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Conservative Judge J. Michael Luttig Endorses Kamala Harris, Condemns Trump as Threat to Democracy

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Michael Luttig, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (ret.), speaking at the Principles First Summit at the Conrad Hotel in Washington, D.C, on Feb 25, 2024
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Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a respected conservative legal figure appointed by President George H.W. Bush, has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. This marks the first time Luttig, who has served under two Republican administrations, has voted for a Democrat. He describes former President Donald Trump as an existential threat to American democracy, citing Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election as a key factor in his decision.

Luttig’s endorsement is particularly significant given his role in advising then-Vice President Mike Pence to certify Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. He has since become a vocal critic of Trump, emphasizing that the stakes in the 2024 election are as high as during the nation’s founding. Luttig argues that Trump’s influence has caused deep divisions within the Republican Party, distancing it from its Reagan-Bush era principles.

Luttig’s support for Harris is rooted in his belief that the 2024 election transcends traditional party lines. He acknowledges that his policy views differ from Harris’s but insists that the preservation of democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law must take precedence. He warns that the continued spread of falsehoods about the 2020 election has eroded public trust in the electoral system, particularly among younger Americans.

This endorsement adds Luttig to a growing list of Republicans who have crossed party lines to support Harris. Other notable figures include former Congress members Joe Walsh, Barbara Comstock, and Adam Kinzinger. Luttig’s decision, as he explains, is driven by a moral imperative to do what is right, even if it means breaking from his party.

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Elections

Mojtaba Khamenei Iran’s Likely Next Supreme Leader

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Mojtaba Khamenei Iran's Likely Next Supreme Leader
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Iran’s Preeminent Chief, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is supposedly unwell, starting conversations about who will succeed him. At 85 years of age, Khamenei is said to have chosen to step down, picking his child, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the following Incomparable Pioneer. This advancement has caused critical discussion and hypothesis inside Iran and all over the planet.

On September 26, 2024, a gathering of the Get together of Specialists, a 60-part body liable for choosing Iran’s Preeminent Chief, was met at Khamenei’s solicitation. During the meeting, the gathering was approached to go with a secret and quick choice in regards to the initiative change. Reports propose that Mojtaba was collectively picked as the replacement. Notwithstanding, a few individuals communicated disappointment with the choice and the cycle, charging they were compelled into understanding, with cases of pressure and even dangers.

Mojtaba Khamenei was brought into the world in 1969 in Mashhad and is the second child of Ayatollah Khamenei. He concentrated on religious philosophy under his dad and other persuasive pastors and in the long run turned into an educator at the Qom theological college, where he keeps on instructing today. Mojtaba is hitched to Zahra Haddad-Adel, and several has three kids. His connections to the strict and political first class in Iran make him an eminent figure in the country’s initiative scene.

Throughout the long term, Mojtaba has confronted analysis and debate for his political inclusion. He assumed a significant part in supporting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during the official decisions in 2005 and 2009. After Ahmadinejad’s triumph in 2009, far and wide fights emitted, and Mojtaba was supposedly associated with driving endeavors to smother these exhibits. Notwithstanding, his relationship with Ahmadinejad later decayed when the previous president blamed Mojtaba for stealing state reserves, which spoiled his picture.

While Mojtaba’s choice as the following Preeminent Pioneer appears to line up with his dad’s desires, it has not been without challenges. The Gathering of Specialists, however to a great extent stately, is supposed to assume a part in endorsing authority changes. Reports demonstrate disagree among individuals about Mojtaba’s reasonableness for the position, raising worries about his capacity to lead Iran actually and join its different groups. Pundits likewise question whether his impact and assets, supposedly significant, are adequate to guarantee a smooth progress.

Mojtaba’s potential authority brings blended responses. Allies contend that he offers progression and offers his dad’s vision for Iran. Pundits, notwithstanding, dread that his questionable history and absence of more extensive political experience could extend existing divisions inside the country’s political foundation. Some additionally stress over the authenticity of his arrangement, given the mystery and strain encompassing the choice cycle.

As Iran gets ready for a potential initiative change, the world watches intently. The choice to name Mojtaba as Preeminent Pioneer could have extensive results, molding Iran’s homegrown and worldwide arrangements for quite a long time into the future. While the change stays questionable, it is without a doubt a critical crossroads in the nation’s set of experiences.

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Trump Turns Town Hall into Musical Spectacle, Raising Eyebrows Ahead of 2024 Election

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Trump Turns Town Hall into Musical Event
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Trump’s Unusual Town Hall in Pennsylvania: A Musical Detour Instead of Political Dialogue

OAKS, Pa. — In what turned out to be an unexpected and unconventional town hall, former President Donald Trump surprised his audience in Oaks, Pennsylvania, by turning a political event into a musical session. Scheduled for October 14, 2024, the town hall began like any other, with Trump answering questions on housing affordability and small businesses. But what started as a routine political discourse quickly took an unexpected turn after two medical emergencies in the audience caused Trump to shift the event’s focus entirely.

Rather than continue answering questions, Trump opted to engage the audience with a half-hour-long playlist of his favorite songs. Swaying and dancing to the tunes, Trump transformed the event into a personal jam session, baffling some attendees and captivating others. This peculiar turn of events came at a crucial moment as the 2024 election looms just 22 days away.

A Bizarre Shift in Focus: Music Over Questions

Moderated by South Dakota Governor Kristi L. Noem, the event initially followed the format of most town halls, with attendees asking preselected questions. Trump, known for his long-winded and often meandering answers, began responding to queries about pressing issues like housing and small business support. However, when two attendees required medical attention within a short span of time, the focus of the town hall shifted dramatically.

Rather than continuing with the political dialogue, Trump took a more lighthearted approach. “Let’s not do any more questions. Let’s just listen to music. Let’s make it into a music,” Trump joked to the crowd, suggesting that nobody really wanted to hear more questions anyway. This marked the beginning of a 39-minute segment where Trump swayed, bopped, and gestured to the audience as his self-curated playlist blared from the speakers.

Governor Noem stood beside Trump on stage, occasionally nodding along to the music with her hands clasped. Meanwhile, Trump moved back and forth, engaging with the crowd in what felt like a living-room listening session rather than a high-stakes political event.

A Playlist That Took Center Stage

For nearly 40 minutes, Trump played nine tracks from his personal playlist, some of which have long been staples at his rallies. James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” and Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” were among the tracks that filled the air, while Trump occasionally paused to speak.

This wasn’t the first time Trump has shown a strong attachment to his playlist. Over the years, aides have described him as an amateur DJ, curating music on his campaign plane or at Mar-a-Lago. His love for certain songs has even caused tensions with artists who requested he stop using their music at political events. Despite the controversies, Trump has remained undeterred in using his favorite tracks to connect with his supporters.

As he danced and swayed on stage, the crowd appeared divided. Some audience members began to leave, unsure of how much longer the event would last or if Trump would return to the political discussion. Others stayed, recording videos on their phones, seemingly entertained by the impromptu concert.

Trump’s decision to forego questions and instead turn the town hall into a music session struck some as bizarre, especially given the timing. With the 2024 election just around the corner, and Vice President Kamala Harris recently questioning Trump’s mental stability, the move raised eyebrows. Harris, who has referred to Trump as unstable, criticized his behavior, fueling further speculation about his mental acuity at age 78.

Medical Emergencies and Musical Tributes

The tone of the evening shifted when a man fainted in the crowd. Trump paused his remarks, while attendees rushed to help the individual, fanning him and singing “God Bless America.” As medical staff attended to the man, Trump made light of the situation. “While we’re waiting… could we get this song up quickly?” Trump asked, before requesting “Ave Maria” to be played over the speakers.

Minutes later, another attendee needed medical attention, prompting Trump to stop once again. “Take your time, doctor,” Trump said, as “Ave Maria” played for the second time that evening. Trump, ever the showman, quipped to the audience: “Would anybody else like to faint? Please raise your hand.”

Despite these interruptions, Trump’s focus remained largely on the music. He referred to one of his favorite immigration statistics charts, using it as a segue to play another song. At one point, Trump dedicated a song to a Gold Star family in the audience, whose son had been killed in action. “That’s for your boy, stand up,” he said, pointing to the grieving couple as music played in the background.

The Music Takes Over the Town Hall

As the evening wore on, the musical interlude showed no signs of stopping. Trump’s playlist continued with Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye,” followed by more hits. After a brief return to political messaging, in which Trump emphasized the importance of winning Pennsylvania, he shifted back to music once more.

Governor Noem, who had been moderating the event, gave Trump the option to either close the town hall with a song or take a few more questions. Trump’s response was clear: “So, Justin, how about a couple really beauties and we’ll sit down and relax.” Instead of questions, however, the music resumed.

As James Brown’s iconic voice filled the air, Trump returned to the stage, seemingly caught between his role as a political figure and his apparent love for music. “This is the most important election in the history of our country,” Trump declared. But instead of continuing with his political points, Trump once again shifted back to the music, signaling to the crowd that the evening was far from over.

An Odd Display of Campaigning with 22 Days to Go

With the 2024 election drawing closer, Trump’s musical town hall left many wondering what exactly had just unfolded. Some speculated that it was a clever way for Trump to engage his base, while others questioned the appropriateness of such a display in the middle of a crucial campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris’ comments about Trump’s mental stability only added fuel to the fire, casting a shadow over the evening’s events.

As Trump swayed and danced to songs like “YMCA” and Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain,” the crowd continued to cheer, dance, and sing along. The atmosphere took on an almost celebratory tone, even as some attendees remained puzzled by the unexpected detour from political discourse.

A teleprompter asks Trump to take two more questions from the crowd before pivoting to music. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

“Those two people that went down are patriots, and we love them,” Trump said, referencing the two attendees who required medical attention earlier in the evening. “And because of them, we ended up with some good music, right?” With that, Trump signaled for the music to continue, and the Village People’s “YMCA” blared from the speakers.

Governor Noem joined in, leading the crowd in the familiar “Y” dance move as Trump swayed alongside her. “Nobody’s leaving,” Trump said as the song drew to a close, adding, “Turn that music up! Great song!”

A Final Musical Tribute Before the End

As the town hall wound down, Trump’s playlist continued with more emotional and iconic tracks. “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor played, followed by Elvis Presley’s “An American Trilogy” and Oliver Anthony’s viral hit “Rich Men North of Richmond.”

Trump stood, swaying to the music, before finally making his exit as Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” played in the background. Walking off stage, Trump shook hands with attendees, thanking them for coming, while the final song of the night, “Memory” from Cats the musical, played over the loudspeakers.

The town hall had come to an end, but it was far from a typical political event. For Trump, the evening had morphed into a personal playlist performance, leaving the political questions behind in favor of a musical spectacle that few had anticipated.

This musical town hall, held in Pennsylvania, will likely be remembered as one of the most unusual campaign events in recent memory. As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s decision to pivot from policy discussions to a playlist of personal favorites continues to spark debate and intrigue among voters and political analysts alike.

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Netanyahu Defends Military Actions at U.N., Rejects Calls for Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Conflict

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Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu hold signs as he addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.
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In a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s stance against calls for a ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and Gaza. Amid escalating military actions, Netanyahu declared that Israel is “winning on multiple fronts” and remains committed to attacking Iran-backed militants across the Middle East.

As Netanyahu addressed the Assembly, Israeli air force jets conducted strikes on Hezbollah targets in central Beirut. The Israeli government claims these locations serve as a key operational base for the militant group, which has been involved in recent escalations.

Netanyahu’s address, which sharply criticized the U.N. for fostering “antisemitic bile,” was met with walkouts from many U.N. delegates. His remarks came after several Arab leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Abbas argued that Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas-led attack has resulted in what he described as a “war of genocide” against Palestinians, accusations which Israel has repeatedly denied.

Despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire, Netanyahu remained resolute. “Israel yearns for peace,” he said, adding that while Israel has previously made peace, it will continue its military operations until its security objectives are achieved.

Netanyahu’s firm stance has not only sparked controversy abroad but also within Israel, where critics accuse him of using public statements to obstruct peace negotiations. Recent talks, facilitated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, have reportedly stalled due to Israel’s demands.

Israel’s U.N. ambassador Danny Danon commented on the situation, stating that while diplomacy is preferred, military actions will continue until Israel achieves its goals of ensuring the safe return of 70,000 Israeli citizens displaced by the conflict and the neutralization of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

As Israeli forces ramp up airstrikes and mobilize additional reserves near the northern border, Netanyahu is also facing legal challenges. The International Criminal Court has issued a demand for his arrest, accusing him of war crimes related to the conflict, which Netanyahu has dismissed as politically motivated.

The ongoing military campaign and Netanyahu’s diplomatic maneuvering continue to shape the conflict’s trajectory, leaving the prospect of a ceasefire uncertain as tensions in the region remain high.

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