Roxanne Cooper

In recent years, Carter had received various hospital treatments, including when he revealed in August 2015 that he had brain cancer and was undergoing radiation treatment — an illness he recovered from, seemingly against the odds.

In addition to being president, the 100-year-old was a U.S. Navy submarine officer, a farmer, a diplomat, a Nobel laureate, a Sunday school teacher and one of the world’s most well-known humanitarians.

Carter won the presidency in 1976, following the Nixon and Ford administrations, at a time of grave political and social tumult not unlike our own. During his tenure, the Democrat prioritized human rights and social justice, enjoying a solid first two years, which included brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt dubbed the Camp David Accords.

But his administration hit numerous snags — the most serious being the taking of U.S. hostages in Iran and the disastrous failed attempt to rescue the 52 captive Americans in 1980.

The blowback from the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics, held in the former Soviet Union in response to that country’s invasion of Afghanistan, may have also hurt Carter.

Richard Moe, who served from 1977 to 1981 as chief of staff to Vice President Walter Mondale, offered an alternative view of Carter’s presidency in 2015, citing numerous achievements.

“As worthy as Jimmy Carter’s post-presidency has been, it shouldn’t overshadow his time in office, which has been too often overlooked, and which stands in sharp contrast to what we see in the [Trump administration],” Moe said.

In November 1980, Republican challenger Ronald Reagan beat Carter, relegating him to a single term of office on a wave of staunch conservatism.

“We told the truth, we obeyed the law, and we kept the peace,” said Vice President Walter Mondale at the end of Carter’s term.

In the introduction of his 2015 book, A Full Life, Carter repeated the Mondale quote, adding, “We championed human rights.”

As the years passed, a more nuanced image of Carter emerged, taking into account his post-presidential activities and reassessing his achievements.

He founded the Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy and received the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote social and economic justice.

Carter said basic Christian tenets such as justice and love served as the bedrock of his presidency, and the ex-president taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his church in Plains, well into his 90s.

Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, who is also a senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King, Jr. preached, wished the Carter family comfort as the former president entered hospice.

"Across life's seasons, President Jimmy Carter, a man of great faith, has walked with God," Warnock tweeted. "In this tender time of transitioning, God is surely walking with him."

Both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter made plans to be buried at their family home in Plains, near “a willow tree at the pond’s edge, on a gentle sloping lawn, where they will be buried in graves marked by simple stones.”

The Carters’ property has already been deeded to the National Park Service.

With additional reporting from AFP.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has asked state lawmakers to create a law eliminating ballot drop boxes, citing concerns about ballot harvesting despite a lack of evidence of widespread voter fraud through drop boxes.

LaRose's proposal, according to News5 Cleveland, comes after a federal court ruled that Ohio must offer more opportunities for people with disabilities to vote, a decision LaRose lost.

LaRose issued a directive requiring anyone delivering an absentee ballot for another person to sign an attestation that they are complying with state law. This effectively limits drop box use to personal ballots. Democratic State Senator Bill DeMora criticized the move, saying it would hurt working people, families, and college students.

DeMora argued that LaRose's actions are an attempt to make it harder for people to vote, especially those who don't typically support Republican candidates. LaRose claims his concern is about ballot harvesting, where someone collects and submits a large number of other people's ballots.

However, election law expert Atiba Ellis explained that LaRose's proposals stem from the recent court ruling that required Ohio to provide more voting opportunities for people with disabilities. The League of Women Voters of Ohio and the ACLU had sued the state, claiming it was violating federal voting rights laws.

Despite LaRose's claims, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud through drop boxes. Republican Governor Mike DeWine expressed skepticism about LaRose's proposals, stating that Ohio already runs elections well. With the state legislature not expected back until after the November election, drop boxes can still be used for now, but with additional steps in place.

Former President Donald Trump's ongoing legal battles have taken a new turn as he seeks to delay his sentencing in the Manhattan hush money case until after the 2024 election. This latest move is part of a broader strategy to avoid accountability across all four criminal cases against him, according to Norman Eisen, a former U.S. ambassador and White House official.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made during the 2016 election. His attorneys have asked Judge Juan Merchan to postpone the sentencing, currently scheduled for September 18, until after Election Day. The Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, has deferred to the judge's discretion but noted "strong reasons" to reject Trump's request.

In a brand new commentary piece at MSNBC.com, Eisen argues that Trump's delay request has no legal basis and should be rejected outright. He points out that under New York sentencing law, the delay must be "reasonable," which he contends this is not. Trump's lawyers cite a recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, but Eisen emphasizes that the Manhattan case concerns unofficial conduct not covered by such immunity.

"...there is no basis for this latest delay under the law, and Trump’s political purposes are so obvious, the court should reject this out of hand," Eisen writes.

The commentary also addresses Trump's other arguments for delay, including claims of potential impropriety and bias. Eisen notes that these claims have been consistently rejected, including by the New York Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics. He argues that delaying the sentencing could actually increase the appearance of impropriety, especially if Trump were to be elected president before sentencing.

"Whatever may be said about the mix of official and unofficial acts at issue in the 2020 attempted coup, which was the subject of the Supreme Court’s decision, the Manhattan case clearly concerns unofficial conduct," according to Eisen.

Eisen strongly advocates for proceeding with the sentencing as scheduled, arguing that Trump should not receive special treatment due to his status as a presidential candidate. He contends that timely sentencing serves the purposes of justice, including deterrence of potential future election crimes. Moreover, Eisen suggests that the sentencing hearing would provide valuable information to voters about the seriousness of Trump's crimes before they cast their ballots in November.

NOW READ: Harris now leads Trump in new key Nebraska poll

A recent New York Times/Siena College poll has unveiled a significant shift in the 2024 U.S. presidential race landscape. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has taken a surprising lead over former Republican President Donald Trump in three crucial swing states: Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

The survey, conducted from August 5-9, shows Harris commanding a four-point advantage over Trump in each state, with 50% support compared to Trump's 46% among likely voters. This development marks a dramatic turnaround for the Democratic campaign, which had been struggling in the wake of President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race on July 21.

Harris's ascendancy to the top of the Democratic ticket has breathed new life into a campaign that was previously floundering. Her strong showing in these battleground states is particularly noteworthy given the recent challenges faced by the Biden administration, including widespread protests over U.S. support for Israel's actions in Gaza.

The poll's findings are bolstered by a separate Ipsos survey released on Thursday, which showed Harris leading Trump nationally by 42% to 37%. However, it's important to note that these polls have margins of error ranging from 3 to 4.8 percentage points, indicating that the race remains highly competitive.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has withdrawn from consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris's potential running mate in the upcoming presidential election, according to reports from The New York Times and CNN. This development, reported on Monday evening, aligns with a Bloomberg story earlier that day which indicated Harris's team had narrowed their focus to three potential candidates: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.

Cooper confirmed his withdrawal in a post on the social media platform X. Despite this, he participated in a virtual fundraiser for the "White Dudes for Harris" group, where he criticized MAGA Republicans for their disrespect towards women, particularly highlighting controversial statements made by North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson.

Cooper had been considered a strong contender for the VP slot due to his popularity as a Democratic governor in a traditionally Republican-leaning swing state. His longstanding relationship with Harris and his term-limited status were seen as advantages. However, his age (67) and the peculiarities of North Carolina's gubernatorial succession law were noted as potential drawbacks.

The next steps in Harris's VP selection process remain unclear, with other potential candidates like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear who still might be in the mix.

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On July 13, 2024, a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, just 40 minutes north of Pittsburgh. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire from the roof of a nearby warehouse, striking Trump in the right ear and killing one spectator while critically wounding two others.

Text messages and security footage recently received by the New York Times reveal that Crooks had been on the radar of local law enforcement for over 90 minutes before the shooting, raising questions about the security measures in place and the coordination between federal, state, and local agencies.

According the to Times, around 4:19 p.m., a local countersniper who was part of the security detail alerted his colleagues that his shift was ending. He then noticed a young man, later identified as Crooks, sitting on a picnic table near the warehouse where the countersnipers were stationed. The officer texted his colleagues, warning them that the man "knows you guys are up there."

Over the next hour, the countersnipers continued to monitor Crooks, who was seen using a rangefinder and appearing to scope out the rally site. At 5:38 p.m., one of the countersnipers shared photos of Crooks with his colleagues, who then relayed the information to the Secret Service. However, Crooks managed to evade the officers and climb onto the roof of the warehouse closest to the stage, where he opened fire at 6:11 p.m. as Trump was addressing the crowd.

Investigations have revealed that Crooks had been planning the attack for several days. He purchased an AR-15-style rifle from his father in October 2023 and began researching past assassinations, including the John F. Kennedy shooting. On July 6, Crooks searched online for "How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?" and then registered to attend the rally in Butler on July 7.

The day before the rally, Crooks visited the site and flew a drone over the area, while the Secret Service did not seek permission to use a drone for their own surveillance. On the day of the event, Crooks returned to the site, purchased a ladder, and eventually climbed onto the roof, despite the presence of local law enforcement and Secret Service personnel.

Experts and security officials have questioned how Crooks was able to get so close to the former president, with some suggesting that the Secret Service may have been understaffed or inexperienced at the event. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned the day after the shooting, acknowledging the agency's failure to prevent the attack.

The FBI, Congress, and the Department of Homeland Security have launched simultaneous investigations into the incident. Lawmakers have vowed to examine the security protocols and coordination between federal, state, and local agencies to ensure such lapses do not occur again at high-profile political events.

Despite the widespread security presence, it was ultimately a chance turn of Trump's head that saved his life, as Crooks's first shot grazed the former president's ear, according to the Times. The second shot from Crooks was met with a swift response from Secret Service snipers, who killed the gunman within 30 seconds of the initial gunfire.

The assassination attempt has raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of political candidates and the need for robust security measures to protect them, especially in the context of a highly charged political environment and the rise of domestic extremism.

NOW READ: Surprise frontrunner emerges as voters' top VP choice in new poll

In a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) emerged as the frontrunner among potential running mates for Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. The poll, conducted on July 26-27, 2024, revealed some interesting insights into the public perception of various Democratic officials rumored to be in contention for the VP slot.

Senator Kelly secured the highest net favorability rating among the potential candidates, with a positive 10-point margin. 22% of respondents viewed him favorably, while only 12% held an unfavorable opinion. However, it's worth noting that a significant portion of voters - 41% - admitted to not knowing Kelly, while 24% expressed no opinion.

Following Kelly, three Democrats tied for second place with positive 4-point net favorability ratings: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Each of these candidates demonstrated varying levels of name recognition, with Buttigieg being the most well-known among them.

Interestingly, the poll revealed that a plurality of voters either don't know or don't hold an opinion on most of the possible VP contenders. This lack of familiarity could present both challenges and opportunities for the Harris campaign as they consider their VP selection.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, while known to a majority of respondents, fared worse in favorability compared to other candidates. He received a negative 12-point rating, with 21% viewing him favorably and 33% unfavorably.

The poll also brought good news for Vice President Harris herself. Her favorability rating increased by 8 points since the previous week's survey, giving her a slight positive edge with 43% viewing her favorably and 42% unfavorably. This improvement puts her ahead of both former President Trump and President Biden in terms of favorability ratings.

As Harris solidifies her position as the party's presumptive nominee, the choice of running mate could play a crucial role in shaping the campaign's strategy and appeal to voters. Political analysts suggest that the selection will need to balance factors such as geographical representation, policy expertise, and the ability to energize key demographic groups.

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Arizona State Senator Justine Wadsack, a Republican from the Tucson area, is claiming "political persecution" over a criminal speeding ticket she received in March, according to the Tucson Sentinel.

On the evening of March 15, Tucson police officer Ryder Schrage clocked Wadsack driving her Tesla Model S at 71 mph in a 35 mph zone on Speedway Boulevard. When pulled over, Wadsack identified herself as a senator and told the officer she was "racing home" because her car's battery was low. The officer did not issue a citation at the time due to Wadsack's claim of legislative immunity, which protects lawmakers from arrest or legal action while the legislature is in session.

This immunity is intended to prevent authorities from interfering with a lawmaker's ability to vote and participate in debates. However, charges can be filed once the legislative session ends.

After the session adjourned on June 15, police attempted to have Wadsack sign the criminal speeding citation, but she refused and accused the department of "political persecution."

Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 mph in Arizona is a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, probation, a fine and points on the driver's license.

Wadsack's claim of "racing home" because of a low battery does not hold up, according to a former Tesla engineer, who stated that speeding is inefficient and drains the battery faster due to increased wind resistance.

Tucson city officials have pushed back on Wadsack's "political persecution" claim, stating that prosecution for dangerous driving is not persecution. The police department has prioritized addressing traffic safety and dangerous driving behavior regardless of the driver's status.

The Tucson Police Department has filed a summons in Tucson City Court for the criminal speeding citation against Wadsack, and she is expected to be served within a week. In addition to the speeding charge, she faces a civil traffic violation for not providing proof of insurance during the traffic stop.

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Kuala Lumpur (AFP) – Malaysia on Saturday installed a motorcycle-riding billionaire sultan as its new king in lavish ceremonies for a post seen as a ballast in times of political crises.

The coronation ceremony for King Sultan Ibrahim, 65, at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur followed his oathtaking in January as the country's 17th monarch.

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with a unique arrangement that sees the throne change hands every five years between the rulers of nine Malaysian states headed by centuries-old Islamic royalty.

While chiefly ceremonial, the position of king has in recent years played an increasingly important role.

Royal intervention was needed to name prime ministers three times following the collapse of governments and a hung parliament that followed the 2018 electoral defeat of scandal-tainted premier Najib Razak.

In addition to overseeing major political appointments, the king serves as the official head of Islam in the Muslim-majority country and commander-in-chief of its armed forces.

Bloomberg estimates that Sultan Ibrahim and his family, rulers of southern Johor state just across from Singapore, are worth at least $5.7 billion.

Their holdings include land in Singapore and investments in industries such as palm oil, real estate and telecommunications.

Saturday's ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of neighbouring Brunei and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Wearing a traditional coat decorated with gold thread and a royal headdress, Sultan Ibrahim pledged to abide by the constitution and "uphold the religion of Islam and ensure peace in Malaysia".

Anwar congratulated and pledged loyalty to the new king.

Sultan Ibrahim has been outspoken about Malaysian politics and corruption.

He is also seen as a religious moderate. In 2017, he ordered a laundrette owner to apologise for allegedly discriminating against non-Muslims.

Married with six children, he has in the past made annual trips around Johor on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, handing out charity to poor people.

He also has significant personal business interests, including a stake in Forest City, a $100 billion development project off the coast of Johor led by Chinese investors.

The social media-savvy king has a vast collection of luxury and sports cars as well as private jets.

He also plays polo and is an officer in the national armed forces who underwent military training in the United States.

Sultan Ibrahim attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the United States, where he completed courses on "Southeast Asian Strategic Studies" and "International Law of the Sea", the palace said.

The last time a Johor sultan held the crown was four decades ago, when Sultan Ibrahim's father, Sultan Iskandar, was proclaimed Malaysia's eighth king in 1984.

Evan Gershkovich, a 32-year-old Wall Street Journal reporter, was sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Russian court on Friday after being found guilty of espionage charges in a closed-door trial. The charges against Gershkovich have been vehemently rejected by him, his employer the Wall Street Journal, and the White House, who all maintain that he was simply doing his job as an accredited journalist in Russia.

Gershkovich's trial in the city of Yekaterinburg was unusually swift, with Friday's hearing being only the third in the trial proceedings. This hasty pace has fueled speculation that a potential prisoner exchange deal between the United States and Russia involving Gershkovich and potentially other detained Americans may be in the works. When asked about the possibility of such an exchange, the Kremlin spokesman declined to comment, stating, "I'll leave your question unanswered."

Russian prosecutors had alleged that Gershkovich gathered secret information on behalf of the CIA about a Russian company manufacturing tanks for the war in Ukraine, claims that Gershkovich and the Wall Street Journal have denied. Gershkovich was arrested on March 29, 2023, by officers of the FSB security service at a steakhouse in Yekaterinburg, located around 900 miles (1,400 km) east of Moscow.

Since his arrest, he has been held in Moscow's Lefortovo prison.

The quiet town of Butler, Pennsylvania was shattered by a tragic act of violence on Saturday evening as an armed gunman opened fire on a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump.

In the chaos that ensued, firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed while bravely trying to shield his family from the hail of bullets, according to CNN.

Authorities have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a resident of the nearby town of Bethel Park.

Crooks, perched on a rooftop outside the rally venue, fired multiple shots from an AR-style weapon towards the stage where Trump was speaking.

"It was complete shock," recalled attendee Donna Hutz, who was seated just a few rows in front of the victims. "The gunshots rang out and everyone just hit the ground. It was too close for comfort." As Trump ducked for cover behind the podium, swarmed by Secret Service agents, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of screams and panic. In the chaos, Corey Comperatore, a beloved local firefighter, selflessly threw himself over his family to shield them from the hail of bullets.

"Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. Most especially, Corey loved his family," said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who spoke with Comperatore's grieving wife and daughters.

"Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally. Corey died a hero."

The former president himself was struck in the right ear by a bullet fragment, his face covered in blood as he was rushed from the stage.

In the aftermath, leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the senseless act of violence. President Joe Biden offered his condolences to Comperatore's family, describing him as a "father" who "was protecting his family from the bullets being fired when he lost his life."

Now watch: Trump gunman caught on video before shooting starts

The rivalry between Marco Rubio and Donald Trump was one of the most contentious and personal in recent political history. As the 2016 Republican primary campaign intensified, Rubio became one of Trump's most vocal and persistent critics, launching a barrage of attacks that went well beyond policy disagreements.

Personal Attacks and Insults

Rubio repeatedly mocked Trump's physical appearance, dubbing him "Donald Trump, the con artist" and making references to the size of his hands and other body parts.

In one instance, Rubio suggested that Trump had wet himself during a debate, saying, "You know what they say, 'When they're not sweating, they're not lying.'" This line of attack aimed to undermine Trump's strongman persona and portray him as weak and unprepared for the presidency.

The personal nature of the feud reached a new low when the two men engaged in a series of insults and taunts during a televised debate. Trump mocked Rubio's sweating and even suggested that the senator had a small penis, saying, "He referred to my hands — 'if they're small, something else must be small.' I guarantee you there's no problem. I guarantee." Rubio responded in kind, saying, "You know what they say about men with small hands? You can't trust them." The exchange was widely criticized as a descent into juvenile name-calling.

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Attacks on Trump's Business Record

Rubio frequently criticized Trump's business record, accusing him of "sticking it to the little guy" and exploiting workers.

"You know, his businesses have gone bankrupt not once, not twice, but four times," Rubio said during a debate. "And every time he filed for bankruptcy, he stuck it to the little guys, the contractors, the employees."

Rubio was particularly critical of Trump's handling of the 2008 financial crisis, arguing that the real estate mogul had profited off the misery of others. "He talked about how he made a lot of money because of the housing crisis," Rubio said. "He actually said, and I quote, 'And that's called business, by the way.'"

Questioning Trump's Fitness for Office

Rubio's attacks extended beyond Trump's personal and professional conduct, as he also sought to question the former president's fitness for office. During one debate, Rubio declared, "If he hadn't inherited $200 million, you know where Donald Trump would be right now? Selling watches in Manhattan."

The Florida senator also mocked Trump's policy positions, particularly his signature proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. "The front-runner in the Republican primary right now has as his main economic policy that he's going to have a trade war with China and cut off all trade with China," Rubio said. "That's not a policy, that's a soundbite."

As the campaign wore on, Rubio's attacks only intensified, with the senator even suggesting that Trump was not a true conservative. "If you want someone who is going to go to Washington, D.C., and ignore the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, then Donald Trump is your guy," Rubio said.

Defending Conservative Principles

Rubio positioned himself as the true conservative in the race, contrasting his principled stance with Trump's populist rhetoric and unconventional policy proposals. He argued that Trump's proposals, such as his proposed Muslim ban and his willingness to engage in torture, were antithetical to conservative values and would damage the Republican Party's reputation.

"I don't think we're going to be a party that defends torture," Rubio said during a debate. "I don't think we're going to be a party that engages in trade wars that will undermine our economy. And I don't think we're going to be a party that passes laws that violate the Constitution."

Rubio also criticized Trump's lack of political experience and his tendency to make outlandish statements, suggesting that the former reality TV star was more interested in generating headlines than offering substantive solutions to the country's problems.

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J.D. Vance, the author of the acclaimed memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," has had a complex and evolving relationship with former President Donald Trump.

Initially, Vance was a staunch critic of Trump, warning that his presidency would be disastrous for the Republican Party. However, in a surprising turn of events, Vance has since become a vocal supporter of the former president, even being considered as a potential running mate for Trump's 2024 campaign.

In the lead-up to the 2016 election, Vance was openly critical of Trump's candidacy.

In a 2016 article, Vance described Trump as an "idiot" and a "moral disaster," stating that he could potentially become an "American Hitler." Vance also argued that Trump's rise to power would be detrimental to the Republican Party, warning that he could "destroy the GOP."

Vance's criticisms of Trump extended beyond his personality and political style. He was particularly concerned about Trump's approach to foreign policy and national security. In 2016, Vance expressed skepticism about Trump's ability to handle delicate international situations, stating that he did not believe Trump had the "depth and complexity" required for the role of commander-in-chief.

Vance's concerns were echoed by other prominent Republicans, such as former Montana Governor Marc Racicot, who slammed Vance for his recent statement that he would have blocked the certification of the 2020 presidential election if he were in the place of former Vice President Mike Pence. Racicot described Vance's comments as "stunningly uninformed and mistaken," stating that they demonstrated a "lack of information and knowledge about what's appropriate under the Constitution."

However, Vance's views on Trump have undergone a dramatic shift in the years since the 2016 election.

In the run-up to the 2024 election, Vance has emerged as a vocal supporter of the former president, even going so far as to defend Trump against accusations of disrespecting veterans and the military.

During an interview on Fox News, Vance claimed that he was with Trump on D-Day and that the former president "talked constantly about how much he admired those who served, especially in that generation, but all generations."

Vance's defense of Trump's treatment of veterans stands in stark contrast to reports that the former president had referred to service members as "suckers" and "losers."

Vance's transformation from Trump critic to Trump loyalist has not gone unnoticed. Critics have accused him of being a "faux populist" who prioritizes style over substance and has "perfected what, on the right, tends to substitute for policy ideas these days: trolling the liberals."

The Guardian's Jan-Werner Müller, a professor of politics at Princeton University, has been particularly critical of Vance's shift, describing him as a "faux populist" who has "taken an ultra-MAGA turn and become a strident Trump supporter." Müller argues that Vance's culture-war politics do nothing to benefit working-class voters and that his "praising a man who evidently relishes cruelty as a paragon of 'compassion' beggars belief."

Despite the criticism, Vance's newfound loyalty to Trump has earned him a place on the former president's shortlist for a potential running mate in the 2024 election. This development highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of American politics, as well as the power of political ambition to shape and reshape the perspectives of even the most vocal critics.

As the 2024 election cycle approaches, the public will be watching closely to see how Vance's relationship with Trump continues to evolve and what impact it may have on the broader political landscape.

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As former President Donald Trump gears up for a third run at the White House in 2024 and next week's Republican National Convention, the question of who will join him on the ticket as his running mate is a crucial consideration.

This time around, Trump is said to be carefully vetting several potential running mates who could help shore up his support and broaden his appeal.

Two names that have consistently been floated as top contenders are Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. Both bring unique strengths and challenges to the ticket.

J.D. Vance, the author of the bestselling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," was once a fierce Trump critic, describing him as a "cultural heroin" for the working class. However, Vance has since undergone a political transformation, fully embracing Trumpism and winning a Senate seat in Ohio in 2022 with the former president's endorsement.

At 39 years old, Vance represents a new generation of Republican leaders, and his personal story of rising from poverty in Appalachia could help connect with struggling working-class voters. As a first-term senator, Vance also lacks extensive governing experience, which could be both an asset and a liability. Vance's willingness to fully align himself with Trump's agenda, even after previously criticizing him, could make him an appealing choice. However, his past opposition to Trump may raise questions about the depth of his loyalty, and there are concerns that he could be overshadowed by the larger-than-life former president.

Additionally, Vance's relatively short time in the Senate means he has a limited track record to scrutinize, which could be a double-edged sword.

Marco Rubio, on the other hand, is a seasoned political veteran who has been in the Senate since 2011.

He challenged Trump for the Republican nomination in 2016, engaging in a bitter personal feud that included Trump mocking Rubio's height and skin color. The two men have since reconciled, and Rubio is now seen as a potential bridge between Trump's populist base and the more traditional Republican establishment.

As the son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio could help the GOP make inroads with more Hispanic voters.

Rubio's Senate experience and measured, disciplined persona could balance out Trump's more bombastic style. However, Rubio's past clashes with Trump, as well as his support for comprehensive immigration reform in 2013, which was opposed by many conservatives, could make him a hard sell for the party's most ardent Trumpists.

Additionally, the 12th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits electors from voting for a president and vice president from the same state, which could complicate a Rubio selection, as both he and Trump are residents of Florida.

Another potential running mate is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis was a one-time rising star in the GOP and a potential successor to Trump, making him an attractive choice. DeSantis' combative style and hard-line conservative positions could energize Trump's base, but could also turn off more moderate voters. There are also questions about whether DeSantis would be content playing second fiddle to Trump.

South Carolina senator Tim Scott has also been floated as a possibility. As the sole Black Republican senator, Scott could help the ticket appeal to more diverse voters. However, Scott has at times distanced himself from Trump's most extreme rhetoric and policies, which could make him a less appealing pick from Trump's perspective.

Other names that have been mentioned include Trump loyalists like Kristi Noem, Elise Stefanik, and Kari Lake. The more extreme MAGA candidates like Noem, Stefanik, and Lake could energize the base but likely turn off independents and moderates.

Ultimately, Trump's choice of running mate will be a critical decision that could shape the trajectory of the 2024 campaign and, potentially, his presidency. The former president will likely weigh a variety of factors, including the ability to raise funds, appeal to key demographic groups, and provide a steadfast defense of his agenda. Both Vance and Rubio offer compelling case studies in how Trump might approach this pivotal decision.

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NEWTON – With a month and a half to go until Iowa caucuses, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held an event marking his completion of visits to all 99 Iowa counties. His final stop was Saturday in Jasper County.

Welcomed by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Bob Vander Plaats, two of his most prominent supporters, DeSantis reminisced on the 98 counties he visited before Jasper, including having played baseball on the Field of Dreams, having attended the Cy-Hawk football game in September and his tour of Iowa Sen. Dan Zumbach’s family farm in Delaware County.

“I don’t think doing the 99-counties is just about the caucus … I think it has significance beyond there,” DeSantis said. “The fact that I’m willing to do this, that should show you that I consider myself a servant, not a ruler.”

DeSantis, in a nod to rival Republican candidate Donald Trump, said no candidate is entitled to support, instead it must be earned. He said he’s earned that support with the 99-county tour “… and we’re going to continue to do it all the way through Jan. 15.”

The Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll in late October showed DeSantis trailing Trump by 25 percentage points among likely Republican caucusgoers. He was tied for second place with Nikki Haley at 16%.

FiveThirtyEight polls show Trump holding a nearly 48% lead over DeSantis nationally, as of Nov. 30. Trump, campaigning in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, urged supporters to turn out on caucus night and not assume the race was over.

DeSantis said after Thanksgiving, in a statement released by his campaign, that voters are just starting to engage with the campaigns as the caucus nears.

Reynolds on DeSantis’ record

Reynolds announced “full support” of DeSantis on Nov. 6, at a DeSantis campaign event in Des Moines.

Iowa governors typically do not endorse candidates for president before the first-in-the-nation caucuses, in effort to create a neutral environment for all candidates to prove themselves. However, Reynolds said there is “just too much at stake” to not endorse a candidate in this election.

Reynolds’ endorsement has been controversial among Trump supporters and the former president has criticized Reynolds for her endorsement of DeSantis multiple times, including calling her “the nation’s most unpopular governor.”

Reynolds has said she does not believe Trump can win in 2024. Reynolds and DeSantis were both elected governor in their respective states in 2018, and have frequently commented on their competitiveness with policies, including a 6-week abortion ban, prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors and how each of them handle their state’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

“If you like what we’re doing here in Iowa, you’re going to love what Ron DeSantis will do for this country,” Reynolds said Saturday. “I believe in him with every fiber of my being.”

Reynolds, encouraging Iowans to caucus, said the Republican Party does not “have the luxury of getting it wrong.”

DeSantis said his 99-county tour proved to him that Iowa will start the revival of the United States. Reynolds said Iowa is where America’s comeback begins.

Myrna Goodyk from Sully, who attended the event, said DeSantis has been her favorite since before Reynolds’ endorsement and that the Florida governor has proven himself in a lot of ways, but Reynolds’ endorsement was a positive for her.

“She’s endorsing DeSantis and that is one thing that makes it easier, because she’s quite a lady,” Goodyk said, adding that she is also encouraged by Vander Plaats’ endorsement.

Vander Plaats: ‘Trump is still a friend’

Vander Plaats, CEO of The Family Leader, a Christian-conservative organization, endorsed DeSantis on Nov. 21. He said at the time that DeSantis stood out to him as the best candidate because he “has the spine” and experience to win.

Family Leader CEO Bob Vander Plaats, right, speaks at a Ron DeSantis campaign event Dec. 2, 2023 in Newton. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester for Iowa Capital Dispatch)

In the announcement of his endorsement, Vander Plaats emphasized that DeSantis would not be a lame duck if elected, as opposed to Trump, who would be eligible to serve one term if elected, a narrative he continued Saturday in Newton.

Vander Plaats said he sees this cycle as DeSantis’ moment. “I take a look at, not only will he win in 2024, he will lead on day one and for two terms. And that’s what this country needs, a two- term president.”

The evangelical leader said Trump is still a friend of his. “Donald Trump has been a friend of mine for well over a dozen years, it’s getting harder, but I’m still gonna be a friend,” Vander Plaats said.

As Republicans decide the most viable route to the White House, there have been concerns of a split. Vander Plaats and Reynolds have tried to unite voters away from Trump, but poll numbers so far have shown little sway.

“Voting for Ron DeSantis is not against Donald Trump, it is about the future of our country,” Vander Plaats said.

As an alternative to Trump and with the future on the line, Vander Plaats said, DeSantis “can spend his time defending this country versus defending himself.”

‘The full Grassley’

For 43 years in a row, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has held a constituent meeting in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

Now, DeSantis has finished the tour, which has been coined “the full Grassley.” DeSantis is the only candidate in the field to do so.

DeSantis said the tour “was the right thing to do.” Reynolds complimented DeSantis for the dedication, and said the tour allows Iowans the opportunity to ask tough questions of candidates.

Both Reynolds and DeSantis said the campaign’s completion of the tour is a chance to see what people are dealing with as well as a chance to show that when he says he will do something, he will follow through with it. They said it is a positive indication of who he would be as president.

In a call with reporters this week, Grassley, without hinting at any endorsements, said it would be nice if all candidates in the field did a full Grassley, “because Iowans ought to have a chance to see them in their hometowns, but that’s up to the individual’s choice. I think it’s a good way to let them know that they’re serious about taking Iowa caucus voters seriously.”

DeSantis compares himself to Reagan

“We’ve got to have a president that can come in and not just be a caretaker for four years, but to be a change agent for eight years,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis he will restore America into a “shining city on a hill” like former President Ronald Reagan intended.

In another nod to Reagan, DeSantis called him the greatest president since World War II.

While DeSantis trails Trump, the shrinking field has created opportunities for the remaining candidates. Anne Walford from Grinnell said since Sen. Tim Scott has dropped out of the race, her support is between DeSantis and Haley.

Trump “has too much baggage right now,” Walford said, but said she would vote for him if he won the Republican nomination.

DeSantis said he sees Trump’s policies as sound overall, but pointed out what he would do differently if elected.

“We will do personnel a lot differently than he did” and he will handle China differently, DeSantis said. “His praise for Xi Jinping, to me, I just disagree with that, I mean, they unleashed COVID in this world, they unleashed fentanyl in this country. He’s not somebody to be lauded or complimented.”

Steve Failor, a semi-retired farmer from outside of Newton, said he is leaning toward DeSantis because of Trump’s age and baggage, despite approving of his policies.

“Trump’s my age or a little older, I think he’s a little too old, actually,” Failor said. “… I like his policies, don’t like some of the things he’s said. I’m really disenchanted with most of our politicians as far as what’s been going on.”

DeSantis is a fresh face with a strong record in Florida, Failor said.

U.S. Department of Agriculture in Iowa

DeSantis said as president he would order cabinet secretaries to reduce the footprint of federal agencies in Washington by at least 50%.

“You guys will have first dibs on the Department of Agricutlure,” DeSantis said.

Newsom debate

DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom debated on Thursday, and for 90 minutes clashed on American borders, the performance of Joe Biden, COVID-19 pandemic response and more.

In Newton, DeSantis said the debate is “the most substantive debate that this country has had this entire political season,” and said his performance shows he can perform against all Democratic comers.

“We can not assume that they’re actually going to run Biden,” DeSantis said. He claimed major Democrats do not want Biden to run. “We gotta be prepared for whatever they throw at us.”

DeSantis said he saw the debate as an opportunity to share conservative principles on a national stage.

“If I have 90 minutes on national television to articulate conservative principles, to show how freedom works and to articulate a path forward for this country, I’m going to take that opportunity,” DeSantis said.

Reynolds showed pride in DeSantis’ performance.

“I was so proud, so proud, he went to the mat to fight for our values, to fight for parents, to fight for our freedom,” Reynolds said. “It was such a stark contrast between conservative policies and the insanity, I don’t know how else to describe it, that we see from the Biden administration… he knocked it out of the park.”

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter.