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2024 Race

Federal Agencies Resume Talks with Big Tech to Combat “Disinformation” Ahead of 2024 Election

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On Monday, Sen. Mark Warner revealed that federal agencies like the FBI and CISA restarted discussions with major tech platforms to tackle disinformation as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Warner revealed in a briefing at the RSA Conference that talks between agencies and social media firms resumed around the same time the Supreme Court heard arguments in Murthy v. Missouri, a case initiated in the Fifth Circuit appellate court last July.

The lawsuit, brought forth by Missouri’s former Attorney General Eric Schmitt, alleges that federal agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), pressured platforms to remove content related to vaccine safety and the 2020 presidential election results, thereby violating First Amendment rights.

Confirming Warner’s statements, an FBI representative emphasized the agency’s commitment to countering foreign influence in elections and facilitating information sharing with social media companies. Although Director Jen Easterly is set to participate in an upcoming “Election Security” hearing, CISA declined to comment on its discussions with tech firms.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether agencies have the authority to engage in communications with social media companies regarding potential disinformation. Warner noted that several justices appeared to favor the executive branch’s position during the hearings, emphasizing the importance of voluntary communications between the government and social platforms, particularly in addressing election interference attempts similar to those by Russia in 2016.

Warner’s committee plans to hold a hearing on election security in the coming weeks, initially postponed due to GOP efforts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The senator expressed concerns about potential threats to election integrity, citing the need to address reductions in content moderator staff at social media companies and the risk of violence against election workers.

Furthermore, Warner highlighted the use of artificial intelligence tools in election disruption efforts globally, emphasizing the importance of countering foreign interference. The U.S. has been actively engaging in diplomacy to deter election interference, with officials warning major adversaries like China against intervening in domestic election processes.

Nathaniel Fick, the cyberspace and digital policy ambassador, emphasized the significance of diplomatic discussions with China on election dynamics, stressing the U.S. stance against interference in its democratic processes.

As the election draws closer, the resumption of talks between federal agencies and social media platforms underscores the ongoing efforts to safeguard election integrity and combat disinformation in the digital sphere.

Despite inquiries, neither the FBI nor CISA disclosed when they resumed talks or identified the specific companies involved. Additionally, they provided no clarity on how they define “disinformation” or which federal agencies collaborate on these efforts.

The issue of government-induced censorship is central to Murthy v. Missouri, where allegations assert that federal pressure on social media firms violates the First Amendment. U.S. District Court Judge Terry Doughty’s preliminary injunction and the Fifth Circuit’s subsequent ruling upheld a block on government-Big Tech collusion. However, the Supreme Court lifted the injunction, allowing censorship operations to resume pending a final ruling expected this summer.

Government-Big Tech collaboration to suppress online speech, especially surrounding Covid-related topics, has faced scrutiny. Emails revealed a CDC-Facebook partnership to combat “misinformation.” Additionally, CISA facilitated meetings between tech firms and law enforcement to address online misinformation, notably before the 2020 election.

Further revelations from a House Republican report exposed the extent of CISA’s censorship efforts, including collaboration with Stanford University to censor online speech, raising concerns over potential First Amendment violations and government overreach.

As the battle against online “disinformation” intensifies, questions persist over the balance between combating harmful content and safeguarding free speech rights online.

SOURCE: NEXTGOV/FCW

2024 Race

Hillary Clinton Planning Run for 2024 Presidency, According to Trump Campaign

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Speculation about Hillary Clinton potentially running for president in 2024 has been reignited by a tweet from Jason Miller, a senior advisor to former President Donald Trump’s campaign. Miller’s tweet, which exclaimed “SHE’S RUNNING!!!,” suggested that Clinton is preparing for another presidential bid. He also pointed to opinion pieces and articles praising Clinton, implying that these are strategic moves to lay the groundwork for her campaign .

Miller’s tweet referenced an opinion piece titled “Ready for Round 2: Why We Need Hillary More Than Ever,” which advocates for Clinton’s return to the political arena. Such articles, according to Miller, don’t happen organically and indicate that “Crooked is on the move,” using Trump’s nickname for Clinton.

Despite these claims, Clinton has previously stated that she has no intention of running for president again. In an interview with the Financial Times, she mentioned that running would be disruptive to President Joe Biden, who she believes will seek re-election in 2024 . Clinton emphasized her support for Biden and indicated that she would focus on other ways to contribute to the Democratic Party’s success.

Recent reports suggest that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is grappling with internal contention regarding President Biden’s potential re-election bid. Some party members are reportedly concerned about Biden’s age and cognitive ability, leading to discussions about alternative candidates. This discontent within the DNC could position Clinton as a viable contender to challenge Trump in 2024, given her extensive political experience and recognition within the party.

The idea of Clinton running has been a topic of discussion among political analysts and media outlets. Articles speculating about her potential candidacy often highlight her experience and the possibility of her uniting the Democratic Party against a common Republican opponent, likely Trump .

Regardless of whether she runs, Clinton’s influence within the Democratic Party remains significant. She continues to be an active voice in political discourse, advocating for policies and supporting Democratic candidates. Her involvement in the 2024 election, even if not as a candidate, could still play a crucial role in shaping the party’s strategy and voter turnout .

While Jason Miller’s tweet has fueled rumors of Hillary Clinton’s potential presidential run in 2024, her own statements suggest otherwise. For now, it appears that she remains focused on supporting the Democratic Party and President Biden’s anticipated re-election campaign. However, the ongoing contention within the DNC regarding Biden’s candidacy could create an opening for Clinton to step into the race against Trump.

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2024 Race

DNC to Proceed with Plan to Confirm Joe Biden as Presidential Nominee

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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is moving forward with plans to confirm President Joe Biden as the party’s presidential nominee despite increasing calls for him to step aside. Amid internal turmoil over the party’s candidate for the upcoming election against former President Donald Trump, the DNC’s Rules Committee met on Friday, maintaining that everything is proceeding as planned.

The committee convened to discuss plans for a virtual roll call vote to formally nominate Biden weeks before the convention. While no votes were taken or decisions made, party leaders informed the nearly 200 committee members about the current process. The committee will meet again on Friday, July 26, to consider adopting the virtual roll call process, which would take place in the first week of August.

The virtual roll call idea has its detractors within the party, though the meeting saw little dissent. Questions arose about whether other candidates could be nominated during the virtual roll call. Technically, this is possible, but practically unlikely. The meeting started shortly after four Democratic members of Congress called on Biden to step aside.

Despite the growing calls for Biden to step down, party leaders, including DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, expressed their excitement to “renominate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris” and promote the “Biden-Harris ticket.” Leah Daughtry, co-chair of the Rules Committee, and Alex Hornbrook, convention executive director, highlighted the planned events and the involvement of social media influencers to reach young voters.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to address a paperwork issue causing concern among Democrats. Parties typically nominate their candidates during live roll call votes at their national conventions. However, Ohio’s Aug. 7 deadline for submitting nominees conflicts with the Democratic convention’s Aug. 19 start date. Despite a legislative fix, the issue persists as the change won’t take effect until Sept. 1.

Ohio’s Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose has stated that the discrepancy is not a problem, accusing Democrats of using Ohio as a scapegoat for their internal issues. However, Democrats worry that delaying Biden’s nomination could lead to litigation from Republicans, potentially jeopardizing his ballot access.

Some Democrats fear the virtual roll call is a strategy to shut down debates over Biden’s candidacy and secure his nomination. However, Biden holds significant control over the process, having won 99% of the pledged delegates during the primaries. His allies dominate the DNC, chosen for their loyalty.

Experts, including longtime DNC member Elaine Kamarck, suggest that Biden could still be replaced if he steps aside after the virtual roll call. “This doesn’t mean we’d be stuck with one person if that person isn’t willing to run,” Kamarck explained, noting that the Rules Committee could amend the process if necessary.

As the DNC moves forward with plans to confirm Biden as the nominee, the party faces internal debates and legal uncertainties. The upcoming meetings and the proposed virtual roll call will be crucial in determining the Democratic candidate for the November election against Trump.

SOURCE: NBC NEWS

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2024 Race

Donald Trump to Consider Jamie Dimon for Treasury Secretary

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In a recent interview with Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump stated that he does not intend to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell before the end of his term and is considering JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon for the position of Treasury Secretary if he wins the upcoming presidential election on November 5.

Jerome Powell, who has served as the Federal Reserve Chair since 2018, will continue in his role until January 2026. His term as a Fed governor extends until 2028. Trump’s decision to retain Powell marks a shift from his previous criticisms of the Fed Chair during his presidency, where he often expressed frustration with the central bank’s monetary policies.

Trump also mentioned that he would consider JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon for the Treasury Secretary position. Dimon, a prominent figure in the financial industry, has led JPMorgan since 2005 and is widely respected for his management of the bank. JPMorgan declined to comment on Trump’s remarks about Dimon.

During the interview, conducted in late June, Trump outlined several key economic policies he would pursue if elected. He expressed his intention to lower the corporate tax rate to as low as 15%, a significant reduction aimed at boosting business investment and economic growth. Additionally, Trump stated he no longer plans to ban the social media app TikTok, reversing his earlier stance on the issue.

Trump advised the Federal Reserve to abstain from cutting interest rates before the November elections. This position aligns with his broader economic strategy, which focuses on maintaining economic stability and growth leading up to the election. Trump will face off against Democratic President Joe Biden in the race for the White House.

On the trade front, Trump announced his intention to target China with new tariffs ranging from 60% to 100%, escalating the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations. He also proposed a 10% across-the-board tariff on imports from other countries, citing concerns that foreign nations are not purchasing enough U.S. goods. This approach aims to protect American industries and reduce the trade deficit.

Trump’s recent interview with Bloomberg highlights his plans to shape economic policy and key appointments if he returns to the presidency. His commitment to retaining Jerome Powell, considering Jamie Dimon for Treasury Secretary, and implementing significant tax and trade measures underscore his focus on economic growth and stability. As the election approaches, these statements provide insight into Trump’s potential administration and its impact on the U.S. economy.

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