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Democrats Push Jackson Toward Confirmation, Over G.O.P. Opposition

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Democrats Push Jackson Toward Confirmation, Over G.O.P. Opposition

WASHINGTON — Democrats had been poised on Monday to power the nomination of Decide Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Senate flooring, establishing a affirmation vote this week to put in the primary Black lady on the Supreme Court docket at the same time as Republicans fought to make her path as arduous as doable.

Throughout a contentious Judiciary Committee assembly, Republicans spent hours vehemently reiterating their opposition to Decide Jackson’s elevation, calling her a progressive activist who was tender on crime, whereas Democrats praised her {qualifications} and demeanor and mentioned President Biden’s nominee deserved to be confirmed.

“This can be a historic second for the committee and America,” mentioned Senator Richard J. Durbin, Democrat of Illinois.

Whereas they didn’t dispute the import of Decide Jackson’s nomination nor her authorized {qualifications}, Republicans continued to assail her on a wide range of fronts. They criticized the sentences she handed down in little one intercourse abuse instances, her refusal to state a private judicial philosophy, her previous illustration of terrorism detainees as a public defender and her deep assist amongst progressive advocacy teams.

“This selection of Decide Jackson was actually embraced by essentially the most radical folks within the Democratic motion to the exclusion of everybody else,” mentioned Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and a former supporter of Decide Jackson who has turn into a fierce opponent.

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Republicans had been poised to oppose Decide Jackson’s nomination unanimously, deadlocking the evenly divided committee 11 to 11 and forcing Democrats to make use of a particular maneuver to discharge it by a vote of the complete Senate. It was a mark of how bitterly divided the Senate has grown over approving Supreme Court docket nominees, as soon as regarded by members of each events as a matter of permitting the president his chosen candidate to serve on the court docket.

Although Republicans continued to complain about previous Democratic remedy of Supreme Court docket nominees named by Republicans, it was a far cry from how Democrats dealt with Clarence Thomas in 1991, when Mr. Biden led the panel. On the time, the committee agreed to vote to ship his nomination to the ground with out a advice regardless of Democrats’ deep misgivings amid allegations of sexual harassment towards the nominee. On Monday, Republicans refused to take an identical step, citing their view that Decide Jackson was too liberal.

“We’re speculated to be educated seals over right here clapping if you nominated a liberal,” Mr. Graham mentioned. “That’s not going to work.”

He warned that when Republicans subsequent management the Senate, they would normally deny Democratic judicial nominees they thought-about too liberal a listening to earlier than the judiciary panel.

A fast vote on Decide Jackson’s nomination was postponed as a result of Senator Alex Padilla, Democrat of California, had air journey issues getting back from his residence state, denying his get together its full complement of 11 members to take the following step in advancing the nomination.

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As soon as the vote is held, Democrats deliberate to maneuver rapidly later Monday to carry a Senate flooring vote to power it out of the committee regardless of the impasse. That might clear the way in which for a flooring vote as early as Thursday to verify Decide Jackson earlier than a looming two-week recess.

The postponement of the vote was one other reflection of how starkly the strains are drawn, leaving no margin of error for Democrats desirous to win her approval.

Only one Republican, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, has up to now mentioned she would vote in assist of the nomination on the ground, but when Democrats stay solidly united behind Decide Jackson, they’ve the votes to put in her because the successor to the retiring Justice Stephen G. Breyer.

Republicans continued to query her credibility, citing her resistance to calls to stipulate her philosophical strategy, with Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, saying the response confirmed a scarcity of candor.

“Somebody of her spectacular caliber certainly has a judicial philosophy, however perhaps she simply doesn’t wish to discuss it,” Mr. Cornyn mentioned.

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In response, Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, accused Republicans of making a caricature of Decide Jackson that’s “up to now out of the strains” of actuality contemplating her deep credentials and expertise. He mentioned he had heard from individuals who requested: “How might they create these exaggerations? How might they disrespect an individual like her, who has achieved every thing proper in her life and in her journey?”

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Democrats defended Decide Jackson’s document, noting — according to a number of unbiased analysts — that her sentencing document has fallen nicely inside the mainstream of the federal judiciary, and accusing Republicans and conservative teams of distorting her document. They pointed to her robust assist from legislation enforcement teams and mentioned that many Trump administration nominees had issued related sentences however had been uniformly authorized by the identical Republicans lining up towards Decide Jackson.

“They need to have all been dragged via the mud and known as names,” mentioned Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota.

Democrats mentioned the Republican assault was as a lot concerning the coming midterm elections because it was about Decide Jackson herself.

“The principal purpose right here is about stirring up political division and scoring political factors,” mentioned Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware.

Although some Republican members of the panel as soon as contemplated boycotting the committee vote to erect a procedural roadblock to Decide Jackson, they rapidly deserted that tactic. However none would assist shifting the nomination out of committee to expedite her consideration on the ground.

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Whilst Republicans on the panel uniformly mentioned they might oppose her, many supplied her private {and professional} reward.

Senator Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican who on Monday mentioned that Decide Jackson can be essentially the most excessive liberal ever to take a seat on the court docket, known as her charming and proficient.

“I’ve identified her for 30 years and all the time appreciated her personally,” he mentioned.

Senator Thom Tillis, Republican of North Carolina and one other vote towards her, mentioned: “This isn’t concerning the content material of her character.”

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Dem leader condemns Thanksgiving bomb threats against liberal lawmakers after Team Trump targeted

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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.

TOP DEM: ‘UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRATION’ IS A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

“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.

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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.

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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.

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Fox News’ Kevin Ward contributed to this report.

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Capitol rioter's defamation suit against Fox News is dismissed

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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.

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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.

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Former prime-time host Tucker Carlson is seen in the studio on the set of his show on Fox News in New York in 2018.

(Jennifer S. Altman / For The Times)

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.

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Carlson’s prime-time program was pulled from the Fox News lineup on April 24, 2023, the day after Epps appeared on “60 Minutes.”

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Political betting markets still have plenty of action despite end of election season

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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. 

WHAT ARE ELECTION BETTING ODDS? EXPERT EXPLAINS WHY TRUMP IS CURRENT FAVORITE

President-elect Donald Trump, right, welcomes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the stage at a Turning Point Action campaign rally at the Gas South Arena on Oct. 23, 2024 in Duluth, Georgia. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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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.

Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

TRUMP OPENS UP LARGEST BETTING LEAD SINCE DAYS AFTER BIDEN’S DROPOUT

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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.

Sen. JD Vance

Vice President-elect JD Vance. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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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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