Biden can, ’t beat the MAGA meme machine online, kingmaker Clyburn says

Biden can, ’t beat the MAGA meme machine online, kingmaker Clyburn says

– U.S. Representative James Clyburn believes President Joe Biden’s reelection bid requires a strong ground campaign rather than relying on expensive ads or social media.
– Clyburn suggests that Biden’s campaign should combat disinformation and the “MAGA wall” of online content from Donald Trump’s supporters.
– Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized Biden’s tenure as president.
– Biden is expected to win the South Carolina primary election and potentially face Trump in a rematch of the 2020 election.
– Clyburn’s endorsement in 2020 was pivotal for Biden’s primary election victory in South Carolina.
– Clyburn is concerned about disinformation campaigns and believes Biden needs to effectively communicate his accomplishments.
– Clyburn, along with other influential Democrats like Barack Obama, is advising Biden to intensify his campaign efforts.
– Biden’s campaign has started to respond to this advice, with Biden mentioning Trump more frequently and staff changes to strengthen the campaign.
– Clyburn referenced former Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney’s successful campaign strategy, emphasizing the importance of direct voter engagement.
– At a recent dinner, Clyburn highlighted Biden’s achievements to supporters, and Biden acknowledged Clyburn’s effective advocacy on his behalf.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley targeted in swatting incident

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley targeted in swatting incident

Authorities responded to a fake emergency at the South Carolina home of Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley last month. A man claimed to have shot a woman and threatened to harm himself at her home, but it was determined to be a hoax. This incident is part of a wave of violent threats, bomb scares, and other acts of intimidation against government officials, members of the judiciary, and election administrators since the 2020 election. Swatting cases have increased in the past two months, targeting both allies and rivals of former President Donald Trump. The targets include figures who have publicly opposed Trump, as well as Trump supporters. Swatting is seen as a form of intimidation or harassment that is increasingly being used to target political figures.

Trump denies Carroll, ’s sexual abuse claims as defamation trial nears end

Trump denies Carroll, ’s sexual abuse claims as defamation trial nears end

Based on the text provided, the following facts can be extracted:

1. Donald Trump testified in E. Jean Carroll’s defamation case.
2. Trump reaffirmed his previous testimony, stating that Carroll’s claim that he raped her was a hoax.
3. In an October 2022 deposition, Trump had called Carroll “mentally sick” and a “whack job,” and threatened to sue her.
4. Carroll, aged 80, is seeking at least million over Trump’s June 2019 denials of her rape claim.
5. In May of the previous year, a jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll million after he denied her rape claim in October 2022.
6. Trump, aged 77, spent only four minutes on the witness stand in the current trial.
7. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan has overseen both trials and stated that the first jury’s findings were binding in the second trial.
8. The jury in the second trial will consider only the amount of money Trump should pay Carroll for damaging her reputation and whether additional sums are owed as punishment and to prevent future defamation.
9. A damages expert testified that the reputational damage from Trump’s 2019 comments could be as high as .1 million.
10. The trial has lasted four days, with closing arguments expected the following Friday.
11. The case and trial have become part of Trump’s campaign for the November election.
12. Carol Martin, a former New York TV news anchor and friend of Carroll, testified as a defense witness.
13. Robbie Myers, former Elle Editor-in-Chief, testified on behalf of Carroll, describing her as a “truth-teller” important to the Elle brand.

US Senate border talks reach , ‘critical moment,’ could imperil Ukraine aid

US Senate border talks reach , ‘critical moment,’ could imperil Ukraine aid

Bipartisan U.S. Senate talks on a border security deal have reached a critical point, with some lawmakers considering a “plan B” for aid to U.S. allies if an agreement is not reached. The negotiations aim to address the flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border but face opposition from Republicans aligned with Donald Trump. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and others seek a deal that could prompt the House to combine border security with aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The White House encourages continued bipartisan talks for a border policy compromise. Senator Chris Murphy stated that Republicans must decide whether to accept the proposed border deal. Reports suggest McConnell warned that time and political will for a bipartisan border deal are waning, but a spokesman for McConnell did not dispute this account. Aligning with Trump’s immigration stance is important for many Senate Republicans, over half of whom have endorsed him. Some Republicans will not support a border agreement without majority Republican backing.

Washington hits Houthis again in Yemen

Washington hits Houthis again in Yemen

Joe Biden "continues to believe" in a future Palestinian state, according to the White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. Biden discussed his position with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a 30-40 minute conversation. The US also opposes a general ceasefire in Gaza, believing it would benefit Hamas. The White House expressed concern over the death of an American citizen in the West Bank. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have stated that they do not intend to expand their attacks in the Red Sea beyond targeting Israel. The conflict in the Red Sea has disrupted international shipping routes. The US accuses Iran of trying to escalate the conflict in the region. The Houthis maintain control in Yemen and are engaged in peace talks. The US calls on Arab Gulf forces to reject military presence in the region. The Houthis make their own decisions in the conflict and have a close relationship with Iran.