Friday, April 18, 2025
biden

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‘I Don’t Think He’ll Have the Brain Power’ – Seniors in Biden’s Hometown Don’t Think He Has What It Takes.

Seniors in Joe Biden’s hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania believe he no longer has what it takes to govern, suspecting age may have blunted whatever mental edge he once possessed.

The Messenger, a new, corporate-backed outlet, interviewed “more than two dozen” seniors in the Democrat stronghold, finding some who think his age is not an issue “as long as his mind is clear” – a rather big “if” – and plenty who think it is time for the 80-year-old to hang up his gloves.

“He’s making a good front and everything, but I just don’t think he has the capabilities anymore,” said Barbara Petroski, a former executive secretary even older than Biden, at 86.

Petroski voted for Biden in 2020, but thinks he does not have enough in the tank to last through another term: “[F]our more years? I just don’t think he’s going to have the brain power.”

In fairness to seniors who do not wish to be tarred with the same cognitive decline brush as Biden – “Don’t compare me with him,” one 82-year-old told The Messenger – his “brain power” was in question long before he reached advanced old age.

In his first run at the presidency as a (comparatively) young Senator in the late 1980s, he made a number of bizarre statements about his IQ to the press, boasting that he graduated from the Syracuse College of Law near the top of his class with three degrees and was named Outstanding Student in the political science department.

In fact, he graduated 76th out of a class of 85, did not earn three degrees, and was not named Outstanding Student – revelations which forced him to issue a humiliating apology and buried his presidential hopes for some 20 years, when he embarked on a second failed run at the White House and wound up playing second fiddle to Barack Obama.

By Popular Demand.
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Zelensky Accuses Trump Envoy Witkoff of Echoing Russian Narratives.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accused U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff of spreading Russian narratives related to a peace deal focusing on five Ukrainian regions.

👥 Who’s Involved: Volodymyr Zelensky, Steve Witkoff, Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: The allegations were made after Zelensky’s press conference in Kiev on Thursday following diplomatic meetings in Paris.

💬 Key Quote: Zelensky stated, “I think that Mr Witkoff has taken the strategy of the Russian side.”

⚠️ Impact: Zelensky’s critique underscores tensions in peace negotiation efforts and complicates U.S.-Russia diplomatic relations.

IN FULL:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff for alleged remarks suggesting that a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine may rely on the status of five contested Ukrainian regions. In a Kiev press conference on Thursday, Zelensky warned that Witkoff’s comments were propagating Russian narratives, posing dangers whether intentional or not.

The controversy arose following Witkoff’s statements in a Fox News interview. In his remarks, Witkoff appeared to reference the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, which came under Russian partial military occupation after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Witkoff indicated that the peace deal involved these “so-called five territories” and hinted at broader diplomatic shifts.

Responding to these comments, Zelensky asserted the territories in question are inherently Ukrainian. He remarked, “The territories are ours, they belong to our people and… the future Ukrainian people… So I don’t understand what he’s talking about.”

This confrontation between Zelensky and Witkoff is not unprecedented; in March, Zelensky questioned Witkoff’s credentials, with the former comedian suggesting that the American’s expertise lay in real estate rather than diplomacy.

Zelensky also revealed intelligence suggesting China’s involvement in supplying weapons to Russia. Beijing has yet to respond officially.

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By Popular Demand.
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NATO Country Sends Troops to Ukraine, Russia Declares Them Legitimate Targets.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Unarmed soldiers will be sent to Ukraine by Denmark for drone warfare training, aiming to learn from Ukraine’s combat experience. Russia has cautioned that these personnel could be considered legitimate military targets.

👥 Who’s Involved: The primary figures include Maj. Gen. Peter Boysen, Denmark’s commander in chief, Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark’s defense minister, and Vladimir Barbin, Russia’s ambassador to Denmark. Ukrainian and Danish military forces are involved in the training initiative.

📍 Where & When: The training will occur in Western Ukraine, expected to start potentially this summer.

💬 Key Quote: Maj. Gen. Peter Boysen claims, “They are not going there to actively participate in the war.”

⚠️ Impact: The initiative could escalate tensions, as Russia views the presence of NATO troops as a provocation and a sign of deeper involvement in the conflict.

IN FULL:

A member of the NATO military alliance is set to send troops to Ukraine, claiming that they are there to observe drone warfare. Russia, however, has stated that the soldiers could become legitimate targets of their armed forces. Denmark announced plans to dispatch military personnel to Ukraine this week.

Maj Gen. Peter Boysen stated that these unarmed troops will conduct their training in Western Ukraine. Although not on the front lines, the area is within reach of Russia’s missile capabilities. “They are not going there to actively participate in the war,” Boysen claimed.

Russia has reacted by branding the Danish move provocative. Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin reiterated that all military personnel and equipment locations could be viewed as legitimate targets, intensifying security concerns for the Danish troops involved.

The training initiative followed an invitation from Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s commander in chief, and will focus on rapid advances in uncrewed systems and tactics, which have been evident throughout the ongoing conflict with Russia.

According to Maj. Gen. Boysen, the insights gained from Ukrainian operations can significantly enhance Denmark’s military capabilities.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen previously emphasized the importance of rapid response and adaptation from these lessons for Western armed forces. Denmark has also been forward in supplying weapons systems to Ukraine, including fighter jets and its entire artillery stock.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had already threatened the West and NATO with World War III for helping Ukraine use missiles to strike deep inside Russia before the reelection of Donald J. Trump. The Russian leader has also warned against NATO sending troops to Ukraine, arguing it could spark a larger conflict.

Image by Enno Lenze.

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By Popular Demand.
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Trump Administration Requests Emergency Relief to Counter Boasberg’s Contempt Threat.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: The Trump administration requested a federal appeals court to review a lower court order regarding March 15 deportation flights, following potential contempt findings.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, Trump administration officials, and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

📍 Where & When: The appeal was made on Wednesday, court actions relate to deportation flights halted on March 15.

💬 Key Quote: U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has stated, “The Court ultimately determines that the Government’s actions on that day demonstrate a willful disregard for its Order.”

⚠️ Impact: The administration has been directed to submit declarations by April 23, or face potential prosecution. The issue is part of broader disputes about immigration in U.S. federal courts.

IN FULL:

On Wednesday, the Trump administration sought an appellate court’s review of a recent decision by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who threatened to hold administration officials in contempt over the handling of deportation flights that occurred on March 15.

Earlier in the day, Judge Boasberg indicated there was probable cause to believe that administration officials had not adhered to a court directive requiring the return of deportation flights carrying illegal aliens to El Salvador. In his ruling, Boasberg warned of possible criminal contempt charges if the administration did not provide additional declarations by April 23.

The Trump administration filed its appeal with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals shortly following Boasberg’s pronouncement. The administration’s legal team did not present new evidence in the brief appeal, as the case’s details had been thoroughly examined by both the district and appellate courts. Previously, the appellate court maintained Boasberg’s temporary restraining order with a 2-1 decision. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that deportation flights under the Alien Enemies Act, blocked by Boasberg, could proceed, contingent on the provision of due process and opportunities for individuals to seek habeas relief.

Judge Boasberg expressed the court’s view that the government’s actions on the day he ordered flights turned around amounted to “willful disregard” for his emergency order. The Trump administration contends that Boasberg’s order unlawfully hindered the Executive’s ability to remove individuals considered threats.

Attempts to bring criminal contempt proceedings against administration officials could hit a roadblock if President Trump uses his pardon powers to dismiss them, setting up a constitutional impasse between the executive and the judiciary.

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By Popular Demand.
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Dem Senator Accused of Logan Act Violation After Attempt to Free Deportee in El Salvador.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to support the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported illegal alien held in an El Salvadoran prison. The trip has led to accusations of Van Hollen violating the Logan Act.

👥 Who’s Involved: Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, White House communications director Steven Cheung, Roger Stone, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

📍 Where & When: El Salvador, April 15.

💬 Key Quote: Roger Stone argued on X, “Pursuing your own individual foreign policy is a violation of the Logan Act. The FBI should arrest this senator the instant he returns to the country.”

⚠️ Impact: The trip stirred significant political debate in the U.S., with accusations of foreign policy interference and renewed scrutiny of the Logan Act, its historical application, and its modern-day relevance.

IN FULL:

Senator Chris Van Hollen’s recent trip to El Salvador has sparked controversy in Washington, as the Maryland Democrat lobbied for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an MS-13-linked illegal alien and national of El Salvador. Van Hollen’s efforts have resulted in accusations of violating the Logan Act, a U.S. law from 1799 aimed at preventing unauthorized foreign negotiations.

Garcia previously resided in Maryland with his family. Prior to his deportation, courts ruled the authorities had provided “sufficient” evidence he was linked to MS-13. Democrats have attempted to claim Garcia is an innocent Maryland father of three, while neglecting his illegal alien status and dubious past, which includes domestic violence allegations.

Republican figures, including White House communications director Steven Cheung and border czar Tom Homan, criticized Van Hollen’s actions. Cheung questioned the senator’s intentions, while Homan described the trip as inappropriate.

Political consultant Roger Stone suggested that Van Hollen’s actions warranted prosecution under the Logan Act. This law, established under President John Adams, seeks to maintain U.S. government cohesion in foreign affairs by prohibiting unauthorized negotiations. Historically, the Logan Act has seen minimal enforcement, with only two prosecutions in over 200 years, neither resulting in a conviction.

While in El Salvador, Senator Van Hollen was unable to meet with Abrego Garcia, with the Salvadoran government declining to arrange a visit or even a phone call.

Image: AFGE.

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By Popular Demand.
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Qatari Official Briefly Endorses Hamas, Retracts Post.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Qatari deputy prime minister Sa’oud bin Abd Al-Rahman Al Thani posted on social media expressing support for Hamas, then deleted the posts, sparking renewed allegations regarding the country’s role in financing Islamist terrorist organizations like Hamas. Additionally, the social media posts have call into question Qatar’s role in ongoing Middle East peace efforts.

👥 Who’s Involved: Sa’oud bin Abd Al-Rahman Al Thani, Qatari deputy prime minister; Hamas leaders; Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser; Qatari foreign ministry; Al Jazeera.

📍 Where & When: Qatar, posts made and deleted during the week of April 14, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We Are all Hamas… Oh Al-Quds, revolt and commemorate Al-Qassam!” — Sa’oud bin Abd Al-Rahman Al Thani.

⚠️ Impact: The social media messages are raising concerns about Qatar’s role in Middle East peace efforts and its material support for several Islamist terrorist groups.

IN FULL:

Earlier this week, Qatari Deputy Prime Minister Sa’oud bin Abd Al-Rahman Al Thani reportedly posted and then swiftly deleted a series of social media messages expressing support for the Hamas terrorist group. The incident has reignited discussions about Qatar’s role in Middle Eastern peace efforts.

According to reports, Al Thani’s posts on X (formerly Twitter) included declarations such as “We Are all Hamas… Oh Al-Quds, revolt and commemorate Al-Qassam!” The social media posts align with a history of similar sentiments from Al Thani, who has previously criticized Israel and the United States. Notably, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) has documented Al Thani’s past support for Hamas and calls for Qatar to increase its influence on U.S. decision-makers.

Qatar’s foreign ministry issued a statement following the October 7, 2023 terror raid in Israel by Hamas, blaming Israel for the escalation. Al Jazeera, a news network funded by the Qatari government, broadcast messages from Hamas leadership, including military calls to arms and declarations of triumph.

The Middle Eastern country held considerable influence under the Biden government, with former President Joe Biden’s brother, Jim Biden, alleged to have numerous business relationships with Qatari government representatives.

Additionally, Qatar has come under scrutiny in the United States over its lavish funding of American academic and media institutions, with conservative media network Newsmax reportedly pursuing a $50 million investment from a member of the country’s royal family.

Image via Fars Media Corporation.

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By Popular Demand.
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WSU Instructor Arrested for Assault on Pro-Trump Student.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: An instructor at Washington State University (WSU) was arrested for allegedly assaulting a student for wearing a pro-Trump hat.

👥 Who’s Involved: The instructor, Patrick Mahoney, and the student, Jay Sani. A second individual, Gerald Hoff, was also mentioned in connection with the incident.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred at Washington State University.

💬 Key Quote: “You know, you’re fucking wearing that hat, you wanted someone to fucking look at it, right?” Mahoney reportedly stated during the incident.

⚠️ Impact: Mahoney was arrested, and there are potential academic and legal consequences for those involved.

IN FULL:

A Washington State University (WSU) instructor was taken into custody on allegations of assaulting a student for wearing a pro-Trump hat. Patrick Mahoney, who serves as both an instructor and a PhD student in the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs at WSU, is at the center of these recent allegations.

The confrontation reportedly involved Jay Sani, an engineering student at WSU, who was wearing a “Take America Back” cap. The arrest report indicates that Mahoney allegedly grabbed the hat from Sani and tossed it onto the street. After this initial altercation, according to police reports, Mahoney, assisted by another individual, Gerald Hoff, allegedly took Sani to the ground.

“You know, you’re fucking wearing that hat, you wanted someone to fucking look at it, right?” Mahoney allegedly said.

The report further details that once on the ground, Mahoney reportedly slammed Sani’s head into the ground. As a result of the incident, Mahoney and Hoff have both been arrested on charges related to the assault. WSU has suspended Mahoney, and he has been removed from all classes he was scheduled to teach.

Physical attacks on supporters of President Donald J. Trump by deranged leftists were commonly seen during the America First leader’s first term, often directed against people wearing Make America Great Again (MAGA) hats. Mahoney is accused of being an open communist, being pictured wearing a Soviet-style hammer and sickle lapel pin.

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By Popular Demand.
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Letitia James Faces Potential Jail Time Amid Fraud Allegations.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: New York Attorney General Letitia James, a key figure in Democratic Party lawfare efforts against President Donald J. Trump, could face jail time stemming from allegations she engaged in multiple instances of mortgage fraud and falsification of records. The allegations were made in a criminal referral submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) by Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte.

👥 Who’s Involved: The claims involve Letitia James, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Bill Pulte of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

📍 Where & When: The alleged fraud involved properties in New York and Virginia in 2023, and the criminal referral was sent to the DOJ earlier this week.

💬 Key Quote: Kyle Welch, a George Washington University School of Business professor specializing in financial fraud, remarked on the allegations’ potential legal consequences, saying they “could carry jail time” and lead to disbarment.

⚠️ Impact: If charges are brought against James, the New York Attorney General could face a prosecution based on paperwork errors and falsified records similar to the one that she brought against President Donald J. Trump last year.

IN FULL:

New York Attorney General Letitia James faces allegations of mortgage fraud, sparking the potential for federal prosecution. Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), alleged in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche that James falsified a mortgage application in 2023 by stating her primary residence was in Norfolk, Virginia, despite her official position requiring her to reside in New York.

James, a Democrat who took office as attorney general in 2019, is accused of indicating on a 2023 mortgage document that a Norfolk property was her primary residence. The single-family home, built in 1947, was acquired for $240,000, with James securing a $219,780 mortgage. Pulte also highlighted discrepancies in James’ ownership of a Brooklyn property, where she allegedly misstated the number of housing units in 2021. Furthermore, he raised concerns about a property purchased with her father listed as a spouse in previous transactions.

Kyle Welch, a financial fraud specialist and professor at George Washington University’s School of Business, noted in a recent interview the gravity of the allegations, suggesting a conviction could “carry jail time” and result in James’s disbarment as an attorney.

The New York Democratic Attorney General had sought similar legal actions against President Donald J. Trump in 2024 as part of a broader partisan lawfare effort to derail the America First leader’s presidential campaign. Last year, she sued Trump, leading to a civil judgment ordering him to pay $454 million for alleged business records fraud.

“Letitia James built her ‘nobody is above the law’ brand by prosecuting Trump for inflating his financial condition—statements that came with disclaimers, involved banks that said they weren’t harmed, and still resulted in a half-billion-dollar fraud conviction,” Welch said before continuing: “Was Trump’s case a 100 percent political prosecution? Yes. Now, James is under scrutiny for allegedly misrepresenting her own finances to get a mortgage. No disclaimers. No ambiguity.”

“James and her defenders can’t seem to see the carbon-copy nature of these cases. And unfortunately, New York Democrats and the DNC helped normalize this tit-for-tat legal targeting under the banner of ‘accountability.’ Well, the shoe’s on the other foot now,” the business professor added.

Image: Maryland GovPics.

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By Popular Demand.
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Nate Silver Predicts AOC as Top Contender for 2028 Democratic Nomination.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Statistician and election pollster Nate Silver says he believes that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is a strong contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, if she chooses to run. Silver, who founded the FiveThirtyEight opinion poll analysis website, notes that the progressive New York lawmaker and member of the far-left “Squad” coalition in Congress is polling in a strong position in a potential primary against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and enjoys some of the highest net favorability among Democrats.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nate Silver, Galen Druke, Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

📍 Where & When: Silver made the observation in an April 16 post on his “Silver Bulletin” Substack; the prediction pertains to the Democratic primary in 2028.

💬 Key Quote: “Results! I thought I was gonna surprise everyone by taking AOC first, but Galen won at rock-paper-scissors and chose her first instead,” Silver wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) after hosting a mock 2028 Democratic presidential nomination draft with former FiveThirtyEight podcast host Galen Druke.

⚠️ Impact: An Ocasio-Cortez presidential candidacy would mark a significant shift leftward for the Democratic Party. The New York Congresswoman has a reputation as an unapologetic progressive with ties to the radical Democratic Socialists of America.

IN FULL:

In a Wednesday discussion about potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election, data analyst and political pollster Nate Silver suggested that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) could emerge as a leading primary contender if she decides to seek the party’s presidential nomination in 2028. Silver and former FiveThirtyEight podcast host Galen Druke considered the implications of an Ocasio-Cortez candidacy while hosting a mock draft of potential Democratic presidential candidates on the “Silver Bulletin” Substack platform.

“I think there’s a lot of points in her favor at this very moment,” Druke said after picking Rep. Ocasio-Cortez as his first choice to win the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 2028, noting: “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broad appeal across the Democratic Party.”

“I think equally important is the fact that she has very fervent support,” Druke explained, adding: “I think a lot of people are gonna run in 2028 and it’s going to be a contest for attention and getting those sort of people who might be in your boat to turn out and stay with you through thick and thin.”

“I agree with everything,” Silver replied, quipping: “That was going to be my f***ing first pick!”

While Silver agreed that Ocasio-Cortez would be a formidable candidate and well-positioned to win the party’s presidential nomination, he conceded that the national political environment could change before the 2028 election and cautioned he wasn’t confident she’s “sure to run.” Druke pushed back, noting the far-left progressive Congresswoman’s “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), which is currently hosting rallies around the country.

Adding to the case that Ocasio-Cortez could win the Democratic Party’s presidential primary, Silver pointed to current election polling showing the Congresswoman with significant support in a hypothetical challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Silver argued that Ocasio-Cortez’s strong polling numbers add credence to the idea that she has broader appeal in the Democratic Party than previously thought, noting, “New York Democrats are actually a pretty moderate bloc.”

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By Popular Demand.
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Brendan Carr Warns Comcast Against Biased Reporting on Deported MS-13 Gang Member.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened:  Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr is accusing the multinational mass media corporation Comcast—which owns NBC News, CNBC, and MSNBC among other media properties—of “news distortion” regarding coverage of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant and MS-13 gang member deported by the Trump administration.

👥 Who’s Involved: Brendan Carr, Comcast, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung.

📍 Where & When: The FCC Chairman leveled the accusation in a post on X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday after MSNBC refused to provide live coverage of a White House press briefing featuring angel mom Patty Morin.

💬 Key Quote: “Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American public—implying that Abrego Garcia was merely a law-abiding U.S. citizen, just a regular ‘Maryland man,'” Carr wrote, adding: “Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the public interest. News distortion doesn’t cut it.”

⚠️ Impact: The accusations have rekindled tensions over media responsibility, prompted criticism from former Trump officials, and have implications for Comcast’s future operations, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and potential mergers.

IN FULL:

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr accused Comcast of misleading the public through its coverage concerning the deportation of the illegal immigrant and MS-13 gang member, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The corporate media has attempted to present Abrego Garcia in a sympathetic light, labeling him a “Maryland father”  and “Maryland resident,” while ignoring the El Salvadoran national’s dubious history and affiliation with MS-13.

“Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American public—implying that Abrego Garcia was merely a law-abiding U.S. citizen, just a regular ‘Maryland man.’ When the truth comes out, they ignore it,” Carr wrote on X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday. He continued: “Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the public interest. News distortion doesn’t cut it.”

“Abrego Garcia came to America illegally from El Salvador, was validated as a member of the violent MS-13 gang—a transnational criminal organization—and was denied bond by an immigration court for failure to show he would not pose a danger to others,” the FCC Chairman stated, adding: “Why does Comcast ignore these facts of obvious public interest?”

Carr’s comments were in response to a post by White House Communications Director Steven Cheung that noted MSNBC and CNN declined to carry a White House press conference where angel mom Patty Morin spoke on the horrific details of her daughter Rachel Morin’s rape and murder at the hands of Victor Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant and fugitive from El Salvador. The corporate media have repeatedly attempted to downplay reports of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, a fact emphasized by Vice President J.D. Vance last October during an exchange with ABC journalist Martha Raddatz.

Notably, the FCC website states that, while its authority over allegations of news distortion is relatively narrow, the regulatory agency can investigate a media network if there is “evidence showing that the broadcast news report was deliberately intended to mislead viewers or listeners.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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Rahm Emanuel Claims He Warned Democrat Officials About Biden’s Cognitive Decline: ‘I Let People Know.’

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Former Biden government Ambassador to Japan, Chicago Mayor, and Clinton White House operative Rahm Emanuel says he warned senior Democratic Party officials and White House staff that Joe Biden’s diminished cognitive state would prevent him from running for a second term. Emanuel’s revelation regarding his role in Biden’s abrupt exit from the 2024 presidential race comes as he weighs his own possible run for the Democratic Party’s 2028 nomination.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rahm Emanuel, Tara Palmeri, former President Joe Biden, senior Democratic Party officials, and Biden White House aides.

📍 Where & When: Emanuel was evasive about when exactly he spoke with party officials and White House staff, though he revealed his actions on an April 16, 2025, podcast with journalist Tara Palmeri.

💬 Key Quote: “I let people know that could have an influence on that decision,” the former Chicago Mayor said, referring to Biden’s July 2024 announcement that he was ending his re-election bid.

⚠️ Impact: Emanuel’s comments come as several new reports have shed further light on how staff hid Biden’s diminished cognitive state from public scrutiny. Additionally, the admission of his role in Biden’s exit could impact potential support from influential Democratic Party leaders should Emanuel decide to seek the White House in 2028.

IN FULL:

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is floating a potential 2028 bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, claims he warned Democrat aides at the White House that former President Joe Biden was not in a state of health to run for re-election. Speaking with journalist Tara Palmeri, the usually brash and forward Clinton political machine hatchetman equivocated and appeared evasive regarding how and when he informed Biden’s team that the octogenarian Democrat’s declining cognitive state would doom his re-election bid. However, Emanuel did state that he spoke with White House officials over the phone while in Japan, where he was serving as Biden’s ambassador to the country.

“Look, I’ve talked about this with the White House officials, et cetera. And I was—I think it’s fair to say to you—is there anything that looks or comes across from Rahm Emanuel that’s shy, reserved, and soft spoken?” the former U.S. Ambassador to Japan told Palmeri after being pressed on when he realized that Joe Biden wasn’t fit to run for a second term. “I expressed myself, expressed my view, and I’ve been clear—I was clear as recently as yesterday also about President Biden speaking out, taking the focus away from Donald Trump. I believe one hundred percent, zero in like a laser, focus on making this a referendum on Donald Trump.”

After Palmeri pushed Emanuel for more concrete details regarding his conversation with White House officials on Biden’s cognitive state, the former Chicago Mayor became evasive, stating: “I can’t give you the hour or the day that I said it… I don’t have the exact date, and I’m not going to sit here and guess, but I expressed myself to individuals that were important.”

When pressed again on what he relayed to influential Democrats, Emanuel said, “I let people know that could have an influence on that decision,” referring to internal party deliberations and efforts that ultimately saw Biden exit the presidential race on July 21, 2024. He went on to stress that “part of the problem was the fact that the decision was too late,” again referring to Biden’s exit from the race. Emanuel added that not having an open primary process to select Biden’s replacement as the presidential nominee also hurt the Democratic Party in the November election.

Emanuel’s revelation that he informed influential Democrats and White House officials that he believed the former president could not run for re-election comes as several new reports have shed further light on how staff hid Biden’s diminished cognitive state from public scrutiny. Notably, The National Pulse reported last summer that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini, Anthony Bernal, and Ashley Williams—all staffers with close ties to Jill Biden—formed a protective bubble around Joe Biden, shielding him from even his own Cabinet Secretaries.

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