The former color commentator for a Russian MMA organization recalls a time when hosting an event in Moscow’s Red Square was considered, highlighting the political entanglement within the sport. Now, former President Donald Trump plans to host a UFC event at the White House to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday, solidifying his relationship with the UFC and its CEO Dana White. This partnership has allowed Trump to cultivate an image of strength and masculinity, drawing parallels to fascist Italy’s use of sports and spectacle to project power and nationalism. This signals a shift in American politics, blending entertainment and confrontational tactics, potentially reflecting authoritarian characteristics within the current administration.
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Former Vice President Kamala Harris’s Fourth of July message sparked outrage within MAGA circles. Her post, featuring a photo with her husband, included reflections on the current difficulties, love for the country, and a commitment to fight for its ideals. Critics, including prominent figures, expressed concerns about the message’s tone, timing, and its potential implications. The reaction highlighted existing tensions and differing viewpoints within the political landscape.
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The author questions why the press continues to interview figures like Lindsey Graham, who abandoned his initial criticism of Trump to become an ardent supporter. The article draws parallels to historical contexts, suggesting that interviewing such figures is akin to giving a platform to those who undermine democratic values. The author argues that satirical news outlets and late-night talk show hosts are now more effectively exposing the truth about current political events than traditional media. The piece concludes that while some journalists and publications are holding Trump’s allies accountable, the mainstream press often struggles to do the same.
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A recent Marist poll reveals that a majority of Americans believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has overstepped its boundaries in implementing President Trump’s immigration policies. Specifically, 54% of respondents felt ICE had gone too far, while 26% felt actions were “about right,” and 18% thought ICE had not gone far enough. The poll also showed significant partisan divides on deportation preferences for immigrants with and without criminal records, and on the deportation of immigrants working in specific industries. In response to industry concerns, Trump has discussed a potential “temporary pass” system for undocumented workers in the agricultural and hospitality sectors.
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Military communities are grappling with the implications of deploying the armed forces domestically, a situation that has broken constitutional norms and sparked internal concerns. Veterans like Brittany Ramos DeBarros see this as a catalyst for organizing, as service members and their families seek support and grapple with difficult moral choices. The legal complexities surrounding unlawful orders are also a significant issue, with service members facing the potential for court-martial and imprisonment for defiance, or moral injury for compliance. Ultimately, the situation places military personnel in a challenging position, forcing them to navigate a complex landscape of legal and ethical considerations.
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President Trump signed a comprehensive tax and spending bill on the Fourth of July, fulfilling campaign promises. The legislation includes significant tax cuts, increased spending on immigration enforcement and the military, and cuts to Medicaid. The bill is projected to add trillions to the national debt while reducing tax revenues and potentially leading to millions losing health insurance. Despite some Republican opposition, the bill narrowly passed Congress, setting the stage for a political battle over its economic impact.
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The recently signed “One Big Beautiful Bill” has faced considerable criticism, particularly concerning its significant cuts to healthcare and welfare programs. The bill, despite President Trump’s assurances that it would benefit all Americans, drew opposition from both sides of the aisle, with Democrats highlighting potential negative impacts on healthcare access and Republicans expressing concerns about its healthcare-related provisions. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill could result in nearly 14 million Americans losing health insurance coverage by 2034. Moreover, studies estimate that the bill’s cuts could contribute to tens of thousands of preventable deaths annually, alongside millions losing access to vital services like the Thrifty Food Plan.
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The recent law, characterized by tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to social programs, has generated significant backlash, particularly among Democrats who are aiming to use it to their political advantage. However, the lack of awareness among a large portion of the population, especially those less engaged with traditional news sources, poses a significant challenge. Surveys reveal a substantial number of Americans remain unaware of the bill’s details. To combat this, Democrats are strategizing to adapt their messaging to reach voters through various platforms and narratives. Republicans, on the other hand, are hoping to highlight specific aspects of the law to gain support.
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Recent polling indicates a significant decline in former President Donald Trump’s approval rating among Generation Z voters. This shift follows modest gains made in 2024, with multiple polls revealing a sharp drop in support within a short timeframe. The YouGov/Yahoo poll shows a substantial decrease in Trump’s net rating among this demographic. Experts suggest this trend may be due to young voters’ prioritization of specific issues over party affiliation, particularly economic concerns and anxieties surrounding inflation and immigration.
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In a recent Supreme Court ruling, Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justice Jackson, dissented against a decision allowing for the deportation of migrants to countries they are not from, criticizing the court for failing to uphold the basic human right against torture or death. The ruling specifically concerned eight men removed from the U.S. and slated for deportation to South Sudan, a nation with significant safety concerns. Sotomayor argued this action could lead to non-citizens being deported to dangerous countries without due process, while the DHS defended their actions as crucial for removing dangerous criminals. This decision sets a precedent for future deportations to third-party nations, despite potential risks to those deported.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Stop Interviewing Lindsey Graham: The Media’s Problem and Trump’s Sycophant
The author questions why the press continues to interview figures like Lindsey Graham, who abandoned his initial criticism of Trump to become an ardent supporter. The article draws parallels to historical contexts, suggesting that interviewing such figures is akin to giving a platform to those who undermine democratic values. The author argues that satirical news outlets and late-night talk show hosts are now more effectively exposing the truth about current political events than traditional media. The piece concludes that while some journalists and publications are holding Trump’s allies accountable, the mainstream press often struggles to do the same.
Read More