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Tag: elections
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.

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August 20, 2025
News
Politics

Texas Set to Approve Trump-Backed Redistricting Bill.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Texas legislature is advancing a new congressional redistricting bill put forward by Republicans following weeks of Democrat sabotage.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Texas Republicans, Texas Democrats, Governor Greg Abbott (R), and Democrat governors such as New York’s Kathy Hochul and California’s Gavin Newsom.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Texas, following a Democratic walkout to deny quorum in early August; Democrats returned this Monday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The derelict Democrats spent two weeks of shirking their responsibilities and wasting taxpayer money running from a fight.” – Gov. Abbott.

🎯IMPACT: If passed, the Texas map could flip five Democratic seats to Republican control, intensifying national redistricting battles.

IN FULL

The Texas legislature is set to consider a new congressional redistricting proposal introduced by Republicans on Wednesday, after weeks of sabotage by Democratic lawmakers. Without the numbers to vote down the proposal, Democrats fled the state to deny the legislature a quorum—resulting in Speaker Dustin Burrows issuing civil warrants for the chamber’s sergeant-at-arms and state troopers to arrest them.

Republicans view the Democrats’ return on Monday as a win. If enacted, the proposed new map could shift five congressional seats currently held by Democrats into Republican hands.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott reacted to the Democrats’ return, saying, “The derelict Democrats spent two weeks shirking their responsibilities and wasting taxpayer money running from a fight. Now Republicans will do what we were always going to do: pass the new maps and a host of conservative legislation.”

In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has declared her intent to “fight fire with fire,” pledging that Democrats in her state will move forward with their own redistricting efforts. California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) have followed suit, putting forth a new congressional map in California that could flip five Republican-held districts to the Democrats, despite major opposition from even their own voters.

GOP-controlled states like Ohio, Florida, Indiana, and Missouri are actively pursuing or weighing their own redistricting revisions. Democratic-leaning Maryland and Illinois have joined New York and California in working to redraw their political maps.

Image by Chmorich.

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August 7, 2025
News

Trump Declares Illegal Immigrants Will Not Be Counted in Census.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced plans to exclude illegal immigrants from the next U.S. census and instructed the Commerce Department to begin work on a new census based on the 2024 election results.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Department of Commerce.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made Thursday morning on Truth Social, with implications for the 2024 election and 2030 census.

💬KEY QUOTE: “People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The move could face legal challenges and significantly alter population counts, potentially affecting congressional representation and electoral college votes.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced Thursday morning that illegal immigrants will not be included in the next census. He directed the Commerce Department to begin work on a “new and highly accurate census” based on data from the 2024 presidential election.

“I have instructed our Department of Commerce to immediately begin work on a new and highly accurate CENSUS based on modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: “People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS.”

The U.S. Census Bureau, which is part of the Commerce Department, currently includes illegal immigrants—referred to as “unauthorized migrants”—in its population counts. These figures are used for congressional apportionment and electoral college votes. The bureau defines the “foreign-born” population to include naturalized citizens, lawful permanent residents, temporary migrants, and unauthorized migrants.

Legal challenges could arise from Trump’s directive, as Section 2 of the 14th Amendment states that representatives should be apportioned based on the “whole number of persons in each State.” However, Trump’s focus on census accuracy comes as Republicans and Democrats battle over redistricting in states like Texas ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The 2020 census acknowledged errors that led to undercounts in Republican-led states like Florida and Texas, while Democrat-led states such as New York and Massachusetts were overcounted. If Trump’s plan is implemented, states with large illegal immigrant populations—such as California, Texas, and Florida—could see significant changes in their 2030 census numbers.

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August 6, 2025
News
Politics

Sen. Marsha Blackburn Enters Race for Tennessee Governor.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn announced her candidacy for Tennessee governor.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Rep. John Rose (R-TN), and outgoing Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made on Wednesday, in Tennessee, as Blackburn prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial race.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Here in the Volunteer State, we always lead the way. And that’s why I am announcing my candidacy for governor.” – Marsha Blackburn

🎯IMPACT: If elected, Blackburn would become the first woman to serve as Tennessee governor.

IN FULL

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) officially announced her candidacy for governor of Tennessee on August 6, setting her sights on succeeding term-limited Governor Bill Lee. In a video released to launch her campaign, Blackburn declared her vision to position Tennessee as “America’s conservative leader for this generation and the next.”

Blackburn opened her announcement with a confident message: “Trump is back, America is blessed and Tennessee—better than ever.” Touting her conservative credentials, she aligned herself closely with President Donald J. Trump, adding, “He’s going to need strong conservative governors who can bring that revolution home.”

A veteran of Tennessee politics, Blackburn has served in the U.S. Senate since 2019 and previously held a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than a decade. Her 2018 Senate campaign drew national headlines after pop star Taylor Swift publicly criticized her voting record. Despite the backlash, Blackburn won the race and became the first woman to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. She secured a second term in 2024.

Blackburn’s entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race sets up a Republican primary contest with Representative John Rose, who declared his candidacy earlier this year.

If successful, Blackburn would become Tennessee’s first female governor. This move also places Blackburn among a growing list of U.S. senators seeking gubernatorial office, following recent announcements by Senators Michael Bennet (D) of Colorado and Tommy Tuberville (R) of Alabama.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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July 17, 2025
News
UK

Far-Left UK Govt Dropping Voting Age to 16, Weakening Voter ID—Farage May Benefit.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The British government announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 before the next general election, alongside weakening voter ID rules and a move toward automatic voter registration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the far-left Labour Party, Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali, and the Electoral Commission.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The changes are set to be implemented before the next general election, which must occur no later than 2029, across the United Kingdom.

💬KEY QUOTE: “At 16, a young person can work, they pay taxes, they can join the Army. So there’s no reason why from that age, they shouldn’t have a say in who governs our country.” – Rushanara Ali

🎯IMPACT: The proposed changes would expand the electorate by approximately 1.5 million 16 and 17-year-olds and introduce new voter ID and registration systems.

IN FULL

Britain’s leftist Labour Party government has announced significant electoral changes, lowering the voting age to 16 before the next general election. This change, part of broader election reforms, also includes expanding the range of acceptable voter ID and exploring automated voter registration systems.

Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali defended the decision, stating, “At 16, a young person can work, they pay taxes, they can join the Army. So there’s no reason why from that age, they shouldn’t have a say in who governs our country.” This marks the most significant change to the electorate since the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969.

The reforms mean that 16 and 17-year-olds will now be able to vote in all British elections. Young people will also be allowed to register to vote from age 14. However, the age to stand as a candidate remains at 18.

Additionally, changes to voter ID rules will allow voters to use even British bank cards displaying their names as proof of identity, alongside existing forms of ID such as passports and driving licenses, significantly weakening security. Automated voter registration is also being explored, with pilot programs already underway in Wales.

The next general election must be held by August 2029, but it could occur earlier at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s discretion.

Polling reveals that half of those aged 16 and 17 do not even want to be able to vote, and only 18 percent said they would vote if an election were tomorrow.

Reform Party leader Nigel Farage believes lowering the voting age could benefit Labour due to a strong left-wing bias in the educational system. On X, Farage said, “Giving 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote is an attempt to rig the political system,” but he added that Labour may be in for a shock as Reform polls in second place among the same demographic.

The populist party appears to be particularly popular among young men; a phenomenon that has also been observed in countries such as Germany and Poland.

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June 3, 2025
News
Politics

The Dutch Govt Has Collapsed Over Migration. Here’s Why…

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Geert Wilders, leader of the populist Freedom Party (PVV), withdrew his party from the governing coalition in the Netherlands, collapsing the government.

👥 Who’s Involved: Geert Wilders (PVV), Prime Minister Dick Schoof, center-right VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz, Deputy Prime Minister Mona Keijzer of the  Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB).

📍 Where & When: Netherlands, coalition collapsed after less than a year in office, starting July 2024.

💬 Key Quote: “No signature for our asylum plans. PVV leaves the coalition,” said Geert Wilders on X.

⚠️ Impact: Snap elections are expected, with asylum and immigration likely to dominate campaigns.

IN FULL:

The Dutch governing coalition has collapsed after populist leader Geert Wilders withdrew his Freedom Party (PVV) over disagreements on immigration policy. The coalition, which had been in power for less than a year, fell apart following Wilders’ demand for stricter asylum measures, including freezing applications and limiting chain migration, a.k.a “family reunification.”

Prime Minister Dick Schoof reportedly made a last-minute appeal to coalition leaders on Tuesday morning, but the meeting ended after just one minute when Wilders walked out. Wilders later posted on X, “No signature for our asylum plans. PVV leaves the coalition.”

The coalition, formed in July 2024 after lengthy negotiations, included Wilders’ PVV, the notionally conservative but largely liberal VVD, the upstart Farmers‘ Citizen Movement (BBB), and the marginally center-right New Social Contract.

VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz called Wilders’s decision “super irresponsible,” while Deputy Prime Minister Mona Keijzer of the BBB accused Wilders of “betraying the Netherlands.” However, with PVV being the most successful party in the last Dutch election, many will argue it was incumbent on Wilders’s coalition partners to defer to him on his key issues of asylum and immigration.

The fallout has sparked speculation about snap elections, which could occur this autumn. Analysts suggest that Wilders will likely center his campaign on immigration issues. Wilders and the PVV came first in last year’s national elections, and polling suggests that the PVV remains ahead.

Prime Minister Schoof is expected to offer the cabinet’s resignation to King Willem-Alexander. While Schoof could attempt to lead a minority government, forming alliances with left-wing opposition parties is seen as unlikely. Leftist Labour-Green alliance leader Frans Timmermans, a former top European Union (EU) official, has already called for fresh elections.

Image by Roel Wijnants.

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May 7, 2025
Politics

J.D. Vance’s Brother Secures Spot in Cincinnati Mayoral Race.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Cory Bowman, half-brother of Vice President J.D. Vance, advanced to the Cincinnati mayoral general election in November with 13 percent of the vote.

👥 Who’s Involved: Cory Bowman, Aftab Pureval, Brian Frank, J.D. Vance.

📍 Where & When: Cincinnati, Ohio; with the nonpartisan primary occurring on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Bowman stated, “As I was flying back here from the inauguration, it occurred to me that I could do something to serve the community.”

⚠️ Impact: Bowman will square off against Cincinnati’s incumbent Mayor Aftab Pureval in the Democrat-leaning city during the November 4 election.

IN FULL:

Cory Bowman, the half-brother of Vice President J.D. Vance, has secured a spot in the upcoming general election for Cincinnati‘s mayoral race. Garnering 13 percent of the vote in the recent nonpartisan primary, Bowman, a Republican, will face off against Democratic incumbent Aftab Pureval, who commanded a significant 82.5 percent of the vote. Only the top two vote recipients in the city’s nonpartisan primary advance to the November general election. A second Republican candidate, Brian Frank, was eliminated after receiving just 4.6 percent of the vote.

The city of Cincinnati, known for its Democratic leanings, has not seen a Republican candidate in its mayoral elections since 2009, when former Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) was defeated by Mark Mallory. In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris secured 76 percent of the vote compared to President Donald J. Trump‘s 24 percent. Currently, all nine members of the Cincinnati City Council are Democrats.

Bowman, a pastor at River Church and owner of Kings Arms Coffee Shop, is making his first foray into public office. Inspired after attending the inauguration of President Trump and Vice President Vance, he expressed a desire to serve his community, stating, “As I was flying back here from the inauguration, it occurred to me that I could do something to serve the community.”

While Vice President Vance has not actively campaigned for Bowman, he did offer support via social media, describing Bowman as “a good guy with a heart for serving his community.”

Reacting to the primary results, Bowman acknowledged Pureval’s strong start but remained optimistic about closing the gap, noting, “We’re kind of catching up a little bit.”

WATCH:

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April 24, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Election Integrity

Trump Sets Sights on Notorious Democrat Fundraising Machine.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump is looking to crack down on foreign donations to American elections, which could affect a major Democrat fundraising platform.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Democratic Party, and ActBlue.

📍 Where & When: President Trump is expected to sign a memorandum this week.

💬 Key Quote: “[D]espite repeated instances of fraudulent donations to Democrat campaigns and causes from domestic and foreign sources, ActBlue is not demonstrating a serious effort to deter fraud on its platform.” — House Oversight and Administration Committees staff report.

⚠️ Impact: The crackdown could significantly impede one of the Democrats’ most influential fundraising platforms.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump is set to crack down on the notorious Democrat fundraising platform ActBlue. The America First leader is expected to sign a memorandum on Thursday, April 24, targeting foreign contributions to American elections. Many have claimed that foreigners could exploit ActBlue for such purposes.

A senior White House official disclosed that Attorney General Pam Bondi will be tasked with investigating whether ActBlue facilitated contributions via “dummy” accounts or allowed foreign nationals to donate to Democratic entities.

Until recently, ActBlue did not mandate card verification value (CVV) numbers for financial transactions, and allegations arose about internal directives encouraging ActBlue employees to be “more lenient” in accepting contributions. Between September and October 2024 alone, at least 237 overseas transactions reportedly involving prepaid cards were identified as suspicious by Republicans.

“[D]espite repeated instances of fraudulent donations to Democrat campaigns and causes from domestic and foreign sources, ActBlue is not demonstrating a serious effort to deter fraud on its platform,” contends a House Oversight Committee and Administration Committee staff report on the issue.

U.S. federal law bans any foreign nationals and governments from contributing to federal, state, or local election campaigns. Still, a lack of vetting means foreign donor restrictions can be circumvented.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched his own investigation into ActBlue in December 2023. He alleges that the platform is being exploited to make straw donations using prepaid cards. Paxton has claimed there is evidence that people have used false identities and untraceable payment methods.

In December last year, a Wisconsin court approved a subpoena directed at ActBlue. This came after a GOP consultant claimed someone was using his identity to give money to the platform.

Jack Montgomery contributed to this report.

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mail in ballot
March 28, 2025
News
Politics

Utah Moves to End Universal Vote-by-Mail.

IN BRIEF:

❓What Happened: Utah Governor Spencer Cox approved legislation to discontinue the state’s universal mail-in voting system by 2029.

👥 Who’s Involved: Governor Spencer Cox, Utah state legislators, Voting Rights Lab, American Civil Liberties Union of Utah.

📍 Where & When: Utah, United States; Bill signed on Wednesday.

💬 Key Quote: “Universal mail voting was enormously popular in Utah because it gave voters more freedom and flexibility to vote,” said Chris Diaz from Voting Rights Lab.

⚠️ Impact: Voting rights groups say the move could undermine public trust in elections, though election integrity advocates contend the law will cut down on voter fraud.

IN FULL:

Governor Spencer Cox (R-UT) has signed a bill to phase out Utah’s universal mail-in voting system by 2029. With this move, Utah becomes the first state to cease the practice, where every registered voter automatically receives a mail-in ballot. Approved on Wednesday, the legislation aims to stop potential voter fraud.

The legislation follows President Donald J. Trump’s recent order to limit the counting of mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day.

Utah’s policy change has drawn mixed reactions. Chris Diaz of the Voting Rights Lab highlighted the popularity of mail-in voting in the state, citing it as a means of convenience and democracy. Opposition from voting rights advocates has also been pronounced, with figures such as Ellie Menlove from the far-left American Civil Liberties Union of Utah critiquing the law.

Mail-in voting became incredibly common during the COVID-19 pandemic as some people were told to stay home rather than vote in person. The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) even censored social media users who were concerned about mail-in voting and its potential election integrity problems.

Mail-in voting can also cause delays in the announcing of election results if there are widespread delivery problems in the U.S. mail system. Allegations of mail-in ballot fraud were seen in Oklahoma in 2021 when a Cherokee Nation election volunteer was charged with falsifying over a dozen mail-in ballots.

Just a year later, in Alaska, one in every 12 mail-in ballots cast in a local election was rejected due to irregularities, including postal service errors and voter identity issues.

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Image by IncMonocle
March 14, 2025
News
Politics
UK

Farage’s Reform Party Poised for Big By-Election Victory Over Ruling Labour.

Recent polling data suggests that Nigel Farage‘s Reform Party appears poised for a major breakthrough in a parliamentary by-election (special election) in the United Kingdom. The latest poll conducted by Lord Ashcroft indicates the populist party could secure 40 percent of the vote in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency, ahead of the ruling Labour Party’s projected 35 percent.

The by-election follows the resignation of Labour’s Mike Amesbury after he was convicted of physically assaulting a constituent. Amesbury admitted to punching the constituent but received only a suspended prison sentence.

Reform’s potential parliamentary breakthrough comes despite drama over an existing Member of Parliament, Rupert Lowe, being suspended from the party. Lowe faces bullying accusations but blames quarrels over leadership dynamics with Farage for the fallout. Lowe is also alleged to have threatened the party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf—although he denies this.

Reform has seen massive gains in polling since the July 2024 snap election, in which the party—for the first time—won a handful of parliamentary seats and placed third nationally by share of the popular vote. In recent months, they have consistently polled ahead of the Conservative Party, which governed Britain for 14 years prior to the current Labour government. They have occasionally polled ahead of Labour, too, and are well within striking distance of the leftist party.

Image by IncMonocle.

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Recent polling data suggests that Nigel Farage's Reform Party appears poised for a major breakthrough in a parliamentary by-election (special election) in the United Kingdom. The latest poll conducted by Lord Ashcroft indicates the populist party could secure 40 percent of the vote in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency, ahead of the ruling Labour Party's projected 35 percent. show more