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Biden Endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic Frontrunner Following His Withdrawal from 2024 Race

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Biden Endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic Frontrunner Following His Withdrawal from 2024 Race

President Joe Biden who announced his withdrawal as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred successor. This unexpected development has reshaped the Democratic field, with Harris emerging as the frontrunner in recent polls against former President Donald Trump.

Harris’s Strong Polling Performance

Recent polls indicate that Harris is well-positioned to challenge Trump in a potential general election matchup:

1. An Ipsos poll shows Harris (42%) nearly tied with Trump (43%), compared to Biden’s 40-40 tie with Trump in the same poll.

2. A CNN poll from early July revealed Harris trailing Trump by a narrower margin (45-47%) than Biden (43-49%).

These results suggest that Harris may be a more competitive candidate against Trump than Biden, potentially alleviating some Democratic concerns about electability.

Biden’s Endorsement and Harris’s Response

In his withdrawal statement, Biden threw his full support behind Harris, saying, “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Harris, who has been actively campaigning for Biden, responded to earlier speculation about replacing him by stating, “Look, Joe Biden is our nominee. We beat Trump once, and we’re going to beat him again.”

Other Potential Candidates

While Harris leads the pack, several other prominent Democrats are being discussed as potential nominees:

1. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Governor: Seen as a potential 2028 candidate, Whitmer trails Trump 36% to 41% in the Ipsos poll and 42% to 47% in the CNN poll.

2. Gavin Newsom, California Governor: Newsom fares slightly better, with 39% to Trump’s 42% in the Ipsos poll and 43% to 48% in the CNN poll.

3. Andy Beshear, Kentucky Governor: A rising star in the South, Beshear trails Trump 36% to 40% in the Ipsos poll.

4. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Governor: Pritzker receives 34% support compared to Trump’s 40% in the Ipsos poll.

5. Pete Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary: In the CNN poll, Buttigieg garners 43% support against Trump’s 47%.

The Michelle Obama Factor

Interestingly, former First Lady Michelle Obama, despite repeatedly stating she has no interest in running, performs exceptionally well in hypothetical matchups. The Ipsos poll shows her leading Trump 50% to 39%, the strongest performance of any potential Democratic candidate.

Party Unity and Next Steps

As the Democratic Party grapples with this unexpected shift, maintaining unity will be crucial. Many of the potential candidates have previously expressed strong support for Biden and may need to recalibrate their positions in light of his withdrawal.

The coming weeks will be critical as the party works to coalesce around a new nominee. The Democratic National Committee will need to establish a process for selecting the new nominee, which could involve a series of primary debates or a more streamlined selection process given the proximity to the general election.

Implications for the 2024 Election

Biden’s withdrawal and the emergence of a new Democratic nominee could significantly alter the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race. Key considerations include:

1. Messaging and policy focus: A new nominee may shift the party’s messaging on key issues like the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy.

2. Fundraising: The Democratic Party will need to quickly mobilize donors around the new nominee.

3. Campaign infrastructure: Transitioning Biden’s campaign infrastructure to a new nominee will be a complex but necessary task.

4. Republican strategy: Trump and the Republican Party will need to adapt their strategy to face a potentially different opponent.

As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the Democratic Party and its potential nominees. The choice of candidate will not only shape the party’s immediate electoral prospects but could also influence its long-term direction and identity.

abcnews.com

Will Democratic Party Take Historic Gamble with Kamala Harris as Presidential Candidate?

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Will Democratic Party Take Historic Gamble with Kamala Harris as Presidential Candidate?

The Democratic Party is on the verge of making a historic gamble by potentially nominating Vice President Kamala Harris as its presidential candidate for the 2024 election. This decision marks a significant bet that a Black woman can overcome the enduring challenges of racism, sexism, and her own political hurdles to defeat Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Historically, the United States has seen only one Black president and has yet to elect a woman to the highest office. This reality has led to concerns among some Black voters and party members about Harris’s ability to surmount the deeply entrenched barriers in U.S. politics.

“Will her race and gender be an issue? Absolutely,” said LaTosha Brown, a political strategist and co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund. “It’s not just about overcoming Trump; it’s about overcoming a system that has historically sidelined women of color.”

Harris’s candidacy would face numerous challenges. If she were promoted to the top of the ticket, she would have a mere three months to campaign effectively and rally the Democratic base and donors. Uniting a divided party in such a short time frame would require immense effort and strategic planning.

Despite these challenges, many Democrats are enthusiastic about Harris’s prospects. Her candidacy is seen as a bold move that could energize the party’s base, particularly among younger voters and progressives. Harris’s background as a prosecutor and her leadership on key issues like abortion rights position her as a strong contender who could resonate with a diverse electorate.

However, some Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns about President Joe Biden’s ability to secure a second term. At 81, Biden faces doubts about his mental and physical stamina to endure a rigorous campaign and another four years in office. These concerns have sparked discussions about the party’s future and the need for fresh leadership.

Biden, however, remains steadfast in his intention to run for re-election. On Friday, he reiterated his commitment to the campaign and stated that he would resume active campaigning after recovering from COVID-19. Harris, meanwhile, has been advocating for Biden’s re-election, making the case for his leadership at a recent fundraiser.

Harris’s potential candidacy brings both opportunities and challenges. As a leader on abortion rights, she connects with younger voters and the progressive wing of the party. Her legal background and experience as a prosecutor provide her with the skills needed to effectively debate and counter Trump’s rhetoric. Moreover, her ability to consolidate the party’s fundraising machine and energize voters could prove crucial in a highly contested election.

If Harris were to face Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, the contrasts would be stark. Harris’s vision for America, reflecting its new and diverse reality, stands in opposition to Trump’s platform. Her candidacy could be a galvanizing force, mobilizing voters who seek change and progress.

In the end, the Democratic Party’s decision to potentially nominate Harris represents a significant moment in American politics. It is a gamble that underscores the party’s commitment to diversity and progress, even as it faces the immense challenges of uniting behind a candidate who could make history.

Culled from Reuters

President Biden Ends Reelection Campaign Amidst Democratic Doubts, Paving Way for Historic Nomination

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President Biden Ends Reelection Campaign Amidst Democratic Doubts, Paving Way for Historic Nomination

U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would end his reelection campaign after prominent Democrats expressed doubts about his mental acuity and ability to defeat Donald Trump, leaving the presidential race in uncharted territory.

Biden, in a post on X, stated that he will continue in his role as president and commander-in-chief until his term ends in January 2025 and will address the nation this week.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote.

By withdrawing his reelection bid, Biden clears the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to run at the top of the ticket, potentially becoming the first Black woman to do so in the country’s history.

Biden, 81, did not specify when he decided to end his campaign.

It remains uncertain whether other senior Democrats will challenge Harris for the party’s nomination. Harris was widely considered the frontrunner by many party officials, though it is unclear if the party will open the field for new nominations.

Biden’s decision follows a wave of public and private pressure from Democratic lawmakers and party officials to exit the race after his poorly received performance in a televised debate last month against Republican rival Donald Trump.

Xander Schauffele Clinches British Open Victory, Secures Second Major of the Year

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Xander Schauffele Clinches British Open Victory, Secures Second Major of the Year

Xander Schauffele won the British Open on Sunday, marking his second major victory of the year. Delivering an impressive performance at Royal Troon, Schauffele shot a 6-under 65 to overcome a two-shot deficit, securing a major sweep for the Americans for the first time since 1982.

Schauffele previously won the PGA Championship at Valhalla two months ago, clinching the title with a decisive 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole. In a final round brimming with potential drama—nine players were within three shots of the lead at the start—Schauffele’s calm and skillful play made it look like a leisurely walk along the Irish Sea.

He navigated the course bogey-free despite a strong, chilly wind, pulling away with three birdies in a four-hole stretch early on the back nine. This surge took him from two shots behind to a lead of as many as three.

The 30-year-old from San Diego is the first player since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to win his first two majors in the same season. His victory also continues American dominance at Royal Troon, with Schauffele being the seventh American to win the Open in the last eight visits to the Scottish links.

Over 1,600 Displaced by Floods in Sokoto State, Nigeria

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Over 1,600 Displaced by Floods in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Sokoto State, Nigeria – No fewer than 1,664 people have been displaced following severe floods that ravaged four communities in the Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The flooding, triggered by a recent heavy downpour on July 17, 2024, has left many residents homeless and destroyed significant farmland in the area.

In a statement signed by the Information Officer of the Sokoto Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abdullahi Ghani, it was revealed that the flood resulted from the recent intense rainfall in the region. The statement, made available to newsmen on Sunday, highlighted the extent of the damage.

“The recent downpour, which happened on July 17, 2024, left many residents of Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State homeless and displaced. It also destroyed several hectares of farmlands and resulted in the perish of a high number of sheep and goats,” Ghani reported.

Ghani further detailed the findings of an assessment conducted on Saturday at Gada by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and SEMA. The assessment confirmed the widespread impact of the flooding on local communities.

The statement listed some of the affected communities ravaged by the incident, including Dantudu, Balakozo, Gidan Tudu, and Tsitse towns, among others.

– Dan Tudu village: 62 houses and 71 households were affected.

– Balakozo village (Tsitse Ward): 33 houses and 48 households were impacted.

– Gidan Tudu village: 38 houses and 52 households suffered from the flooding.

– Tsitse town: 68 houses and 89 households were also affected.

The local authorities are working to provide relief and support to those affected by the flooding. The significant displacement and destruction of farmland pose a challenge for the community as they recover from the disaster.

Punchng.com

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court Overturns Quota System for Government Jobs Amid Violent Protests

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Bangladesh’s Supreme Court Overturns Quota System for Government Jobs Amid Violent Protests

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh’s Supreme Court on Sunday scrapped most of the quotas on government jobs that had sparked nationwide protests by students, leading to violent clashes and resulting in at least 114 people being killed in recent days.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division dismissed a lower court order, directing that 93% of government jobs in the South Asian country should be open to candidates on merit, Bangladesh Attorney General A.M. Amin Uddin told Reuters.

“Students have clearly said they are in no way part of the violence and arson that have taken place in Bangladesh since Monday,” Uddin said by phone. “I am hoping normalcy will return after today’s ruling and people with ulterior motives will stop instigating people. I will ask the government to find out the culprits behind the violence and take strict action against them.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government had scrapped the quota system in 2018, but the lower court reinstated it last month, pegging total quotas at 56%, sparking the protests and an ensuing government crackdown.

Internet and text message services in Bangladesh have been suspended since Friday, cutting off the nation of nearly 170 million people as security forces cracked down on protesters who defied a ban on public gatherings.

Soldiers have been patrolling the streets of the capital Dhaka, where many checkpoints have been set up, after the government ordered a curfew late on Friday.

Scenes outside the Supreme Court were quiet immediately after the decision, a stark contrast to the chaotic protests that had erupted earlier. A military tank was stationed outside the court’s gate, indicating the high level of security in place.

The protests have led to some of the bloodiest clashes in the country’s recent history, with local media reporting 22 people killed on Friday alone as protesting students attempted to impose a “complete shutdown” on the country. Somoy TV reported 43 killed on Friday, while an Associated Press reporter saw 23 bodies at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka said Friday that reports indicated “hundreds possibly thousands” were injured across Bangladesh. It said the situation was “extremely volatile.”

The government has not shared any official numbers of those killed and injured.

The immediate challenge for the authorities is to quell further violence after police and protesters clashed at university campuses in Dhaka and other cities across the country. On Wednesday, universities suspended classes and closed dormitories, and on Friday, the Dhaka police said they were banning all gatherings and demonstrations in the capital until further notice.

Credit:Reuters

Gunmen Abduct Several Passengers in Nigeria, Killing Driver and Passenger

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Gunmen Abduct Several Passengers in Nigeria, Killing Driver and Passenger

Ondo State, Nigeria – Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have abducted several passengers after killing a commercial driver and a female passenger at Legbeka community, Ose Local Government in Ondo State, south west, Nigeria.

The Ondo Police spokesman, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanyan, confirmed the incident, stating that policemen have been deployed to comb the forest to ensure the release of the victims.

It was gathered that two passengers were said to have escaped with injuries. Additionally, it was reported that a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) member was among the passengers who were abducted.

According to a witness, the gunmen took over a checkpoint along the Akure-Benin highway after policemen stationed at the place had left. The witness said the driver thought the gunmen were policemen but realized too late after he had approached them.

“The criminals were at the police checkpoint. The driver thought they were policemen. It was when he attempted to reverse that they shot him and the passenger. He was shot in the head,” the witness recounted.

Credit: guardian.ng

Scandal Erupts as Fake Ghanaian Paralympic Team Absconds in Norway, One Dead

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Scandal Erupts as Fake Ghanaian Paralympic Team Absconds in Norway, One Dead

Nine members of a fraudulent Ghanaian Paralympic team are currently at large in Norway following a visa scandal that has resulted in one death and one arrest. The incident, revealed in a letter from National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah, has sparked an international alert and raised concerns about future visa applications for Ghanaian athletes.

The 11-member team, which obtained visas from the Norwegian Embassy in Accra under false pretenses, arrived in Oslo on April 25, 2024, allegedly to participate in the Fjordkraft Bergen City Marathon on April 27. However, the group failed to register for the competition, raising suspicions about their true intentions.

On April 26, team member Nana Antwi was arrested while attempting to leave Norway for Sweden on a one-way train ticket. Tragically, the team’s purported coach, George Gyamfi Gyasi, died on April 28 after being admitted to Oslo University Hospital following a collapse.

In response to the incident, the Norwegian Embassy in Accra has alerted all Western Diplomatic Missions in Ghana and the European Border Coast Guard agency to apprehend and repatriate the remaining team members.

Suspended committee chairman

Samson Deen, head of Ghana’s Paralympic Committee, has denied any involvement in the scandal, stating that his signature was forged on visa application documents. I have to put it on record that the Ghana Paralympic Committee has not sent anybody or sent a letter to apply for a visa,” Deen told Joy Sports Link.

The National Paralympic Committee of Ghana has indefinitely suspended Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, Yaw Ayisi, and the Ernestay Foundation for their alleged roles in falsifying documents and forging signatures.

This scandal could have far-reaching consequences for legitimate Ghanaian athletes, potentially affecting their ability to obtain visas for future international competitions. The Ghana Police Service is now investigating the matter, as authorities work to locate the nine individuals still at large.

The incident highlights the need for increased scrutiny in the visa application process for international sporting events and raises questions about the vulnerabilities in the system that allowed such a large-scale fraud to occur.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Kenyan Authorities Arrest Two More Suspects in Connection to Dumpsite Serial Killings

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Kenyan Authorities Arrest Two More Suspects in Connection to Dumpsite Serial Killings

Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan authorities have arrested two more individuals in connection to the ongoing investigation into the Mukuru case, where a suspected serial killer has confessed to the murders of 42 women. This follows the arrest of the primary suspect on Monday, who police believe is responsible for the serial killings.

On Tuesday, police apprehended Amos Momanyi Mogusu outside a bar in Nairobi. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mogusu was tracked down using the mobile phone of one of the victims, Roselyn Akoth, which was found in his possession.

The second arrest involved Moses Ogembo, a resident of Mukuru, who sold the phone to Mogusu. During a search of Ogembo’s residence, investigators discovered 154 mobile phones. Under questioning, Ogembo admitted to purchasing several second-hand smartphones from Collins Jumaishi Kalusha, the primary suspect in this case.

In a statement, the DCI reported finding additional incriminating evidence in Kalusha’s apartment, including a blood-stained pillowcase, a t-shirt, and various tools such as a hammer, pliers, knives, and scissors.

Despite initially confessing, Kalusha has since retracted his statements. During a Wednesday hearing at the Makadara Court to determine his pre-trial detention, Kalusha’s lawyer argued that the confessions were obtained under torture. Nevertheless, the judge extended Kalusha’s detention by 28 days.

Addressing public concerns, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura clarified that the bodies found in a quarry are unrelated to recent protests. Mwaura emphasized that the 10 bodies discovered in Kware are linked to femicides, not political killings, countering suspicions from civil society groups following the case.

Credit: africanews.com

Nollywood Actor Among Billionaire Kidnappers Killed in Lagos Police Encounter

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Nollywood Actor Among Billionaire Kidnappers Killed in Lagos Police Encounter

Lagos, Nigeria – Barely a few hours after police forces mowed down nine notorious billionaire kidnappers who had long terrorized Lagos and its environs, it has emerged that a popular Nollywood actor and producer based in Port Harcourt, identified simply as Odee, was among those killed in the police encounter.

Popular Nigerian actor Prince Henry Ode

Initial skepticism over the report continues to linger; however, it has been authoritatively confirmed that the actor and producer was one of the billionaire kidnappers killed by detectives from the Commissioner of Police Special Squad in the Ladipo area of Lagos. Sunday Vanguard learned that since the news broke, detectives have been making frantic efforts, carrying out both electronic and intelligence investigations to identify the kidnappers they confronted at the popular Ladipo spare parts market where they attempted to kidnap a wealthy businessman.

Ode and another popular Nollywood actor now a pastor.

Further investigations revealed shocking details when police recovered four mobile phones from the pockets of the deceased kidnappers and other vital personal items. Police sources said the first shocking discovery made by detectives was that the two vehicles used by the kidnappers – a Lexus 350 Jeep and a 4Runner Jeep – belonged to the actor, Odee. Both vehicles were discovered to be their operational vehicles and were duly registered in his name.

Prince Henry Ode

Additionally, the two mobile telephones they used for operations were also registered in the name of the actor but contained pictures of two yet-to-be-identified men. One of the phones, sources said, was used to coordinate their nefarious activities, and every other relevant communication regarding the kidnappers’ operations was in his name.

Sunday Vanguard also gathered that while detectives are working hard to unravel the true identities and connections of the kidnappers killed during the encounter, investigations are paying off as they have begun to piece together the entire operation network. Further intelligence has revealed that Odee and his gang were living together in some suburbs of Lagos. However, they had multiple hideouts where they operated from, making it difficult for the police to track their movements until the fateful encounter at Ladipo.

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