7 Things: ALGOP turns up heat in Second District; Lt. Gov. fires back at pastor over sign; Harris voters embarrassed; and more …

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November 1, 2024

7. Even garbage is more expensive since President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office, household costs in the U.S. have risen by 20.5%, with garbage collection up 18.5% compared to early 2021. Alabama residents, like others nationwide, face these inflationary pressures, and state officials, including U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), have criticized the administration’s economic policies. Candidate for Congress Caroleene Dobson is hitting this theme as well, tweeting, “Alabama families are paying $1,000 more each month just to cover basic living costs. It’s time to rein in reckless government spending and put hardworking families first.”

6. Mobile television station Fox 10’s Brendan Kirby suggests that the focus on Alabama’s Second Congressional District is leading many to ignore the other important U.S. House race in the First Congressional District, where Democrat Tom Holmes, a retired teacher from Mobile, is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), despite Moore’s significant fundraising advantage. Holmes argues that Moore, who now represents a redrawn district covering Baldwin and parts of Mobile County, hasn’t advocated effectively for federal funds to support local infrastructure. Meanwhile, Moore emphasizes his track record on “bread-and-butter” issues like gas prices, border security, and constituent services, aiming to build on his three years in office.

5. Universities want Democrats in control of Congress so anti-Semitism can continue, according to a key detail in the House Education Committee’s report on campus anti-Semitism that highlights private messages from Columbia University’s board chairs, Greenwald and Lavine. This report documents multiple instances of elite universities showing tolerance for anti-Semitic actions, often downplaying anti-Semitic conduct as mere public relations concerns. The committee criticizes university leaders for inadequate responses and lenient disciplinary actions, citing examples from institutions like Harvard, Northwestern, and Columbia.

4. Vice Presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) went on the wildly popular Joe Rogan podcast, where the media’s focus seems to be his middle-of-the road takes on gender-affirming care (that it is being pushed) and how Vance reacted to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Vance also humorously claimed Biden’s controversial comments about Trump supporters might unintentionally help Trump’s campaign. Finally, they debated climate change, with Vance expressing skepticism about the focus on carbon footprints and Rogan questioning the profitability of green initiatives, particularly pointing to Bill Gates’ investments.

3. Julia Roberts and George Clooney have come under fire for ads encouraging voters to secretly support Vice President Kamala Harris, with Roberts suggesting women can “vote any way you want, and no one will ever know.” Clooney’s ad aimed at Christian men similarly implies they should hide their Harris vote, promoting secrecy even from friends. Critics have called the ads “condescending” and “dishonest,” arguing they encourage voters to mislead loved ones rather than fostering open political discourse.

2. Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth condemned the sign outside Birmingham’s New Era Baptist Church, calling it inappropriate and urging churches to spread messages of love rather than intimidation. Ainsworth stated that those responsible for the sign, which discourages Black voters from supporting Donald Trump with inflammatory language, “should be ashamed.” Pastor Michael R. Jordan, known for posting provocative messages, defended the sign as part of his ministry, stating it reflects his duty to speak out on social issues.

1. The ALGOP is targeting Second Congressional Democratic candidate Shomari Figures with mailers criticizing him as weak on crime and supportive of transgender rights for minors, framing his stance as out of touch with Alabama values. Figures condemned the mailers as racially-charged and “disgusting,” accusing Republicans of fearmongering by pointing out these policy positions of Democrats in 2024 and even brought in House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies to call those who disagree, “MAGA extremists.” LGBTQ and civil rights advocates also criticized the ads as divisive and exploitative, while GOP leaders insist the issues highlighted are critical for community safety and reflect their commitment to “Alabama values.”

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Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.