Month: September 2018

Murkowski Warns GOP Ahead of Kananaugh Hearings

Buck Banks

“We are now in a place where it’s not about whether or not Judge Kavanaugh is qualified. It is about whether or not a woman who has been a victim at some point in her life is to be believed.”

— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), offering a blunt warning: “Do not prejudge sexual assault allegations against the nominee that will be aired at an extraordinary public hearing on Thursday,” the New York Times reports.

It’s Official — The U.S. Is Now the Laughingstock of the Entire World

Buck Banks

Kimberly Alters of the Week covered Donald Trump’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly today. Here’s how it went:

President Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday, speaking directly to the gathered world leaders for the second time in his presidency. “One year ago, I stood before you for the first time,” Trump said to begin his speech, explaining that he planned to update U.N. leaders on the “extraordinary progress we’ve made.”

Rote introduction dispensed with, Trump’s solemn tone forecasted a serious, on-message speech. That is, until his very next sentence. “In less than two years, my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country,” he said — prompting laughter from his audience. Trump interrupted himself to say his declaration was “so true,” which only evoked heartier laughter from the crowd.

After an awkward beat, Trump relented: “Didn’t expect that reaction, but that’s okay,” he said with a half-smile. Again, the crowd laughed, this time with applause. Watch the stunning moment below.

U.N. Delegates Laugh Out Loud at Trump During Address

Buck Banks

“So true. I didn’t expect that reaction, but that’s okay,” said President Donald Trump.

— USA Today: “In an awkward moment, minutes into his speech, the delegates in the chamber appeared to laugh at a regular talking point from the president. Trump said his administration had accomplished more than any other in U.S. history, prompting the surprise reaction from the general assembly hall.”

People Are Liking Republicans

Buck Banks

45%

Gallup: “Forty-five percent of Americans now have a favorable view of the Republican Party, a nine-point gain from last September’s 36%. It is the party’s most positive image since it registered 47% in January 2011, shortly after taking control of the House in the 2010 midterm elections.” The reason: “The overall increase in the favorable image of the Republican Party is a result of a jump in the positive views of Republicans, including independents who lean toward the party. The percentage of Republicans and leaners with favorable views of their party grew from 67% last September to 85% now.”

Bloomberg Pledges to Give to Female Candidates

Buck Banks

“I will be putting more money into supporting women candidates this cycle than any individual ever has before because if we’re going to win, it’s going to be women that get us there. And I want to do my part.”

— Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, pledging to contribute more money into backing women candidates in the upcoming midterm elections “than any individual ever has before,” The Hill reports.

Democrats Turning Out to Vote — Massively

Buck Banks

89%

NBC News: “Republican House primaries produced about 24% more votes than they did in 2014. But Democratic House primaries in 2018 produced 89% more votes than they did four years ago… That’s nearly a doubling in the number Democratic House votes this year and it’s enough to give Democrats a big lead over Republicans in votes this year. In total, 4.3 million more Democrats voted in House primaries this year than Republicans.”

Kavanaugh’s Support Caves Among Voters

Buck Banks

40%

A new Fox News poll finds that just 40% of voters would confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, while 50% oppose him. More voters believe Christine Blasey Ford’s claims of sexual assault than Kavanaugh’s denials by a 6-point margin, 36% vs. 30%. However, 34% are unsure who is telling the truth. However, women are more likely to believe Ford by 10 points, and among suburban women that jumps to 17. Men side with her by just 1 point.