Good morning, and welcome to the Epoch Times News Brief for Saturday, March 9, 2024. I’m Bill Thomas.
Trump Hits Back at Biden’s Combative State of the Union Speech
Former President Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Truth Social, calling it angry, polarizing, and hate-filled.President Biden spent a significant portion of his speech attacking President Trump, who rebutted a few claims directly. The former president responded in real-time on social media, criticizing President Biden’s anger and mental state. He described the event as a “shouting match” and criticized the media for portraying President Biden’s anger as “fiery.”
In his speech, President Biden attacked President Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin and accused him of bowing down to the Russian leader. President Trump fired back, accusing the president of giving away Nord Stream 2 and being a puppet for President Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
President Biden also criticized President Trump for inaction on gun control, who countered by warning of a potential loss of freedoms if President Biden were reelected.
“He wants to take away everyone’s gun,” President Trump responded. “Remember that when you go to the voting booth because if I’m not elected, your guns are GONE, along with your Freedom!”
He also criticized President Biden’s handling of the border crisis, his foreign policies with Israel, China, and Iran, and his stance on higher taxes and voting rights. President Trump accused President Biden of neglecting immigration and the border crisis while claiming crime would skyrocket.
The former president accused President Biden of weaponizing government against political opponents. “Joe Biden is a threat to democracy,” President Trump said. “He weaponized government against his opponent.”
Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, delivering the Republican reaction, received praise from the former president for her contrast to President Biden’s anger. President Trump expressed confidence in the American people and said that Nov. 5 “will be the most important day in our nation’s history.”
Trump-Backed Leaders Take Helm at RNC After McDaniel Exits
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has elected new leadership endorsed by President Trump. Michael Whatley, chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, was elected to lead the RNC. Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, was elected co-chair.This leadership overhaul comes after President Trump dominated the Republican presidential primaries held on Super Tuesday on March 5, solidifying his hold on the party.
Mr. Whatley noted that the world is much more dangerous when America is weak, compared to four years ago, stressing that this made the reelection of President Trump all the more urgent. He said that the RNC will focus on engaging new voters, registering Republicans, and ensuring fair elections.
Ms. Trump summarized the RNC’s goal as winning bigly, referencing her father-in-law. Outgoing chair Ronna McDaniel highlighted achievements such as record fundraising and outreach to black and Hispanic voters. President Trump endorsed the new leadership team, including Chris LaCivita for chief operating officer of the RNC.
Ms. Trump said that the RNC will prioritize President Trump’s reelection and use a ballot harvesting campaign, a strategy previously used more by Democrats but something Republicans have been averse to in the past, to maximize voter turnout. The goal is for the Republican Party to be ahead of the game and facing forward at all times.
Ballot harvesting allows people to deliver absentee or mail-in ballots on behalf of other voters and is legal in some states.
Rob Steel, a committee member from Michigan, approved of the use of ballot harvesting in states where it is legal. “We will follow whatever the rules are for each state,” he said.
Committee members voiced satisfaction with the new leadership team and expressed confidence that President Trump will both unite the party and produce a winning coalition among voters.
RFK Jr. Releases ‘State of Our Union’ Video Before Biden’s Address
In his “State of Our Union” video, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for unity and criticized the use of fear-mongering in politics. He stated that Americans are tired of being manipulated by fear and are rejecting divisiveness. Mr. Kennedy also expressed that people want to see a change in the political landscape and want to vote for someone who represents hope and healing.Mr. Kennedy emphasized the need for unity in his speech and criticized President Biden’s handling of the Russia–Ukraine war. He believes that funding Ukraine has contributed to America’s economic problems.
Mr. Kennedy said in his video: “We’ve printed nine centuries worth of money in a little over a decade, and spent $8 trillion on regime change wars. Those wars have made America less safe, our country less strong while soaring prices through the roof as our infrastructure falls apart.”
He pointed out the growing wealth inequality in the country, with the majority of wealth going to billionaires and transnational corporations. He also highlighted the increasing public and household debt, as well as the rising rates of chronic diseases and health issues. He believes that chronic illness and violence, along with poverty and mental health issues, have plagued the nation.
Mr. Kennedy has led in favorability rating polls but remains behind President Trump and President Biden in the overall presidential polls.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Kennedy remains optimistic and believes there is a path to victory as he continues his quest to get on ballots nationwide. In his video, Mr. Kennedy states that voters are seeking an alternative to the two major party options.
New York AG Letitia James Sued for Threatening to Block Transgender Sports Ban
New York Attorney General Letitia James is being sued by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for alleged unconstitutional discrimination. Mr. Blakeman’s lawsuit claims that Ms. James issued a cease and desist letter and threatened legal action to force the county to allow female-identifying males to compete in women’s sports. Mr. Blakeman filed the lawsuit to protect women’s sports and ensure a safe environment for women, stating that bullying of women and girls will not be tolerated.Mr. Blakeman’s complaint seeks to block Ms. James from stopping his executive order that bans transgender athletes from participating in county-run sports facilities. He argues that Ms. James’s order violates the constitutional rights of girls and women and accuses her of discriminating against individuals based on gender.
In response to the executive order, Ms. James demanded that it be revoked, stating that it’s transphobic and discriminatory and violates state law. She claims that the order forces sports teams and leagues to discriminate against men who identify as women or find another place to play.
The issue of transgender individuals competing in women’s sports has become a highly charged topic, with several states adopting laws banning transgender-identifying athletes from participating in school sports. While some of these laws face legal challenges, an overwhelming majority of Americans believe that athletes should only compete on sports teams that align with their sex.
World Athletics, the international governing body for athletics, has recently banned transgender individuals from participating in women’s events at international competitions.
Mr. Blakeman’s executive order in Nassau County categorizes sports teams based on biological sex and prohibits permits for competitions where biological males participate in female-designated teams and leagues. The order aims to protect the integrity, fairness, and safety of women’s sports.
Wheel Falls Off United Airlines Boeing 777 Shortly After Takeoff in San Francisco
A United Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft experienced a wheel loss from the left main gear shortly after taking off from San Francisco International Airport. The flight, headed to Osaka, Japan, made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport without incident. United Airlines quickly arranged for a new aircraft to transport passengers to their destination.Video footage and images circulating on social media show the detached wheel and damage caused to vehicles and a barrier fence. United Airlines has stated that it will work with affected customers and vehicle owners to address their needs.
Flight attendant Buffy Bartley witnessed the aftermath of the incident, noting extensive damage to cars.
The airliner, carrying 235 passengers, 10 crew members, and four pilots, landed safely despite the wheel loss. The Federal Aviation Administration will conduct an investigation into the cause of the failure. Boeing has recently faced safety issues, including an audit by the aviation administration regarding manufacturing quality control compliance.
And that wraps up today’s episode of the Epoch Times News Brief. I’m Bill Thomas, and it’s been a pleasure bringing you the news and insights that matter. Join us again next time as we continue to explore the stories shaping our world.
