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Republicans believe college campus chaos works in their favor
On Oct. 7, 2023, a series of pivotal events unfolded that could shape the landscape of the upcoming November election.
That was when Hamas staged its audacious, terrifying raids into Israel, launching a Middle East conflagration which dwarfs the wars of 1967 and 1973.
The subject of abortion remains a prominent factor in this fall’s election. But the Middle East has the potential to supersede that. The schism which is cleaving the Democratic Party is now on full display in quadrangles across the country. Photos of occupation, tent cities and ransacked university buildings are now a staple of the daily news consciousness. This all comes nearly 54 years to the day of the massacre at Kent State University in Ohio.
Democrats are struggling to balance the First Amendment rights of students on top of support for human rights in Gaza. But a thread of rampant antisemitism permeates many of these demonstrations. This isn’t lost on voters. Democrats are torn between criticizing the protests and not alienating their base.
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A cynic might argue that Republicans are exploiting the Democratic schism. But the GOP really doesn’t need to do much. The daily collegiate contretemps speaks for itself.
Neither party frankly has much of a legislative agenda for the rest of the year. The foreign aid package is complete. TikTok is on the books. Months of work on a bipartisan border security package evaporated within minutes over the winter. Nothing exists in a vacuum. So, the university melees simply presented the GOP with an opening. And the GOP is seemingly better equipped to grapple with the issue than Democrats.
“Students are students, and you’re going to have demonstrations. And that’s just part of being a college student,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., the top Democrat on the House Education Committee. “There’s a difference between protesting against the war and being antisemitic. And many of the protests have slipped into antisemitism.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., led the charge to challenge higher education. Johnson deputized multiple committee chairs to launch a myriad of investigations and hearings into prospective wrongdoing by universities, failures to protect students and threats of switching off the financial spigot for colleges.
“The biggest supply of money comes from us. And so we’re taking a look at how to condition that money on how they handle their campuses in situations like this,” promised Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
House Republicans have already targeted higher education for months – with great success. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., bragged “one down, two to go,” after University of Pennsylvania’s Liz Magill stepped down in December following her congressional testimony about collegiate antisemitism.
By January, Stefanik added another trophy to her collection, the resignation of Harvard’s Claudine Gay. Gay also stumbled at the same hearing as Magill. It’s notable that Stefanik graduated from Harvard in 2006.
“Two down,” Stefanik said at the time.
MIT President Sally Kornbluth remains on the job after that fateful December hearing. But now, Stefanik and other Republicans are pursuing Columbia University President Minouche Shafik after demonstrators stormed Hamilton Hall.
“President Shafik has allowed campus to be taken by mob rule,” said Stefanik. “She must be immediately removed.”
The issue about the university unrest was practically served up to Republicans on a silver mortar board. Expect a public thrashing for other university presidents at another hearing before the House Education Committee on May 23.
The House Oversight Committee has jurisdiction over Washington, D.C. That’s why House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., summoned Washington, D.C., Mayor Murial Bowser and D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith for a session next week. Comer is “deeply concerned” that the D.C. police rejected a request from George Washington University to help “remove antisemitic and unlawful protesters” from the campus.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona recently sent a letter to university presidents in which he blasted the harassment of Jewish students. In particular, Cardona said Jewish students were subject “to verbal abuse” and found swastikas on their doors. Others were told to “go back to Poland.”
“These and other such incidents are abhorrent,” wrote Cardona.
But Republican lawmakers believe Cardona and the federal government were slow to probe potential civil rights violations on campuses. Cardona appeared before a Senate hearing earlier this week.
“Do you think right now that this administration is upholding Title VI?” Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., asked.
Title VI is part of the Civil Rights Act that bars discrimination based on race, color or religion.
“We are with the resources that we have,” said Cardona. “The number of cases has tripled since 2009. And we have 58 less people (to investigate now).”
Cardona asked for an additional $22 million this budget cycle to hire more investigators and open up additional campus probes. But expect that to be a flashpoint. Especially after Republicans aim to trim funding for the Department of Education.
“Republicans tried to cut it by 25% for the FY ‘24 budget. And the result was flat funding,” said Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.
The GOP is also angling to slash funding for universities lawmakers believe failed to protect students.
“If you’re going to break the law, violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, you’re going to have your federal funds removed,” warned Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., the top Republican on the panel that handles education dollars.
“Think of the research dollars that go into some of these universities. Think of the federal student aid that goes into these universities. Think of the buildings that were built with federal funds.”
Cardona agrees with some senators about the cash flow.
“Ultimately, if a school refuses to comply with Title VI, yes, we would remove federal dollars,” Cardona testified.
But some lawmakers suggest it’s challenging to determine when a school crosses the line.
“There’s natural tension between the First Amendment (and the) criminal code, Title VI, to make sure that students can have an environment free of hatred and hostility,” said Scott. “And it’s going to be difficult to decide.”
But the politics may be a little clearer.
Voters see chaos on campus. Some on the right are skeptical about higher education to begin with. Democrats are torn about the conflict in the Middle East. Republicans won the House partly because they flipped seats in New York. That’s why freshmen members of Congress, like Reps. Mike Lawler and Anthony D’Esposito, both New York Republicans, have been outspoken about protests at Columbia.
This maelstrom of demonstrations at colleges and universities is now officially on the ballot this fall. And Republicans have demonstrated they believe the milieu works in their favor.
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War veteran in crucial battleground race expands campaign, sets sights firmly on vulnerable Democrat
RENO, Nev. — An Afghanistan War veteran and Republican running for Senate in what is expected to be one of this year’s most closely watched races is expanding his campaign as he sets his sights firmly on a vulnerable Democratic incumbent.
Former U.S. Army Capt. Sam Brown spoke with members of the media, including Fox News Digital, last week after opening a new campaign headquarters in Reno, Nevada, as he aims to oust incumbent Democrat Jacky Rosen and flip the Silver State red.
“The energy is great. This is just a sign of the grassroots movement that we built,” Brown said after a packed room of supporters eventually emptied.
“Sadly, people are stressed. There is a sense of a loss of hope for some people. They look at the issues that we’re dealing with as a nation, as a state, as individuals, and they’re looking for leadership. They’re looking for someone who’s willing to go represent them and, at times, even push back against their own party leadership. That’s what’s driving so much energy here. And I’m excited about the turnout today.”
National Republicans remain optimistic about their chances to win control of the Senate in November, with a number of states, including Nevada, Arizona, Montana, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Maryland, taking center stage.
The GOP views Brown as its best chance to flip Nevada, a state where it’s struggled in recent election cycles. In 2022, Republican Senate nominee Adam Laxalt came within 8,000 votes of winning against a Democratic incumbent.
Brown is a seasoned candidate who unsuccessfully ran against Laxalt in the 2022 Republican primary and for Congress while living in Texas in 2014. However, this year, he predicts voters will be driven to the polls to support Republicans for a number of reasons, namely President Biden’s “failed” policies that he says Rosen hasn’t stood up to.
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“We need people who will represent all Nevadans, all Americans. And, the issues, again, where Biden has failed and where Jacky Rosen has not provided leadership — with the border, with spending so much that it’s driving up inflation and just supporting families,” he said.
Brown also predicted the ongoing prosecutions against former President Trump in multiple states and Washington, D.C., will drive voters to the polls in favor of Republicans.
“The Trump trial is just an example of how the judiciary has really become politicized. And it seems to be motivating people to get engaged, to voice their concerns, and, frankly, to see that Trump is taking heat on their behalf. A lot of this didn’t start until he announced he was running for re-election. And I do expect that it will play a part in driving people to participate in voting this year,” he said.
Brown is facing what appears to be a tough primary challenge from Jeffrey Gunter, a dermatologist and former Trump official who served as the U.S. ambassador to Iceland from 2019-2021. However, his strategy so far appears to be keeping the focus directly on Rosen and Biden.
“My record has been clear. I’ve been on the campaign trail effectively for the last three years. Nevadans know who I am because I ran last cycle in the primary. I have been consistent. My issues have never changed. I am a pro-America First candidate, and I am extremely conservative,” Brown said when asked about Gunter.
“This is an indictment against Jacky Rosen. It’s an indictment against the Biden administration and their policies that have not served Nevadans well.”
Concerning Brown’s remarks, Rosen campaign spokesperson Johanna Warshaw told Fox News Digital the senator “has been ranked one of the most bipartisan and effective senators in the nation because of her proven record of political independence and her work across party lines to deliver for Nevada.
“While extreme MAGA Republicans are busy tearing each other down in a divisive and expensive primary, Sen. Rosen is focused on communicating directly to voters about the work she’s doing to fight for Nevadans.”
The primary will be held Tuesday, June 11.
Elections analysts rate the race as either a tossup, “tilt Democratic” or “lean Democratic.”
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
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White House looks to convince Americans of ‘Bidenomics’ with Kamala Harris tour
The Biden administration is taking its economic message to the road, tasking Vice President Kamala Harris with an economic opportunity tour. It kicked off last week in Georgia with an event in Michigan next in line as the issue remains the most important to voters heading into the November election.
“The Biden campaign has to be very nervous about turnout problems among potential Democratic voters in Michigan and Georgia,” said Ken Kollman, director of the University of Michigan’s Center for Political Studies.
Both states were flipped from red to blue in 2020 when Biden defeated former President Trump.
“It’s likely that every sliver of turnout will matter in these states,” Kollman added.
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“It’s nothing new to quote James Carville’s ‘It’s the economy stupid’ line, but the economy really consistently does play a major role in determining presidential outcomes,” Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff explained.
Earlier this week, the official tour was announced, with the White House rolling out an April 29 event in Atlanta and previewing an event in Detroit later this week. A press release noted more locations and dates would soon be added.
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“President Biden and I are committed to creating an economy in which every person has the freedom to thrive,” Harris said in a statement on the tour.
Her Atlanta kickoff included an event where the vice president delivered remarks to hundreds of people, mainly Black entrepreneurs and lawmakers. She touted legislation passed during the Biden administration, highlighting spending on infrastructure and manufacturing in particular.
The Georgia visit comes as concerns over Biden’s performance with Black Americans linger, with some indicating lethargy about supporting the president again.
In a recent Fox News Poll, Trump bested Biden in Georgia, 51% to 45%. Biden defeated Trump in the southern state in 2020, 49.47% to 49.24%.
“The vice president’s economic opportunity tour is a way for the administration to highlight their actions to promote economic opportunity, especially for minority communities who will play a big role in this year’s election in swing states,” said University of South Carolina political scientist David Darmofal.
He said the Atlanta event was “noteworthy for its in-depth panel discussions. This highlights how the administration is meeting these voters’ concerns with detailed, substantive, policy-oriented events.”
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“The issues she discussed in Atlanta and will discuss in Detroit are the kitchen table issues: fighting medical debt, pathways to homeownership, student loan forgiveness and more,” Shroff said. “She is also emphasizing the efforts the Biden-Harris administration has made to invest in Black communities, and I think that is important in swing states like Georgia and Michigan where Black voters are critical to winning the state again — as the Biden-Harris ticket did in 2020.”
Harris’ office explained the tour is focused on showing voters what the administration has accomplished to expand opportunities to those in communities that are traditionally underserved. On the tour with the vice president are representatives from the Small Business Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, who are there to provide information and resources on various programs.
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On Monday, she will be headed to Detroit for a second event, where Biden and Democrats have seen warning signs electorally.
In a Fox News Poll last month, Trump defeated Biden in Michigan, 49% to 46%. In 2020, Biden won Michigan over Trump, 49.9% to 48.6%.
Anthony Michael Kreis, a Georgia State University College of Law assistant professor said, “The big keys for Biden in Michigan and Georgia is to solidify the base and hold onto one key demographic, educated suburban voters.
“For both these groups, Biden has a huge challenge.”
“While the economy is booming on paper, Americans aren’t necessarily feeling like it at home, particularly after a rough few years of inflation,” Kreis said.
He claimed Biden and Harris’ re-election campaign has yet to find the right message to convince voters, adding the tour “appears to be the latest attempt to refine their economic message.”
“You can’t really dispute how much money Biden has spent trying to prop up the economy, which is why we have a $1.8 trillion deficit, a $35 trillion national debt and record inflation,” remarked Michigan Republican strategist Jason Cabel Roe.
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Despite this spending, he said voters are still “dissatisfied with the cost of living, the cost of gas, diminishing take-home pay and a feckless leader who can’t seem to manage anything competently.”
Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, suggested Trump is finding an effective pitch to voters in relying on “nostalgia for the pre-COVID economy.”
“Biden doesn’t necessarily need to be perceived as better on the economy than Trump in order to win, but he does need to combat this nostalgia,” he said.
Democratic strategist Max Burns reiterated Kreis’ point that positive economic developments aren’t being felt by average voters. He explained that Biden needs to be out on the trail to sell the message, adding that “retail politics has always been Biden’s strength.”
While he noted the importance of the economy in any election, Kondik said, “I do wonder if it really is the key driver of voting attitudes.”
He noted that there was recently “an election where inflation was a huge national problem but the ruling party [the Democrats] were not hugely penalized for it.”
For that reason, he suggested “it is a lot more complicated than just ‘It’s the economy, stupid,’” referencing Carville’s saying.
In a statement, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, “Under President Trump, inflation was nonexistent, gasoline was cheap, groceries were affordable and the American Dream was alive and well. Thanks to Joe Biden’s out-of-control spending, prices are nearly 20% higher than they were four years ago, gas prices have hit record highs and American’s paychecks are not keeping up with the increasing pace of inflation.
“Michigan and Georgia’s families and workers cannot afford four more years of Joe Biden. We need a businessman and a proven leader like President Trump who will get our economy booming again.”
The vice president’s office did not provide comment to Fox News Digital.
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Laws protecting children from online porn are winning in some states as activists push nationwide solution
The legislative push to require all pornography websites to adopt age verification technology to protect children from being exposed to explicit content online is gaining momentum in more than a dozen states.
Seventeen states have enacted verification laws to date, including Alabama and Georgia, whose governors signed the porn ID laws last week.
“We’re building momentum in the states, but the ultimate goal is to work with the next president,” Terry Schilling, president of the nonprofit think tank American Principles Project, told Fox News Digital in an interview this week.
“It needs to go national, and that’s the only way it makes sense because, you know, it’s a lot easier, and kids in America should be protected everywhere. You know, just because you live in California, doesn’t mean that your kid should be able to access this stuff.”
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Schilling, who has been meeting with legislators across the country to create this policy, has the backing of Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. Lee introduced the Shielding Children’s Retinas from Egregious Exposure on the Net (SCREEN) Act last year, which, if passed, would direct the FCC to create a rule requiring certain websites adopt age verification technology, establishing a “more likely than not” standard for verification.
Schilling and Lee have been working together to propel the legislation forward federally.
“All Americans can agree that pornography companies shouldn’t profit from children viewing their content,” Lee told Fox News Digital in a statement. “I’m glad that age verification laws are being adopted across the nation.”
According to the lawmaker’s analysis, pornography has “unique psychological effects” on minors, “including anxiety, addiction, low self-esteem, body-image disorders, an increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages and an increased desire among minors to engage in risky sexual behavior.”
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Schilling said pornography has even gotten “weirder” as children are living more of their lives online than in previous decades and argued some explicit content on adult websites that includes “cartoon characters” is akin to tobacco companies targeting minors with fruity flavors.
“There’s been this lie that we’ve kind of adopted as Americans, and it’s just an over-focus on individualism,” Schilling said. “When little kids are getting access to porn, it changes them.
“It’s unsafe. I think that Pornhub having got caught hosting sex trafficking videos, and even child pornography on their site, all of this is at the forefront more.”
While there have been more wins at the state level, Schilling and Lee may be facing an uphill battle. Congress has passed several bills over the past three decades aimed at restricting children’s access to online pornography, according to Lee’s bill analysis. However, all the bills, except for one, were invalidated by the Supreme Court due to their failure to meet First Amendment standards.
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In these cases, while the court acknowledged Congress’ valid interest in protecting children from explicit content, it found Congress hadn’t employed the least intrusive methods to fulfill this objective. The court even indicated personal “blocking and filtering software” might serve as a more lenient alternative.
But Schilling is confident that because he’s testified in several states with some success that “obscenity is not protected under the First Amendment,” and a national law could be in the country’s future.
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Exclusive — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: ‘Everyone Should Be Terrified of Mike Johnson’
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene joined Breitbart News Saturday to discuss her effort, as host Matt Boyle expressed it, to “expose Speaker Mike Johnson’s power-sharing agreement with the Democrats.”
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Former Obama Education Secretary Attends Chicago Encampment with Radicals Connected to Burning U.S. Flag
Arne Duncan, former President Barack Obama’s Secretary of Education, was photographed at an anti-Isrel encampment next to a Chicago alderman who has received criticism for speaking in front of a burned American flag.
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With a vest and a voice, helpers escort kids through San Francisco’s broken Tenderloin streets
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Sen. Marco Rubio to Hamas-Supporting Student Visa Holders in U.S: ‘Time for You to Go!’
The time has come for student visa holders in America expressing support for Hamas to be expelled, according to Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who called such a policy “common sense.”
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Biden Campaign: Biden ‘Believes in What These Protesters Are Saying’ and Doesn’t Accept Violence, Antisemitism
On Saturday’s broadcast of MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Biden 2024 Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks stated that President Joe Biden will not accept violence or antisemitism and “believes in what these protesters are saying and he is working to bring peace to the Middle East and bring the situation to a close.”
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