THREAD: economic alert consumer sentiment plummets amid

TRUMP’S Triumph: Disillusioned Voters Reject Harris-Biden Agenda

06 November 2024 — Former President Donald Trump has made a comeback to the White House, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden’s nearly four-year term. Many voters, unhappy with America’s path, embraced Trump’s bold approach. AP VoteCast showed about 3 in 10 voters wanted a complete government overhaul.

Economic concerns were key in Trump’s victory, overshadowing issues like democracy and abortion protections favored by Harris’ supporters. Voters worried about the economy supported stronger immigration enforcement and believed Trump was better suited to tackle economic challenges. This sentiment was strong in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Even though he won the electoral college, some voters had reservations about Trump’s potential use of power. A notable number expressed concern over possible authoritarianism under his leadership. Yet more than 1 in 10 concerned voters still backed him despite these fears.

Inflation anxiety was a major concern nationwide as families felt their financial situations worsening since the last election cycle. The rising cost of living remained an urgent issue for many Americans struggling with higher prices on essentials like groceries and housing costs. These economic pressures greatly boosted Trump’s appeal among disenchanted voters seeking change.

TRUMP And HARRIS Neck-And-Neck: What’s Behind the Poll Shocker?

15 October 2024 — Recent polls show a tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with both candidates nearly tied. Just last month, Harris was ahead in election and favorability ratings. Now, her lead is gone, sparking questions about why voters are changing their minds.

NBC’s Savannah Guthrie talked with analyst Steve Kornacki about this shift. He explained how Harris’s favorability ratings have reversed. Last month, she had a 48% positive rating compared to Trump’s steady numbers. Now her positive rating has fallen to 43%, while her negative rating jumped to 49%.

Kornacki noted that this change brings Harris’s ratings closer to Trump’s figures. He also mentioned an interesting twist about public views on Trump’s presidency. Recent polling shows that 44% of voters think Trump’s policies helped their families more than during his time in office.

CIA and MI6 Chiefs WARN: Global Threats Looming

08 September 2024 — The heads of the CIA and MI6 have issued a stark warning about global threats. They highlighted the war in Ukraine, sabotage in Europe, and rising tensions with China. “We saw the war in Ukraine coming,” they stated, emphasizing their role in alerting the international community.

They are actively working to disrupt Russia’s sabotage campaigns across Europe and address escalating conflicts like the Israel-Gaza situation. Counterterrorism efforts against ISIS are also a priority. The intelligence chiefs stressed that global stability is under threat like never before since the Cold War.

China’s rise is identified as the main geopolitical challenge of this century, prompting both agencies to reorganize their priorities accordingly. Russian intelligence activities were described as reckless, with recent incidents of sabotage and arson attacks on infrastructure in Europe being attributed to Moscow’s covert operations.;

BIDEN’S Border Failure: Communities Suffer Amid Migrant Surge

19 June 2024 — President Biden’s border policy is under scrutiny as a new wave of migrants arrives at the southern border. Border Patrol agents report an unprecedented surge, straining resources and personnel.

Republican leaders criticize the administration for what they call a “failed approach” to immigration. Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated, “The federal government must take immediate action to secure our borders.”

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas insists the administration is handling the situation effectively. However, many conservatives argue that current policies encourage illegal crossings.

The debate over border security continues to heat up as communities near the border feel the impact. Calls for stricter enforcement and policy changes grow louder from Republican lawmakers and citizens alike.

Biden’s BORDER Crisis: SHOCKING Surge in Illegal Crossings Alarms Americans

18 June 2024 — The border crisis under President Biden has reached alarming levels. New data shows a shocking surge in illegal crossings, leaving many Americans concerned. The situation at the southern border is deteriorating, with record numbers of migrants attempting to enter the country.

Border Patrol agents are overwhelmed as they try to manage the influx. Many believe that Biden’s policies are too lenient and encourage more illegal immigration. Critics argue that stronger measures are needed to secure the border and protect American citizens.

Local communities near the border are feeling the impact firsthand. Increased crime rates and strained resources have residents worried about their safety and well-being. Many are calling for immediate action to address these pressing issues before they worsen further.

As this crisis continues, it’s clear that a change in strategy is necessary. Americans want effective solutions that will restore order and security at our borders, ensuring a safer future for everyone involved. The time for decisive action is now, before things spiral out of control even more dramatically than they already have.

Biden’s BORDER Policy SHOCKS Americans: Crime Rates Soar

11 June 2024 — President Biden’s border policy has led to a surge in illegal crossings. Many Americans are worried about the rising crime rates linked to this influx. Local communities are feeling the impact, and some residents say they no longer feel safe in their own neighborhoods.

Critics argue that Biden’s approach is too lenient and lacks proper enforcement. They believe this has encouraged more people to cross illegally, putting a strain on resources and law enforcement.

Supporters of stricter border control point out that crime rates have increased in areas with high numbers of illegal immigrants. They call for immediate action to secure the border and protect American citizens from further harm.

The debate over immigration policy continues, but one thing is clear: many Americans are deeply concerned about their safety and the future of their communities under current policies.

Biden’s BORDER Crisis: SHOCKING Numbers Reveal the Truth

10 June 2024 — The border crisis under President Biden is getting worse. New data shows a record number of illegal crossings. Many Americans are worried about the impact on our country’s safety and economy.

In August alone, over 200,000 illegal immigrants were caught crossing the southern border. This is a huge increase from previous months. Border Patrol agents are overwhelmed and struggling to keep up with the surge.

Critics say Biden’s policies are to blame for this crisis. They argue that his administration has been too lenient on immigration laws. This has encouraged more people to try and enter the U.S. illegally, putting strain on resources and communities near the border.

Supporters of stricter immigration laws believe that tougher measures are needed now more than ever. They call for stronger enforcement at the border and policies that discourage illegal crossings altogether. The situation remains tense as America watches how this issue will unfold in the coming months under Biden’s leadership.

NYT SUBSCRIPTION Dropped: Keith Olbermann Slams Biden Coverage

28 April 2024 — Keith Olbermann, once a prominent face on SportsCenter, has publicly ended his subscription to the New York Times. He pointed out what he sees as biased reporting on President Biden. Olbermann announced his decision to his nearly one million social media followers.

Olbermann directly accused A.G. Sulzberger, the publisher of the Times, of holding a personal grudge against President Biden. He believes this resentment influences the newspaper’s focus on Biden’s age and results in unduly negative coverage.

The root of this issue appears in a Politico piece discussing tension between the White House and the New York Times. Olbermann suggests that Sulzberger’s dissatisfaction with Biden’s limited interactions with the press is prompting harsher scrutiny from reporters at the Times.

However, skepticism surrounds Olbermann’s assertion that he has been a subscriber since 1969 — a claim that would mean he started his subscription at age ten — raising questions about his accuracy and reliability in this controversy.

SOUTH KOREAN Election Shocker: Voters Lean Left in Historic Turn

11 April 2024 — South Korean voters, upset by the economic slump, are showing their disapproval towards President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling People Power Party (PPP). Early exit polls indicate a dramatic tilt in the National Assembly, with the opposition DP/DUP coalition on track to win between 168 and 193 of the 300 seats. This would leave Yoon’s PPP and its partners trailing with just 87-111 seats.

A record-breaking turnout of 67 percent — the highest for a midterm election since 1992 — reflects widespread voter engagement. South Korea’s unique proportional representation system aims to give smaller parties a chance but has resulted in a crowded field that confuses many voters.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has publicly recognized the disappointing exit poll figures. He pledged to honor the electorate’s decision and wait for the final tally. The election results could mark a pivotal change in South Korea’s political landscape, hinting at broader shifts ahead.

This electoral outcome underscores growing public discontent with current economic policies and signals a desire for change among South Korean voters, potentially reshaping the nation’s policy direction in years to come.

TRUMP SURGES Ahead in Michigan: Biden’s Struggle to Secure Base Exposed

25 March 2024 — A recent trial ballot in Michigan has revealed a surprising lead for Trump over Biden, with 47 percent favoring the former president compared to 44 percent for the incumbent. This result falls within the survey’s ±3 percent margin of error, leaving nine percent of voters still undecided.

In a more complex five-way trial ballot test, Trump maintains his lead at 44 percent against Biden’s 42 percent. The remaining votes are split among independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein, and independent Cornel West.

Steve Mitchell, president of Mitchell Research, attributes Trump’s lead to Biden’s lackluster support from African Americans and younger voters. He forecasts a nail-biting contest ahead as the victory will likely hinge on which candidate can rally their base more effectively.

In a head-to-head choice between Trump and Biden, an overwhelming 90 percent of Republican Michiganders back Trump while only 84 percent of Democrats support Biden. This poll report underscores an uncomfortable situation for Biden as he loses a significant 12 percent chunk of his vote to former President Trump.

DEFENSE BILL Slashed: Allies Fear for US Reliability

24 March 2024 — The House gave the green light to a $1.2 trillion defense bill on Friday, which includes crucial aid for Ukraine. However, the significantly trimmed budget and prolonged delays have left allies like Lithuania doubting the U.S.'s reliability.

The conflict in Ukraine, instigated by Russia, has been ongoing for over two years. While American backing for Kyiv has slightly lessened, European allies stand firm. Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuanian Foreign Minister, voiced concerns over Ukraine’s capacity to hold its front line based on the quantity of ammunition and equipment received.

Landsbergis also expressed apprehension about Russia’s potential future actions if Putin continues without restraint. He portrayed Russia as a “massive, aggressive empire with a bloodthirsty nature” that inspires other dictators globally.

This is an incredibly unsettling time," concluded Landsbergis underlining the worldwide repercussions of Russia’s unchecked aggression.

ANC on SHAKY Ground: South Africa’s Opposition Parties Gaining Momentum

14 March 2024 — Recent polling data indicates a potential shift in South Africa’s political scene, the likes of which haven’t been seen since 1994. The ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has experienced a decline in support from 44% to 39% since November 2022.

On the other hand, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has seen its share rise from 23% to a notable 27%. A newcomer on the scene, the MK Party, has made an impressive debut with a surprising 13%, while support for the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has dwindled to just 10%.

This changing landscape could potentially pave the way for DA to form a majority coalition with other parties excluding ANC and EFF. This tactic proved successful in Cape Town’s municipal elections back in 2006. Despite ANC’s historical appeal due to its instrumental role in ending apartheid, ongoing issues such as electricity and water shortages, high crime rates, and rampant corruption have strained voters’ loyalty.

The shifting political climate suggests that voters are seeking change and are willing to look beyond traditional party lines. This could lead to significant changes in South Africa’s political landscape moving forward.

GREEN AGENDA Hits Hard: Ofgem Warns of Financial Burden on Low-Income Consumers

13 March 2024 — The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) sounded an alarm on Monday. It cautioned that the shift towards a “Net Zero” carbon emissions economy could unfairly impact low-income consumers. These individuals might lack the financial resources to acquire government-approved technology or modify their lifestyle habits.

In the past year alone, debts from energy consumers have skyrocketed by 50%, amassing a total of £3 billion. Ofgem voiced grave concerns about struggling households’ limited resilience to future price shocks. The regulator also highlighted that the burden of recovering bad debts could pose serious threats to the retail energy sector.

Economic difficulties have already pushed British consumers into rationing their energy consumption. This has led to “harms associated with living in a cold, damp home,” potentially triggering an increase in mental health issues rates.

Tim Jarvis, Ofgem’s director general, underscored the necessity for a long-term strategy to manage escalating debt levels and shield struggling consumers from future price shocks. He mentioned that measures such as altering standing charges for prepayment meter customers and tightening requirements on suppliers had been implemented.

WHO Chief SOUNDS Alarm on ‘Disease X’: The Inevitable Threat We’re Not Ready For

18 February 2024 — World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has issued a stark warning about the looming threat of “Disease X”. Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he stressed that another pandemic is not just likely — it’s inevitable.

Tedros, who accurately predicted a similar outbreak in 2018 before COVID-19 hit, criticized the world’s lack of readiness. He dismissed any doubts that his call for a global treaty by May was simply an effort to expand WHO’s influence.

Tedros labels the proposed treaty as “mission critical for humanity”. Despite some advancements in disease surveillance and vaccine production capabilities, he maintains that we are still ill-prepared for another pandemic.

Reflecting on COVID-19’s severe impact, Tedros underscored the urgency of addressing this issue. The world is still wrestling with social, economic and political aftershocks from the ongoing pandemic.

PASSPORT PANIC: Zimbabweans Race Against Time Amid Looming Price Hike Fear

25 December 2023 — In Zimbabwe, currently grappling with economic woes, the most sought-after Christmas gift isn’t a gadget or toy, but a passport. The capital city’s passport office in Harare is teeming with citizens hoping to secure their travel documents before an expected price surge in the New Year. The looming increase and deteriorating economic conditions are driving a spike in migration.

Nolan Mukona, a 49-year-old father of three, was among those who rose at dawn to join the queue at the passport office. Despite his early start, he was greeted by over 100 people already waiting when he arrived at 5 a.m. “The only thing that can make my Christmas cheerful is if I manage to get a passport,” Mukona shared.

At present, passports cost $120 — an amount already burdensome for many Zimbabweans struggling to meet basic needs. However, according to 2024 budget proposals from the finance minister, these fees will rise to $150 in January — reduced from an initially proposed $200 after public backlash.

Over recent decades, millions of Zimbabweans have fled their homeland due to its crumbling economy. This exodus has accelerated recently as optimism for improvement following Robert Mugabe’s ousting from power in 2017 continues to wane.

UK INFLATION TUMBLES to 39%: Central Bank May Slash Rates Sooner Than Predicted

21 December 2023 — The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently announced a surprising drop in UK inflation to 3.9% in November, a decrease from the previous month’s 4.6%. This dip, larger than what financial markets had forecasted, marks the lowest inflation level since September 2021.

This decline is primarily attributed to falling fuel and food prices according to the ONS. However, despite this optimistic news, the Bank of England’s primary interest rate remains at a staggering high of 5.25%, not seen for over a decade and a half.

Governor Andrew Bailey hinted that this stringent interest rate policy might continue for some time. Yet Samuel Tombs, chief U.K economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics suggests an alternative view — that this sharp fall in inflation could trigger an earlier-than-expected cut in interest rates; perhaps as early as the first half of next year.

While elevated interest rates initially helped curb inflation sparked by supply chain disruptions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they have also put pressure on consumer spending and slowed economic growth. As such there are growing worries that maintaining high rates could inflict unnecessary damage on the economy.

US-CHINA Economic Reset PROPOSED: Will Higher Tariffs Be the New Norm?

12 December 2023 — A bipartisan committee in the House has put forth a proposal for a complete overhaul of US economic ties with China. This includes the suggestion of implementing higher tariffs. The pivotal recommendations were released in an extensive report by the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and Chinese Communist Party, chaired by Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).

The report posits that since its induction into the World Trade Organization in 2001, Beijing has been engaged in an economic conflict against both the US and its allies. It outlines three key strategies: revamping America’s economic relationship with China, limiting U.S. capital and technological inflow into China, and strengthening U.S. economic resilience with allied support.

One notable recommendation is to shift China to a new tariff column to enforce more robust tariffs. The committee also suggests imposing tariffs on essential semiconductor chips used in everyday devices like phones and cars. This move aims to prevent Chinese domination in this sector from granting Beijing undue control over global economy.

Bipartisan Committee CALLS for END of China’s Trade Status: A Potential Jolt to US Economy

12 December 2023 — A bipartisan committee, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), has been studying the economic effects of China on the US for a year. The investigation centered on job market changes, manufacturing shifts, and national security concerns since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.

The committee released a report this Tuesday recommending President Joe Biden’s administration and Congress to implement nearly 150 policies to counteract China’s economic influence. One significant suggestion is to cancel China’s permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) with the U.S., a status endorsed by former President George W. Bush in 2001.

The report argues that granting PNTR to China did not bring anticipated benefits for the US or trigger expected reforms in China. It asserts that this has led to a loss of vital U.S. economic leverage and inflicted damage on U.S industry, workers, and manufacturers due to unfair trade practices.

The committee proposes shifting China into a new tariff category that reinstates U.S economic leverage while reducing dependence on Chinese

STATE DEPARTMENT’S ‘Worldwide Caution’: The Shocking Implications for American Holiday Travelers

20 November 2023 — As the holiday season draws near, the State Department’s recent “Worldwide Caution” travel advisory has sparked anxiety among many Americans. However, experts reassure that conditions in most popular tourist spots remain stable.

James Hess, a professor at the School of Security and Global Studies at American Public University System, encourages alertness during international travel. Despite a seemingly delicate global security scene due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, he believes that Americans are savvy travelers.

The advisory came in response to escalating conflict in Gaza and was reissued last week. It cautions about potential terrorist attacks or violent incidents targeting U.S. citizens and interests overseas.

Despite these warnings, Hess underscores that tourism is a vital economic lifeline for many nations who strive to make American tourists feel secure during their visits.

UK Inflation DEFIES Predictions, STAYS at 67%: What’s Next for the Economy?

18 October 2023 — The UK’s inflation rate held steady at 6.7% in September, flying in the face of economists’ predictions for a slight decrease. The Office for National Statistics highlighted that while food and drink prices dipped, they were counterbalanced by an uptick in fuel costs.

This persistent inflation rate is more than triple the Bank of England’s target of 2%. Despite this, it is not expected that the bank will hike interest rates during its November policy meeting. Instead, it seems set to keep its main borrowing rate at a peak not seen in 15 years — a hefty 5.25%.

James Smith from the Resolution Foundation think tank offered his perspective on this economic puzzle: “For now, progress on reducing inflation has hit a roadblock.” He anticipates a significant drop to below 5% next month as energy prices are projected to fall for most consumers.

In response to price surges triggered by pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — both factors contributing heavily to increased food and energy costs — the Bank of England has been steadily cranking up interest rates from near zero levels.