westernjournal--2020-01-18--Federal Judge Refuses To Call Convicted Sex Offender by Preferred Pronouns

A judge appointed by President Donald Trump refused Wednesday to use the preferred pronouns of a transgender child pornographer .
Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan denied a motion Wednesday from federal prisoner Norman Varner to change the prisoner ’ s name to Katherine Nicole Jett and to call the prisoner by his preferred pronouns .
Authorities sentenced Varner to 180 months in prison and 15 years supervised release after the prisoner pleaded guilty in 2012 to one count of attempted receipt of child pornography .
Varner ’ s sentence was also influenced by the prisoner ’ s previous state-level convictions : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a sex offender .
Varner requested in 2018 that the name on his judgment of committal , which is Norman Varner , be changed to the prisoner ’ s “ new legal name of Katherine Nicole Jett.
” TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on Richmond Varner reportedly came out as transgender in 2015 , began taking hormone therapy shortly after , and plans to have gender reassignment surgery .
Duncan denied the motion , saying that the courts had no jurisdiction to grant the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion that Varner cited no legal authority and merely referenced feelings .
The judge also referred to the transgender child pornographer with male pronouns throughout his opinion and by the name “ Varner.
” “ Varner cites no legal authority supporting this request , ” Duncan wrote .
“ Instead , Varner ’ s motion simply states that ‘ I am a woman ’ and argues that failure to refer to him with female pronouns ‘ leads me to feel that I am being discriminated against based on my gender identity.
’ “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ referring to me simply as a male and with male pronouns based solely on my biological body makes me feel very uneasy and disrespected.
’ ” Duncan reasoned that there is no statute requiring courts to refer to litigants by their preferred pronouns , indicating that compelling the use of preferred pronouns could create the appearance of bias on the part of a judge since this might suggest sympathy with a litigant .
The judge also wrote that using Varner ’ s preferred pronouns might hinder communication in the court because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We decline to enlist the federal judiciary in this quixotic undertaking , ” Duncan wrote .
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A judge appointed by President Donald Trump refused Wednesday to use the preferred pronouns of a transgender child pornographer.
Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan denied a motion Wednesday from federal prisoner Norman Varner to change the prisoner’s name to Katherine Nicole Jett and to call the prisoner by his preferred pronouns.
Authorities sentenced Varner to 180 months in prison and 15 years supervised release after the prisoner pleaded guilty in 2012 to one count of attempted receipt of child pornography.
Varner’s sentence was also influenced by the prisoner’s previous state-level convictions: possessing child pornography and failing to register as a sex offender.
Varner requested in 2018 that the name on his judgment of committal, which is Norman Varner, be changed to the prisoner’s “new legal name of Katherine Nicole Jett.”
Varner reportedly came out as transgender in 2015, began taking hormone therapy shortly after, and plans to have gender reassignment surgery.
Duncan denied the motion, saying that the courts had no jurisdiction to grant the request.
The judge wrote in his opinion that Varner cited no legal authority and merely referenced feelings.
The judge also referred to the transgender child pornographer with male pronouns throughout his opinion and by the name “Varner.”
Should the judge have used the prisoner's preferred pronouns? Yes No
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“Varner cites no legal authority supporting this request,” Duncan wrote. “Instead, Varner’s motion simply states that ‘I am a woman’ and argues that failure to refer to him with female pronouns ‘leads me to feel that I am being discriminated against based on my gender identity.’
“Varner’s reply brief elaborates that ‘referring to me simply as a male and with male pronouns based solely on my biological body makes me feel very uneasy and disrespected.’”
Duncan reasoned that there is no statute requiring courts to refer to litigants by their preferred pronouns, indicating that compelling the use of preferred pronouns could create the appearance of bias on the part of a judge since this might suggest sympathy with a litigant.
The judge also wrote that using Varner’s preferred pronouns might hinder communication in the court because of the complexity of transgender pronouns.
“We decline to enlist the federal judiciary in this quixotic undertaking,” Duncan wrote.
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--2020-01-18--Man Animates Himself and High School Sweetheart Into ‘Sleeping Beauty’ To Propose at Movie Theater

Two high school sweethearts are engaged after an unforgettable marriage proposal during an altered screening of “ Sleeping Beauty.
” For the better part of 2019 , filmmaker Lee Loechler quietly orchestrated a complicated and incredible marriage proposal to his girlfriend , Sthuthi David .
Loechler went all-out for his proposal by hiring a talented illustrator to draw him and his girlfriend so he could animate them into the end of “ Sleeping Beauty , ” David ’ s favorite movie , and then renting a theater in the couple ’ s hometown of Brookline , Massachusetts , for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day you get to propose to your High School sweetheart , ” Loechler wrote on Instagram .
“ The only thing better than seeing the smartest person I know completely dumbfounded was knowing we ’ d get to live happily ever after together.
” TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on Richmond The proposal , which took place on Dec. 30 , came after months of hard work , dating back to April 2019 when Loechler connected with Kayla Coombs , a character designer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her magic to illustrate David and Loechler as a princess and prince and then , Loechler spent six months editing his own animated scene into the Disney classic , WSBK-TV reported .
Once the film was ready , Loechler worked with Coolidge Corner Theatre to rent a space to screen his fake film , even coming up with an advertisement for the screening that matched the theater ’ s marketing materials .
David ’ s family was in on the secret , including her mother , who told her daughter she had purchased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Sleeping Beauty ” while everyone was home for the holidays , including Loechler , if he was interested .
“ It was a proud moment when she called me a few days later and invited me to her own surprise proposal … She didn ’ t suspect a thing !
” Loechler told People .
Loechler invited family and friends to the screening , but was also clever enough to fill the theatre with total strangers and their “ Disney-age children ” so that David would not be suspicious .
While family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back of the dark theater , volunteers from the online community also showed up to fill in empty seats , joining the family afterward for a celebration .
RELATED : Bride Plans Wedding in Less Than 30 Minutes After Dad 's Cancer Takes Turn for the Worse After what Loechler described as “ 75 excruciating minutes , ” David watched in confusion as the characters from her favorite movie began to morph into characters that resembled herself and her boyfriend .
Prince Phillip , now Prince Lee , was suddenly holding a ring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Princess Sthuthi , stared at the diamond ring inside the box .
Before David knew it , Loechler had caught the ring box that the animated Lee threw his way and she was staring at a real ring from her real-life boyfriend .
“ I love you with my whole heart , including all of its ventricles , atriums , valves , ” Loechler told David , before clarifying , “ she ’ s a cardiologist , ” to those who might not know .
The audience cheered as David accepted her boyfriend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most thoughtful and well-executed proposals in recent history .
“ I will never forget the way she looked at me , ” Loechler said to People .
“ You could tell it had meant the world to her .
It was the greatest feeling in the world , and I will remember it till the day I die .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two high school sweethearts are engaged after an unforgettable marriage proposal during an altered screening of “Sleeping Beauty.”
For the better part of 2019, filmmaker Lee Loechler quietly orchestrated a complicated and incredible marriage proposal to his girlfriend, Sthuthi David.
Loechler went all-out for his proposal by hiring a talented illustrator to draw him and his girlfriend so he could animate them into the end of “Sleeping Beauty,” David’s favorite movie, and then renting a theater in the couple’s hometown of Brookline, Massachusetts, for the screening.
“It’s not every day you get to propose to your High School sweetheart,” Loechler wrote on Instagram. “The only thing better than seeing the smartest person I know completely dumbfounded was knowing we’d get to live happily ever after together.”
The proposal, which took place on Dec. 30, came after months of hard work, dating back to April 2019 when Loechler connected with Kayla Coombs, a character designer and illustrator living in Australia.
Coombs worked her magic to illustrate David and Loechler as a princess and prince and then, Loechler spent six months editing his own animated scene into the Disney classic, WSBK-TV reported.
Once the film was ready, Loechler worked with Coolidge Corner Theatre to rent a space to screen his fake film, even coming up with an advertisement for the screening that matched the theater’s marketing materials.
David’s family was in on the secret, including her mother, who told her daughter she had purchased tickets for the whole family to see “Sleeping Beauty” while everyone was home for the holidays, including Loechler, if he was interested.
“It was a proud moment when she called me a few days later and invited me to her own surprise proposal … She didn’t suspect a thing!” Loechler told People.
Loechler invited family and friends to the screening, but was also clever enough to fill the theatre with total strangers and their “Disney-age children” so that David would not be suspicious.
While family and friends were tucked away in the back of the dark theater, volunteers from the online community also showed up to fill in empty seats, joining the family afterward for a celebration.
After what Loechler described as “75 excruciating minutes,” David watched in confusion as the characters from her favorite movie began to morph into characters that resembled herself and her boyfriend.
Prince Phillip, now Prince Lee, was suddenly holding a ring box on-screen while Princess Aurora, now Princess Sthuthi, stared at the diamond ring inside the box.
Before David knew it, Loechler had caught the ring box that the animated Lee threw his way and she was staring at a real ring from her real-life boyfriend.
“I love you with my whole heart, including all of its ventricles, atriums, valves,” Loechler told David, before clarifying, “she’s a cardiologist,” to those who might not know.
The audience cheered as David accepted her boyfriend’s proposal, surely one of the most thoughtful and well-executed proposals in recent history.
“I will never forget the way she looked at me,” Loechler said to People. “You could tell it had meant the world to her. It was the greatest feeling in the world, and I will remember it till the day I die.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--Police Officer Miraculously Survives Machete Attack to Head During Traffic Stop

No one likes to look in the rearview mirror to see a cruiser with flashing lights bearing down on them .
No one likes to be pulled over , and certainly no one likes getting a ticket .
But there are better and worse ways to express disappointment in such scenarios , and attacking an officer with a machete is definitely one of the worst .
When PC Stuart Outten from London was on the job last August , he and a policewoman stopped what they suspected was an uninsured vehicle .
The driver , 56-year-old Muhammad Rodwan , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received and allegedly retaliated by resisting the cops ’ attempts to keep him from leaving and producing a machete from the depths of his car .
A fellow cop described the scenario later on a Just Giving fundraiser for Outten , who sustained skull fractures , six deep head wounds , finger fractures and arm wounds , which all required surgery , according to the BBC .
TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on Richmond “ PC Stuart Outten turned up for work for a typical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 7th August 2019 , ” Nikki Yianni wrote on the page .
“ At around midnight PC Outten , along with a female colleague have attempted to stop a vehicle which it is believed was driving with no insurance.
” After Rodwan allegedly produced the weapon , “ PC Outten has bravely fought off the attacker but not before substaining several deep laserations to his head and hands.
” “ Stuart was rushed to a London hospital where he was looked after by the amazing staff .
He underwent surgery shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack .
He is currently being looked after by his supportive family and friends as well as his extended police family.
” It was Outten ’ s quick thinking and taser use that ultimately appeared to save his life .
Despite the fact that he was severely injured , he managed to tase his attacker and subdue him .
“ Despite the ferocity of the attack , and the seriousness of the wounds he had already received , PC Outten somehow managed to discharge his Taser weapon which disabled the defendant and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC later said , according to Metro .
“ The evidence suggests that had he not managed to fire his Taser , his injuries could have been far worse and even fatal , ” he continued , describing the attack as “ savage.
” “ The defendant can be heard on those body worn video recordings making guttural sounds before he started to hack at PC Outten with a machete that he had retrieved from somewhere inside the van.
” RELATED : Popeyes Gives 'Family Feud Canada ' Contestant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mistake “ The blows themselves can not be seen on the body worn camera recordings , but we suggest there are at least four audible chopping blows that you can hear and we say they are quite shocking.
” When backup arrived , Rodwan claimed that he was merely acting in self-defense and said “ My life is worth more than his life.
” While the trial is ongoing , many people have pitched in to help raise over £5,000 for Outten to use “ as he sees fit.
” The £500 goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening , and it was closed shortly afterward .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

No one likes to look in the rearview mirror to see a cruiser with flashing lights bearing down on them. No one likes to be pulled over, and certainly no one likes getting a ticket.
But there are better and worse ways to express disappointment in such scenarios, and attacking an officer with a machete is definitely one of the worst.
When PC Stuart Outten from London was on the job last August, he and a policewoman stopped what they suspected was an uninsured vehicle.
The driver, 56-year-old Muhammad Rodwan, was none too pleased with the treatment he received and allegedly retaliated by resisting the cops’ attempts to keep him from leaving and producing a machete from the depths of his car.
A fellow cop described the scenario later on a Just Giving fundraiser for Outten, who sustained skull fractures, six deep head wounds, finger fractures and arm wounds, which all required surgery, according to the BBC.
“PC Stuart Outten turned up for work for a typical night shift on a busy London borough on 7th August 2019,” Nikki Yianni wrote on the page. “At around midnight PC Outten, along with a female colleague have attempted to stop a vehicle which it is believed was driving with no insurance.”
After Rodwan allegedly produced the weapon, “PC Outten has bravely fought off the attacker but not before substaining several deep laserations to his head and hands.”
“Stuart was rushed to a London hospital where he was looked after by the amazing staff. He underwent surgery shortly after he arrived due to the injuries from the attack. He is currently being looked after by his supportive family and friends as well as his extended police family.”
It was Outten’s quick thinking and taser use that ultimately appeared to save his life. Despite the fact that he was severely injured, he managed to tase his attacker and subdue him.
“Despite the ferocity of the attack, and the seriousness of the wounds he had already received, PC Outten somehow managed to discharge his Taser weapon which disabled the defendant and brought the attack to an end,” prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC later said, according to Metro.
“The evidence suggests that had he not managed to fire his Taser, his injuries could have been far worse and even fatal,” he continued, describing the attack as “savage.”
“The defendant can be heard on those body worn video recordings making guttural sounds before he started to hack at PC Outten with a machete that he had retrieved from somewhere inside the van.”
“The blows themselves cannot be seen on the body worn camera recordings, but we suggest there are at least four audible chopping blows that you can hear and we say they are quite shocking.”
When backup arrived, Rodwan claimed that he was merely acting in self-defense and said “My life is worth more than his life.”
While the trial is ongoing, many people have pitched in to help raise over £5,000 for Outten to use “as he sees fit.” The £500 goal was doubled within hours of the fundraiser opening, and it was closed shortly afterward.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--Bowhunter ‘In Complete Shock’ After Landing Buck with Extremely Unique Antlers

A bowhunter from Kansas was left shocked after he took down an extremely unique buck , which was scored by certified measurers on Jan. 3 .
Brian Butcher , 38 , was hunting from his tree stand in Chase County in October when he noticed a whitetail buck .
“ When I first saw it , I thought it had some branches or grass tangled up in its antlers , ” Butcher told the Kansas Department of Wildlife , Parks and Tourism .
“ But when I looked at him with binoculars , I realized it was all antlers.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot the buck with an arrow .
When he located the felled deer , it looked bigger than it had from afar .
TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on Richmond “ I had the most opposite feeling of ‘ ground shrinkage ’ possible , ” Butcher said .
Ground shrinkage is a hunting term for when a harvested buck turns out to be smaller than it appeared when it was alive .
Butcher sent pictures of the buck to his friend Brian Crowe , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The two measured it several times due to their disbelief .
“ We added it up five times because it didn ’ t make sense , ” Butcher said .
“ We had it at 341 inches gross , and 316 inches net.
” According the Boone and Crockett Club , a nonprofit conservation organization that keeps track of North American big game records , if the rack is being submitted for the club ’ s records , a net score must be deducted from the gross score based on the symmetry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Club guidelines state that a rack has to dry for at least 60 days before it can be officially measured .
Two measurers from the Boone and Crockett Club measured Butcher ’ s buck on Jan. 3 , taking about 5 hours to complete the scoring process .
The measurers came up with a pending net non-typical score of 321 3/8 inches , the fourth-highest score in the world for non-typical whitetail deer if it stands .
The current world record score for a hunter-harvested deer in that category is 327 7/8 inches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois in 2018 .
Butcher ’ s buck would hold the Kansas record for the largest non-typical whitetail ever taken in the state .
The current record score in Kansas is 264 1/8 , taken by Dale Larson from Pottawatomie County with a bow in 1998 .
Butcher ’ s buck surpassed the record by 57 2/8 inches .
However , the score has yet to be officially verified and accepted .
The entry materials and score sheet for Butcher ’ s buck have been mailed to the Boone and Crockett Club headquarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rack again at the next Boone and Crockett Club awards ceremony in 2022 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A bowhunter from Kansas was left shocked after he took down an extremely unique buck, which was scored by certified measurers on Jan. 3.
Brian Butcher, 38, was hunting from his tree stand in Chase County in October when he noticed a whitetail buck.
“When I first saw it, I thought it had some branches or grass tangled up in its antlers,” Butcher told the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. “But when I looked at him with binoculars, I realized it was all antlers.”
From about 25 yards away, Butcher shot the buck with an arrow. When he located the felled deer, it looked bigger than it had from afar.
“I had the most opposite feeling of ‘ground shrinkage’ possible,” Butcher said. Ground shrinkage is a hunting term for when a harvested buck turns out to be smaller than it appeared when it was alive.
“I was in complete shock.”
Butcher sent pictures of the buck to his friend Brian Crowe, who helped Butcher attempt to score the deer. The two measured it several times due to their disbelief.
“We added it up five times because it didn’t make sense,” Butcher said. “We had it at 341 inches gross, and 316 inches net.”
Do you believe hunting is unethical? Yes No
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According the Boone and Crockett Club, a nonprofit conservation organization that keeps track of North American big game records, if the rack is being submitted for the club’s records, a net score must be deducted from the gross score based on the symmetry of the antlers.
Boone and Crockett Club guidelines state that a rack has to dry for at least 60 days before it can be officially measured.
Two measurers from the Boone and Crockett Club measured Butcher’s buck on Jan. 3, taking about 5 hours to complete the scoring process.
The measurers came up with a pending net non-typical score of 321 3/8 inches, the fourth-highest score in the world for non-typical whitetail deer if it stands.
The current world record score for a hunter-harvested deer in that category is 327 7/8 inches, taken by bowhunter Luke Brewster from Illinois in 2018.
Butcher’s buck would hold the Kansas record for the largest non-typical whitetail ever taken in the state.
The current record score in Kansas is 264 1/8, taken by Dale Larson from Pottawatomie County with a bow in 1998. Butcher’s buck surpassed the record by 57 2/8 inches.
However, the score has yet to be officially verified and accepted. The entry materials and score sheet for Butcher’s buck have been mailed to the Boone and Crockett Club headquarters; a panel of measurers will score the rack again at the next Boone and Crockett Club awards ceremony in 2022.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--American Education System at Work: Only 23% Can Identify Iran on a Map

It ’ s the cheapest way to earn a laugh on late-night TV .
Take a map out on the street , stop passers-by and see if you can get them to identify a country on there .
No one will even be able to find the United States .
Some can ’ t even find a single country ; ask them to name one and point to it and they ’ ll draw a blank .
This is all very funny — and very edited .
Surely everyone on the street can ’ t be that stupid , right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was like , “ Yeah , there ’ s Moldova , there ’ s Macedonia — it ’ s now known as North Macedonia because of a spat with the Greeks , of course — there ’ s Malawi , there ’ s Mali , there ’ s the Maldives , there ’ s Mozambique , there ’ s Monaco … do you want me to go on to the N ’ s now ?
” Well , perhaps Jimmy Kimmel ’ s people aren ’ t culling the educated folks from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might imagine , considering the fact that a Morning Consult/Politico poll found only 23 percent of voters could actually identify Iran on a global map and only 28 percent could place it on a zoomed-in map of the Middle East .
You would think a nation that has been the source of some of the most virulent anti-American rhetoric — not to mention some of the most virulent anti-American actions — of the past 40 years would be easily identifiable on a globe , but apparently not .
TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March on Richmond According to the poll , released on Jan. 8 , eight percent actually identified Iraq as being Iran .
Good work , American education system .
And let ’ s keep in mind , that wasn ’ t on a full map of the world .
Respondents were given a map of the Middle East , Europe and North Africa and then asked to identify where the country was .
So , this ended well : Here ’ s the map of the Middle East : I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but if not , there were registered voters who thought Iran was in Italy , Spain , France , the aforementioned Mali , on the border of Luxembourg and Germany and in the North Sea off the east coast of Great Britain .
On the world map , some respondents inexplicably placed Iran within the United States .
“ The polling experiment sheds light on voters ’ geographical unfamiliarity with foreign countries , even those with which the United States has been engaged in sustained conflict , ” a news release from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Literally Claims Trump Holding Iran Accountable Is 'Effort To Destroy the Iran Deal' “ Some respondents fared better than others , however .
“ Men were about twice as likely as women to be able to identify Iran on both maps , roughly reflecting what a 2017 Morning Consult experiment involving North Korea found .
Wealthier and more educated voters were also more likely to get it right , while political party and age were not powerful factors.
” Thirty-eight percent of men were able to find the country compared to only 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of Democrats found Iran compared with 28 percent of Republicans , a statistical tie .
( Thirty-one percent of independents got it , for whatever that ’ s worth . )
In spite of this , guess what — or rather , whom — some people blamed for the poor results ?
Keep in mind , too , that the poll was conducted between Jan. 4-5 .
This was during the highest point of tensions between the United States and Iran .
Forty-nine percent of voters said they had heard “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani , who was killed in an airstrike on Jan. 3 .
“ Voters were more likely to support ( 47 percent ) the airstrike that killed Soleimani than oppose it ( 40 percent ) .
Attitudes on Trump ’ s call fell neatly along partisan lines : 70 percent of Democrats disapproved of the strike while 85 percent of Republicans approved of it , including 61 percent of Republicans who strongly approved , ” the Morning Consult news release said .
That wasn ’ t a surprise .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no statistical differences in support for the strike — or on a host of broader questions about its potential impacts — between those who could identify Iran on a map and those who could not .
The survey of 1,995 registered voters has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.
” The wonderful thing is that I guarantee some of the people who wouldn ’ t be among the 23 percent were the ones on my Twitter and Facebook feeds loudly proclaiming themselves to be amateur foreign policy experts on the ayatollahs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people tweeting out # WWIII memes — and yet , they probably didn ’ t even know where they thought World War III was going to begin .
It ’ s impossible to overstate how vitally important it is for Americans to understand Iran .
If they can ’ t find it on a map , their understanding will be fed to them by the cable network of their choice .
This is more proof our public education system is broken and needs to be rebuilt posthaste .
If it isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have plenty of fodder for those map-identification segments for years to come .
And that ’ ll be the least of our problems .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s the cheapest way to earn a laugh on late-night TV. Take a map out on the street, stop passers-by and see if you can get them to identify a country on there. No one will even be able to find the United States. Some can’t even find a single country; ask them to name one and point to it and they’ll draw a blank.
This is all very funny — and very edited. Surely everyone on the street can’t be that stupid, right?
There has to be one person who was like, “Yeah, there’s Moldova, there’s Macedonia — it’s now known as North Macedonia because of a spat with the Greeks, of course — there’s Malawi, there’s Mali, there’s the Maldives, there’s Mozambique, there’s Monaco … do you want me to go on to the N’s now?”
Well, perhaps Jimmy Kimmel’s people aren’t culling the educated folks from the final cut as much as you might imagine, considering the fact that a Morning Consult/Politico poll found only 23 percent of voters could actually identify Iran on a global map and only 28 percent could place it on a zoomed-in map of the Middle East.
You would think a nation that has been the source of some of the most virulent anti-American rhetoric — not to mention some of the most virulent anti-American actions — of the past 40 years would be easily identifiable on a globe, but apparently not.
According to the poll, released on Jan. 8, eight percent actually identified Iraq as being Iran. Good work, American education system.
And let’s keep in mind, that wasn’t on a full map of the world. Respondents were given a map of the Middle East, Europe and North Africa and then asked to identify where the country was.
So, this ended well:
Respondents were first given a larger, global map. 23% were able to correctly identify Iran. https://t.co/XhP5OU9s2n pic.twitter.com/HVsWpf9ujt — Joanna Piacenza (@jpiacenza) January 8, 2020
Here’s the map of the Middle East:
NEW from me: We asked folks to identify Iran on an unlabeled map. 28% of them got it right. Here’s where they guessed. https://t.co/XhP5OU9s2n pic.twitter.com/IQ8HYFDKxE — Joanna Piacenza (@jpiacenza) January 8, 2020
I don’t know if there was some trolling here, but if not, there were registered voters who thought Iran was in Italy, Spain, France, the aforementioned Mali, on the border of Luxembourg and Germany and in the North Sea off the east coast of Great Britain. On the world map, some respondents inexplicably placed Iran within the United States.
“The polling experiment sheds light on voters’ geographical unfamiliarity with foreign countries, even those with which the United States has been engaged in sustained conflict,” a news release from Morning Consult read.
“Some respondents fared better than others, however.
“Men were about twice as likely as women to be able to identify Iran on both maps, roughly reflecting what a 2017 Morning Consult experiment involving North Korea found. Wealthier and more educated voters were also more likely to get it right, while political party and age were not powerful factors.”
Thirty-eight percent of men were able to find the country compared to only 20 percent of women. Meanwhile, 27 percent of Democrats found Iran compared with 28 percent of Republicans, a statistical tie. (Thirty-one percent of independents got it, for whatever that’s worth.)
In spite of this, guess what — or rather, whom — some people blamed for the poor results?
I want somebody to write an article about the people who chose the British Isles…. Oh wait, the NY Times regularly runs articles on Trump supporters. Never mind. — Pé Resists (@4everNeverTrump) January 8, 2020
Something tells me that roughly 35% would get this wrong on a *labelled* map. Looking at you, MAGAts. — Down w/ the NotSees (@Mr___Sub) January 8, 2020
Keep in mind, too, that the poll was conducted between Jan. 4-5. This was during the highest point of tensions between the United States and Iran.
Forty-nine percent of voters said they had heard “a lot” about the death of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in an airstrike on Jan. 3.
“Voters were more likely to support (47 percent) the airstrike that killed Soleimani than oppose it (40 percent). Attitudes on Trump’s call fell neatly along partisan lines: 70 percent of Democrats disapproved of the strike while 85 percent of Republicans approved of it, including 61 percent of Republicans who strongly approved,” the Morning Consult news release said.
Do you think our public education system is broken? 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% (280 Votes) No: 2% (5 Votes)
That wasn’t a surprise. This was: “Notably, there were no statistical differences in support for the strike — or on a host of broader questions about its potential impacts — between those who could identify Iran on a map and those who could not. The survey of 1,995 registered voters has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.”
The wonderful thing is that I guarantee some of the people who wouldn’t be among the 23 percent were the ones on my Twitter and Facebook feeds loudly proclaiming themselves to be amateur foreign policy experts on the ayatollahs and their ways. These were the people tweeting out #WWIII memes — and yet, they probably didn’t even know where they thought World War III was going to begin.
It’s impossible to overstate how vitally important it is for Americans to understand Iran. If they can’t find it on a map, their understanding will be fed to them by the cable network of their choice. This is more proof our public education system is broken and needs to be rebuilt posthaste.
If it isn’t, the Jimmy Kimmels of the world will have plenty of fodder for those map-identification segments for years to come. And that’ll be the least of our problems.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--NBC Casts Transgender Teen as Lead for Reboot of Classic TV Comedy ‘Saved by the Bell’

Josie Totah , an 18-year-old transgender female actor , has been cast as the star of the new “ Saved by the Bell ” reboot , which will premiere this year on NBCUniversal ’ s upcoming streaming service called Peacock .
The Hollywood Reporter announced on Jan. 6 that Totah will play a cheerleader named Lexi , the most popular girl at Bayside High .
Totah will also be a producer of the show .
“ Thank you @ THR , ” Totah said in a tweet linking to The Hollywood Reporter ’ s article .
“ This is truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Totah , originally named Joseph Jacob “ J.J. ” Totah , announced that he identified as a female in August of 2018 via an essay in TIME magazine .
“ My pronouns are she , her and hers .
I identify as female , specifically as a transgender female .
And my name is Josie , ” Totah wrote .
“ When my friends and family call me Josie , it feels like I ’ m being seen.
” TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone wants , to feel understood .
And , as a semi-religious person who went to Catholic school , I have come to believe that God made me transgender , ” Totah continued .
“ I don ’ t feel like I was put in the wrong body .
I don ’ t feel like there was a mistake made.
” “ I believe that I am transgender to help people understand differences.
” According to IMDb , this will be the second female role Totah has played , after first performing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netflix show “ No Good Nick.
” The show was released in two parts before it was canceled after only one season , according to TVLine .
Totah has been the lead in an NBC show before , starring as Michael Patel in the 2018 comedy series “ Champions.
” The show was cancelled after one season , according to TVLine .
When he was known as J.J. , Totah performed roles such as Seymour in Marvel ’ s “ Spider-Man : Homecoming ” and Stuart Wooten in the Disney Channel series “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landed the lead role in the “ Saved by the Bell ” sequel elicited mixed reactions on Twitter .
The announcement that “ Saved by the Bell ” is being rebooted was also met with mixed reactions .
The “ Saved by the Bell ” TV sequel follows a group of high school students from California that are sent to one of the highest-performing schools in the state , Bayside High , after the governor of California , Zach Morris , closes down too many low-income schools .
Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saved by the Bell ” comedy series , will be playing their characters of A.C. Slater and Jessie Spano once again .
Lopez and Berkley will also be producing the show alongside Totah .
The show , filmed as a half-hour single-camera comedy , was written by Emmy award winner Tracey Wigfield .
Wigfield is best know for creating and acting in the 2017 television series “ Great News , ” along with writing and acting for “ 30 Rock.
” Both shows were produced by NBCUniversal , with which she recently signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be showrunning for the new “ Saved by the Bell , ” as well as serving as executive producer alongside the executive producer of the original series , Peter Engel , and producer Franco Bario .
“ Saved by the Bell ” is one of many original series ’ set to release on Peacock during the summer of 2020 .
Other originals include a “ Battlestar Galactica ” reboot from the creator of “ Mr .
Robot , ” Sam Esmail , and another “ Psych ” spin-off movie , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Josie Totah, an 18-year-old transgender female actor, has been cast as the star of the new “Saved by the Bell” reboot, which will premiere this year on NBCUniversal’s upcoming streaming service called Peacock.
The Hollywood Reporter announced on Jan. 6 that Totah will play a cheerleader named Lexi, the most popular girl at Bayside High. Totah will also be a producer of the show.
“Thank you @THR,” Totah said in a tweet linking to The Hollywood Reporter’s article. “This is truly a dream come true!!!”
Totah, originally named Joseph Jacob “J.J.” Totah, announced that he identified as a female in August of 2018 via an essay in TIME magazine.
“My pronouns are she, her and hers. I identify as female, specifically as a transgender female. And my name is Josie,” Totah wrote. “When my friends and family call me Josie, it feels like I’m being seen.”
“It’s something everyone wants, to feel understood. And, as a semi-religious person who went to Catholic school, I have come to believe that God made me transgender,” Totah continued. “I don’t feel like I was put in the wrong body. I don’t feel like there was a mistake made.”
Do you think transgenderism is a mental disorder? 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: 93% (39 Votes) No: 7% (3 Votes)
“I believe that I am transgender to help people understand differences.”
According to IMDb, this will be the second female role Totah has played, after first performing the role of Lisa Haddad on the 2019 Netflix show “No Good Nick.” The show was released in two parts before it was canceled after only one season, according to TVLine.
Totah has been the lead in an NBC show before, starring as Michael Patel in the 2018 comedy series “Champions.” The show was cancelled after one season, according to TVLine.
When he was known as J.J., Totah performed roles such as Seymour in Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and Stuart Wooten in the Disney Channel series “Jessie.”
Congrats, Josie! You’re gonna kill it! — Gwendolyn Jae Stone (@GwenLovesMovies) January 7, 2020
The announcement that Totah had landed the lead role in the “Saved by the Bell” sequel elicited mixed reactions on Twitter.
Congrats, Josie! You’re gonna kill it! — Gwendolyn Jae Stone (@GwenLovesMovies) January 7, 2020
I love when my trans sisters are recognized for being the beautiful REAL women they are — Marlene Branson (@MarleneBransonX) January 7, 2020
Why? Are there no female actresses to play a female role? The world is getting to be a sick place! — New (@new_stew) January 8, 2020
The most popular girl in school is male? Ok ? — Amanda Beres (@ARC91681) January 7, 2020
The announcement that “Saved by the Bell” is being rebooted was also met with mixed reactions.
OH MY SWEET JESUS! THEY ARE REBOOTING SAVED BY THE BELL??!?!?!!!!!! ❤?❤?❤?❤?❤ IM SO EXCITED! AND I JUST CAN’T HIDE IT! #SavedByTheBell #BREAKING #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/APxS85zMIt — Å Fusion (@AngelicFusion) January 7, 2020
Do people really want a Saved by the Bell reboot? I used to like the show when I was a kid, but I tried to watch it again a few months ago. It’s ridiculously corny. — Red Rover (@DarkmanLiam) January 6, 2020
Won’t last a season — Mike Winter (@mwinter17) January 7, 2020
The “Saved by the Bell” TV sequel follows a group of high school students from California that are sent to one of the highest-performing schools in the state, Bayside High, after the governor of California, Zach Morris, closes down too many low-income schools.
Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley, who starred in the original “Saved by the Bell” comedy series, will be playing their characters of A.C. Slater and Jessie Spano once again. Lopez and Berkley will also be producing the show alongside Totah.
The show, filmed as a half-hour single-camera comedy, was written by Emmy award winner Tracey Wigfield. Wigfield is best know for creating and acting in the 2017 television series “Great News,” along with writing and acting for “30 Rock.”
Both shows were produced by NBCUniversal, with which she recently signed a new multi-year overall deal.
Wigfield will also be showrunning for the new “Saved by the Bell,” as well as serving as executive producer alongside the executive producer of the original series, Peter Engel, and producer Franco Bario.
“Saved by the Bell” is one of many original series’ set to release on Peacock during the summer of 2020. Other originals include a “Battlestar Galactica” reboot from the creator of “Mr. Robot,” Sam Esmail, and another “Psych” spin-off movie, according to techcrunch.com.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--After Russia Hacks Ukrainian Company, Bernie Sanders Finds a Way To Blame Republicans

The Ukrainian energy company Burisma is best known as the one-time employer of Hunter Biden , a man who seems curiously unemployable if you don ’ t consider his last name .
The firm , however , is now at the center of a Russian hacking scandal — and , rather unsurprisingly , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has a hot take on it that implicates the GOP .
The New York Times reported Monday that beginning in November , Russian hackers had attempted to hack into Burisma using phishing emails designed to obtain login credentials and passwords from Burisma employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Area 1 , which detected the unusual activity .
Some of the email blasts , which appeared to come from inside the company , were successful .
Cue a new round of Russian collusion conspiracy dog whistles .
“ The timing of the Russian campaign mirrors the GRU hacks we saw in 2016 against the DNC and John Podesta , ” Area 1 co-founder Oren Falkowitz said .
“ Once again , they are stealing email credentials , in what we can only assume is a repeat of Russian interference in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on Richmond The Times , never one to ever editorialize in its reporting , wrote this regarding the hacks : “ The Russian tactics are strikingly similar to what American intelligence agencies say was Russia ’ s hacking of emails from Hillary Clinton ’ s campaign chairman and the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 presidential campaign .
In that case , once they had the emails , the Russians used trolls to spread and spin the material , and built an echo chamber to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times reported that the hacks “ appear to be running parallel to an effort by Russian spies in Ukraine to dig up information in the analog world that could embarrass the Bidens , according to an American security official , who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence .
The spies , the official said , are trying to penetrate Burisma and working sources in the Ukrainian government in search of emails , financial records and legal documents.
” I thought any talk of anything askew with Hunter Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaging in conspiracy theories , but I digress .
The Times and plenty of other liberals found ways to imply in a vague way that there was some kind of muddy collusion going on here .
The independent senator from Vermont and 2020 presidential candidate , meanwhile , came right out and blamed Republicans for the hack .
“ The 2020 election is likely to be the most consequential election in modern American history , and I am alarmed by new reports that Russia recently hacked into the Ukrainian gas company at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as Russia ’ s plans to once again meddle in our elections and in our democracy , ” Sanders said in a Tuesday statement , according to The Hill .
“ After our intelligence agencies unanimously agreed that Russia interfered in the 2016 election , including with thousands of paid ads on Facebook , the New York Times now reports that Russia likely represents the biggest threat of election meddling in 2020 , including through disinformation campaigns , promoting hatred , hacking into voting systems , and by exploiting the political divisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
“ Meanwhile , the Senate Republican leader , Mitch McConnell , has shown again and again his total disinterest in taking even basic steps to stand up to Russian interference.
” Sanders wasn ’ t the only one blaming Republicans for the hacking , unfortunately , and the reason is the fact that Republicans refuse to take up a House bill that Senate Majority Leader McConnell not inaccurately called “ The Democrat Politician Protection Act.
” In her statement about the hack , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stumped for that legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a liberal wishlist that has no chance of passing in the Senate .
RELATED : NYT Reporter Thinks It 's Crazy That Nobody Believes White Woman Who Claimed To Be Native American “ The alarming reports that the Russian Government is continuing to interfere in our elections to benefit the President and to undermine our democracy highlight the urgent need for action , ” Pelosi said in a statement .
“ For months , our intelligence and law enforcement officials have made clear that the Russians ‘ interfered in the 2016 presidential election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now launching a ‘ 365-days-a-year threat ’ to compromise the 2020 elections – yet the President has refused to take meaningful action to strengthen our election security .
“ American elections should be decided by the American people , not by the Russian Government .
As our first act in the Majority , House Democrats advanced H.R .
1 , the For The People Act , to secure our elections , and we have since passed multiple strong bills to further strengthen our nation ’ s defenses .
But Leader McConnell has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , giving hostile foreign powers the green light to attack our country .
“ The President and every Republican Senator must explain to the American people why they are refusing to defend our national security and the integrity of our elections.
” The For the People Act would do little to secure the vote — it has a lot more to do with federalizing power over elections and included a provision supporting D.C. statehood , something that clearly makes the vote safer — and it seems like an odd pivot .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that none of this involves hacking our elections and none of it is being done at the behest of Republicans .
Furthermore , nothing thus far proposed by the Democrats would make us safer It sounds great to the liberal base , though , so don ’ t expect Bernie or Pelosi to stop .
In fact , you ’ re likely to see a lot more liberals use this as an ideological battering ram .
Russian interference !
Election tampering !
The Kremlin ’ s going after Biden the same way they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Frankenstein ’ s monster .
Zap enough electricity through it and you can make it walk again .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Ukrainian energy company Burisma is best known as the one-time employer of Hunter Biden, a man who seems curiously unemployable if you don’t consider his last name.
The firm, however, is now at the center of a Russian hacking scandal — and, rather unsurprisingly, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has a hot take on it that implicates the GOP.
The New York Times reported Monday that beginning in November, Russian hackers had attempted to hack into Burisma using phishing emails designed to obtain login credentials and passwords from Burisma employees, according to Silicon Valley cybersecurity firm Area 1, which detected the unusual activity.
Some of the email blasts, which appeared to come from inside the company, were successful. Cue a new round of Russian collusion conspiracy dog whistles.
“The timing of the Russian campaign mirrors the GRU hacks we saw in 2016 against the DNC and John Podesta,” Area 1 co-founder Oren Falkowitz said. “Once again, they are stealing email credentials, in what we can only assume is a repeat of Russian interference in the last election.”
The Times, never one to ever editorialize in its reporting, wrote this regarding the hacks: “The Russian tactics are strikingly similar to what American intelligence agencies say was Russia’s hacking of emails from Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman and the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 presidential campaign. In that case, once they had the emails, the Russians used trolls to spread and spin the material, and built an echo chamber to widen its effect.”
Furthermore, The Times reported that the hacks “appear to be running parallel to an effort by Russian spies in Ukraine to dig up information in the analog world that could embarrass the Bidens, according to an American security official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence. The spies, the official said, are trying to penetrate Burisma and working sources in the Ukrainian government in search of emails, financial records and legal documents.”
I thought any talk of anything askew with Hunter Biden’s time at Burisma was nothing but engaging in conspiracy theories, but I digress.
The Times and plenty of other liberals found ways to imply in a vague way that there was some kind of muddy collusion going on here. The independent senator from Vermont and 2020 presidential candidate, meanwhile, came right out and blamed Republicans for the hack.
Do you think Bernie Sanders will win the 2020 Democratic nomination? 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: 6% (23 Votes) No: 94% (378 Votes)
“The 2020 election is likely to be the most consequential election in modern American history, and I am alarmed by new reports that Russia recently hacked into the Ukrainian gas company at the center of the impeachment trial, as well as Russia’s plans to once again meddle in our elections and in our democracy,” Sanders said in a Tuesday statement, according to The Hill.
“After our intelligence agencies unanimously agreed that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, including with thousands of paid ads on Facebook, the New York Times now reports that Russia likely represents the biggest threat of election meddling in 2020, including through disinformation campaigns, promoting hatred, hacking into voting systems, and by exploiting the political divisions sewn by Donald Trump,” he continued.
“Meanwhile, the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, has shown again and again his total disinterest in taking even basic steps to stand up to Russian interference.”
Sanders wasn’t the only one blaming Republicans for the hacking, unfortunately, and the reason is the fact that Republicans refuse to take up a House bill that Senate Majority Leader McConnell not inaccurately called “The Democrat Politician Protection Act.”
In her statement about the hack, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stumped for that legislation — the For the People Act, a liberal wishlist that has no chance of passing in the Senate.
“The alarming reports that the Russian Government is continuing to interfere in our elections to benefit the President and to undermine our democracy highlight the urgent need for action,” Pelosi said in a statement.
“For months, our intelligence and law enforcement officials have made clear that the Russians ‘interfered in the 2016 presidential election in sweeping and systematic fashion’ and are now launching a ‘365-days-a-year threat’ to compromise the 2020 elections – yet the President has refused to take meaningful action to strengthen our election security.
“American elections should be decided by the American people, not by the Russian Government. As our first act in the Majority, House Democrats advanced H.R. 1, the For The People Act, to secure our elections, and we have since passed multiple strong bills to further strengthen our nation’s defenses. But Leader McConnell has condemned our bills to his legislative graveyard, giving hostile foreign powers the green light to attack our country.
“The President and every Republican Senator must explain to the American people why they are refusing to defend our national security and the integrity of our elections.”
The For the People Act would do little to secure the vote — it has a lot more to do with federalizing power over elections and included a provision supporting D.C. statehood, something that clearly makes the vote safer — and it seems like an odd pivot. That’s not even getting to the fact that none of this involves hacking our elections and none of it is being done at the behest of Republicans. Furthermore, nothing thus far proposed by the Democrats would make us safer
It sounds great to the liberal base, though, so don’t expect Bernie or Pelosi to stop. In fact, you’re likely to see a lot more liberals use this as an ideological battering ram. Russian interference! Election tampering! The Kremlin’s going after Biden the same way they did Hillary!
The Russia narrative is like Frankenstein’s monster. Zap enough electricity through it and you can make it walk again.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--Ilhan Omar’s Challenger Is Her Worst Nightmare: A Republican Refugee Who Loves America

Representative Ilhan Omar won ’ t be able to pull any of her usual tricks against her new opponent .
She may throw accusations of bigotry , misogyny , and racism against the challenger , but these attacks will fall spectacularly flat .
That ’ s because Dalia al-Aqidi , the person gunning for her seat , is a female Muslim refugee who just happens to be an America-loving member of the Grand Old Party .
In her first campaign ad , al-Aqidi makes it abundantly clear that although she and Omar share the same religion , gender , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s where the similarities end .
“ We might seem nearly alike , ” al-Aqidi said of herself and Omar , “ both Muslims , both women , both refugees , but we couldn ’ t be further apart .
She spends her time in Congress sowing seeds of division , actively supporting our enemies.
” “ She claims to speak for all Muslims , ” the Republican continued , “ but she does not speak for me.
” TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ad below , it ’ s guaranteed to be the best video you see today .
According to al-Aqidi ’ s website , she fled Iraq in 1988 when it was still in the iron grip of the dictator Saddam Hussein .
After taking the oath to become an American citizen , she eventually began a career in journalism as a radio anchor .
Al-Aqidi is extremely outspoken against Islamic terrorism and other forms of cruelty across the world .
Meanwhile , Omar appears to not be completely convinced of the horror of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who makes frequent use of her religion and her history as a refugee to attack opponents , will likely find herself without a reliable weapon against al-Aqidi .
As recently as Jan. 8 , Omar has accused the political right of anti-Muslim rhetoric .
Frequent references to her refugee origins are also a staple in Ilhan Omar ’ s celebrations of herself and attacks against critics .
Omar ’ s challenger doesn ’ t appear to be worried about being called an islamophobe , and openly attacks the congresswoman for her defense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ilhan Omar Giggling as US Iraq War Deaths Are Being Discussed With the next election for U.S. House Minnesota District 5 coming up this year , the time for Omar to reap what she has sown in her short time in Congress is rapidly approaching .
The district ’ s large Somali immigrant population isn ’ t losing any representation with al-Aqidi — they would still have a Muslim woman to work for them in Washington , D.C. — but one who hates terrorism and loves the United States .
It remains to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omar has less than a year to come up with a plan of attack against al-Aqidi — an opponent she won ’ t be able to use her tired old tactics against .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Representative Ilhan Omar won’t be able to pull any of her usual tricks against her new opponent. She may throw accusations of bigotry, misogyny, and racism against the challenger, but these attacks will fall spectacularly flat.
That’s because Dalia al-Aqidi, the person gunning for her seat, is a female Muslim refugee who just happens to be an America-loving member of the Grand Old Party.
In her first campaign ad, al-Aqidi makes it abundantly clear that although she and Omar share the same religion, gender, and beginnings in war-torn regions, that’s where the similarities end.
“We might seem nearly alike,” al-Aqidi said of herself and Omar, “both Muslims, both women, both refugees, but we couldn’t be further apart. She spends her time in Congress sowing seeds of division, actively supporting our enemies.”
“She claims to speak for all Muslims,” the Republican continued, “but she does not speak for me.”
Watch al-Aqidi’s full campaign ad below, it’s guaranteed to be the best video you see today.
According to al-Aqidi’s website, she fled Iraq in 1988 when it was still in the iron grip of the dictator Saddam Hussein.
After taking the oath to become an American citizen, she eventually began a career in journalism as a radio anchor. Al-Aqidi is extremely outspoken against Islamic terrorism and other forms of cruelty across the world. Meanwhile, Omar appears to not be completely convinced of the horror of the 9/11 terror attacks.
Will al-Aqidi beat Ilhan Omar in 2020? 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% (2818 Votes) No: 2% (43 Votes)
Omar, who makes frequent use of her religion and her history as a refugee to attack opponents, will likely find herself without a reliable weapon against al-Aqidi.
As recently as Jan. 8, Omar has accused the political right of anti-Muslim rhetoric. Frequent references to her refugee origins are also a staple in Ilhan Omar’s celebrations of herself and attacks against critics.
Omar’s challenger doesn’t appear to be worried about being called an islamophobe, and openly attacks the congresswoman for her defense of terrorist organizations.
Ilhan Omar defends the Muslim Brotherhood.
She defends Hamas which is a terrorist group, according to the US laws. The same laws that sent her to Congress. https://t.co/cZXzqYgDej https://t.co/ev8weayikz — Dalia al-Aqidi (@Dalia4Congress) January 17, 2020
With the next election for U.S. House Minnesota District 5 coming up this year, the time for Omar to reap what she has sown in her short time in Congress is rapidly approaching.
The district’s large Somali immigrant population isn’t losing any representation with al-Aqidi — they would still have a Muslim woman to work for them in Washington, D.C. — but one who hates terrorism and loves the United States.
It remains to be seen who will win, but Omar has less than a year to come up with a plan of attack against al-Aqidi — an opponent she won’t be able to use her tired old tactics against.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--Joe Biden’s Brother Frank Now Accused of Using His Name for Business Gain

When it comes to the family of President Donald Trump , the media microscope has been trained on every nook and cranny of their lives .
But the media has been derelict in its duty to do the same to the family of former Vice President Joe Biden , the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination .
After Trump brought attention to it , the media has paid some cursory attention to the shady dealings of the Biden ’ s son Hunter Biden .
But they have offered little attention to the former VP ’ s brother , Frank Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s last name , ABC News reported .
In 2009 , Frank , a real estate developer , met with a business executive in Palm Beach Gardens , Florida where he was asked to become the face of a new business venture involving charter schools .
Frank , who apparently had no experience in education , took the job and , for five years , proceeded to use his surname to nab contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to open new charter schools .
TRENDING : Senate Dems Running for President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s worse is that he did not even make a secret of the fact that he was using his famous last name for profit , as The Washington Post reported in 2011 .
“ I give you my word of honor on my family name that this system is sustainable , ” he said in a videotaped message to the Palm Beach County School Board .
“ This school will be sustained.
” In spite of a staff recommendation to deny the application , the board approved the project , known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s message .
But months later , the board decided to remove from its agenda an application for Mavericks to open three more schools .
“ There ’ s been so much confusion about the real success rate of some of the students [ in Mavericks schools ] that the board wanted to get more information about that , ” board member Marcia Andrews said .
“ They work with really at-risk students and we wanted to make sure they were making a difference.
” Could it be that the schools were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden brother and that the first one was only approved because of his name ?
Biden told The Post that he does not use his brother ’ s name to make money but in another breath admitted that the name is a “ tremendous asset.
” “ I never invoke his name other than to tell people I am his younger brother and I love him , ” Frank Biden said .
“ It ’ s a tremendous asset , ” Biden said , referring to his last name .
“ I enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I have to say.
” RELATED : After Russia Hacks Ukrainian Company , Bernie Sanders Finds a Way To Blame Republicans The former vice president has not been accused of any wrongdoing , nor is there any proof that he had a hand in his son ’ s or brother ’ s dealings .
But at a time when he competes for the Democratic presidential nomination , the same scrutiny paid to the Trump family should be paid to his .
Families of politicians making money by using their last names is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it limited to one party .
But it does seem that the scrutiny is only aimed at Republicans , particularly the ones named Trump .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When it comes to the family of President Donald Trump, the media microscope has been trained on every nook and cranny of their lives.
But the media has been derelict in its duty to do the same to the family of former Vice President Joe Biden, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.
After Trump brought attention to it, the media has paid some cursory attention to the shady dealings of the Biden’s son Hunter Biden. But they have offered little attention to the former VP’s brother, Frank Biden, who also profited from the family’s last name, ABC News reported.
In 2009, Frank, a real estate developer, met with a business executive in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where he was asked to become the face of a new business venture involving charter schools.
Frank, who apparently had no experience in education, took the job and, for five years, proceeded to use his surname to nab contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to open new charter schools.
What’s worse is that he did not even make a secret of the fact that he was using his famous last name for profit, as The Washington Post reported in 2011.
“I give you my word of honor on my family name that this system is sustainable,” he said in a videotaped message to the Palm Beach County School Board. “This school will be sustained.”
In spite of a staff recommendation to deny the application, the board approved the project, known as Mavericks in Education, after hearing Biden’s message.
But months later, the board decided to remove from its agenda an application for Mavericks to open three more schools.
Do you think the media should report on Frank Biden? 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: 99% (1655 Votes) No: 1% (12 Votes)
“There’s been so much confusion about the real success rate of some of the students [in Mavericks schools] that the board wanted to get more information about that,” board member Marcia Andrews said. “They work with really at-risk students and we wanted to make sure they were making a difference.”
Could it be that the schools were not as good as advertised by the Biden brother and that the first one was only approved because of his name?
Biden told The Post that he does not use his brother’s name to make money but in another breath admitted that the name is a “tremendous asset.”
“I never invoke his name other than to tell people I am his younger brother and I love him,” Frank Biden said.
“It’s a tremendous asset,” Biden said, referring to his last name. “I enjoy automatic acceptance or at least listening to what I have to say.”
The former vice president has not been accused of any wrongdoing, nor is there any proof that he had a hand in his son’s or brother’s dealings.
But at a time when he competes for the Democratic presidential nomination, the same scrutiny paid to the Trump family should be paid to his.
Families of politicians making money by using their last names is not a new practice, nor is it limited to one party.
But it does seem that the scrutiny is only aimed at Republicans, particularly the ones named Trump.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--VA State Senator Goes Public 72 Hours Before Rally: ‘We Are Being Set Up’

A Virginia state senator has sounded a warning bell three days before a massive rally is set to coalesce in the commonwealth ’ s capital .
Conservative Sen. Amanda Chase of District 11 took to Facebook on Friday with a warning for every patriot who plans to attend the pro-Second Amendment rally Monday in Richmond .
Her warning came the same week that Democratic Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam issued an executive order temporarily banning firearms in the Capitol Square .
“ Sadly , I am posting this , knowing that the Governor of Virginia has declared a State of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ I want you to be aware of how we are being set up.
” “ Does the Patriot Act ring a bell ?
Does the National Defense Authorization Act ring a bell ?
” TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on Richmond Chase argued that these laws could be used to label pro-Second Amendment activists as “ domestic terrorist [ s ] .
” Specifically , she warned those who are planning to attend wearing military fatigues or rocking militia insignia .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already set the stage for this to happen , ” Chase wrote .
“ He has already laid the groundwork to make the entire movement look like insurrection.
” It ’ s not just militia members and those wearing camouflage who have reason to worry .
According to Chase , even some military veterans have been flagged as potential threats .
“ They are kicking things into high gear , ” Chase wrote .
“ Military veterans were/are even listed as potential domestic terrorist.
” “ We were told not once , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ It ’ s Not Me they are after , It ’ s You , The American People . '
” Northam indeed claims to have intelligence that some of the groups attending the Monday rally will be intent on insurrection .
However , this is the first time we have seen such a dire warning from a state official like Chase .
Although Chase ’ s post could be hyperbolic , there ’ s no doubt that the stakes are high for the Monday event .
Despite Northam ’ s emergency gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of the tens of thousands of expected rally attendees will obey his decree .
The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gun Owners of America , two groups behind the massive rally , attempted to battle Northam ’ s order in court .
They appealed all the way to the Virginia Supreme Court , where Northam ’ s gun ban was upheld on Friday .
Hopefully , violence can be avoided .
But with many rallygoers almost certainly unwilling to bend on their right to bear arms and Northam seemingly intent on enforcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we can only wait and see — and pray .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Virginia state senator has sounded a warning bell three days before a massive rally is set to coalesce in the commonwealth’s capital.
Conservative Sen. Amanda Chase of District 11 took to Facebook on Jan. 17 with a warning for every patriot who plans to attend the pro-Second Amendment rally on Jan. 20 in Richmond.
Her warning came the same week that Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order temporarily banning firearms in the Capitol Square.
“Sadly, I am posting this, knowing that the Governor of Virginia has declared a State of Emergency in our state,” Chase wrote. “I want you to be aware of how we are being set up.”
“Does the Patriot Act ring a bell? Does the National Defense Authorization Act ring a bell?”
Chase argued that these laws could be used to label pro-Second Amendment activists as “domestic terrorist[s].”
Specifically, she warned those who are planning to attend wearing military fatigues or rocking militia insignia.
“The Governor, using the media has already set the stage for this to happen,” Chase wrote. “He has already laid the groundwork to make the entire movement look like insurrection.”
It’s not just militia members and those wearing camouflage who have reason to worry.
Is this rally a setup on the part of Northam and the Democrats? Yes No
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According to Chase, even some military veterans have been flagged as potential threats.
“They are kicking things into high gear,” Chase wrote. “Military veterans were/are even listed as potential domestic terrorist.”
“We were told not once, but several times by the current President, ‘It’s Not Me they are after, It’s You, The American People.'”
Northam indeed claims to have intelligence that some of the groups attending the Monday rally will be intent on insurrection.
However, this is the first time we have seen such a dire warning from a state official like Chase.
Read her entire post below:
Although Chase’s post could be hyperbolic, there’s no doubt that the stakes are high for the Monday event.
Despite Northam’s emergency gun ban, it’s unclear how many of the tens of thousands of expected rally attendees will obey his decree.
The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gun Owners of America, two groups behind the massive rally, attempted to battle Northam’s order in court.
They appealed all the way to the Virginia Supreme Court, where Northam’s gun ban was upheld on Jan. 17.
Hopefully, violence can be avoided. But with many rallygoers almost certainly unwilling to bend on their right to bear arms and Northam seemingly intent on enforcing his order with state and local police, we can only wait and see — and pray.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Lose Titles, No Longer ‘Working Members’ of Royal Family

Goodbye , your royal highnesses .
Hello , life as — almost — ordinary civilians .
Prince Harry and his wife , Meghan , are quitting as working royals and will no longer use the titles “ royal highness ” or receive public funds for their work under a deal announced Saturday by Buckingham Palace .
Releasing details of the dramatic split , triggered by the couple ’ s unhappiness with life under media scrutiny in the royal fishbowl , the palace said Harry and Meghan will cease to be working members of the royal family when the new arrangements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ spring of 2020.
” The couple will no longer use the titles His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness , but they are not being stripped of them .
They will be known as Harry , Duke of Sussex and Meghan , Duchess of Sussex .
Harry will remain a prince and sixth in line to the British throne .
TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on Richmond The agreement also calls for Meghan and Harry to repay 2.4 million pounds ( $ 3.1 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent renovating their home near Windsor Castle , Frogmore Cottage .
The couple ’ s departure is a wrench for the royal family , but Queen Elizabeth II had warm words for them in a statement Saturday .
The queen said she was pleased that “ together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family .
Harry , Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.
” “ I recognize the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish for a more independent life , ” Elizabeth said .
“ It is my whole family ’ s hope that today ’ s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.
” The announcement came after days of talks among royal courtiers sparked by Meghan and Harry ’ s announcement last week that they wanted to step down as senior royals and live part-time in Canada .
“ The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their lives .
As agreed in this new arrangement , they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties , including official military appointments .
They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties , ” Buckingham Palace said in a statement , according to Fox News .
The details of the deal solidify the couple ’ s dramatic break from life as working royals .
Army veteran Harry will have to give up the military appointments he has as a senior royal .
While he and Meghan will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ palace said they would “ continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty ” while carrying out their private charitable work .
RELATED : Queen Breaks Silence After Royal Family 's 2-Hour Summit About Harry and Meghan 's Exit “ The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage , which will remain their UK family home , ” the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will pay for the couple ’ s security going forward .
It currently is taxpayer-funded .
“ There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly funded security , ” it said .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Goodbye, your royal highnesses. Hello, life as — almost — ordinary civilians.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, are quitting as working royals and will no longer use the titles “royal highness” or receive public funds for their work under a deal announced Saturday by Buckingham Palace.
Releasing details of the dramatic split, triggered by the couple’s unhappiness with life under media scrutiny in the royal fishbowl, the palace said Harry and Meghan will cease to be working members of the royal family when the new arrangements take effect within months, in the “spring of 2020.”
The couple will no longer use the titles His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness, but they are not being stripped of them.
They will be known as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Harry will remain a prince and sixth in line to the British throne.
The agreement also calls for Meghan and Harry to repay 2.4 million pounds ($3.1 million) in taxpayers’ money that was spent renovating their home near Windsor Castle, Frogmore Cottage.
The couple’s departure is a wrench for the royal family, but Queen Elizabeth II had warm words for them in a statement.
The queen said she was pleased that “together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.”
Do you think Queen Elizabeth made the right decision? Yes No
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“I recognize the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life,” Elizabeth said. “It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”
The announcement came after days of talks among royal courtiers sparked by Meghan and Harry’s announcement last week that they wanted to step down as senior royals and live part-time in Canada.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement, according to Fox News.
The details of the deal solidify the couple’s dramatic break from life as working royals. Army veteran Harry will have to give up the military appointments he has as a senior royal.
While he and Meghan will no longer represent the queen, the palace said they would “continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty” while carrying out their private charitable work.
“The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home,” the statement said.
Buckingham Palace did not disclose who will pay for the couple’s security going forward. It currently is taxpayer-funded.
“There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly funded security,” it said.
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--2020-01-18--Artist Creates Pictures of Battered Politicians Including Hillary, AOC

An Italian artist has developed what he calls a campaign to raise awareness of violence against women by creating a series of posters that feature doctored pictures of famous women who appear to have been battered .
Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton , former first lady Michelle Obama , and Democratic Rep. Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez of New York are featured in the series , which also includes German Chancellor Angela Merkel , French first lady Brigitte Macron , Indian political leader Sonia Gandhi and Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi .
The “ Just Because I am a Woman ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common text beneath each doctored image , as noted on his Instagram account .
“ I am a victim of domestic abuse .
I am paid less .
I ’ ve experienced genital mutilation .
I do not have the right to dress as I want .
I can ’ t decide who I ’ m going to marry .
I was raped , ” the text says .
Palombo said he created the posters “ to illustrate the drama that affects millions of women throughout the world … with the aim of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real response from institutions and politics , ” according to Fox News .
TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on Richmond The artist elaborated on his motives on his Facebook page .
“ Violence against women is a real war that kills tens of thousands of women around the world every year .
It is a crime against humanity , a violation of human rights in the public and private spheres that affects all women just because they are women .
As of today , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ I chose these women because they represent accomplished and committed women , a point of arrival and they are symbolic in the fight for gender equality , ” he added .
The posters are currently on display in Milan .
The campaign caused a buzz on Twitter .
The campaign is similar to one the artist conducted in 2015 using doctored images of celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Angelina Jolie to send a message that domestic violence impacts all women .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial standards .

An Italian artist has developed what he calls a campaign to raise awareness of violence against women by creating a series of posters that feature doctored pictures of famous women who appear to have been battered.
Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, former first lady Michelle Obama, and Democratic Rep. Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez of New York are featured in the series, which also includes German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French first lady Brigitte Macron, Indian political leader Sonia Gandhi and Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi.
The “Just Because I am a Woman” campaign created by AleXsandro Palombo includes a common text beneath each doctored image, as noted on his Instagram account.
“I am a victim of domestic abuse. I am paid less. I’ve experienced genital mutilation. I do not have the right to dress as I want. I can’t decide who I’m going to marry. I was raped,” the text says.
Palombo said he created the posters “to illustrate the drama that affects millions of women throughout the world … with the aim of denouncing, raising awareness and obtaining a real response from institutions and politics,” according to Fox News.
The artist elaborated on his motives on his Facebook page.
“Violence against women is a real war that kills tens of thousands of women around the world every year. It is a crime against humanity, a violation of human rights in the public and private spheres that affects all women just because they are women. As of today, the governments responses are still insufficient,” he said.
“I chose these women because they represent accomplished and committed women, a point of arrival and they are symbolic in the fight for gender equality,” he added.
The posters are currently on display in Milan.
VIDEO: ‘Just because I am a woman.’ The ‘battered’ faces of Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Angela Merkel stare out from posters in Milan created by Italian artist AleXsandro Palombo to raise awareness of violence against women pic.twitter.com/ASJqeu7vou — AFP news agency (@AFP) January 17, 2020
The campaign caused a buzz on Twitter.
These posters say “We’re using famous faces to show what a battered woman looks like because nobody will care about unknown battered women.” ? — Lorelai (@Lorelai1920) January 17, 2020
It’s the equivalent of pointing and laughing. It’s the same as when some dbag suggests “why don’t you just leave?” Or “tell him to stop!” I cannot even describe the way this hurts. It’s a gross display that solves exactly zero problems for a real victim of abuse. — mommypenny1971 (@mommypenny1971) January 17, 2020
That’s not a good idea. There are some people who would like that picture. Shame on them. — Ramona Rettzo (@RRettzo) January 17, 2020
Is the lesson that Democrats beat their wifes? I don’t think this sends the message that the creators think it sends. — PancakeRobot (@ThePancakeRobot) January 17, 2020
The campaign is similar to one the artist conducted in 2015 using doctored images of celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Angelina Jolie to send a message that domestic violence impacts all women.
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westernjournal--2020-01-18--Fearing Senate Trial Schedule, Dem Senators Start Blitzing Early Voting States

As a winter storm barreled down on Iowa , Elizabeth Warren ’ s campaign team struggled with whether to scrap a town hall scheduled at the old Maytag headquarters .
There was more than weather at play as the Massachusetts senator ’ s campaign monitored the forecast and called expected attendees to gauge their willingness to brave the snow and whipping wind .
For the Democratic presidential candidate , the event was probably one of her last chances to make a face-to-face appeal to voters in Iowa before the Feb. 3 caucus .
So it went on as planned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders of Vermont and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , is soon to be marooned in the Senate as a participant in President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial .
With the trial schedule up in the air , this weekend is likely the final full weekend of campaigning for those candidates before the kick-off caucus .
TRENDING : Northam Declares 'State of Emergency ' as Militias Prepare To March on Richmond That ’ s left their campaigns scrambling to make the most of their time in Iowa and the other early-voting states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters ’ radars during the trial in Washington .
It ’ s also given their 2020 rivals outside the Senate an opportunity to take advantage .
Klobuchar trails the top tier of contenders in polling and fundraising and needs a strong showing in Iowa to catapult her campaign into the next round of primaries .
She insisted that the demands of the Senate trial wouldn ’ t hurt her candidacy .
“ I ’ m balancing , ” Klobuchar said Saturday after speaking to an education union forum .
She also said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning this crucial weekend : “ I found some way to get here .
I didn ’ t go on a snowmobile , but I got here.
” But privately , the collision of the trial and the caucus has created anxiety among campaign advisers who face the prospect of their bosses being trapped in the Senate just as voters in Iowa are taking a final look at the candidates .
The full schedule for the Senate trial is uncertain , and it ’ s possible it wraps up before the caucuses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the candidates being in Senate session Tuesday through Saturday next week , as well as five or six days the following week .
The fourth Democratic senator still in the race is the oft-forgotten Michael Bennet of Colorado .
Well-funded candidates such as Warren and Sanders are considering putting private planes on hold in Washington so they can quickly fly to Iowa for late-night events after the trial wraps up , an act that will certainly draw fire from those accusing the two of hypocrisy regarding the contribution of air travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled an 8 p.m. rally in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday .
RELATED : Trump Accuses Pelosi of 'Rigging ' Primary in Favor of Biden with Impeachment Timing Campaign surrogates are planning to headline events during the week that the candidates can appear at via livestream video .
Warren ’ s team also has Reps. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Katie Porter of California on standby , as well as Julian Castro , the former Obama housing secretary who dropped out of the presidential race this month .
Still , the Senate schedule has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the most of what may be their last free weekend .
Warren had three events scheduled Saturday with influential interest groups .
Klobuchar was headlining three town halls in eastern Iowa .
Sanders was campaigning in New Hampshire , the next state on the primary calendar , before heading back to Iowa on Monday .
The Senate trial has added a layer of uncertainty to the political climate in Iowa , where the Democratic race remains exceedingly close .
Recent polls show Warren , Sanders , former Vice President Joe Biden and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bend , Indiana , in a virtual tie , with Klobuchar trailing behind .
Biden and Buttigieg will largely have the state to themselves once the impeachment trial begins .
Biden and Buttigieg do not serve in the Senate , and neither currently has any other job .
Biden has events scheduled in Iowa four out of the next five days .
Buttigieg plans to be in the state nearly every day until the caucuses , focusing in particular on smaller Iowa cities and towns less often seen by his top rivals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa , where Republicans outnumber Democrats but where the minority party still has active county party organizations .
In sub-zero weather , he drew 100 people in Algona , population about 5,400 .
It was his second visit to the town , one where no other candidate polling above 1 percent has campaigned .
On Thursday , he met about as many in Emmetsburg , where only Biden had visited before , and twice as many in Arnold ’ s Park , a popular summertime lake-area vacation spot , where only Sanders had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less populous than Iowa ’ s larger cities , they still have delegates up for grabs that could make the difference on caucus night in a close race .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As a winter storm barreled down on Iowa, Elizabeth Warren’s campaign team struggled with whether to scrap a town hall scheduled at the old Maytag headquarters.
There was more than weather at play as the Massachusetts senator’s campaign monitored the forecast and called expected attendees to gauge their willingness to brave the snow and whipping wind.
For the Democratic presidential candidate, the event was probably one of her last chances to make a face-to-face appeal to voters in Iowa before the Feb. 3 caucus. So it went on as planned.
Warren, along with Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, is soon to be marooned in the Senate as a participant in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial.
With the trial schedule up in the air, this weekend is likely the final full weekend of campaigning for those candidates before the kick-off caucus.
That’s left their campaigns scrambling to make the most of their time in Iowa and the other early-voting states, and thinking of ways to stay on voters’ radars during the trial in Washington.
It’s also given their 2020 rivals outside the Senate an opportunity to take advantage.
Klobuchar trails the top tier of contenders in polling and fundraising and needs a strong showing in Iowa to catapult her campaign into the next round of primaries. She insisted that the demands of the Senate trial wouldn’t hurt her candidacy.
“I’m balancing,” Klobuchar said Saturday after speaking to an education union forum. She also said the weather wouldn’t keep her from campaigning this crucial weekend: “I found some way to get here. I didn’t go on a snowmobile, but I got here.”
Do you think these candidates are right to be concerned about the impeachment trial schedule? 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: 85% (1493 Votes) No: 15% (269 Votes)
But privately, the collision of the trial and the caucus has created anxiety among campaign advisers who face the prospect of their bosses being trapped in the Senate just as voters in Iowa are taking a final look at the candidates.
The full schedule for the Senate trial is uncertain, and it’s possible it wraps up before the caucuses. But campaigns are planning for the prospect of the candidates being in Senate session Tuesday through Saturday next week, as well as five or six days the following week.
The fourth Democratic senator still in the race is the oft-forgotten Michael Bennet of Colorado.
Well-funded candidates such as Warren and Sanders are considering putting private planes on hold in Washington so they can quickly fly to Iowa for late-night events after the trial wraps up, an act that will certainly draw fire from those accusing the two of hypocrisy regarding the contribution of air travel to “global warming.”
Sanders has already scheduled an 8 p.m. rally in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday.
Campaign surrogates are planning to headline events during the week that the candidates can appear at via livestream video.
Warren’s team also has Reps. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Katie Porter of California on standby, as well as Julian Castro, the former Obama housing secretary who dropped out of the presidential race this month.
Still, the Senate schedule has increased the pressure on the candidates to make the most of what may be their last free weekend.
Warren had three events scheduled Saturday with influential interest groups. Klobuchar was headlining three town halls in eastern Iowa. Sanders was campaigning in New Hampshire, the next state on the primary calendar, before heading back to Iowa on Monday.
The Senate trial has added a layer of uncertainty to the political climate in Iowa, where the Democratic race remains exceedingly close. Recent polls show Warren, Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, in a virtual tie, with Klobuchar trailing behind.
Biden and Buttigieg will largely have the state to themselves once the impeachment trial begins. Biden and Buttigieg do not serve in the Senate, and neither currently has any other job.
Biden has events scheduled in Iowa four out of the next five days. Buttigieg plans to be in the state nearly every day until the caucuses, focusing in particular on smaller Iowa cities and towns less often seen by his top rivals.
Last week, Buttigieg traveled across northwest Iowa, where Republicans outnumber Democrats but where the minority party still has active county party organizations.
In sub-zero weather, he drew 100 people in Algona, population about 5,400. It was his second visit to the town, one where no other candidate polling above 1 percent has campaigned.
On Thursday, he met about as many in Emmetsburg, where only Biden had visited before, and twice as many in Arnold’s Park, a popular summertime lake-area vacation spot, where only Sanders had previously stopped.
While those areas are less populous than Iowa’s larger cities, they still have delegates up for grabs that could make the difference on caucus night in a close race.
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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