westernjournal--2020-11-30--Biden’s Pick To Lead OMB Once Called Joe a ‘Mess’ Who Would Make Hillary Clinton Look Better

On Monday , presumed President-elect Joe Biden announced Neera Tanden , the current President and CEO of the progressive Center for American Progress , as his choice to head the Office of Management and Budget .
The highly partisan Tanden was “ a senior adviser in former President Bill Clinton ’ s administration ” and served “ as the political director for [ Hillary Clinton ’ s ] 2008 presidential campaign.
” On Oct. 20 , 2015 , Tanden sent an email to John Podesta with the subject line , “ The good thing about a Biden run.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podesta ’ s emails that were published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election cycle .
Podesta is a longtime Clinton ally and served as President Bill Clinton ’ s Chief of Staff and chaired Hillary Clinton ’ s 2016 presidential campaign .
In the body , Tanden wrote , “ Is that he would make Hillary look so much better .
What a mess today .
Thanks for today and last night.
” The occasion Tanden was referring to , according to Fox News , was an event “ honoring former Vice President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critiqued Clinton.
” The week before , Clinton had been “ asked to name which enemy she has made in her career that she was most proud of and responded with a list .
‘ Well , in addition to the NRA , the health insurance companies , the drug companies , the Iranians ; probably the Republicans.
’ ” “ It is possible , it is necessary to end this notion that the enemy is the other party , ” Biden said at the gala .
“ End this notion that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well of the other party and cooperation .
What is naïve is to think it is remotely possible to govern this country unless we can .
That is what is naïve.
” Biden “ portrayed his own leadership during the Obama administration as more critical to its successes than Clinton ’ s as former secretary of state.
” At the time , then-Vice President Joe Biden was considering whether or not to throw his hat in the ring for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination .
Breitbart News ’ Charlie Spiering wrote that Podesta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not Biden would run because of the repercussions his decision would have on the fate of their preferred 2016 candidate , Hillary Clinton .
Spiering dug up several emails between Tanden and Podesta leading up to the October 20 message .
“ Still can ’ t figure out whether he ’ ll rally himself to do it , ” Podesta wrote in an August email .
“ My prediction , ” Tanden wrote in September , “ [ is ] Biden announces his run on Stephen Colbert show .
I obviously don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s like super ratings push for Colbert .
I don ’ t think he ’ d take him unless he was making news.
” “ Biden will get in .
We are still way more likely than not to win nomination , ” Podesta replied .
“ We ’ ve taken on a lot of water that won ’ t be easy to pump out of the boat … She ’ s nervous so prepping more and performing better .
Got to do something to pump up excitement but not certain how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must have been greatly relieved on October 21 when Biden announced he would not run .
But , the question remains : If Tanden thought Biden was “ a mess ” five years ago , how does she feel today ?
Someone needs to ask her if she ’ s changed her mind about him .
Or does she still think Biden is “ a mess ” ?
For the record , Drew Brandewie , the spokesman for Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn , tweeted earlier that Tanden stands zero chance of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On Monday, presumed President-elect Joe Biden announced Neera Tanden, the current President and CEO of the progressive Center for American Progress, as his choice to head the Office of Management and Budget.
The highly partisan Tanden was “a senior adviser in former President Bill Clinton’s administration” and served “as the political director for [Hillary Clinton’s] 2008 presidential campaign.”
On Oct. 20, 2015, Tanden sent an email to John Podesta with the subject line, “The good thing about a Biden run.”
The email was included in the group of Podesta’s emails that were published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election cycle. Podesta is a longtime Clinton ally and served as President Bill Clinton’s Chief of Staff and chaired Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.
In the body, Tanden wrote, “Is that he would make Hillary look so much better. What a mess today. Thanks for today and last night.”
The occasion Tanden was referring to, according to Fox News, was an event “honoring former Vice President Walter Mondale in Washington, where Biden critiqued Clinton.”
The week before, Clinton had been “asked to name which enemy she has made in her career that she was most proud of and responded with a list. ‘Well, in addition to the NRA, the health insurance companies, the drug companies, the Iranians; probably the Republicans.’”
“It is possible, it is necessary to end this notion that the enemy is the other party,” Biden said at the gala. “End this notion that it is naïve to think we can speak well of the other party and cooperation. What is naïve is to think it is remotely possible to govern this country unless we can. That is what is naïve.”
Biden “portrayed his own leadership during the Obama administration as more critical to its successes than Clinton’s as former secretary of state.”
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At the time, then-Vice President Joe Biden was considering whether or not to throw his hat in the ring for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.
Breitbart News’ Charlie Spiering wrote that Podesta and Tanden had “tracked” whether or not Biden would run because of the repercussions his decision would have on the fate of their preferred 2016 candidate, Hillary Clinton.
Spiering dug up several emails between Tanden and Podesta leading up to the October 20 message.
“Still can’t figure out whether he’ll rally himself to do it,” Podesta wrote in an August email.
“My prediction,” Tanden wrote in September, “[is] Biden announces his run on Stephen Colbert show. I obviously don’t know anything. But it’s like super ratings push for Colbert. I don’t think he’d take him unless he was making news.”
“Biden will get in. We are still way more likely than not to win nomination,” Podesta replied.
“We’ve taken on a lot of water that won’t be easy to pump out of the boat … She’s nervous so prepping more and performing better. Got to do something to pump up excitement but not certain how to do that.”
Tanden and Podesta must have been greatly relieved on October 21 when Biden announced he would not run.
But, the question remains: If Tanden thought Biden was “a mess” five years ago, how does she feel today?
Someone needs to ask her if she’s changed her mind about him. Or does she still think Biden is “a mess”?
For the record, Drew Brandewie, the spokesman for Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn, tweeted earlier that Tanden stands zero chance of being confirmed.
Neera Tanden, who has an endless stream of disparaging comments about the Republican Senators’ whose votes she’ll need, stands zero chance of being confirmed. https://t.co/f6Ewi6OMQR — Drew Brandewie (@DBrandewie) November 30, 2020
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--Op-Ed: Perhaps It’s Time for an Electoral College Within the States

There ’ s a lot of “ flyover country ” in my home state of Pennsylvania .
More accurately , it should be called “ drive-through country ” – the expanse traversed by Interstate 80 that carries travelers from the populated East ( Philadelphia ) to the populated West ( Pittsburgh ) .
As people travel east or west in Pennsylvania , they enjoy the scenic countryside and bucolic little towns , but most don ’ t stop .
They drive right on by , headed for the urban destinations of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh .
The composition of Pennsylvania is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large swath of flyover country that is passed by as people travel to and from the metropolitan East and West Coasts .
And like Pennsylvania , most travelers flying to or from the coasts glance down at America ’ s heartland but never set foot on the ground .
There ’ s a major disconnect between the urban populations on the coasts and the blue-collar contingent occupying the rest of the country .
And speaking for those of us who reside in the rural , small towns of Pennsylvania , and America , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overlooked by the major population centers .
They do their thing and we do ours .
Except when it comes to elections .
When those living in major cities “ do their thing ” during an election where the Electoral College isn ’ t applied , they overwhelm and silence the voice of those living in rural areas and even the suburbs .
On a national scale , the Electoral College prevents the highly populated states from dictating the terms for the rest of us when votes are cast .
Majority rule holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America , and perhaps it ’ s time the same approach be implemented on the state level .
The 2020 presidential election strengthened the argument for an Electoral College within the states .
Here in Pennsylvania , the metropolitan areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh were expected strongholds for Joe Biden , while the bulk of the rest of the state was a solid red for President Donald Trump .
As it stands right now — since the election is being contested and nothing is truly official — 13 of Pennsylvania ’ s 67 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the metropolitan strongholds of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh .
Combined , those two cities have a population of nearly 2 million , and in the end , Philadelphia and , to a lesser extent , Pittsburgh , spoke for all of Pennsylvania and flipped the Keystone State to Biden .
That means , without an Electoral College , those living in Pennsylvania flyover country were left without a voice , regardless of how many Trump signs dotted yards throughout the state .
RELATED : Op-Ed : Kamala Ca n't Claim To Support Small Businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street And even though the Pennsylvania heartland has a higher population base than Philadelphia and Pittsburgh combined , the sheer number of voters from those metropolitan areas is overwhelming .
Philadelphia , for example , accounted for 603,790 votes for Biden and only 132,740 for Trump – a difference of 471,000 .
That ’ s a lot of ground for voters in the rest of the state to make up .
Factor in the smaller urban areas that swung for Biden – Scranton , Allentown , Erie and State College – and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance .
The majority-rule form of voting impacted flyover areas in other states as well .
The majority of the Michigan landscape was red in the 2020 election , with the exception of those counties encompassing Detroit , Grand Rapids and Lansing , and that was enough to turn the entire state blue .
In Illinois , the votes in Cook County alone – home to Chicago – were enough to obliterate the sweeping red wave that covered most of the state .
Milwaukee flipped Wisconsin , and Atlanta did the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties glowing red .
Again , this is all subjective as Trump continues to fight the election results , but it ’ s not the first time the urban areas within a state dictated the terms in vote totals .
The problem with having a popular vote dictate the presidential outcome for states is the values and issues that are important in the large cities differ from what matters to the voters in the majority of rural and suburban counties .
As a result , the concerns and opinions of the flyover areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election .
And that goes against the very definition of a republic , which is the form of government that the Founding Fathers desired .
That means , in Pennsylvania , small-town Punxsutawney is every bit as important as Philadelphia .
Pittston matters every bit as much as Pittsburgh .
But without an Electoral College , it ’ s too easy for the big cities to silence the small towns on election night .
There are many ways to implement an Electoral College at the state level .
The simplest and most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional districts that already reflect the values and concerns of a geographic region .
However , in addition to ensuring a voice for all residents in a state , an Electoral College would also quash a major problem that surfaced on Nov. 3 – voter fraud .
No one can rightfully deny the occurrence of fraud in the election .
Trump ’ s attorneys have collected a voluminous amount of affidavits , witnesses , documents and data that all point to election wrongdoing .
Ultimately , it will be up to a court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unofficial victory doesn ’ t come close to passing the smell test .
With the Electoral College in states , the risk and impact of fraudulent attempts to swing an election would be nullified .
While it ’ s imperative for our country that Trump is able to flip the election or , at the very least , Republicans are able to hold the Senate with two victories in Georgia , a state-level Electoral College is the only way to ensure that the mess we ’ re in right now doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal , you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

There’s a lot of “flyover country” in my home state of Pennsylvania.
More accurately, it should be called “drive-through country” – the expanse traversed by Interstate 80 that carries travelers from the populated East (Philadelphia) to the populated West (Pittsburgh).
As people travel east or west in Pennsylvania, they enjoy the scenic countryside and bucolic little towns, but most don’t stop. They drive right on by, headed for the urban destinations of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
The composition of Pennsylvania is much like the United States – a large swath of flyover country that is passed by as people travel to and from the metropolitan East and West Coasts.
And like Pennsylvania, most travelers flying to or from the coasts glance down at America’s heartland but never set foot on the ground.
There’s a major disconnect between the urban populations on the coasts and the blue-collar contingent occupying the rest of the country.
And speaking for those of us who reside in the rural, small towns of Pennsylvania, and America, we really don’t mind being overlooked by the major population centers. They do their thing and we do ours.
Except when it comes to elections.
When those living in major cities “do their thing” during an election where the Electoral College isn’t applied, they overwhelm and silence the voice of those living in rural areas and even the suburbs.
Do you think there should be an Electoral College at the state level? Yes No
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On a national scale, the Electoral College prevents the highly populated states from dictating the terms for the rest of us when votes are cast. Majority rule holds no weight come presidential election time in America, and perhaps it’s time the same approach be implemented on the state level.
The 2020 presidential election strengthened the argument for an Electoral College within the states.
Here in Pennsylvania, the metropolitan areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh were expected strongholds for Joe Biden, while the bulk of the rest of the state was a solid red for President Donald Trump.
As it stands right now — since the election is being contested and nothing is truly official — 13 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties voted for Biden, anchored by the metropolitan strongholds of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Combined, those two cities have a population of nearly 2 million, and in the end, Philadelphia and, to a lesser extent, Pittsburgh, spoke for all of Pennsylvania and flipped the Keystone State to Biden.
That means, without an Electoral College, those living in Pennsylvania flyover country were left without a voice, regardless of how many Trump signs dotted yards throughout the state.
And even though the Pennsylvania heartland has a higher population base than Philadelphia and Pittsburgh combined, the sheer number of voters from those metropolitan areas is overwhelming. Philadelphia, for example, accounted for 603,790 votes for Biden and only 132,740 for Trump – a difference of 471,000. That’s a lot of ground for voters in the rest of the state to make up. Factor in the smaller urban areas that swung for Biden – Scranton, Allentown, Erie and State College – and the rest of us didn’t have a chance.
The majority-rule form of voting impacted flyover areas in other states as well.
The majority of the Michigan landscape was red in the 2020 election, with the exception of those counties encompassing Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing, and that was enough to turn the entire state blue.
In Illinois, the votes in Cook County alone – home to Chicago – were enough to obliterate the sweeping red wave that covered most of the state. Milwaukee flipped Wisconsin, and Atlanta did the same for Georgia, despite the majority of counties glowing red.
Again, this is all subjective as Trump continues to fight the election results, but it’s not the first time the urban areas within a state dictated the terms in vote totals.
The problem with having a popular vote dictate the presidential outcome for states is the values and issues that are important in the large cities differ from what matters to the voters in the majority of rural and suburban counties.
As a result, the concerns and opinions of the flyover areas within a state mean nothing during a presidential election.
And that goes against the very definition of a republic, which is the form of government that the Founding Fathers desired.
That means, in Pennsylvania, small-town Punxsutawney is every bit as important as Philadelphia. Pittston matters every bit as much as Pittsburgh.
But without an Electoral College, it’s too easy for the big cities to silence the small towns on election night.
There are many ways to implement an Electoral College at the state level. The simplest and most effective would be to base it on congressional districts that already reflect the values and concerns of a geographic region.
However, in addition to ensuring a voice for all residents in a state, an Electoral College would also quash a major problem that surfaced on Nov. 3 – voter fraud.
No one can rightfully deny the occurrence of fraud in the election. Trump’s attorneys have collected a voluminous amount of affidavits, witnesses, documents and data that all point to election wrongdoing. Ultimately, it will be up to a court to decide, but so far Biden’s unofficial victory doesn’t come close to passing the smell test.
With the Electoral College in states, the risk and impact of fraudulent attempts to swing an election would be nullified.
While it’s imperative for our country that Trump is able to flip the election or, at the very least, Republicans are able to hold the Senate with two victories in Georgia, a state-level Electoral College is the only way to ensure that the mess we’re in right now doesn’t happen again.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--Cancel Culture Comes for Eric Clapton After He Records New Anti-Lockdown Song

Rock-and-roll legend Eric Clapton is one of the most revered guitar players of all time , but not even such a cultural icon is safe from the left ’ s culture of cancelation .
Clapton last week dared to question government-imposed lockdowns through announcing new music with fellow rock legend Van Morrison , so the leftists pored through his past , and they found something .
Clapton made racist comments 44 years ago at a concert , according to The Daily Beast .
In Birmingham , England , in 1976 , Clapton addressed a concert audience and made some comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want you here , in the room or in my country .
… Stop Britain from becoming a black colony .
Get the foreigners out .
Get the wogs out .
Get the coons out .
Keep Britain white .
I used to be into dope , now I ’ m into racism.
” “ It ’ s much heavier , man .
F—–g wogs , man .
F—–g Saudis taking over London .
Bastard wogs .
Britain is becoming overcrowded and [ former U.K. politician Enoch Powell ] will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The black wogs and coons and Arabs and f—–g Jamaicans and f—–g … don ’ t belong here , we don ’ t want them here.
” “ This is England , this is a white country , we don ’ t want any black wogs and coons living here .
We need to make clear to them they are not welcome .
England is for white people , man .
We are a white country .
I don ’ t want f—–g wogs living next to me with their standards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
What is happening to us , for f— ‘ s sake ?
” In 2018 , Clapton said he made the comments at a time when he spent his mornings drinking alcohol and he would transition to using cocaine off of a knife blade by lunch .
“ I sabotaged everything I got involved with , ” Clapton explained .
“ I was so ashamed of who I was , a kind of semi-racist , which didn ’ t make sense .
Half of my friends were black , I dated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black music.
” The admitted former drug addict has apologized for the outburst for years , citing personal pain and chemical dependence , and the left has never challenged those apologies .
Now , Clapton is being targeted for cancelation : The old comments were brought to light after Clapton was announced last week to be joining Morrison in recording a new song against lockdowns .
In an interview with Variety , the former Derek and the Dominos and Cream musician said he could not imagine a world in which live music is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clapton and Morrison , who wish to raise funds for struggling musicians unable to play or survive because of draconian lockdowns , announced Clapton would record a song called “ Stand and Deliver , ” which Morrison wrote .
“ We must stand up and be counted because we need to find a way out of this mess .
The alternative is not worth thinking about .
Live music might never recover [ from lockdowns ] , ” Clapton said .
But the musician committed the thought crime of going against the left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which have made life miserable for people of all races .
Now , he ’ s the worst person on earth .
The point is not that Clapton ’ s statements from 1976 deserve defense or context — or an explanation of what did or did not change his heart .
The point is that those old comments have suddenly only become relevant within the last few days — after Clapton challenged the left ’ s COVID restrictions .
Clapton took a shot at leftist government control , and voila !
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leftist cancel culture warriors acted quickly to cite sources that have been publicly available for years , and one of them contains an open and sincere apology from the musician .
It ’ s certainly only a matter of time before a tribunal forms to purge Clapton from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .
The man is , after all , not on board with lockdowns !
Oh , yeah , and also there ’ s that whole on-the-record former self-described “ semi-racist ” thing .
Never mind Clapton has apologized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said led his heart astray .
The left must immediately proceed to cancel not only his timeless music but any notion that people can be redeemed .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Rock-and-roll legend Eric Clapton is one of the most revered guitar players of all time, but not even such a cultural icon is safe from the left’s culture of cancelation.
Clapton last week dared to question government-imposed lockdowns through announcing new music with fellow rock legend Van Morrison, so the leftists pored through his past, and they found something.
Clapton made racist comments 44 years ago at a concert, according to The Daily Beast.
In Birmingham, England, in 1976, Clapton addressed a concert audience and made some comments he later would regret.
Clapton’s 1976 comments, from The Daily Beast:
“I don’t want you here, in the room or in my country. … Stop Britain from becoming a black colony. Get the foreigners out. Get the wogs out. Get the coons out. Keep Britain white. I used to be into dope, now I’m into racism.”
“It’s much heavier, man. F—–g wogs, man. F—–g Saudis taking over London. Bastard wogs. Britain is becoming overcrowded and [former U.K. politician Enoch Powell] will stop it and send them all back. The black wogs and coons and Arabs and f—–g Jamaicans and f—–g … don’t belong here, we don’t want them here.”
“This is England, this is a white country, we don’t want any black wogs and coons living here. We need to make clear to them they are not welcome. England is for white people, man. We are a white country. I don’t want f—–g wogs living next to me with their standards. This is Great Britain, a white country. What is happening to us, for f—‘s sake?”
In 2018, Clapton said he made the comments at a time when he spent his mornings drinking alcohol and he would transition to using cocaine off of a knife blade by lunch.
Do you think anyone is safe from the left's cancel culture? Yes No
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“I sabotaged everything I got involved with,” Clapton explained. “I was so ashamed of who I was, a kind of semi-racist, which didn’t make sense. Half of my friends were black, I dated a black woman, and I championed black music.”
The admitted former drug addict has apologized for the outburst for years, citing personal pain and chemical dependence, and the left has never challenged those apologies.
Now, Clapton is being targeted for cancelation:
I had to cancel my membership in Clapton’s fan club! — Gina Ross (@GinaRoss19) November 28, 2020
Clapton is a great example of what happens when you give virulent racists the opportunity to ‘redeem’ themselves (they don’t). — Canis “ACAB” Ebrietas :: #BLM (@DogBlud) November 27, 2020
so apparently eric clapton is racist trash. brb, purging my playlists — Someone’s Uncool Mom (@kecia_ali) November 28, 2020
I legitimately thought Eric Clapton was dead, devastating to hear he’s still alive, racist, stupid and making music. — ETHAN (@mxdernmisxry) November 27, 2020
Eric Clapton is a racist – no platform!!! https://t.co/Nkbswt12Ux — Travers (@DrBaseball) November 28, 2020
The old comments were brought to light after Clapton was announced last week to be joining Morrison in recording a new song against lockdowns.
In an interview with Variety, the former Derek and the Dominos and Cream musician said he could not imagine a world in which live music is no longer part of the culture.
Clapton and Morrison, who wish to raise funds for struggling musicians unable to play or survive because of draconian lockdowns, announced Clapton would record a song called “Stand and Deliver,” which Morrison wrote.
“We must stand up and be counted because we need to find a way out of this mess. The alternative is not worth thinking about. Live music might never recover [from lockdowns],” Clapton said.
But the musician committed the thought crime of going against the left’s beloved and inhumane lockdown restrictions, which have made life miserable for people of all races.
Now, he’s the worst person on earth.
The point is not that Clapton’s statements from 1976 deserve defense or context — or an explanation of what did or did not change his heart.
The point is that those old comments have suddenly only become relevant within the last few days — after Clapton challenged the left’s COVID restrictions.
Clapton took a shot at leftist government control, and voila! He’s now a racist again.
Leftist cancel culture warriors acted quickly to cite sources that have been publicly available for years, and one of them contains an open and sincere apology from the musician.
It’s certainly only a matter of time before a tribunal forms to purge Clapton from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The man is, after all, not on board with lockdowns!
Oh, yeah, and also there’s that whole on-the-record former self-described “semi-racist” thing.
Never mind Clapton has apologized numerous times for the personal demons he said led his heart astray.
The left must immediately proceed to cancel not only his timeless music but any notion that people can be redeemed.
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--Governor Gets Sued by His Own Attorney General Over New COVID Restrictions

Kentucky ’ s Republican attorney general is suing his state ’ s Democratic governor in federal court over an order which forces private and religious schools to remain closed .
Democratic Gov .
Andy Beshear ordered all schools earlier this month in the state to close and to force students , parents and teachers to use distance learning amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Beshear ’ s order went into effect on Nov. 23 , according to WDRB-TV .
But Attorney General Daniel Cameron filed a brief in federal court seeking an injunction to exclude private and religious schools from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Danville Christian Academy in Danville , Kentucky , to file a lawsuit in response to Beshear ’ s order on Nov. 20 .
The outlet reported U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove ruled last week that the order would exempt private schools .
Beshear appealed Van Tatenhove ’ s ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit to preserve the order to close private schools .
Beshear ’ s office signaled it would take the case to the Supreme Court if needed .
But that was not necessary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s decision on Sunday .
AG Cameron is also prepared for a prolonged fight over the issue and is seeking to take the case to the country ’ s highest court .
He told Fox News Monday Beshear ’ s ruling targets religious institutions , and he will apply to have the Supreme Court hear his case on Monday .
Appearing on “ Fox & Friends , ” Cameron recognized the governor ’ s “ responsibility to keep people safe , ” but he argued the issue was one with significant First Amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about defending religious liberty .
RELATED : Dr. Birx Claims Americans Who Gathered for Thanksgiving Should 'Assume ' They 're Infected with COVID Preventing students from attending “ religious-affiliated schools , which is an act of worship within itself , that they can not go to school , it infringes upon the First Amendment rights , ” Cameron argued on the program .
“ You have to have a delicate balance in terms of keeping people safe and respecting the constitutional rights of our citizens.
” “ What he has done repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise of religion here in the commonwealth of Kentucky , ” Cameron continued .
“ We ’ ll be applying for review by the Supreme Court hopefully today.
” Cameron concluded that as attorney general , he has a responsibility to defend the constitutional rights of the state ’ s citizens , which includes children .
“ It is fundamental that our kids get back and improve upon and progress in their own educational development , ” Cameron said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

Kentucky’s Republican attorney general is suing his state’s Democratic governor in federal court over an order which forces private and religious schools to remain closed.
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear ordered all schools earlier this month in the state to close and to force students, parents and teachers to use distance learning amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Beshear’s order went into effect on Nov. 23, according to WDRB-TV.
But Attorney General Daniel Cameron filed a brief in federal court seeking an injunction to exclude private and religious schools from the order.
WKYT-TV reported Cameron joined the Danville Christian Academy in Danville, Kentucky, to file a lawsuit in response to Beshear’s order on Nov. 20.
The outlet reported U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove ruled last week that the order would exempt private schools.
Beshear appealed Van Tatenhove’s ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit to preserve the order to close private schools.
Beshear’s office signaled it would take the case to the Supreme Court if needed.
But that was not necessary, as the court overturned Van Tatenhove’s decision on Sunday.
Should students return to school? Yes No
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AG Cameron is also prepared for a prolonged fight over the issue and is seeking to take the case to the country’s highest court.
He told Fox News Monday Beshear’s ruling targets religious institutions, and he will apply to have the Supreme Court hear his case on Monday.
Appearing on “Fox & Friends,” Cameron recognized the governor’s “responsibility to keep people safe,” but he argued the issue was one with significant First Amendment ramifications.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
For Cameron, the issue is about defending religious liberty.
Preventing students from attending “religious-affiliated schools, which is an act of worship within itself, that they cannot go to school, it infringes upon the First Amendment rights,” Cameron argued on the program.
“You have to have a delicate balance in terms of keeping people safe and respecting the constitutional rights of our citizens.”
“What he has done repeatedly is infringe upon the First Amendment free exercise of religion here in the commonwealth of Kentucky,” Cameron continued.
“We’ll be applying for review by the Supreme Court hopefully today.”
Cameron concluded that as attorney general, he has a responsibility to defend the constitutional rights of the state’s citizens, which includes children.
“It is fundamental that our kids get back and improve upon and progress in their own educational development,” Cameron said.
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--Biden Cabinet Pick Allegedly Punched Reporter While Working for Clinton Campaign

Presumptive President-elect Joe Biden ’ s nominee to lead the Office of Budget and Management , Neera Tanden , allegedly punched a liberal reporter in the chest in 2008 when she was serving as an aide to Hillary Clinton ’ s presidential campaign .
Faiz Shakir , the then-chief editor of the now-defunct progressive news outlet ThinkProgress , had asked Tanden a question during an interview about the Iraq war , which Clinton had supported as a senator .
An unnamed person in the room told The New York Times that Tanden accosted Shakir following the interview and punched him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ f— do you think you are , ” Tanden asked Shakir during the altercation , Times reporter Kenneth Vogal tweeted .
Tanden acknowledged in 2019 that a physical altercation had occurred between her and Shakir , but she denied punching him .
“ I didn ’ t slug him , I pushed him , ” Tanden said , according to the Times .
Tanden ’ s mother , Maya Tanden , told the Times that she “ can be very aggressive ” over her support of Clinton .
“ She ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Maya Tanden said , “ and she has loyalty to Hillary because Hillary is the one who made her.
” In 2011 , Tanden became president and CEO of the liberal think tank Center for American Progress , which owned ThinkProgress , a role she still holds .
Shakir was serving as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ presidential campaign manager in April 2019 when Sanders publicly attacked the Center for American Progress for highlighting how he reaped book profits and for “ belittling progressive ideas.
” “ This counterproductive negative campaigning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the letter .
“ The Democratic primary must be a campaign of ideas , not of bad faith smears .
Please help play a constructive role in the effort to defeat Donald Trump.
” Biden announced Monday that he will nominate Tanden to lead the Office of Budget and Management , which would make her responsible for overseeing his administration ’ s spending plans .
Republicans are already signaling that Tanden faces an uphill confirmation battle in the Senate .
The communications director for Texas Sen. John Cornyn tweeted Monday that Tanden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” due to her history of disparaging comments about Republican senators .
RELATED : President Trump Speaks Out About Alleged Fraud in First Post-Election Interview Former White House chief of staff and OMB director Mick Mulvaney said Monday that it “ could be very , very difficult ” for Tanden to secure confirmation with a Republican senate .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Presumptive President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Office of Budget and Management, Neera Tanden, allegedly punched a liberal reporter in the chest in 2008 when she was serving as an aide to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
Faiz Shakir, the then-chief editor of the now-defunct progressive news outlet ThinkProgress, had asked Tanden a question during an interview about the Iraq war, which Clinton had supported as a senator.
An unnamed person in the room told The New York Times that Tanden accosted Shakir following the interview and punched him in the chest.
“Who the f— do you think you are,” Tanden asked Shakir during the altercation, Times reporter Kenneth Vogal tweeted.
Tanden acknowledged in 2019 that a physical altercation had occurred between her and Shakir, but she denied punching him.
“I didn’t slug him, I pushed him,” Tanden said, according to the Times.
Tanden’s mother, Maya Tanden, told the Times that she “can be very aggressive” over her support of Clinton.
“She’s not going to let anyone rule over her,” Maya Tanden said, “and she has loyalty to Hillary because Hillary is the one who made her.”
In 2011, Tanden became president and CEO of the liberal think tank Center for American Progress, which owned ThinkProgress, a role she still holds.
Is Tanden a bad choice for this role? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (190 Votes) No: 3% (5 Votes)
Shakir was serving as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign manager in April 2019 when Sanders publicly attacked the Center for American Progress for highlighting how he reaped book profits and for “belittling progressive ideas.”
“This counterproductive negative campaigning needs to stop,” Sanders wrote in the letter. “The Democratic primary must be a campaign of ideas, not of bad faith smears. Please help play a constructive role in the effort to defeat Donald Trump.”
Biden announced Monday that he will nominate Tanden to lead the Office of Budget and Management, which would make her responsible for overseeing his administration’s spending plans.
Republicans are already signaling that Tanden faces an uphill confirmation battle in the Senate.
The communications director for Texas Sen. John Cornyn tweeted Monday that Tanden “stands zero chance of being confirmed” due to her history of disparaging comments about Republican senators.
Neera Tanden, who has an endless stream of disparaging comments about the Republican Senators’ whose votes she’ll need, stands zero chance of being confirmed. https://t.co/f6Ewi6OMQR — Drew Brandewie (@DBrandewie) November 30, 2020
Former White House chief of staff and OMB director Mick Mulvaney said Monday that it “could be very, very difficult” for Tanden to secure confirmation with a Republican senate.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--AGT Kid Magicians Handcuffed and Arrested After Refusing To Go Live with Their Mother

In 2016 , brother-sister duo Kadan and Brooklyn Rockett became famous for their sleight of hand and elaborate magic tricks that wowed the judges on “ America ’ s Got Talent.
” They made it to the semi-finals before being eliminated , but definitely made a name for themselves and impressed judge Simon Cowell in the process .
Now , they ’ re facing a different sort of audience as they ’ ve been caught in the middle of an ugly custody battle between their parents , who , according to TMZ , have been divorced since 2009 .
Kadan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have made it very clear that they prefer to live with their father in California rather than with their mother in Louisiana .
In October 2019 , the court ordered them to divide their time between both parents , but they continued to live with their father .
Recently , father Bart and the two young teens traveled to Farmerville , Louisiana , to attend their grandmother ’ s funeral .
When their mother found out , she allegedly sent police to detain them .
In a video obtained by TMZ , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in what appeared to be a family dining room while a cop stood nearby .
“ … I don ’ t know what she is going to do to us , ” Brooklyn was heard saying .
Her brother also stated that he was afraid .
“ You don ’ t understand what she does … you don ’ t understand what she ’ s done , ” Brooklyn continued .
“ We do not have a choice , this is nothing to argue about , ” the cop said .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to go with us .
Let ’ s go.
” “ I ’ m afraid what she ’ s going to do , ” Brooklyn said .
When it was clear the children were not going to go with them , the cop told the children they were under arrest and immediately began reading them their Miranda rights .
The cop then cuffed Kadan and started walking him out while another cop dealt with Brooklyn .
The two reportedly stayed at the Green Oaks Detention Center in Monroe until a court hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were kept private , the children did end up back with their father for the time being .
“ My ‘ babies ’ are FREE and SAFE !
!
!
!
” Bart Rockett posted on Nov. 20 .
“ I am not allowed to post any court details at this time because of a gag order but I can tell you they are free and safe !
!
!
( and very very very happy and hungry right now !
!
!
! )
Thank you , thank you , thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
!
!
We can never say thanks enough .
I have tears in my eyes trying to type this .
It appears this lengthy nightmare may just be over.
” Kadan shared his father ’ s status , adding his own sentiments .
“ I ’ m going to write a book one day , ” he posted on Facebook on Nov. 21 .
“ Maybe even do a Lifetime movie.
” In a follow-up post , their father warned readers that there are “ several inaccuracies in the stories ” that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be correcting those or adding anything until they can meet with attorneys .
“ Kadan and Brooklyn are sitting right beside me now , doing well and staying strong , ” he wrote .
“ They are intelligent beyond their years , straight ‘ A ’ , honor students that are respectful and know what they want out of life.
” “ I fully support their choices and we all want to thank you for your continued prayers and support during this insane nightmare.
” We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

In 2016, brother-sister duo Kadan and Brooklyn Rockett became famous for their sleight of hand and elaborate magic tricks that wowed the judges on “America’s Got Talent.”
They made it to the semi-finals before being eliminated, but definitely made a name for themselves and impressed judge Simon Cowell in the process.
Now, they’re facing a different sort of audience as they’ve been caught in the middle of an ugly custody battle between their parents, who, according to TMZ, have been divorced since 2009.
Kadan and Brooklyn, now 15 and 13, have made it very clear that they prefer to live with their father in California rather than with their mother in Louisiana.
In October 2019, the court ordered them to divide their time between both parents, but they continued to live with their father.
Recently, father Bart and the two young teens traveled to Farmerville, Louisiana, to attend their grandmother’s funeral. When their mother found out, she allegedly sent police to detain them.
In a video obtained by TMZ, the two teens sat at a table in what appeared to be a family dining room while a cop stood nearby.
“… I don’t know what she is going to do to us,” Brooklyn was heard saying. Her brother also stated that he was afraid.
“You don’t understand what she does … you don’t understand what she’s done,” Brooklyn continued.
“We do not have a choice, this is nothing to argue about,” the cop said. “This is nothing to discriminate about. You have to go with us. Let’s go.”
“I’m afraid what she’s going to do,” Brooklyn said.
When it was clear the children were not going to go with them, the cop told the children they were under arrest and immediately began reading them their Miranda rights. The cop then cuffed Kadan and started walking him out while another cop dealt with Brooklyn.
The two reportedly stayed at the Green Oaks Detention Center in Monroe until a court hearing the following morning. While the proceedings were kept private, the children did end up back with their father for the time being.
“My ‘babies’ are FREE and SAFE!!!!” Bart Rockett posted on Nov. 20. “I am not allowed to post any court details at this time because of a gag order but I can tell you they are free and safe!!! (and very very very happy and hungry right now!!!! ) Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the prayers and support!!!! We can never say thanks enough. I have tears in my eyes trying to type this. It appears this lengthy nightmare may just be over.”
Kadan shared his father’s status, adding his own sentiments.
“I’m going to write a book one day,” he posted on Facebook on Nov. 21. “Maybe even do a Lifetime movie.”
In a follow-up post, their father warned readers that there are “several inaccuracies in the stories” that are circulating, but also said they will not be correcting those or adding anything until they can meet with attorneys.
“Kadan and Brooklyn are sitting right beside me now, doing well and staying strong,” he wrote. “They are intelligent beyond their years, straight ‘A’, honor students that are respectful and know what they want out of life.”
“I fully support their choices and we all want to thank you for your continued prayers and support during this insane nightmare.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--Customer Snaps Into Action When He Walks In on Armed Robbery at Restaurant

An armed man met his match — and his end — on Sunday night after aiming his weapon at the wrong person , according to police .
According to KYW-TV , police said a 53-year-old man entered a Philadelphia Wingstop restaurant around 10 p.m. and ordered employees to empty the cash register .
Moments later , when a man in his late 20s arrived to pick up an order , the robber and his firearm greeted him .
From behind the counter , the suspect , wearing gloves and a mask , ordered the customer — who was using his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WPVI-TV reported .
Instead , the customer pulled out his own weapon and fired one shot .
The bullet struck the suspected thief in the neck , police said .
The man fell behind the counter and was later reported dead at the scene .
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small classified the customer as “ a victim because he had the gun pointed at him , ” KYW reported .
KYW ’ s Howard Monroe reported police were still investigating but early indications were that the customer “ was justified in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a permit to carry his weapon and the suspected robber had “ some prior run-ins with the law.
” “ We have his [ the customer ’ s ] weapon , ” Small told the station .
“ We know one shot was fired from that customer , because we found one spent shell casing on the floor , on the customer ’ s side of the counter.
” According to both news outlets , the customer and three employees , who were unharmed during the attempted robbery , were cooperating with police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveillance video to see if it matched the eyewitness accounts .
If so , police told WPVI that “ it does not look like he [ the customer ] will face any charges.
” WTXF-TV reported police said the case was “ likely to be very quickly ruled justifiable.
” Although authorities said the shooting appeared to be justified , Twitter was divided on the incident .
One person sympathized with the alleged robber , claiming he was “ trying to do right by his family ” in holding up the Wingstop .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dumbest tweet of the day.
” Someone suggested the robber ’ s family will likely file a lawsuit .
Many complimented the customer , one calling him “ a good guy with a gun ” and others saying the incident was an example of why we need the Second Amendment .
WTFX reported the incident was one of more than a dozen shootings over the weekend in Philadelphia , with at least 20 people injured .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

An armed man met his match — and his end — on Sunday night after aiming his weapon at the wrong person, according to police.
According to KYW-TV, police said a 53-year-old man entered a Philadelphia Wingstop restaurant around 10 p.m. and ordered employees to empty the cash register.
Moments later, when a man in his late 20s arrived to pick up an order, the robber and his firearm greeted him.
From behind the counter, the suspect, wearing gloves and a mask, ordered the customer — who was using his cellphone — to hand it over, WPVI-TV reported. Instead, the customer pulled out his own weapon and fired one shot.
The bullet struck the suspected thief in the neck, police said. The man fell behind the counter and was later reported dead at the scene.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small classified the customer as “a victim because he had the gun pointed at him,” KYW reported.

KYW’s Howard Monroe reported police were still investigating but early indications were that the customer “was justified in the shooting.”
WPVI reported the customer has a permit to carry his weapon and the suspected robber had “some prior run-ins with the law.”
Do you believe this shooting was justified? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (1910 Votes) No: 0% (2 Votes)
“We have his [the customer’s] weapon,” Small told the station. “We know one shot was fired from that customer, because we found one spent shell casing on the floor, on the customer’s side of the counter.”
According to both news outlets, the customer and three employees, who were unharmed during the attempted robbery, were cooperating with police.
Officers were checking Wingstop’s surveillance video to see if it matched the eyewitness accounts. If so, police told WPVI that “it does not look like he [the customer] will face any charges.”
WTXF-TV reported police said the case was “likely to be very quickly ruled justifiable.”
Latest Philadelphia homicide “likely to be very quickly ruled justifiable” @phillypolice tell FOX29 News. 53 yr old armed robber with prior arrests was in mid-hold up of WINGSTOP on Cottman Ave past 10pm & was shot&killed by customer with concealed carry permit @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/1ZkZQXGVgE — Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) November 30, 2020
Although authorities said the shooting appeared to be justified, Twitter was divided on the incident.
One person sympathized with the alleged robber, claiming he was “trying to do right by his family” in holding up the Wingstop. Another countered by calling that the “dumbest tweet of the day.”
Dumbest tweet of the day and it’s only 10 AM. Well done. — JohnnieSags (@agovino_john) November 30, 2020
Someone suggested the robber’s family will likely file a lawsuit.
I’m sure the robbers family will sue saying that no one should die bc they are robbing a wing joint, and there will be those that think that mentality is normal — Jonesy (@jones_twj) November 30, 2020
Many complimented the customer, one calling him “a good guy with a gun” and others saying the incident was an example of why we need the Second Amendment.
Only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. — Ashley Crowbar (@Abom27) November 30, 2020
That’s why we have a 2nd amendment folks — Chris Caruso (@CarusoChris) November 30, 2020
WTFX reported the incident was one of more than a dozen shootings over the weekend in Philadelphia, with at least 20 people injured.
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--New York Times Analysis Makes Surprise Admission About 2020 Election

The Democrats ’ down-ballot losses following the 2020 election are becoming more apparent every day , and it ’ s led even the far-left New York Times to a moment of clarity .
The formerly reputable paper actually concluded in a report published over the weekend that down-ballot losses for Democrats were “ crushing.
” Not to give the Times too much credit , as the article , which was written by reporter Trip Gabriel , ignores widespread voting irregularities which we ’ re told led to a victory by Democratic Joe Biden .
But Gabriel did concede that Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named Donald Trump .
Gabriel reported that Biden ’ s “ victory ” in the election “ did not translate into a wide rebuke of other Republicans , as Democrats had expected after the party made significant gains in suburban areas in the 2018 midterm elections.
” “ From the top of the party down to the state level , Democratic officials are awakening to the reality that voters may have delivered a one-time verdict on Mr. Trump that does not equal ongoing support for center-left policies , ” added Gabriel .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who apparently can not play with a puppy without harming himself , won the election after President Trump drew the ire of suburban voters .
That evaluation of the election is questionable , as are the results of the overall election in a number of key battleground states .
Trump ’ s legal team is currently seeking an answer to those questions , but down the ballot , Republicans , as of Monday , had picked up a net gain of 11 House seats , leaving Democrats with a slim 222-212 majority , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics .
That ’ s not a sign of the overwhelming mandate Democrats expected .
The blue wave never materialized , and so you ’ d expect a great many Democrats are spending a lot of time in the mirror evaluating what went wrong .
Gabriel is among them .
Democrats are already plagued by infighting following their losses in the House .
The overall message reported among aggrieved Democrats is they apparently recognized some voters might have been turned off by rhetoric about defunding police agencies and supporting riots .
RELATED : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Called Joe a 'Mess ' Who Would Make Hillary Clinton Look Better To pour salt in the wound for Democrats feeling defeated in what was supposed to be a referendum on Trump and Republicans , The New York Times described their performance in the House and in state race as “ crushing.
” After gubernatorial races were called , Republicans added to their slim majority and hold a 27-23 lead .
Republican Greg Gianforte defeated Democrat Lt. Gov .
Mike Cooney to take the governor ’ s mansion for the GOP .
Additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legislature , taking both the state House and Senate , while holding ground in other states .
Down-ballot races were a massive letdown for Democrats , and not even The New York Times can find a way to frame that positively .
Senate Republicans , so far , have netted one loss .
How the two Georgia Senate runoffs will be decided remains to be seen , but there is a strong possibility that the GOP could retain control of the Senate .
Even if Republican Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of West Virginia has signaled he ’ ll be no rubber stamp for radical Democrats in the Senate .
A victory from Loeffler , Perdue , or both , would ensure a GOP majority .
If both lose , to get anything done , Democrats would almost certainly need Manchin onboard and a Vice President Kamala Harris to break the tie on every vote .
No matter how the quagmire that is the 2020 presidential election ultimately shakes out , Democrats are right to be disappointed in their down-ballot losses , as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astray by bad polling and pollsters — and are likely to have a difficult time forcing a radical agenda on the country .
Short of the complete loss of the House , Democrats were handed a major defeat .
The Los Angeles Times , another liberal publication , is also not sugar-coating the losses for Democrats .
The Times reported on Monday , “ Democrats are now in the process of recalibrating their expectations on a wide variety of issues , such as immigration , healthcare and climate change … In terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back their plans — and their rhetoric.
” The Times further reported , “ Ambitious liberal policies like Medicare for all and the Green New Deal are likely to be pushed to a back burner , ” while also noting , “ Democrats could be facing a House majority as small as 222 , just a few more than the 218 votes needed to pass legislation.
” Democratic Rep. Scott Peters of California told the newspaper , “ People were talking in a really cocky way before that Democrats were going to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and House ] , and we were not ever going to talk to Republicans about anything .
We were going to ram all this policy down their throats.
” Democrats will likely be denied the opportunity to run the government unopposed , no matter what happens with the Senate runoffs and the White House , and there ’ s a silver lining in that .
It ’ s more of a reason for conservatives to get out and fight for American values such as limited government , border security , individual liberty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Democrats’ down-ballot losses following the 2020 election are becoming more apparent every day, and it’s led even the far-left New York Times to a moment of clarity.
The formerly reputable paper actually concluded in a report published over the weekend that down-ballot losses for Democrats were “crushing.”
Not to give the Times too much credit, as the article, which was written by reporter Trip Gabriel, ignores widespread voting irregularities which we’re told led to a victory by Democratic Joe Biden.
But Gabriel did concede that Democrats got their clocks cleaned by Republicans not named Donald Trump.
Gabriel reported that Biden’s “victory” in the election “did not translate into a wide rebuke of other Republicans, as Democrats had expected after the party made significant gains in suburban areas in the 2018 midterm elections.”
“From the top of the party down to the state level, Democratic officials are awakening to the reality that voters may have delivered a one-time verdict on Mr. Trump that does not equal ongoing support for center-left policies,” added Gabriel.
The Times report concluded Biden, a man who apparently cannot play with a puppy without harming himself, won the election after President Trump drew the ire of suburban voters.
That evaluation of the election is questionable, as are the results of the overall election in a number of key battleground states.
Trump’s legal team is currently seeking an answer to those questions, but down the ballot, Republicans, as of Monday, had picked up a net gain of 11 House seats, leaving Democrats with a slim 222-212 majority, for now, according to Real Clear Politics.
Do you believe the 2020 election was fair? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (42 Votes) No: 99% (4871 Votes)
That’s not a sign of the overwhelming mandate Democrats expected.
The blue wave never materialized, and so you’d expect a great many Democrats are spending a lot of time in the mirror evaluating what went wrong.
Gabriel is among them.
Democrats are already plagued by infighting following their losses in the House.
The overall message reported among aggrieved Democrats is they apparently recognized some voters might have been turned off by rhetoric about defunding police agencies and supporting riots.
To pour salt in the wound for Democrats feeling defeated in what was supposed to be a referendum on Trump and Republicans, The New York Times described their performance in the House and in state race as “crushing.”
After gubernatorial races were called, Republicans added to their slim majority and hold a 27-23 lead.
Republican Greg Gianforte defeated Democrat Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney to take the governor’s mansion for the GOP.
Additionally, the GOP flipped the New Hampshire Legislature, taking both the state House and Senate, while holding ground in other states.
Down-ballot races were a massive letdown for Democrats, and not even The New York Times can find a way to frame that positively.
Senate Republicans, so far, have netted one loss.
How the two Georgia Senate runoffs will be decided remains to be seen, but there is a strong possibility that the GOP could retain control of the Senate.
Even if Republican Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are defeated, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has signaled he’ll be no rubber stamp for radical Democrats in the Senate.
A victory from Loeffler, Perdue, or both, would ensure a GOP majority.
If both lose, to get anything done, Democrats would almost certainly need Manchin onboard and a Vice President Kamala Harris to break the tie on every vote.
No matter how the quagmire that is the 2020 presidential election ultimately shakes out, Democrats are right to be disappointed in their down-ballot losses, as they underperformed their own expectations — probably led astray by bad polling and pollsters — and are likely to have a difficult time forcing a radical agenda on the country.
Short of the complete loss of the House, Democrats were handed a major defeat.
The Los Angeles Times, another liberal publication, is also not sugar-coating the losses for Democrats.
The Times reported on Monday, “Democrats are now in the process of recalibrating their expectations on a wide variety of issues, such as immigration, healthcare and climate change … In terms of legislation, that means Democrats are scaling back their plans — and their rhetoric.”
The Times further reported, “Ambitious liberal policies like Medicare for all and the Green New Deal are likely to be pushed to a back burner,” while also noting, “Democrats could be facing a House majority as small as 222, just a few more than the 218 votes needed to pass legislation.”
Democratic Rep. Scott Peters of California told the newspaper, “People were talking in a really cocky way before that Democrats were going to take the trifecta [White House, Senate and House], and we were not ever going to talk to Republicans about anything. We were going to ram all this policy down their throats.”
Democrats will likely be denied the opportunity to run the government unopposed, no matter what happens with the Senate runoffs and the White House, and there’s a silver lining in that.
It’s more of a reason for conservatives to get out and fight for American values such as limited government, border security, individual liberty and election integrity.
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* Email
* Message
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--President Trump Speaks Out About Alleged Fraud in First Post-Election Interview

President Donald Trump spoke to Fox News ’ Maria Bartiromo for over 45 minutes on Sunday in his first post-election interview .
Their conversation ranged from specific allegations of fraud in the swing states to the impact of Big Tech on the election .
The president said he would have prevailed had it not been for fraud perpetrated by Democratic election officials in the battleground states .
Trump expressed his frustration that most of his team ’ s legal challenges have been blocked by judges around the country .
The Trump legal team will attempt to take their case to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be “ willing to make a real big decision , ” according to the president .
“ The problem is , it ’ s hard to get into the Supreme Court .
I ’ ve got the best Supreme Court advocates , lawyers that want to argue the case if it gets there , ” he said earlier in the interview .
“ My mind will not change in six months .
There was tremendous cheating here .
… If Republicans allow [ mail-in voting ] to happen , you ’ ll never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this country , at a Senate level or at a presidential level .
“ The whole world is watching and nobody can believe what they ’ re seeing , and you have leaders of countries that call me and say , ‘ That ’ s the most messed up election we ’ ve ever seen . '
” Trump slammed the use of the “ suspect ” Dominion Voting Systems ’ machines .
He talked about supposed “ glitches ” that he alleged transferred thousands of votes to Biden .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re theft , ” the president claimed .
He estimated his team had caught four or five of them , but he wonders how many they may have missed .
By 10 p.m. on election night , Trump said he was receiving congratulatory calls and then the counting stopped and the “ ballot dumps ” began .
“ Big massive dumps .
In Michigan , in Pennsylvania … and all of a sudden , I went from winning by a lot to losing by a little.
” He referenced the chief pollster from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who predicted that Trump could win Pennsylvania , but — according to the president — had warned that you need to allow about 5 percent for the fraud that he ’ d come to expect from the state .
Discussing Philadelphia election officials , Trump said , “ They cheat and they cheat like crazy.
” He blamed the supposed fraud on mail-in voting .
In some states , “ they sent millions and millions and millions ” of mail-in ballots , Trump claimed .
Looking at the election from a broader perspective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s bigger than this ?
This is the essence of our country.
” The president went on to note the huge number of single-vote ballots for Joe Biden .
“ That was done for the sake of speed , ” he said , alleging the Democrats ’ need to fraudulently create thousands of Biden votes quickly to make sure their candidate remained ahead of Trump .
Trump also expressed his frustration that judges are blocking his legal team ’ s efforts to challenge some election procedures .
The president told Bartiromo , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our proof .
They say you don ’ t have standing … I would like to file one nice , big , beautiful lawsuit , talking about this and many other things , with tremendous proof .
We have affidavits , we have hundreds and hundreds of affidavits .
“ You mean as president of the United States , I don ’ t have standing ?
What kind of a court system is this ?
” he added .
“ We ’ re trying to put the evidence in , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it.
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Click here to read this article on The Western Journal en Español !
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President Donald Trump spoke to Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo for over 45 minutes on Sunday in his first post-election interview. Their conversation ranged from specific allegations of fraud in the swing states to the impact of Big Tech on the election.
The president said he would have prevailed had it not been for fraud perpetrated by Democratic election officials in the battleground states.
Trump expressed his frustration that most of his team’s legal challenges have been blocked by judges around the country.
The Trump legal team will attempt to take their case to the Supreme Court, which needs to be “willing to make a real big decision,” according to the president.
“The problem is, it’s hard to get into the Supreme Court. I’ve got the best Supreme Court advocates, lawyers that want to argue the case if it gets there,” he said earlier in the interview.
“My mind will not change in six months. There was tremendous cheating here. … If Republicans allow [mail-in voting] to happen, you’ll never have another Republican elected in the history of this country, at a Senate level or at a presidential level.
“The whole world is watching and nobody can believe what they’re seeing, and you have leaders of countries that call me and say, ‘That’s the most messed up election we’ve ever seen.'”
Trump slammed the use of the “suspect” Dominion Voting Systems’ machines. He talked about supposed “glitches” that he alleged transferred thousands of votes to Biden. “They’re not glitches, they’re theft,” the president claimed.
Do you believe widespread fraud occurred in the 2020 election? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (866 Votes) No: 2% (16 Votes)
He estimated his team had caught four or five of them, but he wonders how many they may have missed.
By 10 p.m. on election night, Trump said he was receiving congratulatory calls and then the counting stopped and the “ballot dumps” began.
“Big massive dumps. In Michigan, in Pennsylvania … and all of a sudden, I went from winning by a lot to losing by a little.”
He referenced the chief pollster from the Trafalgar Group, Robert Cahaly, who predicted that Trump could win Pennsylvania, but — according to the president — had warned that you need to allow about 5 percent for the fraud that he’d come to expect from the state.
Discussing Philadelphia election officials, Trump said, “They cheat and they cheat like crazy.”
He blamed the supposed fraud on mail-in voting. In some states, “they sent millions and millions and millions” of mail-in ballots, Trump claimed.
Looking at the election from a broader perspective, he said, “What’s bigger than this? This is the essence of our country.”
The president went on to note the huge number of single-vote ballots for Joe Biden. “That was done for the sake of speed,” he said, alleging the Democrats’ need to fraudulently create thousands of Biden votes quickly to make sure their candidate remained ahead of Trump.
Trump also expressed his frustration that judges are blocking his legal team’s efforts to challenge some election procedures.
The president told Bartiromo, “We’re not allowed to put in our proof. They say you don’t have standing … I would like to file one nice, big, beautiful lawsuit, talking about this and many other things, with tremendous proof. We have affidavits, we have hundreds and hundreds of affidavits.
“You mean as president of the United States, I don’t have standing? What kind of a court system is this?” he added.
“We’re trying to put the evidence in, and the judges won’t allow us to do it.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--Georgia Official Announces Investigations Into Potential Election Law Violations

Georgia ’ s top elections official on Monday announced investigations into potential violations of election law even as he continued to defend the integrity of the state ’ s election against what he said are baseless attacks .
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said during a news conference at the state Capitol that his office continues to investigate any credible claims of illegal voting and violations of state election law .
His office currently has more than 250 open cases from this year , he said .
He singled out groups that he said are working to register people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runoff election for Georgia ’ s two U.S. Senate seats .
His office ’ s 23 investigators also continue to look into allegations of problems with absentee ballots , as well as claims of people who voted twice , people who cast a ballot in a dead person ’ s name and non-residents who voted in Georgia , he said .
But Raffensperger also punched back — as he has repeatedly in the weeks since the Nov. 3 general election — at allegations of widespread election fraud that are circulating online .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Democrat Joe Biden in Georgia , is among those criticizing the state ’ s handling of the election .
“ There are those who are exploiting the emotions of many Trump supporters with fantastic claims , half-truths , misinformation and , frankly , they ’ re misleading the president as well , apparently , ” Raffensperger said .
The secretary of state ’ s office is looking into a sworn statement from a Republican official in Gwinnett County , in Atlanta ’ s northeastern suburbs , that says there were more absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ This is the kind of specific charge that our office can investigate and ascertain the truth , ” he said .
Raffensperger said his investigators are also looking into specific allegations of improper actions by four groups .
America Votes has sent absentee ballot applications to people at addresses where they haven ’ t lived in more than 25 years , while Vote Forward tried to register a dead Alabama woman to vote in Georgia and the New Georgia Project sent voter registration applications to New York City , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in an email to The Associated Press that the group is working to make sure every voice is heard .
“ America Votes has mailed registered voters in Georgia applications to safely and securely vote by mail in the January runoffs .
These mailings were sent to the list of registered voters maintained by the Secretary of State , ” Sahil Mehrotra wrote .
Vote Forward and the New Georgia Project didn ’ t immediately respond to emails seeking comment Monday .
RELATED : Biden Cabinet Pick Allegedly Punched Reporter While Working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group called Operation New Voter Registration Georgia is telling college students they can change their registration to vote in Georgia for the runoff and then change it back to another state after the election .
That group doesn ’ t seem to have an online presence , and an email sent to an address on a flier circulating on Twitter bounced back , saying the account doesn ’ t exist .
County election workers around the state are currently working on a recount of the presidential race that was requested by the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to finish by the Wednesday night deadline .
Under state law , the losing candidate can request a recount when the margin is less than 0.5 percent .
Certified results showed Trump losing to Biden by 12,670 votes , or 0.25 percent .
The recount , which is being done using scanners that read and tabulate votes , is the third time the votes in the presidential race are being counted in Georgia .
After the initial count following Election Day , Raffensperger selected the presidential race for an audit required by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin , he said , the audit required the roughly 5 million votes in that contest to be recounted by hand .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Georgia’s top elections official on Monday announced investigations into potential violations of election law even as he continued to defend the integrity of the state’s election against what he said are baseless attacks.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said during a news conference at the state Capitol that his office continues to investigate any credible claims of illegal voting and violations of state election law. His office currently has more than 250 open cases from this year, he said.
He singled out groups that he said are working to register people in other states to vote in a high-profile runoff election for Georgia’s two U.S. Senate seats.
His office’s 23 investigators also continue to look into allegations of problems with absentee ballots, as well as claims of people who voted twice, people who cast a ballot in a dead person’s name and non-residents who voted in Georgia, he said.
But Raffensperger also punched back — as he has repeatedly in the weeks since the Nov. 3 general election — at allegations of widespread election fraud that are circulating online.
President Donald Trump, who is currently losing to Democrat Joe Biden in Georgia, is among those criticizing the state’s handling of the election.
“There are those who are exploiting the emotions of many Trump supporters with fantastic claims, half-truths, misinformation and, frankly, they’re misleading the president as well, apparently,” Raffensperger said.
The secretary of state’s office is looking into a sworn statement from a Republican official in Gwinnett County, in Atlanta’s northeastern suburbs, that says there were more absentee ballots than absentee ballot envelopes, Raffensperger said.
“This is the kind of specific charge that our office can investigate and ascertain the truth,” he said.
Do you think there was voter fraud in the 2020 election? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (1677 Votes) No: 0% (7 Votes)
Raffensperger said his investigators are also looking into specific allegations of improper actions by four groups.
America Votes has sent absentee ballot applications to people at addresses where they haven’t lived in more than 25 years, while Vote Forward tried to register a dead Alabama woman to vote in Georgia and the New Georgia Project sent voter registration applications to New York City, he said.
A spokesperson for America Votes said in an email to The Associated Press that the group is working to make sure every voice is heard.
“America Votes has mailed registered voters in Georgia applications to safely and securely vote by mail in the January runoffs. These mailings were sent to the list of registered voters maintained by the Secretary of State,” Sahil Mehrotra wrote.
Vote Forward and the New Georgia Project didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment Monday.
Raffensperger also said a group called Operation New Voter Registration Georgia is telling college students they can change their registration to vote in Georgia for the runoff and then change it back to another state after the election.
That group doesn’t seem to have an online presence, and an email sent to an address on a flier circulating on Twitter bounced back, saying the account doesn’t exist.
County election workers around the state are currently working on a recount of the presidential race that was requested by the Trump campaign, and Raffensperger said he expects them to finish by the Wednesday night deadline.
Under state law, the losing candidate can request a recount when the margin is less than 0.5 percent. Certified results showed Trump losing to Biden by 12,670 votes, or 0.25 percent.
The recount, which is being done using scanners that read and tabulate votes, is the third time the votes in the presidential race are being counted in Georgia.
After the initial count following Election Day, Raffensperger selected the presidential race for an audit required by state law. Because of the tight margin, he said, the audit required the roughly 5 million votes in that contest to be recounted by hand.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-11-30--Doctors Come Forward, Warn CDC To Tell America the Truth About COVID Vaccines

The first COVID-19 vaccines might be around the corner , but the side effects won ’ t be a walk in the park , doctors say .
That could be a problem given that both of the first vaccines likely to arrive on the market require doses to be given twice .
This isn ’ t unusual for a vaccine , but it presents a logistical challenge for an inoculation intended to stop a pandemic .
“ We really need to make patients aware that this is not going to be a walk in the park , ” Dr. Sandra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a virtual meeting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on Nov. 23 , according to CNBC .
“ They are going to know they had a vaccine .
They are probably not going to feel wonderful .
But they ’ ve got to come back for that second dose.
” Both Moderna and Pfizer have reported their vaccines are over 90 percent effective , but that ’ s if they ’ re given in two staggered doses .
In trials , the doses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four weeks apart , whereas the Pfizer vaccine had two shots three weeks apart .
Some participants in both trials described having serious side effects , with one telling CNBC he had such bad chills he cracked a tooth and another saying he experienced “ full-on Covid-like symptoms.
” A North Carolina woman in her 50s who experienced side effects said she didn ’ t have a fever but ended up with a severe migraine after the second dose .
After taking pain relievers and getting sleep , she felt better — but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people they ’ ll need to take a “ day off ” after the second shot .
“ If this proves to work , people are going to have to toughen up , ” she said .
“ The first dose is no big deal .
And then the second dose will definitely put you down for the day for sure .
… You will need to take a day off after the second dose.
” Both Moderna and Pfizer have said vaccine recipients might experience symptoms not unlike a mild case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ muscle chills and a headache .
Participants contacted by CNBC said the symptoms didn ’ t last longer than a day .
Some patients , however , might experience what ’ s known as “ reactogenicity ” — transient , severe side effects from the immune reaction the vaccine provokes .
“ As long as the side effects of eventual Covid-19 vaccines are transient and not severe , these would not be sources of alarm — in fact , they may be signals of an immune system lurching into gear , ” Helen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a simple fact that some vaccines are more unpleasant to take than others .
Think about the pain of a tetanus shot , for instance .
“ But experts say it makes sense to prepare people now for the possibility that Covid-19 vaccines may be reactogenic.
” Doctors say there needs to be education about side effects if the number of vaccine recipients needed to acquire herd immunity is to be reached .
One doctor said companies should use language such as “ response ” instead of “ adverse reaction ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Report : New Orleans Saints Hit with Massive Fine , Draft Penalty for Celebrating Without Masks “ These are immune responses , ” Patsy Stinchfield , a nurse practitioner with Children ’ s Minnesota and a former voting member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices , told CNBC .
“ And so if you feel something after vaccination , you should expect to feel that , ” she said .
“ When you do , it ’ s normal to have some arm soreness or fatigue , some body aches and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like in some of these trials , maybe even having to stay home from work.
” While news that the COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer were over 90 percent effective had people excited , there have long been questions regarding just how eagerly any vaccine would be taken up by the public .
A Pew Research poll in September found that only 51 percent would definitely or probably take the vaccine , compared with 49 percent who definitely or probably wouldn ’ t .
In May , those numbers were 72 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against 27 percent who wouldn ’ t .
“ There are widespread public concerns about aspects of the vaccine development process .
On the heels of a pledge from nine pharmaceutical companies to ensure that a potential vaccine would meet rigorous standards , the Center survey finds three-quarters of Americans ( 77 % ) think it ’ s very or somewhat likely a COVID-19 vaccine will be approved in the United States before its safety and effectiveness are fully understood , ” Pew Research said in a September news release .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine approval process , 78 % say their greater concern is that it will move too fast , without fully establishing safety and effectiveness , compared with just 20 % who are more concerned approval will move too slowly , creating unnecessary delays.
” Part of this has likely been the intimation , from both Democrats and the establishment media , that the Trump administration might rush the vaccines through the approval process without doing the appropriate testing .
The evidence for this was mostly specious , but it made for a fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation poll published in early September found that 62 percent of respondents “ are worried that the political pressure from the Trump administration will lead the FDA to rush to approve a coronavirus vaccine without making sure that it is safe and effective — including 85 % of Democrats and 61 % of independents.
” Only 35 percent of Republicans expressed concern .
Considering this poisoning of the water , a vaccine might be a difficult sell , particularly if there ’ s significant reactogenicity .
Whether experts can convince a divided , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter how effective the vaccines are .
CORRECTION , Nov. 30 , 2020 : An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect month for publication of the Kaiser Family Foundation poll .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The first COVID-19 vaccines might be around the corner, but the side effects won’t be a walk in the park, doctors say.
That could be a problem given that both of the first vaccines likely to arrive on the market require doses to be given twice. This isn’t unusual for a vaccine, but it presents a logistical challenge for an inoculation intended to stop a pandemic.
“We really need to make patients aware that this is not going to be a walk in the park,” Dr. Sandra Fryhofer of the American Medical Association said during a virtual meeting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on Nov. 23, according to CNBC.
“They are going to know they had a vaccine. They are probably not going to feel wonderful. But they’ve got to come back for that second dose.”
Both Moderna and Pfizer have reported their vaccines are over 90 percent effective, but that’s if they’re given in two staggered doses. In trials, the doses of Moderna’s vaccine were given four weeks apart, whereas the Pfizer vaccine had two shots three weeks apart.
Some participants in both trials described having serious side effects, with one telling CNBC he had such bad chills he cracked a tooth and another saying he experienced “full-on Covid-like symptoms.”
A North Carolina woman in her 50s who experienced side effects said she didn’t have a fever but ended up with a severe migraine after the second dose. After taking pain relievers and getting sleep, she felt better — but she told CNBC drug companies should warn people they’ll need to take a “day off” after the second shot.
“If this proves to work, people are going to have to toughen up,” she said.
“The first dose is no big deal. And then the second dose will definitely put you down for the day for sure. … You will need to take a day off after the second dose.”
Do you plan on getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 27% (754 Votes) No: 73% (2016 Votes)
Both Moderna and Pfizer have said vaccine recipients might experience symptoms not unlike a mild case of COVID-19 — including a high fever, muscle chills and a headache. Participants contacted by CNBC said the symptoms didn’t last longer than a day.
Some patients, however, might experience what’s known as “reactogenicity” — transient, severe side effects from the immune reaction the vaccine provokes.
“As long as the side effects of eventual Covid-19 vaccines are transient and not severe, these would not be sources of alarm — in fact, they may be signals of an immune system lurching into gear,” Helen Branswell wrote in Stat. “It’s a simple fact that some vaccines are more unpleasant to take than others. Think about the pain of a tetanus shot, for instance.
“But experts say it makes sense to prepare people now for the possibility that Covid-19 vaccines may be reactogenic.”
Doctors say there needs to be education about side effects if the number of vaccine recipients needed to acquire herd immunity is to be reached. One doctor said companies should use language such as “response” instead of “adverse reaction” when talking about side effects.
“These are immune responses,” Patsy Stinchfield, a nurse practitioner with Children’s Minnesota and a former voting member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told CNBC.
“And so if you feel something after vaccination, you should expect to feel that,” she said. “When you do, it’s normal to have some arm soreness or fatigue, some body aches and maybe even a fever. It sounds like in some of these trials, maybe even having to stay home from work.”
While news that the COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer were over 90 percent effective had people excited, there have long been questions regarding just how eagerly any vaccine would be taken up by the public.
A Pew Research poll in September found that only 51 percent would definitely or probably take the vaccine, compared with 49 percent who definitely or probably wouldn’t. In May, those numbers were 72 percent who would definitely or probably take it against 27 percent who wouldn’t.
“There are widespread public concerns about aspects of the vaccine development process. On the heels of a pledge from nine pharmaceutical companies to ensure that a potential vaccine would meet rigorous standards, the Center survey finds three-quarters of Americans (77%) think it’s very or somewhat likely a COVID-19 vaccine will be approved in the United States before its safety and effectiveness are fully understood,” Pew Research said in a September news release.
“And when asked about the pace of the vaccine approval process, 78% say their greater concern is that it will move too fast, without fully establishing safety and effectiveness, compared with just 20% who are more concerned approval will move too slowly, creating unnecessary delays.”
Part of this has likely been the intimation, from both Democrats and the establishment media, that the Trump administration might rush the vaccines through the approval process without doing the appropriate testing.
The evidence for this was mostly specious, but it made for a fun news-cycle talking point.
A Kaiser Family Foundation poll published in early September found that 62 percent of respondents “are worried that the political pressure from the Trump administration will lead the FDA to rush to approve a coronavirus vaccine without making sure that it is safe and effective — including 85% of Democrats and 61% of independents.” Only 35 percent of Republicans expressed concern.
Considering this poisoning of the water, a vaccine might be a difficult sell, particularly if there’s significant reactogenicity.
Whether experts can convince a divided, scared America remains an open question, no matter how effective the vaccines are.
CORRECTION, Nov. 30, 2020: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect month for publication of the Kaiser Family Foundation poll.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.