GET THE APP
Sunday, March 22, 2026

Category: Politics
October 16, 2025
Politics

Obama Swoops In to Bail Out Spanberger for Virginia Governor.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former President Barack Obama is making an eleventh-hour endorsement of Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s gubernatorial race and has appeared in two digital ads supporting her campaign. This follows Spanberger’s poor debate performance and several polls showing her opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, within the margin of error.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Barack Obama, Abigail Spanberger, and Winsome Earle-Sears.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The endorsement and ads were revealed ahead of Virginia’s off-year gubernatorial election in November 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Virginia’s elections are some of the most important in the country this year. Every vote counts.” – Barack Obama

🎯IMPACT: Democrats hope that Obama’s last-minute endorsement will energize Democratic voters to turn out for Spanberger despite her lackluster campaign and poor debate against Earle-Sears.

IN FULL

Former President Barack Obama has made a last-minute intervention in the Virginia gubernatorial race, endorsing former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), who is running against Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (R-VA). Spanberger struggled in a recent debate against Earle-Sears, and the latter has surged in the polls—now just narrowly trailing Spanberger.

Obama is featured in two digital ads, focusing on abortionand economic issues. “Virginia’s elections are some of the most important in the country this year. Every vote counts,” he says.

The endorsement comes as Democrats aim to maintain momentum and stave off mounting support for Republicans in a state where the party in control of the White House has historically struggled in off-year elections.

“We know Republicans will keep attacking abortion rights and the rights of women. That’s why having the right governor matters, and I’m proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger,” Obama claimed in one ad. Another ad highlights economic concerns, with Obama claiming “Republican policies are raising costs on working families so billionaires can get massive tax cuts.”

Virginia is one of two states holding gubernatorial elections this year, alongside New Jersey. These races are being closely monitored for signals on voter sentiment heading into the 2024 presidential election and the 2026 midterms. Other prominent Democrats, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D), are also campaigning in these states to boost Democratic candidates.

The National Pulse reported on Tuesday that New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Spanberger are both under scrutiny after receiving campaign donations from Pin Ni, a businessman with concerning ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Pin Ni, president of Wanxiang America Corporation, contributed $60,000 to the One Giant Leap super PAC supporting Sherrill’s campaign, and an additional $5,800 directly to her campaign this summer.

Meanwhile, the CCP-linked businessman also contributed $50,000 to support Spanberger in Virginia.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 15, 2025
News
Politics

Dem Candidate Katie Porter Implies There May Be More Videos of Her Terrorizing Staff.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democrat Katie Porter has not denied that more videos of her bullying staff members could emerge, as she runs for California governor.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Katie Porter and her staffers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Porter was asked about a July 2021 recording showing her cursing at a staff member during a video call on Inside California Politics.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Get out of my fucking shot,” Porter shouted at the staffer during the 2021 call.

🎯IMPACT: Polling suggests Porter leads among Democrats but trails Republican Steve Hilton by six points in a potential matchup.

IN FULL

California Democrat gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter is facing ongoing criticism over a video from July 2021 showing her berating a staff member during a video call with then–Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. In the footage, Porter is seen turning to a staffer off-camera and shouting, “Get out of my fucking shot,” after she walked into her frame. When asked three times whether more such videos might emerge, Porter did not directly deny the possibility.

“What I do know is that I could have done better in that situation,” she said, claiming that she has apologized to the staffer and committed to “do better.”

Porter, who currently leads among Democrat voters, is running to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026. While California remains a Democrat stronghold, recent polling shows Porter trailing Republican candidate and conservative commentator Steve Hilton by six points in a general election matchup, raising concerns within her party about her ability to unite voters.

This is not Porter’s first controversy regarding her behavior toward staff and media. A recent interview with CBS News also drew attention after she clashed with reporter Julie Watts, growing visibly angry when asked about how she plans to appeal to Trump supporters. “I don’t want to keep doing this. I’m going to call it,” Porter said as she attempted to end the segment.

Former staffers have accused Porter of demeaning and erratic behavior, with one alleging that she often targeted “softer-spoken underlings” during emotional outbursts. In addition, past court documents from Porter’s divorce have resurfaced, including her ex-husband’s claim that she once poured hot mashed potatoes on his head.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 15, 2025
News
Politics

Trump, Vance Slam Dems for Supporting AG Hopeful Who Fantasized About GOP Lawmaker’s Murder.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Vice President J.D. Vance and President Donald J. Trump criticized Democrats for supporting Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones, whose campaign is under fire after his violent text messages were exposed.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jay Jones, J.D. Vance, Donald Trump, Jason Miyares, Todd Gilbert, Chuck Schumer, and Carrie Coyner.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The controversy unfolded as Jones prepares for his sole debate with incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares at the University of Richmond on Thursday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat, and the guy who said it could become the AG of Virginia.” – JD Vance

🎯IMPACT: The scandal has amplified scrutiny of political violence and rhetoric, with leading Republicans calling for accountability while Democrats remain largely silent on the issue.

IN FULL

Democratic Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones is under growing pressure to withdraw from the race following the release of violent and inflammatory text messages in which he referenced shooting a Republican lawmaker. Despite the controversy, Democrats have continued to support Jones, drawing sharp criticism from Vice President J.D. Vance and President Donald J. Trump.

The messages, reportedly sent to Delegate Carrie Coyner, included Jones stating he would shoot former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and that “only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy.” One particularly graphic message read: “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” Coyner later recounted that Jones also wished death on Gilbert’s children, claiming such a tragedy would change the lawmaker’s views on certain policies. She replied to him in the exchange, “Jay Please stop.”

Vice President Vance addressed the scandal on social media, writing, “This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat, and the guy who said it could become the AG of Virginia.” His comment alluded to a separate incident involving young Republican activists whose private messages were leaked.

President Trump also weighed in on the Jones scandal during a public appearance honoring Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated by a left-wing extremist in September.

“We’ve seen that a candidate for attorney general in Virginia boasted that he would want to see [a] Republican legislator in Virginia shot in the head and to see his children murdered—they actually said this,” Trump noted. “And now he continues to run for office, and most [Democrats] continue to back him.”

“Especially in the wake of Charlie’s assassination, our country must have absolutely no tolerance for this radical left violence, extremism and terror,” the America First leader added.

The backlash against Jones has extended beyond political figures. The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police has called for him to exit the race, accusing him of promoting violence against police as well as lawmakers.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 14, 2025
Politics

NY GOP Backs Michael Henry Against Indicted, Anti-Trump Letitia James for AG.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Five GOP leaders from New York City endorsed Michael Henry to challenge Letitia James, who is facing a criminal indictment for mortgage fraud, for Attorney General.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Michael Henry, Letitia James, GOP chairs from Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan.

📍WHEN & WHERE: October 14, 2025; New York City.

💬KEY QUOTE: “He understands what New Yorkers are facing and will not bow to political pressure or partisan witch hunts.” – Liam McCabe

🎯IMPACT: Henry aims to leverage the endorsement to strengthen his campaign against James.

IN FULL

The Republican committee chairmen from New York City‘s five boroughs have thrown their support behind Michael Henry, who is preparing to challenge Letitia James for the position of state Attorney General. These endorsements come as Henry attempts to unseat James following his previous attempt in 2022, which saw him fall just 500,000 votes shy of defeating the anti-Trump Democrat.

Brooklyn GOP Chair Liam McCabe praised Henry, stating, “He understands what New Yorkers are facing and will not bow to political pressure or partisan witch hunts.” Henry, a commercial litigator, had garnered 45 percent of the vote in his previous race against James, which McCabe noted was “the best showing for a Republican in decades.”

Henry is capitalizing on the state’s campaign finance matching system to boost his campaign, having around $275,000 in the bank as of June. Staten Island Republican Chair Michael Tannousis emphasized Henry’s approach, saying, “As an attorney and as a leader, he represents the kind of common-sense, law-and-order approach this city and state need.”

Henry has criticized James’ handling of her office, asserting that he would not “weaponize” the law for political purposes. He stated, “New Yorkers deserve an Attorney General who will enforce the law fairly, not weaponize it for politics.” During her tenure as New York’s Attorney General, James pursued a highly partisan lawfare campaign against President Donald J. Trump in an effort to directly interfere in the 2024 election and prevent the America First leader from retaking the White House.

With additional endorsements from gubernatorial candidate Congressswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY)—along with Manhattan GOP Chair Andrea Catsimatidis and Queens GOP Chair Tony Nunziato—Henry is positioning himself as a strong contender in the upcoming election against James, who has been accused by Bronx GOP Chairman Mike Rendino of turning the Attorney General’s Office into a “political weapon.”

The National Pulse previously reported that James is facing a criminal indictment for mortgage fraud. The charges relate to a 2023 mortgage James took out to assist her niece in purchasing a home in Norfolk, Virginia.

Image by Freelancers Unions.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 14, 2025
William Upton
Corruption
Politics

Democrats Under Fire for Accepting Funds from CCP-Linked Businessman.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger are under scrutiny after receiving campaign donations from Pin Ni, a businessman with concerning ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Mikie Sherrill, Abigail Spanberger,  Pin Ni, Wanxiang America Corporation, Lu Guanqiu, and Michael Lucci.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Donations were made during the summer of 2025 to Sherrill’s campaign and her supporting super PAC, with a similar campaign contribution being made to Spanberger.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The donor, Pin Ni, has an extensive history of assisting the CCP’s political warfare and influence operations upon the U.S., and of generally aligning with and carrying out party commands.” – Michael Lucci

🎯IMPACT: Raises ethical questions about campaign donations from individuals tied to foreign governments, particularly the Chinese Communist Party.

IN FULL

New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger are under scrutiny after receiving campaign donations from Pin Ni, a businessman with concerning ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Pin Ni, president of Wanxiang America Corporation, contributed $60,000 to the One Giant Leap super PAC supporting Sherrill’s campaign and an additional $5,800 directly to her campaign this summer. Meanwhile, the CCP-linked businessman also contributed $50,000 to support Spanberger in Virginia.

Wanxiang America is the U.S. domestic subsidiary of the Chinese automotive conglomerate Wanxiang Group, whose late founder, Lu Guanqiu, was posthumously recognized as a “National Outstanding Communist Party Member.” Notably, political campaigns in the United States are required to accept only contributions from American citizens or permanent legal residents. While Pin Ni’s citizen and residency status is unclear, his overt ties to the economic interests of the CCP raise concerns—especially amid the ongoing and escalating trade dispute between the United States and China.

A 2021 press release highlighted Guanqiu’s “pursuit of communism as a lifelong ideal and practice” and quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping praising his alignment with the CCP’s goals. Guanqiu was also appointed a delegate to multiple high-ranking CCP internal party committees.

Political campaigns in the United States are required to accept only contributions from American citizens or permanent legal residents. While Pin Ni’s status remains unclear, his ties to the CCP have raised concerns. Michael Lucci, founder and CEO of State Armor—a group he founed to to develop and enact state solutions to global security threats—stated, “The donor, Pin Ni, has an extensive history of assisting the CCP’s political warfare and influence operations upon the U.S., and of generally aligning with and carrying out party commands,” calling the acceptance of such donations “disqualifying.”

While Sherrill’s campaign has yet to comment publicly on the donations, Spanberger’s campaign defended her record on national security, stating that she remains focused on issues important to Virginians, including public safety and education. However, her opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears’s campaign, argues, “Taking $50,000 from someone with clear Chinese Communist Party ties tells us all we need to know.”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 14, 2025
Election Integrity
Politics

Is Obama Becoming an Election Denier?

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former President Barack Obama appeared in an advertisement urging California voters to support Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) redistricting campaign, Proposition 50, ahead of a special election next month, claiming Republicans are stealing the 2026 midterm elections.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Barack Obama, Gov. Newsom, California voters, and Republican lawmakers targeted by the campaign.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ad began airing on Tuesday, with the special election set for November 4 in California.

💬KEY QUOTE: Obama’s ad accuses Republicans of attempting to “steal enough seats in Congress to rig the next election and wield unchecked power for two more years.”

🎯IMPACT: If passed, Prop 50 would circumvent the state’s independent redistricting commission to target the districts of five GOP lawmakers in California, in the name of countering Republican redistricting efforts in other states.

IN FULL

Former President Barack Obama is urging California voters to back Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom‘s Proposition 50 redistricting campaign, claiming it is needed to stop Republicans from stealing the 2026 midterm congressional elections. In a 30-second advertisement released Tuesday, Obama stated, “California, the whole nation is counting on you. Democracy is on the ballot November 4.”

Obama’s ad accuses Republicans of attempting to “steal enough seats in Congress to rig the next election and wield unchecked power for two more years.” He urges voters to approve Prop 50, claiming it would “stop Republicans in their tracks.”

The advertisement is drawing allegations that Obama is setting the stage for Democrats to deny and undermine the outcome of the midterm election results should Republicans retain control of Congress, while justifying Newsom’s bid to tilt the congressional map in the Democrats’ favor. Notably, the former Biden government moved to criminally prosecute Republicans, including President Donald J. Trump, for challenging the integrity of the 2020 elections.

Newsom launched the campaign earlier this year. It aims to overturn his state’s independent redistricting commission and allow the Democrat-controlled legislature to redraw California’s congressional map. Newsom and his allies are specifically targeting five California Republican congressmen, hoping to alter their districts to be more favorable to Democratic candidates.

While Democrats hold a financial advantage in the campaign, polling indicates that a majority of California voters oppose Proposition 50. At an August fundraiser, Obama acknowledged that “political gerrymandering” was not his “preference” but argued that Democrats must respond to President Trump and his congressional allies. He warned that GOP-controlled state governments and the White House “do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 10, 2025
News
Politics

OMB Boss Vought Confirms Layoffs Have Started as Dem Shutdown Drags On.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Layoffs of government employees have begun, as the Senate Democrats’ shutdown of the federal government drags on with no end in sight.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought, Senate Democrats, and other Democrat and Republican lawmakers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The shutdown began on October 1, 2025, with impacts felt nationwide as Senate Democrats refuse to budge on a funding bill.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The RIFs have begun,” said OMB Director Russ Vought, referencing layoffs of federal employees.

🎯IMPACT: Federal workers and active-duty military members are missing paychecks, with air traffic controller shortages causing flight delays and national security concerns rising.

IN FULL

The federal government shutdown that began on October 1 shows no signs of resolution, with layoffs of federal employees now underway and hundreds of thousands of workers missing their pay. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought, an alumnus of Project 2025, confirmed the layoffs on Friday, writing on X, “The RIFs have begun,” referring to reductions-in-force. An OMB spokesman described the job cuts as “substantial.”

The shutdown has already led to a halt in pay for federal employees. “Friday marks the first day workers will not receive their full paychecks,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), noting that active-duty service members could also miss their October 15 paycheck. “The ball is in the court of Senate Democrats right now,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) warned the situation could worsen quickly. “The American people are going to miss a lot more and feel a lot more pain and miss a lot more paychecks in the very near future,” he said, highlighting Democrat resistance to a GOP proposal for a short-term funding extension through November 21.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced it will furlough nearly half its workforce. The agency warned of tax filing delays and backlogs. While most furloughed workers are expected to receive back pay, questions remain over how and when those payments will be authorized.

Essential workers, including air traffic controllers, continue to work without pay. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) said President Trump is “exploring” ways to ensure military personnel are paid during the shutdown, but no legislation has been passed to guarantee that.

With the House out of session until at least October 20 and the Senate not set to reconvene until Tuesday afternoon, negotiations remain stalled. Some Republicans have begun suggesting a possible rules change to end the standoff, with calls to eliminate the Senate filibuster gaining attention.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 10, 2025
Politics

Trump Passed Over for Nobel Prize for Venezuelan Activist Who Praised Him as a ‘Visionary.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democratic rights in her country.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: María Corina Machado, Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, President Donald J. Trump,  and the Nobel Committee.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded on October 10, 2025, in Norway.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have risked everything — our families, our lives, everything. The people of Venezuela have desperately asked for real, strong support. Finally, it’s reaching us.” – María Corina Machado

🎯IMPACT: The award highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela and the international support for efforts to counter Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

IN FULL

María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader in Venezuela, received the Nobel Peace Prize on October 10 for her efforts in promoting democratic rights in her country. The Nobel Committee recognized her continued fight against Nicolás Maduro‘s regime, which has been accused of human rights abuses, including allegations of torture and killings. After winning the peace prize, Machado stated: “We have risked everything—our families, our lives, everything. The people of Venezuela have desperately asked for real, strong support. Finally, it’s reaching us.”

Machado, who has been in hiding due to Maduro’s crackdown on opposition leaders, is also an outspoken supporter of U.S. President Donald J. Trump—himself a Nobel finalist. She has called Trump a “visionary” and the “biggest opportunity we’ve ever had” for ending Maduro’s dictatorial rule over Venezuela. Machado supported Trump’s decision to revoke licenses for energy companies operating in Venezuela, claiming it weakened Maduro’s regime, which she accused of profiting from illicit activities such as drug trafficking and smuggling. Machado has urged the U.S. to increase pressure on Maduro, asserting that his government is nearing collapse.

The Trump administration, which has brokered a number of peace deals in recent months, most recently the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, regards the President being overlooked as political, saying, “President Trump will continue making peace deals, ending wars, and saving lives.”

“He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will. The Nobel Committee proved they place politics over peace,” the White House added.

Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela escalated in recent months. The U.S. military, under the orders of President Trump, has begun conducting strikes against Venezuelan drug cartel smuggling boats in the Caribbean. Notably, Senate Democrats—along with Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)—attempted to curtail the strikes by invoking the War Powers Act earlier this week, but that measure failed. Additionally, the U.S. has shifted deployment of a significant number of air and sea military assets to the Caribbean and South American coast, a potential prelude to a larger operation aimed at removing Maduro from power.

Image by ProtoplasmaKid.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 9, 2025
Politics

Fetterman Backs Nobel Peace Prize for Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democratic Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) expressed support for President Donald J. Trump receiving the Nobel Peace Prize if the Gaza peace deal holds and the Russia-Ukraine war ends under his efforts.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Fetterman, President Trump, and Nobel Peace Prize decision-makers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Fetterman made the comments during a television interview on Thursday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If this sticks… I think the whole point of having a Nobel Peace Prize is for ending wars and promoting peace. And if he brings the Ukrainian war to its end, I will be the Democrat leading the committee for his Nobel Peace Prize.” – John Fetterman

🎯IMPACT: The likelihood of Trump winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has increased, with bookmakers now ranking him as the second favorite.

IN FULL

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is throwing his support behind growing calls for U.S. President Donald J. Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize if the Gaza peace deal holds and Trump helps bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The 2025 Nobel Prize is set to be announced on Friday, with President Trump under consideration for the award after helping broker a number of peace agreements—including between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Rwanda and Congo—but none more monumental than the ceasefire announced late Wednesday between Hamas and Israel.

“If this sticks… I think the whole point of having a Nobel Peace Prize is for ending wars and promoting peace. And if he brings the Ukrainian war to its end, I will be the Democrat leading the committee for his Nobel Peace Prize,” Fetterman said during a television interview on Thursday.

Trump, nominated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has also received the backing of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Notably, even Hamas is lauding President Trump. The group on Thursday praised “the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at definitively stopping the war and the complete withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip.”

Sen. Fetterman’s remarks come as the chances of Trump winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize have surged following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Leading bookmaker Star Sports has now placed Trump as the second favorite to win, with odds improving from 5/1 (16.7 percent) on October 3 to 3/1 (25 percent).

Image by Tom Wolf.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 9, 2025
William Upton
Politics

Could the Democrat Government Shutdown Kill the Filibuster?

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) discussed the ongoing government shutdown and proposed a Republican-only vote to reopen the government and reform healthcare.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Moreno, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, and consultant Liam P. Donovan.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments made on Wednesday evening with new revelations on the Democrat filibuster aims on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I would advocate to my colleagues, let’s make this a Republican-only vote, let’s reopen the government, let’s reform health care.” – Sen. Moreno

🎯IMPACT: While some congressional Republicans like Sen. Moreno and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene are pushing to end the filibuster, longtime Republican Capitol Hill operatives worry the move may ultimately play into Democratic hands.

IN FULL

Some congressional Republicans are breaking ranks and calling on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to move for a Republican-only vote to reopen the government and reform Obamacare to avoid looming insurance premium increases. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) floated the possibility during a television interview late Wednesday, while Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) echoed the idea in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

“Tomorrow, the Democrats can change this. They can vote—all we need is five Democrats. My point of view would be this: We have almost all Republicans on board. Maybe it’s time to think about the filibuster, we say, look, the Democrats would have done it, let’s just vote with Republicans. We’ve got 52 Republicans. Let’s go and let’s open the government. It may get to that,” Moreno said last night.

The Ohio Republican added, “[I]f they let this keep going on, I would advocate to my colleagues, let’s make this a Republican-only vote, let’s re-open the government, let’s reform health care. Because, look, the filibuster, it’s something that’s important, it’s institutional. Look at the damages, the real damage, where they can hold this hostage, Laura, for $1.5 trillion in new spending, health care to non-citizens, re-funding USAID, and abortions on demand. This is their agenda. The American people don’t support it. They want us to do our job, and maybe we do it only with Republicans.”

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed Moreno’s comments Thursday morning, writing on X: “Senate Republicans CAN reopen the government by using the nuclear option, overriding the 60 vote rule. The Democrats will use it to ram everything through if they get back in charge and Schumer already tried it in ‘22.”

However, some longtime Capitol Hill observers warn that Republicans moving to end the filibuster may actually be the outcome Democrats desire most. After it emerged that Senate Democrats remain mostly unified in opposition to reopening the government, Liam Donovan—a former congressional staffer and executive with consulting firm Targeted Victory—argues: “They want Rs to nuke. They’d settle for a price. But that’s what this is meant to signal—nuke it, we’re not budging.”

The Democrats likely see Republicans ending the legislative filibuster as preferable in the long term, giving them carte blanche to push a far-left policy agenda should they retake Congress. Already, the filibuster—requiring a 60-vote threshold for final consideration of legislation—has been ended for judicial nominees and political appointees.

Image via Jewish Democratic Council of America.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more