THREAD: labors power play bidens sharp campaign

HARRIS’S FUNDING Frenzy: Can Trump’s Campaign Catch UP?

10 October 2024 — Vice President Kamala Harris has surged ahead of former President Donald Trump in campaign fundraising. On the day she announced her candidacy, Harris raised $25 million and reached $500 million within a month. This financial boost gives her a strong edge as the 2024 presidential race intensifies.

Trump’s campaign, however, had collected $309 million by the end of August. To close this gap, Republican super PACs are stepping up, spending over $80 million on TV ads nationwide in September alone. They’ve also set aside more than $100 million for advertising during the campaign’s final weeks.

Despite this fundraising difference, Republicans remain determined. They’re investing heavily in online, mail, and door-to-door campaigns to counter Harris’s financial lead. The race for the White House is becoming fiercely competitive as both sides strategically deploy their resources to win voters over.

DEADLY Houston STORMS Leave City in Ruins, Power Restoration Underway

20 May 2024 — Deadly storms ravaged Houston last week, leaving seven dead and causing widespread damage. Thunderstorms and hurricane-force winds destroyed businesses, uprooted trees, and shattered glass in downtown skyscrapers. A tornado also touched down near Cypress.

By Sunday evening, 88% of Houston area customers had power restored, according to CenterPoint Energy spokesperson Paul Lock. “We expect everyone to be back on by end of business Wednesday,” Lock stated. Over 289,000 homes and businesses in Texas remained without electricity Sunday evening.

More than 3,900 customers in Louisiana were also without power due to strong winds and a suspected tornado. CenterPoint Energy deployed 2,000 employees and over 5,000 contractors to restore power in the Houston area. Lynnae Wilson emphasized the urgency given the high temperatures: “Getting the lights and air conditioning back on is even more important.”

MODI’S REMARKS Ignite Controversy: Accusations of Hate Speech During Campaign

23 April 2024 — India’s main opposition party, the Congress, has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using hate speech during a campaign rally. Modi called Muslims “infiltrators,” leading to significant backlash. The Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India, arguing that such comments could worsen religious tensions.

Critics believe that under Modi’s leadership and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s commitment to secularism and diversity is at risk. They accuse the BJP of fostering religious intolerance and occasionally inciting violence, although the party claims its policies benefit all Indians without bias.

In a speech in Rajasthan, Modi criticized the Congress party’s previous governance, accusing them of favoring Muslims in resource distribution. He warned that a reelected Congress would reallocate wealth to what he called “infiltrators,” questioning whether it is right to use citizens’ earnings this way.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge condemned Modi’s comments as “hate speech.” Meanwhile, spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi described them as “deeply objectionable.” This controversy comes at a critical time during India’s general election process.

IRAN THREAT or Political Play? Netanyahu’s Strategy Questioned

20 April 2024 — Benjamin Netanyahu has always pointed to Iran as a major threat since his first term in 1996. He has warned that a nuclear Iran could be disastrous and often mentions the possibility of military action. Israel’s own nuclear abilities, rarely talked about publicly, back up his tough stance.

Recent events have brought Israel and Iran closer to direct conflict. After an Iranian attack on Israel, which was a retaliation for an Israeli strike in Syria, Israel hit back by launching missiles at an Iranian air base. This marks a severe increase in their ongoing tensions.

Some critics think Netanyahu might be using the Iran issue to shift focus from problems at home, especially issues concerning Gaza. The timing and nature of these attacks suggest they could overshadow other regional conflicts, raising questions about their true intent.

The situation remains tense as both countries continue this dangerous confrontation. The world watches closely for any new developments that might signal either escalation or possible solutions to the conflict.

RUSSIA UNLEASHES Devastating Attack on Ukrainian Energy Sector: The Shocking Aftermath

22 March 2024 — Russia has initiated a severe attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This assault led to widespread power outages and claimed the lives of at least three individuals. The offensive, conducted under the cover of night using drones and rockets, targeted numerous power facilities, including Ukraine’s largest hydroelectric plant.

The Dnipro Hydroelectric Station was among those hit during the attacks. This station supplies electricity to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant — the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The main 750-kilovolt line connecting these two vital installations was cut off during the assault, according to International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi. However, a lower-power backup line is currently functioning.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is under Russian control and has been an ongoing concern due to potential nuclear accidents amid continuous conflict. Despite this alarming situation, Ukraine’s hydroelectric authority assures that there is no immediate threat of dam breach at the Dnipro Hydroelectric Station.

A breach could not only disrupt supplies to the nuclear plant but also potentially trigger severe flooding similar to last year’s incident when a major dam at Kakhovka collapsed. Ivan Fedorov, Zaporizhzhia regional governor reported one death and at least eight injuries resulting from Russia’s aggressive actions.

RUSSIA’S Unprecedented Attack: Ukraine’s Energy Sector Devastated, Widespread Outages Ensue

22 March 2024 — In a shocking move, Russia launched a colossal strike on Ukraine’s electrical power infrastructure, targeting the country’s most significant hydroelectric plant among others. This assault led to sweeping power outages and claimed at least three lives, as confirmed by officials this Friday.

The Energy Minister of Ukraine, German Galushchenko painted a grim picture of the situation, describing the drone and rocket attacks as “the most severe onslaught on the Ukrainian energy sector in recent history.” He speculated that Russia aimed to inflict substantial disruption to Ukraine’s energy system akin to last year’s events.

The Dnipro Hydroelectric Station — a key electricity supplier to Europe’s largest nuclear power installation — Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was set ablaze due to these attacks. The primary 750-kilovolt power line was severed while a lower-power backup line remains functional. Despite Russian occupation and ongoing skirmishes around the plant, officials assure there is no immediate threat of a nuclear disaster.

Thankfully, the dam at the hydroelectric station held strong against these attacks averting potential catastrophic flooding reminiscent of last year when Kakhovka dam gave way. However, this Russian attack did not pass without human cost — one person lost their life and at least eight suffered injuries.

TRUMP’S EYE on Burgum: A Potential Power Player in Second Administration

21 January 2024 — Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, has recently been spotlighted by former President Trump as a potential key player for his possible second term. This news emerged following Trump’s unprecedented victory in the Iowa Caucuses.

Responding to conjecture about a potential role in Trump’s administration, Burgum, who had previously endorsed Trump just before the Iowa Caucuses said, “Well, it’s very flattering... but you know, these are all hypotheticals.”

The Governor underscored his dedication to his current position and to backing Trump’s nomination and election endeavors. He further explained that his previous campaign was motivated by concerns about the economy, energy and national security issues that America is facing.

NEW ENGLAND Grapples with Fierce Winter Storm: Power Outages and Treacherous Travel Conditions Unleashed

07 January 2024 — New England residents were greeted by a fierce winter storm on Sunday, prompting the need for shovels and snowblowers. The Northeast was blanketed with winter storm warnings, with treacherous icy roads reaching as far south as North Carolina.

The storm triggered power outages across the region. Over 13,000 customers in California and upwards of 16,000 in Massachusetts found themselves without electricity. By Sunday morning, some Massachusetts communities had already seen nearly a foot of snow according to the National Weather Service.

Coastal areas reported less snowfall while Boston recorded only a few inches. However, the snow was predicted to continue falling throughout the day with some regions receiving over a foot. The storm also affected Maine where certain areas saw up to 12 inches of snowfall.

Vermont braced for moderate to heavy ongoing snowfall expecting total accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. Wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph threatened to cause blowing and drifting snow across southern New Hampshire and southwestern Maine.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Revelations: Bidens Discuss Holiday Cheer and 2024 Ambitions

01 January 2024 — During a New Year’s Eve interview with Ryan Seacrest, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden opened up about their holiday festivities and future aspirations. The chat was part of Dick Clarke’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve show, which had a friendly atmosphere but wasn’t devoid of political implications.

President Biden took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s achievements, with a special focus on job creation. He proudly pointed out the resurgence of factory jobs that were once outsourced overseas. The President claimed that since his inauguration, his administration has been responsible for creating 14 million jobs.

Furthermore, Biden expressed his desire for Americans to appreciate their nation’s current strength as we usher in the new year. He hopes this awareness will spur unity and progress as we approach 2024.

PUTIN’S POWER Play: Announces Candidacy Amidst Turmoil, Aiming to Cement His Iron Grip on Russia

08 December 2023 — Vladimir Putin has announced his intention to run in the upcoming presidential election in March. This move is seen as an attempt to prolong his authoritarian rule over Russia. Despite instigating a costly war in Ukraine and enduring internal conflicts, including an attack on the Kremlin itself, Putin’s support remains unshaken after nearly 24 years at the helm.

In June, a rebellion led by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin stirred up rumors of Putin’s control waning. However, Prigozhin’s death in a suspicious plane crash two months later only served to reinforce the image of Putin’s absolute authority.

Putin made his decision public following a Kremlin award ceremony where war veterans and others encouraged him to seek reelection. Tatiana Stanovaya from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center pointed out that this understated announcement is likely part of the Kremlin’s strategy to emphasize Putin’s humility and commitment rather than making loud campaign declarations.

AMAZON and META Bow to UK Antitrust Pressure, Pledge Fair Play

06 November 2023 — Amazon and Meta, two tech behemoths, have put an end to separate antitrust investigations in the United Kingdom. They’ve agreed to halt practices that unfairly tip the scales in their favor against vendors and consumers on their platforms. This agreement was reached with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), effectively closing the investigations into their online marketplaces.

The CMA had been examining Amazon’s potential threat to competition by preferentially treating merchants who shell out for extras like storage, packaging, and delivery. The watchdog also probed Amazon’s choice of suppliers for its “buy box” feature as well as its data collection habits. As part of this settlement, Amazon will stop using data from third-party sellers for competitive advantage.

Meta’s probe focused on whether its data collection methods provided it an unfair leg up over competitors offering classified data and online dating services. Both companies have embraced these settlements; Amazon previously settled a similar EU antitrust case in December by agreeing to make substantial changes in how it does business.

APPLE PULLS Plug on Jon Stewart Show Over Controversial Topics: Inside the Power Struggle

22 October 2023 — Apple has reportedly put a halt to Jon Stewart’s show due to disagreements over the subject matter of the upcoming season. The comedian intended to delve into hot-button issues such as China, Israel, and artificial intelligence, sparking tension with Apple’s top brass.

Sources within the company disclosed that the conflict stemmed from some of Stewart’s proposed themes and guests for “The Problem”. It was revealed that potential show topics related to China and artificial intelligence were raising eyebrows among Apple executives.

A subsequent report by CNN pinpointed Israel as another contentious issue that Apple was hesitant to tackle. Despite having been granted creative freedom over his show, Stewart found himself increasingly at odds with the company’s reluctance towards his choice of guests and topics.

China poses a particularly delicate issue for Apple. The authoritarian communist country represents nearly one-fifth of Apple’s sales revenue and is also home to most of its manufacturing operations.

Ricky Vaughn’s TWISTED TALE: The Shocking Misinformation Campaign in the 2016 Election

19 October 2023 — Douglass Mackey, widely recognized as “Ricky Vaughn,” was handed a seven-month prison sentence this Wednesday. His crime? Deliberately misleading Hillary Clinton’s supporters into believing they could cast their votes in the 2016 presidential election via text messages or social media posts.

Mackey faced prosecution under the Ku Klux Klan Act, a law enacted during the Reconstruction era to combat KKK efforts aimed at hindering newly freed Blacks from voting. Despite his attempts to overturn the verdict or secure a new trial, U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly dismissed Mackey’s bid prior to his sentencing.

In 2015, Mackey assumed the alias “Ricky Vaughn” and started posting on Twitter. He quickly amassed a following of 51,000 and became one of the most influential voices discussing the 2016 presidential election according to an M.I.T list. Federal prosecutors in New York argued that Mackey aimed to create hashtags that would stir up as much chaos as possible by generating controversy targeted at Hillary Clinton.

On November 1, 2016, at precisely 5:30 p.m., Mackey unleashed his first tweet falsely asserting that people could register their vote by texting from their phones. This marked the start of a series of additional misleading tweets

Biden’s APPROVAL RATINGS Dive: Is Inflation to Blame?

04 October 2023 — President Biden’s popularity is taking a serious hit, largely due to the ongoing inflation crisis. Recent polls indicate a steep drop in public support, with many pointing fingers at his economic strategies as the root cause of the current predicament.

The escalating cost of living and soaring gas prices are fueling widespread dissatisfaction. Detractors argue that Biden’s economic management style has directly contributed to these problems.

Moreover, there is mounting unease about how the administration is dealing with foreign policy issues, especially concerning China and Russia. These concerns have further dented the president’s approval ratings.

As we inch closer to mid-term elections, these statistics could spell potential disaster for Democrats. The party will need to pull out all stops to rebuild public trust and restore faith in their leadership abilities.

PEACE at RISK: Biden’s Push for Palestinian Consulate Jeopardizes Israel-Saudi Talks

02 October 2023 — Last month, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting. The focus was on encouraging peace talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Notably, these discussions did not necessitate the establishment of a Palestinian state — a significant shift in Middle East policy. Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia also appeared to ease his position on the Palestine issue.

However, recent reports suggest that the Biden administration may be jeopardizing this potential peace accord. They are insisting on establishing a new Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem. This move could effectively split Jerusalem between Israel and Palestine, overturning policies set by President Donald Trump and breaking bipartisan commitments to keep the city united.

Israeli news outlet Israel Hayom has reported growing frustration among Israeli and Saudi officials with Washington’s overemphasis on concessions for Palestinians. Insiders familiar with the ongoing negotiations suggest this focus is impeding potential progress.

The primary hurdle seems to be defining the specifics of a U.S.-Saudi defense agreement. This includes whether nuclear enrichment will be allowed on Saudi soil — an aspect that Israel appears willing to accept for comprehensive peace.

Immigration CRISIS: Biden’s Policies Cause SURGE at Border

29 September 2023 — The number of people attempting to cross the US-Mexico border has seen a dramatic increase recently. This surge is believed to be a result of President Biden’s immigration policies.

Many believe that Biden’s decision to reverse several of Trump’s immigration policies has led to this increase. Critics argue that these changes have encouraged more people to attempt the risky journey.

In response, the White House has defended its policies, stating they are more humane and fair than those of the previous administration. However, this defense has done little to quell concerns about the rising numbers at the border.

As we move forward, it remains unclear how this situation will evolve. What is clear though is that immigration will continue to be a hot-button issue in American politics.

Biden’s Approval Rating PLUNGES to Record Low: Is INFLATION to Blame?

29 September 2023 — A recent Gallup poll reveals a new low for President Joe Biden’s approval rating. Amid escalating inflation and economic unease, the President’s popularity is dwindling.

The survey shows a mere 40% of Americans giving the nod to Biden’s job performance — the lowest since he assumed office in January 2021.

The soaring cost of goods and services is hitting American households hard, leading to financial stress and discontent with the current administration.

This steep decline in approval could spell trouble for Democrats in the forthcoming midterm elections. If this trend persists, Republicans may seize control of Congress come November.

NET NEUTRALITY Revival Pushed by Biden’s New FCC Pick: The Real Impact on Telecom Companies

26 September 2023 — Following the unsuccessful Senate endorsement of Gigi Sohn, President Biden has now confirmed Anna Gomez as the new commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This appointment breaks a 2-2 deadlock at the Commission. In response, Democrats and progressive nonprofits have begun to advocate for the return of Title II regulations on telecom companies.

On Monday, a group of 27 Senate Democrats, which included Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), called on FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to reestablish Title II regulations on internet service providers. These were regulations that had been withdrawn during Trump’s tenure.

Last week, progressive nonprofit Free Press also stepped up its efforts by starting a petition urging the FCC to bring back net neutrality rules. These rules were first introduced during Obama’s presidency before social media censorship became widespread. Net neutrality was initially touted as a means to safeguard an open internet by classifying telecom companies as common carriers.

Free Press emphasized that net neutrality is essential for preserving an internet that is “free, open and accessible to all.” However, critics contend that such regulation could potentially stifle innovation and competition within the sector.

US AID To UKRAINE: Biden’s Pledge Faces Surge of Resistance — How Americans Really Feel

19 September 2023 — President Biden’s call for sustained aid to Ukraine, announced at the United Nations General Assembly, is meeting escalating resistance within the US. The administration is pushing for an extra $24 billion in aid for Ukraine by the end of this year. This would escalate total assistance to a whopping $135 billion since the conflict ignited in February 2022.

Yet, a CNN poll from August uncovers that most Americans oppose further aid to Ukraine. The topic has grown increasingly divisive over time. Moreover, despite Western backing and training, Ukraine’s much-hyped counter-offensive has not yielded significant wins.

A Wall Street Journal survey earlier this month revealed that more than half of American voters — 52% — disapprove of Biden’s handling of the Ukrainian situation — a rise from 46% on March 22. Among those surveyed, over one-third believe too much effort is being put into helping Ukraine while only about one-fifth think not enough is being done.

America’s BORDER CRISIS: A Deep Dive into Biden’s Disastrous Immigration Policies

18 September 2023 — The ongoing border crisis in America is a direct result of President Biden’s disastrous immigration policies. His decisions have led to an unprecedented influx of illegal immigrants, putting immense strain on border patrol agents and local communities.

President Biden reversed many of Trump’s strict immigration policies upon taking office. This has resulted in a surge of migrants attempting to cross the border illegally, with numbers reaching their highest levels in over two decades.

Local communities near the border are feeling the impact. Schools are overwhelmed, crime rates are rising, and public resources are stretched thin. Yet, the administration seems indifferent to their plight.

Biden’s approach to immigration is not just flawed; it’s catastrophic. It undermines national security and disregards the rule of law. It’s time for America to wake up and hold him accountable for this crisis.