Author name: Keith Burns

Jake Paul Praises President Trump’s Leadership, Says America Is ‘Healing Slowly’
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Jake Paul Praises President Trump’s Leadership, Says America Is ‘Healing Slowly’

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Boxing star and social media personality Jake Paul is voicing renewed support for President Donald Trump, saying he believes the country is “healing slowly” under Trump’s second-term administration, as reported by Fox News.

Paul, who encouraged his millions of online followers to vote for Trump during the 2024 election cycle, said he continues to be impressed by the administration’s approach nearly a year into its second term.

President Donald Trump laughs as supporters cheer during a Make America Great Again rally at the warren County Fair Grounds in Lebanon, Ohio, on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. Trump In Cincinnati

“America is healing slowly,” Paul told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

“And I think it’s in a way that people generally don’t understand or can’t comprehend, because Trump is doing things that maybe don’t make sense to a lot of people but in the long run will pay off and, in the long run, return amazing outcomes for the United States.”

Paul credited the President for taking decisive actions that prioritize long-term results over popularity. Trump is doing “one of the best jobs in all of the presidents in the history of the United States,” he said.

“He’s not doing things for public favor or being liked by everybody — he’s doing things for the good of the country.”

The 27-year-old boxer, who gained prominence on YouTube before moving into professional fighting, first made headlines for his vocal support of Trump ahead of the 2024 election.

Just days after defeating Mike Tyson in a pay-per-view bout, Paul said the nation “feels like it’s back” following Trump’s victory.

Paul and his brother, Logan Paul, were both seen attending President Trump’s inauguration earlier this year. While Jake Paul has stayed mostly out of political discussions since then, he said he remains confident in the direction of the country.

“You just have to have trust in the process and the administration,” he said. “They’re doing a phenomenal job. I think results are what is going to make the most amount of people happy in the end.”

Paul’s comments come as the administration continues a series of high-profile policy actions, including increased ICE enforcement, National Guard deployments in major cities to reduce crime, and efforts that helped secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages.

When asked about critics who question Trump’s style, Paul defended the President’s direct approach. “Just being ruthless and cutthroat, maybe not doing things for public favor — I think there are even Republicans who are like, ‘Why is this happening?’

They don’t know the inner workings and how deep and intricate things are or how big these problems are and how to solve them,” Paul said.

Paul is scheduled to fight Gervonta “Tank” Davis in an unsanctioned match on November 14 in Miami — one year to the day after his high-profile victory over Tyson in Dallas.

CNN’s Jake Tapper Predicts Gen Z Will Be ‘A Lot More Conservative’
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CNN’s Jake Tapper Predicts Gen Z Will Be ‘A Lot More Conservative’

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CNN anchor Jake Tapper said this week that Generation Z is likely to become “a lot more conservative” than prior generations, suggesting that the shift is a backlash to progressive politics “forced down their throats” in schools, as reported by The New York Post.

Tapper, host of The Lead with Jake Tapper, made the remarks on Wednesday during The Reason Interview podcast with Nick Gillespie, editor at large for Reason magazine. The CNN host said his observation comes from what he’s seen among his own children and their peers.

“I think Gen Z is gonna be a lot more conservative,” Tapper said.

“Just my experience knowing Gen Z kids — my kids and their friends and whatever — I sense much more skepticism, and I think it is a reaction to Gen Xers and millennials forcing on them progressive views in school.”

Tapper, who has two teenage children, said younger Americans are becoming disillusioned with political movements championed by progressives in recent years.

“I also think that it is a reaction to the failures of progressive movements to achieve what they wanted to achieve, whether it’s [Sen.] Bernie Sanders, whether it’s Black Lives Matter, whether it’s MeToo.”

“I think it’s COVID, I think it’s a lot of progressive politics being forced down their throats in school.”

Tapper, who has faced criticism from Democrats over his book detailing former President Joe Biden’s mental decline, has frequently been at odds with the left despite his network’s historically liberal leanings.

During the interview, he also noted that while former President Donald Trump did not win the youth vote outright, he performed far better among younger voters than prior Republican candidates.

“But then, Trump did not win young voters, as he constantly said he did,” Tapper said.

“But he did do better with them than other previous Republicans.”

The 2024 presidential election showed that younger voters are increasingly divided, with Generation Z supporting then-Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump by only four points — a sharp decline from Biden’s 25-point advantage with the same age group in 2020, according to data from Harvard University’s Kennedy School.

Polling continues to highlight significant gender differences in political alignment among Gen Z. A survey from NBC News and SurveyMonkey in April found that 45% of Gen Z men approved of Trump’s presidency, compared to just 24% of young women.

The poll also showed that 52% of young women identified as Democrats, the highest percentage among any age or gender group, while only one-third of Gen Z men identified with the Democratic Party.

Tapper’s remarks add to a growing acknowledgment — even among media figures on the left — that the Democratic Party is struggling to connect with younger male voters, many of whom have grown skeptical of modern progressive movements and classroom politics.

Washington Post Editorial Urges Democrats to End Shutdown, Stop Holding Government ‘Hostage’
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Washington Post Editorial Urges Democrats to End Shutdown, Stop Holding Government ‘Hostage’

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The Washington Post editorial board called on Senate Democrats on Wednesday to end the month-long government shutdown, criticizing party leaders for “holding the government hostage” in an effort to secure an extension of costly Obamacare subsidies, as reported by Fox News.

The paper’s editorial urged lawmakers to pass a clean funding bill to restore federal operations and prevent disruptions to key public programs.

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Florida, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, at The Ben West Palm in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla., on February 20, 2023.

“The right answer is to reopen the government with a clean funding bill, ideally for a full year, to get food stamps flowing and federal workers back in the office, and then have a debate about ACA subsidies,” the editorial stated.

“Democrats openly acknowledge that they refuse to do this because it would mean giving up their leverage. If they persist, it could mean families start to go hungry.”

The criticism follows warnings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — commonly known as food stamps — will run out by November 1 if appropriations are not approved.

While the agency maintains an emergency contingency fund of roughly $5 billion, the USDA said those funds are not “legally available” for use without congressional action.

The Post noted that one reason the shutdown has lasted nearly a month is that “most Americans have felt no discernible impact on their daily life,” but cautioned that circumstances are beginning to change.

“This pain point, combined with three other dynamics, should help hasten an end to the shutdown as early as next week by making Democrats blink,” the editorial board wrote.

In addition to the potential expiration of SNAP benefits, the Post cited other developments that could pressure Democrats to reopen the government — including the start of open enrollment for health insurance plans this weekend.

Danville – June 2, 2023: SNAP and EBT Accepted here sign. SNAP and Food Stamps provide nutrition benefits to supplement disadvantaged families.

“Many people will experience sticker shock when they see how much their premiums are about to go up,” the editorial said. “Democrats will be able to claim they got their point across about the need to rescue Obamacare by extending subsidies that are set to expire.”

The Post also suggested that Democrats may use expected victories in next week’s off-year elections in states like New Jersey and Virginia — and the New York City mayoral race — to portray the outcome as a political win that allows them to end the standoff without losing face.

“Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are both New Yorkers who fear the Mamdani wing of the party,” the Post wrote.

“Schumer has allowed the shutdown to drag on because he’s worried about fending off a primary challenger in 2028, and he’s still smarting from blowback he got from angry liberals after he agreed to fund the government this spring.”

The editorial further highlighted frustration from federal workers and their unions, noting that the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) — which represents more than 800,000 federal workers — has called for an immediate end to the shutdown.

“It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today. No half measures, and no gamesmanship,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley said Monday.

“Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay — today.”

Concluding its piece, the Post urged lawmakers to keep the government open and separate policy disputes from budget negotiations.

“It is wrong that Democrats have held the government hostage for a month in hopes of extending costly Obamacare subsidies, just as it was for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to shut down the government in 2013 for 16 days in a bid to defund the Affordable Care Act altogether,” the editorial stated.

Don Lemon Slammed for Calling Megyn Kelly ‘Trans’ After Preaching Against Transphobia
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Don Lemon Slammed for Calling Megyn Kelly ‘Trans’ After Preaching Against Transphobia

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Former CNN host Don Lemon is facing backlash after saying conservative commentator Megyn Kelly looked “trans,” despite his history of speaking out against transphobia, as reported by The New York Post.

The remarks, made during a recent episode of his new “Clip Farmers” podcast, quickly drew criticism across social media and accusations of hypocrisy.

NEW YORK-APR 29: News reporter Megyn Kelly attends the Time 100 Gala for the Most Influential People in the World at the Frederick P. Rose Hall at Lincoln Center on April 29, 2014 in New York City.

“I think she looks trans,” Lemon said as he and his co-hosts discussed the appearance of “MAGA ladies.”

He then added, “Looks clockable,” a term commonly used within transgender circles to describe a person whose biological gender is still identifiable despite their transition. Lemon’s co-host ended the segment awkwardly, saying, “Let’s end on that note.”

Clips of the exchange were widely circulated online, sparking immediate condemnation from critics who pointed out Lemon’s history of publicly supporting transgender rights.

“For a man who praises trans people, #DonLemon sure feels comfortable using trans as an insult,” wrote Jeff Varner, a former television personality.

Another critic posted, “The Left is using ‘Trans’ as an insult now?” while one user called the remarks “Hypocrisy at its finest. When it’s convenient, principles fly out the window.”

Lemon’s comment stands in stark contrast to his past public statements condemning discrimination against the transgender community.

At the 2023 Son Awards — an annual event honoring Black gay and queer men — Lemon criticized what he described as an “avalanche” of anti-LGBTQ legislation and book bans.

“Nearly half of those bills target our transgender and nonbinary siblings. These bills range from banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth to banning drag performances,” Lemon said at the time, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

He also accused lawmakers of advancing “book bans rooted in anti-Blackness and transphobia and queerphobia.”

Lemon had also defended transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney during the Bud Light controversy, questioning conservative pushback over the company’s marketing campaign.

“So what if someone who is transgender drinks Bud Light? How does that affect you?” Lemon said while still hosting at CNN. “So what does it matter? I don’t really get it.”

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 21: Don Lemon speaks during “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert” at the Great Lawn in Central Park on August 21, 2021 in New York City.

In a separate CNN segment, Lemon consoled a transgender woman who expressed fear about the 2024 election, assuring her that “there are good people who support you.”

Lemon was dismissed from CNN in 2023 after reports surfaced of alleged misogynistic behavior, including high-profile incidents that led to widespread criticism inside and outside the network.

The controversy surrounding his latest remarks has renewed scrutiny over Lemon’s credibility and consistency on the very issues he has long claimed to champion.

Four ‘Republicans’ Side with Democrats in Attempt to Block Trump’s Canada Tariffs
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Four ‘Republicans’ Side with Democrats in Attempt to Block Trump’s Canada Tariffs

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The Senate voted Wednesday evening to approve a resolution blocking President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, marking a symbolic challenge to the administration’s ongoing trade policies.

The measure, led by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, passed with bipartisan support.

Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined Democrats in voting to terminate the national emergency declaration that serves as the legal foundation for the tariffs.

The resolution followed Tuesday’s separate vote to overturn Trump’s 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, which passed with support from five Republicans.

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis voted in favor of the Brazil measure but opposed the effort to block the tariffs on Canada. Both resolutions required a simple majority to pass.

“Massive tariffs on close trading partners such as Brazil and Canada are ill-advised abuses of presidential power that will make Americans poorer,” Kaine and Paul wrote in a joint op-ed for The Washington Post on Wednesday.

“Further, Trump is misusing an unrelated emergency statute to do it. His reckless, unconstitutional actions risk sending our country full steam ahead into economic chaos.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement explaining his vote in favor of the resolution, citing the impact of tariffs on consumers and his state’s farming sector.

“These tariffs have increased prices for Kentucky families and hurt our agriculture industry,” McConnell said.

Despite the Senate’s vote, the resolution is unlikely to advance further.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is not expected to bring the measure to the floor for a vote, effectively halting its progress.

The Senate’s action comes in response to President Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Canadian imports to 35%, following an Ontario government-funded television advertisement that featured remarks by former President Ronald Reagan criticizing protectionist trade policies.

The ad included Reagan warning that tariffs “hurt every American worker and consumer.”

The Trump administration defended the tariffs as a necessary tool to rebalance trade relationships and protect U.S. manufacturing.

White House officials have maintained that Canada’s trade practices, particularly in the agricultural and steel sectors, have placed American workers at a disadvantage.

Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking to reporters Tuesday after a Senate Republican luncheon, urged party members to support the president’s approach.

“Tariffs give us the ability to put American workers first,” Vance said.

“They force American industry to reinvest in the United States of America instead of a foreign country. They’re also incredible leverage for the president of the United States in negotiating these trade deals overseas.”

The Senate previously voted to nullify the president’s emergency declaration tied to tariffs on Canada earlier this year.

Paul, McConnell, Murkowski, and Collins also joined Democrats in that vote, citing similar concerns about executive overreach and economic fallout.

Administration officials argue that the tariffs are part of a broader strategy to counter what they describe as unfair trade practices and to strengthen domestic production.

President Trump has defended his decision to invoke emergency powers under existing trade law, stating that tariffs are a temporary measure designed to encourage new negotiations with allies and competitors alike.

Lawmakers expect additional votes related to the president’s trade authority later this week.

A bipartisan group of Senate Democrats, along with Paul, is preparing to introduce another resolution aimed at ending the emergency powers that justify the administration’s global baseline tariffs.

The White House has not indicated whether President Trump would veto any legislation limiting his tariff authority.

The administration’s trade team has said the current policy is vital to maintaining leverage in ongoing negotiations with both allied and rival nations.

Hamas Violates Gaza Ceasefire, Fires on IDF Soldiers in Rafah
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Hamas Violates Gaza Ceasefire, Fires on IDF Soldiers in Rafah

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Hamas has violated the Gaza ceasefire agreement by firing on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers in Rafah, an Israeli military official confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday.

The breach occurred amid an already fragile truce aimed at pausing the two-year conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization, as reported by Fox News.

According to the official, Israeli troops came under fire from Hamas operatives in the southern Gaza city, marking the latest escalation since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 10.

The ceasefire had temporarily halted hostilities and included an agreement for hostage exchanges between Israel and Hamas.

“Following the security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military echelon to carry out immediate and powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip,” the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Tuesday.

The Israeli government did not immediately release details on potential casualties or operational responses following the new violation.

Earlier this month, on October 19, two IDF soldiers were killed by Hamas gunmen in Rafah during a similar attack.

The fallen soldiers were identified as Major Yaniv Kula, 26, a company commander in the 932nd Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, 21, a combat soldier in the same battalion. Both men were from Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut, a city in central Israel.

According to an initial IDF investigation, a Hamas militant cell emerged from an underground tunnel and opened fire on an excavation vehicle being used by the Israeli military.

The attack killed the two soldiers and left a reserve soldier critically wounded. The injured soldier was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In response to that earlier attack, the IDF launched coordinated air and ground strikes targeting Hamas positions throughout southern Gaza.

“The IDF also struck and dismantled six kilometers of underground terrorist infrastructure, using over 120 munitions. The underground site was used by the terrorist organization to advance attacks against the State of Israel,” the Israeli military said at the time.

The IDF continues to monitor ceasefire compliance and has emphasized that Hamas’ repeated violations jeopardize ongoing mediation efforts. Israeli officials have stated that any attack on its soldiers constitutes a breach of the agreement and will be met with decisive military action.

As of Tuesday evening, the IDF had not released additional information about the latest exchange of fire. The incident underscores growing concerns about the durability of the ceasefire, which has faced multiple challenges since its implementation.

Zohran Mamdani’s Emotional 9/11 Speech About His ‘Aunt’ Quickly Blows Up in His Face
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Zohran Mamdani’s Emotional 9/11 Speech About His ‘Aunt’ Quickly Blows Up in His Face

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New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani has backtracked on a key detail of a story he told about a Muslim relative allegedly facing discrimination after the September 11 attacks. The clarification came after online scrutiny revealed inconsistencies in his account.

Last week, Mamdani, a practicing Muslim and self-described democratic socialist, appeared alongside Muslim community leaders and told reporters that his “aunt” had stopped taking the subway after 9/11 because she “did not feel safe in her hijab.”

His remarks were part of a broader speech accusing his opponents—Curtis Sliwa and Andrew Cuomo—of promoting what he called “Islamophobic” rhetoric during the mayoral race.

“I want to speak to the memory of my aunt, who stopped taking the subway after September 11th because she did not feel safe in her hijab,” Mamdani said during the event.

His remarks were widely shared online and praised by progressive groups for what they described as a powerful condemnation of anti-Muslim sentiment.

However, the story quickly drew criticism from across the political spectrum. Detractors questioned why Mamdani framed Muslims as victims in a narrative centered on the attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 American lives.

Vice President J.D. Vance was among those to publicly challenge the comments, writing, “According to Zohran the real victim of 9/11 was his auntie who got some (allegedly) bad looks.”

Over the weekend, social media users began examining the veracity of Mamdani’s story. Researchers located photographs of a woman identified as his aunt who appeared in multiple images without a hijab, contradicting the details of Mamdani’s remarks.

By Monday, the issue had gained enough traction that Mamdani held another press conference to address the controversy.

During that briefing, Mamdani acknowledged that he had misspoken and that the woman in question was not his aunt, but rather a distant relative. “I was speaking about Zehra fuhi, my father’s cousin, who passed away a few years ago,” Mamdani said.

He explained that he often referred to her as his aunt out of affection.

His campaign declined to provide the relative’s full name when contacted by the New York Post for verification. The admission appeared to confirm speculation that Mamdani’s initial account was inaccurate.

Adding to the confusion, internet users identified a woman named Masuma Mamdani—a public health consultant believed to be Mamdani’s only biological aunt—and circulated photos of her without a hijab.

The images intensified public questioning of the candidate’s original claim and drew attention to the lack of corroborating evidence.

When pressed about the discrepancy by reporters, Mamdani shifted focus to what he described as political bad faith from his opponents.

“For the takeaway from my more than 10-minute address about Islamophobia in this race and in this city, to be the question of my aunt, tells you everything you need to know about Cuomo and his inability to reckon with a crisis of his own making,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Mamdani continues to lead in polling ahead of New York City’s November mayoral election.

According to the RealClearPolitics polling average, he maintains a lead of more than 15 percentage points over his closest rival, positioning him as the likely next mayor of the nation’s largest city.

NFL Hall of Famer Antonio Gates Caught Up in Explosive Gambling Scandal
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NFL Hall of Famer Antonio Gates Caught Up in Explosive Gambling Scandal

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Pro Football Hall of Famer Antonio Gates has been accused of hosting and participating in a rigged poker game in Miami, according to a report released Sunday by sports investigative journalist Pablo Torre.

The game was reportedly organized by Curtis Meeks, a man recently indicted by federal prosecutors in connection with a wide-ranging gambling scandal that has shaken the NBA.

Torre’s report came one day after the New York Post published claims from a purported victim who alleged that he and his friends were scammed out of nearly $1 million in a poker game connected to Meeks.

The victim said an unnamed former NFL player was used as a “face card” to attract participants to the game, which prosecutors now describe as part of a larger, coordinated criminal enterprise.

Federal prosecutors last week unsealed a sweeping indictment naming more than 30 individuals accused of participating in separate but connected schemes involving both sports betting and manipulated poker games.

Among those implicated are Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones.

According to the indictment, Billups allegedly served as a “face card” for one of the poker operations, lending credibility to games organized by figures with ties to organized crime.

Prosecutors say the setup was designed to lure wealthy participants—referred to in the indictment as “fish”—into games that were secretly rigged using advanced technology and coordinated dealer manipulation.

It is not yet clear whether Gates’ alleged involvement is directly connected to the federal probe.

No criminal charges have been filed against him.

The New York Post source, who said he was defrauded in one of Meeks’ poker games, could not confirm whether the event was part of the same ring described in the indictment.

However, he said Meeks was present during the game and that the presence of a professional athlete was what convinced him and his associates to participate.

“We would never have been there if not for the professional athlete,” the source said, though he declined to name the individual involved.

The federal investigation has already upended several professional sports circles, raising concerns that athletes from outside the NBA may have also been drawn into the operation.

Prosecutors allege that the network of games stretched from Miami to Las Vegas and involved a combination of professional athletes, entertainment figures, and associates linked to illicit gambling enterprises.

Gates, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers.

A converted college basketball player from Kent State, Gates became one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history, finishing his career with 11,841 receiving yards and 116 touchdowns before retiring after the 2018 season.

The indictment does not name Gates or any NFL players, but the new claims have sparked speculation about the scope of the investigation and whether more athletes could be implicated as prosecutors continue their work.

Meeks, who faces multiple felony charges, is accused of leading a network that combined high-stakes sports betting and fraudulent poker operations designed to siphon money from wealthy participants under the guise of legitimate games.

The Justice Department has not commented on whether additional indictments are expected, but court filings indicate that investigators are continuing to review communications and financial records tied to the alleged gambling ring.

If confirmed, the allegations against Gates would represent a significant expansion of the case’s reach beyond the NBA, signaling that professional sports figures from multiple leagues may have become entangled in one of the most far-reaching gambling scandals in recent memory.

Democrat Strategist Admits Crockett Running for Senate Is ‘Dream Scenario’ for GOP
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Democrat Strategist Admits Crockett Running for Senate Is ‘Dream Scenario’ for GOP

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NewsNation political contributor Chris Cillizza cautioned Thursday that if Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett runs for U.S. Senate in 2026, it could significantly increase Republicans’ chances of keeping the seat.

During a segment on his YouTube channel, Cillizza analyzed Crockett’s comments from her appearance a day earlier on SiriusXM’s “The Lurie Daniel Favors Show,” where she said she is considering launching a campaign for the Senate.

“The problem is it’s very difficult for me to see how Crockett would reach out to the middle, particularly in a state like Texas where there just are not enough Democrats.

Even if you get all the Democrats to vote for you, you don’t win,” Cillizza said.

“So I think this would be a dream scenario for Republicans. Because I think Ken Paxton has a real chance at winning the primary against John Cornyn and Wesley Hunt. And if he does, the best chance Republicans have of keeping that seat is Jasmine Crockett as the Democratic nominee.”

Cillizza continued by suggesting that other Democratic contenders would be more competitive in a statewide general election.

“To me, there’s no question that either Colin Allred or James Talarico, or honestly maybe even Beto O’Rourke, would be a stronger general election candidate against Paxton or Cornyn or Hunt than Jasmine Crockett,” he said.

He also speculated that Crockett might ultimately decide not to run, saying that her public consideration of a campaign could serve as a fundraising strategy.

“But the possibility will make Democrats nationally nervous,” Cillizza said.

“I do not think that is the right nominee. And what’s worse for national Democrats, I think it’s very hard to stop Jasmine Crockett [from] winning the Democratic nomination if she does run for the Senate.”

Crockett, however, expressed confidence in her chances during her SiriusXM interview, citing internal and public polling showing her ahead of other potential Democratic candidates.

She currently leads a hypothetical Democratic primary field with 31% support among likely voters, according to an October University of Houston–Texas Southern University poll.

State Rep. James Talarico and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke each garnered 25% in the same poll, while former Rep. Colin Allred — who ran unsuccessfully against Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024 — received 13%.

O’Rourke has not yet announced whether he will enter the 2026 race, though he has indicated that he would consider supporting Crockett if she decides to run.

A separate National Republican Senatorial Committee poll conducted in July and first reported by the Daily Caller News Foundation also found Crockett with an early advantage among Democratic primary voters, showing her at 35% support compared to 20% for Allred.

“I think the key to winning Texas isn’t about looking at the current electorate. It’s about expanding the electorate,” Crockett said.

“If we can expand the electorate, then I will strongly be considering hopping in the Senate race.”

Crockett has gained national attention for her combative exchanges with Republican lawmakers and controversial remarks.

In March, she drew backlash after referring to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as “Governor Hot Wheels.”

Cillizza’s assessment adds to growing speculation over how the Democratic field will shape up in Texas, where Republicans have maintained control of every statewide office for more than two decades.

The seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn is up for re-election in 2026, and Attorney General Ken Paxton has indicated he is considering entering the GOP primary.

While Crockett’s potential candidacy has energized some Democratic activists, party strategists remain divided on whether her style and political profile can appeal to the moderate and independent voters needed to win a statewide race in Texas.

Nick Mangold’s Sudden Death at 41 Sends Shockwaves Through NFL Community
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Nick Mangold’s Sudden Death at 41 Sends Shockwaves Through NFL Community

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Nick Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and longtime center for the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.

The news comes just two weeks after Mangold revealed that he was battling chronic kidney disease and was in urgent need of a transplant.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement.

“He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Mangold played college football at Ohio State University, where he was part of the Buckeyes’ 2003 national championship team.

He earned first-team All-American honors in 2005 before being selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft.

He quickly made an impact in the league, earning a spot on the NFL’s All-Rookie team in 2006.

His first Pro Bowl appearance came in 2008, followed by three All-Pro selections — first-team in 2009 and 2010, and second-team in 2011.

Mangold became one of the most durable and respected offensive linemen in the NFL during his 11 seasons with the Jets.

After the 2016 season, the Jets released Mangold as part of a roster rebuild.

He retired from football in 2018 after signing a one-day contract to end his career with the team that drafted him.

In 2022, Mangold was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor, cementing his place among the franchise’s all-time greats.

Earlier this month, Mangold shared his health struggle in a message to fans, revealing that he had been diagnosed with a genetic defect leading to chronic kidney disease in 2006.

“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” he wrote.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

He continued, “I am deeply grateful to anyone that would consider donating.

Most of all, I’m thankful for my family, who have been my rock every step of the way.

This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”

Mangold ended his message on a hopeful note: “While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead. I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon.”

Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson remembered Mangold as a leader both on and off the field.

“Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership,” Johnson said.

“For over a decade, he anchored our offensive line with unmatched skill and determination, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His contributions on the field were extraordinary — but it was his character, humility, and humor off the field that made him unforgettable.”

Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan became emotional while remembering Mangold during ESPN’s Sunday broadcast.

“It’s brutal. Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets,” Ryan said.

He recalled that Mangold insisted on playing through injury during Ryan’s final game as head coach.

“My last game, Mangold’s injured. Like, injured. And he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome and just way too young.”

Mangold is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their four children.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.


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