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Trump confronted by fox host, instantly crumbles
Fox News host Maria Bartiromo interviewed Donald Trump over the weekend and was more willing to criticize the former president than usual. Despite Bartiromo's usual alignment with Trump's narratives, she challenged him, leading to amusing moments as Trump struggled with pushback. Trump defended his high staff turnover during his presidency, claiming it was necessary and asserting his ability to fire people. The conversation also touched on Trump's praise for authoritarian leaders globally, making Bartiromo visibly uncomfortable. Notably, Trump falsely accused President Biden of being a "Manchurian candidate" due to alleged financial ties to China, a claim inconsistent with Trump's own financial dealings during his presidency. Trump expressed unwarranted confidence in winning traditionally blue states, such as New York and New Jersey, underscoring his characteristic narcissism and apparent detachment from political reality. Overall, the exchange suggested potential challenges for Trump as the 2024 election approaches.
WOW: Fox host finally admits he's been wrong about Biden's economy
Fox Business host Larry Kudlow recently offered a "mea culpa" to the Fox audience, acknowledging his past inaccurate predictions about the economy under President Biden. This admission is a notable departure from Fox News' usual narrative that downplays positive economic developments under Biden. Kudlow had previously made doomsday predictions about the economy, suggesting a significant slump and recession under Biden's leadership. However, recent economic data, including a 3.3% GDP growth in the fourth quarter and robust employment numbers, contradicted his earlier forecasts. There has been a notable shift recently in the Republican messaging strategy, with some on the right realizing that the economy may not be a strong focal point for their campaign, given positive economic indicators such as record-low unemployment rates and a thriving stock market. Despite there being significant financial pain among certain Americans, the Biden administration has overall set the economy on a positive trajectory from where Trump left it.
From over the weekend:
UH OH: Biden's job approval drops to 38%, losing to Trump
A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll reveals a decline in President Joe Biden's approval rating to a concerning 38%, down two points from December 2023. Despite a strong start to his presidency, with approval ratings in the high 50s to low 60s, Biden's numbers have consistently dipped below 50% since August 2021, causing unease within the Democratic Party about his re-election prospects. The poll also highlights an increase in concern about immigration, with 17% marking it as the most significant issue, up from 11% in December. The aggregate polling, including data from FiveThirtyEight, indicates a similar downward trend for Biden, while former President Donald Trump's approval numbers are slightly better. The general election matchup shows Trump leading by 1.7%, emphasizing the need for Democrats to strengthen their messaging on the economy, immigration, and other key concerns while countering Trump's potential narrative.
From over the weekend:
WOW: Lauren Boebert finishes FIFTH in GOP primary straw poll
In the upcoming 2024 elections, there is a potential opportunity to oust Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, who has become one of the most divisive figures in the House of Representatives. Boebert's relocation due to redistricting in Colorado has placed her in a different district, increasing the likelihood of her vulnerability in the elections. In a recent Republican primary debate in her new district, Boebert finished fifth in an informal straw poll, securing only 10% of the vote against eight other candidates. This surprising result, given her incumbent status, has generated speculation about her diminished popularity. If she fails to secure the Republican primary, it could signal a shift away from extreme elements within the party. The focus on Boebert's vulnerability underscores the importance of upcoming elections in reshaping the political dynamics within the GOP.
More on the show:
-- Luke Beasley, host of The Luke Beasley Show, fills in for David
-- House Speaker Mike Johsnon is confronted on Meet the Press over his hypocrisy
-- Gavin Newsom lampoons Republicans during an MSNBC interview
-- JD Vance has his mic cut and gets brutally confronted during an ABC News interview
-- Donald Trump spent $20,000 on his staged pro-union event
-- Republican Senator James Lankford calls out his party over torpedoing a border deal
-- On the Bonus Show: Biden wins South Carolina primary, Nikki Haley on Trump's border deal opposition, Biden speaks in Delaware, and much more...
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