Year: 2018

Most Oppose Kavanaugh Confirmation If Ford Is Truthful

Buck Banks

59%

A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll finds that if Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations of sexual assault against Brett Kavanaugh are true, 59% of Americans said they believe the Senate Judiciary Committee should not confirm his nomination to the Supreme Court. The poll also revealed that 29% of those surveyed would support Kavanaugh’s nomination regardless of the legitimacy of Ford’s allegations, including 54% of Republicans.

Half of Young People Are Anxious About the Midterms

Buck Banks

49%

A new Associated Press-NORC poll finds that more young people now say they are feeling anxious about the midterm elections, compared to July. Nearly half of young Americans ages 15 to 34 now say that they are anxious about the midterms, up from 36% in the earlier poll. The increase is most pronounced among young Democrats: 61% expressed anxiety compared with 39% in July.

Steyer to Back Gillum in Florida with $5 Million

Buck Banks

$5 million

“Tom Steyer, the billionaire investor and Democratic activist, has directed his political operation to spend more than $5 million aiding Andrew Gillum’s campaign for governor of Florida, an enormous investment that will test whether fired-up Democratic voters can flip control of a state long dominated by Republicans,” the New York Times reports. “Mr. Steyer said in an interview that he would spend more money in Florida this fall than any other state. He endorsed Mr. Gillum in the Democratic primary, and hailed him as a model for the national Democratic Party.”

Democrats Have Narrow Leads in Florida

Buck Banks

48% to 45%

A new NBC News/Marist poll in Florida finds Sen. Bill Nelson (D) just ahead of Gov. Rick Scott (R) in the U.S. Senate race, 48% to 45% among likely voters. In the race for governor, Andrew Gillum (D) is ahead of Ron DeSantis (R), 48% to 43%. Said pollster Lee Miringoff: “The political environment in Florida, overall, is tipping in the Democrats’ favor.”

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.