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Tag: Republican

  • ‘Traditional family values’ Michigan lawmaker appears in adult hookup sites  – Detroit Metro Times

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    The name, email address, and home address of Republican state Rep. Bryan Posthumus of Kent County, along with a credit card bearing his name, appear in data from Ashley Madison, a website for people seeking affairs. 

    Posthumus, who has built his political career around “traditional family values,” was married in March 2012 when the account under his name was used multiple times to access the chat and mail features, according to records reviewed by Metro Times and verified through publicly available cybersecurity databases. 

    Posthumus’s personal information also shows up on two other adult hookup websites — AdultFriendFinder and Fling.com, a pornographic dating site that features live web cams and promised users they could “find sex” and “get laid tonight.”  

    An AdultFriendFinder account used the possy355@aol.com email address and was last accessed in 2012.

    A Fling.com account listed the same password found in the AdultFriendFinder breach and used his bryan.posthumus@gmail.com address, which Posthumus used in his candidate filing data. The Fling.com information also included his October 26, 1984, birth date. The account lists top interests as “fetish,” “group sex,” and “online flirting.” The account also indicates an interest in men, women, or couples. 

    Each of these sites has since confirmed the authenticity of the breaches. Metro Times independently verified the information using original data files and multiple cybersecurity databases.

    In response to questions from Metro Times, Posthumus’s office in Lansing emailed a letter from the lawmaker’s lawyer John C. Burns, who called the allegations “categorically false” and accused the story of being a “hit piece” and “nothing more than a thinly veiled political attack masquerading as journalism.”

    The 2015 Ashley Madison hack exposed the personal information of more than 30 million users of the infidelity website, which was explicitly marketed to married people seeking affairs under the slogan, “Life is short. Have an affair.” The leak ensnared numerous politicians and public officials worldwide and has been used in reporting by outlets, including The Washington Post and Politico.

    The Ashley Madison data includes an email address linked to Posthumus and a Lowell home address that he and his then-wife purchased in 2011, as well as a credit card bearing his name. The data matches information contained in the leak, which was one of the largest privacy breaches in internet history. The same property and email appear in other public records tied to the lawmaker.

    The account was accessed several times between March and September 2012, and it used the site’s mail and chat features.

    At the time, Posthumus was married. His former wife, Stacy Posthumus, filed for divorce in early 2014, according to court records. 

    The profile associated with the information contained explicit sexual preferences and listed the user’s relationship status as “attached male seeking female.” In a written response field, the user wrote:

    “I love when a woman takes charge and seduces me.”

    The account lists favored sexual activities such as “threesome,” “being dominant/master,” “being submissive/slave,” and “one-night stands.”

    Posthumus, 41, represents part of Kent County in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he serves as majority floor leader. He previously served as Minority Floor Leader and as finance chair for the Kent County Republican Party.

    Posthumus married Elizabeth Posthumus in 2022. Since then, he has been accused of living outside his House district on two separate occasions. County court records showed he and his wife filed to run for precinct delegate positions in two separate townships, and only one of those was within his House district. Posthumus said he bought a Cannon Township condo to maintain his residency in the 90th House District while keeping close to his wife’s family. 

    The adult hookup websites stand in stark contrast to the man who has built his image around God, morality, and “traditional family values.” In 2022, the Christian Coalition of Michigan named him its “Friend of the Family Award” for his “strong defense of family values.” In accepting the award, Posthumus said he was “honored to receive this recognition.”

    He has voted against repealing Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban that lacked exceptions for rape or incest, against removing criminal penalties for doctors who perform abortions, against expanding protections for LGBTQ+ residents, and against banning conversion therapy for minors.

    In his attorney’s letter to Metro Times, Burns accused the publication of trying to “weaponize unverified, anonymous data dumps” and claimed that “a disgruntled former employee” or political opponent could have created the accounts. It also described the reporting as a “thinly veiled political attack masquerading as journalism.”

    However, the Ashley Madison account was created nearly a decade before Posthumus was first elected to public office.

    Posthumus is part of one of Michigan’s most prominent Republican political families. His father, Dick Posthumus, served as lieutenant governor under Gov. John Engler from 1999 to 2003, and his sister, Lisa Posthumus Lyons, is the Kent County clerk and register of deeds and previously served three terms in the state House.

    Born in Grand Rapids on Oct. 26, 1984, Posthumus earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management from Michigan State University. He is managing partner of West Michigan Hopyards, a hop farm he co-founded in 2013, and CEO of Tuebor Strategies, a consulting firm launched in 2010. He previously worked as a national account and regional sales manager at Compatico.

    Posthumus is a three-term lawmaker who was first elected in November 2020. 

    Posthumus has twice been convicted of drunk driving — once in 2013 and again in 2021, the latter while serving as a state representative. He spent 15 days in jail following the 2021 conviction. For his 2013 conviction, Posthumus’s license was temporarily suspended.

    In November 2024, Posthumus and West Michigan Hopyards were sued in federal court by a migrant worker alleging wage theft and labor-law violations. The suit claims worker Jose Magana Garcia was denied full pay, forced to go weeks without compensation, and lacked access to bathroom facilities while working long hours on the 33-acre hop farm.

    Posthumus and his business partner have called the allegations “politically motivated” and “frivolous.”

    Last month, Metro Times revealed that Republican state Rep. Josh Schriver, R-Oxford, who introduced legislation in September to ban online pornography statewide, appeared on Fling.com. The leaked information, verified by the cybersecurity database SnusBase, lists Schriver’s email address and a profile indicating sexual interests including “fetish” and “groupsex.” The account was last accessed on Sept. 11, 2010, according to breach data.

    Schriver denied having a Fling.com account. 

    Editor’s note: Metro Times reviewed the data linked to Posthumus in verified cybersecurity breach databases and cross-referenced it with public property, campaign, and voter records. The information includes email addresses, a home address, and a credit card in his name. Publication of this story serves the public interest because Posthumus has based his political career on promoting “traditional family values” while seeking to legislate personal morality.


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    Steve Neavling

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  • Opinion | The New Right’s New Antisemites

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    Kevin Roberts of the Heritage Foundation flounders in the Tucker Carlson-Nick Fuentes fever swamps.

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    The Editorial Board

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  • Houston schools cratered after state takeover. Fort Worth, fight back! | Opinion

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    Students are drilled for tests instead of inspired to learn. This isn’t education — it’s demoralization.

    Students are drilled for tests instead of inspired to learn. This isn’t education — it’s demoralization.

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    Demoralized

    I’m the parent of two recent Houston ISD graduates who lived through the state takeover of the district. I hoped it would bring positive change. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

    Under Superintendent Mike Miles, Houston children are drilled for tests instead of inspired to learn. Students deliberately answer questions wrong to avoid “team centers,” where success means more worksheets. This isn’t education — it’s demoralization.

    Houston public schools have lost nearly 20,000 students, more than during the pandemic. Last year alone, a record number of staff members left, including many of our best educators. One campus had six principals in less than two years.

    I urge Fort Worth ISD to fight the state takeover. Protect your schools, your teachers and your students’ futures.

    – Heather Golden, Houston

    Priced out

    When I was a kid, it was possible to return enough soda bottles or mow enough lawns to pay for a ticket to see the Rangers play. Now that I’m retired, I’ll never enjoy another game because of the high ticket and concession prices. Had I known the cost of going to the State Fair this year, I would have stayed longer last year.

    It’s sad that so many normal folks can’t afford to enjoy what used to be the little things in life.

    – Ray Flenniken, Fort Worth

    Clean it up

    Guest commentary author Matthew Kandrach is wrong: Coal isn’t the answer to lowering energy costs, period. (Oct. 31, “Electric bills are rising fast. Here’s how coal plants can help”) Coal power is more expensive than ever because of the high cost of maintaining aging plants, rising fuel prices and environmental cleanup requirements.

    Renewable energy such as wind and solar is now the cheapest source of new electricity. Once generation is built and connected to the electrical grid and battery storage facilities, renewables have no fuel costs and protect consumers from global price spikes, while also creating local jobs and, most important, not contributing further environmental damage. If we want affordable, reliable energy for the future, we should invest in clean, renewable power — not return to outdated, costly, dirty coal.

    – Andrea Christgau, Keller

    Wrong choice

    I always read the Star-Telegram Editorial Board’s endorsements for elections, and I generally trust and agree with the information you provide. However, your choice of John Huffman for the Texas Senate was surprising. (Oct. 19, C6, “Star-Telegram endorsement: Tarrant election to fill state Senate seat”)

    Perhaps the intent was to draw a distinction between two Republicans, Huffman and Leigh Wambsganss, but you could instead endorse the Democrat, Taylor Rehmet. He is an up-and-coming leader, who is enthusiastically trying to represent unions and working people.

    Huffman’s campaign literature says he will defend schools against extreme “woke” indoctrination, ban so-called “critical race theory” and protect women and girls by keeping men out of their sports. I think it’s way past time for the Star-Telegram to call out these candidates who have nothing to offer except this kind of inflammatory nonsense.

    – Penny Baxter, North Richland Hills

    Power grabs

    We have a constitutional amendment election Tuesday. This Texas Legislature doesn’t need another victory for its power grabs and poor spending decisions. Vote against all 17 amendments. That would send a strong message that we are sick of Gov. Greg Abbott and his cronies.

    – Robert Adams, Fort Worth

    Our fault

    For the last 80 years, Congress has steadily ceded its constitutional powers to the presidency. If an autocracy is pending, we have done this to ourselves. I do not care if our next senators and representatives from Texas are Democrats, Republicans or independents. I want to elect candidates who will claw back from the executive those powers that rightfully belong to Congress and make it again a co-equal branch of government.

    – Paul R. Schattman, Arlington

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  • New Fox News poll shows Jack Ciattarelli down 7 points days before election

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    A new poll from Fox News shows Democratic nominee for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill up 7 percentage points over Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli five days before Election Day.

    Why It Matters

    The New Jersey gubernatorial election stands as one of the nation’s most closely watched races, with implications for national party strategy and the 2026 midterms.

    The contest could also be viewed as a key litmus test for sentiment toward President Donald Trump in the Northeast and a potential indicator of Republican momentum in traditionally Democratic strongholds.

    New Jersey has not elected a Republican governor since 2013, when the Garden State reelected former Governor Chris Christie, or voted for a Republican in a presidential race since 1988, when it backed former President George H.W. Bush. A shift in voter sentiment could impact both parties’ approaches beyond 2025.

    What To Know

    In the poll released on Thursday, Sherrill has 52 percent of the vote opposed to Ciattarelli’s 45 percent. The poll surveyed 956 likely voters from October 24 to October 28 and has a 3 percent margin of error.

    The poll shows a shift from an earlier survey by Fox News this month that had Sherrill at 50 percent and Ciattarelli with 45 percent.

    Thursday’s poll shows that 64 percent of Sherrill supporters say their vote is to express opposition to Trump, while 35 percent of Ciattarelli supporters say their vote is to express support for the president.

    “It’s a cliché, but it’s true, this race is all about turnout, so the big question is whether Trump supporters show up when he’s not on the ballot,” Daron Shaw, a Republican who conducts the Fox News Poll with Democrat Chris Anderson, said in the survey. “Sherrill’s supporters seem like they are going to turn out, but the evidence is mixed for those backing Ciattarelli. If the MAGA base comes around during this final weekend, the Democratic advantage narrows considerably.”

    Sherrill’s favorability is 54 percent in the new poll, compared to 51 percent earlier this month. Ciattarelli’s favorability is 46 percent compared to 48 percent earlier this month.

    What People Are Saying

    Trump, on Truth Social this month: “Why would anyone vote for New Jersey and Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, when they want transgender for everybody, men playing in women’s sports, High Crime, and the most expensive Energy prices almost anywhere in the World? VOTE REPUBLICAN for massive Energy Cost reductions, large scale Tax Cuts, and basic Common Sense! Under President Trump, ME, Gasoline will come down to approximately $2 a Gallon, very soon! With the Democrats, you’ll be paying $4, $5, and $6 a Gallon, and your Electric and other Energy costs will, likewise, SOAR. VOTE REPUBLICAN FOR A GREAT AND VERY AFFORDABLE LIFE. All you’ll get from voting Democrat is unrelentingly High Crime, Energy prices through the roof, men playing in women’s sports, and HEARTACHE!”

    Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro, to Newsweek when asked if it is unusual for Trump to play a factor into voters’ decision-making in New Jersey: “It is not unusual. These off-year elections after a presidential election in particular are often at least somewhat a signal of dissatisfaction with the performance of the party in power in the White House. That is why these elections are being looked at closely nationally. They have potential implications for the midterm elections.”

    Ciattarelli, on X Thursday: “After 8 years of Phil Murphy’s failures, New Jersey families are paying the price every single day. Failed schools. Handcuffed police officers. Overdevelopment destroying our communities. Higher taxes crushing working families. And my opponent? Endorsed every. single. one of these disasters. I’m running to make New Jersey affordable again. Safe again. We need police officers who can do their jobs — not politicians tying their hands. We need policies that help families — not hurt them. The choice is clear: more of the same failed policies that got us here, or real change that puts New Jersey families first. What’s it going to be, New Jersey? Make your voice heard. Vote for change! Early voting is open until 8pm tonight, and back again tomorrow at 10am.”

    Sherrill, on X early Thursday: “The difference between me and Jack is clear as day. I’m going to serve YOU while he only cares to serve the president.”

    What Happens Next

    The New Jersey gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 4. Early voting is underway across the state. Both campaigns are focused on boosting turnout among undecided voters, independents and key demographics.

    The outcome will determine not only the successor to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy but may also set the tone for party strategies in the 2026 congressional midterms.

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  • Government shutdown enters fourth week, affecting federal workers, services, economy

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    The government shutdown is entering a fourth week as Democrats and Republicans blame each other for holding the country “hostage.” Caught in the middle, federal workers, government services, and the economy are all feeling the impact. Previous shutdowns have seen reduced overall economic growth, disproportionately affecting certain industries. National parks and museums remain closed, flight delays are mounting, and backlogs for new small business loans and flood insurance renewals are growing.Republicans continue to accuse Democrats of blocking paychecks by refusing to reopen the government, while Democrats argue that Republicans are unwilling to negotiate over the core issue of health care funding. “Congressional Democrats seem to want to keep the government shut down even though it would mean that a lot of you would not get your paycheck,” Vice President JD Vance said in remarks to an audience of Marines celebrating the 250th anniversary Saturday.Democrats pushed back in “No Kings” protests across the country.”They’re the ones acting like children refusing to negotiate with Democrats in the Senate who they know have to vote for a budget in order for it to become law,” Sen. Chris Murphy said in an interview Saturday.The shutdown has had a sizable impact as uncertainty weighs on the federal workforce. Under the Trump administration’s direction, federal agencies have been planning not just furloughs but also permanent layoffs. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the firings, deeming them potentially illegal.Public perception of who is to blame has been roughly evenly split. A new Associated Press poll finds that a majority, about 6 in 10 Americans, blame President Donald Trump and Republicans for the shutdown. An even larger majority, three-quarters of Americans, believe both sides deserve at least a “moderate” share of the blame, suggesting that no one has truly escaped responsibility for the shutdown.Watch the latest coverage on the federal government shutdown:

    WASHINGTON —

    The government shutdown is entering a fourth week as Democrats and Republicans blame each other for holding the country “hostage.” Caught in the middle, federal workers, government services, and the economy are all feeling the impact.

    Previous shutdowns have seen reduced overall economic growth, disproportionately affecting certain industries.

    National parks and museums remain closed, flight delays are mounting, and backlogs for new small business loans and flood insurance renewals are growing.

    Republicans continue to accuse Democrats of blocking paychecks by refusing to reopen the government, while Democrats argue that Republicans are unwilling to negotiate over the core issue of health care funding.

    “Congressional Democrats seem to want to keep the government shut down even though it would mean that a lot of you would not get your paycheck,” Vice President JD Vance said in remarks to an audience of Marines celebrating the 250th anniversary Saturday.

    Democrats pushed back in “No Kings” protests across the country.

    “They’re the ones acting like children refusing to negotiate with Democrats in the Senate who they know have to vote for a budget in order for it to become law,” Sen. Chris Murphy said in an interview Saturday.

    The shutdown has had a sizable impact as uncertainty weighs on the federal workforce. Under the Trump administration’s direction, federal agencies have been planning not just furloughs but also permanent layoffs. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the firings, deeming them potentially illegal.

    Public perception of who is to blame has been roughly evenly split. A new Associated Press poll finds that a majority, about 6 in 10 Americans, blame President Donald Trump and Republicans for the shutdown. An even larger majority, three-quarters of Americans, believe both sides deserve at least a “moderate” share of the blame, suggesting that no one has truly escaped responsibility for the shutdown.

    Watch the latest coverage on the federal government shutdown:

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  • ‘Pathetic RINO’: Donald Trump insults his own party’s rep yet again, because he dared to speak against the president | The Mary Sue

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    Donald Trump‘s favorite hobby after singing his own praises is hurling unprovoked insults at his political rivals. This week, he took to Truth Social for another public tantrum, targeting Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie.

    Massie is one of the few GOP politicians still capable of independent thought, but that doesn’t sit right with the MAGA boss, who prefers to keep his administration on a leash. However, the Kentucky rep has long refused to rubber-stamp Trump’s agenda. He voted against the administration’s massive spending and tax package, questioned military strikes in Iran, and, most recently, called for the declassification of federal Epstein investigation files.

    Trump, who once promised to release those same files, has since changed course. And now the congressman pushing for transparency is suddenly a “RINO.” But out of his god-complex, Trump cannot take criticism. So, in his latest rant that reads like an insecure breakup letter written in all caps, he decided to label Massie a “Third Rate Congressman,” calling for him to be “thrown out of office” and endorsing Ed Gallrein for the position instead:

    “Third Rate Congressman Thomas Massie, a Weak and Pathetic RINO from the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, a place I love, and won big SIX TIMES, must be thrown out of office, ASAP! The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District gave us a mandate to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that will help us do that is Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, Captain Ed Gallrein, a true America First Patriot.”

    This marks the second time in four months that Trump has publicly humiliated Massie, branding him “a negative force,” “weak, ineffective,” and a “lightweight Congressman” in his earlier post. He declared back then that “MAGA doesn’t want him, doesn’t know him, and doesn’t respect him,” ostracizing the republican from his own party. But the internet didn’t miss the pattern. One user on X summarized the moment perfectly:

    “Each day it becomes clearer that the Republicans are trying to avoid a vote on the Epstein files. Johnson hasn’t called a House session in months, they won’t swear in Grijalva, and Trump just attacked Thomas Massie on social media.”

    Another saw the crystal clear reason Trump wants Massie out of office: “Trump wants Massie thrown out of office because he’s the only one of the bunch who thinks a pedophile doesn’t belong in the Oval Office.” The backlash highlights the increasingly obvious truth that the GOP isn’t a political party anymore, but a loyalty test. Anyone who questions Trump’s whims is instantly branded a traitor to MAGA.

    But Trump’s constant attacks on his political rivals expose the huge movement he’s leading, which is devouring its own to protect one man’s ego. For a party that claims to love “freedom,” it’s doing a remarkable job of punishing anyone who exercises it.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Kopal

    Staff Writer

    Kopal primarily covers politics for The Mary Sue. Off the clock, she switches to DND mode and escapes to the mountains.

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    Kopal

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  • The VFW Stands Up For Marijuana

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    Long a conservative standard, the VFW is recognizing  science and the needs of their members.

    Seen as a symbol of small towns, patriotic service and right of center, the VFW stands up for marijuana. In a move that reflects shifting attitudes toward cannabis and wellness, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is partnering with Torch Cannabis Co. to introduce THC-infused beverages at select posts across the country. The rollout will occur only in states where cannabis products are legal, and profits will support veteran assistance programs and community services.

    RELATED: Cannabis Can Help PTSD

    The decision marks one of the most progressive steps in the VFW’s 125-year history—aligning the organization more closely with public opinion than with the still-cautious federal stance on marijuana.

    Founded in 1899 by veterans of the Spanish-American War, the VFW has long been a cornerstone of American veteran life—championing health care access, benefits, and social connection for returning service members. Its neighborhood posts have served as gathering places for generations, known as much for camaraderie as for the signature bar and beer taps behind it.

    The move toward cannabis beverages represents both a generational shift and an acknowledgment of new realities. Many younger veterans—especially those from Iraq and Afghanistan—are increasingly open to low-dose cannabis drinks as alternatives to alcohol or prescription medications.

    “This isn’t about turning the VFW into a dispensary,” one national officer explained. “It’s about offering veterans responsible choices and keeping our organization relevant to the next generation.”

    For years, veterans have turned to medical marijuana to ease symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and insomnia. Studies from the Department of Veterans Affairs and independent researchers show mixed results, but many service members report improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and fewer nightmares.

    While the VA still cannot prescribe or recommend cannabis under federal law, the VFW has publicly supported research into medical cannabis as a treatment option for veterans. The organization has lobbied Congress to allow VA doctors to discuss it openly with patients—a step most lawmakers have yet to take.

    RELATED: Is Cannabis Now The #1 Sleep Aid

    Public sentiment is firmly on the VFW’s side. Surveys show that more than 70 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization, and an even higher percentage favor its use for medical purposes. Yet federal cannabis policy remains largely unchanged, despite repeated bipartisan efforts to loosen restrictions for veterans’ medical care.

    By embracing cannabis beverages, the VFW is once again ahead of the curve—echoing the will of its members and the public rather than waiting for Washington to catch up.

    For an organization steeped in tradition, the VFW’s new partnership sends a clear message: supporting veterans means evolving with them. Whether the drink in hand is a cold beer or a mild cannabis seltzer, the mission remains the same—honor, community, and care for those who served.

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    Terry Hacienda

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  • Democrats’ chances of flipping Virginia governor’s seat: Poll

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    Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears trails Democratic former U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger by 10 points in the race for the gubernatorial seat in Virginia, a new poll from Emerson College shows on Thursday.

    Newsweek reached out to political analysts via email for additional comment.

    Why It Matters

    The 2025 Virginia governor’s race offers a pivotal test for both parties ahead of next year’s midterms. Virginia, which has trended Democratic in recent presidential elections, saw Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin secure a narrow victory in 2021, signaling the state’s battleground status. How Democrats fare in efforts to reclaim the governor’s office could preview a national pattern and influence party strategies as the GOP strives to maintain control of the House and Senate while Democrats push for significant gains after a disappointing 2024.

    What To Know

    In the poll, Earle-Sears received 42 percent of the vote compared to Spanberger’s 52 percent. In a January survey by the pollster, the lieutenant governor garnered 41 percent and the former congresswoman won 42 percent, a noticeable swing in favor of Democrats.

    The poll surveyed 725 likely Virginia voters on September 28 to September 29 and has a 3.6 percent margin of error.

    According to an A2 Insights poll conducted from September 26 to September 28, Spanberger leads Earle-Sears by 3 points (48 percent to 45 percent), the closest showing between the two in months.

    The Emerson College poll also shows Spanberger with a 51 percent favorability rating versus a 38 percent unfavorable rating. Earle-Sears landed a 42 percent favorability score compared to a 44 percent unfavorable mark.

    What People Are Saying

    Spanberger, on X Thursday: “Virginians are already facing rising costs, and now — due to Trump’s government shutdown — 300,000+ Virginians may lose their paychecks. Now more than ever, Virginians deserve a Governor who will stand up for their jobs and lower costs — not one who only puts the President first.”

    Earle-Sears, on X Wednesday: “Abigail Spanberger is extreme—on the border, on sanctuary for violent illegals, on letting men into girls’ locker rooms. Every position she takes puts Virginians in harm’s way.”

    Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro, to Newsweek via email: “This would be a big reversal and loss for the Republicans. Youngkin’s victory four years ago was a similar loss for the Democrats. The current lead bodes well for the Democrats in November. It may reflect how the loss of the jobs of federal workers who live in Virginia and especially dissatisfaction with Trump’s actions and policies more broadly may have serious repercussions for Republicans in the governor’s race—and for Republicans in Virginia in 2026.”

    What Happens Next

    The 2025 Virginia gubernatorial election is set for November 4. Amid the tightening of poll margins and fluctuating voter sentiment, both candidates will intensify their campaigns as Election Day nears. Continued polling and shifts in campaign strategy may further influence the race’s trajectory.

    Update 10/2/25, 11:51 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Shapiro.

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  • ‘You Can’t Give Up Local Races’: DNC Chair visits Georgia on eve of special election

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    Debra Shigley and Jason T. Dickerson will face off in another special election on Tuesday, Sept. 23. This will be the second election the two State Senate candidates have been involved in a month. A Democrat, Shigley, has received support from the Democratic National Committee in the past, but on Saturday, Sept. 20, she got that helping hand on the ground. 

    Debra Shigley (center) delivers a speech at the Canton Square on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Canton, Georgia. Shigley is running for the open seat in the Georgia State Senate, District 21. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

    Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martic was in Alpharetta and stumped alongside Shigley and others in District 21 on Saturday. The district includes parts of Fulton County (Alpharetta) and Cherokee County (Canton), and though Shigley is popular among voters in both parts of the district (she won 62% of the Fulton County votes, for example), she has to gear up for another election. Winning this special election may not seem like a big deal on the national level, but Martin thinks otherwise. Wins are wins, he says.

    “It’s important for us to realize that we make sure we get Democrats elected on all levels,” Martin told The Atlanta Voice. “That’s where the rubber hits the road.”

    Martin took part in door-knocking in Alpharetta and met Shigley supporters and local voters. He told The Atlanta Voice that he came away impressed with the level of support and interest. The DNC Chair used the phrase “off the charts” to describe the energy around the Democratic candidate.

    “There was a lot of excitement and energy,” Martin said. “It seems like people in this district understand what’s at stake.”

    On August 26, Debra Shigley won nearly 40 percent of the vote during a special election for the District 21 State Senate seat. But that wasn’t enough to get the job done. Two of her opponents, Jason T. Dickerson, a Republican, and Steve West, also a Republican, brought home 17.36% and 17.04% of the votes, respectively. 

    Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (above) is running for a second term in November. Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice

    There are more than a half-dozen mayoral elections taking place in majority Black cities around the country in November. Along with Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, and Greensboro, North Carolina are holding elections. There are also mayoral elections taking place in Seattle, Jersey City, New Jersey, Charlotte, and in Martin’s hometown, Minneapolis. 

    Over the past 18 months, Democrats have won or overperformed in more than 40 elections. The phrase “overperform” can be misleading, but it is seen as a sign of momentum, according to Martin.

    “We really believe that when you organize everywhere, you can win anywhere,” Martin said. “We believe we have a shot at winning the election on Tuesday. We have to compete on all levels.” 

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • Democrat XP Lee wins Minnesota House special election to replace assassinated leader

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    Democrat Xp Lee won a special election Tuesday to fill the Minnesota House seat of a top Democratic leader who was assassinated.

    Rep. Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, held the seat until her death in June.

    Lee is a former Brooklyn Park City Council member. He defeated Republican real estate agent Ruth Bittner in the heavily Democratic district.

    Lee’s win restores a 67-67 tie in the House, and it preserves a power-sharing deal that existed for most of the 2025 legislative session, after the 2024 elections cost House Democrats their majority.

    Former House Speaker Hortman brokered that agreement, which ended Democrats’ three-week boycott. Under the deal, she agreed to end her six-year tenure as speaker and let Republican Lisa Demuth take the position. Hortman then took the title speaker emerita. Most legislative committees became evenly split between Republican and Democratic members, with co-chairs from each party.

    The tie in the House meant some level of bipartisan agreement was required to pass anything in this year’s session.

    In an indication of the national interest in the race, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said Lee’s “commitment to expanding access to education, affordable health care, and good-paying jobs honors the legacy” of Hortman.

    “Across Minnesota, our hearts are still broken by the horrific assassination that stole Melissa and her husband Mark,” Martin, who formerly chaired the state Democratic Party, said in a statement. “Political violence is a scourge that has taken far too many lives. Enough is enough. It must end now. And in every case, each of us has a responsibility to condemn and reject political violence wherever it rears its head.”

    The election to replace Hortman takes place about three months after she and her husband were gunned down in their home by a man impersonating a police officer in Brooklyn Park, a suburb northwest of Minneapolis. Another legislator and his wife also were shot but survived.

    Vance Boelter, 57, faces federal and state murder, attempted murder and other charges in the June 14 attacks.

    Tuesday’s special election also follows another act of political violence, the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah last Wednesday. The shootings have been a concern among voters in the district — and for both candidates.

    Lee said he wants to calm the “charged atmosphere” in the wake of Kirk’s death.

    Bittner said the violence briefly gave her pause about running for office, but she concluded that “there’s no way to solve this problem if we shrink back in fear.”

    Lee, a former Brooklyn Park City Council member, easily won a three-way Democratic primary in August. Bittner, a real estate agent, was the sole Republican on the primary ballot for the seat in the heavily Democratic district.

    Two more special elections will be held Nov. 4 in a pair of Minnesota Senate districts.

    One is to fill the seat vacated by Democratic Sen. Nicole Mitchell, of the St. Paul suburb of Woodbury. She resigned in July after she was convicted of burglarizing her estranged stepmother’s home. The other is for the seat of Republican Sen. Bruce Anderson, of the Minneapolis exurb of Buffalo, who died in July.

    Given that the districts are heavily Democratic and heavily Republican, respectively, control of the Senate isn’t expected to change. But the Democratic candidate for Mitchell’s seat is state Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, of Woodbury. If she wins, the governor will have to call another special election to fill her House seat.

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  • Following Resignation Of Former Senator Bonham, Oregon Republican Party Elects New Senate Minority Leader – KXL

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    SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Senate Republicans on Monday elected Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, as their new caucus leader.

    Starr succeeds Sen. Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, who had served as Minority Leader since 2023. Senator Bonham has announced he’s resigning from the Senate in October.

    “Daniel Bonham’s service as caucus leader has been exceptional,” Starr said in a statement. “He has always punched above his weight class, and he leaves huge shoes to fill. Senator Bonham inspires us to keep looking ahead, and I will always treasure his friendship.”

    Starr rejoined the Senate in 2025 after previously serving in both the Oregon House and Senate from 1999 to 2014. He currently represents Oregon’s 13th Senate District, which includes parts of Yamhill and Washington counties.

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    Grant McHill

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  • Facts about Tyler Robinson, suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting

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    As soon as officials announced the name of the alleged assassin of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, internet theories about the suspect’s background and motives quickly outpaced confirmed facts.

    Authorities said Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, shot and killed Kirk Sept. 10 on the Utah Valley University campus. Kirk was close to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

    Officials took Robinson into custody in the evening of Sept. 11. Announcing the arrest Sept. 12, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox shared four phrases etched on bullet casings found with a gun investigators believe was Robinson’s.

    When the news became public, Americans began searching for information on Robinson and sharing theories about him and his family. Much of that information, especially in the early hours after the news broke, was inaccurate. Some online users chased wrong leads and implicated innocent people in the process. 

    Here is some confirmed information about what’s true and what’s not in Robinson’s background, as of Sept. 12.

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    Suspect is not the person who donated to Trump

    One X post identified a $225 donation to Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign from a Tyler Robinson in St. George, Utah. But that’s a different Tyler Robinson than the suspect, according to records.

    Federal Election Commission records show that a person with that name in St. George contributed $224.48 on Oct. 5, 2020, to Trump’s Make America Great Again Committee. The donor listed their occupation as an entrepreneur, and other records show a person with that name and zip code is 32 years old.

    As of the date of the donation, the Robinson who is the suspect would have been 17 years old. People who are 17 can legally donate to candidates under certain conditions, but we did not find donations in federal records from the suspect.

    Robinson was an unaffiliated, inactive voter

    An X post said Robinson was a registered Republican in Utah, “according to state records.”

    That’s not what records show. The website voterrecords.com — which draws from public government records — shows a person with identifying information that matches the suspect reflects he was an unaffiliated, inactive voter.

    We contacted the Washington County, Utah, elections department to ask questions about his voter registration and did not hear back.

    An inactive voter is a registered voter who has not voted in two regular general elections and has failed to respond to a notice sent by the county clerk.

    Inactive voters must verify or update their address before receiving a ballot. Ballots are mailed only to active voters.

    About 27% of active registered voters in Utah are unaffiliated, and about half are Republican. 

    This photo released by the Utah Governor’s Office Sept. 12, 2025 shows Tyler Robinson. (Utah Governor’s Office via AP)

    No evidence that Robinson is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America

    Social media users said Robinson was a member of the Salt Lake City Democratic Socialists of America. The organization said he is not a member of any of its chapters, and the photos and videos users have pointed to as evidence of his affiliation do not show Robinson. 

    Priscilla Yeverino, a national spokesperson for the organization, said the group has no members named Tyler Robinson “anywhere in the country.” Yeverino said the organization has received several photos of people alleging they are Robinson, “which is vehemently false.”

    Users shared a video they allege showed Robinson speaking at an event for the Salt Lake City chapter days before the shooting. The full video from Sept. 6 shows the speaker is chapter co-chair Matty Jackson.

    Other users have shared a photo of a man they allege is Robinson wearing a red t-shirt with a bee that says “Salt Lake DSA.” Before Robinson was confirmed as the suspect, some users on social media shared the same photo identifying the man as Jack Bellows. Bellows describes himself as a community organizer and is running for Salt Lake City Council. A screenshot from an Instagram live video of Bellows has also been shared on social media posts identifying him as Robinson.

    Internet finds meanings for mysterious etchings on bullet casings

    Before Robinson’s arrest, online posters and eventually the Wall Street Journal had reported on an internal, unreleased FBI memo that said etched phrases on bullet casings could have expressed his support for transgender rights. But law enforcement officials later walked that interpretation back, as did the newspaper. 

    At the press conference, Cox announced the specific texts etched on four bullet casings found with a Mauser Model 98 .30-06 caliber bolt action rifle:

    • “Notices bulges, OwO what’s this?”

    • “Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao”

    • “Hey fascist! Catch!” followed by an up arrow symbol, a right arrow symbol, and three down arrow symbols

    • “If you read this, you are gay LMAO”

    The phrases unleashed speculation about their meaning. Some users familiar with video game culture zeroed in on potential sources, with many of them couched in layers of irony and sarcasm.

    According to the website “Know Your Meme,” the phrase “Notices bulges, OwO what’s this?” has been circulating online since at least 2013, particularly to parody online role-playing subcultures, including “furries,” a community that dresses up as anthropomorphized animal characters.

    On the surface, the phrase “Hey fascist! Catch!” seems to indicate that the person who fired the weapon was someone on the political left opposed to fascism. However, X users said the phrase and the arrow sequence comes from the game Helldivers 2, which envisions battles involving fascist-uniformed fighters. A move in that game that involves pressing a series of arrows allows players to drop a 1,100-pound bomb — the game’s most destructive weapon.

    “Bella Ciao” is an Italian song with antifascist roots from World War II that have made it a popular resistance song in various international contexts. Commentators, including journalists, also said it has been used in the World War II-themed video game “Hearts of Iron IV” and has sometimes been adopted, in an ironic way, by far-right groups.

    “These reported messages seem to be sending strong ‘subcultural batsignals,’” said Whitney Phillips, a University of Oregon assistant professor of information politics and ethics who has researched shooters with ties to internet meme culture.

    Phillips said she first used that term in a 2015 book on internet trolling “to describe the winking self-referentiality you often see in trolling and trolling-adjacent communities, and which have appeared in many shooter manifestos in the last 10 years,” including a 2019 mass shooter in Christchurch, New Zealand.

    But Phillips added that phrases like the ones on the bullet casings go further, by seeking to provoke the public.

    “These don’t seem to be messages intended to be, essentially, private sigils — an expression of private rage from the shooter to Charlie Kirk,” Phillips said. “There seems to be a further aim of maximum publicity, specifically publicity aimed to arouse the strongest possible responses in as many audiences as possible.”

    PolitiFact Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.

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  • The Lit Backstory To This Cocktail

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    Not only is it fresh and delicious – it is a pioneering cocktail

    When you are deciding on a drink, you have plenty of options, but the cool backstory to this cocktail can make you want to have a sip. When you order a Hanky Panky, you’re not just enjoying a balanced blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca—you’re tasting a slice of cocktail history shaped by one of the most important women in bartending: Ada “Coley” Coleman.

    RELATED: The Best And Easy Savory And Spicy Cocktails

    The Hanky Panky was created in the early 1900s at London’s iconic Savoy Hotel, a glamorous destination for high society and global trendsetters. Coleman, who began her bartending career in the 1890s, eventually rose to become head bartender at the Savoy’s American Bar. The appointment made her one of the very first female bartenders in a luxury establishment—a groundbreaking achievement at a time when cocktail culture was still a male-dominated world.

    The story goes the Hanky Panky was invented for Sir Charles Hawtrey, a well-known actor of the time. He wanted something “with a bit of punch,” so Coleman went back to her mixing glass. She experimented with flavors until she hit on a mix of gin, vermouth, and a dash of Fernet-Branca, an Italian amaro known for its bitter and herbal complexity. When Hawtrey tried it, he exclaimed, “By Jove! That’s the real hanky panky!” The name stuck—and so did the cocktail.

    Unlike sweeter drinks of the era, the Hanky Panky delivered layers of intrigue. The gin’s crispness mingled with the vermouth’s rounded sweetness, while the Fernet added a bitter, bracing edge making it feel daring and modern. For cocktail fans today—especially Millennials and Gen Z who love a craft experience—the drink hits a sweet spot of being both vintage and refreshingly different.

    Classic Hanky Panky Recipe

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ oz London Dry gin
    • 1 ½ oz sweet vermouth
    • 2 dashes Fernet-Branca

    Create

    1. Fill a mixing glass with ice
    2. Add gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca
    3. Stir until well chilled
    4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
    5. Garnish with an orange twist

    This simple three-ingredient recipe captures Ada Coleman’s original creation—a timeless balance of bold, bitter, and smooth.

    RELATED: End-of-Summer Digital Detox Is 2025’s Coolest Trend

    But beyond the glass, the Hanky Panky represents a milestone in hospitality history. Coleman wasn’t just a novelty behind the bar—she was a star mixologist who built a loyal following of celebrities, artists, and royals. She paved the way for generations of women to be seen not only as bartenders but as innovators and tastemakers in the cocktail world.

    Today, the Hanky Panky enjoys a comeback in speakeasies, craft cocktail lounges, and even TikTok recipe videos. Young drinkers are rediscovering classic cocktails with personality, and this one delivers both flavor and a feminist backstory. Ordering it isn’t just about enjoying a drink—it’s about raising a glass to the woman who made history by refusing to be boxed in.

    So next time you see a Hanky Panky on the menu, try one. You’ll be tasting more than just a cocktail—you’ll be celebrating Ada Coleman’s legacy, one sip at a time.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • Survivors, lawmakers demand release of all Jeffrey Epstein files

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    Survivors, lawmakers demand release of all Jeffrey Epstein files

    Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are pushing for a discharge petition, forcing a House floor vote to release nearly everything related to the case.

    Updated: 3:17 PM PDT Sep 3, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Demanding transparency, truth and their own healing, survivors of sexual abuse, along with bipartisan lawmakers, called for the release of all documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Survivors accuse Epstein of abusing and trafficking countless underage girls for decades before his death in a New York jail cell in 2019. Survivors, including some speaking out for the first time, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers, pushing for a discharge petition that would force a House floor vote on releasing nearly everything related to the Epstein case. “I am no longer weak, I am no longer powerless and I am no longer alone,” Anouska De Georgiou, a survivor, said before reporters on Wednesday. “With your vote, neither will the next generation be.”On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee released more than 30,000 pages on the case, which some say were heavily redacted and revealed too little new information. The petition’s supporters want all investigation files released, emphasizing that the issue should be non-partisan.”The American people deserve to see everything,” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said. “When you sign this discharge petition, it should mean nothing should be off limits.””The FBI, the DOJ, and the CIA hold the truth. And the truth we are demanding come out,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said.But the petition is already facing some roadblocks. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., says he believes the House Oversight Committee should be responsible for carefully handling the documents, while President Trump dismissed the effort Wednesday, calling it “a Democrat hoax.”Related video below: Speaker Johnson on meeting with Epstein victimsSurvivors responded directly to President Trump’s dismissal, with one registered Republican calling on him to meet her at the Capitol to share her story and explain why the issue is not a hoax. Others pleaded that he recognize the abuse as real and humanize them.Lawmakers leading the petition are close to a House floor vote, needing only two more signatures to reach the required 218. So far, the petition includes all Democrats and at least a handful of Republicans, including Greene and Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.Lawmakers emphasized the rare coalition of bipartisanship, signifying the growing issue. If the petition passes the House, it still needs to pass the Senate before heading to Trump’s desk.Regardless of the petition’s outcome, survivors are planning their own action for justice by compiling a list of those involved in Epstein’s network of abuse, though they did not specify if or when they would release it. In Wednesday’s press conference, the victims said they aim to hold the powerful accountable and help their healing, despite concerns about retaliation from Epstein’s circle.

    WASHINGTON —

    Demanding transparency, truth and their own healing, survivors of sexual abuse, along with bipartisan lawmakers, called for the release of all documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

    Survivors accuse Epstein of abusing and trafficking countless underage girls for decades before his death in a New York jail cell in 2019.

    Survivors, including some speaking out for the first time, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers, pushing for a discharge petition that would force a House floor vote on releasing nearly everything related to the Epstein case.

    “I am no longer weak, I am no longer powerless and I am no longer alone,” Anouska De Georgiou, a survivor, said before reporters on Wednesday. “With your vote, neither will the next generation be.”

    On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee released more than 30,000 pages on the case, which some say were heavily redacted and revealed too little new information. The petition’s supporters want all investigation files released, emphasizing that the issue should be non-partisan.

    “The American people deserve to see everything,” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said. “When you sign this discharge petition, it should mean nothing should be off limits.”

    “The FBI, the DOJ, and the CIA hold the truth. And the truth we are demanding come out,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said.

    But the petition is already facing some roadblocks. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., says he believes the House Oversight Committee should be responsible for carefully handling the documents, while President Trump dismissed the effort Wednesday, calling it “a Democrat hoax.”

    Related video below: Speaker Johnson on meeting with Epstein victims

    Survivors responded directly to President Trump’s dismissal, with one registered Republican calling on him to meet her at the Capitol to share her story and explain why the issue is not a hoax. Others pleaded that he recognize the abuse as real and humanize them.

    Lawmakers leading the petition are close to a House floor vote, needing only two more signatures to reach the required 218. So far, the petition includes all Democrats and at least a handful of Republicans, including Greene and Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.

    Lawmakers emphasized the rare coalition of bipartisanship, signifying the growing issue.

    If the petition passes the House, it still needs to pass the Senate before heading to Trump’s desk.

    Regardless of the petition’s outcome, survivors are planning their own action for justice by compiling a list of those involved in Epstein’s network of abuse, though they did not specify if or when they would release it. In Wednesday’s press conference, the victims said they aim to hold the powerful accountable and help their healing, despite concerns about retaliation from Epstein’s circle.

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  • Unexpected Cannabis Help For The Military

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    The military and marijuana have had a long history – now members of the GOP are trying to help the services with a change

    From Vietnam to PTSD, marijuana has been part of the armed services. Traditionalists have waged war on the green plant, but now there is unexpected cannabis help for the military. As recruitment numbers continue to shrink, a wave of Republican lawmakers are championing bold reforms to modernize military enlistment—starting with cannabis policy. Their aim? Make the armed forces more accessible to young Americans who’ve legally used marijuana in their daily lives.

    RELATED: Cannabis Can Help PTSD

    At the center of this push is Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who introduced an amendment to the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would ban marijuana testing for enlistment or officer commissioning. Gaetz argues prior cannabis use should not exclude willing Americans from serving their country, especially amid a recruitment and retention crisis. Nearly 33% more recruits tested positive for marijuana in 2022 compared to 2020. Gaetz has long been one of Congress’s most vocal supporters of cannabis reform, frequently backing measures to decriminalize or normalize its use on both state and federal levels.

    Photo by skeeze via Pixabay

    This isn’t Gaetz’s only effort: other GOP lawmakers are pushing parallel reforms. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) proposed allowing service members to use federally legal CBD products, while the Congressional Cannabis Caucus—co-chaired by R and D members—has introduced amendments to empower VA doctors to advise medical cannabis treatment for veterans in legal states.

    Meanwhile, the House Armed Services Committee, led by Republicans, advanced a medical cannabis “pilot program” amendment authored by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas). This program would allow the Department of Defense to study cannabis’s health effects on veterans with PTSD, depression, and pain—alongside psychedelics research like MDMA and psilocybin trials.

    Why now? With medical marijuana legal in 38 states and recreational use legal in 24, many potential recruits are being filtered out by outdated drug policies—despite evidence those granted waivers perform on par with other soldiers.

    On Reddit, the sentiment is candid:

    “This proposed change would eliminate marijuana testing at time of enlistment/commissioning. Seems like a reasonable change to help recruiting.”

    RELATED: End-of-Summer Digital Detox Is 2025’s Coolest Trend

    For millennials who’ve grown up in a patchwork of legalization, these reforms feel sensible, overdue, and inclusive—a recalibration of military policy to reflect modern societal norms.

    Still, it’s worth noting: none of these proposals are yet law. While some reforms have advanced in committee, they haven’t all made it to the House floor, let alone passed both chambers.

    In sum, a growing cohort of GOP lawmakers is signaling prior use of cannabis should not disqualify military service, flipping the script on recruitment rules and embracing a more inclusive future.

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    Terry Hacienda

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  • Why an Apprentice Exec Broke His Silence About Donald Trump: “He Would Like to Be a Dictator”

    Why an Apprentice Exec Broke His Silence About Donald Trump: “He Would Like to Be a Dictator”

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    Several minutes into Donald Trump’s dark Madison Square Garden rally speech on Sunday, the former president fired up his MAGA loyalists with the signature phrase from his NBC reality series The Apprentice. “Next Tuesday, you have to stand up and you have to tell Kamala Harris that you’ve done a terrible job,” Trump declared. “Kamala, you’re fired!” The crowd’s thunderous response was yet another reminder that The Apprentice remains central to Trump’s political appeal.

    For former NBC chief marketing officer John Miller, this is a source of deep shame. His department created the advertorial myth of Trump’s business prowess and promoted it to millions of Americans. The truth was that Trump went through multiple bankruptcies despite receiving hundreds of millions of dollars of his father’s money. Miller believes that without The Apprentice, Trump would never have been in a position to run for president. “He didn’t have a real company. It was basically a loose collection of LLCs. They’d been bankrupt four times and twice more when we were filming the show. The Apprentice helped him survive that,” Miller told me. “People thought he would be a good president because I made him seem like a legitimate businessman.”

    The specter of a second Trump administration motivated Miller to speak out. He wrote an op-ed for US News and World Report published on October 16, titled “We Created a Monster,” that apologized for his role in turning Trump into a reality TV star. With a week to go before the election, I spoke to Miller about the 14 years he spent working with Trump on The Apprentice, why he thinks Trump is a lying racist, and what he sees as the danger of a second Trump term. The conversation has been lightly edited for clarity.

    Vanity Fair: Let’s start out talking about how you marketed The Apprentice.

    John Miller: Initially, we leaned into the idea that it was a show from Mark Burnett, the creator of Survivor. But when we saw some early takes, we realized Trump was going to be a big character. So we created the title sequence with the theme music of the show, which was For the Love of Money by the O’Jays. We shot the promos with Trump in his limousine, in his helicopter, in his jet, and at Trump Tower. We created the sense of an American royalty. We kept pounding that message over and over again. I called it “ruthless consistency.”

    So you sold a phony image of him as a successful businessman?

    Yeah. Trump made Mark Burnett rent two floors in the Trump Tower. One of the floors was used to create a false entryway into Trump Tower. So when you came out of the elevator, there was this big fancy place and a receptionist that didn’t exist. And then another part of that floor was the boardroom that was entirely created to make it look like it was a big, important boardroom. Because Trump’s real boardroom was shabby. You would never think of it as a big-time businessman’s boardroom.

    Why did you decide to speak out now?

    When I retired in 2022, I started writing a book called How I Ruined American Culture. And at a certain point, it was clear I wasn’t going to get the book done before the election. So it wasn’t until two weeks ago that I said, I have to get part of the story out, and if it kills the book, so be it. What if my little story could mean the difference of a tenth of a rating point in three battleground states that could win the election for Harris?

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    Gabriel Sherman

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  • Former President Trump to make his closing message at Madison Square Garden

    Former President Trump to make his closing message at Madison Square Garden

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    NEW YORK — Donald Trump is finally getting his Madison Square Garden moment.

    With just over a week to go before Election Day, the former president will take the stage Sunday at one of the country’s most well-known venues, hosting a hometown rally to deliver his campaign’s closing message against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

    Outside the arena, the sidewalks were overflowing with Trump supporters in red “Make America Great Again” hats. There was a heavy security presence. Streets were blocked off and access to Penn Station was restricted.

    In the gathering crowd was Philip D’Agostino, a longtime Trump backer from Queens, the borough where Trump grew up. The 64-year-old said it was appropriate for Trump to be speaking at a place bills itself as “the world’s most famous arena.”

    “It just goes to show ya that he has a bigger following of any man that has ever lived,” D’Agostino said.

    The rally is one of a series of detours Trump has made from battleground states, including a recent rally in Coachella, California – best known for the famous music festival named after the town – and one in May on the Jersey Shore. This summer he campaigned in the South Bronx.

    WATCH: Bill Ritter and the Eyewitness News team with our Vote 2024 Election Guide.

    While some Democrats and TV pundits have questioned Trump’s decision to hold what they dismiss as vanity events, the rally guarantees Trump what he most craves: the spotlight, wall-to-wall coverage and a national audience.

    To reach them, Trump has spent hours appearing on popular podcasts. And his campaign has worked to create viral moments like his visit last weekend to a McDonald’s restaurant, where he made fries and served supporters through the drive-thru window. Video of the stop posted by his campaign has been viewed more than 40 million times on TikTok alone.

    “He’s not just going to be speaking to the attendees inside Madison Square Garden. There will be people tuning in from battleground states all across the country,” said former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, a New York Republican and ally of the former president, who said Trump has been talking about holding an event at the venue since the start of his campaign.

    Harris has also traveled to non-battleground states for major events intended to drive a national message. She appeared in Houston Friday with music superstar Beyoncé to speak about reproductive rights, and will deliver her own closing argument Tuesday from the Ellipse in Washington, where Trump spoke ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

    Trump will be joined at the rally by supporters including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who has spent tens of millions of dollars to boost his campaign.

    Trump often compares himself to the country’s greatest entertainers. The former reality TV star has long talked about wanting to hold a rally at the venue in interviews and private conversations.

    “Madison Square Garden is the center of the universe,” said Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller, noting the venue’s storied history hosting events including the 1971 “Fight of the Century.”

    House control could run through New York’s suburbs
    Beyond the national spotlight and the appeal of appearing on one of the world’s most famous stages, Republicans in the state say the rally will also help down-ballot candidates.

    New York is home to a handful of competitive congressional races that could determine which party controls the House next year.

    Zeldin ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022, but did better than expected, driving turnout in competitive districts that helped House Republicans win a tiny majority. That underscored, he said, the importance of the top of the ticket doing as well as possible. He said the Garden event is sure to be featured on newscasts in areas with high-stakes races like suburban Long Island, where Trump held a packed, raucous rally last month.

    Trump will also use the stop as a major fundraising opportunity as he continues to seriously lag Harris in the money race.

    A native returns to the city that made him and convicted him
    New York has not voted for a Republican for president in 40 years. But that hasn’t stopped Trump from continuing to insist he believes he can win.

    “We think there’s a chance,” he said on “The Brian Kilmeade Show” earlier this week, pointing to frustrations over an influx of migrants to the city and concerns over crime.

    Trump routinely uses his hometown as a foil before audiences in other states, painting a dark vision of the city that bears little resemblance to reality. He’s cast it as crime-ridden and overrun by violent, immigrant gangs who have taken over Fifth and Madison avenues and occupied Times Square.

    Trump has a complicated history with the place where he built his business empire and that made him a tabloid and reality TV star. Its residents indicted him last year on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He was found guilty in that case, and also found liable in civil court for business fraud and sexual abuse.

    For more information about what’s on the ballot in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, please check our Voter Guide.
    For election updates, please visit abc7ny.com/vote2024. (edited)

    * Get Eyewitness News Delivered

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    Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

    Copyright © 2024 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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    AP

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  • Harris and Trump campaigns appeal to right-leaning, religious voters

    Harris and Trump campaigns appeal to right-leaning, religious voters

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    Both the Harris and Trump campaigns are intensifying their efforts in battleground states with just two weeks left until Election Day.Former President Donald Trump will campaign for a second straight day in North Carolina after making his pitch to Christian voters a day prior. He postponed a speech at a gun rights conference in Georgia and scheduled a last-minute rally in the Tar Heel state Tuesday as some polling suggests Harris is gaining support there.In a rally before faith leaders in the battleground state, Trump touched on culture war issues, including transgender and parental rights.”Christians will not be safe with Kamala Harris as president,” Trump warned. “Your religious liberty will be gone. Your free speech will be gone, your Second Amendment will be gone, and parental rights will be gone forever.”Earlier, Trump surveyed storm damage and repeated false claims about FEMA misusing taxpayer money.”They spent a lot of money on having illegal people come into our country,” Trump said.Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris made her pitch to Trump-hesitant voters in three “Blue wall” states Monday.In separate events in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, she campaigned alongside a familiar but unlikely ally, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, (R) Wyoming. Both aimed their messages at Trump-wary voters in counties that could decide the election.”We might not agree on every issue but she is somebody you can trust,” Cheney said. “You can vote your conscience and never have to say a word to anybody. There will be millions of Republicans who do that on November 5th.”While Harris will not hold public events, she will sit for an interview that will air Tuesday night on NBC Nightly News.In her place, former President Barack Obama and running mate Tim Walz will host a rally in Wisconsin where in-person, early voting kicks off.Republicans are also holding events to encourage early voting in favor of Trump. His campaign is pushing for all forms of voting, including by mail and in-person, to maximize votes. Trump lost Wisconsin by just under 21,000 votes in the 2020 election.

    WASHINGTON —

    Both the Harris and Trump campaigns are intensifying their efforts in battleground states with just two weeks left until Election Day.

    Former President Donald Trump will campaign for a second straight day in North Carolina after making his pitch to Christian voters a day prior. He postponed a speech at a gun rights conference in Georgia and scheduled a last-minute rally in the Tar Heel state Tuesday as some polling suggests Harris is gaining support there.

    In a rally before faith leaders in the battleground state, Trump touched on culture war issues, including transgender and parental rights.

    “Christians will not be safe with Kamala Harris as president,” Trump warned. “Your religious liberty will be gone. Your free speech will be gone, your Second Amendment will be gone, and parental rights will be gone forever.”

    Earlier, Trump surveyed storm damage and repeated false claims about FEMA misusing taxpayer money.

    “They spent a lot of money on having illegal people come into our country,” Trump said.

    Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris made her pitch to Trump-hesitant voters in three “Blue wall” states Monday.

    In separate events in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, she campaigned alongside a familiar but unlikely ally, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, (R) Wyoming. Both aimed their messages at Trump-wary voters in counties that could decide the election.

    “We might not agree on every issue but she is somebody you can trust,” Cheney said. “You can vote your conscience and never have to say a word to anybody. There will be millions of Republicans who do that on November 5th.”

    While Harris will not hold public events, she will sit for an interview that will air Tuesday night on NBC Nightly News.

    In her place, former President Barack Obama and running mate Tim Walz will host a rally in Wisconsin where in-person, early voting kicks off.

    Republicans are also holding events to encourage early voting in favor of Trump. His campaign is pushing for all forms of voting, including by mail and in-person, to maximize votes. Trump lost Wisconsin by just under 21,000 votes in the 2020 election.

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  • Senate Candidate Curtis Bashaw Endorsed by New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association

    Senate Candidate Curtis Bashaw Endorsed by New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association

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    Curtis Bashaw is running for U.S. Senate to break through the political gridlock and offer a bold new vision for New Jersey.


    CAPE MAY, N.J., October 21, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Curtis Bashaw, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, has received a key endorsement from the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association (STFA). This endorsement highlights Bashaw’s commitment to law and order, and his strong support for law enforcement throughout the state.

    In a recent statement, Bashaw expressed his gratitude for the endorsement, saying, “Folks, I’m telling you, something special is happening in New Jersey. I’m honored to have the endorsement of the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association in this race. Their message is clear: there is only ONE law and order candidate in this race. I will proudly always have the backs of our men and women who keep us safe.”

    Bashaw’s platform prioritizes the safety and security of New Jerseyans, with a focus on supporting law enforcement and addressing public safety concerns. He contrasts his stance with that of his opponent, Democrat Andy Kim, stating that Kim has failed to stand up for law enforcement in critical moments. Bashaw is confident that his strong stance on law and order will resonate with voters in the upcoming election.

    The STFA’s endorsement reflects the growing support for Bashaw among those who believe in maintaining safety and security across New Jersey. Bashaw has pledged to continue working alongside law enforcement to ensure that they have the resources and respect they deserve.

    As the race for the Senate seat intensifies, this endorsement further solidifies Curtis Bashaw’s position as the law and order candidate, committed to protecting the rights and security of every New Jerseyan.

    Vote Curtis Bashaw: The Change New Jersey Needs Now

    Curtis Bashaw is running for U.S. Senate to break through the political gridlock and offer a bold new vision for New Jersey.

    As a political outsider, Curtis isn’t beholden to special interests—he’s committed to protecting your liberty, creating jobs, and ensuring community safety, while standing up to the one-party monopoly in Washington.

    New Jersey deserves a leader who will fight for our values and our future. Curtis Bashaw is that leader.

    It’s time to take back control, and together, we can reclaim our state’s voice in Washington.

    Don’t miss this critical moment. 

    Vote Curtis Bashaw for U.S. Senate and let’s build a New Jersey we can all be proud of.

    Learn more: CurtisBashawForSenate.com

    Follow Curtis on social media:
    Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

    Source: Curtis Bashaw for US Senate

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  • What are my voting rights? Check this list before heading to the polls

    What are my voting rights? Check this list before heading to the polls

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    *** lot of work is being done to make sure you’re safe at the polls and that the election process isn’t interrupted. And two important things to know if you’re voting in person this year, if there are long lines and polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line, you have *** right to vote and election officials will outline *** plan. And if you make *** mistake on your ballot, you can ask for *** new one and start over head to our app or our website and check out the commitment 2024 section for information on your local and national races, ballot issues and information on how to vote and join our news teams on election night for information and results as we learn that, thank you for joining us.

    Know your rights: Essential things to know before voting at the polls

    Did you make a mistake on your ballot or do you need accommodations?

    A number of laws protect voters as they play their part in our democracy, so they can cast their vote confidently. Before heading to the polls on Election Day, here are the rights you need to know that protect you by law:If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line. You have the right to vote. If you make a mistake on your ballot, you can ask a poll worker for a new one. If the machines are down at your polling place, you can ask for a paper ballot.If you are registered to vote but your name is not listed in the poll book, you are still entitled to a provisional ballot. Your ballot will be held separately from the regular ballots until an election official determines whether you are qualified to vote and are registered. If you meet those requirements, they will count your provisional ballot.If you are a voter with a disability and need accommodations, all polling places for federal elections must be fully accessible. Voters with disabilities and those unable to read or write can choose a person to assist in all aspects of the voting process except if the assistant is the voter’s employer or union. If you have difficulty reading or writing English, you can ask for assistance. Certain jurisdictions, determined by the Census Bureau, must provide all election information that is available in English in the covered minority language. The election process must be equally accessible in the minority language as it is in English. It is illegal to intimidate, threaten or coerce someone from voting or attempting to vote, as well as people who are urging or helping others to vote. How can I report a violation? To report a possible civil rights violation, you can report it to the Civil Rights Division online at civilrights.justice.gov or by phone at 800-251-3931.To report possible federal crimes, including potential threats against voters, election officials, or election fraud, you can contact the FBI either online at tips.fbi.gov or by phone at 800-CALL-FBI.This segment is part of a half-hour news special called Commitment 2024: Get the Facts. The special helps voters get the facts on the voting process and debunks election-related disinformation that could surface in the final hours before Election Day. To watch the full special, check your local listing for air dates or watch on the Very Local app.

    A number of laws protect voters as they play their part in our democracy, so they can cast their vote confidently.

    Before heading to the polls on Election Day, here are the rights you need to know that protect you by law:

    1. If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line. You have the right to vote.
    2. If you make a mistake on your ballot, you can ask a poll worker for a new one.
    3. If the machines are down at your polling place, you can ask for a paper ballot.
    4. If you are registered to vote but your name is not listed in the poll book, you are still entitled to a provisional ballot. Your ballot will be held separately from the regular ballots until an election official determines whether you are qualified to vote and are registered. If you meet those requirements, they will count your provisional ballot.
    5. If you are a voter with a disability and need accommodations, all polling places for federal elections must be fully accessible. Voters with disabilities and those unable to read or write can choose a person to assist in all aspects of the voting process except if the assistant is the voter’s employer or union.
    6. If you have difficulty reading or writing English, you can ask for assistance. Certain jurisdictions, determined by the Census Bureau, must provide all election information that is available in English in the covered minority language. The election process must be equally accessible in the minority language as it is in English.
    7. It is illegal to intimidate, threaten or coerce someone from voting or attempting to vote, as well as people who are urging or helping others to vote.

    How can I report a violation?

    To report a possible civil rights violation, you can report it to the Civil Rights Division online at civilrights.justice.gov or by phone at 800-251-3931.

    To report possible federal crimes, including potential threats against voters, election officials, or election fraud, you can contact the FBI either online at tips.fbi.gov or by phone at 800-CALL-FBI.

    This segment is part of a half-hour news special called Commitment 2024: Get the Facts. The special helps voters get the facts on the voting process and debunks election-related disinformation that could surface in the final hours before Election Day.

    To watch the full special, check your local listing for air dates or watch on the Very Local app.

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