by J. Lysikatos | news
In a move that could significantly alter the landscape of the Republican primary, the influential network associated with billionaire Charles Koch has declared its support for former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
Network’s AFP Action Backs Nikki Haley in GOP Presidential Race
Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin
Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action), a political arm of Koch’s network, announced this decision on Tuesday, underscoring its commitment to back a single contender in the GOP presidential race for the first time in its history.
Endorsement Comes Seven Weeks Before Iowa Caucuses
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pickadook
The endorsement comes at a critical juncture, just seven weeks before the Iowa caucuses, as AFP Action mobilizes its considerable resources and a robust network of conservative activists to bolster Haley’s campaign.
Rallying Behind Haley Following Key Senator’s Exit
Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin
This move follows the departure of South Carolina Senator Tim Scott from the race, with prominent figures rallying behind Haley in recent weeks.
Pursuit of New Leadership
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mangostar
Emily Seidel, a top AFP official, emphasized the network’s pursuit of a presidential candidate who represents a “new chapter” and can address political dysfunction effectively.
Addressing Political Dysfunction
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexandros Michailidis
Seidel stated, “It’s clear that candidate is Nikki Haley. We can’t keep looking to the politicians of the past to fix the problems of today. Nikki Haley represents a new generation of leadership and offers a bold, positive vision for our future.”
AFP Action Shifts Toward Fresh Approach With Haley
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Juli Hansen
This endorsement marks a departure from AFP Action’s previous alignment with former President Donald Trump, signaling a deliberate shift towards a candidate who embodies a fresh approach.
Transformative Change
Image Credit: Shutterstock / El Nariz
Seidel outlined the network’s commitment to supporting Haley, emphasizing her capacity to usher in transformative change.
Multimillion-Dollar Ad Campaign
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Motortion Films
The network’s support will manifest through a multimillion-dollar ad campaign for Haley, set to launch this week in early primary states and several Super Tuesday states.
Grassroots Reach
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
AFP Action boasts extensive data capabilities, including a vast contact database with millions of voters and a broad grassroots reach.
AFP Action’s Historical Spending Suggests Significant Support for Haley
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Drazen Zigic
While Seidel did not disclose the budget allocated for Haley, with the network’s historical spending rivaling that of the Republican National Committee, experts suggest it will be a substantial financial injection.
Haley’s Gratitude
Image Credit: Shutterstock / michelmond
Responding to the endorsement, Haley expressed gratitude, noting the critical choice facing voters between “freedom and socialism, individual liberty and big government, fiscal responsibility and spiraling debt.” She pledged to work alongside AFP Action in this pivotal election.
Despite Haley’s Rise, Former President Remains Front-Runner in Polling
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Christopher Halloran
Despite Haley’s growing prominence, former President Trump remains the clear front-runner in national and early state polling.
The Koch network’s move to support Haley positions her as a formidable alternative, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also vying for the role of the primary’s main Trump alternative.
DeSantis’s Response
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrew Cline
In response to the endorsement, DeSantis’s campaign labeled it an “in-kind” contribution to Trump’s campaign, portraying Haley as a “moderate” lacking a viable path to victory.
Leadership Dynamics
Image Credit: Shutterstock / insta_photos
The ongoing dynamics between these candidates underscore the broader competition for leadership within the Republican Party.
Widening Voter Participation
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Peeradach R
This development aligns with the Koch network’s broader strategy for the 2024 election, which includes attempts to widen the range of voters participating in GOP primaries.
Network’s Strategy
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images
Earlier this year, the network launched ads characterizing Trump as “unelectable,” emphasizing the potential risks his candidacy might pose to Republicans in the general election.
Clash of Dynamics
Image Credit: Shutterstock / stock_photo_world
While the Koch network had clashed with Trump during his presidency, particularly over trade and immigration policies, it also supported key aspects of his agenda, such as tax cuts and Supreme Court nominations.
Koch Network’s Influence Adds Intrigue to the Evolving 2024 Election Landscape
Image Credit: Shutterstock / meeboonstudio
As the 2024 election landscape takes shape, the influential backing of the Koch network introduces a compelling narrative into the Republican primary, setting the stage for a competitive and closely watched race.
The clash between the established GOP figures and the evolving dynamics within the party will undoubtedly be a focal point in the coming months.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Koch Network Shocks GOP by Backing Nikki Haley in Presidential Clash first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Consolidated News Photo. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
by J. Lysikatos | Money
President Joe Biden sternly addressed corporations on Monday, accusing them of maintaining artificially high prices despite a slowdown in inflation and improved supply chains. Speaking at the launch of a new White House supply chain initiative, Biden called for an end to what he termed as “price gouging.”
Biden’s Stern Words
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Perry McLeod
“Any corporation that has not brought their prices back down, even as inflation has come down, even as the supply chains have been rebuilt, it’s time to stop the price gouging,” Biden asserted. “Give the American consumer a break.”
Inflation Dynamics
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sauko Andrei
While the annual rate of inflation has indeed decreased from its peak last summer, it’s crucial to note that this doesn’t equate to a direct decline in consumer prices. Instead, it signifies a slower rate of price increase.
Thanksgiving Cost Relief
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Lightspring
Some everyday goods have seen a reduction in prices over the past year, leading to lower costs for events like Thanksgiving.
Black Friday Boost
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Samborskyi
This, in turn, has left consumers with more disposable income for activities such as Black Friday shopping, where U.S. online sales rose 7.5% this past weekend compared to a year ago.
Bidenomics in Focus
Image Credit: Shutterstock / El Nariz
In the context of Biden’s reelection bid, the White House seeks to portray these broader spending and pricing trends as victories for Bidenomics.
A Public Sentiment Challenge
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Niyazz
However, convincing voters that Biden deserves credit for a robust economic recovery has proven challenging, as public sentiment consistently rates the president poorly on financial matters.
White House Acknowledges Concerns
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Michael Warwick
“We understand that people are still not feeling it, we get that,” acknowledged White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, addressing the skepticism ahead of the president’s supply chain event.
Targeting “Junk Fees”
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ponsulak
Focusing on so-called “junk fees,” which Biden described as fees “companies sneak into your bill,” presents the White House with an opportunity to directly showcase the president’s actions on behalf of consumers. It also provides a convenient target in the ongoing blame game surrounding inflation.
Money Drains
Image Credit: Shutterstock / pathdoc
“Junk fees take real money out of the pockets of average Americans,” Biden emphasized. “They can add up to hundreds of dollars, weighing down family budgets and making it harder for families to pay their bills.” He expressed that consumers often feel deceived, stating, “They feel like they’re being played for suckers. Which they are.”
Post-Pandemic Price Surges
Image Credit: Shutterstock / d.ee_angelo
As the U.S. emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, prices surged. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the two years starting from April 2021, the average price of all goods rose by 13%.
Food Price Shock
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ljupco Smokovski
Average food prices during the same period saw a massive increase of 20%. These price hikes were driven by intense consumer demand, pandemic-related economic stimulus, and ongoing supply chain disruptions, putting significant strain on household budgets.
Biden’s Initiative to Tackle Supply Chain Challenges
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexandros Michailidis
To sustain the momentum of the economic recovery, President Biden launched the Supply Chain Resilience Council, which aims to address supply chain challenges and prevent future shortages of crucial products such as drugs and semiconductors.
30 Initiatives Announced
Image Credit: Shutterstock / TuiPhotoEngineer
Alongside the council’s establishment, Biden announced 30 initiatives to alleviate supply chain pressures.
A Battle Against Inflation
Image Credit: Shutterstock / FOTOGRIN
In the ongoing battle against inflation, Biden’s call to end “price gouging” and tackle “junk fees” is positioned as a direct effort to alleviate American households’ financial burdens and demonstrate tangible actions in response to economic challenges.
Observing the Effectiveness of Biden’s Economic Initiatives
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Consolidated News Photos
The effectiveness and impact of these initiatives on public perception remain key points of observation as the nation navigates its economic landscape.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Biden Accuses Corporations of Price Hiking Amid Economic Recovery Efforts first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / mark reinstein. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
by J. Lysikatos | news
The families of the Sandy Hook victims, who secured nearly $1.5 billion in legal judgments against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, have offered a potential resolution to Jones’ massive debt. However, their offer, presented in Jones’ personal bankruptcy case in Houston last week, comes with pointed criticisms of the Infowars host’s financial practices and lifestyle. Here’s the whole story.
Settling Jones’ $1.5 Billion Debt for $85 Million
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
The families propose settling the $1.5 billion debt for a significantly reduced amount, suggesting a sum of at least $85 million to be paid over 10 years.
Lawyers See Proposal as Viable Solution
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff
This unexpected move was documented in a legal filing, where the families’ lawyers expressed optimism about the proposal being a viable solution for both Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems.
Extravagant Lifestyle and Fiduciary Negligence
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pickadook
Yet, the attorneys did not hold back in their accusations against Jones, accusing him of maintaining an “extravagant lifestyle” and failing in his fiduciary duties mandated by the Bankruptcy Code.
Accusations of Fiduciary Failure
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / BonNontawat
They assert that Jones has neglected to preserve the value of his assets, refused to sell off assets, and failed to produce essential financial documents.
Breach of Bankruptcy Codes
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pormezz
“Jones has failed in every way to serve as the fiduciary mandated by the Bankruptcy Code in exchange for the breathing spell he has enjoyed for almost a year. His time is up,” the lawyers asserted in the legal filing.
An Ultimatum for Jones
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
The families’ proposal gives Jones two options: liquidate his estate and distribute the proceeds among creditors or make annual payments of at least $8.5 million for a decade, with an additional 50% of any income exceeding $9 million per year.
Skepticism in Court
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff
During a recent court hearing, Jones’ personal bankruptcy lawyer, Vickie Driver, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the proposed settlement. Given his financial circumstances, she argued that the $85 million over 10 years was an unrealistic sum for Jones to pay.
Revised Bankruptcy Plan
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
In a new bankruptcy plan filed recently, Free Speech Systems claimed it could afford to pay creditors around $4 million annually – down from previous estimates.
Projected Earnings
Image Credit: Shutterstock / wutzkohphoto
The company projected earnings of approximately $19.2 million next year from the sale of products promoted on Jones’ shows, with operating expenses, including salaries, totaling about $14.3 million.
Financial Circumstances Scrutinized
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov
Jones personally declared about $13 million in total assets, including $856,000 in various bank accounts, in his recent financial statements filed with the bankruptcy court.
Salary Increase Rejected
Image Credit: Shutterstock / pathdoc
A court-appointed restructuring officer had increased Jones’ salary to approximately $57,700 biweekly, or $1.5 million a year, stating that he had been “grossly” underpaid for his crucial role in the media company.
Judge’s Role in Decision
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Junial Enterprises
However, Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez rejected the $1.5 million salary increase, deeming it improperly executed under bankruptcy laws, and called for a hearing on the matter.
Lopez to Determine Payment
Image Credit: Shutterstock / photofriday
If Jones declines the families’ settlement offer, Judge Lopez will determine how much he must pay the families and other creditors.
Turning Point in Legal Battle
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff
This development marks a significant juncture in the long-standing legal battle, which originated from Jones’ claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.
Harassment and Threats
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff
The families of the victims had sued Jones, securing nearly $1.5 billion in judgments. Despite the legal victories, they faced harassment and threats from Jones’ followers, who accused them of being “crisis actors.”
Jones’ Legal Defense
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
Jones is currently appealing the judgments, citing unfair trials and First Amendment protections for his speech. The families’ unexpected settlement proposal introduces a complex twist to a legal saga that has captured national attention.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Sandy Hook Families Offer Settlement to Alex Jones: $85 Million to Resolve $1.5 Billion Debt first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vic Hinterlang. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
by J. Lysikatos | news
Rock legend Alice Cooper recently voiced his thoughts on the topic of gender-affirming healthcare for young people, and his comments have struck a chord, although not harmoniously.
Cooper’s Candid Commentary
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brian A Jackson
Speaking with Stereogum, Cooper, 75, known for his dramatic, theatrical performances and tracks like “School’s Out,” lamented what he sees as the current state of the gender debate.
Influential Figures Speak Up
Image Credit: Shutterstock / New Africa
The rock star, joining the fray of discussions that have roped in other iconic figures like KISS’ Paul Stanley and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, stated that while he was “understanding that there are cases of transgender,” he was “afraid that it’s also a fad, and I’m afraid there’s a lot of people claiming to be this just because they want to be that.”
Navigating Gender Identity
Image Credit: Shutterstock / PeopleImages.com – Yuri A
While the debate over the authenticity of young people’s gender identities is not new, it’s gained heightened attention with such influential figures weighing in.
Paul Stanley had earlier described children’s gender reassignment as “a sad and dangerous fad,” a comment he subsequently walked back. Dee Snider, meanwhile, landed in hot water, facing accusations of transphobia after backing Stanley’s original statement.
Questioning Authenticity
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com
Cooper’s core concern seems to be the potential confusion that could arise for children amidst this discourse. “I find it wrong when you’ve got a six-year-old kid who has no idea,” he stated.
“He just wants to play, and you’re confusing him, telling him, ‘Yeah, you’re a boy, but you could be a girl if you want to be.'”
Navigating Confusion
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cast Of Thousands
He added, “[It’s] so confusing to a kid. It’s even confusing to a teenager.” Cooper went on to explain, “You’re still trying to find your identity, and yet here’s this thing going on, saying, “Yeah, but you can be anything you want.
You can be a cat if you want to be.” I mean, if you identify as a tree… And I’m going, “Come on! What are we in, a Kurt Vonnegut novel?” It’s so absurd that it’s gone now to the point of absurdity.”
Cooper’s Critique on Wokeness
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Bob Korn
Cooper delved deeper into the broader implications of what he describes as the “whole woke thing,” poking fun at the ever-evolving language of inclusion.
Mocking the “Woke Agenda”
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Khosro
Cooper’s remarks were characterized by a critical tone as he talked about an imaginary New York building where the “woke agenda” was set daily.
A Controversial Joke
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
“Is there a building somewhere in New York where people sit down every day and say, ‘OK, we can’t say ‘mother’ now? We have to say ‘birthing person.’ Get that out on the wire right now?” he joked.
Future Concerns
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matt Gush
He further challenged the current state of affairs, warning of possible future complications where, he believes, people could exploit the fluidity of gender norms for ulterior motives.
Cooper illustrated this by saying, “A guy can walk into a woman’s bathroom at any time and just say, “I just feel like I’m a woman today” and have the time of his life in there.”
Drawing the Line
Image Credit: Shutterstock / My Ocean Production
Cooper went on to say: “Well, that’s going to happen. Somebody’s going to get assaulted, and the guy’s going to say, “Well, I felt like a girl that day, and then I felt like a guy.” Where do you draw this line?”
Adding to the Discourse
Image Credit: Shutterstock / nito
His perspective differs from that of other figures in the entertainment industry. Musician Nick Cave, known for his often poetic takes on social issues, previously stated, “I love my trans fans fully and wish them the best.”
Another influential artist, Hozier, stated he thought that the LGBTQ+ community, especially the trans community, is being scapegoated and unfairly targeted.
Deeply Divisive Nature
Image Credit: Shutterstock / KieferPix
The complexities surrounding gender identity and the rights of transgender individuals have long been a point of contention, particularly in the realms of entertainment and politics.
And while each perspective has its own merits and shortcomings, Cooper’s recent remarks underscore the deeply divisive nature of this debate.
Traditionalist View of Gender
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Yuriy Golub
Cooper’s stance seems influenced by a traditional perspective on gender, explained by his statement, “A lot of times, I look at it this way, the logical way: If you have these genitals, you’re a boy.
If you have those genitals, you’re a girl. There’s a difference between ‘I am a male who is a female, or I’m a female who’s a male’ and wanting to be a female. You were born a male. OK, so that’s a fact. You have these things here.”
Deconstructing Cooper’s Views
Image Credit: Shutterstock / chaylek
While Cooper is entitled to his viewpoints, these comments will be dissected, discussed, and debated among fans and critics alike.
Influence Across Generations
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
With icons from various generations weighing in, the discussion around transgender rights and recognition continues.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Alice Cooper’s Views on Gender-Affirming Healthcare Fuel Debate on Youth Gender Identity first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / agwilson. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
by J. Lysikatos | news
As the 2024 election season unfolds, there is a hurdle for Donald Trump. He’s leading in early Republican polls, but now an influential Christian conservative leader is sounding an alarm that could spell trouble for the former president’s campaign. A crucial group of his supporters may be slipping away – evangelicals.
Evangelical Exhaustion
Image Credit: Shutterstock / LightField Studios
Bob Vander Plaats, the head of a powerful Christian conservative group called The Family Leader, spoke to CNN about a growing sentiment among evangelicals.
“They are very appreciative of the former president, but they are exhausted as well.”
Christian Conservative Leader’s Critique
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Koldunov
Vander Plaats has not been shy about criticizing Trump, including calling out the former president for his controversial language and behavior.
The ‘Fruits of the Spirit’
Image credit: Shutterstock / LightField Studios
Last month he commented, “The problem people of Faith have with @realDonaldTrump isn’t Church attendance. Has everything to do with the ‘fruits of the Spirit.’ For example, F bombs and mocking people with disabilities. You can be a statesman while being a bold leader.”
Iowa’s Electoral Significance
Image Credit: Shutterstock / a katz
Vander Plaats believes that the key state of Iowa could hold the key to his electoral fate.
“Iowa is tailor-made to upend Trump,” Vander Plaats explained, highlighting the significance of the first-in-the-nation caucuses in January. “If he loses Iowa, there’s a competitive nomination process. If he wins Iowa, I think it’s over.”
Cheers and Jeers for Trump’s Recent Visit
Image Credit: Shutterstock / mikeledray
Trump recently visited Iowa and received mixed reactions from evangelicals.
Some cheered for him at a frat party, while others booed and even gave him the middle finger during a football game visit.
Evangelical Voices of Concern
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Damir Khabirov
Vander Plaats is not alone in his criticism of Trump. Other figures within the evangelical movement have expressed similar concerns.
Overlooking Trump’s Behavior to Support Him
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com
Mike Evans, who met with Trump at the White House, admitted that evangelicals had to overlook Trump’s behavior at times to support him.
However, he now believes that Trump can’t save America and can’t even save himself.
Ego vs. Political Agenda
Image Credit: Shutterstock / metamorworks
James Robison of Life Outreach International voiced concerns about Trump’s ego interfering with his political agenda.
While conservative columnist Everett Piper warned that Trump’s nomination in 2024 could lead to further challenges for the Republican Party.
Abortion as a Key Issue
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Lightspring
One of the key issues for evangelicals is abortion, and Trump’s recent comments on the topic are under scrutiny.
His stance on Florida’s abortion ban and reluctance to clarify his position on a federal ban are crucial factors for this voting bloc.
Uncertain Evangelicals
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com
Despite Trump’s influence in appointing Supreme Court justices who supported overturning Roe v. Wade, evangelical voters in Iowa remain uncertain about his candidacy.
Loyalty to Trump persists for some, but many are open to considering other candidates.
Courting Evangelical Voters
Image Credit: Shutterstock / vesperstock
As the Iowa caucuses draw nearer, candidates are actively courting evangelical voters, who represented a significant portion of GOP caucus attendees in 2016.
Recognizing the Importance of Victory in Iowa
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com
Trump’s campaign has intensified its focus on Iowa as it recognizes the importance of securing victory there.
DeSantis and Religious Freedom
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators
Other candidates, like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, are also actively pursuing evangelical voters, emphasizing their commitment to religious freedom and conservative values.
Will Shifting Evangelical Sentiment Be a Game Changer?
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cast Of Thousands
While Trump’s early lead in Republican polls remains strong, the shifting sentiment among evangelicals in states like Iowa could play a pivotal role in the upcoming election season.
Trump’s Evangelical Challenge
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Michael Candelori
The coming months will reveal whether Trump can maintain his hold on this crucial group or if his campaign faces an unexpected challenge in the Hawkeye State.
More From Thrifty Guardian
Thousands of Children of Illegal Immigrants May Be Deported: US Supreme Court Decides Fate of “Dreamers”
Ramaswamy Would End “Birthright Citizenship”: Believes Illegal Immigrants Should Be Deported as a Family Unit
The post Evangelicals Question Trump’s 2024 Bid: Key Support May Wane first appeared on Thrifty Guardian.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Michael Candelori. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
