Meghan McCain was criticized for mocking Violet Affleck's UN speech and calling out nepotism, despite her own family background, leading to social media backlash and accusations of hypocrisy.
Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley hopes to replicate John McCain's 2000 New Hampshire primary upset, but faces challenges in closing Donald Trump's lead. While independent voters played a crucial role in McCain's win, Haley's lead among them is narrower, and she lags significantly behind Trump among conservatives. The wildcard is voter turnout, which could benefit Haley if motivated by a desire to send a message against the status quo. However, with low turnout at her own events, her chances remain uncertain as the primary approaches.
Steve Kornacki draws parallels between the current Republican presidential race and the 2000 primary season, highlighting the potential challenge former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley poses to Donald Trump in New Hampshire, similar to John McCain's threat to George W. Bush. He emphasizes the significance of independent voters in New Hampshire and the cautionary tale of McCain's loss in South Carolina due to a lack of support from Republican loyalists, suggesting that a victory for Haley fueled by non-Republicans could be viewed with suspicion by Republicans elsewhere.
Former President Donald Trump made controversial remarks about the Civil War, John McCain, and magnets during a campaign event in Iowa, also calling for the release of Jan. 6 suspects. He faced criticism for suggesting the Civil War could have been negotiated and mocking McCain's war injury. Trump also made false claims about magnets and addressed a recent school shooting in Perry, Iowa. Despite his divisive language, some supporters remain unfazed, while others, including Republican figures, expressed confusion and criticism over his comments.
Meghan McCain criticized Donald Trump as a "piece of shit" for mocking her late father, John McCain, at an Iowa rally, where Trump made disparaging remarks about the late senator's war injuries. Trump has a history of attacking John McCain, including questioning his status as a war hero. Meghan McCain defended her father's legacy and slammed Trump as an "election denying, huckster" with a history of disrespecting her father.
Meghan McCain criticized Donald Trump for mocking her late father, John McCain, over his thumbs-down vote that thwarted a 2017 Obamacare repeal bill. Trump imitated the gesture during a recent campaign appearance, prompting Meghan to call him a "piece of shit" and criticize his election denial. Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly also condemned Trump's remarks, highlighting John McCain's sacrifice for his country.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced criticism for "lecturing" Israel's war cabinet as the Biden administration faces pressure to end the fighting against Hamas in Gaza. Rep. Michael Waltz warned that following President Biden's directives could lead to Israel's surrender and embolden Hezbollah, Syrian militias, and Iran. Waltz emphasized the need for Israel to remain firm against Hamas, as they only understand strength. Critics highlighted past remarks by the late Sen. John McCain, who called Blinken "unqualified" and "dangerous to America." They also referenced Blinken's failed prediction about the end of the war in Afghanistan in 2014.
President Joe Biden delivered a speech in Arizona, emphasizing the importance of engagement and community in protecting democracy. He criticized the Republican Party for being driven by MAGA extremists and warned that their extreme agenda could fundamentally alter American democracy. Biden called for putting partisanship aside and prioritizing the country's interests. He condemned political violence and emphasized the need to respect free and fair elections. Biden also paid tribute to the late Senator John McCain, highlighting the courage and vision he embodied. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump announced that he will not attend the third Republican presidential primary debate, citing its negative impact on the party.
President Joe Biden delivered a speech in Phoenix, Arizona, warning of the threats to American democracy and honoring the late Senator John McCain. Biden emphasized the importance of standing up against attacks on democracy and condemned the extremist MAGA movement. He announced plans to use funding from the American Rescue Plan to build a McCain Library in partnership with the McCain Institute. Biden highlighted the need for another term to preserve democratic institutions under fire from former President Donald Trump and warned that American democracy would be in peril if a Republican wins the White House in 2024. The speech coincided with Republican dysfunction on Capitol Hill, where a few extremist GOP House members are risking a government shutdown by holding up votes on government funding.
President Joe Biden will announce the construction of the McCain Library in Arizona, honoring his late friend, Republican Sen. John McCain. The library will provide education, work, and health monitoring programs to underserved communities in the state, funded by the American Rescue Plan in partnership with the McCain Institute and Arizona State University. Biden's visit will include warnings about threats to US democracy and a tribute to McCain, who passed away in 2018. McCain's widow, Cindy McCain, will join Biden during the announcement.
President Biden plans to announce the creation of a new library and museum dedicated to his late friend and Republican rival, Senator John McCain. The institution, affiliated with Arizona State University, will house McCain's papers and feature exhibits about his life, including a possible reproduction of the "Hanoi Hilton" where he was held as a prisoner of war. The announcement is part of Biden's speech focusing on the battle for American democracy and the importance of defending democratic institutions. By honoring McCain, Biden aims to reach out to anti-Trump Republicans and appeal to voters in key battleground states. The library will be financed using leftover funds from the American Rescue Plan and will provide education, work, and health monitoring programs to underserved communities.
President Joe Biden paid his respects at the John McCain memorial in Hanoi, Vietnam, before departing, calling McCain a good friend. McCain, a former Arizona Republican senator, was shot down during the Vietnam War and held captive for over five years. Biden and McCain had a close relationship, with Biden often seeking McCain's advice and choosing him as a travel companion during his time in the Senate.
President Joe Biden visited a memorial for the late Sen. John McCain in Vietnam, paying his respects to their long friendship. Biden touched a wreath of flowers, dropped a coin, and saluted at the stone structure. McCain, a former prisoner of war in Hanoi during the Vietnam War, served alongside Biden in the Senate for three decades before his death in 2018.
President Joe Biden gave a rare network interview with MSNBC, discussing topics such as the Supreme Court's recent decisions, criticism of the media, and reminiscing about his friendship with the late Senator John McCain. Biden expressed his disagreement with expanding the number of Supreme Court justices and acknowledged the challenging polling numbers for his reelection campaign. He also mentioned concerns about the changing landscape of journalism and shared limited information about the U.S.'s knowledge of the Russian revolt. The interview concluded with an invitation for Biden to return for future discussions. Later, Biden attended fundraisers in New York, with part of the trip being funded by taxpayers.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has seen a decline in his national polling average, dropping below 20% since his peak in January. To win the GOP nomination, DeSantis could follow the model of former Senator John McCain, who surged in the polls after focusing on early states. However, he could also follow the path of former Texas Governor Rick Perry, who quickly rose to the top but was undone by controversies and missteps. The worst-case scenario for DeSantis is to follow the path of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who led in the polls before surrendering the lead to Donald Trump.