Iowa is Rubio Country

[MR DARK BRANDON]

Great TL!

[Edgeofnight]

Did this tl lose two pages or am I crazy?

[OBD]

Did this tl lose two pages or am I crazy?

[Lord Admirale]

Did this tl lose two pages or am I crazy?

You’re crazy

[crowd boos]

[UWS]

Great TL!

Thanks!

[2016]

When is the next Update?

[2016]

When is the next Update?

The TL has been cancelled.

Who cancelled it? You? You ain't a Mod and not allowed to.

[crowd laughs]

Too bad you cancelled it. I was a nice and well-written TL. UWS has had put in a lot of hard work.

[UWS]

Don't worry, the next update is coming. I was just so very busy these days.

[UWS]

ARIZONA SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN (aged 84) PASSES AWAY AT HIS HOME IN PHOENIX, AZ  AFTER A LONG BATTLE WITH TERMINAL ILLNESS

CNN PUBLISHES SOME ARCHIEVED PICTURES OF SENATOR MCCAIN

Wolf Blitzer

It's 1pm in Washington, 9am in Los Angeles and 6pm in London here on Thursday April 1st. From whereever you watching around the world thanks for joining us here for "Wolf". I come to you with this BREAKING NEWS BULLETIN: CNN has just learned that Arizona Senator John McCain, aged 84 has lost his battle with terminal illness a short while ago at his home in Phoenix, Arizona in the presence of his family. Senator McCain ran for President twice in 2000 and 2008 and was the Republican Presidential Nominee in the 2008 Presidential Election. McCain was last seen at the 2020 Republican National Convention in Las Vegas last July as he praised President Rubio's foreign policy leadership that reinforced America's national security throughout his presidency. Since then Senator McCain hasn't been in Congress or on the Senate Floor. Lets get some Reactions from the White House from our Chief White House Correspondent Michelle Kosinski...

Michelle Kosinski

Good Afternoon Wolf. Obviously a very sad moment for the White House and the entire US Congress. White House Press Secretary Alex Conant has just put out this Statement:

"The White House is very saddened to hear that Senator John McCain has passed away after a long battle with terminal illness. Senator McCain was a true leader, fighting across the aisle for the common good to keep America First. He was well respected and beloved among his Senate Collegues. America has lost an older Statesman. The White House extends its deepest condolences to the entire McCain Family and his closest friends in this very difficult time"

We know that President Rubio and Senator John McCain are very close friends. When then newly inaugurated Senator Rubio assumed his Senate Duties in 2011 he very often looked up to McCain as did the current Senate GOP Leaders Gardner & Cotton when they assumed Office in 2015. McCain always took a strong stand when came to Foreign Policy. His expertise on that topic will be sorely missed. Back to you Wolf...

Wolf Blitzer

Let's discuss this Breaking Development with our Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash. Dana, you covered Senator McCains 2008 Presidential Bid. Your thoughts...

Dana Bash

Senator McCain was a True War Hero, a True Leader but also a very kind and unique Person. He didn't shy away to do what he thought was right for America which at times would put him a odds with his own Party. He always put Country before Party and not every Senator can say that. He had his own way of doing things especially on a Campaign Trail or in the Senate when it came to Foreign Policy Subjects. He will be very missed by his Senate Collegues. It wouldn't surprise me if President Rubio comes out soon and makes a State as well as the Congressional Leadership...

Wolf Blitzer

This is a Developing Story and we will have more Reactions as soon as we get them...

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
April 2021, Part 2

April 16 :

-President Rubio gave a statement in reaction to John McCain's death, making a tribute to his military service, to his political career and to his maverick reputation. He honoured McCain's memory and praised his courage and patriotism as well as his determination to put country first. He offered condolences to the McCain family.

April 17 :

-Following John McCain's death, Arizona Governor appoints McCain's wife Cindy to fulfill her husband's senate seat until a senatorial special election will be held in Arizona next November along with the gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey.

April 19 :

-The House of Representatives votes 378-57 for the Protection Act that is later signed into law by President Rubio, thus sanctioning Iranian steel as well as steel exportations to Iran in order to hinder the construction of Iranian warships and to further undermine their naval power and to derail Iran's attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz.

April 21 :

-John McCain's funeral took place at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. President Rubio as well as his predecessors attend the funeral, giving a tribute to the Arizona Senator's courageous service that marked America forever.


April 22 :

-The remains of the U.S. soldiers killed during the Korean War are returned to U.S. soil. During a press conference at the White House, Vice-President Haley declared that this marks « a new season of hope for the families of our missing fallen ». During that same press conference, President Rubio honours the courage, patriotism and memory of the « heroes who gave their lives in defense of democracy, justice and freedom. » He also thanked Kim Jong-un for keeping his word and declares that this action by North Korea encourages a series of fulfilled promises such as North Korea's denuclearization and the restoration of peace in the Korean peninsula.


April 23 :
-The construction of the Trans-South pipeline officially starts.

April 24-25 :

-Partly due to the increasing international sanctions against Tehran, Iran is now in recession, thus further undermining its attempts to develop nuclear weapons, causing protests around the country. The protesters consider the Iranian government as responsible the mess Iran is now living as their actions are causing the sanctions that are hurting Iran's economy.

-President Rubio calls on the Iranian government to come back to reason, to listen to the concerns of the Iranian people and to stop its military nuclear program and to use its nuclear energy for civil and economic purposes in order to counter the Iranian recession.

April 26 :

-In reaction to the situation in Iran, James Baker, who was Secretary of State at the end of the Cold War in the first Bush Administration, gave a testimony in a Senate hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. While answering questions and praising the Rubio Administration's actions such as the sanctions and its efforts to sign the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, he declared that the recession Iran is now living as well as the international sanctions against Tehran that are diminishing Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons and to sponsor terrorism could lead the Iranian people to bring a more pacific political party to power as the next Iranian presidential elections are approaching and to back down on its military nuclear program just like the Soviet Union's economic downturn and America's increasing military superiority over the Soviets at the end of the 1980s contributed to the USSR's nuclear disarment and to the end of the Cold War.

April 27-28 :

-A U.S. drone from Niger Air Base 201 (the U.S. drone base in Agadez, Niger) located spotted Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, leader of ISIS in the Greater Sahara in an underground base in the Aïr Mountains. President Rubio orders the local U.S. Special Forces to launch a military operation there in order to kill or capture Sahrawi. The French, Algerian and Nigerien armed forces join their forces to the Americans' in this operation. During the operation, through their drones and the military offensive led by their ground troops, the Coalition succeeds to take the terrorist base and killed 87 jihadists, including Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, and captured 12 other who surrendered while losing 9 soldiers during the battle.


April 30 :

-The Sohae Satellite Launching Station, one of North Korea's nuclear test facilities, is dismantled. President Rubio called these news another step closer in the reinforcement of global peace and in the restoration of nuclear security around the world.

[Don Vito Corleone]

What was it that gave you the initial idea to start this TL?

[Cold War Liberal]

When is the next Update?

The TL has been cancelled.

Who cancelled it? You? You ain't a Mod and not allowed to.

[crowd laughs]

Too bad you cancelled it. I was a nice and well-written TL. UWS has had put in a lot of hard work.

[crowd boos]

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
May 2021, Part 1

May 1 :
-In the context of North Korea's denuclearization, Pyongyang also engages to stop sponsoring terrorism.

May 3 :

-Michigan Senator John James introduces a bill that would allow Albania to join NATO. The Senate will vote on that bill on May 11 and the House on May 18.

May 4 :

-The U.S. Air Forces bombed a mosque controlled by ISIS in Baghuz, killing 29 jihadists.

May 5 :

-During a press conference at the White House, President Rubio declares that the effects of the international sanctions imposed to Iran will help Iranian voters in their electoral choice ahead of the upcoming presidential election in Iran and convince them to chose a pro-freedom and pro-democracy candidate that will act in the common national security interests of both America and Iran.

May 6 :
-Vice-President Haley holds a fundraising event for Texas Republican congressional candidates in Dallas, Texas in order to help prepare their arsenal for the 2022 midterm elections.

May 8 :
-A new jobs report indicates that 219 000 new jobs were created in the United States in April.

May 11 :
-The Senate votes 94-3 for the ascension of Albania as new NATO member.

May 13 :

-Colorado Senator Darryl Glenn and Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley introduce the Fissile Cut-Off Ratification Act that would advance the U.S. efforts to join the proposed Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty for the sake of nuclear security ahead of the NATO summit in New York scheduled for June.

May 15 :

-President Rubio hosts German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House where they discussed national security issues such as counter-terrorism, Russia, Iran and North Korea. The German Chancellor declares her support to President Rubio's efforts to get the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty ratified and that Germany will sign it for the sake of international security, stability and peace.

[UWS]

BALANCED BUDGET TALKS START IN WASHINGTON

Jake Tapper

It 4pm ET in Washington, 1pm in Los Angeles and 9pm/10pm in London & Berlin. Whereever you watching from around the world thanks for joining us here for the "Lead". The big Story at this Hour is that the "Balanced Budget Talks" have started here in the Nations Capital. For more on that we go to our Congressional Correspondent Sunlen Serfaty. Sunlen, what do you have for us?



Sunlen Serfaty

Good Afternoon Jake. As of this Morning the Talks between Congressional Leaders and President Rubios OMB Director have started. The so called "Task Force" is headed by Tennessee Senator Bill Haslem and Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey Jr. Speaker Paul Ryan has already put a comment out praising the choices of Haslem & Casey by his Senate Collegues. Republicans have enough Votes to pass any Amendment through the House & Senate but Republican Senate Majority Leader Cory Gardner already said "We are not going to pass something that isn't broadly supported by both Parties" and Senate Minority Leader Schumer is echoing that Statement. This shouldn't come as a big surprise if you look at the recent big Legislations that came through Congress over the year such like RubioCare or the Opportunity Act. Back to you Jake.

Jake Tapper

Let's discuss this with our Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger and our Senior Political Analyst & former Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta. Jim, you covered the Obama Administration from 2013 to 2017 as well as the Rubio Administration from 2017 until January of this year and there seem such a incredible contrast between these two Admistrations.



Jim Acosta

There is Jake. President Obama had a really strained Relationship with Congressional Leaders right from the GET-GO especially former Speaker Boehner and former Senate Minority then Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. President Rubio has taken a different approach dealing with Congress getting as much input from Democrats as from his own Party and that seems to be working.



Gloria Borger

What the Rubio Administration has accomplished throughout the last four years is nothing short of remarkable. Sometimes you ask yourself: What took this Town here so long to get their Act together? I'm expecting the Balanced Budget to get passed with broad support from Republicans and Democrats alike. It probably will get passed through the Senate first.

Jake Tapper

Stay with CNN for continous Coverage throughout the Afternoon.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
May 2021, Part 2

May 15 :
-The Senate votes 98-2 for Dan Sullivan's bill to authorize Albania to join NATO.

May 17 :

-In these times of election campaign in Iran, of growing tensions with the United States, of political protests and of recession, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, 82, is reported to be suffering a stomach cancer.

May 18 :

-The House of Representatives votes 426-7 for approving Albania's ascension as new NATO member. The bill is later signed into law by President Rubio, thus clearing the way for Albania's NATO membership.

May 19 :

-Secretary of Homeland Security Rudy Giuliani declares during a press conference at the White House that the U.S. are planning drone sales to Thailand in order to help them to secure Thailand's southern borders with Malaysia (where Abu Sayyaf is very active) to stop any potential Abu Sayyaf's attempts of expansion in Thailand.

May 20 :

-President Rubio hosts Senators Bill Haslam and Bob Casey Jr. at the Oval Office whom he discussed the development of their bilateral legislation of a balanced budget amendment.

May 22 :

-Near Abu Kamal, Syria, coalition military forces conducted a strike consisting of one engagement against ISIS targets, destroying an ISIS command-and-control center.

May 23 :
-The Senate unanimously approves the Fissile Cut-Off Ratification Act that would officially approve the United States' membership in the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. The bill has yet to pass the House of Representatives on May 30.

May 24 :

-Secretary of State Lindsey Graham meets with Thai Minister of Foreign Relations Don Pramudwinai to reinforce the U.S.-Thailand relations as well as their defense ties to combat Abu Sayyaf in the South China Sea area.

May 26 :

-Mahmoud Sadeghi, candidate for the presidency of Iran who is calling for a civil nuclear program based on Iran's economic needs (rather than for military purposes), is reported to be leading in the polls with 54 % of the voting intentions over Gholamreza Mesbahi-Moghadam's 33 %.

May 27 :

-Thailand and the Philippines pledge closer counter-terror ties as their governments agreed to move swiftly to exchange information and intelligence in an effort to fight the jihadist organization of Abu Sayyaf.

May 28 :

-Born on May 28 1971, President Rubio, his family and his cabinet celebrate his 50th birthday. The President and his family celebrate his birthday party in Tampa, Florida where Britney Spears seized the occasion to sing "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" and where the Beatles' song "Birthday" is played.

May 30 :

-The House of Representatives votes 431-4 for the Fissile Material Cut-off Act that is later signed into law by President Rubio, thus approving the United States' membership in the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty to prohibit the further production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices.

May 31 :

-During a rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, President Rubio praised the Congress' decision to pass the Fissile Material Cut-off Act, which, as he declared, « will finally lead the world to permanent global nuclear security and ensure the prevention of World War III. »

[UWS]

Jake Tapper

It's 9am in Washington, 6am in Los Angeles, 3pm in Berlin and 2pm in London. I'm Jake Tapper. Thanks for joining us for CNN State of the Union this Morning. As the Talks for Balanced Buget Amendment nearing a conclusion we have conducted a National Poll to gather Opinion of the Rubio Administration, the Leaders in Congress, Opinions of Political Parties and Hot Button Issues facing the Nation. Let's go over to our Chief Political Analyst John King to give us the Numbers and then I'll discuss with our Political Panel.

John King

Jake, it's safe to say the Country is in a pretty good mood this year. Take a look a these Numbers...

Do you think the Country is on the Right Track or Wrong Track?

Right Track 58%
Wrong Track 40%
Unsure 2%

Do you Approve or Disapprove how Congress is doing its Job?

Approve 57%
Disapprove 42%
Unsure 1%

Do you Approve or Disapprove how President Rubio is doing his Job?

Approve 63%
Disapprove 30%
Unsure 3%

Do you have a Favorable or Unfavorable view of the Republican Party

Favorable 58%
Unfavorable 42%

Do you have a Favorable or Unfavorable view of the Democratic Party

Favorable 53%
Unfavorable 47%

Are you worried about Economic Conditions?

YES 21%
NO 78%
Unsure 1%

Do you Support or Oppose the 2017 Federal Health Care Law passed by Congress more commonly known as RubioCare?

Support 57%
Oppose 43%
Unsure 1%

Do you Support or Oppose the 2017 Opportunity Act passed by Congress more commonly known as Immigration Reform Bill?

Support 66%
Oppose 33%
Unsure 1%

Would you Support or Oppose a Balanced Budget Amendment passed by Congress to pay down the Nations National Depth?

Support 58%
Oppose 42%
Unsure 1%

Do you have a Favorable/Unfavorable View of the following Leaders [NAMES ROTATED]?

President Marco Rubio 72/28
Vice-President Nikki Haley 68/32
House Speaker Paul Ryan 58/42
Senate Majority Leader Cory Gardner 60/40
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries 56/44
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer 55/44

What's quite striking Jake if you look at the Right/Wrong Track Numbers as well as the Congressional Job Approval Ratings and compare it to our CNN Exit Poll of the 2014 MidTerms and the 2016 Presidential Election. On Election Day 2014 31% said the Country was going into the Right Direction while 65% said. Only 21% Approved how Congress was handling its Job while a whopping 78% Disapproved. In our 2016 CNN Exit Poll 33% said the Country was going in the Right Direction and 62% said it was going in the Wrong Direction. These Numbers have really come up in the last 5 years.

Jake Tapper

Thanks John. Joining me here in the Studio are David Axelrod, Democratic Analyst and former Obama Senior Advisor; Kirsten Powers, Democratic Strategist and former Clinton White House Press Secretary; Ana Navarro, Republican Strategist and Rick Santorum, Republican Analyst and former Pennsylvania Senator. Let me start with the obvious looking at these Numbers: What has changed in this Town?

David Axelrod

I think it's the Economy Jake. We're living in very prosperous times, the Unemployment Rate is down below 3 Percent. That makes handling Congressional Business much more easier for the President. That being said we should not forget that President Obama inherited the worst Economic Conditions in our lifetime in 2008 and without his drastic measures their wouldn't be Growth at all. Did we have a slow Recovery like the President said numerous times? Absolutely, but we could have had close no recovery at all. Is President Rubio and we as a Nation doing great now? Absolutely! But we do need to keep things in perspective.

Kirsten Powers

Let's not forget though David that President Obama was blocked at every Opportunity by Speaker Boehner/Ryan and Senate Leader McConnell in Congress. They all had a really ominous Relationship with each other. That seems to be no more since the Rubio Presidency!

Ana Navarro

I think the first sign we saw that Rubio could potentially work with Democrats was the "Gang of 8 Legislation" attempting to reform our Immigration System. At that time Rubio felt it was necessary. He took huge blame for backtracking when it became apparent that it wouldn't pass the House maily from Republicans during the 2016 Election Season especially from Donald Trump and now Attorney General Ted Cruz. But this was the first sign Rubio/Schumer could work together.

Rick Santorum

That's a pretty good example Ana gave right there. I though think President Rubio has really made a concerted effort to bring both Political Parties together. If you look at all the Legislation that got passed through Congress it was all done in a big bipartisan manner. No wonder these Laws are so popular now.

Jake Tapper

All right. We're going into a Commercial Break right now. When we come back we'll looking at the Congressional Ballot as well taking a sneak peak at the 2024 Nominations.

CNN COMMERCIAL BREAK

Jake Tapper

And we're back from our Break. Let's look ahead to the Congressional Race next as well as a peak who might run for President in 2024. John, back to you.

If your Congressional Election would be held today would you support the Republican Candidate or the Democratic Candidate?

Republican Candidate 48%
Democratic Candidate 48%
Unsure 4%

If your Primary or Caucus for the Republican Nomination would be held today whom would you support [NAMES ROTATED]?

Vice President Nikki Haley 34 %
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker 13%
Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse 10%
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton 8%
Ohio Governor Mary Taylor 7%
New Mexico Senator Susana Martinez 5%
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu 5%
Unsure 18%

If your Primary or Caucus for the Democratic Nomination would be held today whom would you support [NAMES ROTATED]?

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker 26%
California Senator Kamala Harris 23%
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards 13%
Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy 13%
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf 12%
Unsure 13%

John King

As you can see on the Generic Congressional Ballot the two Parties are tied. Keep in mind though that this is basically only a House Poll. In the Senate I expect Democrats to do better next year with so many Republican Seats up for the Reelection. As far as the Nomination for 2024 is concerned Vice President Haley would start with an Advantage among Republicans. Among Democrats it's a total Jump Ball.

Jake Tapper

Thanks John. That's it for today. See you next Sunday because if it's Sunday its "CNN State of the Union".

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
June 2021, Part 1

June 1 :

-President Rubio hosts Irish President Michael D. Higgins at the White House where they hold a bilateral press conference during which they evoked the importance of their countries' trade ties, the fight for the defense of human rights around the world and counter-terrorism. Higgins praised President Rubio's efforts to advance global peace through his recent nuclear security policies that resulted to North Korea's current denuclearization and that are about to lead to the ratification of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty.

June 2 :

-Mahmoud Sadeghi, the leader of the newly created Reformist Party of Iran, has won the Iranian presidential election with 60 % of the vote over Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's (leader of the Combatant Clergy Association) 40 %, thus increasing the likelyhood of pacification of the Iranian nuclear program as Sadeghi is calling to.

June 3 :

-In reaction to Sadeghi's election in Iran, President Rubio called the results a sign of opening to Iran's denuclearization and to the Iranian nuclear program's pacification, describing these potentials as great news for global peace.

June 7 :

-The Algerian troops in Niger recaptured an oil well controlled by ISIS in the Tenere Desert. During the offensive, 81 jihadists and 8 Algerian soldiers were killed. The coalition's victory further deprived ISIS of its sources of supply.

June 8 :
-President Rubio and the First Lady travel to Manchester, United Kingdom ahead of the 47th G7 summit there.

June 9-10 :

-President Rubio and his G7 allies meet each other at the 47th G7 summit in Manchester where they declared that thanks to Iran's military denuclearization and to the upcoming pacification of the Iranian nuclear program due to the election of Mahmoud Sadeghi, it will soon be possible to normalize the international economic relations with Iran. They unanimously agreed to make sure that the nuclear energy around the world will be used for economic development instead of military purposes. They also agreed to keep promoting free trade in order to keep the international auto industry healthy just like President Rubio's free trade policies helped the United States to reclaim their status as the number one auto producer in the world in the last four years.

June 13 :

-Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer introduces a bill aimed at approving a drone sales to Thailand in order to help Bangkok to secure Thailand's southern borders to derail any potential Abu Sayyaf's attempts of expansion in Thailand and also to hand this country all the necessary arsenal to make a great contribution in the fight against this terrorist organization in the South East China area.

[UWS]

NATO SUMMIT NEW YORK JUNE 18TH 2021

Brooke Baldwin

I'm Brooke Baldwin at the CNN NEWSROOM. I'm now toss it over to my collegue Wolf Blitzer & the CNN Foreign Affairs Team who are in New York as we cover the NATO SUMMIT OF 2021. Wolf...

Wolf Blitzer

Thank You Brooke. Welcome to our Viewers in the US and around the World. I'm Wolf Blitzer in New York as we cover this Historic Day not only for the United States but also for the World. For Decades the US has sought to denuclearize the World especially Countries like North Korea & Iran and through diplomacy, sanctions as well as an Historic Meeting with President Rubio and North Korea's Leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore we're very close to archieving that. I'm joined here by our Chief White House Correspondent Michelle Kosinski, former Chief White House Correspondent & now a CNN Political Analyst Jim Acosta, former Obama State Department Official Jen Psaki and our CNN Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Christiane Amanpour. Let me start with you Michelle: This is big, isn't it?

Chief White House Correspondent Michelle Kosinski

It is Wolf. The signing and the ratifying of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty will ensure and prohibit Countries from using Fissile Material to built Nuclear Weapons. In fact with this Treaty the United States & their Allies will make sure that we will be soon living in a NUCLEAR-FREE World. That's an incredible Milestone. We're not there just yet because of Iran but we're getting very close to it. I was there in Singapore when President Rubio and North Korean President Kim Jong-un met in Singapore which was quite a historic moment even for Journalists tbh. Just 5 short years ago it was a fools errand that a US President and the Leader of North Korea would meet in person. Look where we are now! We've to thank the People's Republic of China and their President to put pressure on Kim Jong-un and the North Korean Government. Without China we wouldn't be where we are now.

Jen Psaki, former Obama State Department Official

Michelle is right. China was the big puzzle piece to get us here. That's actually the problem we at the Obama Admistration had. We were never able to get China along. The effort was there though. I think Wolf moderated a Democratic Presidential Debate in 2008 between Senators Obama and Clinton and then Senator Obama said he would be willing to meet the Leader of North Korea but he also said he would have to look at the conditions as well so you can't say that we didn't try. At that time the devide between Democrats and Republicans when it came to National Security though was pretty wide. I think we have to credit President Rubio & his National Security Team for bridging that gap on National Security between the two Political Parties. There were a lot of close-door Meetings when it came to that Topic during his Presidency.

Jim Acosta, CNN Political Analyst & CNN Chief White House Correspondent 2013-2020

Jen is spot on. The Fissile Cut-Off Ratification Act was co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Republican Senator Darryl Glenn of Colorado and they had talks with the National Security Team numerous times. It was then approved by the entire Congress. I have to say we have really come a long way here.

Wolf Blitzer

How does the World view what's about to happen here in New York, Christiane?

Christiane Amanpour, CNN Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent

Wolf, you just have look by how many Nations will sign this Treaty and how many Presidents tried to ensure a nuclear-free World and failed. Full credit to President Rubio and his National Security Team. Think about this: It's quite likely that by the end of the Rubio Presidency we will live in a nuclear-free world and that's an Historic Accomplishment.

Wolf Blitzer

That's it from us today. Be sure to check in the Situation Room tonight.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
June 2021, Part 2

June 15 :

-Newly elected Iranian president Mahmoud Sadeghi declares that he is opened to holding a summit on Iran's nuclear arsenal with President Rubio.

June 17 :

-Ibrahim al Asiri, the Al Qaida bomb master behind the 2009 attempt to blow up an airliner over Detroit on Christmas Day is killed by a U.S. drone near the Yemen-Saudi Arabia borders.

June 18-19 :

-President Rubio and his NATO allies meet each other in New York City for the 32nd NATO summit. During the summit, President Rubio declared that while the 20th anniversary of 9/11 is approaching, the counter-terrorism efforts given in the last four years ensured that the sacrifice of the troops who fought and died in defense of freedom, democracy, justice, security and peace is not in vain. As radical Islamic terrorism is defeated in Afghanistan and as the War in Afghanistan is won by the United States and their allies last year, the NATO allies agreed to proceed the withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2021, which will, as President Rubio declared, allow the NATO troops to focus all of their attention on Syria, thus ensuring their success there by accelerating their victory against ISIS in Syria through staying on offense against terrorists and through military strength. President Rubio and his allies ratified the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, thus prohibiting the further production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices in an effort to ensure the denuclearization of North Korea and Iran and to reinforce nuclear security as well as global peace.


June 20 :

-During a speech on nuclear security at the Nevada Test Site, President Rubio praised the success of the recent NATO summit and the ratification of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, calling it a great day for international peace and stability.

June 22 :
-The Contribution Act introduced by Senator Deb Fischer that would approve drone sales to Thailand to combat Abu Sayyaf passes the Senate with a 80-18 vote. It has yet to pass the House of Representatives on June 29.

June 24-25 :
-Alaska Governor announced plans to open the Gulf of Alaska to offshore drilling. Next day, the Rubio Administration affirms its support to this project.

June 27 :

-In the context of the 2021 gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, Republican Virginia Lieutenant Governor Jill Vogel won the GOP gubernatorial primary with 46 % of the vote over State Senator Mark Obenshain's 34 % and former Congressman Randy Forbes' 20 %. Meanwhile, Justin Fairfax won the Democratic primary with 57 % of the vote over Attorney General Mark Herring's 43 %. In New Jersey, businessman Bob Hugin won the Republican gubernatorial primary with 47 % of the vote over Minority Leader of the New Jersey General Assembly Jon Bramnick's 36 % and Evesham Township Mayor Randy Brown's 17 % and will face Governor Phil Murphy on November.


June 29 :

-The House of Representatives votes 362-73 for te Contribution Act that is later signed into law by President Rubio, thus approving U.S. drone sales to Thailand in an effort to fight Abu Sayyaf in Malaysia and the Philippines.

June 30 :

-President Rubio campaigns for Republican gubernatorial nominee Jill Vogel in Richmond, Virginia where he calls on local voters to cast their vote for Vogel for the sake of the continuation of prosperity through tax reform, small government, fiscal responsibility and energy independence.

[Politician]

Can we see the polling for the VA and NJ gubernatorial races?

[UWS]

BREAKING NEWS

Senator Richard Burr (R, North Carolina) will not seek Re-Election in 2022.


Reps Ed Royce, Darrell Issa and Dana Rohrabacher (All Republicans from California) won't seek Re-Election in next years MidTerm Elections.


Brooke Baldwin

It's 2pm here in New York Monday July 5th 2021. I'm Brooke Baldwin in the CNN NEWS ROOM. We just received some BREAKING NEWS out of the US Congress so let's go straight to our Senior Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash. Dana, what do you have?

Dana Bash

Good Afternoon from Washington. In the last half year ever since President Rubio won a 2nd Term as President there was intense Speculation that North Carolina Senator Richard Burr (R, 65), Chairman of Senate Intelligence Committee wouldn't seek Re-Election in 2022. Burr made a pledge in 2016 that his current Term would be his last. Burr got elected to the House as part of Republican Wave in 1994 where he served for 5 Terms before running for the United States Senate in 2004 when Senator John Edwards decided to retire. Shortly before 2pm Burrs Senate Office confirmed that he would not be on the Ballot next year. This is the 1st Republican Senate Retirement in the Rubio Presidency in a Semi-Competitive State. It's also the first time since 2004 that North Carolina will have an Open Senate Seat. White House Press Secretary Alex Conant a short while ago put out a Statement thanking Senator Burr for his Service to the Country and the people of North Carolina.

We've also learned that a trio of Republican House Members from the State of California, Rep. Ed Royce, Rep. Darrell Issa and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher won't seek Re-Election next year. Royce & Issa are nearing their 70ties and Rep. Rohrabacher would be 74 on Election Day 2022. All 3 citing wanting to spent more time with their Families as the reason they retired. Nonetheless these 3 Seats will be tough to hold for Republicans next year when both, Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Kamala Harris running for Re-Election. That being said Republicans currently own 278-157 Majority in the House. With the Virginia & New Jersey Governor Primaries having concluded over a week ago we've some new Polls how the respective Nominees in both Parties match up for the General Election. For that I will toss it over to my collegues Wolf Blitzer and John King in our Washington Studio. Wolf, take it from here.

Wolf Blitzer

Welcome to our Viewers in the US and around the World. I'm Wolf Blitzer in our Washington Studio. We've some new Polls for the Virginia and New Jersey General Election as well as a Poll for the Arizona Senate Special Election. Let's go over to our Senior National Political Analyst John King who is at the "Magic Wall"...

John King

Thanks Wolf. The Numbers in Virginia are looking very interesting. This is from the Quinnipiac University Poll released this Morning. We have an African American running on the Democratic Side, Justin Fairfax and a Woman running on the Republican Side, Lieutnant Governor Jill Vogel. They faced off in the 2017 Lt. Governor Race and Vogel beat Fairfax 53-47.

Virginia General Election

Justin Fairfax 48%

Lieutnant Governor Jill Vogel 44 %

Unsure 8 %

Fairfax is bouyed by a huge lead in Northern Virginia as well as the Richmond & Norfolk Areas. Vogel is doing better among Women than a typical Republican Candidate does. That's why this Race is so tight. Fairfax could become the first African American Governor in Virginia since Douglas Wilder while Jill Vogel could become the first Woman who occupies the Statehouse in Richmond. CNN has classified the Virginia Governor Race as TOSS UP. Whoever thought VA has shifted back to the Red Column may have to think twice.

New Jersey General Election

Governor Phil Murphy 50%

Businessman Bob Hugin 39 %

Unsure 11 %

In New Jersey Governor Murphy has a 56-44 JA Rating which makes life very difficult for the Republican Nominee Bob Hugin. As you may know President Rubio carried the State in last years Presidential Election but Democrats telling me that was because of the dissatisfaction of Senator Sanders who attacked Cory Booker relentlessly. They also pointed out that Booker won Re-Election.

Arizona Senate Special Election

Republican Primary

Rep. Martha McSally 42 %

Attorney General Mark Brnovich 35 %

Former Rep. Ben Quayle 13 %

Unsure 10 %

Democratic Primary

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords 47 %

Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano 23 %

House Minority Leader Chad Campbell 23 %

Unsure 7 %

The Primary Elections for the Arizona Senate Special Election is August 24th 2021.

As you can here the two Candidates who served in Congress are leading their respective Primaries. CNN is planning to poll Arizona with our own Poll at the beginning of August. Back to you Wolf.

Wolf Blitzer
Let's all discuss this with our Political Panel. Joining me here in the Studio are CNN's Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger, Democratic Strategist and former Clinton White House Press Secretary Kirsten Powers and Republican Strategist Ana Navarro. First to you Ana, what do you make of these Republican Retirements particularly Senator Burr's?

Ana Navarro

I think it's unanvoidable that Republicans will have some Retirements during 2022 MidTerm Election Cycle. People getting older and do not want to spent their entire life in Congress. The 3 Republican House Retirements probably hurt us more than Senator Burr's Retirement because President Rubio isn't on the Ballot and the Top of the Democratic Ticket in California with Governor Newsom & Senator Harris is very strong. I'm glad that it seems we have still a fighting chance holding the Virginia Governorship although it will be very close. The year after the a President gets elected to a 2nd Term is always very difficult.

I'm reinforcing what I said shortly after President Rubios Reelection. Show me a Senate Map where Democrats can pick up 10 Seats because that is what they need to do to break the Republican Flilibuster-proof Majority. I think Rep. Martha McSally is a good Candidate and will win the Primary & General Election. Due to her military service, she has an advantage on foreign policy issues and could use the efforts given by the Rubio Administration such as the recent ratification of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty as an asset.

Kirsten Powers

To be honest Wolf I'm quite surprised that Former Rep. Kyrsten Sinema did not run again. I think she would be a stronger Candidate compared to the 3 who are running right now. I know she lost to Senator Jeff Flake 3 years ago but this is a Special Election where everything can happen. I'm very excited about Justin Fairfax running in Virginia. He is a likeable, young African American. Probably the best Candidate we could have put forward. If we can't win there with that kind of Candidate it will be very hard for us. As far as the now Republican Open Senate Seat in North Carolina is concerned Sources telling me the 2016 Nominee Deborah Ross might try again. There will likely be more Retirements

Gloria Borger

We should mention that Senator Burr is the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee so he was and still is a Major Player when it comes to the Presidents National Security Efforts. And I think Kirsten is right. The Senator who we might have to look now for a potential Retirement is Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.

Wolf Blitzer

Allright. That's from us here in Washington. Back to Brooke Baldwin in New York. We'll see you tonight in the "Situation Room".

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
July 2021, Part 1

July 1 :
-President Rubio campaigns for Bob Hugin in Newark, New Jersey where he praises his business experience and his military service, which are qualifications showing his understanding of the concerns of everyday New Jerseyans.

July 3 :

-ISIS attempted a suicide car bomb attack in Adana, Turkey to punish this country for its involvement in the fight against ISIS in Syria, but fortunately, the police of Adana arrested the two perpetrators thanks to shared information by Turkey's secret services.

July 4 :

-President Rubio and his family celebrate Independence Day through barbecues with guests at the White House.

July 7 :

-The regime of Kim Jong-un announces the start of the dismantling of the Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground in the context of Pyongyang's denuclearization.

July 8 :

-President Rubio declares that North Korea's recent move to dismantle the Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground is a sign of the effectiveness of the ratification of the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty.

July 10 :
-A new jobs report indicates that 198 000 new jobs were created in the United States in June.

July 12 :

-President Rubio hosts Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko at the White House where they discussed issues such as economy, energy, human rights, counter-terrorism and Russia. During ther joint press conference, Proshenko declares that he hopes that the recent ratification of the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty will force Russia to respect its nuclear disarmament engagements.

July 14 :

-The Algerian Air Forces launched airstrikes on an ISIS base located near Lake Chad, killing 64 terrorists.

[UWS]

CNN SPECIAL COVERAGE

MOON TO MARS

Wolf Blitzer

Welcome to CNN's Special Coverage "MOON TO MARS". In 2011 then President Obama cancelled the "CONSTELLATION PROGRAMM" which would have enabled Humans to fly back to the Moon and beyond. During the 2016 Presidential Campaign then-Candidate Marco Rubio made a promise to the American People that America would go back to the Moon and beyond. Thanks to the hard-working people at NASA and to the SPACE ACT introduced by Florida Senator Carlos Lopez-Cantera which was unanimously approved by Congress the United States of America is getting ever closer to that goal being the Leader in Space Exploration once again. Let's head down to Cape Canaveral, Florida where NASA Admistrator Eric Stallmer is set to make a Statement....

NASA ADMINISTRATOR

Eric Stallmer (2017-present)

Distinguished Guests, Members of the Media, Members of Congress and former Senators of the great State of Florida: I'm deeply humbled to stand before you today to announce that America will once again become the Leader in Human Space Exploration. Through the hard work here at NASA over the last 5 years our "Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle ORION" will fly its 1st Unmanned Space Flight to the Moon later this year. When President Rubio picked me to head NASA at the beginning of 2017 I made a promise to him that America would sent Humans to the Moon and beyond by the end of his Presidency. It's with great humbleness and delight I can say we're getting ever closer to that goal. ORION will fly faster and further any human has flown over a 3-week Mission later this year. Our Target Launch Date is November or December 2021 for EM-1 and November/December 2023 for our 1st manned Space Flight on ORION called EM-2

Exploration Mission-1

Target Launch Date: November/December 2021

Wolf Blitzer
Lets discuss these amazing Developments with 3 Special Guests:
Ret. United States Navy Captain and former NASA Astronaut Scott Altman
Altman is a veteran of four Space Shuttle Missions and commanded Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2009 for the Final Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission.
Ret. United State Air Force Colonel and former NASA Astronaut Eileen Collins
Collins is a veteran of four Space Shuttle Missions and was the first Female Commander to command a Mission. She commanded Space Shuttle Discovery, NASA's first Shuttle Flight after the Columbia Tragedy.
Ret. United States Navy Captain and former NASA Astronaut & Husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Mark Kelly
Kelly is also a veteran of four Space Shuttle Missions. He commanded Space Shuttle Endeavour Final Mission.
What do you make of these new Developements?

Scott Altman

This is a BIG Deal Wolf. We weren't sure if we ever get to that Point because of Buget Shortcomings. We can't thank President Rubio & US Congress enough to make Human Space Exploration a Top Priority once again. EM-1 is basically an unmanned Test Flight to the Moon and beyond and it will be very interesting to see what Information NASA can gather during that Mission.

Eileen Collins

It will be very exciting as well. Even for us 3 sitting here it's a completely new world. We only used to know Saturn IV Rockets or the Space Shuttle Programm but the new SLS Vehicle NASA has created will launch ORION a lot faster than we thought it would.

Mark Kelly

The most important thing is that everything runs smoothly. NASA has put in a lot of hard work to get us where we are now. Of Course Human Space Flights are always a bit risky. I'm definitly going to be glued what's happening in November/December this year.

Wolf Blitzer
Allright, with that I'm toss it back over to Brooke Baldwin in the CNN NEWSROOM.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
July 2021, Part 2

July 15 :

-President Rubio has instructed the Pentagon to establish a “space force” as the sixth branch of the American military, citing the need to pay more attention to space security. He underlines the importance of the threat posed to America's national security by the development of antisatellite weaponry from Russia and China that could pose a threat to American satellites since GPS satellites help to guide aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf, drones in the skies above Yemen and fighter jets over Syria.

July 17 :

-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announces that Japan will sign the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty at the United Nations.

July 18 :
-President Rubio campaigns for Republican nominee for New Jersey Governor Bob Hugin.

July 20 :

-Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei passed away due to his stomach cancer. Political analysts argue that Khamenei's death might encourage Iran's denuclearization as well as a potential normalization of the relations between the United States.

July 21 :

-During a press conference at the Pentagon, Vice-President Haley promoted the proposed Space Force in comments to unveil a few more details President Rubio’s plan to create another military force, this one for outer space, and for it to be in operation by 2023. She declared that space “is becoming a contested war-fighting domain, and we have to adapt to that reality.”

July 24 :

-North Dakota Senator John Hoeven introduces a bill aimes at opening the Gulf of Alaska to offshore drilling.

July 26-27 :

-An Iranian special delegation agreed to hold a summit between Iran and the United States on Iran's nuclear program. Next day, President Rubio praised Iranian President Mahmoud Sadeghi's wisdom and called this decision a major step towards a non-nuclear Iran and to global peace. The date and the location of the summit remain to be determined.

July 29 :

-The Algerian-Nigerien armed forces led a military operation in a mine occupied and controlled by ISIS in the Tillabéri Region. In fact, ISIS was attempting to get revenues from the exploitation of mining to finance its terrorist activities, a plan derailed by the allied military operation. During its successful offensive, the Coalition lost 11 soldiers while they killed 42 jihadists while capturing 10 other.

July 30 :

-During a rally in Grand Junction, Colorado, President Rubio gives a speech calling on the Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment, arguing that a part of budget surpluses will be invested into the development of new military technologies, thus further reinforcing America's military power and facilitating and accelerating America's path to victory in the War on Terror.

[UWS]

CNN SITUATION ROOM (with Wolf Blitzer)

Wolf Blitzer
It's 5pm. Welcome to our Viewers in the US and around the World. I'm Wolf Blitzer and you are in the "Situation Room".

CNN PLAYS THE SITUATION ROOM INTRO

We've some interesting BREAKING NEWS from the WH so let's go straight to our Chief White House Correspondent Michelle Kosinski. Michelle, what do you have?


Michelle Kosinski
Good Afternoon Wolf. CNN has just learned that UN Ambassador Daniel Ray Coats, now aged 78 will RESIGN effective October 1st. Ambassador Coats put in a Resignation Letter this Morning and a short while ago President Rubio has accepted his Resignation. He praised Coats for his Service to the Country and called him instrumental in getting North Korea to abandon their Nuclear Programm as well as soon archieving a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. At this Point we don't know who will be replacing Coats. The Senate has just started its annual August Recess. There is a possibility that President Rubio might do an Recess Appointment but Aides telling me that they would be surprised if the President goes down that Road. They do expect the President to nominate a Replacement in advance when the Senate comes back at the end of August so that the Confirmation Hearings can start immediatedly. Republicans own a 69-31 Senate Majority so whoever is nominated shouldn't have a Problem getting confirmed.
Meanwhile the Balanced Budget Amendment is in the Conference when the Senate started their Recess so Congress in general have a lot of work to do when they come back. Back to you Wolf.

Wolf Blitzer
Thanks Michelle. Let's discuss this Development with our Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger and former CNN Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta. Are you surprised about this and who do you think is going to replace Coats?

Jim Acosta, former CNN Chief White House Correspondent
Wolf, I'm not really surprised about it. If you look at President Rubio's National Security Team there was always a possibility that Coats might not serve out Rubio's 2nd Term as UN Ambassador. In fact, Sources telling me Coats wanted to resign in January but the President asked him to stay until the "Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty" was signed at the NATO SUMMIT in June. That makes sense to me. As far as who might replace Coats I've no idea at the moment but I'm sure there will be names surfacing in the coming Days.

Gloria Borger, CNN Chief Political Analyst
Ambassador Coats has had a wealth of experience so it's not a Shocker President Rubio wanted him to stay until the Treaty was signed. Coats along with Secretary of State Graham was the most intrusmental person to put pressure on North Korea to abandon their Nuclear Programm.

Wolf Blitzer
Allright. Stay with CNN for more News from around the World now.