New York officials are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out a challenge from Missouri regarding former President Donald Trump’s criminal conviction and sentencing.

Earlier this month, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, sued New York to block Trump’s criminal sentence and lift his gag order, claiming it infringed upon the constitutional rights of Missouri voters and electors. In the lawsuit, Bailey was attempting to invoke the Supreme Court’s precedent to hear legal disputes between two states.

“Missouri’s suit is based entirely on an ongoing criminal case between the Manhattan DA and former President Trump and does not present an actual controversy between sovereign States,” New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office wrote in a 48-page response to the lawsuit.

“Moreover, former President Trump has already raised, and the New York state courts are already adjudicating, the same issues Missouri seeks to raise,” the response continued. “And Missouri’s claims are patently meritless.”

James argued that Missouri’s filing had no legal basis and “seriously undermines the integrity of the courts and risks setting a dangerous precedent that encourages a flood of similar, unmeritorious litigation.”

Bailey’s lawsuit accuses New York of violating the First Amendment rights of Missouri residents. James argued that the matter could be solved in New York courts, not the Supreme Court.

“Allowing Missouri to file this suit for such relief against New York would permit an extraordinary and dangerous end-run around former President Trump’s ongoing state court proceedings and the statutory limitations on this Court’s jurisdiction to review state court decisions,” the response reads.

James argued that Missouri lacked “standing,” which is needed to bring its complaint against New York state because Bailey’s claims that the conviction infringes on Missouri’s rights are “speculative.”

James also argued that because Trump is challenging his conviction, and will likely challenge his sentence, the lawsuit should be tossed.

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“Former President Trump has already filed a motion to vacate the jury verdict, which, if he succeeds, would obviate his sentencing,” James’s response reads. “Even if the motion is denied, he can appeal his conviction, and his sentence may well be stayed pending appeal.”

In May, Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels with the intent to influence the 2016 presidential election. Trump denied the affair with Daniels and has pledged to appeal the conviction.

2024-07-25 14:44:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsupreme-court%2F3098869%2Fnew-york-supreme-court-toss-missouri-lawsuit-trump-sentencing%2F?w=600&h=450, New York officials are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out a challenge from Missouri regarding former President Donald Trump’s criminal conviction and sentencing. Earlier this month, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, sued New York to block Trump’s criminal sentence and lift his gag order, claiming it infringed upon the constitutional rights,

New York officials are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out a challenge from Missouri regarding former President Donald Trump’s criminal conviction and sentencing.

Earlier this month, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, sued New York to block Trump’s criminal sentence and lift his gag order, claiming it infringed upon the constitutional rights of Missouri voters and electors. In the lawsuit, Bailey was attempting to invoke the Supreme Court’s precedent to hear legal disputes between two states.

“Missouri’s suit is based entirely on an ongoing criminal case between the Manhattan DA and former President Trump and does not present an actual controversy between sovereign States,” New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office wrote in a 48-page response to the lawsuit.

“Moreover, former President Trump has already raised, and the New York state courts are already adjudicating, the same issues Missouri seeks to raise,” the response continued. “And Missouri’s claims are patently meritless.”

James argued that Missouri’s filing had no legal basis and “seriously undermines the integrity of the courts and risks setting a dangerous precedent that encourages a flood of similar, unmeritorious litigation.”

Bailey’s lawsuit accuses New York of violating the First Amendment rights of Missouri residents. James argued that the matter could be solved in New York courts, not the Supreme Court.

“Allowing Missouri to file this suit for such relief against New York would permit an extraordinary and dangerous end-run around former President Trump’s ongoing state court proceedings and the statutory limitations on this Court’s jurisdiction to review state court decisions,” the response reads.

James argued that Missouri lacked “standing,” which is needed to bring its complaint against New York state because Bailey’s claims that the conviction infringes on Missouri’s rights are “speculative.”

James also argued that because Trump is challenging his conviction, and will likely challenge his sentence, the lawsuit should be tossed.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“Former President Trump has already filed a motion to vacate the jury verdict, which, if he succeeds, would obviate his sentencing,” James’s response reads. “Even if the motion is denied, he can appeal his conviction, and his sentence may well be stayed pending appeal.”

In May, Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels with the intent to influence the 2016 presidential election. Trump denied the affair with Daniels and has pledged to appeal the conviction.

, New York officials are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out a challenge from Missouri regarding former President Donald Trump’s criminal conviction and sentencing. Earlier this month, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, sued New York to block Trump’s criminal sentence and lift his gag order, claiming it infringed upon the constitutional rights of Missouri voters and electors. In the lawsuit, Bailey was attempting to invoke the Supreme Court’s precedent to hear legal disputes between two states. “Missouri’s suit is based entirely on an ongoing criminal case between the Manhattan DA and former President Trump and does not present an actual controversy between sovereign States,” New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office wrote in a 48-page response to the lawsuit. “Moreover, former President Trump has already raised, and the New York state courts are already adjudicating, the same issues Missouri seeks to raise,” the response continued. “And Missouri’s claims are patently meritless.” James argued that Missouri’s filing had no legal basis and “seriously undermines the integrity of the courts and risks setting a dangerous precedent that encourages a flood of similar, unmeritorious litigation.” Bailey’s lawsuit accuses New York of violating the First Amendment rights of Missouri residents. James argued that the matter could be solved in New York courts, not the Supreme Court. “Allowing Missouri to file this suit for such relief against New York would permit an extraordinary and dangerous end-run around former President Trump’s ongoing state court proceedings and the statutory limitations on this Court’s jurisdiction to review state court decisions,” the response reads. James argued that Missouri lacked “standing,” which is needed to bring its complaint against New York state because Bailey’s claims that the conviction infringes on Missouri’s rights are “speculative.” James also argued that because Trump is challenging his conviction, and will likely challenge his sentence, the lawsuit should be tossed. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “Former President Trump has already filed a motion to vacate the jury verdict, which, if he succeeds, would obviate his sentencing,” James’s response reads. “Even if the motion is denied, he can appeal his conviction, and his sentence may well be stayed pending appeal.” In May, Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels with the intent to influence the 2016 presidential election. Trump denied the affair with Daniels and has pledged to appeal the conviction., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/trump-on-stage.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Annabella Rosciglione,

As President Joe Biden gives an Oval Office address to the nation Wednesday, former President Donald Trump is asking ABC, NBC, and CBS to give him equal airtime. 

In a letter obtained by the New York Times, Trump’s campaign sent a letter to the three networks demanding he be given equal airtime as the campaign believes the speech will be used as a campaign event. Earlier this week, Biden announced he would address the nation from the White House about his exit from the presidential race and how he plans to tackle the remaining months of his presidency.

“It appears that President Biden’s speech will not be a bona fide news event, but rather, a prime-time campaign commercial,” Trump campaign general counsel David Warrington wrote in a letter to the networks, citing the Federal Communications Commission’s “equal time” rule.

The letter states Biden will use this moment as a “campaign speech,” to promote his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president, although Biden is no longer a candidate for president.

Until the 1970s, cable networks were bound by FCC “equal time” guidelines in which local stations needed to give both candidates equal access to airtime. Under then-President Gerald Ford in 1975, the FCC created an exemption to the rule for “bona fide news events” like presidential speeches and news conferences. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people,” Biden wrote on X on Tuesday. 

Wednesday’s address will be his first public remarks since his decision to drop out of the race; it is unclear how much of that will focus on his endorsement of Harris.

2024-07-24 14:07:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fpresidential%2F3097015%2Ftrump-seeks-equal-time-air-bidens-oval-office-address%2F?w=600&h=450, As President Joe Biden gives an Oval Office address to the nation Wednesday, former President Donald Trump is asking ABC, NBC, and CBS to give him equal airtime.  In a letter obtained by the New York Times , Trump’s campaign sent a letter to the three networks demanding he be given equal airtime as the,

As President Joe Biden gives an Oval Office address to the nation Wednesday, former President Donald Trump is asking ABC, NBC, and CBS to give him equal airtime. 

In a letter obtained by the New York Times, Trump’s campaign sent a letter to the three networks demanding he be given equal airtime as the campaign believes the speech will be used as a campaign event. Earlier this week, Biden announced he would address the nation from the White House about his exit from the presidential race and how he plans to tackle the remaining months of his presidency.

“It appears that President Biden’s speech will not be a bona fide news event, but rather, a prime-time campaign commercial,” Trump campaign general counsel David Warrington wrote in a letter to the networks, citing the Federal Communications Commission’s “equal time” rule.

The letter states Biden will use this moment as a “campaign speech,” to promote his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president, although Biden is no longer a candidate for president.

Until the 1970s, cable networks were bound by FCC “equal time” guidelines in which local stations needed to give both candidates equal access to airtime. Under then-President Gerald Ford in 1975, the FCC created an exemption to the rule for “bona fide news events” like presidential speeches and news conferences. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people,” Biden wrote on X on Tuesday. 

Wednesday’s address will be his first public remarks since his decision to drop out of the race; it is unclear how much of that will focus on his endorsement of Harris.

, As President Joe Biden gives an Oval Office address to the nation Wednesday, former President Donald Trump is asking ABC, NBC, and CBS to give him equal airtime.  In a letter obtained by the New York Times , Trump’s campaign sent a letter to the three networks demanding he be given equal airtime as the campaign believes the speech will be used as a campaign event. Earlier this week, Biden announced he would address the nation from the White House about his exit from the presidential race and how he plans to tackle the remaining months of his presidency. “It appears that President Biden’s speech will not be a bona fide news event, but rather, a prime-time campaign commercial,” Trump campaign general counsel David Warrington wrote in a letter to the networks, citing the Federal Communications Commission’s “equal time” rule. The letter states Biden will use this moment as a “campaign speech,” to promote his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president, although Biden is no longer a candidate for president. Until the 1970s, cable networks were bound by FCC “equal time” guidelines in which local stations needed to give both candidates equal access to airtime. Under then-President Gerald Ford in 1975, the FCC created an exemption to the rule for “bona fide news events” like presidential speeches and news conferences.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people,” Biden wrote on X on Tuesday.  Wednesday’s address will be his first public remarks since his decision to drop out of the race; it is unclear how much of that will focus on his endorsement of Harris., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/trump-jail.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Annabella Rosciglione,

As Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, picks her running mate, some of her options may have problems within key coalitions of the Democratic Party. 

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) are reportedly Harris’s two top picks, but parts of their past while in office may be unappealing to factions of the Left. Harris ran a progressive campaign during her 2020 run but has toned down some of her ideas while in the White House, and it is unclear how progressive of a campaign she plans to run this year. 

Kelly and Shapiro bring Harris the opportunity to win two crucial swing states, Arizona and Pennsylvania, but as they are vetted on the national stage, some Democrats may be wary of them.

Kelly on labor

While Kelly has only been in office for four years, he has won two statewide elections in Arizona after filling John McCain’s seat after he died. His time in office has been relatively quiet, with little public controversy.

Kelly, however, has not signed on to a key piece of labor legislation, which could spell trouble for the ticket’s support from labor unions. Some union officials told ABC News that Kelly’s unwillingness to support the PRO Act, a piece of legislation that looks to make the path toward forming unions and winning labor contracts easier, should be a red flag.

“Why would the Democrats even consider a senator for the vice presidency if the senator doesn’t support the PRO Act?” said John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union and an ally of President Joe Biden. “It’s the most important piece of national legislation workers have right now.”

Of the 51 Senate Democrats, 48 support the PRO Act. Kelly has said he supports the legislation’s goals but has “some concerns.” During his 2022 Senate run, Kelly was backed by several Arizona labor unions.

“Only 3 Democrats refused to sign on to the PRO Act, one of whom was Mark Kelly,” Richard Bensinger, former organizing director at the AFL-CIO, said on Sunday after Harris announced her candidacy. “The right to organize unions is the most important thing to labor so that’s a hard no.”

The Biden-Harris administration has strongly supported unions as Biden has throughout his political career. On Monday, the AFL-CIO, which is the biggest federation of unions in the United States and has long supported Biden, announced its endorsement of Harris.

“From day one, Vice President Kamala Harris has been a true partner in leading the most pro-labor administration in history,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said. “At every step in her distinguished career in public office, she’s proven herself a principled and tenacious fighter for working people and a visionary leader we can count on. From taking on Wall Street and corporate greed to leading efforts to expand affordable child care and support vulnerable workers, she’s shown time and again that she’s on our side.”

Shapiro on school vouchers and Israel

Shapiro is popular in Pennsylvania, according to a May poll from the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, and Siena College, which found 57% of residents approving of his leadership. His popularity spans different parties, as the poll found 77% of Democrats, 42% of Republicans, and 39% of independents approve of Shapiro’s time in office. 

But he may prove to be unpopular with coalitions of the Democratic Party for his stances on Israel and school vouchers. 

Shapiro, who is Jewish, has been steadfast in his support for Israel throughout the Israel-Hamas war, which could alienate a vocal part of the Left that has backed anti-Israel stances since the Oct. 7 attacks. 

“Israel not only has a right, they have a responsibility to rid the region of Hamas and the terror that Hamas can perpetrate,” Shapiro said in December, calling on the U.S. to “help support the Israeli people once the battle is over in finding their footing again.”

He has also been criticized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations and 43 Pennsylvania Muslim organizations for refusing to call for a ceasefire in the region as other Democrats have done.

“At a time when governors of California and New Jersey have underlined in public statements their support for a ceasefire in Gaza, Gov. Shapiro has failed to do that,” the statement from CAIR read.

“His attacks on academic freedom, intentionally depicting protests in a negative light, failure to care for and listen to Palestinian Pennsylvanians whose families are being massacred day in and out by Israeli government, and his behind-the-scenes antagonization of community organizations cannot be ignored and easily forgiven,” the statement continued.

It is unclear exactly how Harris will approach Israel, but she has proven sympathetic to the loss of life in the Gaza Strip due to the war. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington this week, she plans to meet with him privately and skip his congressional address.

When Shapiro ran for governor in 2022, he touted his support for Lifeline Scholarships, a school voucher program that would give students in low-performing school districts vouchers for private schools. School vouchers have been a Republican ideal for some time, and many Democrats have been opposed to the program.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

While in office, he faced pressure from Democratic lawmakers and backed down on supporting school vouchers by removing them from the state budget, which angered Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers with whom he negotiated the budget.

Some believe his support for vouchers could “pave his way to the White House” as a centrist, but others see Shapiro’s support as isolating the pro-public school and pro-teachers union faction of the party.

2024-07-24 13:46:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3096954%2Fharris-vice-presidential-picks-problems-with-left%2F?w=600&h=450, As Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, picks her running mate, some of her options may have problems within key coalitions of the Democratic Party.  Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) are reportedly Harris’s two top picks, but parts of their past while in office may be unappealing to,

As Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, picks her running mate, some of her options may have problems within key coalitions of the Democratic Party. 

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) are reportedly Harris’s two top picks, but parts of their past while in office may be unappealing to factions of the Left. Harris ran a progressive campaign during her 2020 run but has toned down some of her ideas while in the White House, and it is unclear how progressive of a campaign she plans to run this year. 

Kelly and Shapiro bring Harris the opportunity to win two crucial swing states, Arizona and Pennsylvania, but as they are vetted on the national stage, some Democrats may be wary of them.

Kelly on labor

While Kelly has only been in office for four years, he has won two statewide elections in Arizona after filling John McCain’s seat after he died. His time in office has been relatively quiet, with little public controversy.

Kelly, however, has not signed on to a key piece of labor legislation, which could spell trouble for the ticket’s support from labor unions. Some union officials told ABC News that Kelly’s unwillingness to support the PRO Act, a piece of legislation that looks to make the path toward forming unions and winning labor contracts easier, should be a red flag.

“Why would the Democrats even consider a senator for the vice presidency if the senator doesn’t support the PRO Act?” said John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union and an ally of President Joe Biden. “It’s the most important piece of national legislation workers have right now.”

Of the 51 Senate Democrats, 48 support the PRO Act. Kelly has said he supports the legislation’s goals but has “some concerns.” During his 2022 Senate run, Kelly was backed by several Arizona labor unions.

“Only 3 Democrats refused to sign on to the PRO Act, one of whom was Mark Kelly,” Richard Bensinger, former organizing director at the AFL-CIO, said on Sunday after Harris announced her candidacy. “The right to organize unions is the most important thing to labor so that’s a hard no.”

The Biden-Harris administration has strongly supported unions as Biden has throughout his political career. On Monday, the AFL-CIO, which is the biggest federation of unions in the United States and has long supported Biden, announced its endorsement of Harris.

“From day one, Vice President Kamala Harris has been a true partner in leading the most pro-labor administration in history,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said. “At every step in her distinguished career in public office, she’s proven herself a principled and tenacious fighter for working people and a visionary leader we can count on. From taking on Wall Street and corporate greed to leading efforts to expand affordable child care and support vulnerable workers, she’s shown time and again that she’s on our side.”

Shapiro on school vouchers and Israel

Shapiro is popular in Pennsylvania, according to a May poll from the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, and Siena College, which found 57% of residents approving of his leadership. His popularity spans different parties, as the poll found 77% of Democrats, 42% of Republicans, and 39% of independents approve of Shapiro’s time in office. 

But he may prove to be unpopular with coalitions of the Democratic Party for his stances on Israel and school vouchers. 

Shapiro, who is Jewish, has been steadfast in his support for Israel throughout the Israel-Hamas war, which could alienate a vocal part of the Left that has backed anti-Israel stances since the Oct. 7 attacks. 

“Israel not only has a right, they have a responsibility to rid the region of Hamas and the terror that Hamas can perpetrate,” Shapiro said in December, calling on the U.S. to “help support the Israeli people once the battle is over in finding their footing again.”

He has also been criticized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations and 43 Pennsylvania Muslim organizations for refusing to call for a ceasefire in the region as other Democrats have done.

“At a time when governors of California and New Jersey have underlined in public statements their support for a ceasefire in Gaza, Gov. Shapiro has failed to do that,” the statement from CAIR read.

“His attacks on academic freedom, intentionally depicting protests in a negative light, failure to care for and listen to Palestinian Pennsylvanians whose families are being massacred day in and out by Israeli government, and his behind-the-scenes antagonization of community organizations cannot be ignored and easily forgiven,” the statement continued.

It is unclear exactly how Harris will approach Israel, but she has proven sympathetic to the loss of life in the Gaza Strip due to the war. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington this week, she plans to meet with him privately and skip his congressional address.

When Shapiro ran for governor in 2022, he touted his support for Lifeline Scholarships, a school voucher program that would give students in low-performing school districts vouchers for private schools. School vouchers have been a Republican ideal for some time, and many Democrats have been opposed to the program.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

While in office, he faced pressure from Democratic lawmakers and backed down on supporting school vouchers by removing them from the state budget, which angered Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers with whom he negotiated the budget.

Some believe his support for vouchers could “pave his way to the White House” as a centrist, but others see Shapiro’s support as isolating the pro-public school and pro-teachers union faction of the party.

, As Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, picks her running mate, some of her options may have problems within key coalitions of the Democratic Party.  Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) are reportedly Harris’s two top picks, but parts of their past while in office may be unappealing to factions of the Left. Harris ran a progressive campaign during her 2020 run but has toned down some of her ideas while in the White House, and it is unclear how progressive of a campaign she plans to run this year.  Kelly and Shapiro bring Harris the opportunity to win two crucial swing states, Arizona and Pennsylvania, but as they are vetted on the national stage, some Democrats may be wary of them. Kelly on labor While Kelly has only been in office for four years, he has won two statewide elections in Arizona after filling John McCain’s seat after he died. His time in office has been relatively quiet, with little public controversy. Kelly, however, has not signed on to a key piece of labor legislation, which could spell trouble for the ticket’s support from labor unions. Some union officials told ABC News that Kelly’s unwillingness to support the PRO Act, a piece of legislation that looks to make the path toward forming unions and winning labor contracts easier, should be a red flag. “Why would the Democrats even consider a senator for the vice presidency if the senator doesn’t support the PRO Act?” said John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union and an ally of President Joe Biden. “It’s the most important piece of national legislation workers have right now.” Of the 51 Senate Democrats, 48 support the PRO Act. Kelly has said he supports the legislation’s goals but has “some concerns.” During his 2022 Senate run, Kelly was backed by several Arizona labor unions. “Only 3 Democrats refused to sign on to the PRO Act, one of whom was Mark Kelly,” Richard Bensinger, former organizing director at the AFL-CIO, said on Sunday after Harris announced her candidacy. “The right to organize unions is the most important thing to labor so that’s a hard no.” The Biden-Harris administration has strongly supported unions as Biden has throughout his political career. On Monday, the AFL-CIO, which is the biggest federation of unions in the United States and has long supported Biden, announced its endorsement of Harris. “From day one, Vice President Kamala Harris has been a true partner in leading the most pro-labor administration in history,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said. “At every step in her distinguished career in public office, she’s proven herself a principled and tenacious fighter for working people and a visionary leader we can count on. From taking on Wall Street and corporate greed to leading efforts to expand affordable child care and support vulnerable workers, she’s shown time and again that she’s on our side.” Shapiro on school vouchers and Israel Shapiro is popular in Pennsylvania, according to a May poll from the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, and Siena College, which found 57% of residents approving of his leadership. His popularity spans different parties, as the poll found 77% of Democrats, 42% of Republicans, and 39% of independents approve of Shapiro’s time in office.  But he may prove to be unpopular with coalitions of the Democratic Party for his stances on Israel and school vouchers.  Shapiro, who is Jewish, has been steadfast in his support for Israel throughout the Israel-Hamas war, which could alienate a vocal part of the Left that has backed anti-Israel stances since the Oct. 7 attacks.  “Israel not only has a right, they have a responsibility to rid the region of Hamas and the terror that Hamas can perpetrate,” Shapiro said in December, calling on the U.S. to “help support the Israeli people once the battle is over in finding their footing again.” He has also been criticized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations and 43 Pennsylvania Muslim organizations for refusing to call for a ceasefire in the region as other Democrats have done. “At a time when governors of California and New Jersey have underlined in public statements their support for a ceasefire in Gaza, Gov. Shapiro has failed to do that,” the statement from CAIR read. “His attacks on academic freedom, intentionally depicting protests in a negative light, failure to care for and listen to Palestinian Pennsylvanians whose families are being massacred day in and out by Israeli government, and his behind-the-scenes antagonization of community organizations cannot be ignored and easily forgiven,” the statement continued. It is unclear exactly how Harris will approach Israel, but she has proven sympathetic to the loss of life in the Gaza Strip due to the war. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington this week, she plans to meet with him privately and skip his congressional address. When Shapiro ran for governor in 2022, he touted his support for Lifeline Scholarships, a school voucher program that would give students in low-performing school districts vouchers for private schools. School vouchers have been a Republican ideal for some time, and many Democrats have been opposed to the program. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER While in office, he faced pressure from Democratic lawmakers and backed down on supporting school vouchers by removing them from the state budget, which angered Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers with whom he negotiated the budget. Some believe his support for vouchers could “pave his way to the White House” as a centrist, but others see Shapiro’s support as isolating the pro-public school and pro-teachers union faction of the party., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/harrisbidenslow.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Annabella Rosciglione,

As Vice President Kamala Harris has all but surely become the Democratic nominee for president, some House Democrats in swing seats have yet to endorse her.

In the 48 hours since President Joe Biden announced he would step aside from the race, Harris has secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee and raised $100 million. While Biden was in the race but facing calls from a growing number of Democrats to drop out, some downballot Democrats worried about their chances of winning with Biden at the top of the ticket. 

When Harris announced she was running, she said her “intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

Now, some vulnerable Democrats have yet to endorse the new nominee in toss-up districts, according to the Cook Political Report. 

Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK)

Alaska’s at-large Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) told CNN she does not give political endorsements and that she is declining to give Harris her endorsement. In 2022, Peltola flipped a seat that was held by a Republican for nearly 50 years.

“There’s a lot of work left to do for Alaska these next six months — and that’s my first priority. President Biden made a decision that a lot of politicians wouldn’t. He and his family are in my prayers. I’m not sure who the Democratic candidate will be,” Peltola posted on X. 

“All I can say is Alaskans should vote their conscience this November, know your bipartisan delegation has your back, and that we’re covering all the angles no matter who is in the White House and which parties have majorities in Congress,” she continued.

Rep. Don Davis (D-NC)

Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) did not endorse Harris or mention her in his brief statement on Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

“I wholeheartedly support President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race. My sincere prayers are with him and his family as I continue to focus on fighting for eastern North Carolina,” Davis said in a statement when Biden stepped aside.

His website and social media accounts have not posted about any endorsement as well.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA)

Following Biden’s withdrawal from the race, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) released a statement that her prayers were with the president and that many in her southwestern Washington district did not have confidence in Biden’s ability to lead. 

“I doubt the president’s judgment about his own health, his fitness to do the job, and whether he is the one making important decisions about our country, rather than unelected advisers,” she said in a previous statement calling upon Biden to drop out.

Now, she has not endorsed Harris, simply saying the next president should be “fit enough to do the job.”

“It’s time to move forward and put the past behind us. The next President must clearly be fit enough to do the job, and that fitness must be prosecuted publicly,” she posted on X, without giving an endorsement to Harris.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)

In Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s (D-OH) statement when Biden stepped aside, she commended his work and said that “history will record and look fondly on this significant progress.” 

Nonetheless, her statement did not include an endorsement of Harris, and her social media accounts have been quiet on any endorsement of the vice president.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME)

Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) represents Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, which is largely rural and voted for former President Donald Trump in 2020. He previously said he could not commit his vote to Biden due to Biden’s perceived health concerns.

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“I will not vote for someone if I don’t think they are physically or mentally equipped to lead this nation,” he said, adding, “I do not know the answer to that question at this time.”

Golden also made headlines earlier this month for saying, “Donald Trump is going to win. And I’m OK with that.”

2024-07-23 13:13:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F3095283%2Fdemocrats-critical-seats-havent-endorsed-harris%2F?w=600&h=450, As Vice President Kamala Harris has all but surely become the Democratic nominee for president, some House Democrats in swing seats have yet to endorse her. In the 48 hours since President Joe Biden announced he would step aside from the race, Harris has secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee and raised $100,

As Vice President Kamala Harris has all but surely become the Democratic nominee for president, some House Democrats in swing seats have yet to endorse her.

In the 48 hours since President Joe Biden announced he would step aside from the race, Harris has secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee and raised $100 million. While Biden was in the race but facing calls from a growing number of Democrats to drop out, some downballot Democrats worried about their chances of winning with Biden at the top of the ticket. 

When Harris announced she was running, she said her “intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

Now, some vulnerable Democrats have yet to endorse the new nominee in toss-up districts, according to the Cook Political Report. 

Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK)

Alaska’s at-large Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) told CNN she does not give political endorsements and that she is declining to give Harris her endorsement. In 2022, Peltola flipped a seat that was held by a Republican for nearly 50 years.

“There’s a lot of work left to do for Alaska these next six months — and that’s my first priority. President Biden made a decision that a lot of politicians wouldn’t. He and his family are in my prayers. I’m not sure who the Democratic candidate will be,” Peltola posted on X. 

“All I can say is Alaskans should vote their conscience this November, know your bipartisan delegation has your back, and that we’re covering all the angles no matter who is in the White House and which parties have majorities in Congress,” she continued.

Rep. Don Davis (D-NC)

Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) did not endorse Harris or mention her in his brief statement on Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

“I wholeheartedly support President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race. My sincere prayers are with him and his family as I continue to focus on fighting for eastern North Carolina,” Davis said in a statement when Biden stepped aside.

His website and social media accounts have not posted about any endorsement as well.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA)

Following Biden’s withdrawal from the race, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) released a statement that her prayers were with the president and that many in her southwestern Washington district did not have confidence in Biden’s ability to lead. 

“I doubt the president’s judgment about his own health, his fitness to do the job, and whether he is the one making important decisions about our country, rather than unelected advisers,” she said in a previous statement calling upon Biden to drop out.

Now, she has not endorsed Harris, simply saying the next president should be “fit enough to do the job.”

“It’s time to move forward and put the past behind us. The next President must clearly be fit enough to do the job, and that fitness must be prosecuted publicly,” she posted on X, without giving an endorsement to Harris.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)

In Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s (D-OH) statement when Biden stepped aside, she commended his work and said that “history will record and look fondly on this significant progress.” 

Nonetheless, her statement did not include an endorsement of Harris, and her social media accounts have been quiet on any endorsement of the vice president.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME)

Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) represents Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, which is largely rural and voted for former President Donald Trump in 2020. He previously said he could not commit his vote to Biden due to Biden’s perceived health concerns.

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“I will not vote for someone if I don’t think they are physically or mentally equipped to lead this nation,” he said, adding, “I do not know the answer to that question at this time.”

Golden also made headlines earlier this month for saying, “Donald Trump is going to win. And I’m OK with that.”

, As Vice President Kamala Harris has all but surely become the Democratic nominee for president, some House Democrats in swing seats have yet to endorse her. In the 48 hours since President Joe Biden announced he would step aside from the race, Harris has secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee and raised $100 million. While Biden was in the race but facing calls from a growing number of Democrats to drop out, some downballot Democrats worried about their chances of winning with Biden at the top of the ticket.  When Harris announced she was running, she said her “intention is to earn and win this nomination.” Now, some vulnerable Democrats have yet to endorse the new nominee in toss-up districts, according to the Cook Political Report .  Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) Alaska’s at-large Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) told CNN she does not give political endorsements and that she is declining to give Harris her endorsement. In 2022, Peltola flipped a seat that was held by a Republican for nearly 50 years. “There’s a lot of work left to do for Alaska these next six months — and that’s my first priority. President Biden made a decision that a lot of politicians wouldn’t. He and his family are in my prayers. I’m not sure who the Democratic candidate will be,” Peltola posted on X.  “All I can say is Alaskans should vote their conscience this November, know your bipartisan delegation has your back, and that we’re covering all the angles no matter who is in the White House and which parties have majorities in Congress,” she continued. All I can say is Alaskans should vote their conscience this November, know your bipartisan delegation has your back, and that we’re covering all the angles no matter who is in the White House and which parties have majorities in Congress.— Mary Peltola (@MaryPeltola) July 23, 2024 Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) did not endorse Harris or mention her in his brief statement on Biden’s withdrawal from the race. “I wholeheartedly support President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race. My sincere prayers are with him and his family as I continue to focus on fighting for eastern North Carolina,” Davis said in a statement when Biden stepped aside. His website and social media accounts have not posted about any endorsement as well. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) Following Biden’s withdrawal from the race, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) released a statement that her prayers were with the president and that many in her southwestern Washington district did not have confidence in Biden’s ability to lead.  “I doubt the president’s judgment about his own health, his fitness to do the job, and whether he is the one making important decisions about our country, rather than unelected advisers,” she said in a previous statement calling upon Biden to drop out. Now, she has not endorsed Harris, simply saying the next president should be “fit enough to do the job.” “It’s time to move forward and put the past behind us. The next President must clearly be fit enough to do the job, and that fitness must be prosecuted publicly,” she posted on X, without giving an endorsement to Harris. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) In Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s (D-OH) statement when Biden stepped aside, she commended his work and said that “history will record and look fondly on this significant progress.”  Nonetheless, her statement did not include an endorsement of Harris, and her social media accounts have been quiet on any endorsement of the vice president. Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) represents Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, which is largely rural and voted for former President Donald Trump in 2020. He previously said he could not commit his vote to Biden due to Biden’s perceived health concerns. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “I will not vote for someone if I don’t think they are physically or mentally equipped to lead this nation,” he said, adding, “I do not know the answer to that question at this time.” Golden also made headlines earlier this month for saying, “Donald Trump is going to win. And I’m OK with that.”, , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/kamala-harris-posters-at-hq.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Annabella Rosciglione,

Louisiana‘s new law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms across the state may have hit some roadblocks preventing it from going into effect in some schools. 

The law, which was signed by Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) last month, prompted a group of parents to file a lawsuit on the basis of the law’s constitutionality. While the law works its way through the courts, the schools the parent’s children attend will not be required to display the Ten Commandments.

A hearing is set for September 30 under U.S. District Judge John deGravelles of Louisiana’s Middle District. A ruling is expected by November 15. Until then, five schools will not be required to display the religious text, and the state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education cannot “promulgate advice, rules or regulations regarding proper implementation” of the law.

The plaintiffs are nine Louisiana families who come from different religious backgrounds, with four families belonging to the Christian Church, according to the Washington Post. They are being represented by a coalition of groups, including the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the American Civil Liberties Union’s national and state offices, filed a federal lawsuit. They believe the First Amendment of the US Constitution does not allow for government establishment of religion and guarantees religious liberty.

“Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every Louisiana public-school classroom — rendering them unavoidable — unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state’s favored religious scripture,” the lawsuit reads.

The law requires public school classrooms in the state to display the Ten Commandments in each classroom on easily readable posters starting in 2025. It has the support of House Speaker Mike Johnson, of Louisiana, and former President Donald Trump.

“The Ten Commandments displays required under state law will create an unwelcoming and oppressive school environment for children, like ours, who don’t believe in the state’s official version of scripture,”  Rev. Darcy Roake, a plaintiff in the case, said in a statement. “We believe that no child should feel excluded in public school because of their family’s faith tradition.”

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In 1980, a similar law in Kentucky regarding public schools and the Ten Commandments was struck down by the US Supreme Court, but in recent years the Supreme Court has been more open to religion in public schools. 

Similar proposals have been made in other Republican leaning states like Texas and Oklahoma, but that legislation has not come to fruition there.

President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 symptoms continue to improve while he isolates at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Biden was diagnosed with COVID earlier this week at a critical time in his reelection bid as his campaign looks to put him in more in person campaign events. A letter from Biden’s doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor said Biden is still experiencing symptoms of the virus but is improving.

“He is still experiencing a loose, non­productive cough and hoarseness, but his symptoms continue to improve steadily. His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain absolutely normal. His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air. His lungs remain clear,” The letter said.

O’Connor said Biden completed his sixth dose of Paxlovid, the medication used for treatment of COVID-19. 

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The variant of COVID-19 that Biden tested positive for accounts for 33.3% of all new cases of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Biden’s doctor said he would continue to write updates on the president’s health as he progresses with the illness.

As President Joe Biden faces calls from dozens of House Democrats and a handful of Democratic senators, some of the most influential people in the party have still stuck by his side. 

In the now three and a half weeks following the debate, the calls for Biden to step down have only increased with now 36 elected Democrats calling for Biden to step aside. Biden still has some strong supporters who continue to back him through the turmoil.

Here are the people who are still on board with Biden at the top of the ticket. 

Vice President Kamala Harris

Biden’s right hand woman has been steadfast in her support for Biden. In an CNN interview immediately following the debate, Vice President Kamala Harris did acknowledge that Biden started slow but said he picked up as the debate went on. 

Harris has continued to reiterate her support for him in the fallout from the debate. She held a phone call Friday for concerned donors where she tried to reassure them Biden will win in November. 

“We are going to win this election,” She said on the call. “We know which candidate in this election puts the American people first: Our president, Joe Biden.”

The Clintons

The day after the debate, former President Bill Clinton put out a statement of support for Biden. 

“I’ll leave the debate rating to the pundits, but here’s what I know: facts and history matter. Joe Biden has given us 3 years of solid leadership, steadying us after the pandemic, creating a record number of new jobs, making real progress solving the climate crisis, and launching a successful effort in reducing inflation, all while pulling us out of the quagmire Donald Trump left us in. That’s what’s really at stake in November,” Bill Clinton said on X following the debate.

Former first lady and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has also been supportive of Biden at the top of the ticket, and both she and the former president have reportedly been telling donors to stick with Biden.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)

Progressive Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has been supportive of Biden throughout calls for him to step aside. She has tried to put down speculation from the media about Biden’s next step.

“I spoke with the president extensively this weekend. He has made abundantly clear that he is in this race. He has made abundantly clear that he is not leaving the race. He is the nominee. I am making sure that I support him and making sure that we win in November,” she said last week.

Friday, she took to Instagram Live to talk about the logistics behind kicking Biden off of the nomination and reasons why that would not work. She warned of more chaos surrounding Democrats if they moved forward with replacing Biden and warned that doing so could result in “a presidential election being decided by Clarence Thomas and the Supreme Court,” similar to the 2000 election.

“If you 10,000% are super-convinced that the candidate, or president, cannot beat Donald Trump, then do what you think is in your good conscience. But I have not seen an alternative scenario that, I feel, does not set us up for enormous peril,” she said.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)

Last week, the Washington Post reported that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) sat down with Biden to brainstorm ways he could revive his campaign through the noise. Sanders reportedly advised Biden to unveil his 100-Day Plan to voters. 

Biden unveiled his plan at a Michigan rally, to which Sanders endorsed some of it the next day. Sanders, 82,  has also publicly voiced his support for Biden to remain in the game.

“Biden and Democrats can win this election if they address the needs of the working class,” Sanders said in a statement about Biden’s path to victory. “The American people want change. It will either be the change of Trump’s reactionary and xenophobic policies, or change that benefits working families.”

He also published an op-ed in the New York Times about his support for Biden staying in the race.

“Yes. I know: Mr. Biden is old, is prone to gaffes, walks stiffly and had a disastrous debate with Mr. Trump. But this I also know: A presidential election is not an entertainment contest. It does not begin or end with a 90-minute debate,” He wrote.

“Enough! Mr. Biden may not be the ideal candidate, but he will be the candidate and should be the candidate. And with an effective campaign that speaks to the needs of working families, he will not only defeat Mr. Trump but beat him badly. It’s time for Democrats to stop the bickering and nit-picking,” He continued.

Govs. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI)

Many Democratic governors like Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL), and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) have also been steadfast in their support of the President.

Earlier this month, Newsom embarked on a campaign tour across the midwest on behalf of the Biden campaign. 

“I decided instead of just rolling over and giving up, that I would step up and pick up the fight,” Newsom said.

Whitmer also hasn’t faltered in her own support, coming from the battleground state of Michigan. It’s a state Trump won in 2016, but Biden flipped back blue in 2020. 

“I am proud to support Joe Biden as our nominee and I am behind him 100 percent in the fight to defeat Donald Trump. Not only do I believe Joe can win Michigan, I know he can because he’s got the receipts,” she said earlier this month when rumors were circulating that she would be on the presidential ticket.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)

Earlier this week, ABC reported that Democratic leadership, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has spoken with the DNC about delaying the nomination of Biden via a virtual roll call vote with party delegates and the Democratic National Committee ahead of next month’s convention.

Chumer’s office called the reporting “idle speculation” without outright denying the report.

Jefferies has stuck by Biden throughout, however, despite the reported conversation.

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“I’ve answered that question repeatedly over the last three weeks,” Jeffries said Friday when asked about supporting Biden at the top of the ticket. “I’ve answered that question repeatedly, my answer has not changed.”

“President Biden, as I’ve said repeatedly, is our nominee,” Jeffries said. “He has a tremendous track record of success. He is one of the most accomplished American presidents in our history and he has the vision, I believe the ability, the capacity, and the track record to make a case to the American people that will result in us being successful in November.”

As former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) inches closer to trial for defrauding campaign donors, his motion to dismiss charges has been struck down.  

U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert turned down Santos’ request to dismiss three charges of aggravated identity theft and theft of public money against him, according to the Associated Press. Santos was expelled from Congress last year for dozens of federal charges against him, including the credit card scam, and became the sixth member to be forced out of the chamber.

In the charges that Santos wished to dismiss, he is being accused of using campaign donors’ credit card information to make donations the donor had not authorized. Prosecutors also alleged that Santos tried to hide the source of money and evade campaign contribution limits.

In the defense’s view, the charges on identity theft are invalid because Santos overcharged credit card accounts he had voluntarily been provided with. Santos’ lawyers believe the charge has improperly combined multiple alleged criminal schemes and transactions, which courts have previously not allowed.

Prosecutors said the charges are tied together because they are a part of “a single continuing scheme.”

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In addition to charges of aggravated identity theft and theft of public money, Santos is being accused of lying to Congress, unrightfully collecting unemployment benefits, and using campaign donations for personal use like Botox and designer clothing.

He pled not guilty to the indictment and is set to go on trial in September in New York.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) is accusing an anti-war protester of assaulting him in Milwaukee during the Republican National Convention.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. in downtown Milwaukee, about a five-minute drive from Fiserv Forum, where the convention is being held. The Milwaukee Police Department said it is investigating the incident as an assault. 

“While standing in line to enter an event at the RNC today, I was assaulted by what appeared to be a member of the pro-Hamas group CODEPINK. A nearby police officer witnessed this assault and I understand they have been arrested,” Van Orden posted on X. 

“This appears to be an incident of political violence and I will never tolerate this. Regardless of the severity of the violence, political violence is political violence,” he continued.

Code Pink, a left-wing anti-war organization, denied the assault in a statement saying Code Pink “unequivocally states that no one from our organization assaulted anyone.” It added that it believes the arrest of Nour Jaghama is “unjust.”

“While peacefully waiting in line to enter an event, Jaghama, a visibly Palestinian woman, was intentionally bumped into by Rep. Derrick Van Orden while he tried to shove past her. Despite not reacting to this, Nour was falsely accused of ‘alleged’ assault by a Texas State police officer on the scene and we are told she will be taken to a Milwaukee Police Department for arrest. Notably, two other CODEPINK staff members ahead of her in line passed through without any issues, raising concerns of racial profiling,” the statement said.

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Milwaukee police told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Jaghama, 24, “battered the victim” and was taken into custody. “The victim sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention on scene,” police said, with the “victim” referring to Van Orden.

Milwaukee police also said charges “will be reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office.”

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is leaning into his anti-Trump credentials with a scathing message about the former president’s selection for vice president.

Continuing his role as the chief Trump agitator, Christie said he believes former President Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), will not be a unifying figure in the party.

In the wake of Trump’s assassination attempt, the former president told the Washington Examiner he was going to restructure his speech at the Republican National Convention to be centered on unity, and many, including President Joe Biden, have called for political temperatures to cool down. While not at the RNC this week, Christie made his voice heard in a New York Times op-ed criticizing Trump’s pick in light of recent events.

“Mr. Trump has the opportunity to rein in some of the worst rhetorical impulses of the Republican Party at its convention this week. He can point the party and its leadership in a new direction in the wake of the assassination attempt against him,” Christie wrote.“Early indications are less than promising.”

Christie said Vance is not the figure who can rein in such violent rhetoric. Following Trump’s assassination attempt, Vance posted on X that Biden’s rhetoric led to the violence, which Christie found distasteful as Trump preaches unity.

“Mr. Trump’s selection of Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate doubles down on the portion of the party already completely devoted to him rather than reaches out to the broader party and beyond,” Christie wrote. “Mr. Vance’s first reaction to the assassination attempt against Mr. Trump was to turn directly to the current, flawed playbook: demonize the other side and lay the blame at the feet of the Democrats, as if they had pulled the trigger themselves.”

Christie said that as political “language gets harsher and more divisive,” there has been “gridlock in Congress. Impeachments. Endless meaningless congressional hearings. A catastrophization of our politics where every election is now painted as the most important election in our lifetime, with both sides claiming that the stakes are nothing less than the very survival of our Republic.”

“Even now in the face of violence, the urge to blame comes first: to blame Mr. Trump for bringing the assassination attempt on himself, to blame Democrats for saying he would bring fascism to this country, to spiral into conspiracy theories about staged plots or inside jobs in order to make the attack fit our preset conceptions. Our politics as articulated by too many of our leaders have become about blame,” Christie wrote.

“The harsh truth is that the only way forward is if we have the will. We must look forward as a nation,” Christie continued.

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While Christie was one of the first to endorse Trump in 2016, the pair’s friendship soured after Christie disavowed him following Trump’s involvement in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. Still, Christie said voters should not move on from calls for unity. 

“It is not enough for this to be only a momentary call for unity. This change has to go beyond this week, next month and the November elections to be a real transformational shift. Otherwise, all we are left with is just another fleeting political moment,” Christie wrote.