Good Morning, Washington,
As we stand on the cusp of the first weekend of 2024, let us adhere to the time-honored tradition of keeping the Friday’s edition of Good Morning DC succinct.
Pause for a moment, and say “yes” to everything you want to achieve this year.
Let’s get you caught up with the news of the day.
THE WHITE HOUSE
The White House will be making an announcement today regarding the ongoing fight to end the epidemic of gun violence and keep guns out of the hands of young people.
President Biden is scheduled to deliver a speech at his inaugural re-election campaign event in Philadelphia today, focusing on the theme of preservation of American democracy within the context of January 6. Campaign manager Julie Chavez-Rodriguez emphasized that January 6 marked “the first time in our nation’s history that a president tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power.”
The weekend, Biden will spend in Delaware.
2024 ELECTION
Nikki Haley emphasized her presidential electability during a CNN town hall at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa when questioned by voter Josh Lemon about her strategy to surpass former President Donald Trump in the polls.
“Chaos follows him and we all know that’s true. Chaos follows him,” Haley said “We can’t have a country in disarray and a world on fire and go through four more years of chaos. We won’t survive it.”
During his CNN town hall, Gov. Ron DeSantis opened up about the profound impact of his sister Christina’s sudden loss in 2015, revealing how it taught him the importance of seizing opportunities and avoiding complacency.
“What it shows you is don’t take anything for granted. You just never know what’s gonna happen. And so, if there’s ever a time when you feel you need to do something, don’t just sit back on the sidelines,” shared DeSantis.
Speaking of Trump, DeSantis did not hold back. “If you’ve run before, promised things, didn’t deliver, and then you’re running on the same things, wouldn’t it be reasonable to say, ‘Gee, I don’t know that I can take that to the bank going forward?’” DeSantis said. “Yes, I think the fact that he’s campaigning on something, that does not mean that he would actually follow through on it.”
Biden’s re-election campaign has a new TV ad taking aim at Trump as the existential threat to American democracy
ON THE HILL
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md), along with Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC.) will hold a press conference marking three years since January 6.
The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. Jamie Raskin, has issued a report titled “White House for Sale: How Princes, Prime Ministers, and Premiers Paid Off President Trump.” The document outlines instances during Donald Trump’s presidency in which he is alleged to have accepted payments totaling over $7.8 million from foreign states and their leaders, including those associated with some of the world’s less reputable regimes.
After Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren joined the calls to end the US aid to Israel.
“When it comes to military aid to Israel, the US cannot write a blank check for a right-wing government that’s demonstrated an appalling disregard for Palestinian lives,” Warren stated on X.
GLOBAL AFFAIRS
Secretary Blinken is on his fourth trip to the Middle East since the terrorist attacks of October 7th, with additional stops in Europe. Over the upcoming week, he will visit Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt, engaging in meetings with foreign counterparts and other key stakeholders.
During his travels, Blinken will focus on addressing “immediate measures” to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Matt Miller emphasized, “The United States has played a critical role in unlocking humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people, but conditions remain extremely difficult.”
THE BALKAN VOICE NEWSLETTER
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In discussions with Israel, Blinken will explore steps to enhance the protection of civilians and facilitate the return of Palestinians to their homes and neighborhoods amidst ongoing conflicts. Matt Miller stated, “He will also stress to the Government of Israel the need to do more to lower tensions in the West Bank.”
US concern is that conflict between Israel and Hamas can become much bigger and Bliken wants to make sure to prevent that from happening.
Hostages are Blinken’s top priority and he will discuss ongoing efforts to bring home the remaining hostages, including the American citizens.
The Pavlovic Today asked Matt Miller about the US response to Turkey blocking the passage for two Royal Navy mine hunters Britain donated to Ukraine to help their sea operation. “We have seen the reports,” the State Department spokesperson responded and directed additional inquiries to the Turkish government.
In Turkey, Blinken will talk about “the final steps” to complete Turkey’s ratification of Sweden’s accession to NATO, and to conversations with the Government of Greece about their support for Ukraine and safeguarding regional maritime security.
And that’s a wrap for this Friday January 5, 2024. Good Morning DC will be back on Monday to provide you with a front-row seat to the ever-evolving landscape of American politics under President Joe Biden.
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