As we know, recent polling in the United States has been anything but accurate and as election day looms, both parties are pulling out all the stops to win over every last vote.
The Democrats have been struggling with their sitting president’s low approval rating for many months now.
He says this election is a choice between two fundamentally different visions of America.
“This election isn’t a referendum, it’s a choice. It’s a choice between two fundamentally different visions of America.”
Tuesday’s elections represent the first nationwide test of democracy since Biden took office and Trump’s followers stormed the U.S. Capitol in protest.
Speaking of Trump, he’s been campaigning in Ohio for Republican Senate nominee JD Vance. While First lady Jill Biden is in Northern Virginia, campaigning with Democratic Representative, Jennifer Wexton
But what’s actually at stake?
All 435 seats in the House, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate, 36 state governorships, three U.S. territory governorships and a large number of city mayorships and local offices.
In a further 37 states, issues including laws on abortion, marijuana and voting rights are also up for a vote.
It follows House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy speaking exclusively to CNN as his party eyes off a red wave.
If the Republican party does win back control of the House and the Senate, McCarthy is vowing to secure the border, cut back on government spending and launch investigations into the Biden administration.
McCarthy is also optimistic about his chances of securing Speaker of the House.
McCarthy was reluctant to predict how many seats his party may pick up on election night but says “anywhere over 20 is a red wave.”
“I’ve seen more competitive race than I’ve seen in any given time. I see Democrats spending money in seats that Biden won by 20 points – New York.”
In Florida, current Senator Marco Rubio says his followers have one job to do.
“We have one job left to do and that is turn out to vote and vote in big numbers. These people don’t just need to lose, they need to lose by a lot. They need to get the message — we will never be a socialist country.”
All eyes on Pennsylvania
There’s one race which has everyone talking and that is the battle for one of Pennsylvania’s highly sought-after seats in the Senate.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks at a pre-election rally to support Republican candidates in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 5, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Representing the Democrats is John Fetterman, a former mayor who currently serves as the state’s lieutenant governor.
In the Republican corner is Mehmet Oz, known affectionately as Doctor Oz.
He’s the Trump-backed candidate who rose to fame as Oprah Winfrey’s go-to health practitioner.
Oz says America is the land of opportunity.
“I’m not a politician. I’m a surgeon. What surgeons do is tackle big problems. We do it successfully, in my case, fixing broken hearts by working with everybody, by making sure we unify people in the operating room — not divide them. The same will work for our nation.”
Musk supports change
This comes as Elon Musk throws his support behind the Republican party.
Taking to Twitter, the platform’s new owner says “shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic”.
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With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'.
A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.
Trump and Netanyahu unveil a Middle East peace plan; explore implications for hostages, ceasefire, and regional dynamics.
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a new plan to end the war in the Middle East. The announcement sets out an ambitious path that could reshape negotiations and redefine the region’s future.
In today’s episode, we explore what this plan means for hostages, the prospects for a ceasefire, and the risks of legitimising groups like Hamas. Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center joins us to break down the key messages and the global response.
Could this be a turning point, or just another failed attempt at peace? We look at the stakes for Jewish communities worldwide, the message it sends to other leaders in the region, and whether this moment rewards terrorism or sets a path for justice. Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
In Short:
– Sean Combs sentenced to 50 months in prison for prostitution-related charges involving male escorts.
– Combs expressed remorse and plans to appeal the sentence, citing parental plea for leniency.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to over four years in prison following his conviction for prostitution-related charges.
The sentence of 50 months was handed down by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court. Combs, aged 55, was found guilty after a jury determined he arranged for male escorts to travel across state lines for drug-fueled sexual performances with his girlfriends.
Combs faced a maximum of 20 years but was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering, that could have led to a life sentence.
The allegations included claims that he coerced his girlfriends into participating in these encounters through threats and violence. Combs, who has been incarcerated since his 2024 arrest, is expected to appeal.
Emotional Statements
During the sentencing, Combs expressed remorse and stated he had learned his lesson. He acknowledged past abuses but maintained that the performances were consensual. His legal team argued for a reduced sentence of 14 months, citing his prior time served, while prosecutors advocated for a more extended sentence, highlighting the seriousness of the abuse.
Combs’ children also spoke during the proceedings, requesting leniency from the judge, stating that he had improved since his arrest. They pleaded for their father’s presence in their lives, with his daughter emotionally addressing the court.
The case has drawn significant media attention, marking Combs as a prominent figure facing serious charges in the entertainment industry.
In Short:
– Hamas is willing to release hostages but needs clarity on Trump’s peace plan.
– Negotiations continue, with Hamas requesting changes to disarmament and Israeli withdrawal terms.
Hamas has indicated a willingness to release the remaining hostages in Gaza, contingent on conditions linked to a broader peace agreement. The group’s response to mediators did not provide clarity on many aspects of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan.Hamas expressed gratitude for Trump’s peace efforts but sought specifics on issues like the timeline for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and assurances regarding the cessation of hostilities.
Trump welcomed the dialogue, urging Israel to pause its military actions while negotiations progress, which may exceed the Sunday deadline he set for a deal.
The group has agreed to release all prisoners associated with the occupation as part of Trump’s exchange proposal. However, Hamas maintains that discussions on Gaza’s future and the rights of the Palestinian populations require an inclusive Palestinian framework.
Reports suggest that 20 of the 48 hostages are still alive. Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that the group needs further negotiations before committing fully to Trump’s plan and indicated that releasing the hostages in 72 hours is unrealistic.
Ongoing Negotiations
Trump’s peace initiative aims for the release of all hostages and proposes a transitional governance board for Gaza. While Hamas has shown some willingness to support the plan, it insists on modifications, particularly around disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Complexities within Hamas’s leadership further complicate consensus on the deal, as previous U.S. attempts to persuade the group have faltered.