Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has once again denied speculation of being considered for Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
According to the New York Post, Whitmer confirmed she is not part of the vetting process and is dedicated to fulfilling her role as governor.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addressed the rumors during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday, where she emphatically stated her commitment to her governorship. She mentioned that she has communicated her intentions clearly to Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.
Whitmer underscored her dedication to Michigan, stating she plans to serve out her term. "I have communicated with everyone, including the campaign, that I’ve made a commitment to serve out my term as governor in Michigan," Whitmer said.
Whitmer, who is 52 and currently a co-chair of Harris' presidential campaign, remains focused on supporting Harris from her current position rather than vying for the vice-presidential slot. She reiterated this stance in a separate interview, emphasizing, "No, I’m not planning to go anywhere."
Whitmer also plans to campaign for Harris in Pennsylvania alongside Governor Josh Shapiro, 51, further demonstrating her proactive support for the Harris campaign without changing her role.
The Harris campaign has been undergoing an expedited vetting process to select a vice-presidential candidate, with an announcement expected within two weeks. The decision is anticipated before the Democratic National Committee's virtual roll call vote by August 7.
Among those being considered for the vice-presidential role are several prominent figures, including Senator Mark Kelly, Governor Josh Shapiro, Governor Andy Beshear, Governor Tim Walz, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. During an interview with CBS Mornings, Whitmer hinted at the swift nature of the vetting process, stating, "Everything is truncated, and she’s going to make that decision probably in the next six, seven days."
Whitmer formally endorsed Vice President Harris shortly after President Biden announced his withdrawal from the race. This sealed Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee given her delegate support.
The Harris campaign has gained significant momentum, raising approximately $200 million within a week following Biden’s exit. The financial surge signifies strong backing from the Democratic base and underscores the urgency in selecting a vice-presidential candidate.
Whitmer has consistently communicated her resolve to remain in Michigan and not pursue a vice-presidential campaign. She stressed her pride in her governorship and her consistency, "I am proud to be the governor of Michigan. I have been consistent." She continued, "I know everyone is always suspicious and asking this question over and over again. I am not going anywhere."
The Democratic National Convention is slated to occur from August 19 to 22 in Chicago, where the official roll call will solidify the party's nominees and strategies for the upcoming election cycle. As co-chair of the Harris campaign, Whitmer will play a crucial role in mobilizing support while retaining her duties in Michigan. She emphasized her strategic value in her current role, stating, "I can be an excellent ally to President Harris, and I can be a great co-chair of the Harris campaign from my place as governor."
In conclusion, Gretchen Whitmer has officially ruled out any vice-presidential aspirations, firmly committing to her role as Michigan’s governor. Her dedication extends to actively supporting Kamala Harris' presidential bid from her existing position. As Harris continues her vetting process with the decision expected soon, potential candidates include notable figures like Senator Mark Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
According to Fox News, law enforcement officials had identified Thomas Matthew Crooks as a potential threat 90 minutes before he fired upon attendees at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
Despite multiple warnings, Crooks managed to position himself on a building and open fire, causing one death and several injuries.
Text messages from law enforcement reveal that Thomas Matthew Crooks was marked as suspicious well ahead of the shooting incident. Officers from the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit (ESU) identified Crooks using a range finder but did not confront him directly.
In a group chat of Beaver ESU officers, the first warning came at 4:36 p.m., when an officer noted that someone had parked near their vehicle. "Someone followed our lead and snuck in," an officer warned.
Officers did not approach Crooks but continued to observe his movements. At 5:10 p.m., they noted he had moved to another location near the American Glass International (AGR) building. An officer documented this by taking a picture of Crooks leaning against the building.
Crooks was described as having greasy shoulder-length hair and wearing a gray t-shirt. He was seen holding a range finder and looking towards the stage where Trump was scheduled to speak.
Despite repeated observations, officers eventually lost sight of Crooks. A chain of text messages shows increasing concern among the officers about Crooks’ suspicious activity. They suggested alerting the command and requested a uniformed officer to check it out.
At 6:11 p.m., Crooks began his assault from atop the AGR building. He opened fire on the crowd, resulting in the death of 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, who was protecting his family from the gunshots.
Former President Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet on his ear. Three rally-goers were injured: David Dutch and James Copenhaver sustained wounds but survived.
During the attack, it was a counter-sniper who finally neutralized Crooks, preventing further bloodshed. The sniper managed to take Crooks down shortly after he initiated gunfire.
Victims of the shooting received prompt medical attention. James Copenhaver was discharged from the hospital on Friday, while David Dutch was released on Wednesday, July 24.
The tragic death of Corey Comperatore and the injuries sustained by others highlight the urgent need for reevaluations in security protocols. Authorities are urged to learn and adapt to prevent future incidents of this nature.
Text message records indicate that alerts about Crooks were issued at several points leading up to the shooting. Officers were aware of the potential threat Crooks posed but did not intervene directly prior to the attack. Questions are mounting regarding the protocols and responses of the law enforcement officers present. Concerns surround why Crooks was not intercepted before he could position himself on the building and fire into the crowd.
According to Fox News, former President Donald Trump has publicly defended a female Secret Service agent who shielded him during a recent assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The agent has faced significant online criticism for not being tall enough, which spurred Trump to offer his support amidst a flurry of controversial commentary.
The incident occurred on July 13 during a public appearance by Trump. The female Secret Service agent, whose name has not been disclosed, placed herself between the former president and the assailant, drawing praise and criticism.
Trump spoke about the incident at a rally in St. Cloud. “I don’t know how they didn’t get hit. Bullets were flying,” he said, praising the bravery of the agent. “She was shielding me with everything she could. And she got crushed. And she got criticized by the fake news because she wasn’t tall enough.”
Despite her heroism, the female agent drew criticism on social media. Dinesh D'Souza, a conservative commentator, took to X to express his disapproval of female agents, stating that they have “no clue what to do.” He went on to criticize the Secret Service’s attempts to increase female recruitment as an example of diversity initiatives gone wrong.
Matt Walsh, a podcaster, joined the criticism, asserting that “none of the very best at this job are women.” He argued that having women in the Secret Service implies that more qualified men are being overlooked for these vital roles.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also commented on X, indirectly referencing the incident by questioning the size requirements for bodyguards.
“Having a small person as body cover for a large man is like an undersized Speedo at the beach—doesn’t cover the subject,” Musk said, emphasizing the need for adequate physical attributes, regardless of gender.
In the wake of the incident, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stepped down, taking full responsibility for what she described as a "security lapse."
In her resignation letter, she stated, “I take full responsibility for the security lapse. In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”
The House Homeland Security Committee has launched a full investigation into the incident in Butler, Pennsylvania. They have issued subpoenas as part of their inquiry into the security breakdown that allowed for the assassination attempt to occur.
Trump continued to support his agent, reiterating her actions and bravery during a rally. “She was so brave, she wanted to take a bullet,” he said, lambasting the "fake news" for their criticism based on her height. He emphasized her dedication and willingness to protect him despite the fierce criticism she faced.
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, spurred a national conversation on the role and capabilities of female Secret Service agents. Trump's support for his agent brought attention to the criticisms she faced, including those from prominent conservatives Dinesh D'Souza and Matt Walsh. Elon Musk’s comments on bodyguard size requirements added another layer to the debate, which culminated in the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
An analysis conducted by the New York Times has cast doubt on FBI Director Christopher Wray's assertion regarding former President Donald Trump's injury at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The NYT analysis suggests that Trump was indeed struck by a bullet rather than shrapnel during the attack, despite the FBI chief's attempt to raise questions about that fact, as Just the News reports.
Earlier this month, an attack occurred at a rally held by former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman opened fire during the event, resulting in the death of one attendee and injuries to three others, including Trump.
The Times conducted an analysis that brings new light to the incident. According to the outlet's report, at least three bullets nearly struck the former President, with one making contact with his ear.
Wray addressed the incident during a House hearing on Tuesday, stating that there remains "some question" whether Trump's ear injury was caused by a bullet or by shrapnel. This claim from Wray appears to be in contrast with the findings of the Times' analysis. The paper's conclusions suggest that a bullet, not shrapnel, was responsible for Trump's injury.
Former President Trump himself has taken to social media to assert the nature of his injury. He claimed that the hospital confirmed that a bullet struck his ear during the rally.
The FBI has yet to determine the motive behind the violent attack at the Butler rally. As investigations continue, officials are working to piece together the reasons that led to the deadly incident. Authorities are under significant pressure to uncover not only the motive but also the exact details surrounding the attack. This includes confirming the type of projectile that injured Trump.
The contrast between the Times' analysis and the statements made by Wray adds complexity to an already convoluted situation. Both publications and officials seek certainty in their conclusions.
The public reaction to the differing reports has been notable. Supporters of the former president, wary of media bias, have closely followed the unfolding narrative. The political implications of the incident and the investigation have also been significant. Questions about security at political rallies and the efficiency of investigations have been raised.
As investigations proceed, the focus on accurate reporting remains critical. Media outlets and official statements play a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of the incident.
As the investigation by the FBI continues, the public and political stakeholders await more definitive answers regarding the incident. The hope is for a thorough examination that will provide clarity and closure.
The loss of life and the injuries sustained have cast a shadow over the Butler rally. The need for foolproof security measures at future events has been underscored by this violent episode.
In conclusion, the clash between the Times' analysis and Director Wray's statements highlights the ongoing quest for truth in the wake of the Butler rally attack. Former President Trump's assertion on social media adds yet another layer to the unfolding story, as the nation waits for a clear resolution.
A rally in Butler, Pennsylvania turned dangerous when former President Donald Trump was struck in the ear by a bullet on July 13.
The FBI has confirmed the nature of the injury, detailed as a bullet wound, and continues to investigate the incident, despite charged comments from agency Director Christopher Wray that seemed to cast doubt on the nature of the harm sustained, as the Gateway Pundit reports.
During the rally, a gunman opened fire, leaving the former president injured. The FBI has since verified that the injury was from a bullet and not other debris.
The FBI’s Shooting Reconstruction Team is actively examining evidence collected from the chaotic scene, including bullet fragments. Despite the ongoing investigation, some initial speculations were deemed incorrect.
Wray initially suggested the injury might have been caused by shrapnel. Speaking to Rep. Jim Jordan in a hearing this past week, Wray stated there was uncertainty about whether it was a bullet or shrapnel. This theory was put to rest after further examination and medical confirmation. The medical report from Butler Memorial Hospital confirmed Trump's injury was a bullet wound.
Rep. Ronny Jackson, himself a former White House physician, tended to Trump after the incident. After examining the injury, Dr. Jackson confirmed it was indeed from a bullet.
In response to Wray's earlier speculation about shrapnel, Trump criticized the FBI director, alleging the theory was false. Trump expressed his disapproval on Truth Social, calling out the "shrapnel theory" as fake news. Reacting to the FBI's finalized report, Trump stated, "I assume that’s the best apology that we’ll get from Director Wray, but it is fully accepted!" This was a clear indication of Trump's desire for accurate information dissemination.
The FBI's report clarified that the injury was unequivocally caused by a bullet from the gunman’s rifle. The official statement noted, "What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subject’s rifle."
The investigation remains extensive as the FBI’s Shooting Reconstruction Team continues its meticulous examination of the evidence, including any bullet fragments recovered from the scene. This ongoing effort underscores the seriousness of the incident and the comprehensive approach taken by law enforcement.
Dr. Jackson was clear in distinguishing the nature of the injury, emphasizing it was not caused by glass or shrapnel but by a bullet. His medical expertise provided certainty amid contradictory initial reports.
This incident, occurring during what was supposed to be a routine political rally, has prompted concern and scrutiny. The thorough investigation serves to uncover the facts surrounding this alarming event.
To summarize, on July 13, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman shot former President Trump in the ear. The FBI initially theorized shrapnel might have caused the injury, but further investigation confirmed it was a bullet. Medical reports and examinations supported this. The FBI continues to analyze evidence at the site.
FBI Director Wray's initial comments created a stir, leading to criticism from Trump. However, the recent statements provided clarity on the nature of the injury.
The House passed a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris's handling of the border just days after she became the Democratic presidential nominee.
According to Business Insider, six House Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the resolution, highlighting internal party divisions.
The resolution was rushed to a vote this week, sponsored by Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York. The House passed the resolution on Thursday condemning Kamala Harris's handling of the border. This action follows Harris's recent nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate, raising concerns about her performance and strategy on immigration.
Six House Democrats broke ranks to support the GOP-backed resolution. Among them were Yadira Caraveo of Colorado, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, Jared Golden of Maine, and Mary Peltola of Alaska. These members represent conservative-leaning districts or face challenging reelection campaigns.
The resolution's text accuses the Biden administration and Vice President Harris, who was tasked early on with addressing the root causes of migration, of failing to secure the U.S. border. Despite not holding the formal title of "border czar," Harris has been a focal point of criticism regarding border policies.
Stefanik emphasized the political undertones of the resolution, stating, "Harris and every elected Democrat owns this historic border crisis that has turned every community into a border community." She advocated for a return to former President Donald Trump's border security policies.
The resolution was expedited following President Joe Biden's decision to step aside, which added urgency to the vote. The Republicans have seized this moment to underscore what they perceive as weaknesses in Harris's immigration approach. The language in the resolution was overtly political, designed to spotlight these perceived vulnerabilities.
The border issue remains a significant point of contention, with Republicans using it as a strategic tool against Harris and the Democratic Party. The passage of this resolution has further exposed divisions within the Democratic ranks, particularly among those who are in politically precarious positions.
Harris has faced ongoing scrutiny since being assigned to address migration issues. Critics argue that her efforts have fallen short, while supporters claim that the complexity of the situation requires a multifaceted approach that cannot yield immediate results.
The vote has significant implications for the upcoming elections. The Democrats who supported the resolution may face backlash from their party but hope to gain favor with constituents in their conservative-leaning districts. This balancing act underscores the broader challenges the Democratic Party faces in maintaining unity while addressing contentious issues.
Republicans are expected to continue using the border as a critical issue in their campaign strategies. By keeping the focus on Harris and the Biden administration's policies, they aim to rally their base and attract undecided voters concerned about immigration and border security.
The resolution's passage is a strategic move by Republicans to weaken Harris's position as the Democratic nominee. It serves as a reminder of the political landscape's volatility and the importance of addressing key issues effectively.
In conclusion, the House resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris's handling of the border highlights the deep divisions within the Democratic Party. The involvement of six House Democrats underscores the political pressures and challenges facing the party.
An attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump occurred at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
The gunman, Thomas Crooks, was heavily prepared, evading law enforcement and opening fire, resulting in Trump being shot in the ear and three other casualties.
NBC News reported that according to the FBI, Crooks arrived in Butler for the first time on July 5, a full eight days before Trump's campaign rally. His search history shows that on July 6, he looked up the distance from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy. This same day, Crooks registered to attend Trump's rally.
On the day of the rally, Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition. At around 4 p.m., he flew a drone roughly 200 yards away from the main stage. Two hours later, witnesses reported seeing a suspicious individual on the roof of a nearby building.
Later, Crooks opened fire, aiming at Trump and resulting in the former president being shot in the ear. Three other people were injured in the incident. The gunman had a weapon with a collapsible stock, which made it easier to hide and transport.
The FBI is still piecing together Crooks' motive. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted Crooks' fascination with prominent individuals and his focus on Trump in the week leading up to the rally.
"We still have not determined his motive, and it has been frustrating that the investigation has not yielded significant clues," Wray mentioned.
Details about Crooks' preparation include his visit to a shooting range on July 12, where he likely practiced with the same AR-style rifle used in the rally attack.
Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris stated that law enforcement identified Crooks as suspicious earlier because he was loitering near the rally site without trying to enter and was observed carrying a rangefinder.
"The officer saw Crooks from a second-story window and went to investigate," Paris explained.
Seconds before the shooting began, Crooks was not considered an actual threat. Once the officer spotted him, Crooks pointed his weapon, causing the officer to fall, and immediately began shooting at Trump.
FBI Director Wray also mentioned that Crooks had a drone controller and two explosive devices in his vehicle, though it appears the remote detonation option would not have worked. Additionally, eight bullet cartridges were retrieved from the rooftop where Crooks was found.
A bloodied receipt for a 5-foot ladder was discovered on Crooks, but the ladder itself was not at the scene.
This suggests meticulous planning on Crooks' part, even purchasing specific items for his attack.
Crooks' extensive planning and execution raise concerns about the security measures in place for such events.
The incident also underscores the importance of thorough preparation and vigilance by law enforcement agencies.
Rep. Jim Jordan emphasized the need for a detailed play-by-play of the incident. "We need to know play-by-play, moment-by-moment, second-by-second," Jordan stressed during a recent hearing.
The FBI's ongoing investigation into Crooks' motive will be crucial to understanding his actions and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Thomas Crooks, who had no criminal record, was noted to be an avid shooting hobbyist. Wray confirmed this, noting that Crooks frequented shooting ranges, likely with the same firearm used in the attack.
The attack on former President Donald Trump, while alarming, highlights the need for stringent security measures for public figures. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies continue to gather clues to unravel Crooks' motives and prevent such threats in the future.
A House panel has approved a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris' handling of the border after a special session according to Fox News.
This development follows President Biden's announcement that he will not seek re-election, leading Harris to announce her candidacy for the White House.
The House Rules Committee convened on Tuesday to vote on the resolution, initiated in response to growing concerns about Harris' approach to border security. The meeting was slated on Monday night, catching many by surprise due to its sudden scheduling.
President Biden, at 81 years old, revealed on Sunday that he would not pursue a second term, bowing to pressure from within his party. His decision set the stage for Vice President Harris to declare her intention to run for president.
The resolution passed along party lines, with House Rules Committee Chairman Michael Burgess, R-Texas, acknowledging the political nature of the timing. "Everything's gonna be political this year," he remarked, asserting that the significance of border security transcends political timetables.
Republicans have long criticized Harris for her handling of border issues, particularly in her role as the designated "border czar" since 2021. Despite multiple visits to Latin America, including a trip to Honduras in 2022, her efforts have been deemed insufficient by her critics.
Adding to the scrutiny, it was revealed that Harris has not communicated with Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens since he assumed his role last year. This lack of direct engagement has raised eyebrows and further fueled Republican allegations of mismanagement.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates countered these criticisms, accusing Republicans of deliberately obstructing vital resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. He emphasized that the Biden-Harris Administration's executive actions have successfully reduced unauthorized crossings compared to the previous administration.
"As we speak, congressional Republicans continue their months-long blockade of critical resources for ICE and the Border Patrol in the tough bipartisan border security agreement supported by the Biden-Harris Administration," Bates stated. He accused Republicans of prioritizing their allegiance to former President Donald Trump over national security.
Burgess, however, pointed to recent tragedies involving American citizens and individuals who had entered the country unlawfully. In June, six Americans were reportedly killed by people who "had no business being here," according to Burgess, underscoring what he views as a failure of the current administration to protect the borders.
The passage of the resolution condemning Harris marks a significant political maneuver as she prepares for her presidential bid. The Republicans' action is likely to be a contentious issue in the upcoming election cycle.
The Biden-Harris Administration remains steadfast in their belief that their approach to border security has been effective. They assert that their policies have resulted in a notable decrease in unauthorized border crossings compared to when Trump left office.
The emergency session on Tuesday highlights the ongoing, deeply polarized debate over border management. It also illuminates the broader political landscape, where every action is scrutinized and often politicized, especially in an election year.
To conclude, a key House panel passed a resolution criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris' handling of the border.
This occurred during an emergency session convened on Tuesday, following President Biden's announcement of not seeking re-election and Harris' subsequent announcement of her candidacy.
The House Rules Committee's decision came along party lines, with Republicans accusing Harris of failing in her "border czar" responsibilities. Harris' lack of direct communication with Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens and her criticized trips to Latin America further complicated her position.
The White House defended its actions, blaming Republicans for blocking essential resources. Burgess highlighted the urgency with recent tragic incidents involving unauthorized individuals. The resolution's passage is a pivotal moment as Harris embarks on her presidential campaign.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has commenced an independent investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
The Washington Examiner reported that the investigation, directed by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, enlists former Homeland Security officials and will span 45 days.
Mayorkas revealed the experts who will steer this inquiry into the July 13 shooting at a Trump rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. President Joe Biden mandated the probe last week in response to the attack that left one dead and two injured. A 20-year-old named Thomas Matthew Crooks has been identified as the shooter.
The panel includes respected figures such as former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Frances Townsend, who served as homeland security adviser under President George W. Bush, Mark Filip, a former federal judge and deputy attorney general during Bush's tenure, and David Mitchell, the former superintendent of the Maryland State Police and a prior secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
The 45-day investigation began following the DHS announcement on Sunday evening. The panel is tasked with discerning the events leading up to the shooting and offering recommendations to avert similar incidents in the future. Mayorkas has indicated that additional members may be invited to join the panel as needed.
"We are committed to getting to the bottom of what happened on July 13," Mayorkas conveyed, praising the experts for bringing their extensive law enforcement and security experience to the task.
He also noted that the independent review aims to ensure the effective execution of the agency's critical mission.
The DHS and Secret Service are under intense scrutiny due to the security breach. Trump’s team had previously requested heightened security, which the Secret Service denied. Consequently, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has faced substantial pressure to step down, though she has resisted calls to resign.
Cheatle took responsibility for the lapse, stating, "The buck stops with me," and emphasized the need for a comprehensive review and adequate resource allocation for personnel.
Despite admitting the incident was “unacceptable,” she remains at the helm of the agency.
Anthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesman, confirmed that the agency often has to adapt by using state or local partners to maintain security, especially when specific resources are unavailable. These modifications aim to continue safeguarding public figures without compromising security.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has also announced the formation of a special task force to consolidate congressional investigations pertaining to this incident. The shootings at the rally have necessitated wider reflection and an overhaul of the protocols that secure public officials.
The independent investigation aims to not only scrutinize the immediate circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt but also to propose actionable reforms.
Ensuring the enduring effectiveness of the Secret Service and other security agencies remains a central focus.
Mayorkas reiterated the importance of this effort, stating the review will offer critical insights and recommendations to prevent future incidents. The collaborative effort of high-caliber security professionals underscores the seriousness and magnitude of this investigation.
In summary, the investigation initiated by DHS Secretary Mayorkas involves a diverse panel of seasoned homeland security officials. This inquiry, lasting for 45 days, strives to address the failures that led to the rally shooting in Pennsylvania. The focus will be on diagnosing security lapses and implementing robust measures to safeguard public officials more effectively.
The stakes are high as the DHS endeavors to restore confidence in their protective measures. Both the personnel and the agency's systemic approaches will be under review to ensure not just accountability but also the advancement of security protocols.
According to Newsmax, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's favorability has surged to a four-year high of 40%, significantly surpassing President Joe Biden's favorability, which has dropped to 32%.
This increase in favorability stems partly from Trump's momentum following a recent trial conviction, which has led many Democrats to reconsider Biden's candidacy for the upcoming election.
Trump's favorability has reached 40%, marking his highest level in four years. In stark contrast, President Joe Biden's favorability stands at 32%, revealing a growing gap in public perception between the two leaders.
Polling insights indicate a significant trend: 60% of registered Democrats now desire Biden to end his reelection campaign. This sentiment reflects a broader unease within the party regarding Biden's ability to lead effectively in the upcoming election. Surprisingly, Republicans (44%) are more inclined than Democrats (39%) to support Biden remaining in the race to uphold democratic nomination principles.
Trump's recent trial conviction in a business records case, overseen by Democrat Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan, has played a critical role in his rising favorability. According to Mediaite, Trump's favorability has "skyrocketed 9 points in less than two months," based on the June ABC News/Ipsos poll.
This significant increase in favorability marks a turning point for Trump, whose highest favorability rating of 42% was recorded during the August 2020 Republican National Convention at the White House. The latest figures suggest that public sentiment may be shifting in his favor as he prepares for another run at the presidency.
Trump's highest recorded favorability was 42% in August 2020, coinciding with the Republican National Convention held during the COVID-19 pandemic. This context underscores the current surge as a significant milestone for the former president, indicating potential resilience and renewed support among his base.
The ABC News/Ipsos poll, conducted on July 19-20, surveyed 1,141 U.S. adults. The methodology included oversamples of Black and Hispanic respondents, ensuring the results accurately reflect the general population. The poll's margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, providing a reliable snapshot of current public opinion.
Dick Morris, a Trump presidential adviser, provided insight into this shift. "There are two ways to measure a politician's popularity — his job rating and his personal favorability — and Trump's job rating has always been 5 or 6 points higher than his personal favorability," Morris said. "Very rarely does a public figure get to transform his image, and Trump really has done that."
Trump himself commented on the situation, emphasizing the complexity of the current political landscape.:
There's never been anything like it, and now we have something coming up where they're going to go to the convention and they have a couple of problems: No. 1, they have no idea who their candidate is and neither do we. That's a problem. But we'll see. Hopefully they get it worked out.
As Trump's favorability rises, the implications for the upcoming election become more pronounced. The significant shift in public opinion may influence the strategies of both parties as they navigate the complexities of the 2024 election cycle. With 60% of registered Democrats desiring Biden to step down, the Democratic Party faces internal challenges that could impact its ability to present a united front.
Republicans, on the other hand, may capitalize on this momentum, leveraging Trump's increased favorability to strengthen their campaign efforts. The current landscape suggests a dynamic and potentially volatile election season ahead, with public opinion playing a critical role in shaping the outcomes.
Donald Trump's favorability has surged to a four-year high of 40%, surpassing President Joe Biden's 32%. This shift follows a recent trial conviction that has significantly boosted Trump's public image. The ABC News/Ipsos poll highlights key insights, including a notable desire among Democrats for Biden to end his reelection campaign. Historical context and polling methodology provide a comprehensive understanding of this trend.