Iowa is Rubio Country

[UWS]

Interesting.

Thanks

[UWS]

NASA BRIEFING & PRESS CONFERENCE

Thursday 8th June 2023

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas

NASA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Jen Rae Wang (2017-present)

Distinguished Guests, Members of the Media, welcome to our 3rd NASA Briefing & Press Conference at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. My Name Jen Rae Wang and I'm the Communications Director of NASA. Today marks another huge milestone for our upcoming Exploration-2 or Artemis 2 Mission which will sent the first Women to the Moons Surface. It also marks a little bit of History in the 65-years of this Agency. Today I can report that for the first time ever a Woman will be in charge of all the Launch Activities at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida including the Launch itself and we're all very proud of that. So, without any further Delay let me introduce the Members of the Artemis 2 Mission Management Team:

• Head of Mission Management LeRoy E. Cain,
  Mr. Cain is a Mission Management Veteran. He was the Deputy Manager for the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) from 2008 until it's completion. Mr. Cain was also the Chairman of the Mission Management for all the Space Shuttle Missions. His Role within the Artemis-2 Mission is overseeing the entire Mission Management Team here in Houston as well as getting briefed on Activities at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
• Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson,
  Mrs Blackwell-Thompson will oversee all Pre-Launch Activities and the Launch of ORION, our Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle itself. She also will oversee the Launch of Atlas IV Heavy Rocket which will bring our Luna Surface Access Module ALTAIR into LEO. She will hold numerous Countdown Briefings at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Blackwell-Thompson is among NASA's 3 certified Launch Directors and was appointed to that Position in 2016.
• Eric A. Boe, Robert L. Behnken, Sunita L. Williams and Stephanie D. Wilson will serve as CAPCOM's or more commonly known Spacecraft Communicators. They will be in touch with the ORION Crew for the entire Duration it is in orbit. Boe, Behnken and Williams will also serve as Back Up if any unforseen Event happens for one of the Members of the original Crew. Four 6-Hour worshifts have been established once ORION clears the Launch Tower.

I would like to invite Mr. Cain, Head of our Mission Management Team to say a few words.

LeRoy E. Cain, Head of Mission Management for the Artemis 2 Mission

Distinguished Guests, Members of the Media and Members of NASA: Before I will give you a little bit of the Details how the Mission will be conducted until we get to the Launch Date I'd like to thank Administrator Stallmer and the President Rubio for reviving America's Space Exploration and putting the their trust in us to conduct this Mission. Preperations for the Artemis 2 Mission began in Late 2017 with a tentative Launch Date for the fall of 2023 all while we prepared the Artemis 1 Mission for 2021 (an uncrewed Flight around the Moon) which we launched & completed successfully. As you can imagine because we're launching our Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle ORION on an entire new System, the SLS (Space Launch System) it was going back to basics for us. The biggest challenge of the SLS is its "Core Stage" which is almost twice as large as the Saturn IV Rocket were NASA launched the Apollo Program in the 1960's. Because of it's size it had to go through several tests over a two-year Period, then dismantled and be shipped to Kennedy from the Michoud, Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. We now expect the SLS and ORION to arrive from Louisiana on June 20th. That will be followed by the Arrival of our Luna Access Surface Module ALTAIR on July 10th. On July 15th we are planning to start the 10-week Assembly Period where ORION will be mated with the SLS and ALTAIR will be mated with the Delta IV Heavy Rocket. We will give periodic updates throughout the next few months on the progress that is being made. Thank You!

Thank You Mr. Cain! I'll opening it up to Question. Please present your Media Outlet!

Journalist 1 (CNN)

Question to Mrs Blackwell-Thompson: First, Congratulations to your Appointment. Do you feel a certain amount of pressure being the first Woman in charge of such a historic Event & Launch?

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA Launch Director

Thank You! Well, to be honest with you there is pressure to all of us sitting here getting the Launch of Artemis 2 done smoothly. We're very confident in our Team down at Kennedy. These people have prepared Launches for years. The successful Launch of Artemis 1 a couple of years ago also eased some uncertainties and that's excatly why we did this uncrewed Fight Test to get a grip on these Launches.

Journalist 2 (ABC)

Question for the CAPCOM's sitting here? What are Qualities in this Job?

Eric A. Boe, former Space Shuttle Pilot & Back Up Pilot for Artemis 2

Thank You for your Question: I think giving quality Information to the Crew while they are in Orbit is the most important thing. That doesn't mean you tell them everything. Sometimes less Information can be much better especially when some unforseen things pop up and you don't have immediate clarity how it will be resolved. We're also in constant communication with the Mission Control Team in Houston. Often, during the Space Shuttle Program I was sitting right behind the Ascent or Descent Flight Director and we were consistently chatting about how things are going. There needs to be consistent, transparent communications loop open to the Crew.

Journalist 3 (CBS)

Question to Mr. Cain: What are the biggest challenges between NOW and November?

LeRoy E. Cain, Head of the Artemis 2 Mission Management Team

Thank You for the Question! There are actually two big challenges before we launch in November. One is the Assembly Period which we have control over, preparing everything in the best way and ability we can. The second big challenge is obviously the Weather and that we absolutely cannot control this far out. Monther Nature can throw a lot of curveballs at you. I was sitting numerous times in the Mission Control Room and we're being told we can launch because of rain, wind, thick clouds whatever so that's what we have to account for and there are back up plans in place now.

NASA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Jen Rae Wang

That will wrap up our Briefing & Press Conference for today. Our next official Press Conference is slated for the 5th of October but as Mr Cain & Mrs Blackwell-Thompson said we will give periodic updates on the Progress that is being made.

Target Launch Date: 15th November 2023

Target Launch Time: 12.57pm ET

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
June 2023, Part 2

June 16, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Terry%20McAuliffe&title=Special%3ASearch&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Terry_McAuliffe_(33013487652).jpg
-Noting that how crucial the south may be for the 2024 Democratic primary contest (due to huge population of African-American voters) and might be a 3-way race between Kamala Harris, John Bel Edwards and Terry McCauliffe, the former Virginia Governor took aim at Edwards during a rally in Charleston, South Carolina on his opposition to stricter gun control laws which, as McCauliffe declared, « would have prevented mass shootings like the one that occured in Charleston in 2015 and killed 9 African-Americans because of Dylan Roof's madness and belief in white supremacism. »

June 18, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Saadeddine+Othmani+&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Saad-Eddine_Al-Othmani.jpg
-President Rubio hosts Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani at the White House where they discussed issues such as economic ties between their 2 countries, energy, human rights and counter-terrorism. During their joint press conference, they announced that Morocco is now ready to join the proposed US-Africa Free Trade Agreement as America's status as the land of opportunity represents a great opportunity and will allow Morocco to fulfill its energy needs (as forecasts indicate that energy requirements in Morocco will rise 6% per year until 2050) thanks to an increase of exports of US energy.

June 19, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?sort=relevance&search=us+capitol&title=Special:Search&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:U.S._Capitol_-_March_28,_2016_(25666928564).jpg
-Following the recognition of the Chukchi Plateau as part of the United States' exclusive economic zone in the Arctic by delineating the border between the U.S. EEZ and Russia's at the Herald Island, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo introduces the American Energy Act that would open the Chuckchi Plateau to oil drilling in order to exploit the Plateau's oil, natural gas and manganese. The Senate vote is scheduled for July 1 and should the bill pass the senate it will have to be legislated at the House of Representatives on July 12.

June 21, 2023

Source(s) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukYq4f3MUGA; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8VaZCnWHK0
-The 2024 Republican presidential contenders meet each other for their first primary debate at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. Throughout the debate, the candidates praised President Rubio's leadership that provided strong job creation thanks to tax reform, small government, free enterprise, energy independence and free trade and made America much safer than ever before thanks to a strong military, strong alliances and strong American leadership, which is leading America to victory in the War on Terror. When asked about what a good deal with Iran would look like, they noted the example of North Korea that normalized its relations with the United States and denuclearized, which is what Iran is doing, and ratified the Nuclear Peace & Security Treaty last spring. They answered that a good deal with Iran would be what the President suggested a few weeks ago, which is to place all civil nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and, in exchange, the United States would agree to work toward full civil nuclear cooperation with Iran and to increase trade exchanges of nuclear energy. In an effort to supplant Tom Cotton as the main opposition to Vice-President Haley in this race, Charlie Baker attacked the Arkansas Senator for being the only candidate on this stage who has no executive experience (though Ben Sasse is also a Senator but has been President of Midland University) unlike Baker who was Governor of Massachusetts, which is an executive office. In response, Cotton reminded Baker that even Marco Rubio had no executive experience when he first ran in 2016 and yet he went on to win the 2016 election and to be elected President of the United States twice and he managed to get this country to where it is today (strong economic prosperity through free enterprise and tax reform, defense of America's constitutional rights through the nomination of conservative judges and strong national security through strong and modernized military) and takes on the occasion that the choice in this clash is between someone who has been a conservative for a long time or someone who as Governor approved stricter gun control laws as well as abortion and supported Merrick Garland's SCOTUS nomination in 2016. Nikki Haley described herself as the best candidate to pursue the progress of the last eight years as President Rubio's VP, enlisting the accomplishments of the Rubio Administration such as strongest economy in modern history, strong progress against ISIS and denuclearization of North Korea and Iran as well as his record of bi-partisanship that brought this country together and moved this country forward.

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=250&offset=0&profile=default&search=nikki+haley&advancedSearch-current={}&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Nikki_Haley_Emily_Farr,_LLR_Director_(28749295862).jpg

June 22, 2023

Own creation
-Increasing inflation in Russia after the increase of international sanctions against Russia on international crises like in Ukraine and the rest of Eastern Europe as well as the territorial dispute with Japan in the Kuril Islands triggered increased civilian protests across Russia against Vladimir Putin's regime. There were hundreds of arrests in Moscow and St. Petersburg and one killed by the authorities.

June 23, 2023

Source : https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home
-In reaction to the civilian protests in Russia, which the international media increasingly started calling the « Russian Spring », President Rubio holds a press conference in the White House in which he declares that the civilian protesters in Russia will have the full support of the U.S. for the sake of the restoration of democracy, freedom, peace and security.

June 26, 2023

Source : https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2084158/leaders-discuss-nuclear-modernization-hypersonics-development/
-Following a meeting with admirals and commanders at the Pentagon, President Rubio holds a press conference there in which he announced that in order to respond to Russia's and China's heavy investment in intercontinental ballistic missiles, the United States will invest nuclear triad of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and strategic bombers, as well as the nuclear command and control system for the sake of the development of new systems like the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent that is scheduled to enter in service in 2027 onward.

June 28, 2023

Own creation
-The Democratic presidential candidates meet each other for their first primary debate of the 2024 election cycle at the University of Georgia Campus in Athens, Georgia. When asked about the lessons from Bernie Sanders' landslide loss to President Rubio in 2020, the contenders answered that their party needs to be able to appeal among voters from both sides of the aisle and not scare-off independent voters. Senator Harris takes on the occasion to remind people of her record of bi-partisanship, including her working with Senator Jeff Flake on co-sponsoring the Opportunity Act of 2018 that reformed America's immigration system and granted access to citizenship for immigrants. Terry McCauliffe reiterated his attacks on John Bel Edwards on his opposition to gun control laws, which according to the former Virginia Governor, indicates Governor Edwards' « lack of judgement », declaring « we're not going to win the White House with someone who is adopting the same policies of President Rubio and Vice-President Haley. » In response, Edwards declares that McCauliffe forgot the lessons of the last presidential election and that the reason why their party lost that year was because Bernie Sanders brought the party too far to the left and so that there is a need to expand the Democrats' appeal to voters in order to win. Chris Kennedy, meanwhile, in an effort to appeal among African-American voters, which is key for wins in the South in a Democratic primary race, reminded people that they are here in Atlanta, the birth city of Martin Luther King, leader in the Civil Rights Movement, and that his uncle John F. Kennedy fought segregation during his presidency, which eventually led to the adoption of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and declares that he will pursue that fight in order to give everyone a fair chance in this society.

June 30, 2023

https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/miami-office-opening
-President Rubio campaigns for Republican nominee for Governor of Kentucky Daniel Cameron, praising his record as Kentucky Attorney General and touting the strong progress of the last seven years such as a strong economy through tax cuts, small government, energy independence and free trade and the defense of the Second Amendment and the life of the unborn, calling on Kentuckians to mobilize and elect Cameron the next Governor of Kentucky to keep moving Kentucky forward.

[UWS]

CNN

„SITUATION ROOM“

„Friday 7th of July 2023“

NEW CNN/ORC POLLS RELEASE...

GOP RACE: HALEY LEADS NATIONALLY AND IN SOUTH CAROLINA...TIED IN IOWA...SUNUNU LEADS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
DEM RACE: HARRIS LEADS NATIONALLY AND IN SOUTH CAROLINA...DEAD HEATS IN IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE

Wolf Blitzer, Chief Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“

It's 5pm in Washington, 2pm in Los Angeles, 10pm in London and 11pm in Berlin. From whereever you watching from thanks for joining CNN. I'm Wolf Blitzer and you are in the „SITUATION ROOM“

CNN PLAYS THE SITUATION ROOM INTRO

Over the past week after the first Presidential Debates concluded CNN in conjunction with Opinion Research Corporation have conducted extensive Polling in the „Race for the White House“ BOTH, Nationally and in the critical early States of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina to gauge if there is any movement amongst the Republican & Democratic Presidential Hopefuls. We also want to remind our Viewers that we are less than TWO WEEKS away from the 2nd Republican Presidential Primary Debate and less than THREE WEEKS away from the 2nd Democratic Presidential Primary Debate. Both Debates will be moderated by seasoned CNN Political Anchors and can be seen on CNN, CNN INTERNATIONAL, CNN ESPANOL and our Social Media Platforms. Alongside me here in the Studio to discuss the „State of the Race“ is our Chief Political Analyst Dana Bash, our Senior Political Analyst & Special Correspondent Cecilia Vega, CNN Correspondent Rebecca Berg (travelling extensivly with the Harris' Campaign), CNN Correspondent René Marsh (travelling extensivly with the Kennedy' Campaign), CNN Correspondent Sara Murray (travelling extensivly with the Haley' Campaign) and CNN Correspondent Jessica Schneider (travelling extensivly with the Cotton' Campaign)  Before we discuss I'll toss it to our own John King, Senior Election Analyst & Anchor of „INSIDE POLITICS“ for a Rundown on the Polls. John, what do you see in the new Numbers?

John King, Senior Election Analyst & Anchor „Inside Politics“

Well Wolf, we're definitly seeing some shifts in the Democratic Race while the Republican Race remained largely static at least from a National Stanpoint. I'll look first at the National Poll and then we will look into individual States Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

As you may know several Individuals running for the Presidency in 2024. Do you have a Favorable/Unfavorable View of the following Candidates [NAMES ROTATED]?

Vice-President Nikki Haley 63/30
Senate Majority Whip Tom Cotton 53/47
Governor Chris Sununu 60/40
Former Governor Charlie Baker 54/46
Former Governor Larry Hogan 57/43
Senator Ben Sasse 56/44
Senator Kamala D. Harris 66/34
Governor Chris Kennedy 58/42
Former Governor Terry McAuliffe 56/44
Senator Bob Casey 55/45
Governor John Bel Edwards 53/47
Entrepreneur Andrew M. Yang 53/47

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

Vice President Nikki Haley 30 %
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton 17 %
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu 16 %
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker 13 %
Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse 13 %
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan 5 %
Unsure 6 %

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

California Senator Kamala Harris 29 %
Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy 22 %
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards 15 %
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe 15 %
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey 13 %
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang 1 %
Unsure 5 %

IOWA

If the Iowa Caucuses for the Republican Nomination would be held today whom would you support [NAMES ROTATED]?

Vice President Nikki Haley 26 %
Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse 26 %
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton 21 %
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu 11 %
Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker 8 %
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan 4 %
Unsure 4 %

If the Iowa Caucuses for the Democratic Nomination would be held today whom would you support [NAMES ROTATED]?

Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy 26 %
California Senator Kamala Harris 24 %
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe 17 %
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey 15 %
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards 10 %
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang 3 %
Unsure 5 %

NEW HAMPSHIRE

If the New Hampshire Primary for the Republican Nomination would be held today whom would you support [NAMES ROTATED]?

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu 29 %
Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker 22 %
Vice President Nikki Haley 15 %
Former Maryland Larry Hogan 13 %
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton 9 %
Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse 8 %
Unsure 4 %

If the New Hampshire Primary for the Democratic Nomination would be held today whom would you support [NAMES ROTATED]?

California Senator Kamala Harris 25 %
Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy 23 %
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe 18 %
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey 14 %
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards 10 %
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang 3 %
Unsure 7 %

SOUTH CAROLINA

If the South Carolina Primary for the Republican Nomination would be held today whom would you support [NAMES ROTATED]?

Vice President Nikki Haley 41 %
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton 20 %
Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse 19 %
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu 6 %
Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker 5 %
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan 3 %
Unsure 5 %

If the South Carolina Primary for the Democratic Nomination would be held today whom would you support [NAMES ROTATED]?

California Senator Kamala Harris 40 %
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe 17 %
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards 15 %
Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy 13 %
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey 10 %
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang 1 %
Unsure 4 %

After having a solid Debate Performance last month Vice President Haley remains the Frontrunner among Republican Primary and Caucus-Goers Nationally. She leads the Field with 30 % of Voting Intentions followed by Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton at 17 %, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu at 16 %, former Governor Charlie Baker and Senator Ben Sasse at 13 % each and former Governor Larry Hogan at 5 %. The barbs traded by Governor Baker and Senator Cotton seems to have hurt both Candidates and the big beneficiary of that thus far is Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire. Haley and Sununu also have the highest Favorables in our new National Poll.
When it comes to individual States things do look as expected with Vice President Haley leading big in her Home State of South Carolina and Governor Sununu leading in his Home State of New Hampshire. The only caveat is Iowa where we see a 3-way Race between Haley, Cotton and Sasse. Surprisingly it's the Senator from Nebraska who is in 2nd Place. Sasse gets buoyed by strong conservative support in Iowas 4th Congressional District which also borders his Home State of Nebraska. It's where former Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz got a lot of support in the Iowa Caucuses in 2016.

When it comes to the Democratic Nomination Senator Harris has regained her National lead with Democratic Primary & Caucus-Goers. She leads the Field with 29 % of the voting intentions followed by Governor Chris Kennedy at 22 %. In 3rd Place we have former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe who is running even with Governor John Bel Edwards at 15 % followed by Senator Bob Casey at 13 %. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang who recently announced his Candidacy gets 1 %.
Senator Harris has had according to Political Handicappers the most polished Debate Performance last month and that is reflected not only nationally but also in the three early States of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Many were expecting Governor Kennedy to do very well in IA and NH but Senator Harris is running even with him. That is particular a little bit surprising in New Hampshire given that the "Kennedy Name" is very well known in that part of the Country.
When it comes to South Carolina Senator Harris a massive lead primarily by getting the support of almost 5 in 10 African-American Voters. Remember: The Democratic Primary Electorate in that State is almost 60 Percent AA Vote. If you look back to 2020 then Senator Cory Booker pulled in some very healthy margins in SC and during the entire South which almost won him the Nomination. African-Americans are the backbone of the Democratic Primaries so Governors Terry McAuliffe, John Bel Edwards and Chris Kennedy have a lot of work to do. Back to you Wolf!

Wolf Blitzer, Chief Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“

Thanks John. These are some fascinating Numbers particularly on the Democratic Race. But let's start with Republicans first. With me here to discuss is our Chief Political Analyst and Co-Moderator of the CNN Republican Presidential Debate on July 20 Dana Bash. Dana, the Republican Nomination thus far seems to be progressing as expected?

Dana Bash, Chief Political Analyst
(Co-moderating CNN Republican Debate July 20 with Jake Tapper)

In a way yes Wolf. You would be expecting that Governor Sununu would be leading his Home State and Vice President Haley hers. But lets remind ourselves that there is still a very long way to go until we reach Iowa and particularly Vice President Haley hasn't faced any real attacks coming her way. Jake and myself are prepared to ask all of the Republican Presidential Contenders some tough Questions during the Debate coming up in two weeks time unlike at the last Debate where Candidates were treating each other with gloves most of the time. Iowa itself is very interesting. You would have expecting Senator Tom Cotton running in 2nd Place and not Senator Ben Sasse but as John King was showing us Sasse is running very strongly in the western part of the State which has the most conservative base Vote. I still think the Republican Race could become quite votalite over the coming months. It's still about getting your Name out particularly if you are one of the moderate Governors Sununu, Baker and Hogan who ain't really well known beyond their Home States.

Wolf Blitzer, Chief Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“

Thanks Dana! Let's now look at the Democratic Race. With me is our Senior Political Analyst & Special Correspondent Cecilia Vega who also will Co-Moderate the CNN Democratic Presidential on July 27. Cecilia, this Race already has seen a couple of shifts and we have only July 2023!

Cecilia Vega, CNN Senior Political Analyst & Special Correspondent
(Co-moderating CNN Democratic Debate July 27 with Anderson Cooper)

That's right Wolf but to be perfectly honest with you I expected that. Governor Kennedys Support was very soft so it wouldn't be lasting very long and that's what happened after Senator Harris announced her own run. As John King mentioned she also had a very strong & Debate Performance last month so it isn't surprising that she has opened up a lead again nationally. That being said two of the early States are Toss-Ups so there is still a lot to play for. I find New Hampshire in particular very interesting. You would be expecting Governor Kennedy doing much better in that State compared to what he is doing now given that the late Senator Ted Kennedy hailed from neighboring Massachusetts and the late President John F. Kennedy was a Senator in Massachusetts as well before becoming President. You factor that in Governor Kennedy should be doing better there. Whoever emerges after the first two Contests though has a lot of work to do given how strongly Senator Harris is doing in South Carolina especially among African-American Voters. If she is winning 5 out of 10 AA Voters come SC Primary Day that's going to become a huge Problem for the rest of the Field in particular on Super Tuesday. Governors Kennedy, McAuliffe and Bel Edwards do have time to make up ground.

Wolf Blitzer, Chief Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“

Thank You Cecilia! We're now going into a short Commercial Break. When we come back our CNN Correspondents in the Field will weigh in. Stay tuned and don't go away.

CNN COMMERCIAL BREAK

Wolf Blitzer, Chief Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“

And we're back from our Commercial. I'm now joined by a slew of CNN Correspondents who are covering the Presidential Contenders: Sara Murray (who is covering the Campaign of Vice President Haley), Jessica Schneider (who is covering the Campaign of Senator Tom Cotton), Rebecca Berg (who is covering the Campaign of Democratic Frontrunner, Senator Kamala Harris) and René Marsh (who is covering the Campaign of Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy). Welcome to you all! We begin with Sara Murray. Sara, what's the State of the Haley' Campaign?

Sara Murray, CNN Correspondent covering the Haley' Campaign

The Campaign of Vice President Haley feels very good where they are standing right now for the upcoming Primary Season next year. Remember, VP Haley announced her Campaign for the Presidency only two Months ago. For her to be TIED in Iowa is very good News at this early Stage of the Race. Sources telling me that they still considering Tom Cotton as their Main Rival for the Nomination. Campaign Aides are already questioning the viability of the three Moderate Governors Sununu, Baker and Hogan beyond the Home States. A vast Majority of the Republican Delegates particularly on Super Tuesday are coming from the south and if South Carolina gives us an early indication Polling-wise Haley looks very strong there. Also, every State until March 19th is porportionally meaning VP Haley will get Delegates everywhere. The Campaign is preparing for the long haul which is I think a very smart thing to do.

Wolf Blitzer, Chief Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“

Thank You Sara! From the Vice President we go to the Cotton' Campaign. Jessica, what's mood inside the Campaign of the Arkansas Senator?

Jessica Schneider, CNN Correspondent covering the Cotton' Campaign

Well Wolf, the Campaign of the Arkansas Senator had a little bit of a rough time the last couple of weeks particularly so after that 1st Debate which didn't went as they expected. It is still though a long way to go and Campaign Sources telling me that they expect that the Race will be between Vice President Haley and Senator Cotton. Campaign Aides telling me that they building Organization in South particularly in the States bordering his Home State of Arkansas like Oklahoma, Tennessee and Alabama. There is no question that Senator Cotton has to reach out to the more moderate wing of the Republican Party and having Governors like Sununu, Baker, Hogan in the Race makes that tougher. They also point out that the previous Republican Nominations like 2008, 2012 and even 2016 and some wild swings back and forth before the eventual Nominee was decided.

Wolf Blitzer, Chief Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“

Let's take a look at the Democratic Contenders. How does the Harris' Campaign view things at this juncture, Rebecca?

Rebecca Berg, CNN Correspondent covering the Harris' Campaign

They are feeling very good where this Campaign is going Wolf. The most important thing I am hearing inside the Campaign is that they want to avoid a messed-up divided Democratic Party like it was in 2020. That is why you are seeing Senator Harris travelling around the Country calling for unity and highlighting her bipartisan credentials. They are pleased where they are sitting in Iowa & New Hampshire although it is expected that Senator Harris will have a tougher time as we get closer to the Vote. Both States are taylor-made for Governor Kennedy because they're both less diverse, predominatly white and older and this is a voting group where Kennedy looks strong. They of course will try to win them but more with a goal of meeting Expectations. If they come in a close 2nd in both States they will take that in a heartbeat. As we get closer to Super Tuesday with Nevada & South Carolina they feel very strong about those two States as well as Texas, California, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico with the ever exploding Hispanic Community and being one of the Architects to the Opportunity Act certainly helps. Campaign Aides also working inside Congress to coalese support around the California Senator. I'm told that one of the first big Endorsements could come from New Jersey Senator Sheila Oliver. She has been mulling endorsing the Campaign of Senator Harris for quite some time. Sources also pointing to me quote "You want to be the Democratic Nominee you have to reach out to the African-American Community and Kamala has certainly done that". They making a very good Point because Governor Kennedy has struggled with African-Americans thus far in the Polling.

Wolf Blitzer, Chief Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“

Finally, how does the Kennedy' Campaign view the State of Play

René Marsh, CNN Correspondent covering the Kennedy' Campaign

Well Wolf, the springboard for the Kennedy Campaign is Iowa & New Hampshire. If they win those two States they feel that they can challenge for the Nomination or at least make an argument for it. There is no question as Rebecca mentioned that Governor Kennedy has to reach out more to African-Americans and he plans to do that. What's really complicating their Campaign are Governors McAuliffe & Edwards. They think in a 1 & 1 Contest with Senator Harris they would look decent. The two Governors are competing for some of the same Voters Governor Kennedy is competing and that's one of the reasons why Iowa and New Hampshire are as close as they are now. Campaign Sources are also telling me that if they can keep the Delegate-lead of Senator Harris down after Super Tuesday where she is expected to do well they can make up some ground in States like WI, MI, IL, OH. Still every Campaign is in the very early stages and we should draw to too many conclusions.

Wolf Blitzer, Chief Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“

Thank You all for your Analysis & Insights. Be sure to stay with CNN throughout the weekend. I'll see you tomorrow same place, same time. „OUTFRONT“ with Erin Burnett starts right now.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Will there be more frequent updates now. This is one of my favorite TL's and am happy to see it back

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
July 2023, Part 1

July 1, 2023
-The Senate votes 63-37 for the American Energy Act. This bill has yet to pass the House of Representatives on July 12.

July 3, 2023

Source(s) : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_McMaster#/media/File:SC_Governor_Henry_McMaster_2019_(cropped).jpg; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Sanford#/media/File:Mark_Sanford,_Official_Portrait,_113th_Congress.jpg
-Vice-President Haley receives the endorsements from fellow South Carolinians, especially Senator Mark Sanford, Governor Henry McMaster and Rep. Van Hipp.

July 4, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=4th+of+july&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:July_4th_fireworks,_Washington,_D.C._(LOC).jpg
-President Rubio hosts military personnel and their families for a picnic and fireworks show at the White House as part of Independence Day celebrations.

July 6, 2023

Source(s) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Cornyn_official_senate_portrait.jpg; https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Tim%20Kaine&title=Special%3ASearch&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Tim_Kaine_116th_official_portrait.jpg
-In the context of the Russian Spring, Texas Senator John Cornyn and Virginia Senator Tim Kaine co-sponsored the Stand-Up Act that grant the United States' full support to Russian peaceful protesters. The Senate vote is set for July 15 and the House vote for July 22.

July 7, 2023

Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikki_Haley#/media/File:Nikki_Haley_official_photo.jpg
-Vice-President Haley's presidential campaign opens new national headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. This move is likely to help Haley to focus both on her presidential campaign and her vice-presidential duties by holding her campaign HQ close enough to Washington D.C.

July 9, 2023

Source : https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home
-In the context of the 2023 gubernatorial elections in November, President Rubio campaigns for Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves in Jackson, Mississippi, praising his social conservatism, advocacy of the Second Amendment, of the life of the unborn, of lower taxes and small government, which got Mississippi moving forward.

July 10, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=chris+sununu&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:20170901-OSEC-LSC-1304_(36826132556).jpg
-As the primary polls in New Hampshire indicate a competitive race between him and Charlie Baker in his own home state (where Chris Sununu is leading by just 7 over Baker of neighboring Massachusetts), Governor Sununu delivers efforts to increase his lead in the Granite State in order to ensure a win in the New Hampshire primary and avoid humiliation by losing New Hampshire to Baker. Sununu holds a rally in Nashua, New Hampshire where he touted his record as Governor of New Hampshire. especially his moderate faith and bi-partisanship, keeping New Hampshirites' taxes low, his efforts to develop renewable energies, his nomination of 27 New Hampshire 'opportunity zones' to receive federal tax breaks for low income areas, his support to the provision of state-funded "school choice vouchers to disadvantaged and low-income students" and his approval of a bill making it easier for medical facilities to be licensed to treat veterans. He takes on the occasion to call on the people of New Hampshire to vote for someone who actually fought for them.

July 12, 2023

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=250&offset=0&profile=default&search=offshore+oil+drilling&advancedSearch-current={}&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Development-driller-3.jpg; https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home
-The House of Representatives voted 249-180 for the American Energy Act that would open the Chuckchi Plateau to oil drilling in order to exploit the Plateau's oil, natural gas and manganese. The bill is later signed into law by President Rubio.

July 13-14, 2023

Own creation
-President Rubio arrives in Berlin, Germany where he meets with his NATO allies ahead of the 35th NATO summit. The NATO members praised President Rubio's leadership to ratify the Nuclear Peace and Security Treaty with North Korea last spring, which denuclearized North Korea through the ban of North Korean land-based ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and missile launchers and the use of nuclear energy only for the sake of economic development in exchange of supporting Pyongyang's access to WTO through the opening of the North Korean economy to the rest of the world. They expressed their support to the Russian peaceful protests in the Russian Spring for the sake of freedom and democracy. In order to counter Russia's and China's heavy investment in intercontinental ballistic missiles, all NATO members agreed to increase their invest in intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and strategic bombers.

July 15, 2023

Source : https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home
-The Senate unanimously voted in favor of the Stand-Up Act.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
July 2023, Part 2

July 16, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Kennedy+Space+Center&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Columbia.sts-1.01.jpg
-The SLS (Space Launch System) as well as ORION and ALTAIR have arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the Artemis-2 Mission Management Team announced that they are now starting the up to 12-week Assembly Period and that they now will start monitoring the Weather more closely with the Atlantic Hurricane Season approaching. Those news are praised by President Rubio who declared that America's road to reclaim its status as the leader in space exploration has started.

July 18, 2023
-In the context of the Russian Spring, Russian businessman Sergei Polonsky announced that he's seeking the presidency of Russia in 2024, running on an isolationist, peaceful and pro-democracy and pro-freedom agenda.

July 20, 2023

Own creation; https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/20170901-OSEC-LSC-1199_%2836617469320%29.jpg
-The Republican presidential candidates meet each other for their 2nd primary debate at the St. Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire. When asked what they would do to handle the Russian Spring, all the candidates expressed their support to the peaceful protesters for the sake of freedom, justice and democracy. Vice-President Haley takes on the occasion to tout her experience of having stood up, along with President Rubio, to Vladimir Putin's insanity through the Rubio Administration's provision of weapons and military training to Ukraine (which helped them to defeat the pro-Russian insurgency there and to reclaim Crimea), through its support to Japan in the Japan-Russia dispute when it came to sovereignty over the Kuril Islands and its effort to add Putin's Russia into the list of state-sponsors of terrorism (due to Russia's support to the pro-Russian insurgency in the War in Donbass, to their missile sales to the old Iranian regime after the Obama's nuclear deal with Iran and accusations to Russia alleging that they were arming the Taliban apparently in an effort to derail NATO in Afghanistan). In order to gain even more momentum over Charlie Baker in his home state of New Hampshire, Governor Sununu touts his record as Governor of New Hampshire, including cutting taxes, leading bold efforts for the development of renewable sources of energy and his effort to combat the Opioid crisis that hit mostly New England. Political analysts declared Sununu the winner of the debate.
 
July 21, 2023

Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Union#/media/File:Flag_of_the_African_Union.svg
-In the context of the talks for the adoption of a possible US-Africa free trade agreement, the African Union announces the setting of a vote on that issue somewhere in August. President Rubio calls on Congress to get ready for an eventual vote to approve such a deal should it be approved by the African Union, declaring that it will benefit both America's and Africa's economies thanks to a reduction of tariffs, to an increase of exports and imports and to the promotion of free enterprise.

July 22, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Marco+Rubio+RNC&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Marco_Rubio_2016_RNC.jpg
-The House of Representatives unanimously passes the Stand-Up Act that affirms the United States' full support to Russian protesters in the Russian Spring. The bill is signed into law by President Rubio who declares that as long as America leads, freedom will triumph.

July 24, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Bob%20Casey&title=Special%3ASearch&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Bob_Casey_Jr._official_photo_(cropped).jpg
-In an effort to appeal among New Hampshire's Independent voters, Bob Casey touts his bi-partisan record, noting his co-sponsorship of the Balanced Budget Amendment in 2022, which contributed to the strong economy that America is now living and, as the Pennsylvania Senator declared, « will deliver all the necessary surplus to invest in education, health care and infrastructure, which will be my priorities as President. »

July 26, 2023

Source : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQMoB4aUn04
-Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse introduces the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024. The bill notably includes investments nuclear triad of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and strategic bombers, as well as the nuclear command and control system as well as funds for the development of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent in order to effectively counter Russia's and China's heavy investment in intercontinental ballistic missiles.

July 27, 2023

Source(s) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m4wNgnU_XE; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frt81nmSbz8
-The Democratic candidates for President met each other for the 2nd Democratic primary debate in Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The candidates called for the promotion of green energy and all expressed their support to Russian protesters in Russian Spring.

July 28-31, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?sort=relevance&search=Texas+flag&title=Special:Search&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Flag_of_Texas.png
-In an effort to boost his campaign and noting that his best hope lies in the South, Tom Cotton spends a three-day tour across the state of Texas (one of the states voting on Super Tuesday), which neighbors his home state of Arkansas, holding rallies as well as fundraising events in the Lone Star State (as he sorely needs campaign funds in order to be able to compete in such an expansive race in Texas) and touting his pro-life, pro-gun and tax reform faith. However Nikki Haley also holds a rally in Dallas, Texas where she appeals among Hispanic voters by reminding that she and President Rubio successfully championed immigration reform through the adoption of the Opportunity Act of 2018 and where she reminded voters of the contributions of America's energy independent status (reached in 2020) on this country's economic prosperity.

July 31, 2023

Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War#/media/File:L_company_3rd_Battalion_3rd_Marines_search_house.jpg
-The U.S. Armed Forces arrested several ISIS leaders, including Ismael al-Ethawi (a top aide to ISIS leader Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi), in Kafriya, Syria. The U.S. intelligence officials stated that this operation is key behind learning about al-Jaheishi's movements and hiding places.

[UWS]

CNN

„Special Report“

„THE SERIES“

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS

8th August 2023

Vice President Nikki R. Haley (R-South Carolina)

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Political Analyst

Good Evening from Arlington, Virginia. My Name is Dana Bash and I welcome our Viewers in the United States and around the world for this CNN Special Report. Thoughout the month of August CNN will bring you exclusive Interviews with the four Main Presidential Candidates. Tonight we will hear from Vice President Nikki R. Haley who recently opened a new National Campaign HQ here in Arlington.
Ma'am Vice President, welcome!

Vice President Nikki R. Haley (R-South Carolina)

Thanks for having me, Dana!

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Political Analyst

You recently opened this new HQ in Arlington. How do you access your Campaign to date?

Vice President Nikki R. Haley (R-South Carolina)

You just have to go to our campaign website Nikkihaley.org to learn more about me and my background as well as my record and accomplishments in politics and my agenda for America's future.

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Political Analyst

Reviewing your Vice Presidency a bit what was your biggest challenge personally and politically during the last six years as you were very young when you assumed that Office?

Vice President Nikki R. Haley (R-South Carolina)

At the personal level, it was to fulfil my VP duties while also still having to raise her children, make College for them affordable, etc. But First Lady Jeanette Rubio helped me a lot and is a great model to me as she is a very decent, kind and lovely mother with adorable young kids as well. On the political level, I'd say that my biggest challenge was to help bring this country together after 8 years of division under the previous administration, especially with unfair police killings of African-Americans or immigrants left behind. But fortunately, under President Rubio's bi-partisan leadership, we passed the Opportunity Act that reformed America's immigration systemn, granted citizenship to immigrants coming to this country, boosting our economy through a stronger workforce and reinforcing and expanding the American Dream for all Americans and that's how we are moving this country forward.

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Political Analyst

During the most recent Debate you drew fire from the more moderate wing of your Party like Governors Baker, Hogan and Sununu claiming that you are too conservative. What do you say to them?

Vice President Nikki R. Haley (R-South Carolina)

Well actually, as Vice-President of the United States I helped President Rubio to pass bi-partisan policies such as immigration reform through the adoption of the Opportunity Act of 2018, on energy we invested in the development of renewable energies through a part of revenues from oil drilling instead of doing it through taxpayers' money, on foreign policy we managed to win the War in Afghanistan because we brought both parties together to temporarily cease aid to Pakistan in order to get India involved in Afghanistan which us to win this war against radical Islamic terrorism thanks to a combination of the world's 1st and 4th military powers and helped us to defeat terrorism there and to bring our troops home with safety, honor and dignity. That record of bi-partisanship is why we won so big in 2016 and 2020 as well as in the congressional elections. So when it comes to my primary rivals' critics, I'm running to be President for all Americans and you need to be consistent when you're the President, there is a lot of pressures. But unfortunately, consistent is not a word that describes Governor Baker who, when he first ran for Governor of Massachusetts, was for cutting the corporate, income, and sales tax rates to 5 percent on "Day 1" before he was against it and also flip-flopped on whether he supported Republican Geoff Diehl for Senate against Elizabeth Warren in 2018. You've got to be firm and consistent.

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Political Analyst

Speaking about the Nations Economy. We are living obviously in very good times. Economists though predicting a downturn that could come as early as January 2024. Are you not a bit worried about that?

Vice President Nikki R. Haley (R-South Carolina)

We have the right solutions to handle America's economic challenges and we have proven that in the last 7 years thanks to President Rubio's economic policies. You know, in 1960, during a time of recession, John F. Kennedy ran on cutting taxes while being a Democrat and when he became President that's exactly what he did and guess what happened : the economy was booming as those tax cuts encouraged job creation and increased wages for American workers through an expansion of the GDP by an average of 5.5 % from early 1961 to late 1963, through a decline of inflation to 1 %, through a decline of the unemployment rate from 6.6 % to below 4 % from 1961 to 1967, through a rise of industrial production by 15 % and a rise of motor vehicle sales rose by 40 %. After the attacks of September 11th 2001, America suffered a recession in the early 2000s but it was the shortest one in history. Why? Because George W. Bush cut taxes. In 2016, our country suffered the slowest economy in history because of the Obama Administration's tax-hike and big government policies and it was heading into a recession but we fixed that because President Rubio provided the largest tax cuts ever in America's history, which brought our unemployment rate at the lowest rate in more than 50 years and created 15 million jobs. So the right solution to eliminate an economic downturn is to cut taxes, not increasing them like the Democratic presidential candidates are suggesting to do, which are policies that will only move this country backwards.

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Political Analyst

How would your Foreign Policy look like if you were elected President?

Vice President Nikki R. Haley (R-South Carolina)

We're going to keep our military strong and modernize it. We will stay on offense against terrorism in order to finally defeat ISIS and we will stand with our allies for the sake of the preservation of freedom, stability, democracy and peace and we will pursue our path to a nuclear-free world. As Ronald Reagan once said « If we don't accept the responsibilities of leadership, who will? » President Rubio and I accepted the responsibilities of leadership and that's how we made strong progress against ISIS, including eliminating Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, won the War in Afghanistan and got the world to the denuclearization of North Korea and Iran. And I will keep accepting the responsibilities of leadership and that's how we're going to get the world to long-term global peace through strength.

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Political Analyst

That concludes our Interview with Vice President Nikki Haley for tonight. Next week my colleague Cecilia Vega will interview the Democratic Frontrunner for next years Presidential Election, California Senator Kamala D. Harris from Davenport, Iowa. In the meantime stay with CNN for updated Stories from the Campaign Trail. Good Night from Arlington, Virginia!

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
August 2023, Part 1

August 1-2, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=apache+helicopter&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:During-operation-mongoose-a-us-army-usa-ah64a-apache-attack-helicopter-is-called-730777-1600.jpg
-After having found ISIS leader Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi's compound in Barisha, Syria, thanks to surveillance by a satellite and drones, the U.S. Armed Forces landed there from their Apache helicopters clashed with 7 ISIS terrorists and killed them all. When they found al-Jaheishi, the ISIS leader refused to surrender and jumps into a tunnel network under the premises and the U.S. troops chased him there along with military working dogs and military robots. When surrounded, he activated his suicide vests to avoid being captured, thus killing himself and making the operation a success.

August 2, 2023

Own creation
-President Rubio holds a press conference at the White House in which he officially declared to the world that Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi has been eliminated and praised the courage of the US soldiers who led the operation and calling it a victory for freedom, democracy, justice and security. The President also declared that the United States and their allies are close to victory against radical Islamic terrorism and will remain on offense until final victory, including by going after those who have sprung up to replace al-Jaheishi.

August 3, 2023

Source(s) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=250&offset=0&profile=default&search=kristi+noem&advancedSearch-current={}&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Kristi_L._Noem_113th_Congress.jpg; https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=diane+black&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:RepBlack_OfficialPhoto.jpg
-Vice-President Haley got the endorsements of 2 conservative governors : Diane Black of Tennessee and Kristi Noem of South Dakota.

August 5, 2023

Source(s) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=National+Hurricane+Center+&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Hurricane_Dennis_on_July_7_2005_1550_UTC.jpg
-The National Hurricane Center is monitoring several Storm System, one of it becomes Hurricane "Dorian", which results that the NASA Security & Safety Board maybe issue Recommodations not to roll out the SLS & the Falcon Heavy Rocket to Launch Pad 39B and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station because of High Winds which could damage both Rockets, thus scheduling such roll out for after the passage of the hurricane.

August 7, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=african+union+flag&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:African_Union_table_flag.jpg
-The Pan-African Parliament approves the proposed US-Africa Free Trade Agreement that aims at lifting tariffs, boosting trade between America and Africa, to step up US-African Union bilateral cooperation on a wide range of non-trade issues such as foreign and security policy, counter-terrorism, fighting organised crime, sustainable development, research and culture. The deal is yet to be approved by the U.S. Congress and to be officially ratified.

August 8, 2023

Source : https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/bay-of-pigs-veterans
-During a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, President Rubio praised the approval of the US-Africa Free Trade Agreement by the African Parliament and calls on Congress to make legislation on that agreement a top priority for the upcoming legislative session along with the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024.

August 10, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=250&offset=0&profile=default&search=nikki+haley&advancedSearch-current={}&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Nikki_Haley_IMG_7813_(26824100392).jpg
-Even though the New Hampshire Republican primary is announced to be a showdown between Chris Sununu and Charlie Baker, Vice-President Haley delivers efforts to gain ground in the Granite State in order to keep her chances alive by finishing at least second in New Hampshire as every presidential nominee in modern history finished first or second in that state's primary (as Bill Clinton finished 2nd in NH and won the Democratic nomination in 1992, Bob Dole finished 2nd in NH behind Pat Buchanan but won the Republican nomination in 1996, George W. Bush was edged by John McCain in the Granite State but won the nomination in 2000, Barack Obama lost the New Hampshire primary to Hillary Clinton but still won the 2008 Democratic nomination and in 2016 Marco Rubio arrived second in New Hampshire behind Donald Trump but won the Republican nomination, the same for Hillary Clinton against Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side that year). Haley holds a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire where she touted New Hampshire's prosperity as the state has now the 4th lowest unemployment rate in the nation (2.6 %), tying it to the fact that New Hampshire has no general sales tax, nor income tax; to Manchester's status as the second tax-friendly city in the nation with the second lowest overall tax burden and as the 13th best place in America to do business ; to New Hampshire's status as the 6th best business tax climate in the nation. She attributes all that success to the successful tax-cut and free enterprise economic policies put forward by the Rubio Administration that helped creating over 16 million new jobs in the last 6 years and brought the national unemployment rate at its lowest rate in more than 50 years.

August 12, 2023

Source(s) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=sheila+oliver&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Lt_Gov_Sheila_Oliver.jpeg; https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=250&offset=0&profile=default&search=kamala+harris&advancedSearch-current={}&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Kamala_Harris_at_MWM_2017.jpg
-California Senator Kamala Harris received the endorsement of New Jersey Senator Sheila Oliver.

August 14, 2023

Source : https://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-reactor-technologies
-In an effort to make America the world's leader in nuclear energy export, President Rubio unveils a plan to expand early stage cooperation with countries interested in adopting nuclear energy.

[tmthforu94]

Hoping for another update soon. VP Haley seems on track to win nomination and continue President Rubio's legacy.

[UWS]

CNN

„Special Report“

„THE SERIES“

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS

15th August 2023

Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-California)

Cecilia Vega, CNN Special Correspondent

Good Evening from Davenport, Iowa. My Name is Cecilia Vega and I welcome our Viewers in the United States and around the world for this CNN Special Report. Last week we heard from the Republican Frontrunner & Vice President of the United States Nikki Haley. Tonight it's the Democrats Turn. With me here in Davenport, in one of the many Campaign HQ around the State of Iowa, is Senator Kamala D. Harris, the Democratic Frontrunner for next years Presidential Election. Senator Harris, welcome!

Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-California)

Thank You Cecilia! Thanks for having me!

Cecilia Vega, CNN Special Correspondent

Senator Harris, we're in Iowa, the First-In-The-Nation Caucus State and when we look at History the Candidate who won here, (Al Gore in 2000, John Kerry in 2004, Barack Obama in 2008, Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Bernie Sanders in 2020) has always won the Democratic Nomination. Is Iowa a „Must-Win State“ for your Campaign?

Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-California)

That is a tough Question Cecilia! Let me put it this way. Iowa is a very important early test and stepping stone for our Campaign. It shows strength if you do well here which I intend to do. In fact, while I was campaigning for Democrats running for Congress, Senate and Governor here in Iowa last year I made a Commitment to the people of this State that I would come back and visit every of Iowas' 99 Counties, even the more rual parts of this State, should I chose to run for President and that's what I am intending to do as well. As a Party we have to bring back the White Working Class into our fold. These are hard-working people which we as a Party abandoned at times. On the other hand you can't just put everything in one basket. If you want to lead the Nation and become President you have to run a National Campaign which means doing well in every part of Country which our Campaign is intending to do. Also, one my rivals, Governor Kennedy of Illinois has certain advantages being from the neighboring State.

Cecilia Vega, CNN Special Correspondent

Turning to the Economy: The Country has obviously a very low Unemployment Rate, many People are working yet lead Economists predicting a downturn in 2024. What's your response to that?

Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-California)

First of all Cecilia I'm glad that most people have found a workplace to work! That being said I do think that the Nations Economy is on shaky ground. Consider this: We have had Economic Growth for almost seven years now. It was very slow during the Obama Administration (we can all agreed on that) and then it accelerated from 2017 onwards so it's bound to fall off a cliff at some Point. Secondly I don't know who came out with this odd manthra of „Full Employment“ because that is almost certainly unlikely to happen. There will always be people in the Country who have lost their job and need to find a new one. And thirdly we need an Economy that is built up from the bottom up and not from the top down. I'll give you an example: While I was campaigning interestingly here in Iowa I met a family of four whose father had to take three different jobs to keep his family afload because he didn't earn enough money to get it done with one single job. That isn't a fair Economy. Why is that? Because Wages are going down and many people and especially families are left behind. Three times over the last seven months Senate Democrats put a Legislation forward to raise the Minimum Wage Nationally, three times we were denied and Senate Republicans even refused to bring it up for a Vote. Since Republicans took over Congress in 2019 Partisanship unfortunately has hardened again. We need to get back to that place of constructive bipartisan discussions we had from 2017-2019 and both Parties have to tone down their rethoric a bit and act like adults.

Cecilia Vega, CNN Special Correspondent

Senator Harris, in a recent Interview with CNN Vice President Haley accused Democrats as and I quote it „Tax Hikers“. Do you agree?

Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-California)

I couldn't disagree more Cecilia because well I am not a Tax Hiker, far from it! Republicans are playing the same old boring Playbook they played for over twenty years now hoping to score some Points which is only Small Government, Tax Cuts, etc. will keep the economy strong. That's their solution to these things. The matter of fact is that you have to be pragmatic about those issues and topics. Will I raise some taxes on the wealthiest of Americans during my Administration? Fore sure but that doesn't automatically mean I am going to raise taxes on all Americans. There are other ways to help the Economy from falling over that cliff I mentioned earlier.

Cecilia Vega, CNN Special Correspondent

Speaking of Bipartisan Legislation which you are mentioning a lot on the Campaign Trail you helped passed a very big one in 2018 with the „Opportunity Act“ which you are being criticized for by the left of your Party as they say it didn't go far enough. What do you say to them?

Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-California)

Well Cecilia, the far left will always criticize something that doesn't go far enough from their Point of view. May I remind them that 2020 they got their wish. We nominated a far-left Socialist in Bernie Sanders and look where that got us. We suffered the worst Electoral Defeat in a Presidential Election since 1988 when George H. W. Bush beat Michael Dukakis. That's while I am campaigning around the Country I always remind Voters that we need a „Unified Democratic Party“ if we want to be successful and I think I am that person who can do that. The Immigration Reform Bill you mentioned took almost five months to be completed in its current form. I'm so glad that my Senate Colleague, Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona helped craft this Legislation. We both probably spent more in the White House during that time then on the Senate Floor. Fortunately we had a President who was willing to work with us. It passed with overwhelming Congressional Majorities and if you look at the impact it is having that is in my opinion unprecedented. Millions of Americans have found a job through this legislation so I don't understand when Senator Sanders and Senator Warren criticizing me for it that it doesn't go far enough.

Cecilia Vega, CNN Special Correspondent

Senator Harris, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe recently attacked you on the Campaign Trail for abandoning Democratic Principles and helping President Rubio advancing his Agenda! Is he right?

Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-California)

No, he is absolutely wrong, Cecilia! These attacks are the most untrue thing I've ever heard. I'm not advancing anyone's Agenda. I stood up to the President numerous times but I've also found common ground with him when the Opportunity presented itself. President Rubio and myself were elected the same Day and in a way we both had the obligation to work with each other when the opportunity came with Immigration Reform. And let me tell you this: A Senator in my mind has always the obligation to find common ground with the other side of the aisle whenever they can and put the people over their Party and not vise versa. May I also remind Governor McAuliffe that if he hadn't attacked the Virginia Legislature so vigorously which saw his approvals plummeting we would have had Governor Northam instead of Governor Gillespie. That's all I am saying about it.

Cecilia Vega, CNN Special Correspondent

Senator Harris, final Question. Former First Lady of the United States and Senator Michelle Obama is considering endorsing your Campaign for President. Your thoughts about that!

Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-California)

Thank You Cecilia for telling me as I really didn't know that. I've known Michelle for quite some time, first as First Lady and now as a Senator. Although she has been in the Senate only since January she is a tremendous asset to our Caucus and I would be beyond grateful and humbled if she joins our Campaign.
I also want to remind all Americans who are watching right now go to KamalaHarris.com, check out more about me and what our Campaign stands for and come and join us.

Cecilia Vega, CNN Special Correspondent

That concludes our Interview with California Senator & Democratic Frontrunner Kamala Harris for tonight. Next week my colleague Jake Tapper will interview Senator Tom Cotton, the Republican Senator from Arkansas and Presidential Candidate for next years Presidential Election from Sioux City, Iowa. In the meantime stay with CNN for updated Stories from the Campaign Trail. Good Night from Davenport, Iowa!

[UWS]

CNN

„Special Report“

„THE SERIES“

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS

22nd August 2023

Senator Thomas B. Cotton (R-Arkansas)

Jake Tapper, CNN „State of the Union“ Anchor

Good Evening from Sioux City, Iowa. My Name is Jake Tapper! I'm the Host of CNN's „State of the Union“ and I welcome our Viewers in the United States and around the world for this CNN Special Report. Last week we heard from the Democratic Frontrunner & California Senator Kamala D. Harris. Tonight we will be hearing from the Senate Majority Whip and Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton. Senator Cotton, welcome!

Senator Thomas B. Cotton (R-Arkansas)

Thank You Jake! Great to be with you!

Jake Tapper, CNN „State of the Union“ Anchor

Senator Cotton, we're here in Sioux City, the most conservative region in the State of Iowa where 2 of the 3 previous Winners of the Iowa Caucuses - Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum -(as Marco Rubio won the 2016 Iowa caucus by doing well in Des Moines and Eastern Iowa, including Davenport, Dubuque and Cedar Rapids) done very well in order to win the Caucuses. Looking at Polling though it seems you're running behind Vice President Haley and Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse not only Statewide but also in this District. Why is that and how do you plan to change that?

Senator Thomas B. Cotton (R-Arkansas)

First of all Jake, the Caucuses are still about five and a half months away so there is plenty of time for things to change. It's true that we had a little bit of a challenging time the past couple of months but I think our Campaign is back on track now. Secondly, the Western Part of Iowa also borders the State of Nebraska and that is partly why Senator Sasse is doing well here. Thirdly since you mentioned Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum, both of these gentleman fizzled out after Iowa so my Question would be: Does Senator Sasse have the Campaign Infrastructure to continue if he would win Iowa? I don't think so! If you want a real alternative conservative to the Vice President and to the three moderate Governors in this Race you should look to our Campaign. I think we will do very well here as we get closer to the Caucuses and also around the Country.

Jake Tapper, CNN „State of the Union“ Anchor

Senator Cotton, Vice President Haley repeatedly criticized the Republican Senate Leadership, where you are a member of, for lack of bipartisanship with the Democrats declaring that it sabotages some of the bipartisan credentials of this Administration it created over the last six years. Do you agree with her?

Senator Thomas B. Cotton (R-Arkansas)

No, I am absolutely disagreeing with her, Jake! We should look at it from this Point of View. For three Elections in a row Voters of this Country have enabled Congressional Republicans to propose and pass a more conservative agenda. We took a Supermajority in the Senate after 2018, expanded it slightly after 2020 and kept it in 2022. That is in my view a mandate to expand conservatism not shrink it. Also, it's quite ironic that when Vice President Haley was running for Governor of South Carolina for the first time in 2010 she was endorsed in her Primary by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, one of the most if not the most anti-immigration and amnesty Politician! Now the the Vice President is running around the Country championing the „Opportunity Act„, where she had only a minor say in it. Voters though are going to figure this out, trust me!

Jake Tapper, CNN „State of the Union“ Anchor

Switching to a new Topic here Senator. Job Creation has somewhat slowed in the last half year and there appears to be growing concerns in Public Opinion about the Nations Economy. What's your take on that?

Senator Thomas B. Cotton (R-Arkansas)

I'm glad that you asked Jake because I share those concerns. We need to stabilize the Economy otherwise we will fall over that cliff that has been mentioned in this Campaign quite a few times. One way of during that is to pass another large Spending & Infrastructure Bill. The last big Bill of that kind was passed by Congress in 2018 then called „Bridge of the Future Act„! Five years ago, Jake! Senate Republicans actually crafted an Infrastructure Bill and presented it to House Republicans but the House Leadership including Speaker Ryan rejected it quote „It would undermine the Administrations Efforts to create a surpluss though the Balanced Budget Amendment that was passed by Congress in 2021„. I know Speaker Ryan is a former House Budget Chairman but he tries to have it both ways. Sometimes that is just not possible. I hope we can find some common ground over the next few months.

Jake Tapper, CNN „State of the Union“ Anchor

Switching to another topic Senator: Foreign Policy. Since we have been able to get North Korea to denuclearize and Iran doing the same plus both Countries are opening up their States and Economy what would you do to help them?

Senator Thomas B. Cotton (R-Arkansas)

Well Jake, with the Denuclearizations of North Korea and Iran our Job is mostly finished. I would put pressure on China, South Korea and Japan now to help their North Korean Friends to expand their Economy. They have to carry the load now. The same goes when it comes to the Countries surrounding Iran.
Speaking of the Denuclearizations of both Countries I cannot speak highly enough of the President, Secretary of State Lindsey Graham, former UN-Ambassador Coats, former National Security Advisor Stanley McChrystal and current NSA Dina Powell. It was a total Team effort to get that done.
Meanwhile during all those times Vice President Haley was mostly observing instead of taking more of an active role. Her indecisivness does concern me if she would become President. Do you want that from a future President? I certainly do not.

Jake Tapper, CNN „State of the Union“ Anchor

Thank You Senator Cotton for spending some time with us because I know you are a busy Man. Anything else to add?

Senator Thomas B. Cotton (R-Arkansas)

Thank You Jake! I was a pleasure.
I want to remind the Viewers watching tonight go to TomCotton.org, see what our Campaign stands for and that I am the only true Conservative in this Race

Jake Tapper, CNN „State of the Union“ Anchor

That concludes our Interview with Senate Majority Whip and Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton. Next week my colleague Anderson Cooper will interview Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy from Nashua, New Hampshire. Meanwhile stay with CNN for all the Campaign Update of „America's Choice 2024“. Good Night from Sioux City, Iowa!

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
August 2023, Part 2

August 15, 2023
-Arizona Senator Jeff Flake announces his retirement at the end of his senate term.

August 16, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=hurricane+carribean&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Atlantic_hurricane_graphic.png
-Hurricane "Dorian" is now close to a Cat 5 Storm threatening the Florida East Coast as well Georgia and the Carolinas. President Rubio contacted with Governors Adam Putnam of Florida, Brian Kemp of Georgia, Dan Forest of North Carolina, Henry McMaster of South Carolina to declare the state of emergency.

August 17-19, 2023

Own creation
-Along with other presidential hopefuls, Vice-President Haley campaigns in Iowa at the occasion of the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa where candidates seize the opportunity to speak with the public through town hall meetings, BBQs, visits to the fair, etc.

August 18-19, 2023

Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Ibrahim_al-Hashimi_al-Qurashi#/media/File:Hajji%E2%80%98Abdallah.jpg
-After Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi's killing by the US Armed Forces in early August, ISIS declared Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as his successor at the head of the terrorist organization.


Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Stanley%20McChrystal&title=Special%3ASearch&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Stanley_McChrystal_MG_2003.jpg
-Secretary of Defense Stanley McChrystal promises during a press conference at the White House that Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi will meet the same fate as his predecessor, declaring that it requires that the United States and their allies stay on offense against terror, a modernization of the military (which is what they are doing through the creation of the Space Force in 2022 and through the creation of the Air Force's Long Range Strike Bomber program) that they get the Syrians fully prepared to handle the responsibility of the security of their own country, which « are all things that they are doing which is what helped America and its allies to make strong progress against ISIS and is about to lead us to victory against these terrorists ».

August 20, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=500&offset=0&profile=default&search=Lunar+Gateway&advancedSearch-current={}&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:2_concept-gateway-2024-00001.jpg
-President Rubio announces during a speech at the Space Center Houston in Houston, Texas that he tasked SpaceX to start constructing the Lunar Gateway and that they will be partnering with Boeing in that process in order to give America a springboard towards manned missions to the Moon and to Mars, which will make secure and strengthen America's status as the leader in space exploration.

August 22, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=gavin+newsom&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Gavin_Newsom_at_Lake_Tahoe_Summit.jpg
-Kamala Harris received the endorsement of California Governor Gavin Newsom.

August 24, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=500&offset=0&profile=default&search=Nikki+Haley&advancedSearch-current={}&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Nikki_Haley_IMG_7865_(26850251111).jpg
-In response to Tom Cotton's attacks during his recent interview with Jake Tapper, Vice-President Haley reminded voters, during a rally in Sioux City, Iowa, that as Vice-President she actually played a role in passing the Opportunity Act of 2018 because she is the President of the Senate. She takes on the occasion to attack Senator Cotton, accusing him of « no longer knowing the basics of the Senate as he now has the worst attendance record in the U.S. Senate based on how many Senate votes he missed in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of 2023. » On foreign policy, she reminded voters that in 2017 she for ISIS attacks on Christians, mainstream Muslims, Kurds and other groups to be labeled "genocide" and called for Chile to break its diplomatic ties with North Korea (contributing to the diplomatic and economic pressure that led the world to the denuclearization of North Korea) during a visit in Santiago and that in 2018 she that the United States' support Ukraine's integration in the European Union for the sake of this nation's prosperity, stability and security against Russia's aggression. She takes on the occasion to remind that she helped President Rubio to keep America safe against terrorism and to denuclearize North Korea and Iran and describes herself as the candidate with the best foreign policy experience and leadership to pursue President Rubio's foreign policy successes, to defeat terrorism, to get the world to a nuclear-free world, to keep America safe and to guarantee long-term global peace.

August 26, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Dick+Durbin&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Dick_Durbin_113th_Congress.jpg
-Illinois Senator Dick Durbin announced during a rally in Peoria, Illinois that he endorses his fellow Illinoisan Chris Kennedy for the Democratic presidential nomination.

August 29, 2023

Own creation
-During a ceremony at the White House, President Rubio awarded the U.S. soldiers who led the recent successful operation that led to the elimination of ISIS leader Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi with the Medal of Honor, praising the heroism of the men and women in uniform who fought and sacrificed for the preservation of freedom, democracy and justice and that their bravery will finally lead America to victory against radical Islamic terrorism.

[UWS]

CNN

„Special Report“

„THE SERIES“

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS

29nd August 2023

Governor Christopher T. „Chris“ Kennedy (D-Illinois)

Anderson Cooper, CNN „AC 360“ Anchor

Good Evening from Nashua, New Hampshire. My Name is Anderson Cooper! I'm the Host of CNN's „AC 360“ and I welcome our Viewers in the United States and around the world for this CNN Special Report. Last week we heard from the Republican Senate Majority Whip & Arkansas Senator Thomas B. Cotton. Tonight we will be hearing from the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy. Governor Kennedy, welcome!

Governor Christopher T. Kennedy (D-Illinois)

Thank You Anderson! Honoured to be with you!

Anderson Cooper, CNN „AC 360“ Anchor

Governor, we are here in New Hampshire the First-In-The Nation Primary State. New Hampshire and especially the northeast of the country has been very favorable territory for the Kennedy Family. Your Uncle, the late President served as Senator from Massachusetts before becoming President. Senator Ted Kennedy served as Senator from that State as well for more than 4 Decades, Patrick Kennedy served as a Congressman from neighboring Rhode Island. Is New Hampshire a „Must-Win State“ for your Campaign?

Governor Christopher T. Kennedy (D-Illinois)

The straight answer to this Question is „YES“ because I can't see us being viable if we lose here. I think we're capable of winning here. We have a great Organization in the State and as you mentioned this State and the northeastern region has been very friendly to us. We're also doing quite well in Iowa as well so I don't quite understand it when I am being labelled as a regional candidate.

Anderson Cooper, CNN „AC 360“ Anchor

You recently picked up a very important Endorsement from Senator Dick Durbin, who serves as Senate Minority Whip and as Senator from your Home State of Illinois. You also have probably been very aware of that Senator Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States is considering endorsing your rival Senator Harris of California so my Question is this: How do plan to compete for Hispanics and African Americans, who are the backbone of the Democratic Party since she has very big leads among those groups?

Governor Christopher T. Kennedy (D-Illinois)

First of all Anderson there is no way you would win the State of Illinois without having the support of the African American Community. The City of Chicago where a Democrat gets most of his support from to win Statewide has predominantly an ethic minority population even more so today compared to 10-12 years ago so I don't understand it when people say that I can't compete among African Americans.
Secondly I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for Senators Obama and Harris and what they have done for African Americans and for Hispanics as well. Getting Immigration Reform done was huge and it took a lot of hard work, guts from Senator Harris to do that. In fact, Senator Harris and myself share some common ground: When we first got elected we were being labelled as staunch liberals yet we both have shown numerous time, she as a Senator and myself as Governor that we can work with the other side of the aisle and that's what I am intending to do if I'm President. Senator Obama endorsing Senator Harris would obviously disappointing for our Campaign but I respect whatever Decision Michelle is going to make and no matter what we will make our case to the African American & Hispanic Community.

Anderson Cooper, CNN „AC 360“ Anchor

Switching to another Topic, the Economy. Most Economic Analysts are saying it's on shaky ground, wages going down, parents of families having to do two or three different jobs a Day. What would be your plan to stabilize it?

Governor Christopher T. Kennedy (D-Illinois)

Well Anderson, I agree we have to do something about it. That being said I'm not entirely convinced that a large-scale Infrastructure Bill like Senate Republicans are suggesting would be the right thing to do. There are different ways to stabilize the economy. We in Illinois still have a growing economy. The best way forward at least for for now would be to leave that to the States individually and their respective State Legislatures and Governors before we are considering a large Spending Bill. That's how I kept the Economy in Illinois afload after my Administration cleaned up Governor Rauners mess he created.

Anderson Cooper, CNN „AC 360“ Anchor

Going to another Topic, Foreign Policy. What would your Foreign Policy look like if you were President?

Governor Christopher T. Kennedy (D-Illinois)

To be perfectly honest with you Anderson I wouldn't change much. Now that we have denuclearized North Korea and Iran we need to encourage South Korea and Japan to help grow the Economy of their North Korean friends. Right now we're sharing a lot of burden there. That can't last forever! Other Countries have to step in as well. I also want to say this that the Rubio Administration has done an admirable job tackling these kind of hotspots during the last six years. The President & his National Security Team deserves credit for that. They have taken a bit from the Playbook my Uncle did when we had the biggest National Security Crisis ever with the Cuban Missle Crisis. We were this close to a Nuclear War at that time and what did he do: He kept going with "Peace through Strength" as I call it and mostly blocked the ousider noise from the Media. We definitly have to deal with China and Russia whoever is the next President. Both Countries seem to emerge as new crisis spots overseas.

Anderson Cooper, CNN „AC 360“ Anchor

Governor Kennedy, you repeatedly criticized on the Campaign Trail and during the Debates former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe as quote „Washington Insider“! Why?

Governor Christopher T. Kennedy (D-Illinois)

Thanks for picking that up Anderson. Former Governor McAuliffe is the ultimativ Washington Insider. Worked as Lobbyist, than as Fundraiser for the DNC, former Chairman of the DNC, Fundraiser for the Clintons and then as Governor Virginia cared only about the workers in northern Virginia and left the rual part behind. People are unhappy with Washington these Days and want someone new. If you look at the last two Democratic Nominees Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. They were Washington Insiders as well and that didn't help us at all. The American People want someone from outside the beltway and I think I can be that Candidate. His baseless unfounded accusations of Senators Casey and Harris that they helping advancing the Presidents Agenda when they put the people over their Party speaks volumes in my mind. We don't need someone like that in the White House.

Anderson Cooper, CNN „AC 360“ Anchor

Recently President Rubio has tasked the private Company SpaceX in collaboration with Boing to built NASA's „Luna Gateway Project“, the United States is sending their first manned Mission to the Moons Surface later this year, including the first Woman on the Moons Surface. Many Americans drawing comparisions to the early 1960ties, when your Uncle, the late President John F. Kennedy announced Missions to the Moon. Your thoughts on that?

Governor Christopher T. Kennedy (D-Illinois)

I think President Rubio made a very good choice tasking SpaceX to construct the Luna Gateway. Their knowledge when it comes to Spacecrafts that fly by themselves which we need to construct the Gateway is very good. Interestingly a few years back I was fortunate to visit their HQ in Hawthrone, California and got a rundown what they are doing and I was very impressed. Without the help of them we wouldn't be flying our Astronauts to the ISS and that's what they have done over the last few years.
The First manned Mission to the Moon in November will be huge and I hope every American will be watching assuming they can. I know they have some Issues down there with the recent Hurricanes and Tropical Storms floating around Florida but I'm sure they will find a way. President Rubio has my full support for both Projects.

Anderson Cooper, CNN „AC 360“ Anchor

Anything else you want to add?

Governor Christopher T. Kennedy (D-Illinois)

Yes, first of all thanks for having me on. I know you've been a very busy man as well [LAUGHTER]. Secondly for those who watched tonight go to ChrisKennedy.org and see what I stand for. Then come and join our Campaign!

Anderson Cooper, CNN „AC 360“ Anchor

That concludes our Interview with Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy for tonight. It also concludes our Series of „Presidential Candidate Interviews“ for the month of August. The next Presidential Debates will be hosted by our colleagues from CBS NEWS September 6th for Democrats and September 14 for Republicans. Please stay with CNN for all the Campaign Updates of „America's Choice 2024“. I'm Anderson Cooper. Good Night from Nashua, New Hampshire!

[UWS]

POLITICAL NEWS AROUND THE COUNTRY
SEPTEMBER EDITION

PART 1

PRESIDENTIAL NEWS

Fundraising

REPUBLICANS

Vice President Nikki R. Haley 22.4 M / 20.1 M CoH
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton 16.4 M / 15.2 M CoH
Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker 15.0 M / 13.8 M CoH
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu 13.0 M / 12.8 M CoH
Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse 11.0 M / 10.5 M CoH
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan 8.8 M / 10.3 M CoH

DEMOCRATS

California Senator Kamala D. Harris 25.8 M / 29.8 M CoH
(transfered about 13 M from her Senate Account)
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe 19.5 M / 18.0 M CoH
Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy 18.7 M / 17.5 M CoH
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey 13.8 M / 14.3 M CoH
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards 11.3 M / 13.5 M CoH
Entrepreneur Andrew M. Yang 12.1 M / 12.8 M CoH

Endorsements

HALEY

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott
South Carolina Senator Mark Sanford
U. S. Representative Van Hipp
Tennessee Governor Diane L. Black
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem

Report: Several GOP Congressional Lawmakers weighing endorsing the Vice President early including Michigan Senator John James

COTTON

Arkansas Governor Tim Griffin
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson
Arkansas Senator John Boozman
U. S. Representative Rick Crawford
U. S. Representative Steve Womack
U. S. Representative Bruce Westerman

SUNUNU

New Hampshire Senator Richard Ashooh
Former Senator Judd Gregg
Former U. S. Representative Charlie Bass
Former U. S. Representative Jeb Bradley
Former Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas

Sources: Former New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, who is wildly expected to run for Governor to replace Sununu next year, is said to be "Undecided".

SASSE

Nebraska Governor Jeff Fortenberry
Former Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts
Former Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning
Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer
U. S. Representative Adrian Smith

HOGAN

Former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich
U. S. Representative Andy Harris

BAKER

None thus far.

HARRIS

California Governor Gavin Newsom
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra
Former California Secretary of State Debra Brown
Former California Secretary of State Alex Padilla
U. S. Representative & former California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi
U. S. Representative Ami Bera
U. S. Representative Jerry McNerney
New Jersey Senator Sheila Oliver

Congressional Sources: Several U. S. Senators that Harris helped get elected during the 2022 Midterm Elections weighing endorsing her Campaign. Among them Senators Kuster (NH), Wolf (PA), Kind (WI) and Cooper (NC). Sources also indicating that an Endorsement from Illinois Senator & former First Lady Michelle Obama could be coming soon.

MCAULIFFE

Virginia Governor Justin Fairfax
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring
Senator, former DNC Chairman & '16 Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Kaine
Former Senator & Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner

KENNEDY

Former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan
Illinois Senator Richard "Dick" Durbin
Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel
U. S. Representative Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts

EDWARDS

Former Louisiana Lieutenant Governor & New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu
Former Senator Mary Landrieu
Former Senator John Breaux
U. S. Representative Cedric Richmond

CASEY

None thus far.

YANG

None thus far.

State News/Polls

CALIFORNIA

A new Field Poll conducted on behalf of the Sacramento Bee shows that Senator Kamala Harris has broad support when it comes to her Home State. 77 % of Californians support the Senators Decision to run for the Presidency and 66 % Approve of the Job she is doing as Senator. In the Race for Californias 475 Pledged Delegates (CA has also 76 Superdelegates) Harris leads Kennedy and McAuliffe 49-17-13 with everyone else in single digits. In the Race for Californias 172 Republican Delegates Vice President Haley leads her Chief Rival Senator Cotton 38-22 with everyone else in the Mid Teens.
The Poll also found that California Governor Gavin Newsom enjoys a 63 % JA Rating.
Looking ahead to the General Election Senator Harris would defeat Vice President Haley 59-33 if the Election would be held today suggesting that the Golden State is moving back to his old habits and President Rubios' Victory four years ago, when he carried the State by less than 30,000 Votes, was a one off. Governor Kennedy would also defeat Vice President Haley 57-36.

OHIO

Ohio Governor Mary Taylor (R-Ohio) signed Election Bill 4183 into Law moving the Ohio Statewide & Presidential Primaries, originally scheduled for March 12th 2024 to March 19th 2024. Ohio therefore joins Florida, Illinois and Wisconsin who are voting the same Day.
Many Pundits believed that this move is aimed at giving Vice President Haley the chance to wrap up the Republican Nomination early, should she emerge from „SUPER TUESDAY“ with a Delegate lead. The March 19th Contests offer a combined Total of 323 National Delegates to the RNC. Florida & Ohio are „Winner-Take-All“ States while Illinois & Wisconsin are „Winner-Take-All by Congressional District“.
As far as the Democratic Nomination is concerned many believe it could help Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy to prolong the Fight for the Democratic Nomination since he is from the Midwest and is expected to do quite well in that Region provided he doesn't have too much of a Delegate Deficit after the March 5th & March 12th Contests.

TEXAS

A new Statewide Poll in Texas sponsored by the Dallas Morning News and conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research of Washington D. C. shows widespread support for Vice President Haley in the State of Texas. Haley leads her Chief Rival, Senator Cotton by 10 Percentage Points (35-25) with Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse at 15 %, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu at 6 %, former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker at 5 % and former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan at 4 %. 10 % of Respondents remain Undecided.
In the Race for the Democratic Nomination Frontrunner & California Senator Kamala Harris leads Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy 36 % to 20 % buoyed by massive support among Hispanics and African Americans with Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards at 14 %, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe at 8 %, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey at 6 % and Entrepreneur Andrew Yang at 1 % with 15 % of Respondents remaining Undecided. Texas could emerge as critical Primary Battleground for both Parties.
When it comes to the Job Approvals for Statewide Officials in Texas Governor Greg Abbott sits 58 %, Senator George P. Bush, who is up for Re-Election next year sits at 62 % and Texas Senior Senator John Cornyn sits at 57 %. President Marco Rubio enjoys an an even higher standing among Texans with 65 % of Respondents approving of the Job he's doing as President.
When it comes to the General Election Vice President Haley would beat Senator Kamala Harris 47 % to 36 % and Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy 47 % to 34 % suggesting that while Texas isn't a completely safe Republican State anymore it still remains a likely Republican State.

REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES

2,550 Delegates available

1,276 Delegates needed for Nomination

DELEGATES TERRITORIES

American Samoa has 9 National Delegates to the RNC
Guam has 9 National Delegates to the RNC
Northern Marina Islands has 9 National Delegates to the RNC
Puerto Rico has 23 National Delegates to the RNC
Virgin Islands has 6 National Delegates to the RNC

FEBRUARY CONTESTS (IA, NH, NV, SC)
SUPER TUESDAY CONTESTS (17)
MINI SUPER TUESDAY (HI, ID, MI, MS, WA)
SUPER TUESDAY 2 (FL, IL, OH, WI)
APRIL CONTESTS = SUPER TUESDAY 3 (CT, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, RI)
MAY CONTESTS (AK, IN, KS, KY, ND, NE, OR, WV, WY + 1 Territory Guam)
JUNE CONTESTS (MT, SD, DC + 4 Territories American Samoa, Northern Marina Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES & CAUCUSES

4,763 Delegates available

2,383 Delegates needed for Nomination

Democratic Delegate Explanation:
Example: California has 551 Total Delegates (475 Pledged + 76 Superdelegates).

DELEGATES TERRITORIES

American Samoa has 11 National Delegates to the DNC
Democrats Abroad has 17 National Delegates to the DNC
Guam has 12 National Delegates to the DNC
Northern Marina Islands has 11 National Delegates to the DNC
Puerto Rico has 67 National Delegates to the DNC
Virgin Islands has 12 National Delegates to the DNC

FEBRUARY CONTESTS (IA, NH, NV, SC)
SUPER TUESDAY CONTESTS (19 + 1 Territory American Samoa)
MINI SUPER TUESDAY (HI, ID, MI, MS, WA)
SUPER TUESDAY 2 (FL, IL, OH, WI)
APRIL CONTESTS = SUPER TUESDAY 3 (CT, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, RI)
MAY CONTESTS (IN, KS, KY, NE, OR, WV, WY + 1 Territory Guam)
JUNE CONTESTS (MT, SD, DC + 4 Territories Northern Marina Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Dems Abroad)

EARLY DEMOCRATIC SUPERDELEGATE COUNT

Kamala D. Harris 5 Superdelegates
Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe 3 Superdelegates
Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy 2 Superdelegates
Louisian Governor John Bel Edwards 1 Superdelegate
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey Jr. 0 Superdelegates
Entrepreneur Andrew M. Yang 0 Superdelegates

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY DEBATES NEWS

The REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE announced that all Six Canidates running for 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination have met the threshold to qualify for the 3rd Republican Presidential Primary Debate Thursday September 14th 2023 at the Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa hosted by CBS NEWS, CBSN and YOUTUBE.

Debate Moderators: „CBS Face The Nation“ Margaret Brennan, „CBS Chief WH Correspondent“ Major Garrett and „CBS Chief Political Analyst“ John Dickerson.

Those Candidates are:

Former Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas
Vice President Nikki Haley of South Carolina
Former Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland
Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska
Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire

The Podium was determined by Candidates Standing in the National Polling

Baker   Sununu   Haley   Cotton   Sasse   Hogan

Likewise the DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE announced that all Six Canidates running for 2024 Democratic Presidential Nomination have met the threshold to qualify for the 3rd Democratic Presidential Primary Debate Thursday September 6th 2023 at the University of Miami Campus in Coral Gables, Florida hosted by CBS NEWS, CBSN and UNIVISION. This Debate marks the first time Entrepreneur & Businessman Andrew M. Yang of New York has made the Debate Stage who announced his Candidacy in June.

Debate Moderators: „CBS Evening News“ Norah O'Donnell,
„CBSN Chief Anchor“ Elaine Quijano and „UNIVISION Chief Anchor“ Jorge Ramos.

Those Candidates are:

Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania
Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana
Senator Kamala Harris of California
Governor Chris Kennedy of Illinois
Former Governor Terry McAuliffe of Virginia
Entrepreneur Andrew M. Yang

The Podium was determined by Candidates Standing in the National Polling

Yang  McAuliffe  Kennedy  Harris   Casey   Edwards

NEXT PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY DEBATES

CNBC in collaboration with MSNBC & YOUTUBE announced that „CNBC Chief Editor-At-Large“ John Harwood, and MSNBC Anchors Ashley Parker & Kirsten Welker will moderate the 4th Republican Presidential Primary Debate from the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio on October 18th 2023.

NBC NEWS in collaboration with YOUTUBE also announced that Chief Anchor of „NBC TODAY“ Savannah Guthrie, Chief Anchor of „NBC NIGHTLY NEWS“ Lester Holt and NBC NEWS Chief White House Correspondent Hallie Jackson will moderate the 4th Democratic Presidential Primary Debate from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 10th 2023.

The Administration

In a move that was telegraphed for weeks President Marco Rubio announced on Monday, August 31st 2023, Days before the Congress were set to reconvene from their August Recess, that the White House Communications Team would be shaken up for the remainder of his Presidency. White House Press Secretary Alex Conant, his Wife Caitlin Conant who served a Dual Role in the Administration being the Personal Assistant to Vice President Haley as well as General Counsel to the President and White House Communications Director Mercedes Schlapp would leave to head up Haleys' Presidential Communications Team. What wasn't clear at that time who their Replacements would be until that afternoon when „The Host of FOX NEWS THE FIVE“ Dana Perino made a surprise Announcement On-Air:

„Before we wrap up this Edition of our Show I have some very exciting News to share. I've been offered the Role of White House Press Secretary for the remainder of this Presidential Administration. Well, when the President calls on you, you just can't say no! I want to thank the FOX NEWS CHANNEL and all my wonderful collegues here for their incredible kind hospitality & experience over the last fourteen years. It has been an honour.“

Many White House Correspondents believed that President Rubio had chosen Perino because of her experience having been the WH Press Secretary & Assistant to the President under former President George W. Bush, the last Republican President. Along with Perino it was also announced that Sarah Huckabee-Sanders and Hope Hicks would serve as Communications Director & General Counsel to President Rubio for the remainder of his term.

White House Communications Team (OUT)

Press Secretary: Alex Conant
Communications Director: Mercedes Schlapp
General Counsel to the President: Caitlin Conant

White House Communications Team (IN)

Press Secretary: Dana Perino
Communications Director: Sarah Huckabee-Sanders
General Counsel to the President: Hope Hicks

With the Additions of Perino, Huckabee-Sanders and Hicks 11 Women are now serving either in the Cabinet or as high ranking Official in President Rubios Administration.

[OSR stands with Israel]

So seems like the democrats are favored to win the presidency as of now . Though maybe Haley can sorts of be like HW 1988 in which she is able to make a case based on the state of the union being in good shape to vote for her as she would be a Rubio’s third term .

[UWS]

POLITICAL NEWS AROUND THE COUNTRY
SEPTEMBER EDITION

PART 2

SENATE NEWS

(TOSS UP STATES)

ARIZONA

On August 15, in his Home City of Phoenix Senator Jeff Flake had this to say:

„After much thought and deliberation with my family I've decided not to seek Reelection for a 3rd Term in the United States Senate next year. I want to thank the people of Arizona for putting their trust in me, first as Congressman and then for the last twelve years as Senator. We have accomplished a lot especially giving Millions of Americans a pathway to Citizenship with the Opportunity Act that passed Congress in 2018. It's time for a new Generation of Republican to take my place. Thank You all!“

Flake stopped short of saying who would be his preferred Replacement in the Senate from the „New Generation of Republicans“ as he calls them. Flake's Retirement set off a scramble who would replace him. One person, who in the aftermath of his Announcement, quickly turned down any speculation of a Senate Run was Congresswoman Meghan McCain who first got elected during a Special Election to replace Senator Martha McSally in the House and then won a tough Reelection in her own right during the 2022 Midterms saying quote „AZ-2 is the tougest District in Arizona and with the State being a Battleground next year it wouldn't be wise for me to seek higher Office at this moment in time.“ There also appears to be a split between National Republicans and State Republicans who should replace Flake. The NRSC's preferred Candidate is Popular former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, who won twice overwhelmingly in 2014 and 2018. Meanwhile State Republicans in Arizona including Governor Lea Márquez Peterson have encouraged State Treasurer Kimberly Yee to run for the U. S. Senate with the prospect of having Vice President Haley atop the Republican Presidential Ticket. Observers in the State are expecting Intra-Party Primary Battles on both Sides. As far as Democrats are concerned former Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema, Congressman Ruben Gallego and former Astronaut & Husband of Gabrielle Giffords Mark Kelly expressed interest in running.

(OPEN SEAT)

Incumbent Senator Jeffry Lane Flake (R) will not seek Reelection.
Considering....
Former Governor Doug Ducey (R)
State Treasurer Kimberly Yee (R)
Attorney General Mark Brnovich (R)
Former Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D)
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D)
Political Activist & former NASA Astronaut Mark Kelly (D)

CALIFORNIA

The same Field Poll conducted on behalf of the Sacramento Bee who tested the Democratic & Republican Presidential Primaries has some unwelcomed News for California Senator Condoleeza Rice who is up for Reelection next year. Rice caused a huge upset in 2018 by defeating Democrat Dianne Feinstein by less than 30,000 Votes and therefore becoming the first Republican Senator from the Golden State since John Seymour in 1991/1992. Her job approval sits at 42 % with 56 % disapproving. That is partly because she sided with Republicans in the Senate on too many occasions over the last four years. In General Election Matchups pitting her against U. S. Representative Barbara Lee, former CA SoS' Debra Brown and Alex Padilla as well as Governor Gavin Newsom she trails by a significant amount with Newsom leading her 58-40.
The popular California Governor has recently expressed interest in running and is slated to meet with DSCC Officials shortly. A Newsom Entrance would certainly clear the Field for Democrats trying to defeat the most vulnerable Republican during the 2024 Elections.
On the Republican Side Senator Rice (69) has not publicly said if she wil run for Re-Election next year. In case she retires former San Diego Mayor & Congressman Kevin Faulconer as well as Congresswoman Young Kim considering bids.

Considering....
Senator Condoleeza Rice [Incumbent] (R)
Rep. Young Kim (R)
Former San Diego Mayor & Rep. Kevin Faulconer (R)
Governor Gavin Newsom (D)
Former California Secretary of State Debra Brown (D)
Former California Secretary of State Alex Padilla (D)
Rep. Barbara Lee (D)

NEW MEXICO

During the August Recess the DSCC managed to get their first big Senate Recruit for the 2024 Elections as former Congresswoman Michelle Lujàn-Grisham threw her hat into the ring. Grisham lost a tight Race during the 2018 Midterm Republican Wave Year to then Lt. Governor John Sanchez. She was considering a Rematch last year before ultimativly deciding against it. Whether Grishams Entrance into the Senate will be sufficient enough to clear the Democratic Field remains to be seen! Congresswoman Deb Haaland who replaced Grisham in the House is rumored taking a look at the Senate Race as well.
Incumbent Senator Susana Martinez is wildly expected to run for Re-Election for a 2nd Term after forgoing a Presidential Bid in April. Martinez caused a Major Upset in 2018 by defeating Incumbent Senator Martin Heinrich but by less than a Percentage Point, about 5000 Votes to be precise in a State that has become increasingly more Democratic over the years. Democrats like their chances in 2024 with a potential higher than expected Turnout among Hispanics during a Presidential Year.

Considering....
Senator Susana Martinez [Incumbent] (R)
Rep. Deb Haaland (D)
Declared Candidates
Former Rep. Michelle Lujàn-Grisham (D)

NEVADA

Nevada is another State where the DSCC are liking their chances in 2024 after coming up just short in last years Midterms. At least three Women are considering challenging Republican Senator Dean Heller next year. Former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez-Masto as well as former Congresswomen Jacky Rosen (who lost to Heller during the Republican Midterm Wave Year in 2018) and Dina Titus. Cortez-Masto seems to be the strongest of the three.
Meanwhile Heller (who just turned 64 in May) has not yet publicly said if he runs for another Term. In the case he choses to retire the NRSCC will likely turn to former Lt. Governor Mark Hutchison or former Governor Brian Sandoval.

Considering....
Senator Dean Heller [Incumbent] (R)
Former Governor Brian Sandoval (R)
Former Lt. Governor Mark Hutchison (R)
Former Attorney General Catherine Cortez-Masto (D)
Former Rep. Jacky Rosen (D)
Former Rep. Dina Titus (D)

WISCONSIN

Although the State of Wisconsin has been trending more Republican in recent Election Cycles (Rubio won twice in 2016 and 2020) it was a mixed bag for both Parties last year. Republicans managed to hold the Governorship with former RNC Reince Priebus while losing the Senate Race due to the unpolularity of Governor Scott Walker. That almost guarantees that the State will be heavily contested again in 2024. The DSCC approached Rep. Mark Pocan to run against Senator Mark Green. Pocan was elected to Congress in 2012 when then Rep. Tammy Baldwin managed to beat former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. Pocan stated that he would be basing his Decision based on if former Senator Tammy Baldwin (who lost to Mark Green in 2018) mounts a Comeback Bid. Baldwin, now 62 years old, said she would be making a Decision by the End of September.
Meanwhile Republican Senator Mark Green said that he will launch his Re-Election Campaign within the next couple of weeks.

Declared Candidates
Senator Mark Green [Incumbent] (R)
Considering....
Former Senator Tammy Baldwin (D)
Rep. Mark Pocan (D)

MICHIGAN

Similarly to the neighboring State of Wisconsin, Michigan has been trending right over recent Election Cycles. Candidate Rubio and President Rubio managed to win the States' 16 Electoral Votes in 2016 and 2020 (The State will lose one EV due to the 2020 Census) and in 2018 then Businessman John James caused a Major Upset by beating 3-Term Incumbent Senator Debbie Stabenow by a surprisingly large 6-Point margin therefore becoming the first African American Senator from the Wolverine State. Senator John James has already said that he will run for a Second Term in 2024.
The DSCC's preferred Candidate would obviously be Governor Gretchen Whitmer who is enjoying high Approval Ratings in her first 8 months as Governor. That being said with just been elected as Governor she's highly unlikely to make a bid. That leaves three 2nd Tier Women vying to take on James. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (who got elected in 2018 despite Whitmer & Stabenow losing) as well as Reps Elissa Slotkin and Haley Stevens. Rep. Andy Levin, son of former Rep. Sander Levin and nephew of former Senator Carl Levin is also rumored taking a look at the Race.

Declared Candidates
Senator John E. James [Incumbent] (R)
Considering....
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D)
Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D)
Rep. Haley Stevens (D)
Rep. Andy Levin (D)

(LEAN STATES)

Senators Rick Scott of Florida, John Kasich of Ohio and Ann Wagner of Missouri have all indicated that they are running for Re-Election next year.

POTENTIAL RETIREMENTS

Senator Condoleeza Rice (California)
Senator Dean Arthur Heller (Nevada)
Senator Robert Phillipps Corker Jr. (Tennessee)
Senator Thomas Richard Carper (Delaware)
Senator Mazie Keiko Hirono (Hawaii)
Senator Angus Stanley King Jr. (Maine; Independent caucusing with Democrats)
Senator Benjamin Louis Cardin (Maryland)
Senator Robert Menendez (New Jersey)
Senator Bernard Sanders (Vermont, Independent caucusing with Democrats)

THE 2024 SENATE BATTLEGROUND MAP
(September 2023)

SOLID REPUBLICAN (9 Seats)
LEAN REPUBLICAN (4 Seats)
TOSS UP (6 Seats)
LEAN DEMOCRAT (3 Seats)
SOLID DEMOCRAT (11 Seats)

MONTANA

Senator Greg Gianforte over the last several months has expressed serious interest in running for Governor of Montana next year and said he would make a Decision on a run in the next couple of months.
Should Gianforte run for Governor the preferred Candidate for National Republicans to replace him would likely be Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
It's unclear whether former Governor Steve Bullock (who lost to Senator Steve Daines in 2020) or former Senator Jon Tester (who lost to Gianforte during the Republican Midterm Wave Year 2018) would make a Comeback Bid. Although Montana has a habit for electing Democrats over the last two decades the State has been trending more right during the Rubio Presidency and with the Republican Presidential Nominee atop the Ticket both Democrats would have an uphill fight on their hands.

Potential Run...
Senator Greg Gianforte [Incumbent] (R)
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke (if Gianforte opts to run for Governor) (R)
Former Governor Steve Bullock (D)
Former Senator Jon Tester (D)

Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tim Kaine of Virginia have both indicated that they are running for Re-Election next year.
It's unclear whether Senator Bob Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania, who is running for President, would run again should his Presidential Campaign fizzle out.

(SAFE STATES)

NEW YORK

In a surprising move Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced during the month of August that she would mount a Primary Challenge to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand labelling the Democratic Senator as out of step with New York Voters. Ocasio-Cortez, elected during the Sanders Revolution in 2020, which swept many Progressives into safe Democratic Districts, considered a Primary Challenger to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2022 before ultimativly taking a pass on it.

MASSACHUSETTS

In a similar unexpected move Representative Joe Kennedy III announced a Primary Challenge to Senator Elizabeth Warren for the 2024 Senate Election. It's unclear whether Senator Warren, now 74 years old, will run for Re-Election. If Warren choses to retire expect more Democrats vying for her Seat.

POTENTIAL RETIREMENTS

Senator Robert Phillipps Corker Jr. (Tennessee) [71]
Senator Thomas Richard Carper (Delaware) [76]
Senator Mazie Keiko Hirono (Hawaii) [74]
Senator Angus Stanley King Jr. (Maine; Independent caucusing with Democrats) [79]
Senator Benjamin Louis Cardin (Maryland) [78]
Senator Robert Menendez (New Jersey) [69]
Senator Bernard Sanders (Vermont, Independent caucusing with Democrats) [81]

The Senate Landscape 2024 mirrors the Presidential Race. Democrats have some very strong Pick Up Opportunities in the West with Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. Although Michigan and Wisconsin are currently Toss Up Races those two States will depend heavily which Presidential Nominee wins the two States. If Republicans win the two Upper Midwest States on the Presidential Level they will likely carry Senators Green and James over the Finish Line. Senators Kasich (Ohio), Wagner (Missouri), Gianforte (Montana) and Scott (Florida) will start as Leaners but could be moved into Toss Up Category. Senator Kasich is considered to have the safest of the four Races. Political Handicappers are particularly keeping an eye on that Montana Race where Senator Gianforte isn't without controversy. Democrats are at greatest risk in Minnesota & Pennsylvania. Those States just like the entire Upper Midwest and Rust Belt have been trending Republican so they will start as Leaners. That is also the case in Virginia although Republicans are unsure if they can make that competitive given the Demographic Changes in Northern Virginia and the Norfolk/Hampton Roads Area. There could be some Democratic Retirements in Safe Democratic States such as Vermont, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware and Hawaii.

[UWS]

POLITICAL NEWS AROUND THE COUNTRY
SEPTEMBER EDITION

PART 3

GOVERNOR NEWS

Up for ELECTION 2023

KENTUCKY (OPEN SEAT)

Incumbent Governor Matt Bevin (R) is term-limited.
Declared Candidates
Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R)
Former Attorney General Andy Beshear (D)
RATING: TOSS UP

General Election: November 7th 2023

LOUISIANA (OPEN SEAT)

Incumbent Governor John Bel Edwards (D) is term-limited.
Declared Candidates
Former Rep. Charles Boustany (R)
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser (R)
Former New Orleans Mayor & Lt. Govenor Mitch Landrieu (D)
RATING: LEAN REPUBLICAN

Open Primary: October 10th 2023
Run-Off Election: November 7th 2023

MISSISSIPPI

Incumbent Governor Tate Reeves (R) will seek Re-Election to a 2nd Term as Governor.
Declared Candidates
Incumbent Governor Tate Reeves (R)
State Representative Jay Hughes (D)
RATING: SOLID REPUBLICAN

General Election: November 7th 2023

Up for ELECTION 2024

DELAWARE (OPEN SEAT)

Incumbent Governor John Carney (D) is term-limited and cannot seek Reelection.
The most likely Candidate to replace Carney as Governor is Lieutenant Governor Bethanie Hall-Long. It's unlikely though that Hall-Long will have the Democratic Primary all for herself because Attorney General Kathy Jennings and State Auditor Kathy McGuiness are considering bids as well. Republicans are unlikely to mount a serious Challenge in this Deep Blue State.

Considering....
Lieutenant Governor Bethanie Hall-Long (D)
Attorney General Kathy Jennings (D)
State Auditor Kathy McGuiness (D)

INDIANA (OPEN SEAT)

Incumbent Governor Eric Holcomb (R) is term-limited and cannot seek Reelection. Holcomb assumed the Indiana Statehouse after Governor Mike Pence was elected to the United States Senate in 2018. He then overwhelmingly won Re-Election during the Rubio' Landslide in 2020.
The Indiana Republican Primary could become very crowded. Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of State Connie Lawson and State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell are looking at the Race. On the Democratic Side former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg has already thrown his head into the contest.

Considering....
Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch (R)
Secretary of State Connie Lawson (R)
State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell (R)
Declared Candidates
Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D)

MISSOURI

Incumbent Governor Mike Parson (R) will seek Reelection to a 2nd Term. Parson overwhelmingly won Election to his 1st Term as Governor of Missouri when scandal-plagued Governor Eric Greitens decided not to run again in 2020. It's unclear whether Democrats can mount a serious Challenge in the Show-Me State as Missouri has trended increasingly red in the last twelve years. 2016 Democratic Senate Nominee & former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander is rumored taking a look at the Race.

Declared Candidates
Governor Mike Parson [Incumbent] (R)
Considering....
Former Missouri Secretary of State & 2016' Senate Nominee Jason Kander (D)

MONTANA

Incumbent Governor Tim Fox (R) will seek Reelection to a 2nd Term in Montana. Fox fended off two Republican Primary Challengers by underwhelming margins in 2020 and then went on to beat Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney to succeed popular Governor Steve Bullock as Governor when Bullock, who was already termed out, decided to run for the Presidency in 2020 and then later dropped down to the Senate Race losing to Senator Steve Daines. Amid lagging Job Approvals and trailing potential Democratic Challengers like Tester, Bullock and Cooney Fox will likely face a serious Primary Challenge in the form of Senator Greg Gianforte. Ever since losing to Bullock in 2016 Gianforte had the desire to run for Governor again. Republican Operatives in the State expect Gianforte to announce a Candidacy in the next couple of months. On the Democratic Side Bullock, Tester and Cooney are rumored looking at the Race.

Declared Candidates
Governor Tim Fox [Incumbent] (R)
Considering....
Senator Greg Gianforte (R)
Former Senator Jon Tester (D)
Former Governor Steve Bullock (D)
Former Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney (D)

NORTH CAROLINA

Incumbent Governor Dan Forest (R) will seek Reelection to a 2nd Term as Governor of North Carolina. Despite President Rubio carrying North Carolinas' 15 Electoral Votes by a decisive margin during the 2020 Presidential Election Forest beat popular Governor Roy Cooper by less than 30.000 Votes in 2020. Cooper went on to win the 2022 Senate Race against former Governor Pat McCrory. The State of North Carolina continues to change though and Forest will face a serious General Election Challenge from Attorney General Josh Stein.

Declared Candidates
Governor Dan Forest [Incumbent] (R)
Attorney General Josh Stein (D)

NORTH DAKOTA

Incumbent Governor Doug Burgum (R) will seek Reelection to a 3rd Term as Governor of North Dakota. Burgum won a surprise Primary Victory over North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem in 2016 after failing to get the Endorsement from the North Dakota Republican Party at their State Convention. He went on to win the 2016 & 2020 General Elections quite easily. Burgum is currently one of the most popular Governors in the Nation and is expected to face only token Primary and General Opposition next year.

Declared Candidates
Governor Doug Burgum [Incumbent] (R)

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Incumbent Governor Chris Sununu (R) is running for the Republican Nomination for President and will not seek Re-Election to a 4th Term. Sununu decided to run for Governor in 2016 after Incumbent Governor Maggie Hassan (D) decided to challenge Senator Kelly Ayotte. Ayotte went on to beat Hassan but lost 6 years later during 2022 Midterm Elections to current Senator Ann-McLane Kuster (D). Meanwhile Sununu went on to win 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022 quite comfortable before deciding earlier this year to run for the Republican Presidential Nomination hoping that the First-In-The-Nation Primary next year would give him a boost.
Sununu's Successor as Governor of New Hampshire will likely be former Senator and NH Attorney General Kelly Ayotte. Ayotte made no secret that she wanted to run for Governor after Sununu annouced his Decision. Ayotte is expected to announce her Decision soon. On the Democratic Side there will likely be a contested Primary between Stefany Shaheen, Daughter of former Senator Jeanne Shaheen and 2016' Democratic Nominee Colin van Ostern after former Governor Maggie Hassan declined to run.

Declined
Governor Chris Sununu [Incumbent] (R) running for the Republican Presidential Nomination.
Former Governor Maggie Hassan (D)
Considering....
Former Senator & New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte (R)
Stefany Shaheen (D)
'16 Democratic Governor Nominee Colin van Ostern (D)

UTAH

Incumbent Governor Spencer Cox (R) will seek Reelection to a 2nd Term as Governor of Utah. Cox, well known for his moderate stance of Issues won a crowded Republican Primary in 2020 and went on to win the General Election quite easily to succeed Governor Gary Herbert. Cox is likely going to face only token Opposition in the Primary & General Elections next year.

Declared Candidates
Governor Spencer Cox [Incumbent] (R)

VERMONT

Incumbent Governor Phill Scott's (R) Political Future likely hinges on whether popular Vermont Senator & 2020 Democratic Presidential Nominee Bernie Sanders decides to retire or not. Scott has expressed interest in running for the United States Senate but would likely run only in an Open Seat Scenario. Former Vermont Lieutenant Governor David Zuckermann & Attorney General T. J. Donovan have expressed interest running for Governor if Scott decides to run for Senate.
Unclear...pending Senator Sanders Decision
Governor Phil Scott [Incumbent] (R)
Considering....
Former Vermont Lieutenant Governor David Zuckermann (D)
Attorney General T. J. Donovan (D)

WASHINGTON

Popular Incumbent Governor Jay Inslee (D) after three Terms as Governor has decided not to seek Re-Election for a fourth Term. Inslee served in the United States House of Representatives continously between 1998 and 2012 when he decided to run for Governor to replace scandal-plagued Governor Christine Gregoire. He went on to win the Democratic Nomination for Governor and the General Election defeating Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna by a close 51-49 Vote. In 2016, running for a 2nd Term he beat Republican Bill Bryant by a more comfortable 54-46 Vote. In 2020, when President Rubio carried Washington State's 12 Electoral Votes for the first time since Ronald Reagan in 1984 Inslee narrowly won Re-Election again over Loren Culp.
State Democrats expect a heavily contested Open Primary between Attorney General Bob Ferguson and King Country Executive Dow Constantine. On the Republican Side Secretary of State Kim Wyman is rumored taking a look at the Race after winning by a surprisingly comfortable margin in 2020 due to President Rubio's strong showing.
Declined
Governor Jay Inslee [Incumbent] (D)
Considering....
Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D)
King County Executive Dow Constantine (D)
Secretary of State Kim Wyman (R)

WEST VIRJGINIA (OPEN SEAT)

Incumbent Governor Jim Justice (R) is term-limited and cannot seek Reelection. Justice ran as a Democrat in the 2016 West Virginia Democratic Gubernatorial Primary defeating Booth Goodwin and Jeff Kessler. Justice went on to win the General Election over Republican Bob Cole by a 49-42 margin. Less than 7 months into his tenure as Governor he switched back to the Republican Party rallying with President Rubio to defeat former Governor & then appointed Senator Earl Ray Tomblin (D) after Tomblin replaced Senator Shelley Moore-Capito in the Senate upon Capito becoming President Rubio's Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. Justice went on to win a comfortable Re-Election in 2020 when President Rubio carried the State by over 40 Percentage Points. The Democratic Governors Association is pushing former Governor & Senator Joe Manchin (D) to run for his old Job. It's unclear who will be running on the Republican Side of things.
Considering....
Former Governor & Senator Joe Manchin (D)

2023/2024 GOVERNOR MAP (September 2023)

SOLID REPUBLICAN (3 Seats)
LEAN REPUBLICAN (5 Seats)
TOSS UP (4 Seats)
LEAN DEMOCRAT (1 Seats)
SOLID DEMOCRAT (1 Seats)

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
September 2023, Part 1

September 1, 2023

Source : https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/home
-Following the passage of Hurricane Dorian, President Rubio signs a Desaster Relief Declaration for the States of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

September 2, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Bernie+Sanders&title=Special%3ASearch&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Bernie_Sanders_(I-VT).jpg
-Vermont Senator and former Democratic presidential nominee in 2020 Bernie Sanders announces that he will retire at the end of his senate term in 2024.

September 4, 2023
-New White House Press Secretary Dana Perino holds her 1st White House Press Briefing in the Rubio Administration. Topics are the Economy where Perino says that over the next few months there might be some Job Losses after having Job Growth for the last 13 years. Perino also uses the occasion to remind the American People that for the 1st Time in 25 years the United States of America is creating a Budget Surpluss because of the Balanced Budget Amendment passed by Congress in 2021.

September 5, 2023
-SpaceX Founder Elon Musk & his Chief Operations Officer Gwynne Shotwell sent out Invitations to President Rubio and former President Obama to come over to Hawthorne, California at the end of the month to view the Progress made of their Rockets who will help construct the "Lunar Gateway".

September 6, 2023

Own creation; Own creation
-Democratic Presidential Candidates hold their 3rd Primary Debate at the University of Miami Campus in Coral Gables, Florida. On this occasion Frontrunner Senator Kamala Harris uses the Debate to highlight her bipartisan credentials by reminding Democratic Primary Voters and Democratic-leaning Independents that she helped co-sponsor the "Opportunity Act" in 2018 since Florida has a lot Hispanic Voters. Former Virginia Governor McAuliffe attacks her, claiming any Bill that has Senator Jeff Sessions Vote in it is a bad bill. Harris, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey & Governor Chris Kennedy fired back claiming McAuliffe's tenure as Governor of Virginia was a Disaster and accusing McCauliffe of having violated the law as he was probed by the FBI "over whether donations to his gubernatorial campaign violated the law", citing a donation of $120,000 from Chinese businessman Wang Wenliang.

September 8, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Artemis+2+Launch+&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Exploration_Mission-1_patch.png
-Artemis 2 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson briefs the Press and announced that due recent Tropical Storms and Hurricanes around Florida the Artemis 2 Launch will be postponed one week from November 15 to November 22 to give NASA Operations more time to prepare. She says "The Safety of our Astronauts are our most important goal".

September 9, 2023

Own creation
-President Rubio campaigns for Republican candidate for Kentucky Governor Daniel Cameron in Lexington, Kentucky where he blasts Cameron's Democratic opponent Andy Beshear as « out of touch with Kentuckians », citing his call for higher taxes and for higher regulations on the coal industry and also reminding voters that as Attorney General, Beshear has been a subject of a bribery charge as Beshear's office has been covered in scandal and his top aide took more than $200 000 in bribes from state business deals and then used the dirty money to give Beshear thousands in illegal campaign cash. He took on the occasion to praise Cameron's record as Attorney General in which he shileded Kentuckians from fraud with scam alerts and protecting them from dishonest business practices and touts his advocacy of lower taxes for the sake of job creation, Second Amendment rights and the life of the unborn.

September 10, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=us+capitol&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:U.S._Capitol_-_March_28,_2016_(25666928564).jpg
-The Senate votes 88-10 for Senator Sasse's National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 that would provide investments nuclear triad of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and strategic bombers, as well as the nuclear command and control system as well as funds for the development of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent in order to effectively counter Russia's and China's heavy investment in intercontinental ballistic missiles. The vote in the House of Representatives is scheduled for September 26.

September 11, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Pentagon+%28building%29&title=Special%3ASearch&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Pentagon_Building.jpg
-President Rubio and First Lady Jeanette Rubio comemorate 9/11 at the Pentagon. The President reminded people on September 11th 2001, Al-Qaeda thought they could attack America with impunity and thought that Americans lost the will to defend freedom, which is not knowing America who has chosen, along with its allies, to fight back by declaring war on terror which, thanks to the courage of American and allied troops, led to the elimination of Al-Qaeda and the elimination of Osama Bin Laden as well as to strong progress against ISIS, citing military actions that eliminated ISIS in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and North Africa as well as the killing of ISIS leaders Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi. He takes on the occasion to declare that thanks to America's military strength, the modernization of the military, the courage and valour of U.S. soldiers and strong alliances, final victory against ISIS is imminent and that by staying committed to that goal, freedom and democracy will be forever protected and our children and grand children will earn the opportunity to grow up in a world of permanent and long-term global peace.

September 12, 2023
-NASA Administrator Stallmer and CNN President Zucker announce a collaboration between NASA TV and CNN for the Artemis 2 Coverage. CNN will broadcast exclusive "Behind the Scenes Content" during their Coverage.

September 13, 2023

Source(s) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=500&offset=0&profile=default&search=Petro+Poroshenko&advancedSearch-current={}&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Petro_Poroshenko_February_2015.jpg;
-President Rubio hosts Ukrainian President Petro Proshenko at the White House. They went on to ratify the US-Ukraine Nuclear Cooperation Agreement concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy, increasing nuclear energy exports and imports between the two countries and making Ukraine more independent from Russian nuclear energy and thus depriving Russia of revenues to finance actions aimed at harming the United States and its allies. They also expressed their mutual support to peaceful protesters in the Russian Spring.

September 14, 2023

Source(s) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Republican+Elephant&title=Special:Search&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Republican_Disc.svg; Own creation; Own creation
-The Republican candidates for President hold their third primary debate at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. The debate is moderated by Margaret Brennan, Major Garrett and John Dickerson of CBS News. When asked about Cotton's attacks about her leadership skills throughout last summer, Vice-President Nikki Haley that she has passed every test, notably by helping President Rubio to pass his agenda as she actually played a role in passing the Opportunity Act of 2018 because she is the President of the Senate. She takes on the occasion to attack Senator Cotton, accusing him of « no longer knowing the basics of the Senate as he now has the worst attendance record in the U.S. Senate as he missed above three quarters of the Senate votes in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of this year. » She took on the occasion to remind voters that in 2017 she called for ISIS attacks on Christians, mainstream Muslims, Kurds and other groups to be labeled "genocide" and called for Chile to break its diplomatic ties with North Korea (contributing to the diplomatic and economic pressure that led the world to the denuclearization of North Korea) during a visit in Santiago and that in 2018 she declared the United States' support to Ukraine's integration in the European Union for the sake of this nation's prosperity, stability and security against Russia's aggression. She takes on the occasion to remind that she helped President Rubio to keep America safe against terrorism and to denuclearize North Korea and Iran and that in the context of the temporary cease of the U.S. aid to Pakistan (that was aimed at convincing Pakistan to stop state-sponsoring terrorism and give more efforts to combat radical Islamic terrorism) she has led the 2017 diplomatic trip in Pakistan that got Islamabad to stop sponsoring terrorist groups, to fully side with the United States and to bring full Pakistani cooperation with the United States in the War on Terror as well as broader counterterrorism efforts in the region, which also helped in the Rubio Administration's successful efforts to get India to send troops in Afghanistan to help America and its allies to defeat terrorism in Afghanistan as terrorism was a common enemy for both Pakistan and India, which « led us to victory against radical Islamic terrorism in Afghanistan and finally restored peace, freedom and stability there and ending 2 decades of conflict in that region and allowed us to bring our troops home safely. » She described herself as the candidate with the best experience to pursue the progress of the last 7 years for the sake of long term prosperity, freedom and security for America. The candidates also spent the debate expressing their hopes that Congress will pass the proposed US-Africa Free Trade Agreement that aims at lifting tariffs, boosting trade between America and Africa, to step up US-African Union bilateral cooperation on a wide range of non-trade issues such as foreign and security policy, counter-terrorism, fighting organised crime, sustainable development, research and culture for the sake of prosperity, economic competitiveness. And in an effort to appeal among Iowa's farmers and rural voters, Ben Sasse takes on the occasion to praise the effectiveness of President Rubio's record on free trade that ratified free trade deals with the European Union, Latin America, America's allies around the Pacific and India, which made America the most competitive nation in the world economy, increased access to American agricultural products for millions and millions of additional consumers around the world and reminded voters that tariffs led to the Great Depression through a restriction of trade, exports and imports and, therefore, to World War II (as the devastating effects of the Great Depression on the international economy helped Hitler in his rise to power in Germany), declaring that free enterprise, not protectionism and tarrifs, is the right solution to America's economic challenges.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
September 2023, Part 2

September 16, 2023

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-Vermont Senator Phil Scott announces that he's running for Sanders' senate seat in 2024.

September 17, 2023

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-Supreme Court Justice Claence Thomas announced retirement due to health problems. President Rubio holds a press conference at the White House where he expresses his respect for Thomas' career and service to America. He stated that he will appoint a successor for Thomas' SCOTUS seat somewhere next week.

September 19, 2023

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-During a rally in Ames, Iowa, Ben Sasse tries to make grounds among Iowa's farmers and rural voters, blasting his primary rival Tom Cotton on his vote against the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 that amended the federal pesticide law by prohibiting local governments from restricting pesticide use on private property within their jurisdictions and reduced the years of experience required for a farmer or rancher to be eligible for a farm ownership loan from 3 years’ experience to 2 years’ experience (thus making the agricultural workforce more available through higher hiring and qualification), describing himself as a fighter for farmers and ranchers and praising the benefits of the Rubio Administration's economic and free trade policies on farmers and ranchers.

September 20, 2023

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-South Carolina Senator Mark Sanford introduces the US-Africa Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act that would approve and implement the proposed US-Africa Free Trade Agreement and establish the terms of the United States' entry.

September 22, 2023

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-Alabama Governor Kay Ivey endorses Vice-President Haley during a rally in Montgomery, Alabama.

September 23, 2023

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Chris+Sununu&title=Special:Search&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:20170901-OSEC-LSC-1199_(36617469320).jpg; https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=charlie+dent&title=Special:Search&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Charlie_Dent_official_photo_(cropped).jpg
-Chris Sununu received the endorsement of Pennsylvania Governor Charlie Dent.

September 24, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Barbara+Lagoa&title=Special:Search&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Florida-Supreme-Court-Justice-Barbara-Lagoa-2019.jpg
-President Rubio announces that Judge Barabara Lagoa to fill Clarence Thomas' SCOTUS seat. That move is praised by conservatives and also received accolades among the Hispanic community as Lagoa would be the first Cuban American to serve in the Supreme Court of the United States. The Senate Democratic minority expressed their vow to block that nomination.

September 25, 2023

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-On the floor of the U.S. Senate, Senate Majority Leader Cory Gardner praised President Rubio's move to select Barbara Lagoa for SCOTUS, describing her as uniquely qualified to defend America's freedoms as well as the Constitution of the United States, citing notably her writing for the unanimous court when it found that DeSantis acted within his authority by suspending Sheriff Scott Israel for his response to the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Senator Gardner declares that the Senate will hopefully move on to start the senate hearings for Lagoa's confirmation within next month.

September 26-27, 2023

https://www.nps.gov/articles/gbsd.htm; https://www.reaganfoundation.org/programs-events/events-calendar/reagan-forum-with-marco-rubio/
-The House of Representatives votes 390-35 for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 that is later signed into law by President Rubio, providing investments nuclear triad of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and strategic bombers, as well as the nuclear command and control system as well as funds for the development of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (that is set to replace the the LGM-30 Minuteman III ICBM) in order to effectively counter Russia's and China's heavy investment in intercontinental ballistic missiles. The President praised that vote as good news for global peace thanks to the preservation of America's status as the strongest military power in the world and a modernization of the US military to prevent nuclear war and make sure that the next generations will inherit a world of peace, security, freedom and prosperity.

September 28, 2023
-NASA Administrator Eric Stallmer announce that the Artemis-2 Assembly Period is complete and the NASA Mission Management Team is planning to rollout the SLS with ORION atop as well as the Atlas V Rocket with ALTAIR atop to their respective Launch Pads early next month.

September 30, 2023

Own creation
-President Rubio & former President Obama tour the SpaceX Facilities in Hawthorne, California to review the progress that has been made regarding the Falcon Rockets that will help construct the "Lunar Gateway".

[UWS]

CNN

„Special Report“

„Rubio/Obama Joint Press Conference in Hawthorne, California after reviewing SpaceX Facilities“

30th September 2023

Wolf Blitzer, CNN „Situation Room“ Anchor

I'm Wolf Blitzer, Host of the „Situation Room“ and I welcome our Viewers in the United States and around the world for this CNN Special Report. This Morning President Rubio and former President Obama toured the SpaceX Facilities to review the Progress that has been made which will help the United States of America to construct the „Luna Gateway Project“, which will help us to get to the Moon more often and gives the USA a springboard to Mars. SpaceX is a Private Company which helped to transfer primarily US American & European Astronauts from and to the International Space Station since 2020. Last month President Rubio signed a Directive asking SpaceX to help the USA to construct the Luna Gateway, a Space Outpost around the Moon similar to the ISS around Earth under Supervision of NASA and Boing. We expect to hear from these two Gentleman shortly but first we go to CNN's Chief White House Correspondent Michelle Kosinski who is travelling with the President. Michelle...

Michelle Kosinski, CNN „Chief White House Correspondent“ reporting from Hawthorne, California

Good Afternoon Wolf from sunny California! It has been quite a busy few weeks for President Rubio. First he nominated a new Supreme Court Justice and this Morning he visited the SpaceX Facilities here in Hawthorne. The President landed at Los Angeles International Airport last Night and then slept in a nearby Hotel before making the short trip to Hawthorne to review the progress that has been made to eventually construct the Gateway which he signed a Directive in August. Having been able to tour some of the SpaceX Facilities with the President (not everything was open to the Media) it's pretty incredible how far they come. We still need to remind ourself that SpaceX is a Private Company who stepped in after NASA's Space Shuttle Program was closed down in 2011. Both, the Obama Administration and the Rubio Administration invested a lot in SpaceX to finally guaranteed safe travel to and from the International Space Station since 2020. Here they come, President Marco Rubio and former President Barack Obama...let's listen in.

Barack Obama (D-Illinois), former US President

President Rubio, Distinguished Guests, Members of the Media, Members of SpaceX and Representatives of NASA! I'm honoured to be here in sunny Hawthorne, California! I want to give Special Thanks to SpaceX Founder Elon Musk, his Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell and their Team for the wonderful Hospitality I was priviliged to have for the time I am here.
The last 15 years has been truly momentous & remarkable for the SpaceX Company and NASA. When I took Office as President of the United States NASA was in a lot of trouble. The Space Shuttle Program, which once was a backbone of our Space Exploration was winding down. We lost over 100,000 Jobs particularly after the Retirement of the Space Shuttle. That was not a good feeling so I directed my NASA Administrator Charles Bolden to find new ways to restart our Commercial Program and get our Astronauts back to and from the International Space Station. We contacted SpaceX and told them what we needed and they delivered, first with their Cargo Missions and now with the Crewed Flights. When I left Office I was my hope that we would fly Missions back to and from the ISS. Today I can truly say: Mr. President, SpaceX and NASA „YOU DELIVERED“ Today also marks a new Chapter NASA, SpaceX and Boing: Finding ways to construct the „Lunar Gateway Project“. While I am sure this road will be very exciting but also will have many obstacles and challenges I'm confident you will deliver again.
Thank You!

Marco Rubio (R-Florida), US President

Former President Obama, Distinguished Guests, Members of the Media, Members of SpaceX and Representatives of NASA, thanks to the progress that we have made in the process of reviving our space exploration program, I can declare to the whole world « America is back! » America is back in space exploration. First, I want to thank President Obama for getting the NASA Commercial Crew Program with SpaceX of the mark. I also want to thank Florida Senator Carlos Cantera-Lopez for his successful effort to pass the Space Act of 2017 that abolished government regulations on space commercialization, incentivize the private sector to develop space technology by promoting partnership between NASA and private spaceflight companies. Six years ago, my Administration took the historic step to reestablish the National Space Council in order to support our astronauts as well as our space program. A year after, the NASA formed partnerships with private spaceflight companies like SpaceX, Shackleton Energy Company, Space Adventures, Ltd., Planetary Resources and Deep Space Industries in order to relaunch our country's space industry and program. So we took the decision to extend tax credits and exemptions for those companies investing in research and development, equipment and other capital in order to encourage job creation in the space industry and to keep America's space program alive, dynamic and competitive.

In late 2021, we made a giant step towards America's return to the Moon as NASA launched Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle ORION's first unmanned Space Flight to the Moon with Exploration Mission-1, clearing the way for our 1st manned Space Flight on ORION called EM-2 scheduled to be launched in November 15 for a landing on next December. This is a mission that will be led by Jeffrey N. Williams who will serve as the capsule commander. He is one of the most qualified people ever to lead such a mission after decades of experience, participating on STS-101, Expedition 13, Expedition 21/22, etc. And last winter, the rest of the crew for EM-2 has been unveiled with Douglas G. Hurley as the pilot as well as Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Megan K. McArthur as payload specialists. They will lead that great mission and they will be safely brought back to Earth. Their mission to the Moon will make America once again the uncontestable leader in space exploration and will launch the process of establishing a lunar base named Lunar Gateway in the next 5 years, which will give us a springboard to a crewed mission to Mars and guarantee that the accomplishment of our objective to send astronauts to Mars by 2030 will be fulfilled and that the United States will be the first country to do so, which, as Neil Armstrong would say, will be one small step for a man or a woman, but one giant leap for mankind.

Thank you! God bless you all and God bless the United States of America!

Wolf Blitzer, CNN „Situation Room“ Anchor

That concludes our CNN Special Report of the Joint Press Conference between President Rubio and former President Obama at the SpaceX Facilities in Hawthorne, California. We will see you again at 5pm in the Situation Room.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Happy to see this TL return

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
October 2023, Part 1

October 1, 2023

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-During a campaign rally in Columbia, South Carolina with Michelle Obama and Sheila Oliver, Kamala Harris states that President Rubio’s SCOTUS nominee judge Barbara Lagoa deserves a fair hearing like any judge.

October 2, 2023
-The October jobs report indicates a net loss of 27 000 jobs in September.

October 3, 2023

https://www.aztreasury.gov/treasurer-kimberly-yee
-Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee announces her intention to run for Senate in 2024.

October 5, 2023

Own creation
-President Rubio hosts Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and PResident of the United Arab Emirates Khalifa Al Nahyan with whom he brokered the Abraham Accords that normalize the Israel-UAE relations and suspend Israel’s plans to annex the Jordan Valley and the West Bank, making another major step towards peace and stability in the Middle East.

October 7, 2023

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-The Senate votes 71-29 for the US-Africa Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act that has yet to pass the House of Representatives.

October 9, 2023

Own creation; Own creation; Own creation
-The Democratic presidential candidates meet each other at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the 4th Democratic primary presidential debate. The debate is moderated by Hallie Jackson and Lester Holt. The candidates were notably asked about the SCOTUS nomination of Barbara Lagoa by President Rubio. Almost all the candidates, at the exception of Andrew Yang, express that despite their harsh difference on issues with Judge Lagoa on abortion, gun rights, gay marriage, etc. she deserves a fair hearing. John Bel Edwards came under fire from Yang on his opposition to gun control and abortion, to which Governor Edwards replied that a President needs to be President for all Americans like Edwards has « been Governor for all Louisianans by defending Louisiana values such as gun rights, the protection of the life of the unborn and tax reform through the reduction of sales taxes and the elimination of federal income tax deductibility. » The Louisiana Governor takes on the occasion to label Yang as out of touch with Americans, indicating his advocacy of legalizing opioids (including heroin) despite the danger it represents on America’s young people. Governor Chris Kennedy interfered in the argument, calling on his fellow Democrats to stop fighting each other and run a positive campaign, reminding them that the negative tone of the 2020 Democratic primaries between Sanders and Booker partly led to President Rubio’s landslide victory. Kennedy reminded voters that his uncle John F. Kennedy cut taxes and favored free trade (both positions not adopted by the majority of the Democratic  Party’s base) during his presidency but is respected by all Americans on both sides of the aisle. He therefore recommended his contenders to stay focused on issues and America’s future.

October 10, 2023

Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=500&offset=0&profile=default&search=Billy+Nungesser+&advancedSearch-current={}&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Billy_Nungesser.jpg
-Louisiana holds its jungle primary ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election to succeed incumbent Governor John Bel Edwards who is currently running for the Democratic presidential nomination. Republican Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser comes out on top with 44 % of the vote followed by former Lieutenant Governor and New Orleans Mayor Democrat Mitch Landrieu (D) with 40 % and former U.S. Representative from LA-03 Republican Charles Boustany with 16 %.

October 12, 2023

https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/photo-gallery
-President Rubio campaigns for Billy Nungesser in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he endorses Nungesser for the governorship of the Pelican State. The President praises Nungesser’s role, as Parish President, on hurricane recovery The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) originally obligated $400,000 to rebuild the marina at Port Eads after Katrina when he went to Washington D.C. to appeal the amount after which FEMA authorized $12 million for the project. The President touted the Lieutenant Governor’s fiscal conservatism and his promotion of tax reform, small government, gun rights and the life of the unborn and calls on the people of Louisiana to go to the polls and elect Nungesser as their governor.

October 13, 2023

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=George+P.+Bush&title=Special:Search&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:George_P_Bush_cropped_from_Bush_family.jpg; Own creation
-Vice-President Haley receives the endorsement of Texas Senator George P. Bush during a rally in Houston, Texas.

October 15, 2023

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate_Committee_on_the_Judiciary#/media/File:Dirksen226.jpg
-The Senate Judiciary Committee starts the hearings to confirm Barbara Lagoa’s SCOTUS nomination.

[UWS]

CNN

„BREAKING NEWS“

„WOLF“

16th October 2023

„Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao summits Resignation“

Wolf Blitzer, CNN „Situation Room“ Anchor

It's 1pm in Washington, 10am in Los Angeles, 6pm in London and 7pm in Berlin. I'm Wolf Blitzer, Host of the „Situation Room“. Thank You for joining us for „WOLF“ on this Monday, the 16th of October 2023. Before I get to some other News during this 1pm Hour I want to go straight to our Senior White House Correspondent Abby Phillip who has some BREAKING NEWS to report. Abby...

Abby Phillip, CNN Senior White House Correspondent reporting from the White House North Lawn

Good Afternoon Wolf! I've indeed some „BREAKING NEWS“ to report: CNN has learned that Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has summitted her Resignation to President Rubio a short while ago and the President has accepted. Secretary Chao is the Wife of former Kentucky Senator & Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In her Resignation Letter Secretary Chao noted that after nearly 25 years in some form of Public Capacity it's time to spend more time with her family. Chao I'm told was also the Labor Secretary during the Presidency of former President George W. Bush. She was the only Cabinet Member who served during the entire Duration of his Presidency from 2001 to 2009. Secretary Chao's Resignation could also have something to do with her husbands ailing health. Former Leader McConnell has not spoken publicly since giving his Farewell Address to the Senate at the end of 2020. An immidiate Replacement is unkown at this Point. Back to you Wolf!

Wolf Blitzer, CNN „Situation Room“ Anchor

Thank You Abby! Let's discuss this Breaking Development! With me here in the Studio are our CNN Special Correspondent Cecilia Vega and our Chief Political Analyst Dana Bash. Cecilia, I'll start with you as you covered the White House from 2017 to 2021, although on another Network. What do you make of this?

Cecilia Vega, CNN Special Correspondent

Well Wolf, Secretary Chao was one of the older Cabinet Secretaries in the Rubio Administration so it isn't a huge surprise to me that she choose to retire since she has been in Public Life for a very long time. Maybe it's indeed about former Majority Leader McConnell's Health as Abby suggested. What's remarkable though is that she is only the 4th high-ranking Administration Member overall during the last 6 1/2 years to resign after former Secretary of Defense James Matthis, former Housing Secretary Bob Woodson and former Ambassador to the United Nations Dan Coats. To put that in perspective the Rubio Administration has far fewer Resignations compared to the Administration of former Presidents Obama and George W. Bush. That's also the impressions I had while I covered the White House. They are all very level-headed. I'm sure the President will find a fitting Replacement!

Wolf Blitzer, CNN „Situation Room“ Anchor

Will this have any Political Impact since you also covered Congress for a good amount, Dana?

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Political Analyst

I doubt it Wolf except for maybe keeping the Senate busy (BIG LAUGHTER by all 3). In all seriousness though President Rubio shouldn't have any problems getting a Replacement confirmed after he nominates one. Republicans have 64 Senate Seats (Votes) and they only need 51 after they lowered the threshold for Cabinet Nominations to a simple Majority. It may take some time though as the Chamber is currently holding Confirmation Hearings for Judge Barbara Lagoa to be an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court. After facing a boatload of backslash by rushing to the confirmation hearings of now Justice Amy Coney Barrett Republicans may take some more appropriate time to confirm Judge Lagoa. I'm also hearing that Congress maybe shut down for a week or so during the Artemis-2 Launch and subsequent Moon Landing. Finally it looks like Senator Greg Gianforte running for Montana Governor and will announce his Run in the next couple of weeks. That could trigger a domino effect in the State with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke running for Senate. Zinke I'm told has already being approached by the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee about running. We'll see what happens!

Wolf Blitzer, CNN „Situation Room“ Anchor

Thank You Cecilia and Dana! I want to go back to the White House where Press Secretary Dana Perino is about to give her Daily Press Briefing. Let's listen in!

16th October 2023

WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING

1.30pm ET

DANA PERINO, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY

Good Afternoon Everybody!
Welcome to the White House Press Briefing. I'll give a Rundown of what's happened today and what we expect to happen throughout the week and then I'll answer some Questions.
As you probably know already Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao summitted her Resignation this Morning and the President has accepted. Secretary Chao has been a wonderful public Servant throughtout her Public Life and we owe her a Major Depth of gratitude for serving this Country so diligently I was fortunate enough to work in the White House when she was the Secretary of Labor during the Bush Administration and we wish her all the best for the the next Chapter in her Life.
Secondly the Confirmation Hearings for Judge Barbara Lagoa will start in earnest the week. I commend the effort that has been made by Senators Harris, Oliver and Obama for trying to take the political rancor out of the hearings. Our hope is that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer allows a fair process to happen for Judge Lagoa and follows some advice by his Democratic Senate Colleagues.
Thirdly on the Topic of the Economy we will continue to have slight Job losses through the end of the year and into next year. We expect a Turnaround by the middle of 2024. Now I'll answer some Questions. Michelle...

Michelle Kosinski, CNN Chief White House Correspondent

Does the President already have Replacement for Secretary Chao?

Dana Perino, White House Press Secretary

Thanks for the Question! No, at this Point he doesn't! It's too soon thinking about that. A Replacement will be named in due course. The Senate currently has other Business to do and it wouldn't be fair to do a second step before the first step.

Major Garrett, CBS NEWS White House Correspondent

Speaking of the Economy, there seems to be a Standoff between the Republican House Leadership and Republican-led Senate. Can you comment on that?

Dana Perino, White House Press Secretary

Well, one thing I can guarantee you Major. The President has worked tiredlessly during the first part of his 2nd Term to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment which passed both Houses of Congress in 2021. For the first time we are creating a Budget Surpluss similarly what happened in the early 90ties. We're not going to rue that with a large Infrastructure Bill which would continue to raise the depth again. The President & Speaker Ryan are very clear on that and are on the same page there. We're working on a solution without nullifying the progress that has being made.

Jonathan Karl, ABC NEWS White House Correspondent

When it comes to the Supreme Court why do you think recent SCOTUS Hearings have become so nasty? Weren't Republicans the ones who faced a backlash because of the rushed Hearings for Justice Amy Coney Barrett?

Dana Perino, White House Press Secretary

I can't comment on Hearings for ACB because I wasn't in the White House back then. My view is that Judge who gets nominated to the Supreme Court of the United States should be examined on their Qualifications and not on Policy. Congress makes Policy not the SCOTUS Justices. They have to interpret the Law. In our view Judge Barbara Lagoa has exceptional credentials and should be confirmed and she will be eventually.

Wolf Blitzer, CNN „Situation Room“ Anchor

That concludes „Wolf“ for today. I'll see you back at 5pm in the Situation Room. Thanks for watching!

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
October 2023, Part 2

October 16, 2023

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine_Chao#/media/File:Elaine_Chao_official_portrait_2.jpg
-Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao announced her resignation in order to spend more time with her husband former Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell. President Rubio gives a press conference at the White House in which he praised Chao's work as Secretary of Transportation that contributed to the formation of the Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology (NETT) Council and soaring infrastructure development in the last few years through public-private partnerships to fund new infrastructure programs, thus facilitating economic activities in the country and the implementation of new businesses in America and contributing to the prosperity America is now living. The President also stated that he will announce a successor to Chao after the confirmation of the Senate's decision on whether to confirm Barbara Lagoa's SCOTUS nomination.

October 17, 2023

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha%27s_Vineyard#/media/File:Ocean_Park_Oak_Bluffs.jpg; Own creation
-President Rubio and First Lady Jeanette Rubio celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary along with their children in Martha's Vineyard.

October 18, 2023

Own creation; Own creation; Own creation
-The 2024 Republican presidential candidates meet each other at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio for their 4th primary debate. This debate is moderated by CNBC Chief Editor-At-Large“ John Harwood, and MSNBC Anchors Ashley Parker & Kirsten Welker. The candidates expressed their support to Barbara Lagoa's SCOTUS nomination and their wish to see her confirmed as soon as possible. They also praised President Rubio's move to broker the Abraham Accords, which they described as good news for Israel's stability and peace in the Middle East and as an important step to secure the progress made in the last 7 years to preserve peace and stability in that region, including the U.S. and allied military efforts to defeat ISIS, Iran’s denuclearization and the Coalition’s victory in the War in Afghanistan.

October 20, 2023

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-Campaigning in St. Louis, Missouri, Ben Sasse praised President Rubio's foreign policy record and leadership that is leading America to victory against radical Islamic terrorism, brought victory for America and allies in Afghanistan and denuclearized Iran and North Korea. He takes on the occasion, in order to portray himself as ready to be Commander-in-Chief, to tout his own national security credentials, noting his effort to pass his sponsored National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 providing investments nuclear triad of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and strategic bombers, as well as the nuclear command and control system as well as funds for the development of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent.  

October 22, 2023

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Operations_Command#/media/File:Emblem_of_the_Space_Operations_Command.png; https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2014/1/photo-release-rubio-concludes-visit-to-japan
-President Rubio visits Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado to officially announce the establishment of the Space Operations Command that will be headquartered at that base and that will be responsible for the organization, training, equipping, command and control, and employment of space forces to support operational plans and missions for U.S. combatant commanders.

October 23-24, 2023

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-Vice-President Haley campaigns for Republican candidate for Louisiana Governor Billy Nungesser in Shrevport, Louisiana and for Daniel Cameron in Louisville,, Kentucky.

October 25-26, 2023

Own creation
-During a Senate confirmation hearing, Supreme Court Nominee Barbara Lagoa is questionned by Senators of the Judiciary Committee on her positions and record on issues such as immigration, abortion, women rights, guns, etc. The Chairman of that Committee questioned Lagoa on her role in  the 2000 immigration case involving then 7 year-old Elian Gonzalez (in which Judge Lagoa represented Gonzalez and advocated keeping the boy and his family to Miami through permanent residence status, a position supported by Republicans at the time), she answered that it represented the Clinton Administration’s failure to fix America’s immigration system as they decided to send him back to Cuba, a decision that left Lagoa « heartbroken and outraged ». She takes on the occasion to praise  the Rubio Administration accomplishment to pass immigration reform through secured borders, the establishment of a E-verify system which made it possible to grant U.S. citizenship for immigrants across the country, thus expanding the American Dream and making it more available. When Ranking member Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse grilled Lagoa on her opposition to abortion issue, the judge responded that instead of dividing the American people with that critical issue people should come together to solve problems related to that issue just like when the Senate Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly voted partial birth abortion, a brutal practice, and stated that adoption should be promoted as an alternative to abortion in order not only to protect the life of the unborn but also the life of the mother as the Causes and Control reported that abortion is significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and that the risk of breast cancer increases as the number of abortions increases.

October 28, 2023

Own creation
-Vice-President Haley reveals during a speech at the White House that the men and women serving in the U.S. Space Force will be known as the Guardians.

October 30, 2023

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-NASA rolls out ORION atop the Space Launch System (SLS) and ALTAIR atop the Atlas V Rocket to their respective Launch Pads in preparation for the launch on November 22.

October 31, 2023

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-During a press conference at the Capitol Hill, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Thom Tillis along with Senate Majority Leader Cory Gardner stated that their colleagues will move on to work on confirming Lagoa's SCOTUS nomination on November 10.