It’s Tuesday, May 11, 2021, and America is out of gas in North Carolina, Atlanta, Virginia, Florida…If the shortage continues, Americans could be looking at $3-a-gallon, the highest increase since 2014.
Good Morning DC! It’s Tuesday, May 11, 2021, and America is out of gas in North Carolina, Atlanta, Virginia, Florida…If the shortage continues, Americans could be looking at $3-a-gallon, the highest increase since 2014.
Roy Cooper, the governor of North Carolina, declared a state of emergency on Monday.
“Emergency declaration will help North Carolina prepare for any potential motor vehicle fuel supply interruptions across the state and ensure motorists are able to have access to fuel,” Cooper said.
Jen Psaki confirmed last night that “The Administration is continually assessing the impact of this ongoing incident on fuel supply for the East Coast,” following the Colonial Pipeline hacking incident perpetuated by DarkSide, a group of hackers who are believed to reside in Russia.
Biden administration has a problem on their hands. President’s biggest policy goal is infrastructure, and this is a real-life example of infrastructure collapse due to cyber attacks. If a non-state actor was capable to expose America’s vulnerability, a malicious state actor could act on a much bigger scale in some future scenarios. Red alert, red alert, red alert.
If you are unemployed and collecting a paycheck, Biden has a message for you. “Anyone collecting unemployment who is offered a suitable job must take the job or lose their unemployment benefits,” warns Biden. “There are a few COVID-19-related exceptions so that people aren’t forced to choose between their basic safety and a paycheck, but, otherwise, that’s the law.”
One million Americans signed up for health coverage during the 2021 special enrollment period. This morning, Biden is inviting everyone who needs health insurance to go to HealthCare.gov and register by August 15.
“Health care is a right, not a privilege,” says Biden. But for all of you, political buffs, I have a reminder: Bernie Sanders said it first.
Trump is on a roll. He is sending out several emails per day as the Republicans are getting closer to de-throne Liz Cheney.
Last night, Trump brought up the election of 2020 again. He can’t let go, and since he is sending emails, he is bypassing social media and entering directly into people’s living rooms.
“The major Michigan Election Fraud case has just filed a bombshell pleading claiming votes were intentionally switched from President Trump to Joe Biden,” he began. “The number of votes is MASSIVE and determinative. This will prove true in numerous other States,” he threw a bold claim into thin air. “All Republicans must UNIFY and not let this happen,” he instructed. Then, like a Pink Panther, he offered an analogy. “If a thief robs a jewelry store of all of its diamonds (the 2020 Presidential Election), the diamonds must be returned.” And just like that, Trump transported America into The Return of the Pink Panther.
The former president closed by saying that “The Fake News media refuses to cover the greatest Election Fraud in the history of our Country. They have lost all credibility, but ultimately, they will have no choice!”
Like the lone ranger, Mitt Romney said that the removal of Liz Cheney won’t get the GOP any new voters. “Expelling Liz Cheney from leadership won’t gain the GOP one additional voter, but it will cost us quite a few,” Utah Senator said. Romney may be correct, but the only concern Trump has at the moment is to complete the clean-up.
Adam Kinzinger believes that the Republican party is “Going down like the Titanic,” but If the endorsements Never Trumpers made polled better than 3%, the GOP would not be in the position it is today.
“This is no time to take our eye off the ball. If we are to succeed in stopping the radical Democrat agenda from destroying our country, these internal conflicts need to be resolved so as to not detract from the efforts of our collective team,” Kevin McCarthy said in a memo he sent out to his fellow Republicans.
“Unlike the left, we embrace free thought and debate. But our leadership team cannot afford to be distracted from the important work we were elected to do and the shared goals we hope to achieve. The stakes are too high to come up short. I trust you agree,” House Minority Leader concluded.
In political warfare, strategy is everything. Before winning the war, Liz Cheney had to think through all the battles that she had to win first. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” said Lao Tzu. Liz Cheney self-eliminated too early in the game.
It’s surprising, as old-guard Republicans are not new to politics. Liz’s father Dick Cheney has a good understanding of international politics and party infighting in countries plagued with die-hard nationalism. How they can’t configure the winning strategy against the return of Trump to move the Republican party forward is puzzling.
Trump has a killer instinct; to block Trump, one has to think like Trump.
There are only two scenarios: 1) Party of Trump vs. the Democrats or 2) Party of Trump vs. Never Trump Party + Democrats. All that providing that the splinter Never Trump Party would be willing to make a sacrifice and help Democrats remain in power for four more years.
In the meantime, DeSantis is building up his national profile. On Wednesday, the day Liz Cheney will be replaced by Elise Stefanik, Ron DeSantis will be making a splash in the Newsmax Townhall.
Across the pond, today’s headlines are optimistic as the nation is making considerable progress out of the pandemic. PM Johnson set out a new approach to social distancing, hugs, and kisses. Rule of thumb? Proceed with caution.
The Labour party is attempting to regroup after a loss from the Conservatives nationwide. Keir Starmer said that he takes responsibility for poor election performance in last week’s elections. Starmer thought he could do it better than Corbyn, but he could not. Can anyone?
The Queen delivered the speech today from the House of Lords marking the official opening of Parliament. What stood out was Johnson’s government promise for an Online Safety Bill that will regulate social media companies. If they fail to protect users, they will be facing up to £18 million fines. Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill will provide powers to police to shut down “disruptive” protests. Electoral Integrity Bill will require Britons for the first time to produce voter ID when casting their ballot in polling stations. Freedom of Speech Bill sponsored by MP David Davis will place a duty on universities to promote freedom of speech.
Yesterday, during a call with the Royal Life Saving Society, the Queen shared memories of achieving the Life-Saving Award in 1941. She became the first young person in the Commonwealth to get it. “I didn’t realize I was the first one — I just did it and had to work very hard for it!” she said.
Twenty people have been killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza, launched in a retaliatory response to the attack on Jerusalem. Netanyahu said that the line has been crossed and he threatened to respond forcefully.
The US condemned the escalation.
NSA Sullivan talked with his Israeli counterpart Meir Ben-Shabbat. Sullivan reiterated the United States’ serious concerns about the potential evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. Ben-Shabbat and Sullivan agreed that rocket attacks and incendiary balloons from Gaza towards Israel are unacceptable and must be condemned.
Finally, for a dash of pop, you should know that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have been spotted together in Montana. We all know how this is going to end. Bennifer 2.0 jetting off to a relationship disaster island.
Last night, I watched Two for the Money on Amazon Prime. Matthew McConaughey, Al Pacino, Rene Russo. Extraordinary actors, and a great story about the psychology of gambling.
Finally, ABC has renewed Grey’s Anatomy for the 18th season.
And that’s a wrap for this Tuesday morning, May 11, 2021. “Everything is going to be okay.” Just ask Joe Biden. Good Morning DC will be back tomorrow to bring you the latest first.