Revival” as background music, set against clips of ICE agents conducting raids nationwide.

Bryan responded later on Instagram, insisting the song was being misinterpreted. “When you hear the rest of the song, you will understand the full context that hits on both sides of the aisle,” he said.

“Everyone using this now as a weapon is only proving how devastatingly divided we all are. We need to find our way back.”

He added that his intention was to express love for his country, not contempt. “I served this country. I love this country and the song itself is about all of us coming out of this divided space,” Bryan wrote.

“I wasn’t speaking as a politician or some greater-than-thou a–hole, just a 29-year-old man who is just as confused as everyone else.”

Bryan emphasized that he does not align with either political extreme. “To all those disappointed in me on either side of whatever you believe in, just know I’m trying to do my best too and we all say things that are misconstrued sometimes,” he said.

“I am SO proud to have served in a country where we can all speak freely and converse amongst each other without getting doxxed or accosted on the internet or worse.”

ICE Attackers Arrested in Chicago, Kristi Noem Shocked by JB Pritzker’s Actions
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ICE Attackers Arrested in Chicago, Kristi Noem Shocked by JB Pritzker’s Actions

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Yesterday, a woman rammed a vehicle carrying federal agents in Chicago on Saturday.

The woman, identified as Marimar Martinez, was carrying a weapon and was shot.

She has been arrested.

Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz, a driver of a separate vehicle involved in the ramming, was apprehended by law enforcement.

According to federal officials, the incident occurred on Saturday morning near the intersection of 39th Place and S. Kedzie Avenue, in the vicinity of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

Border Patrol law enforcement officers were ambushed by vehicles that rammed federal agents.

Agents exited a trapped vehicle, and when a suspect tried to run them over, officers shot the woman.

She drove to the hospital and was later arrested after being discharged. She is in FBI custody.

Officials said Martinez was armed with a semi-automatic weapon and has a history of doxxing federal agents.

McLaughlin said that Martinez has been named in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) bulletin for doxxing agents and threatening them.

The armed woman was named in a @CBP intelligence bulletin last week for doxing agents and posting online “Hey to all my gang let’s f**k those mother f**kers up, don’t let them take anyone.”

A video of what was thought to be the encounter was posted on X by Kim Katie USA, but it turned out to be another attack that occurred later that day.

Authorities said the scene became increasingly violent as more people gathered and began throwing smoke, gas, rocks, and bottles at Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has deployed special operations teams to Chicago.

Officials said another person was arrested at the scene for assaulting CBP.

As ICE law enforcement was responding to the shooting, a separate vehicle followed them and rammed their vehicle in an attempt to run them off the road.

That individual was arrested and is in Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) custody.

An ICE vehicle popped a tire and was subsequently surrounded, forcing law enforcement to abandon the vehicle for their safety.

The vehicle was significantly damaged.

Several CBP law enforcement officers were sent to the hospital with various injuries.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a public statement calling for an end to violence against officers.

“These attacks on our brave law enforcement officers must END. Secretary Noem has taken action to deploy additional resources to restore law and order. We will not allow domestic terrorists to attack our law enforcement. If you law a hand on law enforcement, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

McLaughlin reiterated that Martinez had been named in a CBP bulletin and referenced the social media post cited in federal materials.

Officials did not release additional details about the weapon recovered at the scene or the number of shots fired.

No law enforcement officers were seriously injured in this attack, according to federal statements.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker addressed the Chicago-area events during a CNN interview and described federal accounts as political messaging.

He called the ambush “propaganda.” “They are the ones that are making it a war zone,” Pritzker said.

“They need to get out of Chicago if they’re not going to focus on the worst of the worst, which is what the president said they were going to do,” Pritzker said on CNN.

Noem responded in a Fox News interview. “Sanctuary politicians like @JBPritzker have not only turned over their states to violent illegal aliens, they are also actively working against law enforcement in support of lawless anarchists. DHS under President Trump is deploying a whole-of-government approach to restore law and order in America’s cities.”

Commentary about Pritzker’s appearance circulated following the broadcast.

Townhall’s Guy Benson described Pritzker’s interview as “breathtaking.”

Federal authorities said the investigation remains active. Martinez was arrested after receiving medical care and was placed in FBI custody.

Santos Ruiz was apprehended at the scene.

Officials said additional updates would be provided as agencies review video, finalize reports, and coordinate with local law enforcement regarding potential charges.

Disturbing Details Emerge in Arrested Illegal Alien Iowa School Superintendent Case
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Disturbing Details Emerge in Arrested Illegal Alien Iowa School Superintendent Case

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The superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools resigned this week after federal immigration officers arrested him on Sept. 26 for working illegally in the United States and evading a deportation order.

Ian Andre Roberts, 51, originally from Guyana, had been earning a $287,000 annual base salary leading Iowa’s largest school district before his arrest.

According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Roberts attempted to flee and was discovered hiding in brush.

Officers reported finding a fixed-blade hunting knife, a loaded Glock 19 firearm, and $3,000 in cash in the school-owned vehicle he was driving.

Roberts’ employment authorization expired in 2020, yet he continued working in top education positions around the country.

DHS records show he had previously been ordered deported during the Biden-Harris administration.

Roberts built his career on a résumé that, records now indicate, contained numerous fabrications.

The Des Moines Public Schools website listed him as an MBA graduate of MIT’s Sloan School of Management. However, an MIT spokesperson told reporters they had no record of his attendance.

Roberts also claimed to have studied at Harvard and Georgetown, but those affiliations have not been verified.

For years, he said he had earned a doctorate from Morgan State University in Baltimore. Morgan State confirmed he never obtained a degree there.

Roberts’ past included superintendent roles across the country, including Millcreek Township schools near Erie, Pennsylvania, where he worked from 2020 to 2023

. During his tenure, the district faced multiple lawsuits and ultimately paid more than $400,000 in settlements related to sex discrimination claims.

Former colleagues described him as a controversial figure who was more focused on appearances than responsibilities.

In Millcreek, court records show Roberts was named in a settlement involving former HR chief Melody Ellington, who resigned in 2022 after one year on the job and threatened to sue for “constructive discharge.”

The district agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve the matter. Ellington, who had previously worked in St. Louis during Roberts’ tenure as superintendent there, did not return calls for comment.

Sources in Pennsylvania told local media that Roberts was the subject of rumors involving inappropriate relationships with coworkers.

The Post reported unverified claims that he was caught having sex with a colleague on school property.

Former colleagues also said Roberts was hired in part because of his Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion credentials, though many described him as deceptive and ineffective. Some claimed he misrepresented personal details, including the number of children he had.

Past Employment and Public Profile
Before his time in Pennsylvania and Iowa, Roberts served as Chief Schools Officer for Aspire Public Schools in Oakland, California, and as superintendent in St. Louis, Missouri.

Earlier, he worked as a principal in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Records also show he taught in New York City as a substitute teacher from 2000 to 2001.

Roberts is also an accomplished athlete, having competed for Guyana in the men’s 800 meters at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

He studied at Coppin State University in Baltimore, graduating in 1998, and later received a master’s degree from St. John’s University in Queens.

Alongside the revelations about his credentials and immigration status, Roberts was found to have an active Democrat voter registration in Maryland.

Congressional Republicans have since demanded answers from the Maryland State Board of Elections about how a noncitizen was able to remain on the voter rolls, citing concerns about election integrity.

In a statement, Des Moines Public Schools said Roberts’ employment had been properly vetted, including an FBI background check, and that all required paperwork was submitted at the time of his hire.

“The School District received all required clearances, including an FBI background check, prior to Roberts serving as Superintendent. No disqualifying events were identified,” the district said.

Roberts’ resignation was formally accepted Wednesday as ICE continues his detention. Legal proceedings related to his removal from the country are ongoing.

What once looked like a career spanning coast-to-coast leadership roles in education has now collapsed under the weight of fabricated credentials, lawsuits, and a pending deportation order.

Portland Police Arrest Conservative Journalist, ‘But None of the Domestic Terrorists’
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Portland Police Arrest Conservative Journalist, ‘But None of the Domestic Terrorists’

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Portland Police arrested conservative journalist Nick Sortor on Thursday evening while he was reporting outside the Portland Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

Video shared on social media showed officers detaining Sortor, though the reason for his arrest has not yet been released.

Eyewitnesses at the scene posted accounts on X. User C.K. Bouferrache, known online as Honeybadgermom, wrote, “Looked like @nicksortor got jumped. We are on the lower roof at ICE but difficult to tell exactly what happened at this distance. Portland liaison officers stand nearby and watch.”

In a follow-up post, she added, “I cannot believe they arrested this guy for defending himself. The woman that went after him has taken part in a few assaults this last week.”

X user Mark Wilson also posted video clips of the incident.

“Portland PD arrested @nicksortor tonight. Unclear why, as he wasn’t doing anything criminal. This comes after Portland police refused to arrest the lady who assaulted @KatieDaviscourt,” Wilson wrote.

In another post, he added, “Portland PD arrested a journalist, but none of the domestic terrorists,” as he shared footage of Sortor being taken away in handcuffs.

Prior to the incident, Sortor had been posting updates from outside the ICE facility, where a group of demonstrators had gathered to show support for federal officers.

One of his posts read: “PATRIOTS have shown up outside the Portland ICE facility, holding up a sign saying ‘Thank you for your dedication & hard work!’ ‘We appreciate you!’ And of course, Antifa clowns are MELTING DOWN over it, yelling at them.”

In another update, Sortor described a confrontation involving a protester who entered federal property: “FAFO ALERT: A degenerate leftist just jumped onto federal property at the Portland ICE facility and CHALLENGED agents to ‘do something about it.’ And they DID — QUICKLY. Dude ended up on the pavement, arrested, and dragged into the facility. Beautiful.”

The arrest comes just days after another journalist, Katie Daviscourt of The Post Millennial and Human Events, was assaulted during demonstrations in Portland.

On Tuesday, Daviscourt was struck in the face with a flag pole by a female Antifa protester, resulting in a black eye.

Daviscourt later stated that police declined to pursue the suspect.

According to her account, officers told her it was too dangerous to attempt an arrest while Antifa protesters were in control of the area.

She appeared on Fox News the following evening and told host Jesse Watters that Portland Police Chief Bob Day should resign.

“Portland Police Chief Bob Day should resign in disgrace,” she said, criticizing the department’s handling of violent demonstrators.

The incidents involving both Daviscourt and Sortor have renewed concerns about how Portland authorities are managing ongoing confrontations between left-wing activists, conservative journalists, and law enforcement near federal property.

ESPN Commentator Paul Finebaum Considers Senate Run in Alabama After Charlie Kirk Assassination
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ESPN Commentator Paul Finebaum Considers Senate Run in Alabama After Charlie Kirk Assassination

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Longtime ESPN and SEC Network host Paul Finebaum is weighing a possible run for the United States Senate, citing the September 10 assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk as his inspiration, as reported by The Blaze.

Finebaum, who has hosted The Paul Finebaum Show for decades, told OutKick’s Clay Travis that Kirk’s death deeply affected him and left him questioning his current role in sports media.

II.studio – Shutterstock.com

“I spent four hours numb, talking about things that didn’t matter to me. And it kept building throughout that weekend,” Finebaum said in the interview. “I felt very empty doing what I was doing that day.”

Finebaum added that the incident left him reflecting on his purpose. “It’s hard to describe, not being involved in politics … how that affected me and affected tens of millions of people all over this country. And it was an awakening.”

For the first time publicly, Finebaum also disclosed his political affiliation. “I am a registered Republican in North Carolina as of this hour. And I was a registered Republican in Alabama before I moved,” he said.

The 68-year-old Tennessee native revealed that he voted for President Donald Trump, though he noted, “they also tell us not to discuss that.”

The potential Senate run would be for the seat soon to be vacated by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who is reportedly preparing a campaign for governor. Finebaum said discussions with individuals in Alabama and Washington persuaded him to consider the opportunity.

“One or two people in Washington had reached out to me about whether I would be interested in politics, something I’d never thought about before. Something I didn’t really think possible,” Finebaum said. He added that one particular conversation was “compelling and compassionate in the approach,” which helped push him toward seriously considering candidacy.

Initially, Finebaum dismissed the idea after hearing speculation that Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl might run for Tuberville’s seat. “I was hesitant and did not take the idea of running too seriously,” Finebaum admitted.

As the weekend after Kirk’s assassination unfolded, however, his perspective shifted. “I gave some thought to it … and got a little bit more interested,” he said.

Finebaum explained why Alabama would be the best fit for his entry into politics. “Alabama has always been the place I’ve felt the most welcome, that I’ve cared the most about the people. I’ve spoken to people from Alabama for 35 years, and I feel there is a connection that is hard to explain.”

BlazeTV host Steve Deace said Finebaum has the recognition to succeed in Alabama. “He absolutely has the name ID to win a primary, which means winning the election in Alabama,” Deace said.

He also remarked on the irony of ESPN producing a conservative Senate candidate: “I’m fine with people in sports getting involved in politics, as long as they agree with me and know what time it is. It would be delicious irony for woke ESPN to produce a senator inspired by my friend Charlie Kirk’s boldness.”

ESPN declined to comment, and Finebaum’s program did not respond to media inquiries.

Democrats Reportedly Furious Over Kamala Harris’ New Gossip-Filled Memoir
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Democrats Reportedly Furious Over Kamala Harris’ New Gossip-Filled Memoir

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris is facing sharp criticism from within her own party following the release of her new memoir 107 Days.

According to Politico, several Democratic operatives and strategists view the book as divisive and ill-timed, coming less than a year after her defeat in the 2024 presidential election, as reported by The Independent Journal Review.

Oct 29, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Democratic Presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a campaign speech at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Michael Hardaway, a Democratic strategist and former senior adviser to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, told Politico that Harris missed an opportunity to unite her party.

“In an era where Democrats need all hands on deck in the fight to protect the country and the constitution from the lawlessness of the Trump administration, she had a real opportunity to be a critical voice in the resistance,” Hardaway said.

“This book seems to be unhelpful and divisive in a way that makes it hard for her to be the face of the party as we look to the future.”

Other Democrats echoed that frustration. An adviser to a potential 2028 presidential candidate described Harris’ memoir as a “gossip book that prioritizes the pettiness of her politics.”

The adviser added:

“It’s embarrassing for her, and for all Democrats, considering she was the leader of the party less than a year ago.”

During her book tour this week, Harris spoke about her regrets regarding the 2024 campaign. On ABC’s Good Morning America Tuesday, she said it was “reckless” not to have shared her concerns with former President Joe Biden about his decision to seek reelection.

In a separate interview on MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, Harris was asked about a potential 2028 run for president. She responded, “That’s not my focus right now. That’s not my focus at all, it really isn’t.”

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a rally at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

David Axelrod, former chief strategist for Barack Obama’s campaigns, told Politico that Harris’ rollout appeared muddled. “If this was intended as a campaign launch, I don’t think it got off the pad. If it was intended as a catharsis, only she can know if it was successful,” Axelrod said.

One former Biden and Harris campaign staffer warned that Harris risks being seen as a “sore loser” by voters, which could harm her future prospects.

Still, some Democrats have voiced support. Mike Nellis, a strategist who worked on Harris’ 2020 campaign, praised her for speaking honestly.

“I think if we had had more difficult conversations as a party over the last couple of years, we would’ve been in a much stronger position to win the election last year,” Nellis said.

Harris announced in July that she would not run in California’s gubernatorial race, fueling speculation about a possible 2028 presidential bid. However, polling has shown limited enthusiasm among California Democrats for another Harris campaign.

CNN’s Harry Enten noted Monday that Harris’ popularity among Democrats has declined since her loss to President Donald Trump in 2024. Trump, who secured 49.8 percent of the vote compared to Harris’ 48.3 percent, became the first Republican candidate in two decades to win the popular vote.

Harris’ office did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Marco Rubio Schools ABC’s Stephanopoulos on USAID Corruption and Foreign Aid Facts
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Marco Rubio Schools ABC’s Stephanopoulos on USAID Corruption and Foreign Aid Facts

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the Trump Administration’s decision to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during a tense interview on ABC’s Good Morning America on Tuesday.

The exchange came just hours before President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly.

Host George Stephanopoulos pressed Rubio repeatedly, accusing the administration of putting lives at risk by ending USAID’s operations.

Rubio rejected the claim, arguing that the agency had become corrupt and ineffective.

“We shut down USAID because it was a dysfunctional organization,” Rubio said.

“Number two, we are going to do more foreign aid than any country in the world, but we’re going to do it the right way. We are not going to fund an NGO industrial complex that built itself up by taking a substantial percentage of the money. It was not going directly to the recipients, it was going to these multi-billion dollar organizations.”

Stephanopoulos challenged Rubio on whether lives had been lost as a result of the decision.

“Senator, that’s all in the future. But are you standing by that comment that no one has died because of the aid cuts? Are all those aid organizations lying?” he asked.

Rubio dismissed the claim.

“No. That’s ridiculous. Well, then they died because England or Canada didn’t give more, or China, the second largest economy in the world. Let’s blame the other countries who don’t give any foreign aid.”

The Secretary of State emphasized that the United States continues to provide more foreign aid than any other nation, even after USAID’s closure.

He argued that critics overlook the failure of other wealthy nations to contribute at comparable levels.

“So you’re no longer disputing that the aid cuts didn’t cost people their lives?” Stephanopoulos pressed.

“It did not,” Rubio replied.

“Anyone who tells you it’s the US, if we cut a dollar, we’re responsible for some horrific thing? It’s just not true. It’s not because we cut the aid. It’s because there’s a war going on, and the aid never got to the people…they use aid as a tool against the people. In some of these places, it can’t even be distributed. Look at Haiti. It gets hijacked and stolen by criminal gangs…They’re the ones to blame, not us, who’ve provided more than anyone else.”

When Stephanopoulos continued to press him, Rubio stood firm.

“No one has died because the US cut aid. No. People have died because gangs steal the aid, other countries haven’t stepped up, but the US has saved more lives than any country in the world. We’re not gonna continue to pour billions out the door of taxpayer funds for programs that don’t work and in some cases were flat-out corrupt.”

Rubio also pointed to ongoing conflicts and instability as major obstacles to effective aid distribution.

He said that wars and criminal activity, particularly in nations like Haiti, prevent assistance from reaching those in need regardless of funding levels.

The decision to dismantle USAID and restructure foreign aid programs has become a flashpoint in Washington and abroad, with critics warning of humanitarian consequences.

Rubio, however, maintained that the administration’s approach is designed to make assistance more effective while holding organizations accountable for how money is spent.

The interview highlighted the sharp divide between the administration and its critics over the future of U.S. foreign aid.

Rubio signaled that while America will continue to lead the world in humanitarian assistance, reforms are necessary to ensure taxpayer funds reach the people they are intended to help.

Charlie Kirk’s Executive Producer Reveals Staggering Data Surrounding Arizona Memorial
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Charlie Kirk’s Executive Producer Reveals Staggering Data Surrounding Arizona Memorial

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Fox News host Jesse Watters interviewed Andrew Kolvet, the executive producer of the Charlie Kirk Show, about the scale and meaning of the recent tribute event at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and the way Charlie Kirk’s legacy is shaping the work of Turning Point USA.

Watters opened the segment by asking, “Andrew Kollwitz, the executive producer of the Charlie Kirk show, Andrew, what would have Charlie thought about yesterday?”

Kolvet replied that the moment matched the ambition Kirk carried for years.

“He would have been blown away. You know, Tyler Bowyer, who runs the c4 for us, shared a a text chain from 2021 and he he put in it, he said, This is my vision. And it was a picture of stadiums full of people, you know, because at turning point, we were sort of known for these big events, but Charlie was always dreaming bigger.”

Kolvet said those close to Kirk recognized what had just happened.

“And for for those of us closest to him, we knew that his vision had just become reality. And it’s tragic that it happened this way, but it was also beautiful for the country, and I know that Charlie would be marveling at the harvest.”

He described how the memorial centered on faith.

“He would be so proud at US pointing to God and us holding vigils and praying and seeing the world’s most powerful leaders coming to Phoenix to honor Him and to lift up the name of Jesus. It was truly remarkable.”

Kolvet added that Kirk’s widow took in the magnitude of the moment.

“I know Erica was blown away, and as she always told Charlie in private, this is not normal. There’s nothing normal about Charlie Kirk’s life. There’s nothing normal about Charlie Kirk’s death.”

Watters followed up: “You spent so much time with him. How do you feel today?”

Kolvet described the past stretch as a rush of emotion and work.

“If I’m being honest with you, Jesse, I feel like the last 11 days were a whirlwind. We went from Shell Shocked to devastated, heartbroken, so many tears, to instantly thrown into this moment where we had to plan a stadium event for hundreds of 1000s of people.”

He shared a data point from event partners.

“And by the way, I’m going to break a little bit of news on your program, Jesse, our partners that do sort of geo tagging with devices, they told us that they tracked over 277,000 devices in the vicinity of State Farm stadium in Glendale, Arizona, 277,000 that just gives you an idea of the scale of humanity out there.”

Kolvet credited the team that organized the gathering.

“But I just want to give a hat tip and a major kudos to our team that pulled this off. They did an event that should have taken six months to plan in about six days, and it is a absolute testament to the leadership of Charlie Kirk and the type of people he surrounded himself with, and the type of people that are still in this organization.”

He said the work helped those grieving.

“They carry a piece of him with them, and they did the impossible, and they did it for Charlie. It was amazing, and I think it was cathartic for all of us as we’re grieving.”

Kolvet added that the organization intends to build on the momentum.

“And I think now there’s a moment where, yes, we’re going to march forward. We’re going to make sure that this mission and this vision that is turning point grows and multiplies and thrives. We want a 10X it, Jesse, but I think there’s a moment where, if I’m being honest with you, some of it is still hitting me just now.”

Watters asked about Kirk’s widow: “Of course. How’s Erika?”

Kolvet praised her public remarks.

“She’s strong. She is She is a fierce lioness. She is a, I mean, just an incredible woman. I know that everybody can see that through her now two speeches, and I told her, I said, you’ve given the two best speeches I think I’ve ever heard, and you did it in quick succession.”

He pointed to her message the previous night.

“And I don’t think anybody would disagree with me. Jesse, I can’t remember a more important speech than the one she gave last night where she forgave the assassin of Charlie Kirk and just how powerful that is.”

Kolvet said the decision to forgive shaped the national response.

“And I told her, you know, what you have done is so critically important for the future of this country, because what could have been a convulsive moment of chaos and anarchy has turned into this beautiful moment where we can actually direct this energy in a positive way.”

He added, “We can have peace. We can have unity, because you’ve taken the first hardest step and let go of that, out of your heart this this person has no power over you anymore.”

Kolvet said the focus remains on faith and legacy.

“Erika, and more than that, I just want to say, Jesse, I personally am so blown away at how little this character has become in this saga, how small of a role he has played. Because of the legacy of Charlie has grown so big, and so many new people are discovering Charlie, and so many people are opening their Bibles. I’m blown away at how little I’ve thought of him.”

Watters closed the segment by referencing her earlier comments.

“It’s like what Erica said last Friday. You have no idea what you’ve just unleashed, Andrew, thank you so much for taking the time. I know you probably need to rest after the week the turning point has had. So why don’t you do that and come back even stronger? We really appreciate everything you’ve done. You guys have been complete professionals throughout all this. Thank you.”

Kolvet responded, “Thank you. Jesse. God bless you.”

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