In response to RNC Chair Michael Whatley and Co-Chair Lara Trump’s silence on Trump-backed candidate Mark Robinson’s shameful and appalling behavior, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released the following statement:
“Too many days have come and gone, and still nothing from Michael Whatley and Lara Trump on Mark Robinson’s horrific, offensive comments. It’s way past time for these two to get their house in order down in North Carolina — how hard can it possibly be to condemn a self-identified Nazi?”
Today, JD Vance is campaigning in North Carolina after refusing to answer questions on reporting about Donald Trump-endorsed NC gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson. In response,DNC Rapid Response Director Alex Floyd released the following statement:
“It’s both shameful and unsurprising that JD Vance still won’t condemn the horrifying comments from Mark Robinson uncovered in recent reporting. By dodging questions and piling up excuses, Vance is making clear that doubling down on a toxic and off-putting brand of MAGA extremism is more important to the Trump-Vance ticket than condemning a self-described ‘Nazi’ whose senior staff has already quit his campaign. Voters in North Carolina and across the country will not stand for this kind of offensive and hateful behavior — even if Trump and Vance will.”
JD Vance refused multiple times to answer for or condemn Mark Robinson’s behavior after new bombshell reporting on Robinson’s hateful, extreme rhetoric.
Lauren Mayk, WCAU: “Some news I wanted to talk about out of North Carolina with Mark Robinson. I’m sure you’ve heard about it. Governor Walz is also in this area, he just mentioned it at a rally this afternoon. I don’t know that you’ve gotten a chance to talk about it, so I wanted to ask you, are you comfortable with Mark Robinson as the Republican nominee for governor in North Carolina?”
JD Vance: “Well, look, the allegations are pretty far out there of course, but I know that allegations aren’t necessarily reality, and what I’d say is, it’s ultimately up to Mark Robinson and North Carolina whether he’s going to be their governor and whether he wants to stay in the race. I’ll let them make that decision.” …
Mayk: “Do you believe him that those were not his posts?”
Vance: “I don’t not believe him, I don’t believe him. I just think that you have to let these things sometimes play out in the court of public opinion. He’s going to make whatever arguments he wants to make.”
Reporter: “Senator Vance, do you have any reaction to the Mark Robinson news?”
Vance: *rushes into other room*
Vance: “My comment on Mark Robinson is that Kamala Harris cast the deciding vote on the Inflation Explosion Act and because of that a lot of Americans can’t afford groceries”
CNN: “‘I’m a black NAZI!’: NC GOP nominee for governor made dozens of disturbing comments on porn forum”
Robinson has a long and shameful history of spewing hate, lies, and conspiracy theories.
News & Observer: “‘Yeah, I said that.’ Mark Robinson embraced Trump’s false claims on 2020 election”
“[Trump] continues to push false claims about the election, and an audio recording obtained by The News & Observer shows Robinson has embraced those claims.
“Robinson, who has endorsed Trump, said in a speech at a church in 2021 that Biden ‘stole the election,’ the recording shows.”
Charlotte Observer: “Robinson said he owns AR-15s, a type of semiautomatic assault rifle, so he can fight back ‘in case the government gets too big for its britches.’”
Robinson: “When the chips are down, when the FBI is knocking on my door, will I cower, will I comply, or will I stand up and fight? Folks, it’s time to stand up and fight.”
HuffPost: “Mark Robinson’s Bizarre Ramble: ‘I Absolutely Want To Go Back To The America Where Women Couldn’t Vote’”
Daily Beast: “God Doesn’t Want Women to Lead, Says N.C. Lieutenant Governor”
HuffPost: “The Unbelievably Bonkers Conspiracy Theorist Running For Governor Of North Carolina”
“North Carolina GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson has said it himself: He’s a conspiracy theorist.”
“Robinson, who is the state’s lieutenant governor, has said he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if the 1969 moon landing was fake and the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an ‘inside job.’ He’s ‘SERIOUSLY skeptical’ of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. He falsely accused David Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, of being a paid actor. He’s claimed that climate change is based on ‘junk science.’”
WRAL: “Robinson said this Sunday during a church service outside Charlotte that God created him specifically to fight against the push for LGBTQ rights and visibility, which he says is turning America into a ‘hellhole.’
“‘I was not crafted to be Mr. Nicey-Nice,’ Robinson said. ‘… God formed me because he knew there was going to be a time when God’s learning was going to be intolerable to the wicked. When children were going to be dragged down to go see the drag show. When pornography was going to be presented to our children in schools.’
“Later on, he also slammed Christian churches that are accepting toward gay and lesbian people.
“‘Makes me sick every time I see it — a church that flies that Rainbow flag, which is a direct spit in the face of God almighty,’ he said.”
Talking Points Memo: “In particular, the Black community has been a major target for Robinson. In various posts over the years he referred to Black people as ‘muddle headed negroes,’ ‘apes,’ and ‘a monkey.’
“‘February is Black History Month. I guess the shortest month of the year is all we need to learn about the separate but equal history of a people who have achieved so little,’ Robinson wrote in 2014.”
Jewish Insider: “Last fall, Raleigh’s News & Observer unearthed an interview in which Robinson spoke with a fringe pastor, Sean Moon, who claimed that the modern incarnation of the four horsemen of the apocalypse includes China, the CIA, Islam and the Rothschild family of ‘international bankers that rule every single national or federal reserve-type style of central bank in every single country.’
“Rather than objecting to the blatantly antisemitic conspiracy theory, Robinson grunted along in agreement. ‘That’s exactly right,’ he said.”
HuffPost: “Top GOP Candidate For N.C. Governor Has A History Of Demeaning Successful Women.”
Robinson is an anti-choice extremist who has said a pregnant woman’s body isn’t hers anymore, railed against exceptions for rape or incest, and thrown his support behind banning abortion before many women even know they’re pregnant.
WGHP: “[Robinson said] that if he had the authority, abortion would be completely illegal in the state. … ‘If I had all the power right now, say I was the governor and had a willing legislature, we could pass a bill right now that says you can’t get an abortion in North Carolina for any reason. … I’d love to pass a law. I’d love to see a heartbeat bill proposed in our legislature.’”
Cardinal & Pine: “Robinson is on the record calling abortion ‘murder,’ and has asserted that once a woman is pregnant ‘it’s not [her] body anymore.’
“When the Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade last year, Robinson said in a statement that he was ‘overjoyed’ by the decision and that he had been ‘praying’ for such a thing to happen.”
WNCN: “Robinson: ‘Next goal’ is to restrict abortion at six weeks in NC”
WRAL: “At one point during Friday’s speech, a precursor to the main address former President Donald Trump would give the convention Saturday, the lieutenant governor explained why he rejects all abortion, including in cases of rape and incest.
“‘What about in cases of rape or incest?’ Robinson said, changing his voice to impersonate an abortion rights advocate. ‘It reminds me of the argument about seatbelts,’ Robinson said.”
In response to Donald Trump’s handpicked RNC leadership team’s close ties to MAGA extremist and Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for North Carolina Governor Mark Robinson,DNC Spokesperson Kenny Palmer released the following statement:
“It’s inexcusable that the leaders of the Republican Party, North Carolinians Lara Trump and Michael Whatley, have failed to disavow Mark Robinson. After previously praising Robinson as someone who will deliver ‘change’ to North Carolina and dismissing his horrifying record as ‘not a concern at all,’ it is absolutely unacceptable that Donald Trump’s handpicked RNC leadership is continuing to stand behind this kind of repulsive and disgraceful extremism. Mark Robinson, Lara Trump, and Michael Whatley don’t represent North Carolinians and they’re too extreme for the Tar Heel State.”
Donald Trump’s handpicked RNC leaders Michael Whatley and Lara Trump have praised and stood behind Mark Robinson — with Lara Trump even saying Robinson’s extreme, hateful record isn’t a “concern at all.”
Michael Whatley: “Congratulations to @markrobinsonNC for winning the NC Gubernatorial Primary. North Carolina voters have delivered a resounding message that they want change in the Governor’s Mansion and Mark Robinson is ready to deliver it! #NCGOP”
NC Newsline: “Michael Whatley, the current head of the North Carolina Republican Party, was on-hand at the North Carolina Renewal Project events at which Robinson spoke. He praised Robinson as the greatest Lt. Governor in the United States.”
WFAE: “‘It was a great day to be a Republican here in North Carolina,’ said North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley… ‘When it comes to the Council of State, Mark Robinson winning the lieutenant governor’s race by 178,000 votes, very historic and we’re excited about that.’”
Bloomberg: “As you look at your home state, are you worried the gubernatorial candidate there, Mark Robinson, could actually create a drag on Donald Trump’s chances? Is he a problematic candidate for the Republican Party?
Lara Trump: “No, listen, I don’t think you have ever seen that sort of movement for Donald Trump, in fact, I would say it is the opposite, it’s Donald Trump typically helps out the candidates in these various races, down ballot races, whether it is within the state or for the House or the Senate. And so that’s not a concern at all.”
Like Trump, Robinson has a long and shameful history of spewing hate, conspiracy theories, and election denialism.
Rolling Stone: “Trump’s Pick for NC Gov. Called Himself a ‘Black Nazi,’ MLK ‘Worse Than a Maggot’”
“As recently as a few weeks ago, the Trump campaign was doubling down on its support for Robinson, despite his long, diverse history of controversies. RNC co-chair, and Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump told Bloomberg in late August that she was unconcerned about the possibility Robinson could be a drag on the former president’s performance in North Carolina.
“‘In fact I would say it’s the opposite. Donald Trump typically helps out the candidates in these races, down-ballot races,’ she countered. ‘So that’s not a concern at all.’”
CNN: “‘I’m a black NAZI!’: NC GOP nominee for governor made dozens of disturbing comments on porn forum”
Charlotte Observer: “Robinson said he owns AR-15s, a type of semiautomatic assault rifle, so he can fight back ‘in case the government gets too big for its britches.’”
Robinson: “When the chips are down, when the FBI is knocking on my door, will I cower, will I comply, or will I stand up and fight? Folks, it’s time to stand up and fight.”
HuffPost: “Mark Robinson’s Bizarre Ramble: ‘I Absolutely Want To Go Back To The America Where Women Couldn’t Vote’”
Daily Beast: “God Doesn’t Want Women to Lead, Says N.C. Lieutenant Governor”
HuffPost: “The Unbelievably Bonkers Conspiracy Theorist Running For Governor Of North Carolina”
“North Carolina GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson has said it himself: He’s a conspiracy theorist.”
“Robinson, who is the state’s lieutenant governor, has said he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if the 1969 moon landing was fake and the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an ‘inside job.’ He’s ‘SERIOUSLY skeptical’ of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. He falsely accused David Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, of being a paid actor. He’s claimed that climate change is based on ‘junk science.’”
WRAL: “Robinson said this Sunday during a church service outside Charlotte that God created him specifically to fight against the push for LGBTQ rights and visibility, which he says is turning America into a ‘hellhole.’ ‘I was not crafted to be Mr. Nicey-Nice,’ Robinson said. ‘… God formed me because he knew there was going to be a time when God’s learning was going to be intolerable to the wicked. When children were going to be dragged down to go see the drag show. When pornography was going to be presented to our children in schools.’ Later on, he also slammed Christian churches that are accepting toward gay and lesbian people. ‘Makes me sick every time I see it — a church that flies that Rainbow flag, which is a direct spit in the face of God almighty,’ he said.”
Talking Points Memo: “In particular, the Black community has been a major target for Robinson. In various posts over the years he referred to Black people as ‘muddle headed negroes,’ ‘apes,’ and ‘a monkey.’ ‘February is Black History Month. I guess the shortest month of the year is all we need to learn about the separate but equal history of a people who have achieved so little,’ Robinson wrote in 2014.”
Jewish Insider: “Last fall, Raleigh’s News & Observer unearthed an interview in which Robinson spoke with a fringe pastor, Sean Moon, who claimed that the modern incarnation of the four horsemen of the apocalypse includes China, the CIA, Islam and the Rothschild family of ‘international bankers that rule every single national or federal reserve-type style of central bank in every single country.’ Rather than objecting to the blatantly antisemitic conspiracy theory, Robinson grunted along in agreement. ‘That’s exactly right,’ he said.”
HuffPost: “Top GOP Candidate For N.C. Governor Has A History Of Demeaning Successful Women.”
News & Observer: “‘Yeah, I said that.’ Mark Robinson embraced Trump’s false claims on 2020 election”
“[Trump] continues to push false claims about the election, and an audio recording obtained by The News & Observer shows Robinson has embraced those claims. Robinson, who has endorsed Trump, said in a speech at a church in 2021 that Biden ‘stole the election,’ the recording shows.”
Donald Trump is demanding that the House GOP put his political interests ahead of the American people and shut down the government if MAGA Republicans don’t get their way — and it’s led to yetanother week of chaos and dysfunction on Capitol Hill. Even members of Trump’s own party recognize how catastrophic his government shutdown could be for Americans: Sen. Mitch McConnell trashed the plan as “politically beyond stupid” and Rep. Steve Womack called the plan “counterintuitive” and gave Republicans’ ability to pass government funding “a D-Minus.” MAGA Republicans continue to play partisan political games instead of bringing a bipartisan, common-sense bill to the floor because that is Trump’s endgame — controlling the MAGA GOP for his own gain and shortchanging the American people.
Republicans are in complete disarray this week as they continue to play partisan political games with government funding at Trump’s behest.
The Hill: “House GOP torpedoes Speaker Johnson’s funding bill”
“A diverse group of House Republicans torpedoed Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) proposal to fund the government on Wednesday, dealing an embarrassing blow to the GOP leader and derailing his strategy to avoid a shutdown at the end of the month.
“The vote outcome, nonetheless, is putting the Speaker in a bind. It leaves the path to averting a shutdown unclear, puts him in danger of disappointing former President Trump and his conference’s right-flank, and threatens to thwart his efforts to remain GOP leader in the next Congress.”
NBC News: “House Republicans reject their own funding bill with a shutdown around the corner”
“It was an embarrassing blow to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who had yanked the same funding package off the floor last week amid growing GOP defections, only to watch it collapse on Wednesday in a vote that seemed doomed from the start.”
The Hill: “Non-starter pure & simple!!” Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, told The Hill in a text message when asked about Johnson moving toward a ‘clean’ three-month stopgap.”
Axios: “Asked if Johnson would face a revolt if he moved ahead with a clean three-month bill, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) responded: ‘I sure hope so.’”
Republicans aren’t even trying to defend themselves as the MAGA House majority failed once again to agree on a plan to avoid a shutdown ordered by Trump.
Sen. Mitch McConnell: “My only observation about this whole discussion is the one thing you cannot have is a government shutdown. It’d be politically beyond stupid for us to do that right before the election, because certainly we’d get the blame.”
Rep. Mike Simpson: “If you shut down the government a month before the election, that’s problematic.”
Rep. Steve Womack: “‘I don’t know where we are right now. As far as the grade for the appropriations process for the 118th Congress, it’s a D-minus.’”
Rep. Steve Womack: “It’s counterintuitive to somebody in government to think about shutting down the government.”
Rep. Steve Womack: “There’s an old saying in Arkansas that you don’t learn nothing the second time you get kicked in the head by a mule.”
Rep. Thomas Massie: “It’s a fake bar fight with … wood chairs and sugar bottles. This was all theater.”
Axios:“Another House Republican, speaking on the condition of anonymity, called Johnson’s plan ‘puzzling’ and predicted that it will frustrate some GOP lawmakers.
Punchbowl News: “Johnson is putting a bill on the floor that his entire leadership team — Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Tom Emmer of Minnesota — knows is going to fail. One House Republican lawmaker entered a meeting of GOP whips Tuesday and told us that he was ‘going to see how well they’re polishing this turd.’”
Trump and Vance spent the week doubling down on their call for a government shutdown unless MAGA Republicans get their way — and Johnson continues to allow Trump to pull the strings.
Punchbowl News: “Mike Johnson tells leadership he is talking to Trump on CR”
Jordain Carney, Politico: “News: Johnson just told reporters that he is going to be meeting with Trump ‘in a little while’”
NBC News: “‘I would shut down the government in a heartbeat if they don’t get it,’ Trump said on the ‘Monica Crowley Show’ last week.”
“‘It should be in the bill. And if it’s not in the bill, you want to close it up,’ he said. ‘So I’m not there but, you know, I have influence.’”
CNBC: “Trump tells Republicans to shut down government if hard-line voter ID bill gets cut from spending bill”
“Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday said congressional Republicans should pursue a government shutdown if they cannot attach a hard-line voting bill to the temporary funding resolution that would keep the government open.”
Vance: “…And so yeah, man, why shouldn’t we be trying to force this government shutdown fight to get something out of if that’s good for the American people?
The 118th Congress is on track to be one of the least productive in American history — all because MAGA Republicans allow this Trump-fueled chaos to continue.
ABC News: “118th Congress on track to become one of the least productive in US history”
Axios: “Capitol Hill stunner: 2023 led to fewest laws in decades”
Associated Press: “Americans’ faith in institutions has been sliding for years. The chaos in Congress isn’t helping”
In response to JD Vance refusing to answer questions on reporting about Donald Trump-endorsed NC gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson,DNC Rapid Response Director Alex Floyd released the following statement:
“It shouldn’t be hard to disavow Mark Robinson’s horrific comments, but JD Vance has consistently shown he is willing to surround himself in an echo chamber of hate and extremism. Vance is making it clear that Robinson and the Trump-Vance ticket are both offering the same toxic and off-putting brand of MAGA politics that the American people will reject in North Carolina and across the country.”
NEW: JD Vance failed to disavow Mark Robinson after yesterday’s bombshell reporting.
CNN: “‘I’m a black NAZI!’: NC GOP nominee for governor made dozens of disturbing comments on porn forum”
Reporter: “Senator Vance, do you have any reaction to the Mark Robinson news?”
Vance: *rushes into other room*
Vance: “My comment on Mark Robinson is that Kamala Harris cast the deciding vote on the Inflation Explosion Act and because of that a lot of Americans can’t afford groceries”
Robinson has a long and shameful history of spewing hate, lies, and conspiracy theories.
News & Observer: “‘Yeah, I said that.’ Mark Robinson embraced Trump’s false claims on 2020 election”
“[Trump] continues to push false claims about the election, and an audio recording obtained by The News & Observer shows Robinson has embraced those claims.
“Robinson, who has endorsed Trump, said in a speech at a church in 2021 that Biden ‘stole the election,’ the recording shows.”
Charlotte Observer: “Robinson said he owns AR-15s, a type of semiautomatic assault rifle, so he can fight back ‘in case the government gets too big for its britches.’”
Robinson: “When the chips are down, when the FBI is knocking on my door, will I cower, will I comply, or will I stand up and fight? Folks, it’s time to stand up and fight.”
HuffPost: “Mark Robinson’s Bizarre Ramble: ‘I Absolutely Want To Go Back To The America Where Women Couldn’t Vote’”
Daily Beast: “God Doesn’t Want Women to Lead, Says N.C. Lieutenant Governor”
HuffPost: “The Unbelievably Bonkers Conspiracy Theorist Running For Governor Of North Carolina”
“North Carolina GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson has said it himself: He’s a conspiracy theorist.”
“Robinson, who is the state’s lieutenant governor, has said he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if the 1969 moon landing was fake and the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an ‘inside job.’ He’s ‘SERIOUSLY skeptical’ of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. He falsely accused David Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, of being a paid actor. He’s claimed that climate change is based on ‘junk science.’”
WRAL: “Robinson said this Sunday during a church service outside Charlotte that God created him specifically to fight against the push for LGBTQ rights and visibility, which he says is turning America into a ‘hellhole.’
“‘I was not crafted to be Mr. Nicey-Nice,’ Robinson said. ‘… God formed me because he knew there was going to be a time when God’s learning was going to be intolerable to the wicked. When children were going to be dragged down to go see the drag show. When pornography was going to be presented to our children in schools.’
“Later on, he also slammed Christian churches that are accepting toward gay and lesbian people.
“‘Makes me sick every time I see it — a church that flies that Rainbow flag, which is a direct spit in the face of God almighty,’ he said.”
Talking Points Memo: “In particular, the Black community has been a major target for Robinson. In various posts over the years he referred to Black people as ‘muddle headed negroes,’ ‘apes,’ and ‘a monkey.’
“‘February is Black History Month. I guess the shortest month of the year is all we need to learn about the separate but equal history of a people who have achieved so little,’ Robinson wrote in 2014.”
Jewish Insider: “Last fall, Raleigh’s News & Observer unearthed an interview in which Robinson spoke with a fringe pastor, Sean Moon, who claimed that the modern incarnation of the four horsemen of the apocalypse includes China, the CIA, Islam and the Rothschild family of ‘international bankers that rule every single national or federal reserve-type style of central bank in every single country.’
“Rather than objecting to the blatantly antisemitic conspiracy theory, Robinson grunted along in agreement. ‘That’s exactly right,’ he said.”
HuffPost: “Top GOP Candidate For N.C. Governor Has A History Of Demeaning Successful Women.”
Robinson is an anti-choice extremist who has said a pregnant woman’s body isn’t hers anymore, railed against exceptions for rape or incest, and thrown his support behind banning abortion before many women even know they’re pregnant.
WGHP: “[Robinson said] that if he had the authority, abortion would be completely illegal in the state. … ‘If I had all the power right now, say I was the governor and had a willing legislature, we could pass a bill right now that says you can’t get an abortion in North Carolina for any reason. … I’d love to pass a law. I’d love to see a heartbeat bill proposed in our legislature.’”
Cardinal & Pine: “Robinson is on the record calling abortion ‘murder,’ and has asserted that once a woman is pregnant ‘it’s not [her] body anymore.’
“When the Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade last year, Robinson said in a statement that he was ‘overjoyed’ by the decision and that he had been ‘praying’ for such a thing to happen.”
WNCN: “Robinson: ‘Next goal’ is to restrict abortion at six weeks in NC”
WRAL: “At one point during Friday’s speech, a precursor to the main address former President Donald Trump would give the convention Saturday, the lieutenant governor explained why he rejects all abortion, including in cases of rape and incest.
“‘What about in cases of rape or incest?’ Robinson said, changing his voice to impersonate an abortion rights advocate. ‘It reminds me of the argument about seatbelts,’ Robinson said.”
Key Point: “Project 2025 stands to undo all of the progress that the Biden-Harris Administration has made regarding access to education, like walking back on student loan forgiveness, defunding and stripping resources from Hispanic Serving Institutions, and eliminating vital programs like Head Start that have significant impacts on young Latino students. Trump continues to show us that he does not care about our community and has no interest in seeing us succeed.”
Univision Noticias: “This Hispanic Heritage Month, who is fighting for us?” | Opinion
[Monica Guardiola, 09/15/2024]
I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants who came to the U.S. after my dad was recruited to work in the mines in Southern New Mexico in the 1960s. As the youngest of ten, growing up in the rural town of Lordsburg, NM, my proud Mexican parents instilled in us the values of hard work, an honest living, and the importance of creating community.
Throughout my career, I’ve experienced many challenges that I know I share with my fellow Latinas. I saw first hand the difficulties that marginalized communities face and the demoralizing effect of being under or misrepresented. I decided to dedicate my adult life to fighting against injustice, increasing Latino and Latina representation in our politics, and ensuring that Latinos were seen and heard.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has proven time and time again that they will fight for our rights. Throughout the Biden-Harris administration, we saw major advancements: Latino unemployment rates reached historic lows, our small businesses are growing at accelerated rates, the cost of insulin capped at $35 for seniors, and hundreds of thousands of Latinos saw their student debt eliminated.
The choice is clear this November. In Vice President Harris, we have a woman who is determined to put her plans to action, leading us on a new way forward to an opportunity economy for all Latinos. Donald Trump, on the other hand, has told the American people that all he has to offer us are “concepts of a plan” and has tried to hide from his Project 2025 agenda. His agenda calls for immigrants to be held in massive detention camps, the elimination of DACA, and restricting the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.
Last night, hours after newreporting showed how abortion bans are delaying emergency medical care and leading to “preventable deaths,” JD Vance doubled down on his promise that anti-choice activists would “always” have a seat at the Trump-Vance table while celebrating the end of Roe v. Wade that ushered in cruel abortion bans as “a victory”:
NEW: Reporting shows that abortion bans are delaying critical emergency care across the country, leading to two women dying in Georgia.
ProPublica: “Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say This Mother’s Death Was Preventable.”
“In her final hours, Amber Nicole Thurman suffered from a grave infection that her suburban Atlanta hospital was well-equipped to treat.
“She’d taken abortion pills and encountered a rare complication; she had not expelled all of the fetal tissue from her body. She showed up at Piedmont Henry Hospital in need of a routine procedure to clear it from her uterus, called a dilation and curettage, or D&C.
“But just that summer, her state had made performing the procedure a felony, with few exceptions. Any doctor who violated the new Georgia law could be prosecuted and face up to a decade in prison…
“But ProPublica obtained reports that confirm that at least two women have already died after they couldn’t access legal abortions and timely medical care in their state…
“Thurman’s case marks the first time an abortion-related death, officially deemed ‘preventable,’ is coming to public light…
“But since abortion was banned or restricted in 22 states over the past two years, women in serious danger have been turned away from emergency rooms and told that they needed to be in more peril before doctors could help. Some have been forced to continue high-risk pregnancies that threatened their lives. Those whose pregnancies weren’t even viable have been told they could return when they were ‘crashing.’”
ON THE RECORD: Hours after this reporting, JD Vance praised Donald Trump for overturning Roe v. Wade and paving the way for abortion bans across the country at an event in Georgia…
Vance: “The Supreme Court’s decision [to overturn Roe v. Wade] was a victory… We’re united in our gratitude and admiration for these devoted defenders of the unborn and for the judges, justices, and especially President Trump, whose commitment to defending the law and the constitution allowed this breakthrough after over 50 years.”
…and said anti-choice activists will “always have a seat” at the Trump-Vance ticket’s table, just like the last time he attended a Faith and Freedom Coalition event.
Vance, yesterday: “Cultural conservatives… will always have a seat at the table in the Republican Party of this president and of this leadership…”
Vance, in July: “There has been a lot of rumbling in the past few weeks that the Republican Party of now, the Republican Party of the future is not going to be a place that’s welcoming to social conservatives. And really from the bottom of my heart I would say that is not true. Social conservatives have a seat at this table and they always will so long as I have any influence in this party, and President Trump I know agrees.”
Following Tuesday’s debate, where Vice President Harris clearly laid out the contrast in this election and her vision for a New Way Forward, the Democratic National Committee launched a new billboard campaign, reaching voters in the high-traffic areas of Times Square and the Las Vegas Strip to ask if they are “…Ready for It?” and direct them to IWillVote.com to enter their “Kamala era” and register to vote.
Democrats are engaging voters on the issues that matter most and letting them know how they can make their voices heard in this election. As we approach the final sprint to November, the DNC reminds voters it’s almost time to Speak Now and chart a New Way Forward with Vice President Harris.
Take a look at some of the coverage highlights below:
People: Taylor Swift-Inspired Billboards for Kamala Harris Appear in Times Square and Las Vegas: ‘…Ready for It?’
[Charna Flam, 9/13/24]
“On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Swift, 34, officially endorsed Vice President Harris in the 2024 presidential race following the first debate between Harris and former president Donald Trump. Now, the Democratic National Committee is using the singer’s discography for witty campaign billboards that will be posted in New York City and Las Vegas, beginning on Friday, Sept. 13.
“The Times Square digital billboard includes the phrase ‘We’re in our Kamala era,’ a play on the title of Swift’s Eras Tour. It also features another image utilizing Swift’s hit song ‘…Ready for It,’ from her 2017 Reputation album, with the phrase ‘A New Way Forward… Ready for It?’
“The New York City ads will be placed 22 stories above the red steps in Times Square and feature a rotation of the two Swift-inspired images. (The placement of the NYC ads also seems to cheekily reference two of Swift’s hit songs ‘22’ and ‘Re’d from her 2012 album, Red.)
“There are also two ads for Las Vegas billboards. One is a photo of Harris, 59, with the text, ‘We’re in our Kamala era,’ and another shows a picture of Trump, 78, that reads ‘Exhausted with this guy?’”
Hollywood Reporter: “In Our Kamala Era”: Taylor Swift Ads Launch After Her Endorsement
[Jackie Strause, 9/13/24]
“Taylor Swift is in her Kamala era.
“The superstar singer-songwriter’s key phrase took over digital billboards in New York’s Times Square and on the Las Vegas strip Friday in a marketing push from the Democratic National Committee, spurred on by her endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz.
“‘As we drive the contrast between Vice President Harris’ New Way Forward and Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, which would rip away reproductive rights and rig the economy against working families, we’re reminding voters that it is critical to speak now to dump Trump and enter our Kamala era by visiting IWillVote.com and doing their research on how, where and when to vote in this election,’ said DNC communications director Rosemary Boeglin in a statement to THR on Friday.”
Deadline: Democratic National Committee References Taylor Swift’s Kamala Harris Endorsement In Times Square, Las Vegas Ads
[Ted Johnson, 9/13/24]
“The Democratic National Committee is capitalizing on Taylor Swift‘s endorsement with a Times Square digital ad and Las Vegas strip billboards that make reference to the superstar.
The digital billboard in Times Square feature rotating images of Harris and the tagline, ‘We’re in our Kamala era!’ and ‘A New Way Forward…Ready For It?’ Those are references to Swift’s Eras tour and her song …Ready For It?
“The spots also direct viewers to IWillVote.com, just as Swift directed her fans to voter registration.
“The digital billboard is located 22 stories above the RED steps in Times Square.
“The Vegas billboards also reference the “‘Kamala era’ as well as a key moment from the debate, when Harris baited Donald Trump by noting that attendees to his rally left early because they were bored. ‘Exhausted by this guy?’ the billboard reads, with a picture of Trump.”
Variety: Dems Capitalize on Taylor Swift Support With Ad Touting ‘Kamala Era’
[Gene Maddaus, 9/13/24]
“The Democratic National Committee is paying for outdoor advertising with a message alluding to Swift’s tour: ‘We’re in our Kamala era!’
“The ad is slated to run on a digital display in Times Square in New York, and on billboards in Las Vegas. Nevada is a swing state where the Democratic Party thinks the connection to live entertainment — a major local industry — is especially powerful.
“Another ad in the same locations will say ‘A New Way Forward… Ready for It?’”
Rolling Stone: DNC Leans Into Taylor Swift’s Kamala Harris Endorsement With New Ads
[Jon Blistein, 9/13/24]
“One ad features a photo of Harris with the slogan, ‘We’re in our Kamala era’ (ostensibly a nod to the Eras Tour, though ‘in our [blank] era’ feels a bit more like a broad pop colloquialism at this point — but who’s counting). The other ad is certainly more overt, tacking on a Reputation reference to Kamala’s campaign slogan: ‘A New Way Forward… Ready for It?’
“Both ads are slated to appear on a digital display in Times Square in NYC, as well as billboards in Vegas. In a statement, DNC Communications Director Rosemary Boeglin said, ‘We’re reminding voters that it is critical to speak now to dump Trump and enter our Kamala era by visiting IWillVote.com and doing their research on how, where and when to vote in this election.’”
Billboard: Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ‘Ready For It’ and ‘Kamala Era’ Ads Go Up Following Taylor Swift Endorsement
[Gil Kaufman, 9/13/24]
“The Kamala Harris campaign has pivoted from its Brat Summer to a new Era. On Friday (Sept. 13) the Democratic National Committee unveiled a new digital billboard campaign in New York and Las Vegas that leans into Taylor Swift‘s endorsement of the presidential bid by the sitting Vice President and her VP pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
“The ads from the DNC read ‘We’re In Our Kamala Era!’ in a nod to Swift’s billion-dollar Eras Tour, as well as ‘A New Way Forward… Ready For It?,’ a play on the song of the same name from the singer’s 2017 Reputation album. According to People, the Manhattan billboard is located 22 stories above the iconic red steps in Times Square — a seemingly Swift-esque Easter egg reference to Swift’s songs ‘22’ and ‘Red’ from 2012’s Red album.
“Meanwhile the ads on the Las Vegas strip feature a photo of Harris, 59, with the Eras reference, as well as another of Trump, 78, that asks, ‘Exhausted with this guy?’ While the New York ads are aimed at irritating Trump — who is known for putting his name on a number of buildings in New York — in his former home town, the choice of Sin City for the latter ad coincided with the twice-impeached former President’s planned rally in Vegas on Friday.”
The Hill: DNC nods to Taylor Swift in new ad campaign
[Lauren Irwin, 9/13/24]
“The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is capitalizing on superstar Taylor Swift’s recent endorsement of Vice President Harris by launching a new advertisement campaign.
“The ads will be placed in Times Square in New York City and on the Las Vegas Strip, asking voters if they are ‘Ready For It?’ in a nod to one of Swift’s songs. The ads will provide information on how and where to vote this November, the DNC said.
“The DNC said the Times Square ad will feature rotating images celebrating ‘our Kamala era’ and in Las Vegas the ads will contrast Harris with her GOP opponent, former President Trump.
“‘As we drive the contrast between Vice President Harris’ New Way Forward and Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, which would rip away reproductive rights and rig the economy against working families, we’re reminding voters that it is critical to speak now to dump Trump and enter our Kamala era by visiting IWillVote.com and doing their research on how, where, and when to vote in this election,’ DNC Communications Director Rosemary Boeglin said in a statement.”
The Independent: DNC enters its ‘Kamala Era’ with new Taylor Swift-themed ads
[Inga Parkel, 9/13/24]
“On Friday (September 13), just days after the megastar, 34, announced she would be voting for Harris in the 2024 presidential election, the DNC displayed its new slogan – ‘A New Way Forward…. Ready for It?’ and ‘We’re In Our Kamala Era’ – across digital billboards in New York’s Times Square and the Las Vegas strip.”
NME: Kamala Harris campaign launch Taylor Swift-themed ads after endorsement
[Emma Wilkes, 9/13/24]
“The Democratic National Committee (DNC) launched billboards in New York City and Las Vegas today (September 13) reading ‘We’re in our Kamala era!’ and ‘A New Way Forward… Ready For It?’.
“In a statement, DNC communications director Rosemary Boeglin said [via The Week]: ‘As we drive the contrast between Vice President Harris’ New Way Forward and Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, which would rip away reproductive rights and rig the economy against working families, we’re reminding voters that it is critical to speak now to dump Trump and enter our Kamala era.’”
“The Democratic National Committee knows the influence of Taylor Swift ’all too well’ and is launching ads referring to her in Times Square and on the Las Vegas Strip.
The ads refer to Swift with statements such as ‘We’re in our Kamala era!’ and ‘A new way forward … ready for it?’ They also urge voters to visit a website that helps them research where and how to vote.
“‘As we drive the contrast between Vice President Harris’ New Way Forward and Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, which would rip away reproductive rights and rig the economy against working families, we’re reminding voters that it is critical to speak now to dump Trump and enter our Kamala era by visiting IWillVote.com and doing their research on how, where, and when to vote in this election,’ DNC spokesperson Rosemary Boeglin said in a statement.”
Hindustan Times: Taylor Swift’s Dems support pushes ‘Kamala era’ ads to take over NYC, Las Vegas on the day of Trump’s upcoming rally
[Ashima Grover, 9/13/24]
“Making the most of Swift’s impactful stance as part of the zeitgeist of the 21st-century experience, the Democratic National Committee has whipped out new sharp-witted campaign ads that will go up in New York City and Las Vegas Friday, September 13, onwards.
“One of the Taylor Swift-inspired Kamala Harris ads plays with the artist’s record-smashing Eras Tour title. The Times Square billboard will reportedly flash the message: ‘We’re in Our Kamala Era!’ The digital billboard also includes another image that astutely uses the title of Swift’s 2017 ‘Reputation’ album’s hit track ‘…Ready for It.’ The phrase reads: ‘A New Way Forward… Ready For It?’”
The Week: DNC puts up Taylor Swift-inspired ads in Las Vegas, Times Square after singer endorses Kamala Harris
[The Week Staff, 9/13/24]
“Taylor Swift’s backing of Kamala Harris following the debate has sparked a surge in campaign efforts, with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) swiftly rolling out billboards and ads to boost her presidential campaign.
“’We’re in our Kamala era,’ read the Times Square digital billboard. It also features Swift’s hit song ‘Ready for It’ from the ‘Reputation’ album in 2017, ‘A New Way Forward…Ready for it?’
“In one of the Las Vegas billboards, the text reads, ‘We’re in our Kamala era’ with another picture of Trump—which read, ’Exhausted with this guy?’”
“In a statement, DNC communications director Rosemary Boeglin said, ’As we drive the contrast between Vice President Harris’ New Way Forward and Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, which would rip away reproductive rights and rig the economy against working families, we’re reminding voters that it is critical to speak now to dump Trump and enter our Kamala era.’”
KATV: Taylor Swift-inspired billboards for Kamala Harris pop up in NYC, Las Vegas
[Jessica A. Botelho, 9/13/24]
“Kamala Harris’ campaign appears to be making the most of Taylor Swift’s endorsement, as the the Democratic National Committee unveiled new Swift-inspired billboards in two U.S. states, including New York and Nevada.
“One advertisement includes a photo of Harris and the words, ’We’re in our Kamala era,’ a reference to Swift’s Eras Tour.
“Another ad shows a different image of Harris, along with the words, ‘A new way forward… Ready for It?’ This one is a nod to her hit song, ’Ready for It,’ which was on Swift’s Reputation album from 2017.”
Page Six: Kamala Harris campaign releases Taylor Swift-inspired ads after pop star’s endorsement: ‘Ready for it’
[Eileen Reslen, 9/14/24]
The Democratic National Committee released a billboard in New York City’s Time Square this week that features a photo of Harris, 59, over the phrase “We’re In Our Kamala Era,” according to People.
A second image again shows a close-up of the vice president and says underneath it, “A New Way Forward… Ready For It?,” referencing the Grammy winner’s hit 2017 song off her “Reputation” album.
Per the magazine, there are also two additional Swift-inspired billboards on the Las Vegas strip.
“This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the stories of generations of Latinos who embody the best of what America represents: a nation of opportunity and limitless potential. As we celebrate Hispanic heritage, let us remember that America’s foundation rests on the contributions of immigrants. Latinos have been instrumental in ensuring our nation lives up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and equality through their activism, hard work, and sacrifices, and continue to leave an indelible mark on the cultural fabric and history of our nation. From trailblazers like Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, our four Latino Cabinet members currently serving in the Biden-Harris administration, and dozens of leaders in Congress, Latinos have shaped and continue to shape our country since its founding to today.
“In 2020, Latinos used their voice to help elect President Biden and Vice President Harris, and in partnership, the Biden-Harris administration has delivered unprecedented progress for our community. Under the Biden-Harris economic agenda, the unemployment rate for Hispanics reached record lows, more Latinos than ever before have access to affordable health care, and the Latino community’s small businesses are thriving and growing at the fastest pace in over a decade. While we celebrate these achievements, we know the stakes for our community in this election couldn’t be higher.
“This election presents two starkly different paths for Latino families and our country. Donald Trump and JD Vance seek to pull us backward with their dangerous, extreme Project 2025 agenda. This is the same Donald Trump that demonized immigrants, slashed taxes for the wealthy on the backs of working people, and ripped away our hard-fought freedoms. In contrast, Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are fighting for a new way forward—one that protects our fundamental freedoms, strengthens our democracy, and ensures every individual can not just survive, but thrive, in pursuit of the American Dream.”
To ensure Latino families have the facts they need in this critical election after Donald Trump’s rally in Tucson, Arizona yesterday, DNC Spokesperson Marco Frieri released the following statement:
“Trump consistently attacks Latinos on the campaign trail as his Project 2025 agenda threatens to cost our families thousands of dollars a year if he’s reelected. Project 2025 would rip away affordable health care coverage, raise taxes on the middle-class, and send prices – from housing to the grocery store – soaring. When Trump was president, he rigged the economy for the rich and left Latino families behind and another Trump presidency would be an economic disaster for Arizona’s Latino community. In contrast, Vice President Harris has a plan to lower costs, create jobs, support Latino-owned small businesses, and build more housing. Democrats are doing the work on the ground to ensure Latino voters in Arizona and across the country know she has a plan for them. The stakes for Latino families could not be higher this election – Vice President Harris is the only candidate in this race fighting for us.”
Vice President Harris announced a plan to help small businesses start, grow, and create jobs that will directly benefit Latino-owned small businesses.
Politico: “Harris targets small business tax break in contrast with Trump’s corporate tax cuts”
“Harris’ proposal, released on Tuesday, calls for significantly expanding the tax deduction for start-up expenses from $5,000 to $50,000, while also setting the goal of 25 million new small-business applications during her first term, according to a Harris campaign official granted anonymity to describe details of the plan. The plan also proposes reducing barriers to getting occupational licenses and developing a standard tax deduction for small businesses.
“The proposal’s focus on tax breaks for small businesses attempts to craft a contrast with Trump, who has called for lowering the corporate tax rate, as well as extending and expanding his 2017 tax law.”
Bloomberg: “Harris to Expand Small Business Tax Relief to Boost Startups”
“Harris also plans to initiate a small business expansion fund to enable community banks to cover interest costs when emerging enterprises are trying to expand, particularly in regions that have historically struggled to get investments. If elected, Harris will also pledge to ensure that one-third of federal contract dollars go to small businesses by expanding opportunities in rural areas and underserved communities.”
Trump’s comments have sparked outrage and fear from the Latino community.
The Hill: Top Latina advocates decry Trump’s ‘not people’ comments
Axios: “Latino activists and political leaders worry that increasingly harsh and racist rhetoric about immigrants — particularly by Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters — is fueling a surge in the already record-breaking number of hate crimes against Latinos.”
The Guardian: ‘It’s worse than ever’: how Latinos are changing their lives in Trump’s America
Vice President Harris has proposed a four-year plan to alleviate America’s housing shortage and lower housing costs for working families:
Associated Press: “Harris campaign releases new ad to highlight plans to build 3 million homes and reduce inflation”
Copper Courier: “How Harris’ housing plan lines up with Arizona’s crackdown on corporate landlords”
CNN: “Harris to announce 4-year plan to lower housing costs”
Business Insider: “Kamala Harris is going full YIMBY — and housing experts are optimistic”
Trump’s economic agenda would raise costs for working families and skyrocket inflation. Experts agree that Trump’s plan would be a disaster:
USA Today: “According to a Moody’s study, Trump’s plan would trigger a recession by mid-2025 and an economy that grows an average 1.3% annually during his four-year term vs. 2.1% under Biden.”
The Atlantic:“Trump’s Plan to Supercharge Inflation”
“In an upcoming analysis shared exclusively with The Atlantic, Mark Zandi, the chief economist for Moody’s Analytics, forecasts that compared with current policies, Trump’s economic plans would increase the inflation rate and force the Federal Reserve Board to raise interest rates higher than they would be otherwise. ‘If he got what he wanted,’ Zandi told me, ‘you add it all up and it feels highly inflationary to me.’”
CNN: “How Trump’s tariff plans could kill jobs and worsen inflation”
“Some economists are warning that Trump’s trade agenda and the ensuing retaliation from trading partners would hurt the US economy by worsening inflation, killing jobs, depressing growth and spooking investors.
“In a worst-case scenario, economists fear these policies could set the stage for a recession.
“‘The policy is very bad. Tariffs make consumers poorer. They shrink the economy,’ Alex Durante, an economist at the Tax Foundation, a right-leaning think tank, told CNN in a phone interview. ‘This would probably be the most damaging part of a Trump 2.0 economic agenda.’”
Center for American Progress: “Former President Trump Proposes an Up to $3,900 Tax Increase for a Typical Family”
Axios: “Scoop: 16 Nobel economists see a Trump inflation bomb”
Trump’s Project 2025 agenda would repeal the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, kicking millions of Latinos off their health insurance and raising the costs of prescription drugs.
NBC News: “After years of threats, Trump still doesn’t have a plan to replace Obamacare”
‘We are working on things. We’re going to do it. We’re going to replace it,’ Trump said.”
New York Times: “Former President Donald J. Trump’s suggestion in Tuesday’s debate that he had ‘concepts of a plan’ to replace the Affordable Care Act instantly became one of the night’s most memorable lines, transposed into memes across social media.”
Axios: ‘Obamacare was lousy health care. Always was,’ Trump said. ‘It’s not very good today. And what I said, that if we come up with something, we are working on things, we’re going to do it and we’re going to replace it.’
Daily Beast: “Trump Revives Plan to Dismantle Obamacare if Elected in 2024”
Mediaite: “‘OBAMACARE SUCKS!!!’ Trump Rants About New Plan — Years After He Promised It Was ‘Two Weeks’ Away”
New York Times: “Trump Administration Files Formal Request to Strike Down All of Obamacare”
WBUR: “Project 2025 also calls for the repeal of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.”
Project 2025: “Support repeal of massive spending bills like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).”
Vance: “I think there’s a lot of bad policy in [the IRA]. … And I’d like to see a lot of
Center for American Progress: “Project 2025 Prescription Drug Plan Would Increase Costs for as Many as 18.5 Million Seniors and Others With Medicare”
Trump wants to enact his extreme Project 2025 agenda that would rig the economy for the ultra-wealthy (again) while leaving working Latino families behind.
Trump: “You’re all people that have a lot of money… You’re rich as hell.… We’re gonna give you tax cuts.”
Vanity Fair: “Donald Trump Wants to Give His Favorite Corporations Another Giant Tax Cut in a Second Term: Report”
Center for American Progress: “Project 2025’s Tax Plan Would Raise Taxes on the Middle Class and Cut Taxes for the Wealthy”
Forbes: “Trump Tax Cuts Helped Billionaires Pay Less Taxes Than The Working Class In 2018”
Economic Policy Institute: “The TCJA overwhelmingly benefited the rich and corporations while overlooking working families”
Vox: “Trump said this tax break was for small businesses. It’s giving $17 billion to millionaires this year”
New York Times: “White Americans Gain the Most From Trump’s Tax Cuts, a Report Finds”
As a result, the average tax cut going to a white American household is more than double one going to a black or Latino one.”
