CONGRESS

What Happened When 50 Cent Went To Capitol Hill?

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Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson took his advocacy to Capitol Hill on Wednesday. His mission was clear: to push for increased minority representation within the multi-billion dollar liquor industry. Accompanied by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Jackson engaged with lawmakers to discuss economic opportunities for minority entrepreneurs. Jackson’s initiative also ties into his ongoing legal battle with Suntory Global Spirits. His Capitol Hill visit garnered positive feedback from both sides of the political aisle, giving him hope for future advancements.

Read More: 50 Cent’s Sire Spirit Sues Beam Suntory For Embezzlement: Breaking Down The Allegations

Jackson’s Mission For Minority Representation

50 Cent’s primary aim in visiting Capitol Hill was to address the underrepresentation of minorities in the luxury spirits industry. Jackson, leveraging his success with his liquor brand Sire Spirits, highlighted the need for more inclusive economic opportunities. Joined by Ben Crump, Jackson’s campaign underscores the importance of diversity in an industry significantly supported by minority consumers. Their discussions with lawmakers, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, centered on creating pathways for minority entrepreneurs to thrive.

Positive Engagement With Lawmakers

Jackson’s meetings on Capitol Hill were marked by a collaborative spirit. He met with leaders from both political parties, such as House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California. Describing these interactions as “great,” Jackson expressed optimism about the support he received. He noted the enthusiastic responses to his advocacy for economic inclusivity. Afterward, 50 stated he believed signals promising prospects for minority representation in the luxury spirits market.

The rapper also shared photos of himself on the ‘Gram meeting various policymakers including Congresswoman Joyce Beatty from Ohio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson, Congresswoman Nikema Williams from Georgia, Congressman Steve Scalise, Congressman Troy Carter (D)  and Lauren Boebert. Unfortunately, Fif’s photo op with Boebert led to some backlash. “Wait, wait, guys i took pictures with everyone and all you seem to care about is Lauren 🤷🏽‍♂️what did she do in a dark theater that hasn’t been done, my God ! Hey I don’t have chlamydia by the way. LOL,” he wrote in response to the criticism. 

The Broader Implications Of Jackson’s Advocacy

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 05: Recording artist Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (2nd L), his lawyer Ben Crump (2nd R) and Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) (L) walk to a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol after meeting with lawmakers about Black entrepreneurship on June 05, 2024 in Washington, DC. A rapper, actor, television producer, and businessman, Jackson has invested in luxury liquor, apparel, video games, book publishing, electronics, boxing promotion and dietary supplements. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Ben Crump emphasized the wider significance of their mission, stating that it’s about more than just Jackson’s personal business interests. The broader goal is to ensure corporate America recognizes the contributions and potential of Black entrepreneurs. This movement seeks to address the disparity highlighted by a 2022 study from the Independent, which found that while Black Americans constitute 12% of the liquor consumer base, they occupy a mere 2% of executive positions. This stark contrast underscores the need for systemic change in the industry.

Read More: Pour Up: A Complete List Of Rapper Alcohol Brands

The Suntory Global Spirits Dispute

Jackson’s Capitol Hill visit also comes amid a legal conflict with Suntory Global Spirits, which he claims has adversely impacted his business. In an Instagram post, he mentioned his intention to discuss with the Congressional Black Caucus the challenges posed by Suntory Global. Although the company has denied any wrongdoing, Jackson’s public advocacy highlights ongoing issues of equity and fair business practices in the industry. This dispute exemplifies the hurdles minority entrepreneurs often face, even after achieving significant success.

The Road Ahead

Jackson’s efforts on Capitol Hill mark a significant step towards addressing inequities in the liquor industry. His initiative, supported by influential figures like Ben Crump and lawmakers across the political spectrum, shines a light on the need for greater minority representation in executive roles. With positive feedback from his meetings and a growing awareness of the disparities within the industry, Jackson remains hopeful for a future where economic opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of race. His campaign not only seeks justice in his personal business dealings but also aims to pave the way for future generations of minority entrepreneurs.

The post What Happened When 50 Cent Went To Capitol Hill? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Democrats Announce Hip-Hop Task Force With The Black Music Action Coalition

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The relationship between hip-hop and politics has always been a relatively strained one, but folks are working very hard today to rectify that history. Moreover, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives announced a partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) on Wednesday (February 14) to launch the Congressional Hip-Hop Power and Justice Task Force. Its leaders include Reps. Jamaal Bowman (New York), Hank Johnson (Georgia), André Carson (Indiana), and Delia Ramirez (Illinois). Bowman in particular remarked how hip-hop is what made him a congressman, and underscored the task force’s mission to work with the culture to legislatively protect and support the art form, the Black community, and hip-hop’s wider members.

“[BMAC]’s mission is to work with business leaders and lawmakers to utilize the music industry’s influence to impact federal policies that address racial and social justice,” Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, the organization’s co-founder, remarked during a press conference. “The RAP Act is just one example of how aligning BMAC’s efforts in tandem with the Congressional Hip-Hop Task Force is a natural extension of Black Music Action Coalition’s work.

Read More: 50 Cent Changes Tune On Eric Adams, Voices Support For $53 Million Migrant Program

Jamaal Bowman Speaks On Congressional Hip-Hop Task Force: Watch

“[We’re] supporting solutions to mass incarceration, justice reform, and economic hardships disparately impacting marginalized communities…” Stiggers went on. “BMAC looks forward to centralizing our energy with the first-ever Hip-Hop Power and Justice Task Force to activate legislation that protects the Black community.” “Hip-hop has ingrained itself in our culture and continuously called upon us to fight for civil and racial justice,” Jamaal Bowman added. “Hip-hop is why I support the movement for reparations, an end to discrimination and corporate greed in the housing industry, and access to healthcare and economic opportunity for everyone.

“That is why I am proud to stand with my colleagues in bringing the advocacy and ideology of hip-hop to Congress in this moment and continue our urgent calls for peace and justice across the world,” he continued. This initiative also has the support of the non-profit organization Hip-Hop Caucus. Its CEO, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., hopes that it will address struggles that Black, Latine, and indigenous communities face on a disproportionate level. Meanwhile, for more on the intersection of hip-hop and politics, come back to HNHH.

Read More: Rolling Loud Teams With Black Music Action Coalition For RAP Act PSA

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George Santos Net Worth 2023: What Is The Controversial Politician Worth?

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George Santosis a name that evokes a blend of intrigue and controversy in the political landscape. He stands as a figure of significant public interest. His journey, marked by a series of revelations and disputes, paints a picture of a political career unlike any other. As of 2023, George Santos’s net worth is estimated at $11 million by CAKnowledge. It is a number that piques curiosity in the context of his complex and disputed career.

The Political Path Of George Santos

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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 03: Incoming U.S. Rep. George Santon (R-NY). (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Santos’s entry into the political arena was as unconventional as it was meteoric. His campaign and subsequent tenure have been characterized by a series of controversies, including questions about his background and qualifications. Despite these challenges, Santos managed to secure a notable position in the political sphere. This speaks to his ability to navigate the complexities of modern politics. His career, while divisive, offers a unique case study in political resilience and the dynamics of public perception.

Beyond Politics: The Personal Side Of George Santos

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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 13: U.S. Rep. George Santos (R-NY) talks about the situation in Israel during a break in a House Republican caucus meeting. At the Longworth House Office Building on October 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Republicans continue to debate their pick for Speaker. After their initial nominee, Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), withdrew his name from the race after failing to secure the number of votes needed. The full House of Representatives is expected to vote on a replacement. For former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) after he was ousted last week. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Exploring Santos’s personal life provides additional layers to his public persona. His background, upbringing, and personal experiences have all contributed to shaping his political views and actions. The controversies surrounding Santos extend beyond the political realm, touching on aspects of his personal history and the authenticity of his narratives. These controversies have sparked debates about transparency, trust, and the role of personal history in public service.

The Verdict: George Santos’s Enduring Influence

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LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 19: New York Congressman-Elect George Santos speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) Annual Leadership Meeting at the Venetian Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 19, 2022. The meeting comes on the heels of former President Donald Trump becoming the first candidate to declare his intention to seek the GOP nomination in the 2024 presidential race. (Photo by David Becker for the Washington Post)

Looking at George Santos’s career and the estimated net worth of $11 million, it’s evident that his impact on the political scene is multifaceted. His journey in politics, rife with controversies, has ignited discussions on the nature of political representation and the expectations of public figures. Regardless of one’s stance on Santos, his story is a reminder of the complex interplay between personal history, public service, and financial success in the modern political landscape.

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George Santos Slips On Stairs At DC Hotel Following Congressional Expulsion

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George Santos was caught tripping and falling on the rain-soaked stairs of the DC Waldorf Astoria, reportedly breaking his watch in the process. The incident happened around 10pm on December 2, with bystanders reportedly laughing at the disgraced politician. It’s unclear if anything other than the wet conditions caused Santos to fall over.

The incident came a day after Santos became the sixth member of Congress in history to be expelled. Furthermore, Santos was the first Republican to be formally expelled and the first representative to be expelled since 2002. The last member of Congress to be expelled was Ohio Democrat James Traficant, who had been convicted on bribery charges. A majority of Republicans voted to keep Santos in Congress. However, just enough Republicans sided with the Democrats to remove Santos.

Read More: Gold Medal Figure Skater Announces Congressional Bid

Why Was George Santos Expelled?

George Santos was expelled from Congress as a result of a 319-114 vote on the House floor. The size of the majority far exceeded the two-thirds majority needed to expel a member of the House. It came nearly a year after reports first emerged suggesting that Santos had lied extensively on his resume and misappropriated campaign funds. However, Santos has consistently maintained his innocence and claimed that the allegations were merely unsubstantiated attacks by Democrats. Despite this, things only continued to get worse over the course of 2023 for Santos, who became the embarrassment of the Republican Party in Congress. The speaker of the house, Mike Johnson, was one of the Republicans who voted to keep Santos in public.

However, 105 of Santos’ colleagues joined 206 Democrats in voting to expel Santos. Having flipped a Democrat district in 2022, Santos was crucial in holding the slim majority that the Republicans earned at the last midterms. However, the fate of his district, New York 3, is unknown. Many pollsters already had it flipping back to the Democrats in 2024. However, it’s currently unclear if the scandal of Santos will mean that the retaking of the district will be accelerated. The fallout of Santos’ expulsion remains a developing story. We’ll have any updates as and when they emerge.

Read More: Philadelphia Votes To Ban Ski Masks In Public Areas

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U.S. Senators Propose Federal Bill Banning A.I. Vocal Use Without Permission

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After all the controversy, a bipartisan bill in Congress currently in discussion draft form might result in the banning of AI-generated vocals. Moreover, Senators Coons, Blackburn, Klobuchar, and Tillis proposed the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act (NO FAKES) on Thursday (October 12). Specifically, this bill would ban the unauthorized use of someone’s replicated vocals by artificial intelligence for another’s personal gain. In addition, the replicator would be liable to damages that the original person suffers as a result of this practice. However, there are still some exceptions in the bill that protect First Amendment rights of free speech, such as AI vocals for parody, commentary, or criticism purposes.

“Generative AI has opened doors to exciting new artistic possibilities, but it also presents unique challenges that make it easier than ever to use someone’s voice, image, or likeness without their consent,” Senator Coons stated. “Creators around the nation are calling on Congress to lay out clear policies regulating the use and impact of generative AI, and Congress must strike the right balance to defend individual rights, abide by the First Amendment, and foster AI innovation and creativity. I am thankful for the bipartisan partnership of Senators Blackburn, Klobuchar, and Tillis as we work to protect all individuals from unauthorized replication and ensure that the United States sets clear rules governing the intersection of AI and intellectual property.”

Read More: Beanie Sigel Says He’s Going To Use A.I. To Make His Next Album

Senator Amy Klobuchar In Minnesota

AI Vocals Ban Congress No Fakes Bill Hip Hop News
FRIDLEY, MN – APRIL 03: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) speaks during a visit by U.S. President Joe Biden to the Cummins Power Generation facility on April 3, 2023 in Fridley, Minnesota. The visit is a continuation of the administration’s Investing in America tour. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

“Songwriters, actors, and our incredibly talented creative community deserve the right to own their name, image, and likeness (NIL),” Senator Blackburn expressed. “This legislation is a good first step in protecting our creative community, preventing AI models from stealing someone’s NIL. [It ensures] that those rights are given primary consideration under the law. I look forward to joining Senator Coons and my colleagues in the Senate and House to develop strong bipartisan legislation we can pass into law.” “More and more, we’re seeing AI used to replicate someone’s likeness and voice in ads, images, and videos without consent or compensation. Our laws need to keep up with this quickly evolving technology,” Senator Klobuchar added. “We must put in place rules of the road to protect people from having their voice and likeness replicated through AI without their permission.”

“While AI presents extraordinary opportunities for technological advancement, it also poses some new problems, including the voice and likeness of artists being replicated to create unauthorized works,” Senator Tillis remarked. “We must protect against such misuse. I’m proud to co-introduce this draft legislation to create safeguards from AI and protect the authentic work of these artists.” Meanwhile, for more news and updates on artificial intelligence in music, log back into HNHH.

Read More: Fake Kanye West Fools Miami Clubgoers With A.I. Drake Collab

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Bipartisan Showdown: How Congress Defied the Deadline to Keep the Nation Running

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Government shutdown narrowly avoided: What does it mean for you?

In a dramatic turn of events on Capitol Hill, Congress managed to strike a deal, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown that would have sent shockwaves through the nation. On Saturday evening, the Senate took a resounding step by passing a crucial measure, temporarily securing government funding until November 17th. The House had earlier given its approval, surpassing the essential two-thirds majority with 335 votes—made up of 209 Democrats and 126 Republicans.

This high-stakes race against time saw members of both the House and Senate rush to pass the spending bill before the looming shutdown deadline. The Senate’s resounding 88-9 vote in favor of the stopgap spending bill was the final lifeline, narrowly averting a midnight shutdown. The bill has now been forwarded to President Biden’s desk, where it awaits his signature to officially become law.

President Biden didn’t waste any time in sealing the deal. Late Saturday night, the White House confirmed that he had indeed signed the bill into law. The President issued a statement in which he praised the bipartisan effort, emphasizing the relief it would bring to countless Americans. In his words, “This bill ensures that active-duty troops will continue to get paid, travelers will be spared airport delays, millions of women and children will continue to have access to vital nutrition assistance, and so much more. This is good news for the American people.”

However, it’s worth noting that not all Republicans were on board with this continuing resolution. Nine Republican senators voted against the bill, displaying their dissent in a time of high tension. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) were among those who voiced their concerns. Hagerty, in particular, took to social media to make his stance clear, emphasizing the need for serious border-security measures.

Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) also opposed the bill, with Marshall criticizing its failure to address the southern border crisis and the influx of fentanyl. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Eric Schmitt (Mo.), and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) rounded off the list of Republicans who voted against the resolution.

This nail-biting episode in Congress highlights the delicate balance of power and priorities in Washington. As the nation looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the coming weeks, the implications of this compromise will undoubtedly continue to shape the political landscape.

The post Bipartisan Showdown: How Congress Defied the Deadline to Keep the Nation Running first appeared on The Source.

The post Bipartisan Showdown: How Congress Defied the Deadline to Keep the Nation Running appeared first on The Source.

Quavo Speaks With Congress To Address Gun Violence

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Quavo traveled to Washington D.C. on Wednesday to speak with various members of Congress to discuss the prevalence of gun violence in America. His mother and his older sister, Takeoff’s mother, joined him at the 52nd Annual Legislative Conference. The meeting comes after the Migos rapper launched the Rocket Foundation to raise awareness for gun violence prevention in the wake of Takeoff’s death.

At the event, Quavo spoke with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Cory Booker, Representatives Nikema Williams, Steven Horsford, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Robin Kelly, Maxwell Frost, and community organizer Greg Jackson. Quavo is also joining Jackson on a discussion panel alongside Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Lucy McBath.

Read More: Quavo Drops Hoodies Benefitting Takeoff’s Foundation

Quavo With Takeoff During Paris Fashion Week

PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 16: Takeoff and Quavo of Migos are seen outside Rick Owens during Paris Fashion Week – Menswear F/W 2020-2021 on January 16, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

“I feel like your calling comes at the least expected times,” Quavo said, as noted by ABC News. “You don’t think nothing is going to happen. I need to step up to the plate and hit a homerun, I have to do something about it, so it won’t happen to the masses — especially in our culture. I don’t want this to happen to the next person, I want to knock down these percentages.”

“We need to do better with the control of guns,” Quavo continued. “We need to figure out how do we keep these types of incidents from happening to people going anywhere and thinking they can hurt somebody where it shouldn’t happen.” He further added: “And how do you keep them out of the hands of people that make bad decisions? I’m kind of in a half-and-half place. Even police have guns. Unfortunately, some of the people in our culture and loved ones have been lost to police brutality. It’s all about choices and how we can put a filter on who can use these guns.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Quavo’s efforts against gun violence on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Takeoff’s Memorial: Chlöe Sings Beyoncé, Drake Gives A Speech, & More: Watch

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Gold Medal Figure Skater Announces Congressional Bid

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Sarah Hughes took home gold in the ladies’ singles figure skating event at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. It was Hughes’ first, and only, Olympic medal prior to her 2003 retirement. However, Hughes marked the first time that an America had seen back-to-back gold medallists in the event since 1960.

After retiring, Hughes became a lawyer and earned degrees at two Ivy League schools. After doing her undergraduate studies at Yale, she headed to Penn for law school. In 2022, she began postgraduate degrees in business and education at Stanford. In a related effort, Hughes has supported Figure Skaters in Harlem for over a decade. The program provides academic tutoring for girls in Harlem. Now, she’s looking to further help the communities where she grew up.

Hughes Declares Congress Campaign For NY-4

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 13: Sarah Hughes attends The Women’s Sports Foundation’s Annual Salute to Women in Sports at New York Historical Society on October 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Women’s Sports Foundation)

On May 15, Hughes submitted paperwork to run as a Democrat in the Congressional race for New York’s 4th District. Hughes is originally from Great Neck, a town that sits in the neighboring 3rd District, which is currently represented by the embattled George Santos. However, the 4th District is also under Republican control. Anthony Esposito flipped the district after Democrat Kathleen Rice retired. The Democrats had held the district since 1997. Hughes is one of three Democrats who have already filed to run next year.

In an email to NBC, a representative for Hughes explained why she had chosen to run. “Born and raised on Long Island, Sarah is concerned about where we’re headed, whether it’s rising prices, public safety and gun violence, or threats to women’s health. She’s putting the pieces into place to make an announcement in the next few weeks.” According to all major political forecasters, the district is a toss-up. However, Hughes is not the only figure skater to have gone into politics. Two-time Olympic medallist Michelle Kwan currently serves as the US Ambassador to Belize.

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RAP Act Reintroduced In Congress, Aims To Ban Use Of Lyrics As Court Evidence

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The Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act was a bill introduced in the U.S. Congress in July of last year. Just when we thought it was going nowhere, two congressmen reintroduced the bill and brought it back to national attention. Moreover, the bill aims to protect artists whose lyrics are wrongfully used to determine their verdict in a court case. Democrats Hank Johnson and Jamaal Bowman also participated in a livestream hosted by the Recording Academy with various First Amendment advocates fighting for free speech. Furthermore, these included the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), SAG-AFTRA, the Black Music Collective, and others.

Of course, the most present example of lyrics as evidence is currently the RICO trial of Young Thug and YSL as a whole. Prosecutors used various lyrics to paint the crew as a criminal gang, which Gunna supported through statements when he took his Alford plea. Since 2020, over 500 criminal cases involved prosecutors using an artist’s lyrics against them as evidence. With this in mind, the RAP Act would add a presumption to the Federal Rules of Evidence that would limit the ability to present said artistic expression against them in court.

RAP Act Returns To Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 27: U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman and U.S. Representative Hank Johnson speak during Grammys On The Hill: Advocacy Day on April 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

To elaborate, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, who co-founded BMAC and acts as its chair, gave low-profile examples of this bill’s necessity. One of these is the case of Derek Foster, who the court convicted in 1991 and who used a rap verse in his notebook against him, even though the notebook did not relate as evidence to his charges. Another case he mentioned was that of Jonair Tyreece Moore. Prosecutors gained permission to show 20 minutes of rap videos, which the court found irrelevant to his charges. Moreover, the prosecution intended to “show his knowledge of drug distribution and his motive for engaging in it.”

Of course, many believe that this is a lost cause already. However, if more prominent figures in hip-hop and beyond support it, a continuous fight for these rights until they see recognition could follow. Until then, courts may continue to subvert and warp artistic expression in lieu of hard evidence to land innocent artists in prison. Regardless of your take, come back to HNHH for the latest on the RAP Act and other news in the hip-hop world.

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Stephen King Didn’t Waste Fancy Words While Cutting Down Ted Cruz, Who Previously Attempted To Outwit Him

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A few months ago, Stephen King pretty much ignored Ted Cruz when the much-maligned senator attempted to outwit him over banned books. That move blew up in Ted’s face, and the same goes for his attempts to tweet about Fight Club and, as a The Princess Bride superfan, rumble with Cary Elwes. Yet Ted, never to be deterred, swung at a horror maestro and missed (Ted may have also missed the plentiful biblical themes in King’s work while lobbing an insult), and King is now apparently circling back with a blow of his own.

Mind you, King is saving his loftier prose for the printed page, which is likely a wise move because personal energy conservation is an underrated move. Also, attacking with the bluntest of swords can be effective, depending upon context. As such, the King of the Dad Jokes decided to simply refer to Ted as “Dumbo” in reference Ted’s condemnation of Anthony Fauci, who Ted accused of being “smug and gleeful” while he “casually called to shut down bars, restaurants, and gyms.”

“A million dead, Dumbo,” the Cell author responded. “If America hadn’t listened to Fauci, the number would have been twice or three times that.”

The “Dumbo” may have made some people’s evenings. Simple, yet effective.