GOP presidential candidates to meet in 2nd debate this week

This week’s GOP presidential primary debate will be held at the Ronald Reagan presidential library.
Wednesday’s Republican debate will be the 5th one hosted by the Reagan library and CEO David Trulio tells the Salem Radio Network it’s an ideal venue. Trulio says they expect about a thousand people to be on the Reagan library and museum grounds for the debate.

New political party could affect election in swing states

A new political party is gaining traction ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The group No Labels has secured ballot access in Arizona and 10 other states and says it’s on track to hit 20 before the year is over and all 50 by Election Day next year. In Arizona, more than 15-thousand people have registered to join the party, which is floating a possible bipartisan “unity ticket” against Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Fifteen thousand is greater than Biden’s winning margin in Arizona in 2020 — and it’s a number big enough to tip the presidential election in a critical swing state.

Biden invites Israel’s Netanyahu to DC by the end of the year

President Biden plans to meet with Israel’s prime minister in Washington before the end of the year.  The president met with Prime Minister Netanyahu in New York this past week. But that location — a hotel instead of the White House — was widely seen in Israel as a sign of the Biden administration’s displeasure with Netanyahu’s new government. Israeli leaders are typically invited to the Oval Office within weeks of starting their tenure. Such a visit is still possible, though. On Wednesday, the president invited the prime minister to Washington by the end of the year.

Biden to join picket line of striking auto workers in Michigan

Biden announces creation of Office of Gun Violence Prevention

President Biden has announced the creation of the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Declaring that more action is needed, the president said Vice President Harris will lead the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Gun safety activists have demanded creation of the office and the goal is to keep the issue front-and-center as the president pushes for a ban on military-style rifles.

Questions asked about Biden repeating story at same event

Questions are being asked about President Biden repeating a story twice at the same event. According to a White House transcript of the president’s remarks at a New York fundraiser this week, Mr. Biden repeated the same story within a matter of minutes. He explained how the 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia, white supremacist rally prompted him to run for president. And then repeated the same story. Asked about it by reporters, the White House press secretary would only say that the president gets “incredibly emotional” when talking about his reasons for running.

White House preps federal agencies for possible shutdown

The Biden administration is preparing for the possibility of a government shutdown next weekend.
The White House budget office is advising federal agencies to review and update their shutdown plans. If parts of the government don’t have funding on October 1st, a range of services could be affected, including food safety programs, air travel and passport processing. Plus, millions of federal employees and military service members would not receive paychecks. President Biden blames congressional Republicans for the likely shutdown — and officials here say he has no plans to intervene in the GOP budget debate.

Ukraine’s Zelensky seeks support at White House, in Congress

Ukrainian President Zelensky made the rounds in Washington seeking continued support in combating Russia’s invasion. After making stops on Capitol Hill and at the Pentagon, Zelensky went to the White House, where the president called on world leaders to stand strong with Ukraine. Even as the White House is asking Congress to approve another 24-billion dollars in Ukrainian assistance, the president announced a new military aid package featuring more artillery, ammunition, and anti-tank weapons.

White House blames GOP for surge of migrants at southern border

The White House is blaming Republicans in Congress for the latest surge of migrants crossing the southern border. Thousands of asylum-seekers have overwhelmed agents in recent days on parts of the U-S border with Mexico. In response, the Biden administration announced it would grant Temporary Protected Status to nearly half a million Venezuelans already in the country. And 800 active-duty military troops are being sent to the border. But the main message from the White House is one of blame aimed at congressional Republicans, who accuse the president of allowing open borders.

Ukrainian president to visit Biden at White House

Ukraine’s president is set to pay a visit to the White House. It will be Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first visit to Washington since his surprise address to Congress at the end of last year. At that time, there was strong U-S support for helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s invasion. But now. there’s partisan bickering over approving new assistance. President Biden will host Ukraine’s leader for talks in the Oval Office and is sure to renew his request for billions more in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

Netanyahu tells Biden that Israel is committed to democracy

Israel’s prime minister says he’s committed to democracy, despite some White House concerns. As he sat down with Benjamin Netanyahu in New York, President Biden said he would be raising “hard issues,” including protecting the “checks and balances” in a democracy. The prime minister responded that Israel is committed to democratic values. The White House has been critical of Netanyahu’s push to overhaul Israel’s judicial system.

Trump to skip next debate, meet with auto workers

Former President Trump plans to meet with striking auto workers next week instead of participating in the GOP debate. In his latest round of counterprogramming, Trump will travel to Michigan next Wednesday for a prime time speech to auto workers while his Republican presidential rivals meet on a debate stage in California. The former president is trying to portray himself as sympathetic to the workers and accuses Joe Biden of trying to destroy the car industry. Last month, Trump skipped the first primary debate and countered the event with a pre-taped interview shown on social media.

At UN, Biden criticizes Russia’s “naked aggression” against Ukraine

President Biden is urging the world to remain united in defending Ukraine against Russia. During a 30-minute speech to the U-N General Assembly, the president called on nations to stand up to Russia’s “naked aggression” some 19 months after the invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Biden also made a case for democracy, saying it’s the “best tool” to meet the world’s challenges.

Biden to address U.N. General Assembly in NY

President Biden will address the United Nations General Assembly. The president will be closely watched for his comments on Ukraine, China and Russia. He’s expected to once again rally the world behind Ukraine for the sake of democracy. His speech comes as the White House faces a funding fight with House Republicans. Conservative lawmakers have been pushing for spending cuts and some are specifically looking to stop money for Ukraine.

Biden remains underwater in job approval ratings

Five Americans freed from Iran in prisoner swap

Five Americans have been freed from Iran in exchange for five Iranian prisoners in the U.S. The prisoner swap took place after several months of negotiations between the United States and Iran. In the deal, the U-S also agreed to transfer 6-billion dollars in frozen Iranian money to be used for humanitarian purposes. The White House has defended the controversial agreement in the face of Republican criticism. Some GOP lawmakers accuse the Biden administration of effectively paying a ransom for American citizens.

Hunter Biden files lawsuit against the IRS

Hunter Biden has filed a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. In the suit, the president’s son argues that two IRS agents violated his right to privacy when they publicly aired his tax information. The lawsuit says the agents “targeted and sought to embarrass” him by sharing confidential information in press interviews and testimony before Congress. It’s the latest development in Hunter Biden’s legal and political struggles with the Justice Department. Last week, he was indicted on federal firearms charges.

Biden focusing on foreign policy this week at UN

President Biden has a full foreign policy plate this week at the United Nations. The president and other world leaders are in New York for the annual meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. On Tuesday, Mr. Biden will deliver his address to the world body and meet with leaders from Central Asia. He’s also set to hold meetings with the Israeli prime minister and Brazilian president before returning to the White House for talks with Ukraine’s president on Thursday.

President Biden’s advanced age continues to be a major concern for voters

President Biden’s advanced age continues to be a major concern for voters

VERBATIM:

Responding to a question about the president’s age, the White House press secretary joked recently that 80 is the new 40. But Mr. Biden’s age and fitness for office is no laughing matter for Americans. According to a new Reuters-Ipsos poll, 77 percent of respondents, including 65 percent of Democrats, said Joe Biden is too old to be president. If he’s re-elected, the president would be 82 when he begins a second term. GC, Wash.

One of the Republican presidential candidates wants new rules for stage placement at the upcoming debate

One of the Republican presidential candidates wants new rules for stage placement at the upcoming debate

VERBATIM:

Senator Tim Scott’s campaign told the RNC that since Iowa’s caucus is the leadoff to GOP balloting next year, “polling results from Iowa should be the primary consideration for podium placement” at the debate later this month. In the first debate last month, Scott was second from the right edge of the stage. He’s hoping to be placed in a better position that would make him more a part of the conversation. In response, the RNC said the party welcomes input from candidates. GC, Wash.

Biden’s age continues to be major concern for voters

President Biden’s advanced age continues to be a major concern for voters. Responding to a question about the president’s age, the White House press secretary joked recently that 80 is the new 40. But Mr. Biden’s age and fitness for office is no laughing matter for Americans. According to a new Reuters-Ipsos poll, 77 percent of respondents, including 65 percent of Democrats, said Joe Biden is too old to be president. If he’s re-elected, the president would be 82 when he begins a second term.

Sen. Scott wants new stage placement rules at GOP debate

One of the Republican presidential candidates wants new rules for stage placement at the upcoming debate. Senator Tim Scott’s campaign told the RNC that since Iowa’s caucus is the leadoff to GOP balloting next year, “polling results from Iowa should be the primary consideration for podium placement” at the debate later this month. In the first debate last month, Scott was second from the right edge of the stage. He’s hoping to be placed in a better position that would make him more a part of the conversation. In response, the RNC said the party welcomes candidates’ input.

Feds ask court to rein in Trump’s comments about election case

Federal prosecutors are asking a court to rein in Donald Trump’s public comments in the 2020 election case. Special counsel Jack Smith’s team filed a motion seeking an order that would restrict the former president from, what it called, “inflammatory” and “intimidating” comments about witnesses, lawyers and the judge. Prosecutors said that such a “narrow, well-defined” order was necessary to preserve the integrity of the case and to avoid prejudicing potential jurors. A Trump spokesperson said prosecutors are attempting to deprive Trump of his First Amendment rights.

At DC summit, DeSantis touts anti-woke, religious credentials

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is touting his anti-woke and religious freedom credentials. Addressing the “Pray Vote Stand Summit,” DeSantis defended his fight against left-wing wokeism. He said he’s committed to stopping transgender ideology in schools. The governor also made a case for religious liberty and the role of faith-based organizations to help respond to social ills.