The Biden-Harris administration's recent announcement regarding Medicare prescription drug premiums has ignited controversy among healthcare policy experts.
According to a report from The Daily Caller, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) revealed plans in September to lower certain Medicare prescription drug premiums.
The CMS press release indicates that enrollees in the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit program will see a decrease in their average monthly premiums for pharmaceutical drugs next year. The reduction is attributed to billions of dollars in subsidies provided by the Biden-Harris administration to insurers. As a result, premiums are expected to drop from $53.95 in 2024 to $46.50 in 2025, marking a $7.45 decrease.
Critics of the administration's decision argue that the timing and nature of these changes suggest political motivations. Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute, shared his perspective with the Daily Caller News Foundation:
The $2,000 dollar cap [on Medicare out-of-pocket prescription drug costs] as well as other Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions were slated to triple the cost of Part D. If millions of senior citizens see their premiums triple, they'd go to the polls and vote out those responsible. The Biden administration wanted to avert that.
Joel White, founder and CEO of healthcare consulting firm Horizon Government Affairs, echoed these sentiments, stating bluntly that the move is "absolutely political" and that the administration is "buying down premiums to buy votes."
The reduction in premiums comes as a surprise to many, as costs were initially expected to rise in 2025. This increase was largely attributed to a $2,000 cap on Medicare out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, enacted as part of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) set to take effect next year.
To prevent the anticipated premium increase, the White House has implemented a "stabilization" demonstration program for 2025. This initiative offers Medicare Part D insurers $15 per month for each enrollee in exchange for maintaining relatively stable premiums. The program is estimated to cost taxpayers $5 billion in 2025 alone.
The timing of this announcement has raised eyebrows, particularly given the voting patterns of senior citizens. Historically, adults aged 60 and over have consistently demonstrated the highest voter turnout of any demographic in presidential elections since 1996. In the 2020 election, nearly 80% of this age group cast their ballots.
Furthermore, the growing population of senior citizens in the United States, especially in key swing states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, adds weight to the potential political implications of these Medicare changes.
Critics have drawn parallels between the current administration's Medicare premium reduction and former President Trump's 2020 proposal to provide $200 discount cards for prescription drugs to 33 million seniors.
At the time, Democratic lawmakers and media outlets criticized Trump's move as an "election-eve promise with dubious legal authority."
Peter Earle, senior economist at the American Institute for Economic Research, commented on the current situation:
The sudden decision is an attempt to curry favor with this, particularly, massive, voting bloc. Repeated efforts to eliminate or reduce student loan debt and the huge gift to climate activists dubbed the 'Inflation Reduction Act' are other, earlier instances of the same type of conduct... Politically motivated redistribution is a mainstay of Washington, D.C., of course, but as both the debt and deficits of the Biden administration testify, it has escalated dramatically over the past four years.
In conclusion, the Biden-Harris administration's decision to reduce Medicare prescription drug premiums has sparked debate among healthcare policy experts. Critics argue that the move is politically motivated, aiming to secure votes from older Americans in the upcoming election. The administration's use of billions in subsidies to lower premiums has raised questions about the long-term sustainability and implications of such measures on the healthcare system.
In an eye-opening discussion, veteran actor Al Pacino recounted a terrifying moment of helplessness during his battle with COVID-19 in 2020.
The Academy award-winning actor, in a recent interview, described losing consciousness and having no pulse, only to be revived by swift medical intervention, as Fox News reports.
Pacino, now 83, reflected on this grim chapter when he was overcome by the virus. As he lay unconscious in his living room, paramedics swiftly responded to his critical condition marked by fever and dehydration. Although he faced his own mortality, he attempted to allay fears by noting no ethereal visions appeared during his unconscious state.
Pondering the end of his life, Pacino revealed a changing outlook as he ages. "You get a different view of death as you get older," he remarked, highlighting an acceptance that such shifts are a natural part of life's path. Despite this transformative experience, Pacino remains undaunted, expressing a strong desire to extend his life for his children.
The actor is the father of four, namely, his eldest, Julie Marie, twins Anton and Olivia, along with his youngest child Roman, born in June 2023. Pacino's paternal pride is evident as he admitted his offspring are central to his wish to "stick around a little longer" if circumstances allow it.
Roman, his infant son with Noor Alfallah, has become a pivotal part of his life, combining parenthood with his storied career in Hollywood. Pacino and Alfallah faced intense public scrutiny regarding their relationship status following media reports about their legal arrangements for Roman.
Despite perceptions of estrangement, a statement from Al Pacino's representative clarified that he and Alfallah remain romantically linked. Together, they have settled pressing family legalities, culminating in an accord reached in a Los Angeles courtroom in 2023. This agreement allayed concerns about their partnership.
The custody agreement arranges for Pacino to contribute $30,000 monthly in child support, contingent upon his annual $2.5 million income, with an upper limit of $90,000 monthly. Noor Alfallah retains primary physical custody, though Pacino has secured visitation rights.
These familial decisions illustrate a devotion to ensuring Roman's well-being is prioritized amidst the couple's high-profile lives. Communicating through representatives, the couple emphasized their unified front in their co-parenting strategies.
Pacino's openness about his brush with death during a pandemic that claimed many lives sheds light on his personal resilience and redefined priorities. While death's certainty is acknowledged, Pacino now navigates life with an invigorated commitment to family.
The blend of personal and professional life challenges Pacino to maintain equilibrium. As an actor still commanding presence on-screen, his off-screen roles have significantly deepened, with fatherhood a driving force.
As he continues to navigate his storied career, Al Pacino's insights into life, death, and parenthood enrich the narrative of a man both shaped by extraordinary successes and grounded by profound personal responsibilities.
Reassessing life's fragility seems to have imbued Pacino with newfound energy to cherish his time. The resolution of custody matters signifies not only a return to stability but a deeper connection to Roman's nurturing.
Hurricane Helene left a trail of ruin and heartache in its wake, claiming at least 190 lives.
Bruce Tipton, a 75-year-old Navy veteran, was tragically swept away in North Carolina after clinging to a tree for seven hours during the deadly flooding, as Fox News reports.
In Marshall, North Carolina, Bruce Tipton became a poignant symbol of the storm's unyielding fury. Voices reverberated through the community as Tipton valiantly shouted for rescue while clinging to life high in a tree.
The waters of the French Broad River ultimately overcame Tipton’s trailer home, and despite his cries, help was unable to reach him in time.
Annie Meadows, Tipton's niece, recounted the tragic event with heavy heart. She expressed the universal affection the community felt for her uncle, describing him as a generous and caring individual. "Everybody knew him," Meadows reflected, highlighting how deep-rooted Tipton was in the lives of those around him.
Meadows continued to paint a picture of desperation as the floodwaters rose. She recalled how the water surged with such force that no attempt to reach him was possible before his home succumbed. Despite the dire circumstances, Tipton's voice cut through the chaos, crying out for help, his strength endured for hours longer than anyone anticipated. Meadows lamented how the community, steeped in familiarity with its surroundings, could never imagine such devastation.
Neighbor Scott Eastman’s words painted a somber image of those hours. He described the helplessness felt in hearing a friend’s calls for rescue yet being unable to impart assistance. The ordeal has left a significant mark on those who witnessed it, a reminder of nature's unpredictability and power.
Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction started on the West coast of Florida, causing severe storm surges that swept through the region like a catastrophic tidal wave. Its trajectory continued through Georgia, eastern Tennessee, and parts of the Carolinas and Virginia, leaving tales of calamity in its wake. Many communities bore the full brunt of Helene’s wrath, reportedly eradicated from the map by the relentless floodwaters.
The aftermath has left some of the most remote areas of the Appalachian region in a state of isolation. These communities are grappling with an acute shortage of essential supplies such as baby necessities, clothing, canned goods, and life-saving medications. The disruption caused by debris and landslides has made accessing these areas an overwhelming challenge.
Conventional methods of reaching these isolated locales are hindered by the topography altered by Helene’s passage. Nevertheless, a mule packer ranch in North Carolina has devised an unconventional method, employing animals to carry much-needed supplies across difficult mountain paths. These efforts are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of those committed to the relief effort.
With the death toll standing at over 190, Hurricane Helene has proved itself to be the most lethal storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina. The tragedy of Bruce Tipton has resonated with many, bringing a particular face to the faceless numbers of casualties.
As the extent of the storm's destruction unfolds, the connection of people still online is providing a glimmer of hope. Social media and various platforms have become crucial in the search for the missing and displaced. Residents have resorted to posting descriptions and photos of their loved ones, joining forces in efforts to trace those lost to the deluge.
The storm's legacy continues to shape lives, forcing communities to adapt in the face of adversity. Tipton’s niece, Meadows, has voiced the shock shared by many, as even those well-acquainted with their environment never foresaw the perilous situation wrought by such a natural disaster. The indomitable spirit to rebuild and recover persists within the heart of these communities, keeping alive the memory of those lost.
A legal twist delays proceedings in a high-profile criminal case involving a former president.
According to The Center Square, Judge Aileen Cannon has agreed to postpone the trial of Ryan Wesley Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course.
The decision came after prosecutors argued they needed more time to review the substantial evidence collected since the alleged incident.
The judge's ruling on Thursday scrapped the initial Nov. 18 trial date, designating the case as "complex" under the Speedy Trial Act. This designation acknowledges the extensive nature of the evidence and the time required for its thorough examination.
Federal prosecutors cited the need for additional time to sift through an enormous amount of collected materials. Their recent investigative efforts have been extensive and far-reaching.
In the past two weeks alone, authorities executed 13 search warrants across three states: Florida, Hawaii, and North Carolina. These searches resulted in the seizure of hundreds of pieces of evidence, including multiple electronic devices. Additionally, prosecutors are awaiting responses to over 100 subpoenas.
The sheer volume of digital evidence is staggering. Prosecutors reported having approximately 4 million gigabytes of data to review, encompassing thousands of videos, images, text files, and audio recordings.
Judge Cannon's decision to designate the case as complex under the Speedy Trial Act has significant implications for the proceedings. This classification recognizes the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the case and allows for extended timelines.
As part of the ruling, the judge ordered Routh's defense team to file a waiver from the Speedy Trial Act by Oct. 9. This waiver is a crucial step in ensuring that the extended timeline does not infringe upon the defendant's rights to a speedy trial.
The charges against Routh are severe, including possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.
The case against Routh stems from a chilling discovery made by Secret Service agents. They reportedly found a makeshift sniper's nest that Routh had constructed alongside the fence of the sixth hole at Trump's West Palm Beach golf course.
This alleged setup suggests a premeditated and potentially deadly plan targeting the former president. The discovery has raised serious concerns about the security of high-profile political figures and the lengths to which potential assailants might go.
In conclusion, the trial date for Ryan Wesley Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, has been postponed. The case has been designated as complex due to the vast amount of evidence, including 4 million gigabytes of digital data. Routh faces serious charges that could result in a life sentence if he is convicted.
The vice presidential debate between Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio showcased a stark contrast in demeanor and presentation.
According to the New York Post, the CBS News-hosted forum on Tuesday night revealed an unexpectedly nervous Walz, who fidgeted, frowned and even referred to himself as a "knucklehead." In contrast, Vance delivered a composed and articulate performance that many observers deemed victorious.
Despite the tense political climate, the debate maintained a largely cordial tone. Both candidates found common ground on several issues and avoided the personal attacks that characterized earlier presidential debates this year.
Governor Walz, known for his folksy demeanor on the campaign trail, appeared visibly uncomfortable throughout the debate. His nervousness manifested in hand-wringing, frantic note-taking, and darting eyes. The 60-year-old Democrat made several notable missteps, including a confusion between Israel and Iran when discussing Middle East policy.
Perhaps the most memorable moment came when Walz was confronted about recent reports questioning his presence in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. His response was rambling and evasive:
Look, I will be the first to tell you I have poured my heart into my community. I've tried to do the best I can, but I've not been perfect, and I'm a knucklehead at times, but it's always been about that those same people elected me to Congress for 12 years.
When pressed further, Walz grudgingly admitted to misspeaking about the timing of his arrival in Hong Kong.
In contrast to Walz's uneven performance, Senator Vance, 40, maintained a calm and collected demeanor throughout the debate. He skillfully wove personal anecdotes into his policy discussions, sharing stories about his mother's struggle with opioid addiction and his grandmother's financial hardships.
Vance's approach to sensitive topics, such as abortion, was particularly noteworthy. He shared a personal story about someone close to him who had an abortion, using it to pivot toward discussing the Republican ticket's proposals for free fertility treatments and improved home affordability.
The Ohio Senator also demonstrated a willingness to find common ground with his opponents. He praised some of the Harris-Walz campaign's policies, particularly those related to housing construction and affordability, while still challenging Vice President Harris on why these policies hadn't been implemented during her tenure.
The debate's outcome seemed to favor Vance, with pollster Frank Luntz reporting that 12 out of 14 undecided voters in a focus group across seven battleground states concluded that Vance won the debate.
Political commentators echoed this sentiment. Dave Wasserman, senior editor at the Cook Political Report, noted that Democrats should be grateful that presidential debates tend to matter more than VP debates. Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin suggested that Walz's lack of recent press interviews may have contributed to his rusty performance.
Chris Cillizza, a veteran political commentator, praised Vance's debating skills, particularly his handling of the abortion question. He described Vance's performance as masterful while characterizing Walz as "fine — but uneven."
The vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance highlighted significant differences in their debate performances. Walz's unexpected nervousness and verbal missteps contrasted sharply with Vance's composed and empathetic approach. According to various commentators and focus groups, the debate's genial tone allowed for substantive policy discussions, with Vance emerging as the perceived winner.
Vice President Kamala Harris made a startling admission about her mental state during a critical decision-making process.
According to WokeSpy, Harris disclosed on a podcast that she was sleep-deprived when she selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
During an appearance on the "All The Smoke" podcast, hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, Harris opened up about the tumultuous period following President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the campaign. She described the subsequent weeks in July as a whirlwind of activity that left her struggling with insomnia.
Harris recounted:
From the time that the president called me and told me he wasn't running, I mean, it's just like everything was in speedy, speedy motion, and I was not sleeping so well.
The Vice President went on to describe how she coped with the stress and lack of sleep on the morning she chose her running mate. Instead of focusing on the monumental decision ahead, Harris found herself in the kitchen.
Harris's unconventional approach to dealing with the pressure of selecting a running mate raised eyebrows among political observers.
The Vice President detailed how she spontaneously decided to prepare a pork roast in the early hours of the morning, despite having only a few hours of sleep. This culinary distraction occurred on the same day she was set to announce Governor Walz as her choice for the Democratic ticket.
Harris explained her impromptu cooking session:
And that one morning I just, I mean, I had, I don't know, a few hours' sleep – and I, you know, I like to sleep. I just got up. I was like – so I just went out and got a pork roast and started marinating it.
The Vice President's candid admission about her sleep-deprived state during such a crucial decision has sparked debate about her judgment and readiness for higher office.
Many social media users expressed concern over Harris's approach to decision-making, particularly given the gravity of choosing a potential successor to the presidency. Critics argued that such an important decision should have been made with a clear and well-rested mind.
Some commentators speculated whether this revelation might lead to a new nickname for the Vice President, drawing parallels to the "Sleepy Joe" moniker often used by opponents to describe President Biden.
Harris's disclosure also prompted questions about the vetting process for vice presidential candidates and the pressure placed on politicians during high-stakes campaigns.
Vice President Kamala Harris's admission of sleep deprivation during her selection of Tim Walz as a running mate has raised concerns about her decision-making process. The revelation, made during a podcast appearance, has sparked debate about her readiness for higher office. Critics have expressed worry over the implications of making such a crucial choice while sleep-deprived.
John Ashton, renowned for his role in the iconic "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise, has passed away at the age of 76.
According to Breitbart News, the veteran performer, best known for his portrayal of Detective Sergeant John Taggart alongside Eddie Murphy, died at his home in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Alan Somers, Ashton's manager, confirmed the actor's passing. Ashton enjoyed a career spanning decades, with his breakthrough role in the 1984 hit "Beverly Hills Cop."
He returned to the franchise for its fourth film, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," which premiered on Netflix in July 2024, just a few months before his death.
Alan Somers shared a touching statement about Ashton's life and impact:
John was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, children, grandchildren, as well as his brother, sisters, his extended family and all who loved him.
Ashton's commitment to his craft was evident throughout his extensive career in theater, film, and television. His passion for acting was matched by his love for golf and his devotion to his favorite sports teams, the New York Yankees and New York Giants.
Born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton's journey in the entertainment industry began in Southern California after his college years.
His first credited role was in the 1973 film "An Eye for an Eye," where he portrayed a police sergeant, foreshadowing his later iconic role in "Beverly Hills Cop."
Throughout the 1970s, Ashton appeared in numerous television series, including "Emergency!," "Columbo," "Kojak," "Barnaby Jones," "Wonder Woman," "MASH," and "Police Story."
His film repertoire expanded to include notable titles such as "Borderline," "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension," "Some Kind of Wonderful," "Curly Sue," "Midnight Run," and "Gone Baby Gone."
Ashton's final on-screen appearance in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" served as a fitting bookend to his career, allowing him to revisit the role that had propelled him to stardom four decades earlier. The film's release on Netflix in July 2024 introduced Ashton's talent to a new generation of viewers.
His manager further elaborated on Ashton's passion for his profession:
John devoted his career to honing his craft and bringing characters to life on the screen. His presence will be greatly missed.
John Ashton's passing marks the end of an era for fans of the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise and admirers of his versatile acting career. He is survived by his wife, Robin Hoye, two children, three stepchildren, and a grandson. Ashton's contributions to film and television, particularly his memorable role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart, will continue to be celebrated by audiences for years to come.
A former political opponent of Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna has been charged with threatening to kill her and another individual.
The charges against William Robert Braddock III were unsealed on September 29, 2024, and announced in a Department of Justice press release, Just The News reported.
Braddock III, who ran against Luna in the 2021 primary election for Florida’s 13th Congressional District, allegedly made the threats during a telephone call on June 8, 2021.
According to the indictment, he threatened to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to make the victim disappear. Braddock III was later found residing in the Philippines and was recently deported back to the United States, where he made his first court appearance in Los Angeles.
In an audio recording, Braddock III was caught referring to Luna as a “dead squirrel” and a “speed bump in the road.” The recording, done by a conservative activist, captured Braddock III saying:
I really don’t want to have to end anybody’s life for the good of the people of the United States of America. That will break my heart. But if it needs to be done, it needs to be done. Luna is a f—ing speed bump in the road. She’s a dead squirrel you run over every day when you leave the neighborhood.
Despite initially denying the threats, a judge later approved a restraining order against Braddock III. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and security measures for political figures, who often face various forms of threats and harassment.
Braddock III’s threats were made public after Luna mentioned receiving a “very serious shooting threat” back in 2021. The incident was reported by NBC at the time.
Luna won the election for the House seat in Florida’s 13th Congressional District in 2022 after previously losing that seat to former Florida Governor Charlie Crist in the previous cycle.
The charges against Braddock III underscore the significance of legal protections for politicians and the necessity of strict enforcement of laws against threats and harassment. The Department of Justice’s involvement in the case demonstrates the seriousness with which such threats are treated.
The incident involving Braddock III and Luna is not an isolated event. Political figures often face threats and harassment, which can have serious implications for their safety and the democratic process. Ensuring the safety of political candidates and elected officials is crucial for maintaining the integrity of elections and the political system.
The arrest and charges against Braddock III serve as a reminder of the potential risks faced by political figures. It also highlights the importance of prompt and effective legal action to address such threats. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the consequences for Braddock III’s actions.
William Robert Braddock III, a former opponent of Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna, has been charged with threatening to kill her and another individual. The threats were made during a telephone call in 2021 and were captured in an audio recording.
Braddock III was recently deported from the Philippines and made his first court appearance in Los Angeles. Luna had previously mentioned receiving a serious shooting threat, and the charges against Braddock III highlight the need for vigilance and security measures in political campaigns.
Sen. JD Vance was slated participate in a town hall event moderated by televangelist Lance Wallnau in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, joining the pastor who is known for his vocal support of former President Donald Trump.
Vance was poised to attend a town hall event hosted by Wallnau, who has made controversial claims regarding Harris, likening her debate night tactics to witchcraft, as Newsweek reports.
The town hall, scheduled for Sept. 28 at the Monroeville Convention and Events Center, was part of Wallnau’s seven-state "Courage Tour."
The tour aims to rally evangelical support for Trump ahead of the 2024 election. Doors for the event were set to open at 9 a.m., with the discussion starting at 1 p.m. Tickets were free and available through online platforms.
Lance Wallnau, an evangelical pastor and frequent speaker at conservative events, has not shied away from making controversial remarks about Harris.
Following a televised presidential debate, he accused the vice president of employing what he described as “witchcraft” to manipulate viewers' perceptions of Trump. Wallnau shared his accusations in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he described Harris's debate tactics as an intentional effort to deceive.
Wallnau later expanded on his comments, explaining that Harris’s use of "unsubstantiated claims" during the debate was allowed to go unchecked, creating a skewed narrative.
"She knew she could speak 20 lies about Trump and not be contradicted. That was the arrangement," Wallnau said in one post, expressing frustration over what he saw as unfair treatment of Trump during the debate.
In his characterization of Harris, Wallnau has likened her to biblical figures associated with deception and manipulation. He referred to her as "Jezebel," an infamous figure from scripture, and further commented that Harris is "just George Soros with a skirt," suggesting that she is controlled by political elites.
Wallnau has been a key figure in evangelical circles supporting Donald Trump since 2016. He frequently draws parallels between Trump and biblical figures like Cyrus, whom he describes as chosen by God to fulfill a divine mission. Wallnau often cites Trump's status as the 45th president and connects it to the 45th chapter of the Book of Isaiah, which discusses Cyrus’s role in rebuilding Jerusalem.
As a prominent voice in Trump's evangelical base, Wallnau's influence reaches a broad spectrum of conservative Christian voters. According to research by Pew from April 2024, Trump retains strong support among white Protestant Evangelicals, with 81% in favor of his candidacy. Support from white Catholics and other Protestant groups remains significant but less pronounced. Meanwhile, Black Protestant voters overwhelmingly reject Trump, with only 23% supporting him in the latest survey.
The town hall event Vance was scheduled to attend was expected to draw a large evangelical crowd, many of whom share Wallnau’s concerns about the state of the country and the future of conservative leadership. The event was thought to be an opportunity for Vance to connect with a key constituency in Pennsylvania, a state crucial to both parties in the upcoming election.
Vance, has aligned himself with key voices in Trump’s base, including Lance Wallnau. His decision to attend the town hall signals his interest in engaging with evangelical voters, a group that has remained loyal to Trump and holds considerable influence within the GOP. Vance has made frequent appearances at events that draw on the themes of religious conservatism, cultural concerns, and pro-Trump sentiment.
Neither the Harris campaign nor the Trump campaign has publicly responded to Wallnau’s accusations as of yet.
However, given the nature of his statements and the high-profile nature of the town hall, it is possible that these comments will become a focal point in the political discourse leading up to the 2024 election.
The Monroeville town hall may offer Vance a chance to address key policy issues and engage directly with voters, but it also posed potential risks, given the divisive nature of Wallnau’s comments. While Vance has not publicly endorsed Wallnau’s statements about Harris, his appearance at the event could raise questions about the extent of his alignment with such controversial rhetoric.
As the 2024 election draws nearer, events like the Courage Tour are becoming more prominent in shaping the narrative among conservative voters. Wallnau’s influence, coupled with his longstanding support for Trump, positions him as a central figure in mobilizing evangelical backing for the former president. Vance’s attendance at this event suggests a continued effort to strengthen his own ties to this critical voting bloc.
Whether or not the event will sway undecided voters remains to be seen, but it will undoubtedly attract attention from both the media and political strategists.
Small business owners across the nation are confronting unprecedented challenges and are now speaking out.
High inflation under the Biden-Harris administration is stifling business growth and heightening economic concern among voters, according to several of those most affected, as Fox Business reports.
Business owners report struggling with stagnant growth, increasing costs, and decreased discretionary spending compared to the previous administration. Many have pointed out that the current economic policies are making it difficult for them to remain competitive and profitable in their respective industries.
Inflation is a significant issue for small businesses in the U.S. The rising prices of goods, particularly in niche markets like auto parts, have made it increasingly difficult for these businesses to maintain their profitability. Rafael Arroyo, a small business owner, expressed that during the Trump administration, he was able to expand his business and open new locations. However, the situation has changed dramatically under the Biden-Harris administration.
"I've been stagnant. I've been dealing with fighting these rising costs, having to battle for employee pay and trying to raise the prices so I can keep up," Arroyo says. A Fox News Poll highlights that 66% of voters consider grocery prices a major issue, while 60% say the same for housing costs. This data implies that inflation is not only affecting businesses but also the general population, exacerbating economic anxiety as the election approaches.
Earlier in May, fewer voters had concerns about grocery and housing costs, with 62% and 47% considering them problems, respectively. The spike in these percentages indicates growing unease about the economic future. Pennsylvania has experienced the most significant increase in grocery prices, with an 8.2% rise as reported by Consumer Affairs. This is particularly alarming for business owners who already struggle with slim margins and heightened operating costs.
Another Fox News Poll shows that a 17-point margin of voters found Trump's policies more beneficial than harmful. In contrast, a 24-point margin found Biden's policies on the harmful side. Such statistics underscore the dissatisfaction among many voters who see current policies as detrimental to economic health.
Former President Trump garnered attention by giving $100 to a mother at Sprankle's Market to help with her grocery expenses, highlighting the economic strain on ordinary Americans. This act brought some relief but did not address the systemic issues facing businesses.
Ryan Sprankle, the market's owner, shared how inflation has driven costs up significantly. "Inflation has been through the roof the last three years... But yet discretionary spending amongst our customers... has decreased, causing us to be flat or at times down in sales despite inflation being through the roof." Businesses have had to become hyper-efficient, cutting margins to stay competitive, which has hurt their ability to reinvest. "In all reality, we've been forced to give up margin to be competitive," Sprankle says, "that hurt us because we haven't had the money to reinvest like previously."
Shana Gray, a café owner, was among those forced to close her business due to the prohibitively high costs. "I was forced to close. The weight of the cost of goods. The weight of the economy itself. It's just more or less my customer could not come in to spend residual income," she laments.
Gray also expressed her disappointment with Vice President Kamala Harris' opportunity economy plan. "Those small little economic injections of capital is pointless if you can't get things to balance," she remarked, noting that her customers' inability to spend effectively killed her business. Furthermore, Gray has faced backlash online due to her vocal criticism of the economic situation, adding stress to an already challenging business environment. She says, "It's definitely not looking like she will vote for Vice President Harris in November."
Small business owners like Arroyo have questioned the efficacy of current economic policies and called for more actionable solutions. He states, "I would just say to Harris and the Biden-Harris administration, if you had all these great ideas, why haven't you done it? Republicans are pretty pro-small business, so I'm sure you could get something done if they're actually good ideas. But it looks like she's just waiting to try to get elected."
The sentiment among many small business owners is clear: current policies are squeezing profits and stifling growth, leading to closures and economic hardship. With the election on the horizon, these concerns may significantly influence voter decisions.