THREAD: labors power play bidens sharp...

DEMOCRATS’ SHUTDOWN Gamble: Will They Risk It All?

13 March 2025 — Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warns that the 60 votes needed to pass the funding bill aren’t secured. He suggests a one-month extension with current spending levels for bipartisan talks. This move aims to strengthen Democrats’ position against President Trump but risks making them seem ineffective.

The threat of a government shutdown, which would furlough federal workers and disrupt critical operations, adds pressure on Democrats. Schumer’s strategy could either unify his party or gamble that Republicans will face backlash if a shutdown occurs.

Democrats refuse to back what they call a partisan Republican funding bill, intensifying Senate tensions amid ongoing tariff discussions under Trump’s administration. With only 52 Republican votes, failing to reach 60 could lead to a significant political showdown as both parties brace for potential fallout from their strategies.

COALITION’S Lunch Plan Stirs Fiery Debate Over Small Business Future

04 February 2025 — The COALITION’s proposal to offer tax deductions for business lunches has sparked a heated debate. Treasurer Jim Chalmers criticized the plan, noting that 25,000 new firms are created monthly. He suggests this shows strong small-business growth despite economic hurdles. The Coalition argues their plan supports hospitality and highlights 27,000 insolvencies since Labor took office.

Westpac is boosting its business banking by investing $10 million in Lawpath to provide legal services to customers. This move aims to increase Westpac’s market share by offering a year-long subscription for legal documents and registration services. It reflects Westpac’s strategy of providing non-banking perks to attract small business clients.

The federal government claims Peter Dutton’s tax deduction plan for business lunches could cost taxpayers $1.6 billion annually if fully used by eligible businesses. This measure targets small businesses with turnovers up to $10 million and would be exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax for two years. Critics argue it shifts costs onto workers while aiming to cut red tape under a potential Dutton-Coalition Government.

TRUMP STRIKES Back: DEI Initiatives Face Shocking Cuts

23 January 2025 — The TRUMP administration has taken a bold step against federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) offices. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that employees in these offices will be placed on paid administrative leave immediately. This move aligns with President Trump’s broader agenda to reshape federal policies and reduce what he sees as politically motivated initiatives.

In another major development, the Pentagon is deploying 1,500 active-duty troops to secure the US-Mexico border. This action underscores the administration’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration and boosting national security. The deployment marks a significant shift in immigration policy after Trump’s election victory, signaling a tougher approach to border control.

Meanwhile, President Trump signed his first piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration — the Laken Riley Act. Named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant, this law highlights the administration’s focus on tightening immigration laws and ensuring public safety. The act received bipartisan support in Congress, showing changing political dynamics around immigration issues.

Additionally, far-right leaders Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes have spoken out after receiving clemency from Trump for their roles in the January 6 riot. They expressed hopes that Trump would seek retribution for their prosecutions, adding another layer of controversy to his early days back in office as he sets an

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.

HOLLYWOOD’S Secret Political Agenda: Julia Roberts Backs Kamala Harris

29 October 2024 — Julia Roberts stars in a new ad urging voters to support Kamala Harris, despite her Trump-supporting husband’s objections. The ad hints at secrecy in voting, with Roberts saying, “Remember, what happens in the booth stays in the booth.” This fits with Roberts’ active role in political events backing Democratic candidates.

Roberts attended a Hollywood fundraiser for Joe Biden where attendees like George Clooney raised concerns about Biden’s cognitive health. It’s unclear if Roberts noticed or ignored these issues during the event. Her involvement shows Hollywood’s sway over political narratives and their effect on public views.

In a chat with Oprah Winfrey and Kamala Harris, Roberts accidentally admitted that foreign opinions on U.S. leadership are negative under Biden and Harris. She noted that international friends express worry over America’s current state, hinting at global doubts about U.S. governance.

Roberts continues her advocacy by campaigning for Kamala Harris alongside Stacey Abrams in Georgia, even though polls show Donald Trump leading Harris by four points according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. This suggests a tough road for Democrats as they face strong Republican challenges before upcoming elections.

HISPANIC Voters TURN to Trump: Discontent with Biden’s Policies

23 October 2024 — A recent poll from The New York Times shows 35% of Hispanic voters feel Donald Trump’s policies helped them, compared to just 22% for President Biden. This suggests a preference for Trump’s approach over the current administration. The data raises questions about President Biden’s absence from campaign trails alongside Vice President Harris.

Munoz emphasized growth and improvement in key economic areas under Vice President Harris’s vision, claiming it resonates with Latino voters. However, he acknowledged the challenge of effectively reaching these communities through traditional polling methods. Munoz argued that Latino voters seek candidates who promise change rather than maintaining the status quo associated with Trump.

Burman highlighted that only 20% of Hispanic voters rate the economy as excellent or good, while 80% describe it as fair or poor — indicating dissatisfaction with current economic conditions. Despite this, Munoz remained optimistic about influencing voter perception in the remaining days before elections. He stressed focusing on ground-level engagement over relying solely on polling numbers to sway opinions among Hispanic constituents.

HARRIS FACES Backlash: Losing Catholic Voters Could Be Her Downfall

19 October 2024 — Vice President Kamala Harris is under fire for alienating Catholic voters. Alex Marlow argues that her recent actions are not only ineffective but also harmful to her political standing.

Marlow claims that Harris’s attempts to mock Catholics have backfired, costing her a key group of voters that President Biden once secured. He points to her Senate behavior, especially during Brett Kavanaugh’s hearings, as proof of her ongoing struggles.

In contrast, Marlow commends former President Trump for his strong public presence despite political disagreements. He suggests Harris’s strategies are failing while Trump’s appeal remains strong among conservatives.

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.

Harris’s SHIFTING Fracking Stance ALARMS Conservatives

10 September 2024 — Co-host John Roberts aired a clip of Bernie Sanders saying Kamala Harris is being pragmatic to win the election, despite her past views. Roberts then questioned if Harris would revert to opposing fracking if elected.

Philippe Reines responded by suggesting that Sanders’ comments reflect Harris’s current stance on fracking, even though she previously opposed it. He emphasized that candidates often change their positions based on electoral needs and context.

Reines believes Harris is aligning with President Biden’s record to gain support from undecided voters. He expressed confidence in this strategy as a winning approach for the election.

HARRIS ENTERS 2024 Race: National Security Fears Rise

24 July 2024 — Kamala Harris has entered the race for the White House following President Biden’s announcement that he will not seek re-election. This sudden shift has raised alarms among national security experts who worry that adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran may exploit the “chaos” to their advantage.

These nations have shown little outward reaction to Biden’s withdrawal, but concerns remain high about potential changes in U.S. force posture abroad. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Moscow was “not very surprised” by Biden’s decision and emphasized Russia’s focus on its military operations in Ukraine.

With four months until the elections, much can change, making it crucial for America to stay vigilant and monitor developments closely. The Democratic Party now faces the challenge of building a strong platform against Republican candidate Donald Trump amid these geopolitical tensions.

LABOUR PARTY’S Economic Plan Under Fire: Will It Really Work?

22 July 2024 — Britain’s new Treasury chief, Rachel Reeves, vows to run the economy with “iron discipline.” She hinted at above-inflation pay raises for public sector workers to end ongoing strikes.

The Labour Party, elected two weeks ago, faces pressure to increase salaries and welfare without raising taxes or public borrowing. Reeves criticized the previous Conservative government for high taxes and debt.

Labour won a landslide victory on promises of economic growth, housebuilding, green energy projects, and improved public services. The electorate seeks relief from high living costs and past economic mismanagement.

Inflation has dropped to 2%, but strikes by hospital doctors strain the National Health Service. Other public-sector workers like nurses and teachers have also demanded higher pay through walkouts over the past year.

WELCH SLAMS Biden’S RE-Election: "Disastrous" Debate Performance Raises RED Flags

11 July 2024 — Vermont Senator Peter Welch expressed concerns about President Biden’s re-election campaign in a Washington Post op-ed. While praising Biden’s past achievements, Welch highlighted worries about his recent debate performance. “We cannot unsee President Biden’s disastrous debate performance,” Welch wrote.

Welch noted that Biden appeared to freeze and struggled with his closing statement during the June 27 debate. He argued that these issues raise valid questions about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump in November. “The stakes could not be higher,” he added.

Despite understanding Biden’s desire to run again, Welch urged him to reassess his candidacy. “He saved us from Donald Trump once and wants to do it again,” Welch stated, but concluded, "In my view, he is not the best candidate.

LABOUR PARTY’S Landslide WIN Ends Conservative Rule In UK

05 July 2024 — Britain’s new prime minister, Keir Starmer, has pledged to reverse the despair that accumulated over 14 years of Conservative rule. He promises an urgent mission of national renewal after Labour’s landslide victory.

The challenges are significant. Rising poverty, crumbling infrastructure, a lagging economy, and an overstretched National Health Service have led to widespread dissatisfaction. The defeat marks the worst ever for Conservatives in the UK.

Labour will now form the next government amid calls for immediate action to address these pressing issues. Follow AP’s live coverage of the election for more updates on this historic shift in British politics.

BIDEN’S Naps Spark Fears About Fitness For Presidency

03 July 2024 — In a recent interview, host Abby Phillip questioned President Biden’s fitness, citing reports of his need for naps during debate prep. Phillip asked if these accommodations should concern Americans about his ability to serve another term.

Senator Butler deflected the question, focusing on broader issues like democracy and economic growth. She argued that Biden’s need for schedule adjustments shouldn’t overshadow his accomplishments in office.

Phillip pressed further, emphasizing the 24/7 nature of the presidency and expressing alarm over Biden’s nap requirements. Butler responded by listing Biden’s legislative achievements, suggesting that his work speaks louder than his need for rest during debate preparation.

UK-US SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP Faces Turbulence With Trump And Labour

18 May 2024 — Polls indicate Donald Trump may return to the White House, while the Labour Party is projected to take power in the UK. This potential shift could strain the “special relationship” between the two nations.

Labour leaders are softening their stance on Trump, recognizing the need for cooperation with Washington. However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan is pushing for open criticism of Trump, labeling him a “racist,” “sexist,” and "homophobe.

Khan insists that maintaining a special relationship means calling out such views. Despite his city’s crime issues and recent re-election, Khan remains vocal against another Trump presidency. He argues against welcoming Trump with state honors and claims many Republicans share his concerns about Trump’s return.

LABOUR PARTY’S NEW Promises: Empty Words or Real Change?

16 May 2024 — Labour Party leader Keir Starmer announced key pledges to win over voters in the upcoming U.K. election. His promises focus on economic stability, security, health, and education. Labour aims to regain power after 14 years in opposition.

Starmer’s six promises include restoring economic stability amid high inflation and mortgage rates, establishing a publicly owned green-energy company, and toughening border controls. Labour also plans to cut NHS waiting times, recruit more police officers, and hire thousands of new teachers.

Funding for these initiatives will come from measures like a windfall tax on oil and gas companies and ending tax breaks for private schools. At an event in Essex, Starmer called these pledges “our down-payment on change” that would take a decade to implement.

Since taking over from Jeremy Corbyn in 2020, Starmer has moved Labour toward the political center ground by supporting military aid to Ukraine and committing to balancing the books while addressing antisemitism within the party under Corbyn’s leadership.

HARRIS and BIDEN Storm South Carolina: A Cunning Strategy for 2024 Victory?

07 January 2024 — Today, Vice President Kamala Harris is making waves in South Carolina. She’s the keynote speaker at the annual retreat of the Women’s Missionary Society of the Seventh District African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Harris plans to commemorate the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots during her address. In a parallel move, President Joe Biden will be speaking at Mother Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina on Monday — a place marked by a devastating racially-motivated mass shooting in 2015.

South Carolina has been a Republican stronghold, with Donald Trump securing victory in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

The strategic visits by Biden and Harris hint at an ambitious attempt to sway this traditionally conservative state ahead of their potential run in the upcoming 2024 election.

TRUMP’S Troubled Past: Biden’s Team Shifts Focus Ahead of 2024 Showdown

02 January 2024 — President Joe Biden’s team is adjusting their strategy for the 2024 campaign. Instead of solely spotlighting the incumbent Democrat, they’re turning attention to former President Donald Trump’s contentious record. This move follows recent polls showing Trump leading Biden in seven swing states and gaining traction among younger voters.

Trump, despite grappling with multiple criminal and civil charges, continues to be a GOP favorite. The aim of Biden’s aides is to use his disputed record and legal allegations as a lens through which voters can view the potential consequences of another four-year term under Trump.

Currently, Trump faces four criminal indictments and is embroiled in a civil fraud lawsuit in New York. Regardless of these trials’ outcomes, he could still make a run for office even if convicted — unless legal contests or state ballot requirements prevent him from doing so. However, rather than dwelling on the outcome of Trump’s cases, Biden’s team plans to underscore what another term would mean for American citizens.

A senior campaign aide noted that while Trump may succeed in mobilizing his base with extreme rhetoric, their strategy will highlight how such extremism could negatively affect Americans. The focus will be on the potential adverse impact of another term under Trump rather than his personal legal battles.

BLACKBURN BLASTS Biden: The Deterrence Disaster and the Fight to Regain Trust

21 November 2023 — Senator Blackburn has recently taken President Biden to task over his approach to national security. She stressed the urgency of an “effective kinetic response” in order to restore deterrence, which she argues has been undermined during Biden’s tenure.

Blackburn highlighted that discontent within the Pentagon stems from the poorly executed withdrawal from Afghanistan. This incident sparked widespread skepticism towards the Biden administration among military ranks.

She further contended that even when faced with alternative strategies, President Biden stubbornly stuck with his flawed plan. He then hailed it as a success, contradicting the military’s evaluation.

In Blackburn’s view, restoring deterrence and executing an effective kinetic response are vital steps towards regaining credibility and trust within our nation’s defense department.

BIDEN-XI Summit: A Bold Leap or a Blunder in US-China Diplomacy?

16 November 2023 — President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have committed to keeping direct lines of communication open. This decision follows their lengthy four-hour discussion at the 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco. The leaders unveiled an initial agreement aimed at halting the influx of fentanyl precursors into the U.S. They also plan to restore military communications, which were cut off after China’s disagreement with the Pentagon following Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022.

Despite rising tensions, Biden made efforts during Wednesday’s meeting to strengthen U.S.-China relations. He also vowed to persistently challenge Xi on human rights issues, arguing that frank discussions are “critical” for successful diplomacy.

Biden voiced positivity about his rapport with Xi, a relationship that began during their vice-presidential terms. However, uncertainty looms as a congressional investigation into COVID-19 origins threatens US-China relations.

It is unclear whether this renewed dialogue will result in substantial progress or further complications.