The Senate has the potential for history-making this fall, with not one, but two, Black women possibly elected to the chamber, a situation never seen in America since Congress was created more than 200 years ago.
Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester marks the milestone by saying that the reason she does this work is not about making history, “but to make a difference, an impact, on people's lives.”
Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks said that people like her, and stories like hers, don’t usually make it to the U.S. Senate, “but they should.”
If the two Democratic candidates prevail in their elections this November, their arrival would double the number of Black women — from two to four — who have ever been elected to the Senate, whose 100 members have historically been, and continue to be, mostly white men.
Never in the Senate have two Black women served together at the same time. [snip]
Blunt Rochester is almost assured to defeat the Republican candidate after Tuesday's uncontested primary for the seat held by retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Carper in the small state that is home to President Joe Biden and where she is the at-large representative to the House. But the race in Maryland between Alsobrooks and Republican Larry Hogan, the popular former governor, is expected to be tight to the finish — and it could determine which party takes majority control in the Senate.
Alsobrooks upended conventional wisdom to beat back wealthy David Trone in the primary to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin by amassing deep grass roots and party support, showcased in a notable campaign ad with hundreds of backers. She is the former State’s Attorney for sprawling Prince George’s County and is now its top County Executive...
We have a special interest in seeing Alsobrooks prevail. The latest polls show her edging ahead of the lifelong Republican chameleon Hogan by 5 or 6 points. Still too close for deep blue Maryland. If you choose to help keep this seat Democratic and hold the Senate, you can go here to donate.
Former President Donald Trump is safe following an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf course on Sunday afternoon, and a "potential suspect", named as Ryan Routh by several media outlets, is in custody, US authorities have confirmed.
Secret Service agents spotted the barrel of a rifle poking through some bushes and opened fire at him, officials said. The FBI said Trump was 300-500 yards (275 to 455m) away at the time. [snip]
BBC Verify has found social media profiles matching that name. They indicate that Mr Routh called for foreign fighters to go to Ukraine to battle against Russian forces.
Mr Routh was charged and convicted of numerous offences in Guilford County, North Carolina, between 2002 and 2010, according to a law enforcement source who spoke to CBS News.
The offences included carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest, hit and run in a motor vehicle, driving with a revoked licence and possession of stolen property.
The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris had been briefed about the golf course incident.
"I am relieved that the former president is unharmed," Biden said in a statement. [snip]
Harris issued a statement saying: "I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today.
"As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence."
She also said: "I am thankful that former President Trump is safe" and praised the US Secret Service and police "for their vigilance"...
Initial reports would seem to indicate Routh was a troubled person, often in scrapes with the law, and all over the place politically. How many more of these confused, anonymous people are out there -- looking to become famous (Butler, PA, shooter Thomas Crooks) or for misguided political reasons -- with weapons they should not have, whether gunning for political leaders or school children?
Donald Trump has addressed Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in November’s presidential race by announcing his “hate” of the pop star.
The former president and Republican nominee wrote Sunday on his Truth Social platform: “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!”
Swift five days earlier announced her endorsement of Harris and running mate Tim Walz shortly after the vice-president debated Trump.
In an Instagram post, the 34-year old singer wrote, “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election,” adding, “I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”
Ex-congresswoman and frequent Trump political opponent Liz Cheney summed up the typical reaction to Sunday’s post, invoking the title of a Swift song and writing on X: “Says the smallest man who ever lived.”
Meanwhile, Swift on Wednesday evening urged her fans to vote during her acceptance of the Video of the Year award at MTV’s Video Music Awards ceremony in Elmont, New York.
“If you are over 18, please register to vote for something else that’s very important … [the] presidential election,” she said...
Words have consequences, as we've seen in the case of the convicted felon Malignant Loser's and his mini- me's inflammatory, racist lies about Haitian immigrants eating the pets of the residents of Springfield, OH. Bomb threats from violent MAGAt sub- morons and other threats of violence are part of their terroristic toolbox, and are deployed at the drop of the Malignant Loser's hat. "Hate" is a strong, triggering word for some people. Taylor Swift has enough resources to take care of her security needs, but she shouldn't have to put up with this narcissistic buffoon's tantrums on top of everything else. But keep his infantile mouth shut? Not the Malignant Loser!
