Wednesday, April 30, 2025

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Is Kamala Pulling Out of North Carolina?

Vice President Kamala Harris‘s campaign is scaling back its advertising expenditures in North Carolina, pulling a substantial portion of its budget just days before the election. This decision is prompted by polling shifts favoring President Donald J. Trump and Republican gains in early voting numbers.

Advertising analysis firm AdImpact reports that the Harris campaign has withdrawn at least $2 million from an initial $2.7 million spend in North Carolina markets, with Raleigh being the only market retaining her campaign ads. Polls suggest Harris maintains a lead over Trump only in this region.

There is speculation that the Harris campaign could be redeploying their North Carolina resources to neighboring Virginia, where voter surveys indicate the race is tightening. Additionally, a Virginia shift may indicate that Harris is now fighting a rearguard action—hoping to hold the Rust Belt and several “lean” Democrat states that they believe may be slipping towards Trump as the Republican nominee continues to build momentum into Election Day.

Both Harris and Trump are set to hold campaign events in North Carolina before November 5. An Elon University poll recently found both candidates tied at 46 percent among registered voters, while another poll showed Trump with a slight lead. The RealClear Polling average places Trump ahead by one point in North Carolina, outpacing in most battleground states except Michigan.

Republicans are also showing a lead over Democrats in the early voting statistics, with 1,059,258 votes to the Democrats’ 1,024,661. Trump had a narrow victory margin in North Carolina, winning by about 75,000 votes in 2020.

In Virginia, Harris maintains a lead over Trump, although a Rasmussen Reports poll indicates a tight margin of just two points.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

By Popular Demand.
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Trans-Identifying Male Dominates U.S. Women’s Swim Nationals.

A biologically male swimmer identifying as female swept gold in five individual events at the U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championships.

The details: Ana Caldas, who has also competed under the names Hannah and Hugo Caldas, competed in the 45–49 women’s division and won every event he entered.

  • He won by margins as wide as four seconds—which is considered a blowout in elite short-distance swimming.

The rules: The U.S. Masters Swimming competition allows biological men to compete against women as long as they can show proof that they’ve received hormone therapy to reduce their testosterone levels.

Reality check: We know that there is no level of testosterone suppression that can undo the physical biological advantages that a man naturally has in sports — bone density, lung capacity, muscle fiber density, skeletal structure—especially for a man his age.

What Americans think: A poll from earlier this year found that 79 percent of Americans oppose letting biological men compete against women—including 67 percent of Democrats.

The last word goes to comedian Rob Schneider, who wrote on X: “Michael Jordan at 60 years old could suit up today and be the best ‘WOMAN’ in the [WNBA] and maybe THEN the stupid people in the U.S. Masters Swimming National Championship would SEE THEIR OWN INSANITY!”

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A biologically male swimmer identifying as female swept gold in five individual events at the U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championships. show more
By Popular Demand.
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Marxist Turned Conservative Firebrand David Horowitz Passes Away at 86.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: David Horowitz, a prominent conservative commentator, author, and activist, passed away at 86 on April 29, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, as announced by the David Horowitz Freedom Center.

👥 Who’s Involved: David Horowitz, the David Horowitz Freedom Center, his son Benjamin Horowitz of Andreessen Horowitz, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Announced via social media by the David Horowitz Freedom Center on April 29, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The center stated, “On behalf of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, we are very saddened to announce the passing of the Center’s founder, David Horowitz.”

⚠️ Impact: Horowitz’s death marks the loss of a prominent conservative voice whose advocacy for freedom and support for President Trump influenced generations, leaving a lasting impact on American political discourse.

IN FULL:

David Horowitz passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 86, after a prolonged battle with cancer. The David Horowitz Freedom Center, the think tank he established, shared the news on social media, stating, “On behalf of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, we are very saddened to announce the passing of the Center’s founder, David Horowitz.” His death closes a chapter for a man whose journey from Marxism to conservative activism shaped decades of political dialogue in America.

Born in Queens, New York, Horowitz earned a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University and a Master’s from the University of California, Berkeley. Initially a Marxist, he later became a staunch defender of conservative values, authoring numerous books and founding the David Horowitz Freedom Center to oppose radical leftist and Islamic extremist ideologies. His son, Benjamin Horowitz, co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, posted an obituary on social media reflecting on his father’s career and his endorsement of President Donald J. Trump.

The obituary recounted a poignant moment from last year when Benjamin met President Trump and mentioned his father: “President Trump’s face immediately lit up and he insisted that Benjamin get David on the phone immediately.” Despite being hospitalized and frail, Horowitz was “delighted to speak with the President,” showcasing his enduring belief in the America First agenda.

Horowitz leaves behind his fourth wife, April Mullvain, sons Benjamin and Jonathan, and daughter Anne. His other daughter, Sarah Rose, passed away in 2008. The obituary states, “In the end, David helped countless people and expended every fiber of his being pushing society towards freedom. He may not have saved the world, but he most certainly made it a better place—especially for us. He was our super hero and we will love him forever.”

WATCH:

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By Popular Demand.
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Trump Chief of Staff Gives Rare Interview Signaling Frustration With Ukraine, Russia.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles evaluated President Donald J. Trump’s first 100 days in office, highlighting various achievements and acknowledging areas needing improvement. Wiles specifically expressed frustration with Russian and Ukrainian resistance to peace talks, stating, “If peace is not achieved, it will be because it can’t be achieved. It just cannot.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Susie Wiles, President Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and members of Trump’s administration.

📍 Where & When: The White House in Washington, D.C., during an interview with the New York Post on Tuesday, April 29.

💬 Key Quote: Wiles stated, “The president has devoted 100 days and his very top people to Russia and Ukraine, and if peace is not achieved, it will be because it can’t be achieved. It just cannot.”

⚠️ Impact: Wiles outlined ongoing initiatives and future goals for Trump’s administration, including potential trade deals, legislative objectives, and the prospects of the U.S. government’s ongoing mediation of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

IN FULL:

Susie Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff, says President Donald J. Trump‘s first 100 days in office have been notably productive. Speaking to the New York Post on Tuesday, Wiles noted the America First leader has signed 142 executive orders since January 20 and mentioned the administration’s focus on trade agreements and curbing illegal immigration.

However, the first-ever female White House Chief of Staff did express consternation regarding the lack of progress in reaching a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting peace may not be achievable in the time frame President Trump wants. “The President has devoted 100 days and his very top people to Russia and Ukraine, and if peace is not achieved, it will be because it can’t be achieved. It just cannot,” Wiles said. She continued: “I don’t know whether that will be the case or not. I mean, it may well be that we can make some headway in the next couple of weeks, but nobody would have tried it but Donald Trump.”

“Nobody would have gotten these people to the table but Donald Trump. And if they want to continue to kill people, while it’s abhorrent, you know, he can’t stop that,” she added.

Despite the setbacks in ending the Russia-Ukraine war, Wiles still praised the administration’s productivity and credited President Trump’s decisive actions for the speed at which the White House agenda has been implemented. However, Wiles did acknowledge that the Trump White House has faced more resistance than anticipated in rolling back the expanded federal government left by former President Joe Biden.

“Where I would say there was not just sort of great, amazing success is perhaps our underestimation of the size and scope of the government that Joe Biden left us,” Wiles acknowledged, adding: “The economy, the war between Russia and Ukraine, the budget, the taxes writ large, which I consider to be different than the budget, the sort of institutional resistance to even recognizing that we’ve been ripped off by foreign nations that require us to do tariffs.”

The National Pulse reported on Tuesday that President Trump is “increasingly growing frustrated” with the Russian and Ukrainian governments’ resistance to peace talks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told The National Pulse that Trump is increasingly concerned about “the amount of time” the administration is spending on Ukraine, implicitly at the cost of domestic priorities including federal government reforms, economic revival, and mass deportations.

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By Popular Demand.
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Destructive Derecho Claims 3 Lives, Leaves 700,000 Powerless.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: A line of severe thunderstorms transformed into a derecho, resulting in intense wind gusts across the Ohio Valley and interior Northeast, causing fatalities and power outages.

👥 Who’s Involved: Residents and emergency services in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and particularly Pittsburgh, were affected.

📍 Where & When: The events unfolded Tuesday evening, impacting areas from Indianapolis eastward across western and central Pennsylvania.

💬 Key Quote: “Wind gusts in some areas were nearly 80 mph. For some communities, this derecho could be a once-in-10-year or even a once-in-20-year event,” stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Alan Reppert.

⚠️ Impact: There were at least three fatalities, significant property damage, and power outages for 700,000 customers, primarily in Pennsylvania. Strong winds reached 80 mph, toppling trees and power lines, causing disruptions.

IN FULL:

A swift-moving line of severe thunderstorms developed into a derecho on the evening of April 29, wreaking havoc across the Ohio Valley and the interior Northeast. This weather phenomenon resulted in at least three deaths and widespread power outages. Pennsylvania bore the brunt with the highest number of outages.

Particularly hard-hit areas included southeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Areas saw speeds typically associated with low-end tornadoes, but affected a broader region in this instance. “Wind gusts in some areas were nearly 80 mph. For some communities, this derecho could be a once-in-10-year or even a once-in-20-year event,” stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Alan Reppert.

In Pittsburgh, a man tragically lost his life due to electrocution from live wires, according to the public safety department. Emergency crews responding to St. Martin Street found the man deceased at the location. Another storm-related fatality was recorded in Allegheny County.

The severity of the derecho led to substantial disruptions, including 911 service outages in the Pittsburgh area. Public safety officials recommended that residents contact their local police if they experienced phone difficulties. Recorded wind gusts in Pittsburgh reached 71 mph.

A suspected tornado was also sighted south of State College while fierce storms ravaged parts of Pennsylvania. Central Pennsylvania faced substantial outages as trees and power lines were knocked down, affecting half a million customers across the state.

A tragic incident in State College claimed the life of a 22-year-old man who was electrocuted while attempting to put out a mulch fire near a damaged utility pole.

Experts categorize this as the first derecho of 2025. Derechos are long-lived storm lines causing straight-line wind damage over at least 400 miles, as this one did from near the Ohio-Indiana border to central Pennsylvania. The storm comes just over a month after powerful storms swept over the Midwest and South, leaving 42 people dead.

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By Popular Demand.
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Kamala Harris Charges for Speech Targeting Trump.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Former Vice President Kamala Harris (D) will make her first significant public remarks since leaving the White House following President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration in January. Harris will address attendees at the Emerge gala in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday.

👥 Who’s Involved: Kamala Harris, the Emerge organization, former Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D), New Mexico state Sen. Cindy Nava (D), and former Biden government Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

📍 Where & When: The Emerge gala is being held in San Francisco on Wednesday, April 30, marking the organization’s 20th anniversary.

💬 Key Quote: The former Democratic Vice President is expected to attack President Trump during her speech, framing his policies as “ongoing threats to American institutions and global leadership.”

⚠️ Impact: Harris is considering a gubernatorial bid for California in 2026, with a decision anticipated by the end of the summer.

IN FULL:

San Francisco is set to host former Vice President Kamala Harris as she delivers her first major speech post-White House departure at the Emerge organization’s 20th anniversary gala later on Wednesday. Harris, who was defeated in a landslide by President Donald J. Trump in the 2024 presidential election, is expected to use the address to attack the America First leader and his administration as “ongoing threats to American institutions and global leadership.”

The Emerge organization—a political non-profit that recruits and promotes Democratic women as candidates for office—is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Harris will headline the event along with several other Democratic women, including former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), the 2025 Democratic Party nominee for Governor of Virginia. Additionally, the gala will feature remarks from Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D), New Mexico state Sen. Cindy Nava (D), and former Biden government Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

While Harris’s attendance and speech are likely to fuel speculation regarding her political future, those wishing to livestream the address will have to pay a $25 fee to Emerge. The group has declined to provide a free video feed of the gala and Harris’s remarks. Democratic Party insiders believe that the former Vice President is contemplating a run for California governor in 2026, with a decision on her potential candidacy anticipated by the end of the summer.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris catered to the Democratic Party’s far-left progressive faction, adopting its extreme rhetoric to attack President Trump and his supporters. The decision to embrace more radical, progressive rhetoric and policies, despite downplaying her even more radical past, is widely considered to have played a significant role in Harris’s presidential election loss.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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Kristi Noem Vows Immediate Deportation if Kilmar Abrego Garcia Returns to U.S.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran illegal immigrant, would be immediately deported again if returned to the U.S.

👥 Who’s Involved: Kristi Noem, President Donald J. Trump, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, and CBS News reporters Tony Dokoupil and Caitlin Yilek.

📍 Where & When: CBS News interview, broadcast on April 30, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Noem stated, “If [Abrego Garcia] were to be brought back to the United States of America, we would immediately deport him again,” emphasizing the administration’s hardline stance against illegal immigrants.

⚠️ Impact: Noem’s remarks underscore Trump’s commitment to targeting alleged gang members, potentially intensifying legal battles over “due process” while prioritizing national security over judicial pushback.

IN FULL:

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reaffirmed the Trump administration’s unwavering focus on deporting dangerous migrants, stating that Kilmar Abrego Garcia—a Salvadoran illegal immigrant deported to a mega-prison in El Salvador—would face immediate deportation again if returned to the U.S. In a CBS News interview on April 30, 2025, Noem stated, “We’re focused on going after the worst of the worst and doing it the right way.”

Her comments come amid scrutiny over the vetting process for migrants deported under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which the administration has used to send hundreds of alleged Venezuelan and Salvadoran gang members to the CECOT facility in El Salvador.

Abrego Garcia’s case has drawn significant attention due to a court order agreeing he was an illegal immigrant eligible for deportation, but putting a temporary hold on his removal to El Salvador, specifically, due to gang members there supposedly presenting a threat to his life.

Contrary to Democratic and media claims that Abrego Garcia is a simple “Maryland man” with no criminal history, judges have previously ruled that the authorities have presented “sufficient” evidence that he is a member of the terrorist-designated MS-13 gang, and he has previously been accused of domestic abuse by his wife and arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

“If [Abrego Garcia] were to be brought back to the United States of America, we would immediately deport him again,” Noem told CBS, saying of a court order to “facilitate” his return to the U.S., “He is not under our control. He is an El Salvador citizen. He is home there in his country.”

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who initially ordered the facilitation of Abrego Garcia’s return, accused the Trump administration of making “no meaningful effort to comply” with her demand. Noem defended the administration’s stance, asserting, “President Trump and his administration has adhered to the court and respects the court and its decisions,” while reiterating, “This individual is not under the United States of America’s jurisdiction and he is not one of our citizens. He is home in his home country. And that’s up to that country to decide what to do.”

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has previously stated he will not send Abrego Garcia to the U.S., arguing this would be tantamount to smuggling a terrorist into an allied country.

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By Popular Demand.
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RFK Jr. Claims DARPA Mixing Chemtrail Agents Into Commercial Jet Fuel.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed the possibility that “chemtrails” left by aircraft could be caused by materials added to jet fuel rather than separate sprayer systems.

👥 Who’s Involved: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Jim Lee (anti-geoengineering expert); Dr. Phil (interviewer).

📍 Where & When: During an interview on the Dr. Phil show, Monday night.

💬 Key Quote: “That is not happening in my agency… It’s done, we think, by DARPA. And a lot of it now is coming out of the jet fuel. Those materials are put in jet fuel.” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

⚠️ Impact: The comments indicate a significant change in the establishment dialogue surrounding chemtrails and potential geoengineering, suggesting a government role through DARPA in modifying jet fuel.

IN FULL:

U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested that adulterated jet fuel emissions may cause lingering trails left in the sky by aircraft. This represents a shift from the previously held view that independent sprayer systems may be responsible for these phenomena, commonly called “chemtrails.”

During a Monday appearance on the Dr. Phil show, Kennedy responded to a query from an audience member expressing concerns about chemicals in the atmosphere. Kennedy indicated that these trails could be caused by substances mixed into jet fuel, a theory promoted by anti-geoengineering advocate Jim Lee. The assertion contrasts with the hypothesis that aircraft are equipped with separate devices to create such trails.

Kennedy stated, “That is not happening in my agency… It’s done, we think, by DARPA, and a lot of it now is coming out of the jet fuel. Those materials are put in jet fuel,” he said, referring to the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). “I’m going to do everything in my power to stop it. We’re bringing on somebody who’s going to think only about that, find out who’s doing it, and holding them accountable.”

Jim Lee’s theory suggests that sulfur and metal components in jet fuel emissions can result in cloud formations under certain atmospheric conditions, as defined by the Schmidt-Appleman Criterion. Kennedy’s comment brings attention to this possibility, which contrasts with older theories involving independent spraying apparatuses.

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By Popular Demand.
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Migrant Crime

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ICE Deports 65,000 Illegal Immigrants in Trump’s First 100 Days.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed over 65,000 illegal immigrants during President Trump’s initial 100 days in office.

👥 Who’s Involved: ICE, President Trump, ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons, and ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan.

📍 Where & When: United States, during the first 100 days of President Trump’s administration.

💬 Key Quote: “The brave men and women of ICE protect our families, friends and neighbors by removing public safety and national security threats from our communities,” stated ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons.

⚠️ Impact: Arrested individuals included members of gangs and those with serious criminal charges, impacting both public safety and employment practices.

IN FULL:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported on Tuesday that it has removed 65,682 illegal immigrants from the United States during the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s administration. The agency revealed that a significant number of those arrested—66,463 in total—included individuals with prior criminal convictions or charges.

Three-quarters of the arrests were of criminal illegal immigrants, a point highlighted by ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons, who described the effort as a measure to ensure public safety and national security. “The brave men and women of ICE protect our families, friends and neighbors by removing threats to our communities,” Lyons stated.

Among those arrested, approximately 2,288 were identified as gang members from notorious groups such as MS-13, 18th Street, and Tren de Aragua. Additionally, the statistics revealed arrests of individuals convicted or accused of serious crimes, including 1,329 sex offenses and 498 murders. Furthermore, 9,639 faced charges or convictions for assaults, 6,398 for DWIs or DUIs, and 1,479 for weapon offenses.

ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan emphasized that efforts have also targeted workplaces employing illegal workers. Between January 20 and the time of reporting, over 1,000 illegal workers have been arrested, and fines exceeding $1 million have been proposed against non-compliant businesses. Sheahan also noted a recent operation that dismantled a human smuggling network, which allegedly facilitated the illegal entry of hundreds each year, bypassing governmental scrutiny.

Border Czar Tom Homan has previously said that the total number of deportations during President Trump’s first 100 days, including border removals, stood at around 139,000. However, border removals are trending downwards, as the administration’s strong border policies have slashed attempted border crossings.

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By Popular Demand.
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New Bill Targets Fentanyl Dealers with Felony Murder Charges.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: New legislation was introduced in both the House and Senate to allow charging fentanyl dealers with felony murder if their distribution results in death.

👥 Who’s Involved: The bill was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX).

📍 Where & When: The bill was unveiled on Tuesday, marking National Fentanyl Awareness Day, and will proceed to committees for markup and consideration in both chambers.

💬 Key Quote: “If you sell the drug and take an innocent life, justice will be delivered,” said Representative Tony Gonzales.

⚠️ Impact: The legislation aims to increase penalties for fentanyl dealers, with the crisis having claimed approximately 280,000 American lives since 2021.

IN FULL:

New legislation seeks to hold fentanyl dealers accountable for the dangerous drug they peddle by allowing them to be charged with felony murder if their distribution results in death. Introduced simultaneously in the House and Senate, the proposed law aims to increase the severity of punishment for those involved in fentanyl trafficking. Under existing U.S. law, such offenses currently carry a minimum 20-year prison sentence but are not prosecuted as murder cases.

The bill, titled the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act, is being sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX). This legislative measure coincides with National Fentanyl Awareness Day and now heads to committees in both chambers for further consideration before moving to the House and Senate floors.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl has resulted in the deaths of about 280,000 Americans since 2021. The rising fentanyl crisis has been linked to increased illicit drug trafficking across U.S. borders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports that around 64,000 pounds of fentanyl, which is enough to lethally dose billions of people, have been confiscated at the southern border.

“If you sell the drug and take an innocent life, justice will be delivered,” Rep. Gonzales said regarding the sentencing changes made by the legislation.

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By Popular Demand.
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Failed VP Candidate Expresses Deep Pessimism Over Dems’ Senate Prospects.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) says he is not optimistic about the Democrats winning the Senate next year.

👥 Who’s Involved: Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic Party, the U.S. Senate.

📍 Where & When: Walz made his remarks at Harvard University on April 27.

💬 Key Quote: “I am very pessimistic about the Senate, just to be honest with you.” — Tim Walz

⚠️ Impact: The statement from a top Democrat reveals the ongoing disunity in the party, which is suffering internal clashes.

IN FULL:

Kamala Harris’s former running mate and current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) is pessimistic about the Democrats’ chances of winning the U.S. Senate in 2026. In front of an audience at Harvard‘s Kennedy School Institute of Politics, Walz explained his pessimism about next year’s Senate elections.

“I think we will take back the House,” Walz said, but added, “I am very pessimistic about the Senate, just to be honest with you.” He stated that the Democratic national brand image could play a factor in state-level elections as well. “The thing was, is being associated with national parties and things on these state races, we’re going to have to figure that piece out of, how do we reimagine,” he said.

Last month, Walz teased his own presidential bid for 2028, saying he was open to running for the presidency if there was enough interest. However, he remarked, “If, nationally, people are like, ‘Dude, we tried you and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that.”

Earlier in the year, Walz backed anti-gun rights activist David Hogg for Democratic National Committee (DNC) vice chair, a position Hogg now holds. An ultra-progressive, Hogg stated earlier this month that he was going to launch a civil war within the Democratic party to root out those not sufficiently woke and progressive enough.

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By Popular Demand.
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