Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Democrats can breathe a sigh of relief…
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Monday told voters in Pennsylvania that the “little secret” former President Trump mentioned at his Madison Square Garden rally is a get-out-the-vote strategy.
Democrats have been in panic since Trump teased Sunday that his “little secret” with Johnson would help Republicans keep the House of Representatives come Election Day. A New York Times article suggested that in the worst case scenario, Democrats theorized Johnson would work with Trump to steal the election and stop the certification of results on Jan. 6. 2025, if Vice President Harris won.
“It’s nothing scandalous, but we’re having a ball with this. The media, their heads are exploding. ‘What is the secret?’” Johnson said Monday at an event for GOP congressional candidate Ryan Mackenzie, according to The Hill.
“It’s a thing we have about — it’s a get-out-the-vote. It’s one of our tactics on get-out-the-vote,” Johnson said in response to a voter’s question about Trump’s comment.
“But they are convinced,” the speaker added, jokingly rubbing his hands together like he had an evil plan.
On Sunday, Trump said his “little secret” with Johnson would help Republicans win congressional elections, but he otherwise kept tight-lipped about it.
“I think with our little secret we’re going to do really well with the House, right?” Trump said, directing his remarks at Johnson. “Our little secret is having a big impact. He and I have a little secret — we will tell you what it is when the race is over.”
His comments, delivered with a chuckle, set off a reported wave of fear and panic among Democrats who speculated that Trump could have been referring to attempts to steal the election.
In comments to The Hill, Johnson called the rampant speculation that he and Trump were planning to break the law after the election “absolute, utter nonsense.”
“I’m a lifelong constitutional law attorney. We’re going to respect the law. We’re going to follow the constitution to a T,” Johnson told the outlet. “I’ve proven that over and over and over. So all this conjecture is actually hilarious to us, that people are apoplectic about this. It’s a — it’s one of our get out the vote strategies. That’s what we’re talking about. And it’s almost a tongue-in-cheek thing.”
Reached for comment, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung told Fox News Digital, “President Trump has done countless telerallies reaching millions of Americans across the country in key regions that also helps bolster Republicans in congressional races.”
Should his private opinions affect this professional work?
Local Biloxi news anchor David “Dave” Elliott has reported he was fired after speaking about politics on social media in his free time.
Elliot worked for South Mississippi-based news station WLOX for nearly 4 decades and, according to the Biloxi Sun Herald, once joked that he planned to die of old age in his anchor chair. As of Friday, however, the anchor appeared to be out of a job.
“I’m no longer at Wlox as of 10-25-24. The corporation doesn’t like my political views,” Elliot wrote on Facebook.
The news anchor had recently posted a video where he suggested people shouldn’t vote if they are just doing so out of hatred for former President Trump.
“This is so unlike me because I’m usually a ‘vote, vote, vote!’ guy. I’d like to see 100% voter turnout, whether it’s for your local sheriff or President of the United States, but if your hatred for Donald Trump is so strong — that’s kind of a sickness, by the way — but if it’s so strong that you’re planning to go in that voting booth and vote for Kamala Harris, do you listen to her? Do you know anything about her?” he asked in a video he posted to X Wednesday. “Anyway, do yourself, do the country, do the world a favor and just sit it out. Stay home, don’t vote. This has been a public service announcement.”
Elliott told the Sun Herald that general manager Rick Williams told him he was fired and that “X was brought up in the conversation, which lasted only about 30 seconds, because I left, I was like, ‘OK, see ya.”
Elliott also told the Sun Herald that his social media videos are satire, arguing that there is a distinction between his paid work for the news station versus his social media posts.
“I don’t consider social media journalism,” he said. “Social media is a toy. I have fun. I play. I look at it as satire.”
Nearly a week from Election Day and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has been released from Federal custody.
On Tuesday, Bannon walked out of the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut with his head held high after serving his four-month sentence.
Bannon’s conviction stemmed from his refusal to cooperate with the House committee’s investigation into the January 6th Capitol riots in 2021. In 2022, a jury found Bannon guilty of two counts of contempt of Congress: one for failing to provide requested documents and another for refusing to testify before the committee.
According to his representatives, Bannon is expected to hold a press conference in Manhattan late Tuesday. He is also expected to resume his War Room podcast.
Bannon’s legal battles, however, continue. In December, he faces a New York state trial on separate charges, where he is accused of defrauding donors in a campaign to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.
The 2024 Ohio Senate race is a key battleground, featuring incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and Republican challenger Bernie Moreno who aims to unseat Brown in a race that will be crucial for determining control of the U.S. Senate.
Meet Bernie Moreno
Bernie Moreno is a successful businessman and Republican candidate in Ohio’s 2024 Senate race. He gained prominence as an auto dealership mogul, owning multiple dealerships across the U.S. before selling most of them to focus on new ventures. Moreno has positioned himself as a political outsider, emphasizing his experience in business and entrepreneurship. His campaign centers on securing the U.S. border, advocating for conservative economic policies and opposing what he calls “woke” political ideologies.
Key Policy Issues
Border Security: Moreno prioritizes strengthening U.S. border security, advocating for stricter immigration enforcement and building infrastructure to prevent illegal crossings.
Economic Reform: He emphasizes conservative economic policies, including reducing taxes and regulations to boost business growth and job creation.
Opposition to “Woke” Policies: Moreno is vocal about fighting what he views as “woke” ideologies, particularly in education and corporate governance, promoting conservative values instead.
Senator Sherrod Brown
Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, has served as Ohio’s U.S. Senator since 2007. Brown has faced recent criticism from conservatives over his support for President Biden’s policies, including issues related to inflation and energy. Brown’s stances on issues like inflation, federal spending, and opposition to domestic energy production have hindered Ohio’s economy, especially in the manufacturing and energy sectors
Critical Issues in the Race
The Ohio Senate contest will likely focus on a few key issues that have shaped recent elections in the Buckeye state. These include economy, energy, and immigration.
Economy and Inflation: Moreno advocates for reduced government spending, deregulation, and tax cuts to combat inflation triggered by the Biden-Harris administration. He argues that excessive government intervention and policies supported by Brown have contributed to rising costs.
Energy and Climate: Moreno supports expanding domestic energy production, emphasizing Ohio’s reliance on traditional energy sectors, to lower energy costs and ensure energy independence, contrasting with Brown’s focus on renewable energy.
Immigration and Border Security: Moreno emphasizes strict immigration control and securing the U.S. border as key to national security and reducing crime.
Campaign Spending and Fundraising
The Ohio Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno has attracted significant spending and fundraising, making it one of the most expensive Senate contests of 2024. The overall spending in the race has surpassed $300 million, reflecting the high stakes and national attention on this pivotal Senate seat
–Sherrod Brown: Brown’s campaign has raised nearly $31 million as of the third quarter of 2024, setting a record for Senate races in Ohio. His campaign is supported by major Democrat donors and organizations, helping him maintain a fundraising lead. According to Brown’s campaign, the most any U.S. Senate candidate in Ohio had raised in a three-month period was Democrat Tim Ryan, who raised $17.2 million in the third quarter of 2022.
–Bernie Moreno: Moreno’s campaign, while not matching Brown’s total fundraising according to FEC data, has been supported by significant outside spending from conservative PACs and interest groups. In the third quarter of 2024, Moreno’s joint fundraising committee–which includes Moreno’s campaign, the U.S. Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, and several other affiliated groups–reported collecting $10,080,008.66. The joint fundraising committee and Moreno’s campaign spent more than $8.7 million combined during those three months and ended September with a combined $3.9 million cash on hand, according to FEC records. Moreno has invested heavily in his own campaign, focusing on political ads and outreach to build momentum. Spending in support of Moreno has helped keep the race highly competitive, pro-Moreno groups have spent just over $150 million on TV ads, compared to about $128 million spent on ads in support of Brown, according to Medium Buying.
Americans are sick of phony politicians like Kamala Harris and Sherrod Brown that repeat canned and rehearsed lines.
They think they can hoodwink the country, but when they are subjected to even the slightest amount of scrutiny, they crumble.
The Ohio Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno is shaping up to be a tight contest. Recent polling indicates a highly competitive race, with some surveys showing a narrow lead for Brown, while others suggest Moreno is gaining ground thanks to his focus on conservative social values and the economy.
RealClearPolitics polling average shows Brown with a slim lead over the Republican challenger of 2.6 percentage points.
Marist polling reports Democrat incumbent Sherrod Brown receives the support of 50% of likely voters statewide including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate. Republican challenger Bernie Moreno receives 48%. Among independents, Brown has a 54% to 43% advantage over Moreno.
New 🔴 internal senate polls:
🔵 Maryland: D +8 🔵 Michigan: D +8 🔵 Nevada: D +7 🔵 Ohio: D +6 🔵 Arizona: D +5 🔵 Pennsylvania: D +2 🔵 Wisconsin: D +1 🔴 Montana: R +4 🔴 Texas: R +1
Donald Trump: The former president endorsed Moreno, praising his business acumen and commitment to conservative values.
Mr. Moreno will “fight the corrupt Deep State that is destroying our Country,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media post.
“I could not be more grateful or humbled to have the complete and total endorsement of President Donald Trump at this vital moment in the campaign,” Mr. Moreno said in a statement, adding that a Republican takeover in the Senate and a victory from Mr. Trump in the presidential contest “will Make America Great Again!”
J.D. Vance: The vice presidential candidate backed Moreno early in the race.
“Thrilled to endorse Bernie Moreno for senate. He’s a good friend, a job creator, and will be a fantastic senator. We’d make a hell of a team!” Vance said in a tweet.
Thrilled to endorse Bernie Moreno for senate. He’s a good friend, a job creator, and will be a fantastic senator. We’d make a hell of a team! https://t.co/eTdVZsYgfn
Matt Gaetz: The Florida congressman voiced his support for Moreno’s Senate bid.
Jim Jordan: Ohio’s influential congressman and conservative leader has supported Moreno.
“Bernie is a true America First conservative, and will make us proud in the U.S. Senate,” Jordan said. “Our country needs common sense conservative fighters now more than ever. Bernie is a political outsider who has lived the American Dream. His perspective, his grit and his conservative values will serve Ohio well in the U.S. Senate.”
Ohio Attorney GeneralDave Yost: “To defeat Sherrod Brown in November, we need to nominate a proven conservative who can unite the party, and Bernie is the candidate who can do that,” Yost said.
Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam gave $50,000 apiece to Moreno’s campaign in mid-August, and other members of their family kicked in an additional $45,000 in total, records show.
“Bernie is grateful for the overwhelming support of Ohioans who are ready to fire Sherrod Brown after 50 years in political office,” said campaign spokeswoman Reagan McCarthy in a statement. “In the final stretch, Bernie will continue to outwork Sherrod and barnstorm Ohio.”
In a pivotal decision on Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that voters whose mail-in ballots were rejected due to errors—including missing signatures, incorrect dates or absence of a required secrecy envelope—can still cast their vote on Election Day. The 4-3 decision ensures that these individuals are allowed to submit provisional ballots at their local polling places, provided no additional disqualifying issues arise.
The ruling originated from a case in Butler County, where two voters were denied the opportunity to vote provisionally after their mail-in ballots were rejected during the April primary for missing secrecy envelopes. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania and the Public Interest Law Center represented the voters, arguing that the county had misinterpreted the state’s Election Code.
Justice Christine Donohue, writing for the majority, noted that the Republican litigants argued that in order to maintain election integrity, provisional ballots should not be counted, but said the majority was “at a loss to identify what honest voting principle is violated by recognizing the validity of one ballot cast by one voter.”
“If appellants presume that the general assembly intended to disqualify the provisional ballot of a voter who failed to effectively vote by mail in order to punish that voter, we caution that such a construction is not reconcilable with the right of franchise,” she wrote.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and the Public Interest Law Center, which brought the case on behalf of two voters, celebrated the ruling as a victory.
“Today’s decision affirms that if you make a paperwork mistake that will keep your mail ballot from counting, you have the right to vote by provisional ballot at your polling place on Election Day,” said Ben Geffen, senior attorney at the Public Interest Law Center. “This reinforces the right to vote in Pennsylvania.”
This decision holds broad implications for voters across Pennsylvania, offering a contentious solution for those facing similar issues in future elections. However, there was notable dissent, including from Justice P. Kevin Brobson, who contended that the state’s Election Code explicitly prohibits counting such provisional ballots.
The ruling comes as Pennsylvania takes center stage in the 2024 election. Polls suggest a highly competitive race, with the latest RealClearPolitics average showing former President Donald Trump holding a slight 0.6-point lead over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally over the weekend drew in supporters from all over…
During the rally, former President Donald Trump introduced a new policy proposal: a tax credit for Americans who serve as caregivers for family members.
Trump made the announcement when he took the stage after remarks from a number of his campaign surrogates — from former Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard to his running mate and Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) — and said that it was time to recognize those who gave themselves to care for ailing family members.
Watch:
🚨 NEW POLICY ALERT 🚨
"I am announcing a new policy today that I will support a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of a parent or a loved one. It's about time that they were recognized." pic.twitter.com/DBX2L7jDVT
“I am announcing a new policy today that I will support a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of a parent or a loved one. It’s about time that they were recognized, right?” he said as the crowd cheered.
“They add so much to our country and are never spoken of ever, ever, ever,” he continued. “But they’re going to be spoken of now. Thank you all very much.”
The former president also mentioned another policy he’d support — namely the death penalty for any illegal immigrant convicted of killing an American citizen or a law enforcement officer.
“I am hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer,” he said, prompting even louder cheers and chants of “USA! USA! USA!”
US Department of Labor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
MSNBC’s Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski delivered a strong rebuke against former President Donald Trump during Thursday’s broadcast, accusing him of endangering women’s health and expressing frustration with those who question recent reports critical of Trump.
Brzezinski argued that Trump’s actions have serious implications for women, specifically regarding reproductive health. “He is putting our reproductive health at risk, and some women have already died because of this,” Brzezinski stated, emphasizing the potential dangers she believes his policies pose. “I’m talking about us women. He’s killing us. He is making us afraid to have babies.”
NEW: A furious Mika Brzezinski loses it, says Trump is "k*lling women," lashes out at "idiots" who are questioning The Atlantic's anti-Trump reporting.
This is not what someone who thinks their side is winning sounds like.
Her comments also extended to those who question the veracity of recent reporting, including a so-called “October surprise” from The Atlantic that criticize Trump. “These headlines and very good reporting, by the way, shouldn’t be questioned by idiots about what Trump has said about Hitler. That’s incredibly important to know,” she added.
Of course, Brzezinski did not mention that Trump was the first U.S. president to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. On Dec. 6, 2017, he announced this recognition, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. Previous presidents had avoided this move, keeping the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv to placate Palestinian opposition.
Critics argue that Brzezinski’s diatribe implies Democrats are losing and that their only option now is to scare the public into voting for Kamala Harris.
The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Thursday’s unveiling of a decades-old sexual assault allegation against Donald Trump, purported involving Jeffrey Epstein and former model Stacey Williams, has sparked more questions than answers. The allegation surfaced during a paid Zoom call hosted by the Harris campaign, raising immediate doubts about the timing and intent behind the claim. Even more curious, the story found its way into print not in the United States but in the left-leaning British newspaper, The Guardian, after multiple American media outlets reportedly passed on the story.
The new Trump allegation was made in a paid Harris campaign zoom call
Even some users who aren’t exactly Trump supporters found the release disappointing. On X, Election Wizard voiced frustration with the Harris campaign’s so-called “October surprise.” “I feel very let down by the Harris people. I was promised a ‘bombshell Trump story’ that would upend the race,” Election Wizard tweeted. “Instead, I got tabloid piece” published in a partisan British newspaper.
A Timeline That Doesn’t Add Up
Adding to the skepticism is the timeline of the alleged events, which is, at best, murky. The accusation, now over 30 years old, reportedly involves an encounter between Williams, Epstein and Trump. In a video interview, Williams recounts a walk with Epstein “from his brownstone on the Upper East Side down Fifth Avenue” in “late winter of 1993,” claiming they visited Trump on a whim.
However, this is where the details begin to unravel. According to ZeroHedge, Epstein only moved into the Wexler mansion on 9 East 71st Street in 1996—three years after this supposed impromptu visit with Trump was said to have taken place. So, how could such a meeting have happened in a location Epstein hadn’t even acquired yet?
"Late winter of 1993 I was on a walk with Jeffrey [Epstein] from his brownstone on the Upper East Side down Fifth Avenue, when Jeffrey looked at me and said "You know let's go stop by and see Trump"."
Strange: Epstein only moved into the Wexler mansion on 9 East 71st in 1996. https://t.co/nNWp3TeKzy
As reported by American Liberty News on Wednesday, political journalist Mark Halperin warned about “actors” attempting to influence the 2024 presidential race. Halperin mentioned that he was approached with a story supposedly capable of “ending Trump’s campaign,” but he did not find it credible and chose not to pursue it:
“The point I was making is actors who want a certain outcome are on social media and in pitches to reporters, and in the case of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg… are trying to affect the end of the race because they’re so desperate to try to pull a Comey,” Halperin stated, referencing the 2016 election’s late-stage developments. He reiterated, “I’m not pursuing the story. I don’t think it’s true… All I’m saying is there are people out there pitching stuff.” (RELATED: Slain Soldier’s Family Dismisses The Atlantic’s Trump ‘Hit Piece’)
NEW: Mark Halperin clarifies himself after he went viral for stating he had been pitched a story that would “end Trump’s campaign.”
Halperin says the comment was made to warn people of “actors” who are trying to influence the election.
This clarification comes amid signs of stronger-than-expected early voting turnout for Republicans, though prominent conservatives are warning supporters not to become complacent.
This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.
In a candid exchange with paparazzi at an airport, actor and two-time Oscar winning filmmaker Mel Gibson let it be known in no uncertain terms what he thinks about Vice President Kamala Harris. The interaction, captured in footage obtained by TMZ, shows Gibson responding to questions about his opinion on the upcoming election.
When asked by a cameraman, “Who are you voting for?” the paparazzo quickly suggested, “I’m gonna guess. Trump.” Gibson, known for his outspoken nature, replied, “I think that’s a pretty good guess.” He then went on to critique Harris, stating, “[Kamala has a] miserable track record, appalling track record. No policies to speak of.” His criticism culminated with a jab at Harris’s intelligence, claiming she has “the IQ of a fence post.”
BREAKING: MEL GIBSON CONFIRMS HE IS VOTING FOR DONALD TRUMP
Gibson began his career in the late 1970s but rose to international fame with the Mad Max series, starting with Mad Max (1979). These films established him as a charismatic action star. His role in Mad Max (1981) and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) cemented his status as a rugged and intense actor.
Gibson gained further recognition with his role as Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon series, which started in 1987. The buddy-cop action films, known for their blend of humor and intense action, made him a certified A-list Hollywood star.
WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE
In addition to his action roles, Gibson showed his range in films like Hamlet (1990), where he delivered a well-received performance in a dramatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. Other notable roles include Braveheart (1995), The Patriot (2000) and Signs (2002), showcasing his ability to play both intense warriors and more complex characters.
Gibson’s transition into directing has been marked by critical acclaim. It was Braveheart (1995) that solidified his reputation as a director. The historical epic that tells the story of Scottish warrior William Wallace, who led a rebellion against English rule in the late 13th century, earned him the Best Director award, as well as Best Picture.
In 2004, Gibson directed The Passion of the Christ, which dramatizes the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $600 million worldwide. More than two decades later, the film has had a lasting cultural impact and remains a point of discussion in religious and film circles.
Gibson continued to explore historical and cultural themes with Apocalypto (2006), a film set during the decline of the Mayan civilization. Known for its use of native languages and visceral intensity, Apocalypto was praised for its ambitious storytelling and immersive direction.
After a period marked by personal and professional setbacks, Gibson made a notable comeback with Hacksaw Ridge (2016). The World War II drama tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a pacifist combat medic. Doss received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his acts of valor during the Battle of Okinawa. He was the first conscientious objector to be awarded this honor, though he preferred the term “conscientious cooperator” because he did not refuse to serve—only to carry a weapon.
Gibson is currently working on The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, a follow-up to his 2004 film The Passion of the Christ. This sequel aims to explore the events between the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The first part is in post-production and is scheduled for a 2025 release.
Additionally, Gibson is involved in Lethal Weapon 5, which marks his return as both director and actor, taking over the directorial role after the passing of the original series director, Richard Donner. The film will see Gibson reprising his role as Martin Riggs, with Danny Glover expected to return as Roger Murtaugh.
This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Lawyers for former President Trump filed a motion on Thursday to dismiss charges related to the 2020 election brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
In their legal filing, the Trump team claims Smith was unlawfully appointed.
“President Donald J. Trump respectfully requests leave to file this proposed motion to dismiss the Superseding Indictment and for injunctive relief—which is timely and, alternatively, supported by good cause—based on violations of the Constitution’s Appointments and Appropriations Clauses,” the filing states.
The Appointments Clause says, “Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States be appointed by the President subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, although Congress may vest the appointment of inferior officers in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.” Smith, however, was never confirmed by the Senate.
“The proposed motion establishes that this unjust case was dead on arrival— unconstitutional even before its inception,” the Trump filing states.
Trump lawyers argued that in November 2022, Attorney General Merick Garland “violated the Appointments Clause by naming private-citizen Smith to target President Trump, while President Trump was campaigning to take back the Oval Office from the Attorney General’s boss, without a statutory basis for doing so.”
Trump attorneys argue that Smith “was not appointed ‘by Law,'” and argue that he “has operated with a blank check by relying on an inapplicable permanent indefinite appropriation that was enacted in connection with a reauthorization of the Independent Counsel Act in 1987.”
“Smith was not appointed pursuant to that Act, which expired in 1999. The appropriation contemplates the possibility of appointment by some ‘other law,’ but no ‘other law’ authorized Smith’s appointment,” the attorneys continue. “The appropriation also requires that the prosecutor be “independent,” in the very particular, rigorous sense that attorneys appointed pursuant to the defunct Independent Counsel Act were meant to be independent.”
They added: “That is not true of Smith’s appointment, either.”
“For these reasons, Smith should have never been permitted to access these huge sums of money, and his use of this funding violated the Appropriations Clause,” the filing states. “Based on these violations of the Appointments and Appropriations Clauses, the Superseding Indictment should be dismissed with prejudice. In addition, an injunction against additional spending by Smith is necessary to prevent ongoing irreparable harm and to ensure complete relief for the Appropriations Clause violation.”
Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Smith has until Halloween, Oct. 31, to file his response.
