A historic all-female Blue Origin space mission turned into a social media spectacle when fast-food giant Wendy's unleashed a series of sarcastic tweets targeting pop star Katy Perry.
According to the New York Post, the restaurant chain's social media team took aim at Perry after she returned from her brief journey to space alongside CBS News anchor Gayle King and Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sánchez.
The mission marked a significant milestone as the first all-female crew to visit space since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in 1963. The group included accomplished professionals Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and filmmaker Kerianne Flynn.
Wendy's X account initiated the mockery by responding to news of Perry's return with a dismissive tweet asking if they could "send her back." The fast-food chain continued their commentary by referencing Perry's 2008 hit song after she was photographed kissing the ground upon landing.
When users pointed out the brief duration of the space flight, Wendy's sarcastically corrected them, emphasizing it was "11 minutes" rather than 10. The chain's social media team further quipped, "When we said women in stem this isn't what we meant."
The exchange garnered significant attention on social media platforms, with many questioning why Perry was singled out among the six-member crew.
The criticism extended beyond Wendy's, as several prominent entertainment figures expressed their disapproval of the space mission. Amy Schumer, Olivia Wilde, Emily Ratajkowski, and Olivia Munn were among those who publicly voiced their concerns about the venture.
The Blue Origin New Shepard 31 flight launched at 9:30 a.m. from the company's West Texas base. Each crew member's spacesuit featured personalized touches reflecting their careers, with Perry's outfit incorporating a fireworks design as a nod to her hit single.
Perry also brought a daisy flower aboard as a tribute to her daughter with Orlando Bloom, while Sánchez's suit included a fly symbol referencing her children's book. King's spacesuit was adorned with a microphone, representing her broadcasting career.
The debate surrounding the space flight highlighted the growing intersection of celebrity culture and space exploration. While some celebrated the historic nature of the all-female crew, others questioned the value of such brief commercial space ventures.
The incident demonstrated the evolving nature of corporate social media strategies, with Wendy's Gen Z-focused account maintaining its reputation for provocative and sarcastic commentary. The fast-food chain's response garnered both praise and criticism from social media users.
Representatives for both Wendy's and Perry have not publicly addressed the social media exchange, leaving questions about the motivation behind the targeted criticism unanswered.
The Blue Origin mission represented a significant achievement in space exploration history, bringing together six accomplished women from diverse professional backgrounds. Despite lasting only 11 minutes, the flight marked only the second time an all-female crew has ventured into space. The mission successfully concluded with the crew's safe return to Earth at Blue Origin's West Texas facility. While Wendy's social media posts may have overshadowed some aspects of the historic flight, the achievement remains a milestone in the ongoing effort to increase female representation in space exploration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reveals strategic measures to counter Chinese influence in one of the world's most vital waterways.
According to Breitbart, President Donald Trump's administration has secured historic agreements with Panama to strengthen U.S. military presence and control over the Panama Canal, directly challenging China's growing influence in the region.
The strategic initiative includes two significant agreements that grant priority passage to U.S. military vessels and establish an expanded American military presence at Fort Sherman. These developments come as part of Trump's broader strategy to counter Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in critical infrastructure and transportation routes.
Defense Secretary Hegseth shared details about the first agreement with the Panama Canal Authority, which ensures U.S. military and auxiliary vessels receive priority passage through the canal without fees. The second agreement, a memorandum of understanding with Panama's defense ministry, facilitates the reopening of Fort Sherman as a joint military installation.
President Trump's administration identified Chinese influence over the Panama Canal as a significant national security concern during a State of the Union address. The Defense Department has since documented numerous Chinese infrastructure projects and surveillance activities in the region.
Panama's President Molina, described by Hegseth as pro-Trump and pro-America, has demonstrated strong support for the U.S. initiative despite potential political risks. The cooperation reflects growing concerns about Chinese Communist Party influence in Latin America.
Hegseth elaborated on the critical nature of securing the canal:
Well, President Trump said at a State of the Union address, China has too much influence over the Panama Canal, and America is gonna take it back, and that's exactly what I was charged to do, what we're continuing to do. Chinese influence cannot control our own backyard, especially a critical waterway key terrain like the Panama Canal.
The Defense Secretary emphasized that approximately 75% of ships passing through the canal are involved in port-related activities. This statistic underscores the waterway's crucial role in global maritime commerce and military logistics.
Recent intelligence reports suggest Chinese companies have been actively pursuing infrastructure contracts and political influence in Panama. These efforts have raised concerns about potential threats to U.S. military mobility and commercial interests in the region.
Defense Secretary Hegseth praised Panama's commitment to the strengthened partnership:
I want to thank President Molina, a pro-Trump, pro-America president of Panama who's sticking his neck out against communists, whose influence was real there. Maria, we could see it; you could feel it. The communist Chinese want to control politicians. They're building infrastructure projects. They want to surveil. They want to take that canal. President Trump says not on our watch and we are fighting back.
The revival of Fort Sherman represents a significant milestone in U.S.-Panama military cooperation. The base will serve as a hub for joint operations and training exercises between the two nations' armed forces.
Military analysts suggest this enhanced presence will provide better monitoring of Chinese activities and strengthen regional security partnerships. The move also demonstrates America's commitment to maintaining its influence in Latin America.
The Trump administration's initiative to secure the Panama Canal reflects growing concerns about Chinese influence in Latin America's critical infrastructure. Through two landmark agreements with Panama, the U.S. has established priority passage for military vessels and expanded its military presence at Fort Sherman. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that these measures directly counter Chinese attempts to gain control over the strategic waterway, with strong support from Panama's President Molina despite communist pressure in the region.
An internal conflict over the future of U.S. foreign assistance programs leads to a high-profile departure from the State Department.
According to the Washington Examiner, Pete Marocco, a Trump administration official tasked with reviewing USAID contracts, has been removed from his position at the State Department following disagreements over the scope of agency cuts.
The official's departure comes after a brief tenure of less than three months, during which he advocated for extensive reductions in USAID operations. His exit was confirmed by senior Trump administration officials, who revealed that Marocco was instructed to surrender his agency credentials and equipment following a White House meeting late last week.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Marocco reportedly clashed over the magnitude of proposed cuts to USAID programs. While Marocco pushed for more aggressive reductions, Rubio aimed to preserve essential humanitarian initiatives under State Department oversight.
A senior Trump administration official provided insight into Marocco's brief stint at the department. The official praised Marocco's efforts in reviewing foreign assistance spending and exposing what they termed as misuse of taxpayer funds:
Pete was brought to State with a big mission — to conduct an exhaustive review of every dollar spent on foreign assistance. He conducted that historic task and exposed egregious abuses of taxpayer dollars. We all expect big things are in store for Pete on his next mission.
The State Department recently announced significant changes to USAID operations, with Secretary Rubio declaring the cancellation of 83% of the agency's contracts. This dramatic reduction stems from the administration's assessment that these programs did not align with U.S. interests.
The remaining 1,000 USAID programs will continue to operate but under direct State Department supervision rather than USAID management. This restructuring aligns with the Trump administration's broader objective to completely dissolve the agency.
These changes face legal opposition from various stakeholders concerned about the impact on international aid programs. The situation has attracted additional attention from Congress, where some Republican senators propose redirecting USAID funding to veterans' housing initiatives.
The transition has created uncertainty about the future of America's international aid programs. The administration's aggressive approach to restructuring foreign assistance has sparked debate about the balance between fiscal responsibility and maintaining crucial humanitarian initiatives.
Recent developments suggest a continued push toward centralizing foreign assistance under State Department control. This shift represents a significant departure from the traditional separation between diplomatic and development functions in U.S. foreign policy.
The ongoing transformation of USAID has implications for thousands of international programs and their beneficiaries. These changes reflect broader policy shifts in how the United States approaches foreign aid and development assistance.
Pete Marocco's departure from the State Department marks a significant moment in the ongoing transformation of U.S. foreign assistance programs. The conflict between aggressive cost-cutting measures and maintaining essential aid programs led to his removal after less than three months in the position.
The Trump administration continues its mission to restructure USAID, with 83% of contracts canceled and the remaining programs transferred to State Department control. This reorganization represents a fundamental shift in how the United States manages its international aid efforts, though the full impact of these changes remains to be seen as legal challenges and congressional actions unfold.
Nick Moran, a familiar face in cinema, especially recognized for his roles in Harry Potter and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, recently faced a life-altering health crisis, and despite a potentially dire prognosis, Moran is currently recuperating at home following successful emergency spinal surgery.
Moran, age 55, underwent immediate surgery after a shocking diagnosis revealed that the neck pain he was experiencing was life-threatening, posing severe risks to his mobility and speech capabilities, as the Daily Mail reports.
The actor, who is also a filmmaker and playwright, initially dismissed his neck pain as a minor discomfort.
However, after persistent encouragement from loved ones, Moran sought medical attention and received the alarming news that his condition was jeopardizing his spinal cord.
The situation necessitated an emergency procedure to remove four bones from his neck, replacing them with artificial substitutes.
The surgery was intricate due to the multitude of nerves around the neck and spine, creating a high-risk environment where the potential outcomes included the inability to walk or speak. According to Terry Stone, a close friend and podcast host, medical professionals explained prior to surgery that Moran might face substantial challenges post-operation.
Despite the daunting possibilities, the procedure concluded with success, affirming the skills and expertise of the surgeons involved. Nick Moran is now navigating his recovery at his residence, albeit with significant restrictions on his movement and speech, illustrating the operation's complexity.
Moran's journey back to health is being closely watched and supported by family and friends. Currently, he is adapting to life with a neck brace, a necessary tool as he proceeds with caution to protect the surgical site. Stone, who has been a source of public updates, described Moran's current state as "shuffling" and likened his movement to that of an individual well beyond his years. However, Moran's ability to communicate has started to return, a positive indicator for his overall recovery.
A spokesperson for Moran confirmed that after a brief stay in the hospital, the actor returned home and is on his path to full recuperation. Expressing gratitude, Moran conveyed his appreciation for the concern and well wishes he has received from fans and colleagues alike.
Stone has consistently updated fans and followers about Moran's condition, emphasizing the urgency and intensity of the surgical experience. He revealed insights from conversations with Moran's family, detailing the severe impact the condition had not only on Moran's neck but on critical bodily functions as well.
The actor, known for his privacy and absence from social platforms, has been the subject of outpouring support. Stone, taking on a communicative role, encouraged fans to continue offering their thoughts and prayers for Moran as he strives to regain complete health.
In addition to Stone's updates, viewers of their previous podcast collaboration were invited to tune in for a live session, where Stone assured to provide further developments on Moran's situation. As Moran continues to heal, the connection with his audience through Stone remains a heartening aspect of his recovery journey.
As Moran confronts this demanding period of healing, the trajectory towards normalcy stands both challenging and hopeful. The harrowing experience underscores the unpredictability of health but also the resilience found in the face of adversity. With unwavering support from his inner circle and the public, Moran's path forward remains a testament to human strength and community solidarity.
In a significant move aimed at reinforcing border security, the Trump administration has authorized the military to take over certain federal lands along the southern border, and the decision is part of a broader initiative to address illegal immigration and drug smuggling through enhanced military involvement.
A memorandum issued by President Donald Trump empowers the military to assume jurisdiction over select federal lands, facilitating a direct military role in safeguarding the nation's southern boundary, as the New York Post reports.
The official document, released on Friday, outlines measures aimed at tackling issues related to illegal crossings and drug trafficking. It was distributed to several Cabinet members, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins. These officials were tasked with supporting military responsibilities over federal territories as part of the broader plan.
Included in the authorized military actions are constructing protective barriers and employing technology for surveillance and monitoring. Hegseth bears the responsibility of specifying the necessary military operations required under this directive. These efforts are based on the goal of defending the "sovereignty and territorial integrity" of the U.S., as maintained in an earlier executive order concerning border security.
A specific focus area for these operations is the Roosevelt Reservation, a 60-foot stretch of land adjacent to the U.S.-Mexico border, intended to be utilized for military activities. However, the directive excludes federal Native American reservations from the areas subject to military jurisdiction. The armed forces engaged in these activities are required to adhere to engagement rules stipulated by the Secretary of Defense.
The memorandum dictates maintaining troop-presence areas as military installations, with access restricted to authorized personnel only. This protective measure is intended to ensure security and integrity while upholding operational command over the designated lands. The document further underlines that the military's role is crucial due to the various threats facing the southern border region.
An implementation plan has been structured in phases, with an initial focus on a specific sector as designated by the secretary of Defense. Within 45 days from the memorandum's issuance, the secretary required to review and evaluate the progress of this initial implementation phase.
Under the phased approach, the secretary of Defense, in collaboration with other officials, can expand military activities to more federal lands. This extension relies on coordination with the secretary of Homeland Security, the assistant to the president and Homeland Security advisor, and relevant agencies.
Reflecting on the context of his announcement, Trump emphasized, "Our southern border is under attack from a variety of threats.” He further elaborated on the complexity of the present-day border issues, stating the necessity for a substantial military role more poignant than in recent history.
Additionally, Trump's directive highlighted the commitment to take "all appropriate actions" facilitating defense jurisdiction over federal lands. This move was designed to enable the Department of Defense to carry out the requisite military activities as prescribed in the presidential directive.
All measures under this directive stem from presidential authority aiming to assert control and guarantee America's territorial boundaries. The concerted efforts of key Cabinet members and the military are pivotal in pushing forward this initiative aimed at curbing unauthorized movements and securing the border.
The directive sets a path for defining military operations and ensuring the security apparatus is responsive to current challenges. As the secretary of Defense continues to assess the initial phase, further expansion, as required, is anticipated to ensure comprehensive border security management.
This development underscores the administration's efforts to employ military resources in fortifying the U.S. southern border against external risks, highlighting a strategic pivot in border security operations.
A tragic helicopter tour in New York City ended in devastating loss when aircraft fuel issues led to a fatal crash in the Hudson River.
According to Daily Mail, all six people aboard, including Siemens Spain CEO Agustín Escobar, his wife, three children, and the pilot, died when their tour helicopter plunged into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon after reporting fuel problems.
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. near the New Jersey side of the Hudson River off Lower Manhattan's tip. Emergency services received distress calls at 3:17 p.m., just 17 minutes after the helicopter's departure from downtown Manhattan.
Michael Roth, the 71-year-old owner of the New York Helicopter tour company, shared the pilot's last communication. The pilot had radioed about needing to land for fuel, with an estimated three-minute arrival time. When the aircraft failed to appear after 20 minutes, another company pilot discovered the wreckage.
Roth expressed his company's devastation over the incident. His statement revealed the emotional toll on the entire organization, particularly noting his wife's continued distress over the tragedy.
Heartbreaking photos showed the Spanish family posing on the helipad and inside the aircraft moments before their fatal flight. The images captured their final moments together before the devastating crash.
The Bell 206L-4 helicopter, registered as N216MH, took off from the Wall Street Heliport. It completed a circle near the Statue of Liberty before heading up the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge at approximately 1,000 feet.
Weather conditions at the time included cloudy skies with winds between 10 and 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. Despite good surface visibility of 10 miles, the approaching weather system brought light rain to the area. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter "split in half" before crashing near Pier 40. One observer described hearing what sounded like a "sonic boom" before the aircraft's rapid descent.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that the Jersey City Police Department would lead the investigation until National Transportation Safety Board officials arrive at the scene.
The incident adds to a concerning pattern of helicopter accidents in New York City. Statistics show at least 32 fatalities from helicopter crashes in the city since 1977. The most recent previous incident occurred in 2018 when five passengers drowned after their helicopter crashed into the East River. That accident was attributed to the aircraft's tail getting caught on the fuel shutoff lever.
Prior to the tragic accident, Escobar had been leading Siemens' Spanish operations since his 2022 appointment as CEO. His career included extensive experience in Spain's energy sector from 1998 to 2010.
The Spanish Consulate of New York City is working closely with authorities regarding the incident. The Spanish Foreign Ministry's communications team confirmed their involvement in handling the tragic situation. Michael Roth of New York Helicopter expressed the profound impact of the loss:
He called in that he was landing and that he needed fuel, and it should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he didn't arrive. We're all devastated. Every employee in our company is devastated. My wife has not stopped crying. The death of the child of any human being, is a monumental disaster.
The helicopter crash that claimed six lives in the Hudson River has left a devastating impact across multiple communities. The victims included Siemens Spain CEO Agustín Escobar, his wife, their three children, and the pilot, whose identity remains unreleased. The aircraft experienced fuel-related issues shortly after takeoff from downtown Manhattan, leading to its crash near the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. As Jersey City Police Department leads the initial investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to conduct a thorough examination of the incident's cause and contributing factors.
Tension erupted on the set of Fox and Friends as co-hosts engaged in a heated debate about the economic implications of President Trump's tariffs.
According to Daily Mail, Fox News host Steve Doocy dramatically declared that Republican donors are "terrified" of the political consequences of Trump's new tariffs, sparking a fierce disagreement with his fellow conservative co-hosts.
The confrontation unfolded as markets continued their downward spiral, with both the Dow and S&P experiencing sustained losses. Fox News faced criticism for removing its trademark stock market ticker during this significant market downturn.
Doocy highlighted the case of Casey Ames, a 34-year-old Idaho toy importer whose tariff expenses skyrocketed overnight. The businessman's annual tariff payment jumped from $26,000 to $346,000, threatening the survival of his enterprise.
Lawrence Jones, one of Doocy's co-hosts, defended Trump's position by suggesting that while wealthy individuals oppose the tariffs, middle-class Americans and farmers support the president's trade policies. He characterized the criticism as coming primarily from "the elites."
Ainsley Earhardt joined Jones in backing Trump's stance, describing the situation as "a moment of drastic, overdue change." This prompted Doocy to emphasize the real-world consequences for small business owners like Ames.
The network's coverage has shown signs of shifting, with several prominent Fox News personalities beginning to question Trump's trade policies. Maria Bartiromo, a respected business expert at the network, recently acknowledged the possibility of an impending recession.
Jesse Watters expressed apprehension about the tariffs on The Five, though he maintained that other countries would bear the cost. The tension reflects a broader debate within conservative media about the economic impact of Trump's trade policies.
Brian Kilmeade attempted to frame the current economic turbulence as a necessary sacrifice for long-term benefits, suggesting that "people are not going to be remembering these 2 weeks if we can set up the next 20 years."
Fox News host Lawrence Jones offered this perspective on the divide:
I have two groups of friends. I have my more wealthy friends, the ones that are on Wall Street and all that. And then I have friends that are in the farming community, middle class - they're cheering it on. Meanwhile, my friends that are more rich and wealthy are ticked off.
The situation has drawn comparisons to historical trade policies. Critics have pointed out that current U.S. tariff levels are approaching those seen during the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which many economists blame for deepening the Great Depression.
Mike Johnson, speaking from the House floor, indicated that the House would provide Trump with "space" to implement his trade strategy, despite mounting market losses and growing Republican concerns.
The heated exchange on Fox and Friends represents a significant moment in conservative media's coverage of Trump's economic policies. Steve Doocy's vocal concerns about the impact on small businesses, particularly the case of Idaho toy importer Casey Ames, highlighted the real-world consequences of the tariff increases. The debate among Fox News hosts reflects broader tensions within Republican circles as markets react negatively to the new tariffs. While some hosts maintain support for Trump's trade strategy, others like Doocy and Maria Bartiromo have begun expressing reservations about the economic implications, particularly for small business owners facing substantial cost increases.
Legendary boxer Mike Tyson is joining forces with high-profile athletes and lawmakers to support a groundbreaking fitness program for American students.
According to Fox News, House Concurrent Resolution 20, introduced by Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Ariz., proposes a voluntary "Congressional Fitness Challenge" program that would award certificates signed by prominent congressional leaders to successful student participants.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about American youth fitness levels, with Tyson highlighting alarming statistics from the Department of Defense showing that 77% of Americans aged 17 to 24 would require a waiver to serve in the military. The former heavyweight champion's own academy, along with other affiliated schools across multiple states, plans to implement the program.
The proposed challenge draws inspiration from the Presidential Physical Fitness Test of the 1960s, establishing a comprehensive evaluation system. Students will complete various physical tasks, including a mile-long run or walk, pull-ups, curl-ups, sit-ups, shuttle runs, and flexibility assessments.
Tyson expressed his concerns about the current state of American fitness, particularly regarding military preparedness. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues through systematic changes in physical education. Speaking about the initiative, Tyson stated:
Listen, because we need to be in shape, man. We can't physically get into an army because we're out of shape. And that's embarrassing. So it comes across we're the most heavy, heaviest people in the planet. We're the fattest people in world, Americans.
Former NFL stars Brett Favre and Antonio Brown have publicly endorsed the initiative, adding their voices to the growing support for youth fitness improvement. The athletes' backing brings additional credibility and attention to the program's objectives.
Favre and Hamadeh collaborated on an OutKick opinion piece, emphasizing the dual benefits of physical fitness for individual development and national security. The resolution establishes three achievement levels: gold for the top 85th percentile, silver for the 75th percentile, and bronze for the 50th percentile. This tiered system aims to motivate students while recognizing various levels of achievement.
The program's scope extends across K-12 public and private schools, with provisions for homeschooled students. Representatives can also organize community-based events to promote the challenge locally.
Rep. Hamadeh emphasized the connection between the initiative and broader national security concerns. The program aligns with President Trump's America First agenda and his administration's focus on public health improvement.
Republican Representatives Tony Wied and Martin Stutzman have signed on as co-sponsors, demonstrating growing legislative support for the fitness challenge.
Tyson's Transformational Technologies Academy, part of the My Life My Power International Preparatory Academy network, will serve as an early adopter of the program. The academy's participation could provide valuable insights for broader implementation.
The initiative presents a structured approach to combat rising obesity rates and declining fitness levels among American youth. It combines educational objectives with national security considerations in a comprehensive program.
The Congressional Fitness Challenge represents a collaborative effort between athletes, lawmakers, and educational institutions to address declining youth fitness levels in America. Mike Tyson, alongside Brett Favre and Antonio Brown, has thrown his support behind Rep. Hamadeh's House Concurrent Resolution 20, which proposes a voluntary fitness program for K-12 students. The initiative aims to improve military readiness and overall public health through a structured physical fitness program that awards achievement certificates signed by congressional leaders.
A shocking new book exposes the complex relationship between former President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party establishment, highlighting deep-rooted tensions that continue to impact party dynamics.
According to Fox News, the book "Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House" details how Obama's departure from the White House left the Democratic Party infrastructure severely weakened, with one Black party operative explicitly stating that "Obama destroyed that s---."
The book, authored by NBC News' Jonathan Allen and The Hill's Amie Parnes, presents extensive evidence of the growing divide between Obama and traditional Democratic Party structures. Their work, based on interviews with over 150 political insiders, reveals how Obama's approach to politics differed significantly from other Democratic leaders like Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Obama's political methodology centered on cultivating support from Black professionals rather than traditional Democratic Party channels. This strategy marked a significant departure from the approaches of Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden, who maintained stronger ties to established party structures.
The creation of Organizing for Action in 2012 proved particularly contentious. This nonprofit organization, launched after Obama's re-election, competed with the Democratic Party for both influence and financial resources, further straining relationships within the party infrastructure.
The aftermath of Obama's presidency saw party veterans, including the Clintons, Donna Brazile, and Biden, working to reconstruct the party's framework. Their primary focus was on preventing progressive Democrats from gaining control while ensuring party loyalists maintained leadership positions.
The book highlights growing tensions between Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. Obama's reluctance to endorse Harris immediately after Biden's withdrawal from the race created significant friction.
When Obama finally endorsed Harris, it came five days after Biden's announcement - a delay that required relationship repair efforts between the two Democrats. The endorsement timing highlighted the complex dynamics within party leadership.
Despite initial tensions, Michelle Obama ultimately showed public support for Harris at the Democratic National Convention. Her endorsement emphasized Harris's qualifications and historic significance as a presidential candidate.
Political commentator Ben Burgess provided this assessment of Obama's current influence:
Obama's characteristic rhetorical virtues were on full display. He was a constitutional law professor before he was a politician, and he still sounds like one. At the same time, he was a once-in-a-generation talent as a political communicator. He knows how to convey a complex set of ideas in a digestible and appealing way. But there was a massive gaping path at the center of his speech. He still doesn't understand why his eight years in power culminated in the rise of Trump.
Democratic strategists increasingly question Obama's understanding of current political dynamics, particularly regarding Trump's appeal to voters. This disconnect suggests a growing gap between Obama's perspective and contemporary political realities.
The book reveals how establishment Democrats, led by the Clintons, worked methodically to maintain control over party operations. A Black Biden ally familiar with these efforts credited Bill and Hillary Clinton for their strategic role in maintaining party stability.
The newly released book "Fight" examines how Obama's presidency and subsequent actions reshaped Democratic Party dynamics. The work details Obama's distinct approach to political organizing and its lasting impact on party infrastructure. These findings shed light on ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding leadership succession and strategic direction. The book's revelations continue to influence discussions about the party's future and its ability to maintain unity amid diverse political perspectives.
A Democrat operative revealed his past connection with Chief Justice John Roberts during their collaboration on legal matters in Prague, while continuing his criticism of Justice Clarence Thomas's travel arrangements.
According to Breitbart, Norm Eisen, who recently lost his security clearance, disclosed in a resurfaced podcast that Chief Justice Roberts stayed with him for a week at the ambassador's residence in Prague, working on American and European rule of law issues.
The revelation came from a May 2024 Pantsuit Nation podcast where Eisen defended Roberts while simultaneously raising ethics concerns about Justice Thomas's travel arrangements with wealthy associates. Mike Benz, a critic of U.S. "deep state" agencies, brought attention to this audio earlier this week.
Eisen's disclosure about Roberts occurred during his tenure as ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2011 to 2014. The stay took place at the U.S. ambassador's residence, a palace owned by the United States government, not Eisen's personal property.
During the podcast, Eisen made the following statement defending Roberts while criticizing Thomas:
John Roberts is not corrupt. I know the Chief Justice well. He stayed, when I was ambassador, stayed under my roof, came and spent a week with us. We worked on American and European rule of law issues together.
The timing of Roberts's visit is particularly noteworthy as Eisen had already established himself as a prominent left-wing figure by then. His role in Democratic Party operations has been extensive and well-documented.
Eisen founded Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), an organization that received funding from George Soros. While CREW occasionally scrutinized Democrats, its primary focus remained on Republican ethical concerns.
During his time as White House "ethics czar," Eisen faced criticism for his handling of White House visitor logs. He later transitioned to various roles targeting Republican officials through legal channels.
His involvement in multiple anti-Trump initiatives has been significant, including participation in Trump's first impeachment investigation and various attempts to remove Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot.
President Trump recently stripped Eisen of his security clearance along with other "lawfare" operatives. This action followed Eisen's continued involvement in legal challenges against Trump and criticism of federal judges who ruled in Trump's favor.
Eisen has maintained his role in challenging conservative judicial figures, particularly focusing on Justice Thomas's travel arrangements and ethics concerns. He also participated in criticizing Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his 2018 confirmation hearings.
Norm Eisen, a prominent Democratic operative, revealed his past connection with Chief Justice John Roberts during their work on legal matters in Prague while serving as U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic.
This disclosure came amid his ongoing criticism of Justice Clarence Thomas's travel arrangements and ethics concerns. The situation has escalated with President Trump's recent revocation of Eisen's security clearance, highlighting the increasingly complex intersection of politics and judiciary in American governance.