The military service of Gov. Tim Walz has become a flashpoint in a heated political battle, with 50 Republican military veteran members of Congress accusing him of misrepresenting his military record.
In a letter addressed to Walz, the GOP veterans demanded that the Minnesota governor "come clean" about his service, igniting a partisan clash that has drawn support and condemnation from both sides of the aisle.
The letter, shared with POLITICO, brought together an array of Republicans, from staunch Trump allies to more moderate voices, united in their criticism of Walz. Among the signatories were high-profile figures such as Sens. Joni Ernst, Roger Marshall, Rick Scott, and Roger Wicker, as well as Rep. Brian Mast, a combat veteran who lost his legs in Afghanistan.
The GOP lawmakers' letter centers on what they describe as "egregious misrepresentations" of Walz’s military service. Walz, who served 24 years in the Army National Guard, has faced scrutiny over inconsistencies in his military record, particularly following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
Critics accuse Walz of inflating his military accomplishments, with the letter alleging that he "lied" about his service. The letter expressed outrage, stating that Walz’s actions have violated the trust of fellow veterans.
Sen. JD Vance, a vocal critic who has accused the governor of engaging in "stolen valor, " is leading the charge against Walz. Vance emphasized that Walz has never served in a combat zone and called on him to stop pretending to be something he's not.
In response to the GOP’s letter, 18 Democratic military veteran members of Congress signed a statement defending Walz’s military record. They praised him as a "steadfast advocate for veterans and military families," pushing back against the Republican attacks.
Walz’s spokesperson echoed this sentiment, referencing the Democrats' statement as a testament to the governor’s dedication to the military community. Additionally, the Harris campaign released an open letter signed by 1,000 military veterans in support of Walz.
The controversy surrounding Walz’s military record has been exacerbated by the Harris campaign's initial description of Walz as a "retired Command Sergeant Major." Though he once held the rank, he was later demoted before his retirement in 2005.
The allegations against Walz have reignited old criticisms. During his 2018 gubernatorial race, Walz was accused of misrepresenting his rank and his decision to run for Congress in 2005, allegedly to avoid deployment to Iraq.
At a recent event in Los Angeles, Walz addressed the accusations, defending his service record and expressing pride in his military career. He extended gratitude to all veterans, including his political opponents, acknowledging their service and sacrifice.
Despite his defense, Walz remains a target for critics like Vance, who continue to challenge his military credibility. Vance has been relentless in his criticism, accusing Walz of lying about his military service, further fueling the controversy.
The ongoing scrutiny underscores the high stakes of military service in American politics, particularly for those seeking national office. As Walz continues to defend his record, the question of how military service is represented and perceived remains central to the debate.
In a significant legal decision, New York's highest court has affirmed the constitutionality of a state law allowing universal mail-in voting.
Reuters reported that the Court of Appeals delivered a 6-1 decision in favor of the Early Mail Voter Act, which was enacted by the Democratic-controlled legislature and signed into law by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul last year. The ruling, issued on Tuesday, rebuffed a challenge led by Republican lawmakers who argued that the measure contravened the state's constitution.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by Republican U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, contended that the state constitution mandates in-person voting except in cases where voters are absent from home on Election Day or are incapacitated due to illness or disability. However, the court's majority found no constitutional basis for such a restrictive interpretation of voting methods.
Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, writing for the majority, emphasized that the state constitution does not explicitly require in-person voting. The court's interpretation of the constitutional text found no clear prohibition against mail-in voting for all eligible voters.
The decision comes amid a broader national context where Republican-led efforts in various states have sought to impose restrictions on voting methods, particularly mail-in voting. These efforts have often been framed as measures to prevent voter fraud, despite a lack of evidence supporting widespread irregularities in mail voting.
Interestingly, the national Republican Party has recently encouraged its supporters to embrace early voting and mail-in options. This stance contrasts with some messaging from former President Donald Trump, who has expressed skepticism about mail voting despite a lack of evidence supporting claims of increased fraud.
The court acknowledged the complex backdrop against which this legal battle unfolded. In 2021, New York voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have expanded mail voting. This amendment was opposed by Republicans and failed to gain majority support at the ballot box.
Following this rejection, Democratic lawmakers in the state legislature determined that a constitutional amendment was not necessary to implement expanded mail-in voting. They proceeded to pass the Early Mail Voter Act through the regular legislative process.
Chief Judge Wilson addressed this sequence of events in the court's opinion:
Upholding the Act in these circumstances may be seen by some as disregarding the will of those who voted in 2021. But our role is to determine what our Constitution requires, even when the resulting analysis leads to a conclusion that appears, or is, unpopular.
The court's decision has elicited strong reactions from both supporters and opponents of the mail-in voting law. Representative Stefanik, who led the legal challenge, expressed her disappointment with the ruling. She characterized the decision as "disgraceful" and argued that it contradicted longstanding interpretations of the state constitution. Stefanik stated:
Today's ruling has essentially declared that for over 150 years, New York's elected officials, voters and judges misunderstood their own state's Constitution.
On the other side of the debate, Governor Hochul celebrated the court's decision. She took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to hail the ruling as a "victory for democracy" and a setback for those seeking to limit voting access in New York.
In conclusion, New York's highest court has upheld the state's mail-in voting law, rejecting a Republican-led challenge that claimed the measure was unconstitutional. The 6-1 decision affirms the legality of the Early Mail Voter Act, which allows any voter in the state to cast a ballot by mail.
While acknowledging the complex political context surrounding the law's passage, the court based its ruling on a textual interpretation of the state constitution, finding no explicit requirement for in-person voting. The decision has drawn contrasting reactions from political figures, with supporters hailing it as a win for voting access and opponents criticizing it as a misinterpretation of long-standing constitutional understanding.
Newsweek reported that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, known for his assertive education policies, encountered significant setbacks in the recent school board elections across the state.
Despite endorsing 23 candidates, the majority failed to secure their races, signaling potential challenges for DeSantis' educational agenda.
The governor's influence was tested in multiple counties with mixed results. While his support did lead to victories in some areas, such as Duval County, where Tony Ricardo and Melody Bolduc secured their seats, many other DeSantis-endorsed candidates fell short.
Pinellas County proved particularly challenging for DeSantis. In a decisive victory, incumbent Laura Hine defeated DeSantis-endorsed Danielle Marolf, securing nearly 70% of the vote. Eileen Long also triumphed over Erika Picard, another DeSantis-backed candidate, capturing 54% of the vote. Stacy Geier, supported by the governor, will face Katie Blaxberg in a November runoff for an open seat.
In Hillsborough County, incumbents Nadia Combs and Jessica Vaughn held their positions against DeSantis-backed challengers Layla Collins and Myosha Powell. These outcomes underscore the difficulty DeSantis' candidates faced, even in districts where his influence has previously been strong.
Sarasota County also saw a significant upset, with Liz Barker defeating incumbent Karen Rose, who had DeSantis' endorsement. This loss in a historically conservative area adds to the growing list of defeats for the governor's slate of candidates.
Pasco County added to the list of losses for DeSantis when incumbent Alison Crumbley was defeated by Jessica Wright. Indian River County saw two incumbents face off with mixed results—while David Dyer unseated Kevin McDonald, Peggy Jones retained her seat against Robert MacCallum, another DeSantis-backed candidate.
Flagler County's race saw DeSantis-backed Derek Barrs lose to Janie Ruddy, while in St. Lucie County, incumbent Jennifer Anne Richardson defeated Nate Spera, who had the governor's support. These losses in smaller counties suggest a broader pattern of resistance to DeSantis' school board endorsements.
In Brevard County, however, there were some positive outcomes for DeSantis. John Thomas, a candidate he supported, won his race outright. Meanwhile, the race between DeSantis-backed Matt Susin and Avanese Taylor is headed to a November runoff.
Several races are set to continue into November runoffs, providing another opportunity for DeSantis-backed candidates. In Lee County, Bill Ribble, supported by the governor, won a seat on the school board. Melisa Giovanelli, also endorsed by DeSantis, retained her position. Vanessa Chaviano, another DeSantis-endorsed candidate, will face Sheridan Chester in a runoff.
In Martin County, Marsha Powers, an incumbent with DeSantis' endorsement, won her race. Hernando County will see Mark Cioffi, another candidate backed by DeSantis, head into a runoff. Miami-Dade County and Volusia County also have runoffs on the horizon, with DeSantis-backed candidates Mary Blanco and Donna Brosemer, respectively, still in the running for school board seats.
Despite these setbacks, DeSantis' spokesman, Jeremy Redfern, maintained a positive outlook, noting that many of the races were in "historically blue districts." He emphasized that the governor's efforts to shift the educational culture would not be limited to "winnable races."
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faced significant challenges in the recent school board elections. Despite endorsing 23 candidates, the majority were unsuccessful, indicating potential difficulties for his education agenda. Although there were some victories, particularly in Duval County, many DeSantis-backed candidates struggled, especially in key counties like Pinellas and Sarasota.
President Biden's recent flight in Chicago marked a significant milestone for the presidential transportation fleet.
As reported by Axios, the President took his inaugural journey in a modernized helicopter model designed to serve as Marine One.
The introduction of the new helicopter model marks the end of a long process to phase out the old Vietnam-era aircraft used since the 1970s, significantly upgrading presidential travel. Officially designated as VH-92A, these helicopters encountered several hurdles before their implementation.
They experienced considerable delays due to problems with secure communications systems and caused damage to the White House South Lawn during landings and takeoffs.
The transition to the new Marine One helicopter is a noteworthy development in presidential security and mobility. These aircraft play a crucial role in the President's transportation, often being used for shorter trips or to connect the White House with other modes of travel.
The decision to replace the existing fleet stems from the need to modernize and enhance the capabilities of the presidential helicopter. The Vietnam-era aircraft, while reliable, had been in service for decades and was due for an upgrade to meet evolving security and technological requirements.
The new VH-92A helicopters are expected to offer improved performance, advanced communication systems, and enhanced safety features. These upgrades are essential for maintaining the highest standards of presidential protection and operational efficiency.
The journey to introduce the new Marine One fleet has been marked by several obstacles. Chief among these were issues related to the helicopter's secure communications system, a critical component for ensuring the President can maintain contact with key officials and receive vital information while in flight.
Additionally, an unexpected problem arose during the testing phases when it was discovered that the new helicopters had a tendency to scorch the White House South Lawn during landing and takeoff procedures. This issue required careful consideration and adjustments to prevent damage to the iconic grounds of the presidential residence.
These technical challenges led to years of delays in the implementation of the new fleet. The recent flight by President Biden suggests that these hurdles have been largely overcome, allowing for the gradual integration of the VH-92A helicopters into regular service.
It's important to note that Marine One is not a specific type of helicopter but rather a call sign used to designate any U.S. Marine Corps aircraft in which the President is traveling. This distinction highlights the flexibility and adaptability of the presidential transportation system.
An interesting aspect of Marine One operations is the practice of flying in groups of two or three helicopters. This tactic is employed as a security measure, making it less obvious which aircraft is carrying the President. Such procedures underscore the comprehensive approach to presidential protection, even in the air.
In conclusion, President Biden's first flight in the new Marine One helicopter model marks a pivotal moment in presidential transportation. The modernized VH-92A aircraft, despite facing initial challenges and delays, is now poised to replace the Vietnam-era helicopters that have served presidents for decades. This upgrade enhances presidential mobility and security while maintaining the tradition and significance of the Marine One call sign. As these new helicopters enter service, they will play a crucial role in supporting the President's travel needs and ensuring secure communications during flight.
Sage Steele, a former ESPN anchor, has publicly commented on the recent dismissal of Samantha Ponder from the network.
As reported by the New York Post, Steele posted a video on social media platform X, expressing her support for Ponder and suggesting that there may be more to the story that will come to light.
In her video message, Steele described Ponder's departure as a loss for ESPN but a gain for the rest of the world. She hinted at forthcoming revelations, stating that "it's all gonna come out" and that people will see "the true Sam Ponder."
Steele's video was notably emotional as she discussed her friendship with Ponder. She revealed that they had grown close during their time at ESPN, citing shared values and faith as the foundation of their bond.
The former "SportsCenter" anchor praised Ponder's character and the impact she had on Steele's personal life. Steele credited Ponder with teaching her about spirituality and perseverance, especially during challenging times at ESPN. Steele emphasized the strength Ponder had shown while working at ESPN, saying:
Samantha has taught me so much about God, about scripture, about the Bible, about not giving up and about standing tall. And you know what? She's done that for the last several years at ESPN, even when it was hard.
The context for Steele's comments is ESPN's recent decision to part ways with Ponder and football analyst Robert Griffin III. According to reports, these dismissals were attributed to budgetary reasons, signaling potential changes in the network's programming strategy.
Ponder had been a prominent figure at ESPN, hosting "Sunday NFL Countdown," a flagship program for the network's football coverage. Her departure and that of Griffin represent a significant change in ESPN's on-air talent lineup.
Steele herself is familiar with departures from ESPN. She left the network in August 2023 following a settlement of a lawsuit she had filed against the company. The lawsuit was related to her being taken off the air in October 2021 after making comments about ESPN's COVID-19 vaccine policy.
Samantha Ponder's career at ESPN had been notable, particularly her role as the host of "Sunday NFL Countdown." She had been open about her opinions on various matters, including recent praise for ESPN "College Gameday" host Kirk Herbstreit for his stance on men not participating in women's sports.
Steele said of Ponder:
This is another loss for ESPN, but it is a gain for literally the rest of the world because now you're going to see the true Sam Ponder. It's all going to come out, and I hope you're ready. She is a gem.
In her video message, Steele expressed optimism about Ponder's future beyond ESPN. She viewed the situation as an opportunity for Ponder to expand her horizons and pursue new endeavors. Steele commented on the uncertainty that comes with such career changes but remained confident in Ponder's abilities. She stated, "Sam already knows that this is such a blessing that God is bestowing upon her because there's so much more for her to do."
The former ESPN anchor concluded her message with words of pride and affection for Ponder, emphasizing the strong friendship they had developed over the years. Steele wrote on X, "I love you, @samponder," accompanied by a red heart emoji.
In conclusion, Sage Steele's public support for Samantha Ponder following her dismissal from ESPN has brought attention to recent changes in the sports network. Steele's emotional video message highlighted the close relationship between the two broadcasters and hinted at potential future revelations regarding Ponder's time at ESPN. The situation reflects ongoing shifts in sports media personnel and programming, with ESPN making significant changes to its on-air talent roster.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton encountered a spirited response from the audience during her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
As reported by NBC News, the crowd broke into chants of "lock him up" after Clinton criticized former President Donald Trump's legal troubles. The chant echoed the "lock her up" refrain often heard at Trump's 2016 campaign rallies, but with a reversed target.
Clinton, 76, did not verbally respond to the chants but continued her speech. As the chanting intensified, she paused at the podium, smiling and nodding until the audience quieted down. The incident occurred after Clinton made remarks about Trump's recent legal issues, including his appearance in a Manhattan courtroom.
Clinton's speech at the convention included pointed comments about Trump's current legal situation. She specifically mentioned his recent trial in Manhattan, where he faced charges related to falsifying business records. Clinton's remarks about Trump's courtroom behavior sparked the audience's reaction.
Clinton stated, "When he woke up, he made his own kind of history: the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions." This statement referred to Trump's conviction in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, charges connected to hush money payments made before the 2016 election.
The crowd's response to Clinton's remarks was enthusiastic and vocal. The chant of "lock him up" spread quickly through the audience, creating a moment reminiscent of Trump's 2016 campaign rallies, but with the roles reversed. This reaction highlighted the charged political atmosphere at the convention.
Clinton's presence at the podium elicited strong emotions from many in attendance. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is Harris's running mate, was observed mouthing "wow" as Clinton took the stage. Walz's wife, Gwen, was seen crying during the former first lady's speech. The former presidential candidate's remarks drew sustained applause and standing ovations from the Democratic delegates. Clinton used her platform to energize the crowd and express support for the current Democratic ticket.
The incident at the convention recalls the contentious 2016 presidential campaign between Clinton and Trump. During that election cycle, chants of "lock her up" became a regular feature at Trump rallies, often in reference to Clinton's use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State.
Clinton said in her speech:
I wish my mother and Kamala's mother could see us. This is our time, America. This is when we stand up. This is when we break through!
These words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the historical significance of Harris's candidacy and the evolution of women's roles in American politics.
The chanting incident at the convention raises questions about campaign strategies and the potential impact of such rhetoric. NBC News has reported that Vice President Harris has attempted to discourage similar chants at her campaign events, possibly to avoid complications with ongoing legal proceedings against Trump.
There are concerns that any signs of approval from high-ranking officials for such chants could potentially affect the pending federal criminal charges Trump is facing. This includes the case brought by special counsel Jack Smith regarding the events of January 6 and alleged 2020 election interference.
In conclusion, Hillary Clinton's appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago led to a notable moment when the audience chanted "lock him up" in response to her criticisms of Donald Trump. Clinton's speech touched on Trump's legal issues and celebrated the historic nature of the current Democratic ticket. The incident echoed similar chants from the 2016 campaign but with reversed roles, highlighting the ongoing political tensions and the complex interplay between campaign rhetoric and legal proceedings in the current political landscape.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Former President Donald Trump kicked off his swing state tour in Pennsylvania, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris' energy policies and outlining his own plans for energy independence.
During a speech at Precision Components Group in York, Trump accused Harris of embarking on a "regulatory jihad" to shut down power plants across the country.
The former president's remarks come as he seeks to revive his campaign following the Democratic Party's late switch in candidates. Trump's speech, delivered to an audience of about 300 supporters, focused on his vision for an energy-independent and "manufacturing-dominant" nation. He warned that Harris wants to ban fracking and impose a carbon tax, claiming that 50 power plants have closed since she and President Joe Biden took office.
Trump set out a protectionist plan in his address to safeguard American industry from cheap foreign imports. He also outlined his intentions for increased nuclear power and reiterated his opposition to Nippon Steel's planned purchase of U.S. Steel. The former president contrasted his proposed regulation-cutting administration with what he described as Harris' approach to energy policy.
Trump stated:
Kamala is also on a regulatory jihad to shut down power plants all across America now. They're closing nuclear, they're closing coal, they're closing everything. We're not going to have this the way in California they have blackouts all the time.
The 52-minute speech largely followed Trump's prepared remarks despite some digressions into topics such as winning Pennsylvania and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A significant portion of Trump's speech was dedicated to his plans for nuclear energy. He promised a historic commitment to building Advanced Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (ASMNRs), describing them as "ultra clean" and "very low cost, but they are absolutely safe."
Trump explained that these reactors produce about a third of the power of conventional reactors. Their smaller size makes it easier to find suitable sites for them and presents fewer technical challenges when integrating them into existing infrastructure.
The former president emphasized the potential benefits for Pennsylvania, repeatedly using the slogan "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs" to underscore his message. He contrasted his vision with that of his political opponents, stating:
Instead of shutting down power plants, we will open dozens and dozens more, and they'll happen fast. Kamala stands for energy disappearance and factory obliteration. She will obliterate factories like this. I stand for American energy independence and manufacturing dominance.
Trump's appearance in Pennsylvania is part of a broader strategy to counter the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago. While candidates traditionally allow their rivals to enjoy a week in the limelight during their party conventions, Trump has chosen a different approach.
The former president is campaigning this week in a string of battleground states as he fights to regain his footing in the race. Following his Pennsylvania visit, Trump is scheduled to head to Michigan, North Carolina, and Arizona.
By timing his speech for the early afternoon, Trump aimed to dominate headlines well before Biden's major speech in Chicago. This aggressive counterprogramming strategy reflects the former president's determination to maintain a strong media presence throughout the Democratic convention.
In conclusion, Trump's speech in Pennsylvania marked the beginning of his swing state tour, focusing on energy policies and economic plans. He criticized Vice President Harris' approach to energy regulation while promoting his own vision for energy independence and increased nuclear power. The former president's campaign strategy involves actively countering the Democratic National Convention by maintaining a high profile in key battleground states.
Former President Donald Trump has announced his decision to participate in a tele-town hall hosted by Fox News instead of a debate on September 4, which had been planned.
According to The Hill, Trump made this announcement late Monday via a post on Truth Social, his social media platform.
The decision comes in the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign stating that she would not participate in the Fox News debate. Trump expressed that he was not surprised by Harris's decision, criticizing her for what he perceives as frequent changes in her stance on various issues.
Trump's post on Truth Social revealed that he has agreed to take part in a tele-town hall anchored by Sean Hannity. The event is scheduled to take place in Pennsylvania, with further details yet to be announced. This move marks a shift from the initially planned debate format to a more controlled setting for the former president.
The tele-town hall format may provide Trump with an opportunity to address his supporters directly and discuss his campaign platform without the direct confrontation of a debate. It also allows him to maintain a presence in the media landscape during the crucial campaign period.
Trump's decision to opt for this format comes amid ongoing negotiations and discussions about the debate schedule for the upcoming election.
The Harris campaign has outlined its debate participation plans for the election season. They have committed to a total of three debates: two presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.
According to the information provided, Harris has agreed to a presidential debate on September 10, which ABC News will host. The campaign has also expressed openness to considering a second presidential debate in October, contingent on the outcome of the September 10 event.
In addition to the presidential debates, both campaigns have agreed to a vice presidential debate. This debate, featuring Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), is scheduled for October 1.
Trump had previously accepted two other proposed debates: one on September 4 on Fox News and another on September 25 on NBC News. However, with his recent announcement, it appears that the September 4 debate will no longer take place as initially planned.
It's worth noting that the current debate schedule is a departure from the original plan. Initially, Trump had agreed to two debates with President Biden, scheduled for June 27 and September 10. However, Biden's performance in the June debate led to calls for him to step aside as the Democratic nominee, which he did in late July.
The 2024 presidential campaign continues to evolve, with Trump opting for a tele-town hall format on Fox News instead of a traditional debate. Vice President Harris has committed to participating in two presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.
The agreed-upon schedule includes a presidential debate on September 10 and a vice presidential debate on October 1, with the possibility of an additional presidential debate in October. These developments reflect the dynamic nature of campaign strategies and the ongoing negotiations between the candidates' teams.
According to Daily Mail, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been vocal about his family's struggles with infertility on the campaign trail while criticizing Republican efforts to restrict access to IVF.
However, it has recently come to light that Walz and his wife Gwen actually conceived their children through intrauterine insemination (IUI), not in vitro fertilization (IVF), as reported by the New York Times.
As the running mate of Kamala Harris, Walz has shared his personal story to emphasize the need for Republicans to "mind their own damn business" when it comes to fertility treatments.
In a recent statement, Gwen Walz clarified their experience, stating that a neighbor, who was a nurse, helped her with the necessary shots as part of the IUI process.
IUI is a less invasive fertility treatment compared to IVF and does not involve the creation or discarding of embryos, which has been a point of contention for anti-abortion advocates.
The process involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to facilitate conception. While IVF tends to have higher success rates, IUI is often used as a starting point for couples struggling with infertility due to its less complex nature.
A spokesperson for Walz clarified that when sharing his story, the governor often refers to his family undergoing "treatments like" IVF and uses "commonly understood shorthand for fertility treatments." This distinction is important as IVF has come under scrutiny from some anti-abortion advocates following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.
In February, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos should be treated like children, sending shockwaves through the IVF industry and raising concerns about the future of fertility treatment. In response, Walz took to Facebook, writing:
Gwen and I have two beautiful children because of reproductive health care like IVF. This issue is deeply personal to our family and so many others. Don't let these guys get away with this by telling you they support IVF when their handpicked judges oppose it.
Despite the recent controversies surrounding IVF, public support for the fertility treatment remains strong.
A Pew Research Center survey conducted earlier this year found that 70 percent of adults believe access to IVF is a good thing, while only eight percent view it as a bad thing. Over 10 million babies have been born through IVF globally, with more than half a million IVF deliveries occurring each year.
While IUI and IVF are distinct fertility treatments, some patients use the terms interchangeably when discussing their experiences with infertility. The Walz family's story serves as a reminder of the deeply personal nature of fertility struggles and the importance of access to reproductive healthcare for countless families across the United States.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has shared his family's fertility struggles on the campaign trail, often mentioning treatments like IVF. However, it was recently clarified that his children were conceived through intrauterine insemination (IUI), not IVF. Despite the controversy, public support for IVF remains strong, with 70% of adults viewing it positively, highlighting the ongoing debate about reproductive healthcare access.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday to make the case for electing Kamala Harris as the nation's first female president.
According to The Washington Times and The New York Times, Clinton and Harris have developed a close friendship in recent years and are working together to help Harris secure the Democratic nomination.
"She has been an incredible partner to Vice President Harris," DNC Chair Minyon Moore told The Washington Times. "They have a great friendship. You know, they're on speed dial with each other."
The two women, who were once rivals during the 2008 Democratic primary, have bonded over shared experiences as high-profile female politicians.
Over the summer, as some Democrats questioned President Biden's decision to seek re-election, Hillary Clinton remained publicly neutral, not wanting to be involved in efforts to replace him.
However, sources familiar with her thoughts reveal that she was clear about her stance privately: if Biden were to withdraw, she believed Kamala Harris should be nominated by the Democratic Party immediately, avoiding a prolonged primary battle.
The Clintons were among the first major party figures to endorse Harris after President Biden withdrew from the race in July. Hillary Clinton has been advising the Vice President on key decisions, such as her running mate selection, and providing support during Harris' historic run.
At the DNC on Monday, Clinton is expected to reflect on her own groundbreaking 2016 campaign as the first female presidential nominee of a major party. While she won the popular vote, Clinton ultimately lost the Electoral College to Donald Trump.
"She will probably talk a lot about what it means at this moment to have the second female, and a female of color, running, but what our responsibility is to that as well," Moore said. "We are trying to change and shift the mindset of people to see a woman of color as commander in chief, and Hillary Clinton has served as secretary of state and as our first nominee. So, she has a world view on this."
Clinton's speech will aim to rally voters behind Harris and generate enthusiasm for electing the first woman and first Black woman as president. Her address will be part of a program paying tribute to the Biden-Harris administration's accomplishments.
For Clinton, who came so close to shattering the ultimate glass ceiling herself, Monday's convention speech represents a poignant passing of the torch to the woman she hopes will achieve that historic milestone.
While seeing another woman potentially achieve what she could not is sure to be bittersweet, those close to Clinton say she feels great pride in helping Harris and continuing to advance female leadership at the highest levels of American politics. With her full-throated endorsement and counsel, Clinton is determined to do everything she can to help Harris cross the finish line.
In conclusion, Hillary Clinton's prominent convention speaking slot and the strong backing of Kamala Harris demonstrates the powerful alliance between the two trailblazing women. As Harris seeks to make history as the first female president, she will have one of the Democratic Party's most iconic and influential figures firmly in her corner. Clinton's support provided a major boost as Harris looked to unite the party and win the White House in November.