According to ABC News, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper officially withdrew from the race to become Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate in the 2024 presidential election.
On Monday night, Governor Cooper announced that he would no longer be considered for the vice presidential spot on Kamala Harris' 2024 ticket. This decision followed his strong endorsement of Vice President Harris' campaign.
Cooper explained that the timing and current circumstances in North Carolina influenced his choice not to seek a national role. Despite this decision, Cooper remains a steadfast supporter of Harris.
Shortly after his announcement, Governor Cooper joined a grassroots organizing call aptly named "White Dudes for Harris." Interestingly, he did not discuss his recent decision to withdraw during the call. Instead, Cooper continued to emphasize the crucial role of Harris' candidacy in the upcoming election.
"I strongly support Vice President Harris' campaign for President. I know she's going to win and I was honored to be considered for this role. This just wasn't the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket," Cooper stated, affirming his commitment to Harris’ campaign.
Earlier this month, on July 21, Cooper had officially endorsed Harris, reflecting on their shared history as attorneys general and underscoring her qualifications to lead the nation.
Roy Cooper was expected to help extend Democratic influence into swing states if he joined Harris' campaign. His inclusion on the ticket could have been a significant development, especially given North Carolina's political landscape.
If Cooper had accepted a national role, North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, a Republican, would have taken over as the active governor. This would have added a layer of political complexity, as Robinson is currently running against Democratic nominee, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, for the governorship.
The decision leaves the path open for Harris to consider other prominent candidates as possible running mates, among them Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
In the meantime, Vice President Harris is anticipated to secure the Democratic presidential nomination imminently. The Democratic National Convention Committee's Rules Committee stipulates that a presidential nominee must be chosen by August 7. However, the selection of a vice-presidential candidate does not need to adhere to this same deadline, though it is still likely that the nominee for vice-president will also be chosen by then.
"As I've said from the beginning, she has an outstanding list of people from which to choose, and we'll all work to make sure she wins," Cooper reiterated, indicating that he would continue to play a supportive role in the upcoming election.
Cooper further added, "Kamala Harris should be the next President. I’ve known @VP going back to our days as AGs, and she has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity. I look forward to campaigning for her as we work to win NC up and down the ticket."
Governor Roy Cooper's withdrawal from the vice-presidential race was motivated by the timing and current state of affairs in North Carolina. Despite this, Cooper continues to strongly support Kamala Harris' candidacy for the presidency. After his announcement, Cooper joined a grassroots call and reiterated the significance of Harris' bid, having previously endorsed her on July 21. His potential departure from the governor's role would have affected North Carolina's political scene, implicating Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson.
Vice President Kamala Harris defended President Joe Biden's mental fitness to continue leading the nation despite scrutiny over his public appearances.
According to Fox News, Harris emphasized his ability to serve effectively, while Biden endorsed her as the presidential nominee for the next election.
Vice President Kamala Harris asserted that President Joe Biden remains capable of fulfilling his duties despite growing concerns stemming from his public gaffes and perceived cognitive decline. Harris pointed to their frequent interactions over the past year, which include meetings, lunches, events, and travel, as evidence of Biden's ongoing engagement.
Harris and Biden have engaged in over 80 documented encounters between July 18, 2023, and July 17, 2024. These included 25 meetings, eight lunches, 46 events, and two instances of traveling together. Not all activities were publicly scheduled, highlighting their close coordination on national security matters, such as Situation Room briefings.
In a recent debate against former President Donald Trump, Biden’s performance sparked apprehension about his ability to handle another term. However, Harris quickly came to his defense, praising his determination and substantive approach throughout his presidency.
The release of a report by Special Counsel Robert Hur added fuel to the fire by portraying Biden's cognitive faculties as "significantly limited." Harris criticized this report as politically motivated, inaccurate, and inappropriate. She underscored Biden's mental acuity, recalling his decisive response to the terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
“We're not just talking about a slow start,” Harris emphasized, “but a strong finish. Joe Biden's ability to lead is evident from his actions on national and global stages.” She expressed her confidence in his authority while meeting various leaders, contrasting it with the negative portrayal in Hur's report.
In November, Harris addressed comments from former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy regarding Biden's confusion during debt negotiations. She clarified that Biden's age is not a limitation but a testament to his vast experience and wise judgment.
“I spend significant time with the President,” Harris remarked. “Whether in the Oval Office, the Situation Room, or other meetings, Biden remains authoritative and composed, making critical decisions that benefit the American people.”
On July 21, Biden officially announced that he would not seek a second term. Subsequently, he endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election. This move highlights his confidence in Harris’s leadership and her dedicated service as Vice President.
“The president's actions were proactive and decisive,” Harris stated. She highlighted Biden's continuous coordination with U.S. national security leaders and global allies, demonstrating his effective leadership during the crisis.
“Only one person sits behind the Resolute Desk,” Harris asserted. “And that person is Joe Biden—a leader who has consistently shown strength, determination, and cohesive decision-making.”
Vice President Kamala Harris consistently defended President Joe Biden's mental fitness and capabilities amid growing concerns and criticism. Despite Biden's decision not to pursue a second term, his endorsement of Harris signifies continuity and confidence in her leadership to steer the nation forward. Harris's detailed recounting of their various engagements over the year bolsters her argument that Biden remains a strong and effective leader.
According to CNN, Mark Meadows, the ex-White House Chief of Staff, has filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to transfer his Georgia election subversion case to federal court.
Currently, Meadows faces charges in Georgia related to election subversion. His lawyers have formally requested the Supreme Court to review the case and reconsider the US 11th Circuit Court of Appeals decision. The appeals court previously determined that the prosecution against Meadows should be conducted in a state court.
Meadows’ lawyers argue that as a former federal official, he should be safeguarded by immunity provisions. They emphasize that Meadows acted within his capacity as White House Chief of Staff, aiming to align his situation with the recent immunity ruling for former President Donald Trump. This ruling suggested that Trump has "presumptive" immunity from federal election subversion charges tied to official acts.
Chief Judge William Pryor of the US 11th Circuit Court of Appeals opined that the actions did not pertain to Meadows' official duties. This ruling significantly influenced the decision to keep the prosecution at the state level. Despite this, Meadows has persistently sought to bring the matter before a federal court.
“It is hard to imagine a case in which the need for a federal forum is more pressing than one that requires resolving novel questions about the duties and powers of one of the most important federal offices in the Nation,” Meadows’ legal team stated in their filing.
Further, Meadows’ attorneys outlined in their petition that court reviews and considerations surrounding immunity are critical. They argue that dealing with criminal charges on actions related to a presidential role should be straightforward, especially after the Court’s recent stance on federal immunity.
Meadows has secured several deadline extensions for seeking Supreme Court intervention. The complexity of the issue and decisions from various judicial levels have necessitated these additional timeframes, and each extension underscores the intricate nature of the legal questions involved.
The entire Georgia case remains in flux in conjunction with Meadows' legal struggles. The ongoing appeals include claims against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, complicating the situation further. These concurrent legal challenges have temporarily stalled proceedings in Georgia.
Meadows also posited that the ability to transfer such cases to federal court would prevent future deterrence of service by government officials.
“Just as immunity protection for former officers is critical to ensuring that current and future officers are not deterred from enthusiastic service, so too is the promise of a federal forum in which to litigate that defense,” Meadows articulated in his filing.
The request from Meadows is now in the hands of the United States Supreme Court. His legal team has asked that the Court either take the case for review or negate the 11th Circuit’s decision and remit the case for further consideration.
The Supreme Court's deliberation on this matter could have far-reaching implications. If the Court sides with Meadows, it could set a precedent for handling similar cases involving federal officials accused of actions tied to their official duties.
Mark Meadows is attempting to move his Georgia election subversion case to federal court, claiming immunity due to his previous position as White House Chief of Staff. This legal effort follows a Supreme Court ruling that benefited Donald Trump in a similar case. However, the US 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the prosecution should remain in state court, with Chief Judge Pryor noting that Meadows' actions were unrelated to his official duties. orming their duties.
The United States House of Representatives has passed a Republican-led resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for her role in the Biden administration’s handling of migration.
Amid escalating scrutiny, Harris faces critiques of her record on illegal immigration from Donald Trump and other Republicans, as the November presidential election approaches, as the Guardian reports.
With President Joe Biden opting out of the presidential race, the focus has turned sharply on Harris, who many expect to be the Democratic nominee. Republicans are keen to portray Harris as insufficiently stringent on border security, a crucial issue for many voters.
At a recent rally in North Carolina, former President Donald Trump claimed Harris had neglected to visit the U.S.-Mexico border during her tenure as the so-called "border czar." He said, “She was the border czar, but she never went to the border.” However, this assertion is significantly misleading.
Harris claims her actual responsibility was to address the root causes of migration from Central America, particularly Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Whereas the Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was tasked with border policy, Harris says she focused on diplomatic efforts to tackle issues such as poverty and violence.
In June 2021, Harris did visit the border and was accompanied by Mayorkas. Despite Republicans’ characterizations, Harris argues that her mandate was never about direct border control but rather a broader diplomatic mission aimed at mitigating migration push factors. House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed Harris failed to address what he called a "worsening crisis" at the border, accusing her of neglect and laying the blame for rising illegal crossings at her feet.
A Gallup survey has indicated that, for the first time in many years, a majority of Americans now believe there should be less immigration into the United States. This shift in public opinion underscores the political stakes and potentially fuels partisan attacks.
In response to record levels of border encounters, Harris supported a bipartisan border security package. Despite her efforts, the package did not advance, largely due to opposition from Republican members of Congress, influenced by Trump's stance. To curb the influx, President Biden issued an executive order in June to temporarily suspend asylum requests between ports of entry. This measure led to a significant reduction in border crossings, achieving the lowest arrest numbers since he took office.
Harris’s history on immigration includes strong advocacy for immigrant rights, ongoing support for undocumented individuals who have lived in the U.S. for most of their lives, and aid for victims of severe crimes. As a senator, Harris was a fierce critic of the Trump administration's hardline border policies, and she consistently emphasized that undocumented immigrants should not be treated as criminals. “I know what a crime looks like, and I will tell you: an undocumented immigrant is not a criminal,” she stated during a senate hearing.
Analysts such as Theresa Cardinal Brown have noted that Harris was given a challenging and complicated assignment involving Central American nations, which cannot be resolved quickly or easily. Her efforts since May 2021 have led to $5.2 billion in private sector commitments aimed at improving conditions in those countries.
Despite her focused strategy, critics argue that Harris's efforts in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador may be insufficient amid rising migration from other nations like Venezuela and Cuba. Theresa Cardinal Brown also mentioned that people are fleeing crises globally, and this international context complicates the situation further.
Harris’s statement in Guatemala, "Do not come," was criticized as insensitive by some immigration advocates. Nevertheless, public opinion surveys suggest that certain segments of voters do not primarily associate her with immigration issues, despite attempts by Republicans to link her directly to the border crisis.
The Republican-led House resolution against Harris comes as she steps into a brighter spotlight with Biden's decision not to run for a second term. Attacks on her record, particularly around immigration, are intensifying from figures such as Trump. While Harris says her diplomatic mission targeted Central America’s root causes, her efforts have often been overshadowed by a broader, contentious debate on immigration.
Some critics argue she has not adequately addressed the nuances of a multifaceted crisis, yet others stress the inherent complexities of her mandate. With policies ranging from humanitarian aid to support for asylum seekers, Harris remains a polarizing yet influential figure in the immigration discourse.
A shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has prompted an investigation by the FBI into the man behind the chaos.
Thomas Matthew Crooks is the man who attempted to kill Trump, and the FBI is actively investigating the motives behind the attack as well as his potential mental health concern, as News Nation reports.
The FBI is meticulously analyzing various aspects of Crooks' life to uncover the reasons behind his attempt to murder the former president. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the notion that Crooks' internet searches prior to the attack could provide significant clues about his mental state.
Former Secret Service agent Paul Eckloff underscored the importance of understanding Crooks' behavior in examining the motives behind mass shooters in America. Eckloff pointed out that despite not many shooters having a diagnosed mental illness, those who do often display noticeable changes in behavior.
On July 6, Crooks took several significant steps, including registering for the Butler rally at which Trump was set to speak. He also conducted an online search regarding the assassination distance between Lee Harvey Oswald and President John F. Kennedy, an alarming insight into his mindset.
According to Wray, this search provides a deeper understanding of Crooks' mental state in the days leading up to the assassination attempt. Crooks, a 20-year-old nursing home employee and community college graduate, displayed several red flags prior to the incident. Among them was the operation of a drone about 200 yards from the rally's stage, over two hours before Trump was scheduled to speak. This preparation indicates a premeditated attempt on Crooks' part.
The FBI's analysis of Crooks' online activity uncovered searches related to both Trump and Biden, as well as photos of the two political figures. Moreover, images of U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and a British royal family member were also discovered on his phone.
One critical element was Crooks' use of an encrypted messaging application, which can complicate the investigation into potential communications with co-conspirators or further plans. Eckloff emphasized that the timeline of Crooks' behaviors, including his web searches, would be critical in understanding his motives.
Further examination revealed Crooks had searched for information related to Ethan Crumbley's Michigan school shooting, major depressive disorder, as well as explosive materials and improvised explosive devices. These searches paint a concerning picture of Crooks' state of mind leading up to the incident.
Eckloff noted that studying Crooks' mental health might provide essential clues. "If you look back at a history of mass shooters in public spaces, 25% had a diagnosed mental illness," Eckloff stated, adding that these mental health issues are often interlinked with significant behavioral changes.
"We'll need to go back and draw a timeline of his behaviors, and certainly, his internet searches are part of that," Eckloff mentioned. He urged that monitoring changes in behavior could offer opportunities to intervene and prevent such incidents. Eckloff acknowledged America's fascination with assassins, indicating that Crooks' research on famous assassins was alarming but should be seen in the broader context of America's cultural intrigue with such figures.
The FBI's investigation continues to uncover more details about Crooks' actions and motives. His meticulous planning, mental health history, and alarming online activity provide a complex picture that authorities are diligently piecing together.
Crooks' interest in high-profile figures, coupled with his concerning searches about explosives and mental health disorders, point to a troubled individual grappling with serious issues. The insights provided by authorities like Eckloff and Wray are critical in understanding the broader context of this troubling episode.
A Florida judge has ruled against ABC's bid to dismiss a defamation case brought by former President Donald Trump.
Fox News reported that Judge Cecilia Altonaga of the United States District Court in Miami rejected ABC's motion, allowing the lawsuit to move forward.
The defamation lawsuit was instigated by comments by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos in March during a tense exchange with Representative Nancy Mace, R-S.C., on "This Week."
Stephanopoulos incorrectly claimed that Trump was found "liable for rape" in a civil case. In reality, a federal jury determined Trump was liable for sexual abuse but not rape.
U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia Altonaga ruled that the defamation lawsuit deserves its day in court. "A jury may, upon viewing the segment, find there was sufficient context. But a reasonable jury could conclude Plaintiff was defamed and, as a result, dismissal is inappropriate," she stated.
Trump expressed his satisfaction with Truth Social regarding a favorable court decision in Florida, celebrating his victory against ABC and George Stephanopoulos. He described the case as significant and predicted that this outcome would compel the media to report more truthfully. Trump hailed the event as a significant victory for the nation, reiterating his MAGA2024 slogan.
The basis for the suit is Stephanopoulos's false claim that Trump was found liable for rape. This statement diverged from Judge Lewis Kaplan's findings in the case involving journalist E. Jean Carroll. Though not proving rape as defined by New York Penal Law, the jury did determine that Trump had committed sexual abuse.
Trump's recent legal victory coincides with his suggestion to move the scheduled presidential debate, initially slated to be broadcast on ABC, to Fox News.
This proposal came just days before President Biden withdrew from the race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate. On Truth Social, Trump condemned ABC and suggested Fox News should replace it for the debate:
My debate with Crooked Joe Biden, the Worst President in the history of the United States, was slated to be broadcast on Fake News ABC, the home of George Slopadopolus, sometime in September. Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC. Thank you!
Fox News Media's letter detailed a comprehensive debate proposal amid the changing political landscape:
Now that Vice President Kamala Harris is the presumptive Democratic nominee, FOX News Media is amending our proposal for a debate this cycle. Given that the race has changed, we’d like to request the opportunity to host a presidential debate between VP Harris and former President Trump.
The network emphasized the importance of conducting the debate in Pennsylvania on the proposed date. “We propose to host the debate in the state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, September 17, just as early voting is getting underway there and in other key battlegrounds. We are open to discussion on the exact date, format and location — with or without an audience.”
Additionally, Fox News advocated for Baier and MacCallum as the ideal moderators. “Again, we believe Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, the faces of our political coverage, are the best choices to moderate.”
The Florida judge's ruling allows Trump's defamation lawsuit against ABC and George Stephanopoulos to proceed. This ruling underscores the importance of accuracy in media statements, particularly in high-stakes political contexts. Trump's recent moves, including proposing Fox News as a debate host, demonstrate his ongoing influence and strategic maneuvering in the 2024 presidential race. The proposed September 17 debate could set a significant precedent for future elections.
Concerns about potential ballot cheating are extremely high among likely voters in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, particularly in six battleground states.
The Washington Examiner reported that a new Rasmussen Reports/Heartland Institute survey has highlighted alarming claims that a significant number of non-citizens have cast votes in past elections and intend to vote again, leading to questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
A sizable 62% of respondents are worried about potential cheating in the 2024 presidential race, based on negative experiences from the 2020 elections.
The survey indicated that non-citizens have not only participated in past elections but also plan to vote in the upcoming election despite legal prohibitions.
This statistic concerns a large number of voters, particularly given that over 5% of the survey respondents declared they are not U.S. citizens, with nearly 4% indicating they are uncertain of their citizenship status.
These figures equate to nearly 14 million votes, raising serious concerns about election integrity.
This is the first poll that has quantified the potential for such extensive illegal voting, triggering a call for further investigation.
With a large sample size of 2,466 likely voters and 5,605 participants from the battleground states, the survey provides substantial data to support these worries.
According to Rasmussen pollster Mark Mitchell, “We’ve seen multiple polls hint at illegal voting issues, but this is unprecedented in capturing feedback from non-citizens about their voting intentions”.
Post the 2020 election, multiple surveys have shown a broad public belief that election cheating occurs.
Specifically, about 18% of respondents reported receiving more than one official ballot or a ballot intended for someone no longer residing at their address, with this figure rising to 20% in battleground states. In contrast, 74% indicated that they did not receive multiple ballots by mail.
Chris Talgo has emphasized that such concerns about election integrity must prompt urgent reforms.
“The concern shown by more than 60% of likely voters should be a wake-up call for those still denying that potential cheating is a significant problem,” Talgo remarked.
Mitchell has challenged the polling industry to verify and replicate these findings, expressing surprise at the apparent lack of curiosity.
"We're not accusing 14 million people of voting illegally, but this is a sign that further investigation is warranted," he stated.
This poll has highlighted worrying signs about the ease with which mass mailing of ballots, based on outdated voter rolls, unattended drop boxes, and no excuse mail-in voting, can be manipulated by those intending to vote illegally. Talgo continued, “
As the 2020 election demonstrated, these practices have made it easier than ever for illegal voting to occur, highlighting the urgent need for reforms.”
Concerns about potential voter fraud and the integrity of the U.S. electoral system are at the forefront of voters' minds, especially with the 2024 presidential election looming. A significant number of likely voters have reported illegal voting in previous elections and fear it will continue.
The Rasmussen Reports/Heartland Institute survey underscores this issue, revealing nearly 14 million illegal votes.
Mark Mitchell and Chris Talgo insist on the pressing need to address these concerns through comprehensive checks and significant reforms. The findings of this survey serve as a crucial call to action for policymakers, the public, and the polling industry.
Ensuring the integrity of elections is vital for democracy, and with the revelation of nearly 14 million potentially illegal votes, urgency surrounds efforts to restore trust in the electoral process.
By shining a spotlight on these concerns and potential issues, this survey encourages a broader conversation and immediate action to ensure fair and trustworthy elections in the future.
Ensuring the voice of every legitimate voter is counted fairly is paramount to maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.
This call for reforms and checks should resonate with all stakeholders as the 2024 election approaches, emphasizing the need to address and rectify any potential lapses in the system.
Concerns continue to mount over President Joe Biden's health as he has yet to make an appearance since suddenly announcing he was exiting the presidential race.
Western Journal reported that despite assurances from his physician, the President has not been visible in public since his COVID diagnosis, raising questions about his capability to fulfill presidential responsibilities.
White House physician Kevin O’Connor delivered an update on President Biden’s recovery from COVID-19 on Monday.
According to O'Connor, Biden is recuperating well and is still performing his presidential tasks.
The reassurances, however, have not alleviated anxiety. Biden has not been seen in public since last Wednesday, when he was spotted disembarking Air Force One and entering a motorcade heading to his vacation residence in Rohoboth Beach, Delaware.
Adding to the uncertainty, Biden recently announced via a written social media post on platform X that he would refrain from seeking re-election. He assured the public that a formal address would follow this week.
Reports on Monday suggested that Biden telephoned Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign headquarters to express gratitude for her support. Yet, the lack of a visible presence adds a layer of mystery.
Kevin O’Connor's update was shared on social media but was notably bereft of any accompanying photos or videos of the President, prompting more speculation. Conservative commentator Byron York suggested that a public appearance from Biden would quell rising skepticism.
“Would be a good thing for him to appear in public today,” York remarked, capturing the spirit of the public’s demand for more transparency.
The media landscape has been rife with speculation and queries, all set against the backdrop of O’Connor’s reassurances.
Adding another layer of complexity, The New York Post previously reported that an upcoming meeting between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled for Tuesday was called off. However, later reports indicated the meeting’s status was uncertain, adding yet another wrinkle to this ongoing situation.
The public remains uncertain about the President's immediate plans, especially given his retreat from a re-election bid and vague promises of addressing the nation. The need for visual proof of his activities and health seems paramount in quelling doubts.
As Monday's reports filtered in, Biden’s phone call to Vice President Harris’ campaign headquarters served as a lifeline to his supporters but did little to curb the rising tide of public concern.
The overarching worry is that with Biden not being publicly visible, concerns about his health and capacity are growing louder.
Even the validity of O'Connor’s claims is under scrutiny due to the absence of visuals.
As the situation remains fluid, questions about Biden’s health and visibility remain at the forefront of public discourse.
All eyes are on the White House, awaiting more concrete evidence of his well-being and ability to govern effectively.
The call for transparency is not limited to one side of the political spectrum. Both conservatives and liberals alike are urging the President for a public appearance to dispel these growing concerns.
As the nation waits for the President to make his promised address later this week, the narrative is dominated by his health status and future capabilities in his presidential role. The forthcoming days will be crucial in providing clarity to an increasingly worried public.
Hundreds of migrants, originating from a dozen different countries, initiated their trek from southern Mexico with hopes of reaching the U.S. border before the November elections. They aim to beat any potential restrictive policies, particularly those proposed by a future Trump administration.
The Associated Press reported that starting their journey on Sunday, the migrants left the border town of Ciudad Hidalgo, situated adjacent to a river marking Mexico’s boundary with Guatemala.
Donald Trump's promises to shut down asylum-seeker access if reelected have stoked fears among migrants, leading to the formation of the caravan. Many are apprehensive that their permits to cross the border and secure appointments via the CBP One app might be blocked under stringent immigration rules.
Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador, expressed his concerns about the upcoming election. “We are running the risk that permits (to cross the border) might be blocked,” he remarked. Salazar, 37, believes the app route is the preferred choice once migrants reach northern Mexican territories. The app can only be accessed once they reach Mexico City or northern states.
Many migrants have endured weeks in Ciudad Hidalgo waiting for permits to allow travel northward. These permits are critical since traveling by bus or train has become increasingly difficult, with Mexico imposing stricter controls. For those entering without visas, permits are rarely granted, leading instead to detention and deportation to the country's southern border.
Despite the challenges, forming a caravan appears to be the safer option for many, mitigating the risks of attacks or detainment. Nonetheless, these groups often disband in the southern parts of Mexico due to fatigue and harsh conditions.
Oswaldo Reyna, a Cuban migrant, described his arduous journey into Mexico from Guatemala 45 days ago. Having joined the caravan, Reyna criticized Donald Trump’s rhetoric, arguing that the migrants are merely seeking a better life. “We are not delinquents. We are hard-working people who have left our country to get ahead in life, because in our homeland we are suffering from many needs,” Reyna said.
The extensive waits and bureaucratic hurdles in Ciudad Hidalgo have not deterred the migrants, but have emphasized the importance of migrating collectively. While the caravan significantly reduces the likelihood of attacks, its members must deal with fatigue and dwindling resources.
Mexico’s tightened travel restrictions have compounded the journey for these migrants. The reluctance to grant travel permits often results in repeat detainments and deportations to southern Mexico, making an already arduous journey even more punishing.
Hindered by Mexico’s stringent immigration enforcement, the migrants face the grueling prospect of continuing their journey on foot. As they progress north, they remain unified by the hope of reaching the U.S. border before any further changes in immigration policies.
Molino Salazar’s sentiments echo the broader apprehensions within the caravan. These migrants are acutely aware that delays or stricter regulations could drastically affect their chances of receiving asylum. The CBP One app, which can only be utilized in specific Mexican regions, represents a crucial lifeline.
For many, the idea of a Trump administration sealing the border is a paramount concern. This has galvanized their resolve to advance together, improving their odds of making it safely to their destination.
The migration journey, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties, remains a testament to their resilience and aspiration for a better life. While migrants like Oswaldo Reyna continue to counter negative portrayals, they share a common story of fleeing hardship in search of hope and stability.
Hundreds of migrants commenced their journey from Ciudad Hidalgo, striving to reach the U.S. border before the November elections. Fueled by fears of a potential Trump administration curbing asylum-seeker access, they organized into a large caravan for safety and solidarity.
Miguel Salazar from El Salvador fears blocked permits if Trump wins. Many migrants prefer using the CBP One app, accessible only after reaching Mexico City or northern states. Battling fatigue and strict travel restrictions, they persevere, aiming for a safer future.
On Sunday afternoon, President Joe Biden announced he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, prompting a wave of demands from top Republicans for his immediate resignation.
According to the New York Post, leading Republicans, along with some Democrats and notable figures, have expressed doubts about Biden's fitness to serve as President following his decision.
President Biden’s unexpected announcement that he will not seek reelection has stirred a political storm. Republican leaders like JD Vance and Mike Johnson are calling for Biden to step down from the Oval Office without delay.
Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance argued that Biden’s decision not to run again is a clear sign of his inadequate mental fitness. Vance stated, “Not running for reelection would be a clear admission that President Trump was right all along about Biden not being mentally fit enough to serve as Commander-in-Chief. There is no middle ground.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Vance's sentiments, insisting that Biden’s inability to run for another term makes him unfit to continue serving.
Johnson declared, “If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.”
Elise Stefanik criticized the Democratic Party for attempting to hide Biden's unfitness. She commented, “The Democrat Party is in absolute free fall for their blatantly corrupt and desperate attempt to cover up the fact that Joe Biden is unfit for office.”
Senator Josh Hawley also urged Biden to resign, questioning his ability to manage presidential duties if he cannot manage a campaign. Hawley asserted, “Then RESIGN your office. If you can’t run a mere political campaign, you can’t be President.”
Senator Steve Daines joined the chorus, expressing his lack of confidence in Biden’s ability to effectively execute his duties. Daines said, “Being President is the hardest job in the world, and I no longer have confidence that Joe Biden can effectively execute his duties as Commander-in-Chief.”
Upon announcing his decision to drop out of the race, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket in 2024. This endorsement marks a significant shift in the Democratic primary landscape, setting Harris up as the party’s presumptive nominee.
The National Republican Congressional Committee's deputy communications director, Savannah Viar, highlighted the contradiction in Biden’s capacity to handle presidential responsibilities. Viar remarked, “Democrats can’t have it both ways. If Joe Biden can’t handle a debate or a rally, he can’t stand up to Putin or have access to the nuclear codes.”
President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race has sparked intense political debate. Prominent Republicans, including JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson, are demanding Biden's immediate resignation, citing concerns about his mental fitness and ability to fulfill presidential duties.
Elise Stefanik, Josh Hawley, and Steve Daines have echoed these calls, while Democrats like Joe Manchin and George Clooney have also urged Biden to step aside, endorsing new leadership.