politics Archives - Page 18 of 135

Former President Barack Obama On Campaign Trail Blitz For VP Kamala Harris

October 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The 2024 Presidential campaign is coming to an end but for Vice President Kamala Harris she is turning up the heat. The VP is set to join forces with the Obamas on the campaign trail in a crucial effort to energize voters in key early voting states as the 2024 election approaches. The high-profile appearances come at a pivotal moment when polls show Harris and former President Donald Trump in a tight race as both campaigns make their final push toward Election Day on November 5.

If you’re tracking the where and when of it all, next Thursday, Harris will hold a campaign event in Georgia alongside former President Barack Obama, marking the first time the two will campaign together.

Just a week later, Harris will appear in the critical battleground state of Michigan with former First Lady Michelle Obama. Both events are part of a broader get-out-the-vote initiative, which the campaign believes will boost voter turnout in these critical battleground states.

Get this, a senior campaign official emphasized the importance of these joint events, highlighting that enthusiasm for Harris has already surged. “Nearly a thousand volunteer shifts were filled during former President Obama’s rally for Harris in Pennsylvania last week,” the official said, pointing to the positive impact of Obama’s involvement.

Democratic stars are rallying behind Harris. In big numbers. In addition to his upcoming appearance with Harris in Georgia, Obama is slated to campaign in Arizona and Nevada this weekend, followed by stops in Michigan and Wisconsin next week. At the Wisconsin rally, Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will join Obama. Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton has also hit the trail for Harris, campaigning in Georgia and North Carolina, while former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been active in media appearances supporting the vice president.

ICYMI, Barack Obama headlined a rally in Pittsburgh, his first campaign appearance for Harris in a key battleground state. In September, he also hosted a fundraiser for her campaign in Los Angeles.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has also been working to boost voter turnout behind the scenes, and her presence on the campaign trail is expected to energize Harris’ base. Speaking at the Democratic National Convention earlier this year, Michelle urged voters to take action. “If we see a bad poll, and we will, we’ve got to put down that phone and do something,” she said in her August speech. “If we start feeling tired, if we start feeling that dread creeping back in, we’ve got to pick ourselves up, throw water on our faces, and what?” The crowd enthusiastically responded, “Do something!”

What’s more, early voting has already begun in Georgia, and Michigan voters will be able to cast their ballots starting October 26—the same day as Harris’ rally with Michelle Obama in the state. With the Obamas now officially on the campaign trail, the Harris campaign hopes to harness their star power to drive voter engagement in these crucial final weeks.

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See it: Marc Anthony Endorses VP Kamala Harris, Says “I remember what (Trump) did and said about Puerto Rico”

October 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Marc Anthony has officially voiced his support for Kamala Harris in the lead-up to the 2024 Presidential Election.

In a passionate campaign ad released on Friday (October 18), the 56-year-old Puerto Rican music icon endorsed the Vice President while drawing attention to Donald Trump’s actions and remarks concerning Puerto Rico, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017. He urged Latin voters to remember Trump’s handling of the disaster and his previous derogatory comments about Hispanics.

Check it out his endorsement here, it’s quick, to the point:

“I remember what he did and said about Puerto Rico, about our people,” Marc Anthony stated in the ad. “I remember after Hurricane Maria devastated our island, Trump blocked billions in relief while thousands died. I remember when our families lacked clean water and electricity, Trump threw paper towels and called Puerto Rico ‘dirty and poor.’”

Anthony also referenced the Trump administration’s horrific policy of separating families at the U.S.-Mexico border. “He told us what he’ll do. He’ll separate children from their families, and threaten to use the Army to do it,” Marc emphasized.

The A-list singer concluded by calling the election a moment beyond partisan politics, reminding voters of the core values of the country. “This election goes way beyond political parties. Let’s remember what the United States represents and stands for: UNITED, regardless of where we’re from. I am Marc Anthony and I remember. That’s why I support Kamala Harris for President.”

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Trump Reportedly ‘Exhausted,’ Cancels Another Interview in Last Weeks of Campaign

October 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Trump Questions VP Kamala Harris Race at NABJ Conference: 'She Happened to Turn Black'

After Former President Donald Trump, 78, canceled another interview, this time with The Shade Room, a new report has provided a reason. He’s exhausted and doesn’t have the energy to meet the demands.

The campaign was reportedly deep in conversation with The Shade Room, but no conversation occurred. According to Politico, a Trump adviser stated he is “exhausted and refusing [some] interviews, but that could change.” In his replacement, the campaign offered Waka Flocka to speak.

Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, contrasts the report, saying, “President Trump is running laps around Kamala Harris on the campaign trail.”

Last week, Trump reportedly used an offensive term to refer to Vice President Kamala Harris during a private dinner with billionaire donors, according to a report by The New York Times. The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Trump’s Trump Tower penthouse.

During the gathering, Trump reportedly aired grievances about the 2024 presidential race and expressed frustration over his lack of appreciation from key donors. The Times reported that Trump used the term “re—–” while discussing Harris, who is set to be his opponent on the presidential ballot come Election Day.

The dinner reportedly included notable figures such as former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, hedge fund manager Paul Singer, and investment banker Warren Stevens.

Late last month, while speaking in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump discussed reducing crime. He suggested a policy like those in The Purge would solve the issue.

“If you had really violent day, with Mike Kelly, congressman Kelly in charge for one day,” Trump said. “A chain of events that’s so bad, one rough hour, I mean real rough, the word would get out and it would end immediately.”

You can hear it from Trump below.

Trump says his idea for stopping crime is to allow for “one really violent day”: “One rough hour, and I mean real rough…” pic.twitter.com/6XeVXL6R8b

— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) September 29, 2024

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Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Confirmed Killed In Gaza By Israeli Defense Forces

October 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Israeli forces in Gaza have killed Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for orchestrating the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed. Sinwar, a key figure within the Iran-backed militant group, was the target of an intensive manhunt following the attacks. Netanyahu’s announcement marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Vice President Kamala Harris responded to the news, stating, “Sinwar’s death gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza,” underscoring the potential impact of the event on future diplomatic efforts.

Sinwar, who was born in a Gaza refugee camp and spent many years imprisoned in Israel, had risen to become one of the most influential leaders within Hamas. Following the Oct. 7 attacks, which left a profound scar on the region, Sinwar was labeled a “dead man walking” by Israeli military officials.

After the discovery of Sinwar’s body, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant referenced a biblical verse on X, writing, “‘You will pursue your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword.’ — Leviticus 26. Our enemies cannot hide. We will pursue and eliminate them.”

While Sinwar’s death has stirred significant reactions, families of Israeli hostages have urged the government to leverage this moment for negotiating their loved ones’ release. On the Palestinian side, there is cautious optimism that his death might pave the way for the end of the war.

Mahdi Ghuloom, a regional security expert at Le Beck International, noted that Sinwar’s death could be a major political victory for Israel’s government, especially as the nation recently marked the anniversary of the deadly attacks. Before Sinwar’s death was officially confirmed, Ghuloom commented that his elimination might open a “window of opportunity for cease-fire talks to resume,” since Sinwar had reportedly been a key obstacle to those discussions.

“We are already seeing statements by Israeli hostage families calling on PM Netanyahu to grasp such an opportunity and secure a hostage release deal,” Ghuloom added. However, he stressed that it remains uncertain whether the Israeli government will take advantage of this moment and how Hamas may evolve under new leadership. Sinwar’s death, he concluded, could signify a shift in Hamas’ strategy in its conflict with Israel.

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2024 Elections: Where both candidates stand on the major issues

October 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

With the 2024 presidential election less than a month away, there is a lot of information (and misinformation) about where the candidates stand on major issues that impact American voters. Using information from a variety of non-partisan sources, we’ve summarized where the candidates stand on key issues as well as provided resources to find more unbiased information about presidential and other candidates’ stances before casting your vote.

Abortion:

Harris has stated that she will urge congress to reinstate access to abortion nationally as it was before the historic 2022 Supreme Court decision that essentially overturned Roe v. Wade.

In the past, Trump has supported the Supreme Court’s ruling that abortion access should be decided a the state level. He is unclear as to whether or not he would sign a blanket federal abortion ban. However, he has indicated that he would support a federal ban after a certain length of pregnancy. It is unclear if there would be exemptions if the mother’s life was in danger.

Crime:

Harris took a tough-on-crime approach as a District Attorney, but now has called for criminal justice reform, especially for non-violent drug offenses. She has also suggested temporarily pausing the death penalty.

Trump believes in giving police more authority to fight crime. He has called for more funding to train and hire police as well as pushed for qualified immunity of law enforcement. He has also called for the national guard to assist local police as needed.

Economy:

While she initially proposed repealing the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in its entirety, it appears that Harris now plans to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions for those making less than $400,000 a year, expand the child tax credit and earned income tax credit, and add more funding to subsidize Affordable Care Act premiums. Harris said that she will end taxes on tips. She plans to pay for this by raising corporate tax and capital gains rates both from 21% to 28% and increasing tax rates for wealthier Americans and large corporations. Under her plan, billionaires would have a minimum tax rate of 25%. Harris has proposed lowering taxes for small businesses. Harris has proposed expansions to the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Trump also plans to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions. Trump says that he will end taxes on overtime pay and Social Security benefits for individuals and reduce the corporate tax rate to 15% for domestic American manufacturers. Trump has also said that he will end taxes on tips. Trump will pay for this by imposing tariffs of between 10% to 20% on every foreign import coming into the US from places other than China. Imports from China would have a tariff rate of over 60%. He has also said that he will reduce corporate taxes in order to stimulate hiring and economic growth. While Trump has not explicitly stated whether or not he believes in expansions to the Child Tax Credit (CTC), his running mate JD Vance has indicated that like Harris, he also supports expansion.

Education

Harris has said that she will continue to work towards reducing burdensome student loan debt and provide more funding for colleges and universities (especially HBCUs), including technical training.

Trump has said that he will eliminate the Department of Education. This would leave the oversight of public schools to the states if they chose to have oversight in the matter.

Environment:

Harris has said that she plans to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. She plans to continue Biden’s plans to offer tax incentives for eco-friendly initiatives at the corporate and individual level (such as tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles). She has said that she plans to address how environmental issues often disproportionally impact poor and minority communities, but she has not laid out specific measures to do so.

Trump has said that he will end the “Green New Deal atrocities” on his first day in office. It is assumed that he was referring to certain Biden administration energy policies, which include vehicle greenhouse gas emissions limits and increases in fuel economy standards. He also plans to reduce American dependence on foreign oil by expediting natural gas pipelines into the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New York as well as tap into stores of liquid gold for energy development. He will also exit the Paris Climate Agreement as he did when he was in office (Biden rejoined during his term). He also plans to fight harder against certain legal challenges from environmentalists.

Healthcare:

While in office, Trump made an unsuccessful attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. He has indicated that he will seek to repeal and replace it with a “better” plan, although specifics have not been provided. Trump has also been vocal about putting caps on life-saving prescription medications such as insulin. During his tenure in office, he pressed for work requirements and more vetting as conditions for Medicaid eligibility.

During her tenure as VP, Harris and the Biden administration enacted the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which temporarily expanded eligibility for and increased ACA Marketplace subsidies, which are set to continue through 2025 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Housing Crisis:

Harris has said that she will advocate for more federal funding to provide affordable housing and reduce homelessness.

Trump has said that he will encourage more construction of new homes by incentivizing homebuilders to build new affordable homes.

Neither candidate has explicitly addressed whether or not they will regulate corporations abilities to buy multiple residential properties.

Israel/Gaza:

Harris has been critical of Hamas and supported Israel’s right to defend itself, but does not support further Israeli invasions into Palestinian territory. She has called for a cease-fire and has said that she supports a two-state solution.

Trump has expressed both support and criticism for Israel, but largely believes that the United States should keep involvement to a minimum.

Marijuana Legalization:

Despite her aggressive prosecution of marijuana-related crimes while district attorney and attorney general, Harris now supports full marijuana legalization at the federal level, explaining that marijuana laws have historically targeted minorities in the past. She has also called for nonviolent marijuana-related criminal offenses to be expunged.

Trump has indicated that he supports the legalization of marijuana and the possible expungement of marijuana-related criminal offenses, but believes that it should be decided at the state level rather than the federal level.

Ukraine:

Harris has repeatedly expressed support for Ukraine and during her tenure with the Biden administration, announced that about $1.5 billion in aid would be sent to Ukraine for infrastructure and other civilian assistance.

Trump has not taken an official side in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia (referring to it more than once as a proxy war), but said that brokering a peace deal will be a high priority once he is in office. Trump has made no indication that he will continue to fund Ukraine’s efforts.

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REFORM Alliance Highlights Justice Reform as Key Issue for Gen Z Voters

October 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris Makes a Six-figure Donation to Reform Alliance To Support Probation and Parole Reform Work

With the 2024 election fast approaching, new poll data from REFORM is shedding light on the voting attitudes and behavior of Gen Z adults, revealing a strong demand for criminal justice reform. According to the data, criminal justice reform is a critical issue for young voters. Still, neither of the major presidential candidates has fully addressed it in a way that resonates with this group.

The poll, conducted by The Bullfinch Group, surveyed 1,000 Gen Z adults between 18 and 28. It found that 72% of respondents consider it important for their elected officials to support criminal justice reform, compared to only 15% who don’t—demonstrating a fivefold difference. The data also showed that 70% of Gen Z voters believe reforming the criminal justice and supervision systems should be a priority for candidates running for office.

Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse voting bloc in U.S. history, with 40 million expected to vote in 2024, many for the first time. The poll highlights a significant opportunity for candidates to win over these voters by prioritizing reform policies. For instance, 64% of respondents said they would be more likely to support a candidate advocating for modernizing the criminal justice system, particularly around probation and parole reforms, such as the Safer Supervision Act.

In addition to the poll, REFORM is launching the Future Shapers Network, an expansion of its Gen Z council to boost youth activism and voter engagement in key battleground states. Public figures like Grammy-winning artist Lil Baby and NFL quarterback CJ Stroud are backing the initiative, lending their support to these critical efforts.

The data also indicates a significant portion of undecided voters, presenting an opportunity for candidates to sway this key demographic with targeted messaging and education on reform issues. As the election nears, the pressure is mounting on both major candidates to address this issue to gain the support of Gen Z voters.

Poll results and further details about the launch of the Future Shapers Network will be released later this week.

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IWillVote.com Takes Center Stage at 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, Urging Voter Participation

October 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

During the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, IWillVote.com played a prominent role, encouraging viewers and attendees to make a voting plan ahead of November’s election. As part of a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the platform provided a seamless voter resource, offering access to polling place information and voter education.

“With the election just a few weeks away, Democrats are meeting Black voters where they are with the information they need to make sure they know when, where, and how to vote,” said Brencia Berry, DNC National Political Director. “We know so much is on the line for Black voters this November and we have the power to decide this election. The ‘I Will Vote’ activation at BET’s Hip Hop Awards is just one way Democrats are getting information to Black voters, delivered by trusted messengers through creative tactics, to break through the noise.”

BET, a longstanding pillar in the Black community, used its reach across TV, streaming, and live events to highlight the importance of voter engagement. Throughout the awards show, viewers at home were prompted to visit IWillVote.com via QR codes displayed on the screen, while celebrities like host Fat Joe underscored the significance of voter turnout.

In-person attendees experienced an interactive “I Will Vote” lounge, where they could take photos and record messages about why voting matters. Rep. Steven Horsford, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, delivered a passionate message, urging voters to elect officials committed to improving their lives.

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Kamala Harris Roasts Donald Trump During BET Awards Interview With Fat Joe

October 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Fat Joe served as the host of the 2024 BET Awards. The veteran rapper did his thing in a series of segments and presentations. The most surprising segment of the night, however, was pre-recorded. BET aired a two minute interview in which Kamala Harris talked about various policies and issues. Fat Joe and Too Short were among the people in attendance. Harris gave her two cents regarding the importance of voting, but nobody expected her to attack her opponent, Donald Trump, so bluntly.

Harris told Fat Joe and company that Trump’s “Project 2025” initiative would be detrimental to middle class families. She urged voters to Google the initiative and do their own research before casting a vote for the former President. “It would do things like eliminate overtime pay,” Kamala Harris noted. “It would get rid of the Department of Education, including Head Start. [It’d] do the work of trying to destroy our democracy and really work against middle-class folks.” She insisted that voters do what is best for the country, instead of what she alleges is best for Trump.

Kamala Harris Claimed That Her Opponent Is ‘Weak’

“You should never let anyone silence you,” Kamala Harris added. “Because when you vote you have the ability to determine the future of our country.” The real dig came at the end of the interview, however. As Fat Joe sat to her right, the Vice President tore down Trump’s character. “This is a man who’ll posture like, ‘Hey, support me because I’m tough and strong,’” she asserted. “But he’s weak.” It was not what most BET Awards viewers were expecting, but it was definitely one of the show’s most notable bits.

Fat Joe made his political allegiance to Kamala Harris clear during the broadcast. The Terror Squad star brought in Las Vegas Congressman Steven Horsford to help him advocate for the importance of voting. Horsford told hip hop fans to celebrate and preserve the culture by casting their vote for Harris. Fat Joe also made a few political statements during the award show. “Look, y’all know we aren’t supposed to talk politics at the party but vote,” he told viewers. He threw shots of his own at Trump, as well. He praised Kamala Harris for working to forgive student debt, and then dissed Trump for “trying to bring back stop and frisk.”

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Key Takeaways From Vice President Kamala Harris Town Hall With Charlamagne Tha God: ‘I will work tirelessly to get this through’

October 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Vice President Kamala Harris is sitting down with everybody in the run up to the most consequential election of our lifetime.

The vocal host of the Breakfast Club hosted a town hall in Detroit and addressed concerns about Harris’ record as a prosecutor and made a firm commitment to decriminalize marijuana if she is elected in 2024. The interview, aimed at bolstering her support among Black men, also touched on her plans for police reform and combatting misinformation from Republicans.

Ya’ll know Charlamagne tha God, is known for his unfiltered approach, but he didn’t hesitate to press VP Harris on her history as a prosecutor. He opened by asking her to respond to claims that, during her time as San Francisco’s district attorney, she disproportionately incarcerated Black men.

But Harris was prepared unlike her often meandering, rambling opponent. In her response, Harris highlighted her progressive stance on marijuana during her tenure, stating, “I was one of the most progressive prosecutors on marijuana cases.” She pledged that, if elected, she would work to decriminalize marijuana nationwide, understanding how its criminalization has disproportionately impacted Black communities.

Get this, Harris acknowledged that support from Black men has been a challenge, with some polls indicating lower enthusiasm compared to Biden’s 2020 campaign. Her team, along with prominent allies such as Barack Obama, is focused on regaining that backing in key battleground states, including Michigan.

While addressing another critical issue, Harris spoke on police reform, vowing to push for the passage of the George Floyd Policing Act, which has stalled in Congress. “I will work tirelessly to get this through,” she said. The Act, which seeks to address police brutality and systemic racism in law enforcement, remains a priority for her administration.

Pressing on the realities of turning election proposals into law, Charlamagne questioned whether Harris could realistically secure enough votes to pass the legislation, given the deep divisions in Congress. Harris, undeterred, reaffirmed her commitment, stating, “We must push for this, even if it’s an uphill battle. Our communities deserve justice and accountability.” THAT PART.

What’s more, Harris also discussed the ongoing efforts by the Trump campaign to spread misinformation among Black voters, particularly targeting them to suppress turnout. “They are trying to scare people away because they know otherwise they have nothing to run on,” she asserted, accusing Trump’s team of attempting to manipulate voters rather than offering substantive policies.

If you thought VP Kamala Harris’ media blitz is going to slow down, guess again. Looking ahead, Harris is set to appear on Fox News and possibly on Joe Rogan’s podcast, continuing her outreach to diverse audiences as she ramps up her campaign efforts.

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