Politics
Under the dome and on the diamond
If life imitates art, then the Congressional Baseball Game imitates Capitol Hill.
On the field, as in the Capitol, the sides are divided. In the House and Senate chambers, the Republicans sit on one side, Democrats on the other. At the Congressional Baseball Game, Republicans occupy the first base dugout. Democrats take up residence in the third base dugout.
The teams play hard. For keeps even. They challenge their opponent across the aisle — or diamond. They try to score political points. In this case, runs.
The annual, bipartisan baseball tilt at Nats Park is emblematic of what unfolds daily under the Capitol Dome up the street. It’s just that, for one night a year, lawmakers take it outside, under the lights. They wear cleats. They don New York Mets and University of Texas at San Antonio jerseys. Lawmakers even encounter protesters like they do in the halls of Congress.
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: LAWMAKERS TAKE TO THE FIELD IN STRANGE SPECTACLE OF ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL GAME
Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., and Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, face off in the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity at Nationals Park June 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
Only these demonstrators don’t surface in the Cannon Rotunda. They vault a fence near the left field foul pole only to be tackled in the grass by U.S. Capitol Police. Similar to what sometimes goes down in Congress.
Minus the left field foul pole.
Congress is often criticized for doing a lot of running around without accomplishing much.
A single play encapsulated this on the field Wednesday night.
Republicans were pounding the Democrats, 21-6, in the bottom of the sixth inning of a seven-inning game. But the Democrats had the bases loaded and were threatening to tighten the score.
Unlike in a Major League Baseball game, there are a lot more wild pitches and passed balls.
Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., went deep into the game for Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, the Republican skipper and former Atlanta Braves farmhand. But Williams switched pitchers later, bringing in Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, in relief.
Pfluger is the GOP “fireman.” He entered the game sporting a microscopic 1.11 ERA, reminiscent of Bob Gibson’s astonishing 1.12 ERA when he won the Cy Young Award in 1968.
In the bottom of the sixth, a breaking ball from Pfluger popped off the mitt of Republican catcher Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, for a passed ball. The runners didn’t advance as Pfluger charged in to cover the plate.
But baserunning — and congressional hijinks — ensued a couple of pitches later.
Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y. was at bat. Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., was on first. Rep. Tim Kennedy, D-N.Y., was on second. Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-Calif., occupied third.
BIDEN’S ATTORNEY GENERAL IS FIGHTING BACK AS THE GOP-LED HOUSE CONTEMPLATES CONTEMPT
And then Pfluger uncorked a wild pitch that went all the way to brick backstop. The ball caromed across the grass in foul territory toward Lutrell.
Barragan creeped down the line halfway as Goldman wildly gyrated his arms, waving Barragan home.
However, Lutrell recovered the ball cleanly as Pfluger raced to cover the plate. Lutrell tossed it to Pfluger. It would be a no-no for Nanette to score on this one. The California Democrat retreated to the third base bag.
But that’s where trouble started.
Kennedy is not only a freshman but a rookie. In both Capitol Hill and congressional terms. Just called up to the big club from Buffalo. Not the Buffalo Bisons, the Toronto Blue Jays’ AAA affiliate. But Congress. He’s only represented Buffalo since early May, after winning a special election to succeed former Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y.
It’s customary for junior lawmakers not to upstage more senior lawmakers. But, at this stage, Kennedy was bearing down on third as Barragan tried to hustle back to safety. There were about to be two runners on third base. A conference committee. So, Kennedy reversed course, faster than a member halfway to Reagan National Airport on a congressional getaway day when the House calls an unexpected vote. Pfluger fired down to second, getting Kennedy in a rundown and the most press he’s ever garnered in his young congressional career. Now, Kennedy is trapped. He can’t head back to second because Pat Ryan, the runner on first, was legging it toward second.
Members of the Republican team stand during the singing of the national anthem during the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity at Nationals Park June 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
So, to help Kennedy, Ryan makes a motion to recommit to first base just as the Republicans throw the ball away. The GOP had Kennedy in a true pickle. But he escaped.
And just like on Capitol Hill, you sometimes get a second chance.
Kennedy’s baseline filibuster allowed Barragan to score. Kennedy advanced safely to third.
This turn of events for both clubs made the Bad News Bears look like the ’75 Cincinnati Reds.
But after the errant throw in the Kennedy rundown, Ryan was now running again toward second base.
Most strange things in Congress seem to emerge “from left field.”
But, on this night, it came from right field.
Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, likely deserves the most alert play of the game.
Ellzey crept all the way in from right field to back up the rundown of Kennedy between second and third. Ellzey then fielded the wayward throw and bolted in an utter sprint, running directly at Ryan.
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER DECLARES JUSTICE ALITO ‘AN INSURRECTIONIST SYMPATHIZER’ AMID FLAG FRACAS
The New York Democrat was hung up between first and second, the third rundown in this bizarro sequence of events. Ellzey clenched the ball in his right hand, stretching toward Ryan and tagged him directly with the ball.
Ryan was out.
Ellzey is a graduate of the Naval Academy and flew missions as a fighter pilot. Ryan is a graduate of West Point and wore a Golden Knights jersey for the game.
Ellzey catching Ryan in the footrace was a true “Go Navy, beat Army” moment.
So, only one run scored amid all of that. And one out.
But like what often happens often in Congress, there are errors on both sides. And a lot of running around without much to show for it, even though Democrats eked out a run.
The play ended the bottom of the sixth inning in the seven-ining affair.
Members of the Democratic and Republican teams shake hands after the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity at National’s Park June 12, 2024. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
Republicans then went on to drop a ten spot on the Democrats in the top of the seventh and cruised to a staggering 31-11 victory.
“Biggest margin of victory since 1909,” gloated House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. “I think it’s an omen about the election cycle. We’re looking for more of that in November.”
As for the Democrats, they need to dig into their farm system for some pitching.
“We have some opportunities that are out there in terms of additional talent,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. “We made it competitive during the early part of the game and laid a foundation for the great Democratic comeback in 2025.
Just like daily politics on the Hill. Republicans banking on big victories this fall.
Democrats looking to reclaim control of the House.
No different under the Dome. Or on the diamond.
As he fights for his political life, House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Bob Good of Virginia is facing off against a primary challenger supported by the most powerful politician in the Republican Party – former President Trump.
And the contentious intra-party battle in Virginia’s reliably red 5th Congressional District, in the southern part of the Commonwealth, is pitting conservatives versus conservatives and Trump against some of his biggest allies in the House of Representatives.
It’s one of the high-profile races on Tuesday as Virginia and Oklahoma hold primary elections.
And if Good loses, he’ll become the first House incumbent from either major party to be defeated by a primary challenger so far this election year.
FOX NEWS POLL: BIDEN, TRUMP IN A DEAD HEAT IN VIRGINIA
Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, speaks alongside fellow members during a press conference on the government funding bill, at the U.S. Capitol on March 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Good incurred Trump’s wrath for being one of just a handful of House Republicans to endorse Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential primaries.
Even though the two-term congressman avoided criticizing Turmp and quickly endorsed the former president after DeSantis ended his White House bid in January, Trump wrote on this Truth Social platform that “the damage had been done!”
Trump last month endorsed John McGuire, a Virginia state senator and former Navy SEAL, who is challenging Good for the GOP nomination.
McGuire also has the backing of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a conservative firebrand and major Trump ally who is a vocal critic of Good who last year broke with the House Freedom Caucus, which is considered the most far-right group of lawmakers in the chamber.
Then-Rep. Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, as he was ousted as House Speaker. (Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is also targeting Good, who was one of eight Republicans last autumn who joined with Democrats to vote to oust McCarthy from his leadership position.
But Good has the support of Reps. Matt Gaetz and Byron Donalds of Florida, two conservatives who are also strong backers of Trump.
And fellow House Freedom Caucus members, Reps. Chip Roy of Texas and Andy Biggs of Arizona, joined Good in Virginia for a rally on Friday.
Even though he’s being targeted by Trump, Good is spotlighting his support for the former president as he runs for re-election.
“Happy Birthday to the best and next president of the United States, President Trump!” Good wrote on social media on Friday, on the former president’s 78th birthday.
Good also showed up earlier this spring at Trump’s criminal trial in New York City, to show his support for the former president.
In Virginia’s Republican Senate primary, Trump is supporting Navy veteran Hung Cao.
Cao faces Scott Parkinson, who has endorsements from Good and other GOP members of Congress. Three other candidates are also vying for the Republican nomination, with the winner challenging Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine in November.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) arrives to a caucus meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill May 10, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
In Oklahoma, the race to watch is in the red-state’s 4th Congressional District, where 10-term Republican Rep. Tom Cole is facing a primary challenge from wealthy businessman Paul Bondar.
Cole, the chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has spent over $3 million as he fights for re-nomination. But Bondar, a first time candidate who made his money in the insurance industry, has shelled out nearly $5 million to try and unseat Cole, who has Trump’s backing.
There are three other candidates on the primary ballot, and if no one tops 50%, there will be a runoff with the two leading contenders in August.
Fox News’ Matt Reidy contributed to this report
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
A galaxy of political and entertainment stars (of various wattage) arrived Saturday night at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater for a gala fundraiser for President Biden’s reelection campaign.
Here’s a rundown of some of those who attended the event, which is expected to raise at least $28 million:
First Lady Jill Biden
Former President Obama
Julia Roberts
George Clooney
Barbra Streisand
Paul Anka
Kathy Griffin
Jeffrey Katzenberg
Bryan Lourd
Richard Lovett
Jimmy Kimmel
Jack Black
Kathryn Hahn
Jason Bateman
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Gov. Gavin Newsom
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles)
Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk)
Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-N.H.)
Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village)
Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara)
Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Indio)
Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside)
Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-Pacoima)
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego)
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach)
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance)
Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro)
L.A. Councilmember Kevin de León
L.A. Councilmember Curren Price
People wait in line to attend President Biden’s fundraiser at the Peacock Theater.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
Thousands of Biden supporters paid between $250, for a seat far from the stage, and $500,000 — for a ticket package that includes prime seats, photos with both presidents and a VIP after-party.
Politics
Secret Service agent robbed at gunpoint during President Biden's trip to Southern California
A Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint in California over the weekend, according to local law enforcement. It happened at the same time President Biden was in California for a star-studded Los Angeles fundraiser.
On Saturday, June 15, just after 9:30 p.m., the Tustin Police Department said officers responded to a call about a possible robbery that happened at the Tustin Fields 1 residential community.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim was a member of the Secret Service and that his bag was stolen at gunpoint.
During the incident, police said an agent-involved shooting happened.
HOLLYWOOD SLAMMED FOR PUSHING YOUNG AMERICANS TO VOTE FOR BIDEN: ‘THE LAST THING MY GENERATION WANTS’
Police are searching for this car in connection to the robbery. (Tustin Police Department)
The suspect(s) were not found, and it is unknown at this time whether the suspect(s) was injured as a result of the incident, police said.
Officers found some of the victim’s belongings in the area and the incident is being investigated.
Police are looking for a 2004-2006 silver Infiniti FX35 or similar vehicle that was seen leaving the scene.
BIDEN CAMPAIGN RAISES $30 MILLION AT CELEBRITY FUNDRAISER AS TRUMP COURTS BLACK VOTERS IN DETROIT
A Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint in Tustin, California, on the same day President Biden was attending a star-studded Los Angeles fundraiser. (Getty Images)
Authorities said there is no known threat to the public.
The Tustin Police Department is looking for assistance from the public in identifying the subject(s) involved in the crime and are urging anyone with information to call 714-573-3372.
President Biden was in Los Angeles for a campaign fundraiser on Saturday night.
LATE-NIGHT DNCTV? COLBERT, KIMMEL FUNDRAISE FOR PRESIDENT BIDEN
President Biden speaks beside former President Obama during a campaign fundraiser at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 15, 2024. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand were among those in attendance at the star-studded event, which reportedly raised more than $30 million.
Tickets for Saturday’s gala at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, which an invitation described as a “historic night,” ranged from $250 for a single person to get in the door to half a million dollars for special access, photos with Biden and former President Obama and invitations to an after-party.
The fundraiser comes less than three months after CBS’ Stephen Colbert participated in a lavish record-setting fundraiser that brought in $26 million for the Biden campaign.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser and Kristine Parks contributed to this report.
Storms possible amid excessive heat in Metro Detroit: What to expect
Dangerous heat, humidity to blanket Massachusetts beginning Tuesday
Crews work to recover submerged vehicle in Minnesota River, and more headlines
Clemson makes an impression on big Mississippi lineman
New Crime Lab Breaks Ground in Missouri – Correctional News
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
At least 2 dead as tornadoes hit Alabama, damage homes across Southeast
Trump targets House Freedom Caucus chair in intra-party Republican primary feud
Concentration camp museum director joins campaign to ban AfD
The federal government puts warnings on tobacco and alcohol. Is social media next? : Consider This from NPR
Secret Service agent robbed at gunpoint during President Biden's trip to Southern California
Thailand’s complex Senate election at risk as court decision looms
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago‘Darkest Miriam’ Review: Britt Lower in a Marvel of a Drama About a Young Librarian’s Loves and Fears
-
Politics1 week agoGun group vows to 'defend' Trump's concealed carry license after conviction
-
Politics1 week agoShould Trump have confidence in his lawyers? Legal experts weigh in
-
Politics1 week agoGOP releases Jan. 6 clip of Pelosi saying 'I take responsibility' as she discussed National Guard absence
-
News1 week agoTrump to escalate blame on trial judge Juan Merchan if sentenced to prison
-
World1 week agoOrban party loses major support in Hungary's EU election
-
World1 week agoEU elections: Slovakia and Italy voting; Far-right surge expected
-
World1 week agoUkraine reconstruction official quits citing ‘systemic obstacles’