Politics
BIDEN INC: Biden’s sister to keep cashing in on brother’s career with new memoir, following family tradition
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President Biden’s youthful sister will kick off her guide tour Thursday evening in Washington, D.C., forward of the discharge of her memoir subsequent week, which might create a headache for the White Home as she continues to money in on her brother’s political profession, conflicting with White Home Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s assertion final January in regards to the White Home’s ethics coverage.
“It is the White Home’s coverage that the President’s identify shouldn’t be utilized in reference to any business actions to recommend or in any manner – in any manner they might fairly be understood to suggest his endorsement or help,” Psaki stated.
Valerie Biden Owens, a longtime marketing campaign adviser and political confidante to Biden, shall be releasing her memoir titled, “Rising Up Biden: A Memoir” subsequent Tuesday. The guide features a childhood picture of her, Joe Biden, their two brothers, and their mom on the guide cowl. Not solely did Owens function Biden’s marketing campaign supervisor for all seven of his profitable Senate campaigns, however she additionally suggested Biden throughout all three presidential campaigns and has performed an integral function in his household’s life.
The upcoming guide tour and anticipated media blitz of Owens’ memoir about rising up as a Biden comes slightly over a yr after the transition staff’s attorneys instructed Vice President-elect Harris’s niece she might now not produce clothes or write any new books with Harris’s identify or likeness, the Los Angeles Occasions reported in early 2021.
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Throughout Biden’s second presidential marketing campaign in 2007 and 2008, Owens served as her brother’s nationwide marketing campaign chair. It doesn’t seem that Biden’s marketing campaign paid her instantly, however the Democratic consulting agency Joe Slade White & Firm, the place Owens was serving as an “Govt Vice President,” raked in over $2.5 million from Biden’s presidential marketing campaign and the “Residents for Biden” committee between March 2007 and October 2008.
Owens’ daughter, Valerie J. Owens, who goes by “Missy,” additionally cashed in by working for her uncle’s presidential marketing campaign, the place she made tens of hundreds of {dollars}.
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Missy would go on to attain a number of high-level positions through the Obama-Biden administration. She served because the deputy chief of employees within the Power Division between Feb. 2009 and June 2011, based on her LinkedIn web page. She then served a yr because the chief of employees to the deputy Commerce secretary for a yr. Owens then labored at Coca-Cola in its authorities relations division for a decade, together with whereas the corporate was reportedly lobbying in opposition to a invoice cracking down on using Uyghur compelled labor in China. Two months in the past, Basic Motors employed her to a senior place within the firm’s regulatory affairs division.
Valerie’s different daughter, Casey, additionally acquired a job within the Obama-Biden administration, serving as a particular assistant to the senior coordinator for China on the Treasury Division for over two years. Her LinkedIn says she “managed a variety of workstreams important to the execution of the US-China Strategic & Financial Dialogue – one of many largest bilateral overseas financial coverage initiatives of the Obama Administration.” She would later work up the company ladder at Starbucks, the place she is now a vp.
Close to the tip of the Obama-Biden administration, Missy reached out to her first cousin and then-Vice President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, about serving to her mom get a place within the administration, saying it could be “good for her” and that she “wants it greater than I do proper now,” based on emails reviewed by Fox Information Digital. Just a little over a yr later, Owens was appointed to a four-month ceremonial place serving as “an Alternate Consultant of the US to the 71st Session of the Basic Meeting of the United Nations,” which paid roughly $26,000.
The March 2015 e-mail alternate between Missy and Hunter got here in response to a White Home press launch asserting that Hunter’s longtime enterprise companion, Eric Schwerin, was appointed to the Fee for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Overseas.
“Is that this our Eric?” Missy requested, prompting Hunter to substantiate that it was.
“How did he/we discover that one, and do you assume we are able to discover one thing for my mother?” Missy requested Hunter. “I wished to do it, however I believe Mother wants it greater than I…what do you assume?”
“I did not know she wished to do this me [sic] of those. Eric requested for one in every of these the day after the election in 2008. You recognize higher than me what are actual and attention-grabbing appointments. Let’s undergo the listing with Steve and see what is sensible,” Hunter replied, showing to reference Biden’s then-Chief of Workers Steve Ricchetti. “I do not understand how a lot 2016 and nepotism performs into it.”
After the Obama administration, Owens would go on to serve in management roles on the Biden Basis, the Beau Biden Basis for the Safety of Youngsters, and at present the Biden Institute on the College of Delaware, the place she is at present the chair. The college has beforehand declined to launch her contract on the College.
JOE BIDEN’S BROTHER-IN-LAW ASKED HUNTER BIDEN TO HELP HIM SECURE A BUSINESS LICENSE IN CHINA, EMAILS SHOW
Valerie’s husband, John Owens or “Jack,” who has been mates with Biden since their legislation college days at Syracuse, has additionally benefited from Biden and Hunter. In 2014, Owens requested assist from Hunter in an e-mail saying he wanted a Chinese language enterprise license “secured in a short time” so he might broaden his telemedicine firm into China.
“Time pressures are very tight, plus the truth that we don’t but have one has precipitated a slight credibility bump within the firm’s thoughts. This all interprets into a necessity for a Enterprise License, and one secured in a short time,” Owens wrote. “Whereas this may appear to be an earthly activity, I’ve come to grasp that issues akin to a Enterprise License can find yourself taking an inordinate period of time… time we simply don’t have.”
He would go on to inform Hunter that he could be “most appreciative of any assist,” which resulted in Hunter forwarding the e-mail to a few of his enterprise companions with shut China ties, saying, “Is there a manner we will help him expedite this? Time is of the essence right here.”
It’s unclear whether or not Hunter’s enterprise companions have been in a position to efficiently safe a enterprise license for Owens or whether or not one of many enterprise companions’ “WOFE” sufficed for China’s legal guidelines. Nevertheless, MediGuide’s web site says it has come to “an settlement with AnyHealth Shanghai.”
“MediGuide and Any Well being intend to broaden MediGuide’s enterprise in China below the identify of ‘MediGuide China,’” the web site reads. “AnyHealth Shanghai shall be legally representing MediGuide Worldwide LLC in China. ” It’s unclear if AnyHealth Shanghai is identical firm referenced within the emails.
Owens additionally benefited through the Obama-Biden administration by getting invites from then-Vice President Biden’s government assistant Kathy Chung to attend occasions on the White Home. For instance, slightly over a yr after Owens despatched the e-mail to Hunter in regards to the enterprise license, Owens obtained an invite to attend the State Division luncheon honoring Chinese language President Xi Jinping, which was hosted by Biden.
“Sure Kathy,” Owens responded. “I want to attend this one. I do know I’ve handed up the whole lot else, however this can be a bit totally different. I simply rec’d this so I have no idea what VBO [Valerie Biden Owens] goes to do. Do you could have my information to reply with image, and so on, or would you like me to do this.”
Over the past yr, Jack has performed golf a number of occasions with Biden, along with different relations.
The White Home, Owens, and Owens’ guide writer, Celadon Books, didn’t reply to requests for remark.
Politics
Dem leader condemns Thanksgiving bomb threats against liberal lawmakers after Team Trump targeted
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned several threats, mostly focused on lawmakers from Connecticut, targeting members of his caucus, just days after numerous threats were made against President-elect Trump’s cabinet selections.
Jeffries, D-N.Y., confirmed in a statement Friday that several Democrats were targeted with threats ranging from pipe bombs in their mailboxes to “swatting” — or filing a false police report on another person’s behalf that often results in a SWAT team being dispatched.
All of the threatening messages were signed “MAGA,” Jeffries said, adding law enforcement found no ordnance at any of the targeted lawmakers’ homes.
“America is a democracy. Threats of violence against elected officials are unacceptable, unconscionable and have no place in a civilized society. All perpetrators of political violence directed at any party must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said.
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“House Democrats will not be deterred or intimidated from serving the people by violent threats. We have been in close communication with the Sergeant at Arms office and it is imperative that Congress provide maximum protection for all Members and their families moving forward.”
After Jeffries spoke out, Rep. Seth Magaziner, a Democrat from neighboring Rhode Island, announced on Friday afternoon that his home had been targeted, as well. Magaziner said Providence police responded quickly and no one was harmed.
Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Conn., had his home targeted by a bomb threat. A spokesperson said it appeared to be part of a “coordinated effort.”
Five other Democrats from the Constitution State received similar threats, including Reps. Joe Courtney, John Larson, Rosa DeLauro, Jahana Hayes and James Himes.
CT DEM SAYS IT’S CLEAR HUNTER BIDEN BROKE THE LAW
“There is no place for political violence in this country, and I hope that we may all continue through the holiday season with peace and civility,” said Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee who replaced Sen.-elect Adam Schiff, D-Calif.
Prior to that spate of threats, Trump’s U.N. ambassador-designate Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said she was traveling home to her North Country district for Thanksgiving when she was informed of a threat against her home.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. — Trump’s initial choice for attorney general — also received a threat.
Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y. — Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency — said his home was subjected to a “pro-Palestinian-themed” pipe bomb threat. Zeldin is Jewish.
Former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., whom the president-elect tapped for Labor secretary, said her Oregon home was targeted, as was that of former San Diego Chargers cornerback Scott Turner, whom Trump named to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Trump nominees including Cantor-Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, America First Policy Institute President Brooke Rollins and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth also received threats.
In a statement, the FBI said it is aware of “numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners.”
“We take all potential threats seriously and, as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement,” it said.
Fox News’ Kevin Ward contributed to this report.
Politics
Capitol rioter's defamation suit against Fox News is dismissed
A Delaware court judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News filed by a Jan. 6 rioter who said the network falsely identified him as an FBI informant.
U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer L. Hall granted Fox News’ motion to dismiss the suit filed last year by Ray Epps.
Now based in Utah, Epps alleged his life was upended after former Fox host Tucker Carlson repeatedly described him as a federal agent who helped instigate the attack on the Capitol, which was an attempt to stop the certification of the election of Joe Biden.
Carlson described Epps as a principal in a false flag operation in which the government incited the Jan. 6 riot, an unfounded conspiracy theory. He made the false comments about Epps on his program over a period of nearly two years and in a series called “Patriot Purge” that streamed on Fox Nation in 2022.
In her remarks from the bench, Hall said Carlson did not act with malicious intent.
Fox News welcomed the judge’s decision, which is the third consecutive defamation case to be decided in favor of the network after the record $787-million settlement it paid to Dominion Voting Systems in April 2024.
Dominion said its business was damaged by false claims Fox News presented regarding voting fraud in the 2020 election. Fox News chose to settle the case rather than have its executives and on-air talent take the witness stand in a trial.
A separate defamation suit filed by Nina Jankowicz, the former head of the federal Disinformation Governance Board, was dismissed in July. Another case brought by Tony Bobulinski, a former business partner of Hunter Biden, was thrown out on Tuesday.
“Fox News is pleased with these back-to-back decisions from federal courts preserving the press freedoms of the First Amendment,” the network said in a statement.
Epps was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and pleaded guilty in January to a misdemeanor charge for his role in the riot.
Epps testified under oath to the House committee investigating the attack that he had no involvement with the FBI, which has also stated publicly that he had no association with the bureau.
The lawsuit claimed Epps and his wife received threatening voice mails, emails and text messages because of Carlson‘s comments. Epps told the CBS news magazine “60 Minutes” that the lies ruined his Arizona-based business and led to death threats.
Carlson’s prime-time program was pulled from the Fox News lineup on April 24, 2023, the day after Epps appeared on “60 Minutes.”
Politics
Political betting markets still have plenty of action despite end of election season
The end of the election season does not mean the end of political betting, with many platforms allowing users to place wagers on everything from the 2028 election to who will be confirmed to President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
“Some people will be amazed by this, but people are already betting on 2026 and 2028,” Maxim Lott, the founder of ElectionBettingOdds.com, told Fox News Digital. “There’s been about a quarter million dollars bet already.”
The comments come after the 2024 election produced plenty of betting action, with users across multiple platforms wagering over $2 billion on the outcome of the latest race.
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While mega sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and the recent Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, gives gamblers plenty to wager on after the election, those looking for something political to bet on will still have plenty of options.
One of the most popular topics is who will be the nominees for both major parties in 2028, with ElectionBettingOdds.com showing California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Vice President-elect JD Vance being the current leaders for Democrats and Republicans, respectively.
Other names with a significant amount of attention for betters include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for the Democratic nomination, while Vance is trailed by names like entrepreneur and future head of the new Department of Government Efficiency Vivek Ramaswamy and Donald Trump Jr. on the Republican side.
“The big Democratic governors are favored to be the next nominee,” Lott said, noting that Vance currently holds a sizable lead over other options on the GOP side.
TRUMP OPENS UP LARGEST BETTING LEAD SINCE DAYS AFTER BIDEN’S DROPOUT
Vance is also the current betting leader on who will win the 2028 presidential election, ElectionBettingOdds.com shows, followed by Newson and Shapiro as the next two likely options.
However, Lott warned it is still too early to tell what the future holds, noting that the markets will start to provide more clarity as more information becomes known over the next few years.
“As the future becomes clearer… as we get closer to 2026, 2028, these odds will change,” Lott said. “So if the Trump administration is doing really well, the economy is booming, inflation is not out of control, wars are ending, Vance’s odds will certainly go up.”
Bettors also are not limited to wagering on elections, with platforms such as Polymarket allowing users to place bets on Trump’s picks to serve in his Cabinet and whether they will be confirmed. Bettors can also place wagers on questions such as if they believe the war in Ukraine will end in Trump’s first 90 days or if there will be a cease-fire in Gaza in 2024.
According to Lott, taking a look at the current betting odds for many scenarios can help inform you about what is going on in the world, even if you do not place bets yourself.
“People often ask… is there any value to this… it’s just gambling. It’s silly,” Lott said. “But actually it’s very useful… if you want to know what’s going to happen in 2028 or if the Trump administration is going to be a success, you could read 100 news articles on it. Some will misinform you. Or, you can just go to the prediction markets and see… is Vance a 20% chance of becoming the next Republican nominee or is he a 90% chance? That tells you a lot.”
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