Middle Theory

This week, we look at the numbers as COVID-19 infections rise among America's unvaccinated. As the "Summer Outbreak" ensues, what does the data really say?

This week on Middle Theory... AI is on our minds, as one recent story about a man's use of an AI chatbot to continue dialogue with a deceased loved one sounds more like an episode of Black Mirror than it does reality. However, as we turn our attention to other matters, continuing concerns arise from the East as Vladimir Putin warns that he has "unstoppable" weaponry, and China continues to air grievances against the United States.

Meanwhile, the threat from COVID-19 remains here at home as unvaccinated Americans head to beaches and other vacation sites in states like Florida which, incidentally, has seen the sharpest rise in new infections (and deaths) of any state in recent weeks. As the CDC moves ahead toward reinstating mask advisories even for vaccinated Americans, we look at how the "Summer Surge" in new covid cases has been politicized... but what do the numbers really say about the current state of the pandemic?

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• RUNE
• Jessica Riley
• Jennie Vongvith
• Stacia Scwartz
• Mark Hankins II
• Ali Buchan
• Kevin Webb

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

• AI: A Man Programmed AI to Mimic His Late Fiancé. Experts Warn the Tech Could Be Misused.
• RUSSIA: Putin threatens to hit enemies with 'unpreventable strike'
• CHINA: In Stinging Rebuke, China Tells U.S. Diplomat Its Rise Can't Be Stopped
• YUAN WARS: Digital yuan poses challenges to dollar
• TALIBAN: Afghan interpreter for US Army was beheaded by Taliban. Others fear a similar fate
• COVID: Florida Leads nation in Covid Cases as Hospitalizations Surge
• Crist rips DeSantis over spike
• Cities Revive COVID-19 Mask Mandates, Sparking Backlash
• Researchers link 'heavy wildfire smoke' to increased risk of contracting covid
• SF Bars Requiring Proof of Jab
• Booster shots on horizon
• GERAGHTY: Jim Geraghty notes likely Dem voters who aren't vaccinated
• MOCKERY: California man who mocked vaccine dies of virus
• Hospitalized radio host was outspoken skeptic
• Congressman Who Thought Had Natural Immunity Infected Second Time
• THE WRONG WAY: Fauci warns going in wrong direction
• TRAVEL: USA will not lift travel restrictions
• DISABILITY: White House says 'long COVID' could qualify as disability...

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week, we examine the widespread surveillance of journalists with the aid of military spyware, as well recent hacking efforts that led to an official response from the Biden Administration.

This week, after sharing recipes aimed at beating the summer heat that include our favorite cervezas, we shift our attention over to wildfires raging in the Western United States, and the current efforts to battle the deadly blaze. We also get caught up on the latest advisories on COVID-19 regarding children wearing masks as they return to schools, and why health advocates actually think that returning to on-site learning locations is a good idea.

Then later in the program, we shift our focus over to news regarding the widespread surveillance of journalists with the aid of leaked spyware. We also analyze the Biden administration's denouncement of China following recent hacking efforts, and why the U.S. and other western nations are now drawing a line in the sand... all of this, and more on this installment of Middle Theory. 

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Charles Baldwin

* Shelly Orlandini

* James Malone

* Jennifer Garland

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* FIRE: Dangerous conditions complicate wildfire fight in western US 

* Extreme heat bakes the Northern Rockies, as wildfires rage in the West

* At least 70 major fires are burning in the western United States  

* COVID: COVID deaths are up 25%, and new cases rising in every state 

* Statistics show risks of not getting vaccinated

* AFGHANISTAN UPDATE: Retired US general: Afghanistan is disintegrating

* SPYWARE: Investigation finds Israeli-designed spyware was used to hack journalists and activists around the world 

* HACKED: Microsoft Exchange email hack was caused by China, US says 

* The U.S. and allies are taking a stand against Chinese hacking. Here are three takeaways

This week, we examine the widespread surveillance of journalists with the aid of military spyware, as well recent hacking efforts that led to an official response from the Biden Administration.

This week, after sharing recipes aimed at beating the summer heat that include our favorite cervezas, we shift our attention over to wildfires raging in the Western United States, and the current efforts to battle the deadly blaze. We also get caught up on the latest advisories on COVID-19 regarding children wearing masks as they return to schools, and why health advocates actually think that returning to on-site learning locations is a good idea.

Then later in the program, we shift our focus over to news regarding the widespread surveillance of journalists with the aid of leaked spyware. We also analyze the Biden administration's denouncement of China following recent hacking efforts, and why the U.S. and other western nations are now drawing a line in the sand... all of this, and more on this installment of Middle Theory.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Charles Baldwin
• Shelly Orlandini
• James Malone
• Jennifer Garland

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

• FIRE: Dangerous conditions complicate wildfire fight in western US
• Extreme heat bakes the Northern Rockies, as wildfires rage in the West
• At least 70 major fires are burning in the western United States
• COVID: COVID deaths are up 25%, and new cases rising in every state
• Statistics show risks of not getting vaccinated
• AFGHANISTAN UPDATE: Retired US general: Afghanistan is disintegrating
• SPYWARE: Investigation finds Israeli-designed spyware was used to hack journalists and activists around the world
• HACKED: Microsoft Exchange email hack was caused by China, US says
• The U.S. and allies are taking a stand against Chinese hacking. Here are three takeaways

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

As the United States makes its exit from the "Forever War" in Afghanistan, we look at the problems the country may face, and why history shows that choosing to leave is both the "least worst" and the only right choice. 

Protest erupted over the weekend in Cuba on a scale that hasn't been seen in the country in nearly three decades, as people lined the streets in many of the country's major cities airing grievances about the economy and the pandemic. Meanwhile, the strange circumstances surrounding the assassination of the Haitian president continue to unfold as the story grows more complex by the day.

Then, shifting our attention over to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, we examine the current situation, the Afghani government's responses, and the encroachment of the Taliban throughout the country. Although there are many who see President Biden's choice to withdraw at the current time problematic, history shows why past attempts at "Nation Building" in the country have been unsuccessful, and that there is no "right time" to exit. The only sensible option is to leave... although doing so will present its own problems. We look at all of this, and more on this week's installment of Middle Theory. 

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Charles Baldwin

* Connie Fletcher 

* Vicky Pinderski

* Jonathan Taylor

* Jill Ellis

* Brain Davis

* John Lipartito

* Doug Davis 

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* CUBA: Cubans Denounce 'Misery' in Biggest Protests in Decades 

* 'We are no longer afraid': Thousands of Cubans protest against conditions on island 

* FLASHBACK: Uprising on Havana’s Malecón 20 years ago set off exodus 

* Demonstrations break out in Miami as protestors march against government in Cuba 

* PLOT: Mystery Surrounds Suspected Mastermind in Haiti Presidential Assassination Plot 

* Explained: The assassination of Jovenel Moise, Haiti's President 

* EXIT STRATEGY: Top US commander to exit Afghanistan amid Taliban surge 

* REED:

As the United States makes its exit from the "Forever War" in Afghanistan, we look at the problems the country may face, and why history shows that choosing to leave is both the "least worst" and the only right choice.

Protest erupted over the weekend in Cuba on a scale that hasn't been seen in the country in nearly three decades, as people lined the streets in many of the country's major cities airing grievances about the economy and the pandemic. Meanwhile, the strange circumstances surrounding the assassination of the Haitian president continue to unfold as the story grows more complex by the day.

Then, shifting our attention over to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, we examine the current situation, the Afghani government's responses, and the encroachment of the Taliban throughout the country. Although there are many who see President Biden's choice to withdraw at the current time problematic, history shows why past attempts at "Nation Building" in the country have been unsuccessful, and that there is no "right time" to exit. The only sensible option is to leave... although doing so will present its own problems. We look at all of this, and more on this week's installment of Middle Theory.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Charles Baldwin
• Connie Fletcher
• Vicky Pinderski
• Jonathan Taylor
• Jill Ellis
• Brain Davis
• John Lipartito
• Doug Davis

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

• CUBA: Cubans Denounce 'Misery' in Biggest Protests in Decades
• 'We are no longer afraid': Thousands of Cubans protest against conditions on island
• FLASHBACK: Uprising on Havana's Malecón 20 years ago set off exodus
• Demonstrations break out in Miami as protestors march against government in Cuba
• PLOT: Mystery Surrounds Suspected Mastermind in Haiti Presidential Assassination Plot
• Explained: The assassination of Jovenel Moise, Haiti's President
• EXIT STRATEGY: Top US commander to exit Afghanistan amid Taliban surge
• REED: Senate Armed Services chair: 'I think Kabul will hold'
• Jack Reed: Biden made 'the best of many poor choices' on Afghanistan
• ANALYSIS: History shows us that outsiders can never bring peace to Afghanistan
• With the Military Gone, CIA Faces Difficulties in Afghanistan
• COMMENTARY: Afghanistan: The forever war ends with too few lessons learned
• Biden Knows Afghanistan Withdrawal is the Right Thing
• A VIEW FROM AFGHANISTAN: US may return to Afghanistan to suppress Taliban
• Turkmenistan deploying troops, heavy weapon on border with Afghanistan
• INDIA PULLS OUT: India pulls out staff from Kandahar consulate as Taliban widen control

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week, we examine the foundations of the American celebration of Independence Day, its relationship to 21st-century American politics, and the influence of the coronavirus pandemic. 

As we lead off this week, items up for discussion include China's communist party celebrating a century in power, and what this means for the future of geopolitics, as well as the surprising release of comedian and accused sexual offender Bill Cosby from prison. In similar news, actress Allison Mack has been sentenced to three years in prison for her involvement with the NXIVM cult, and we analyze the NYT's strange phraseology with its reporting of the story. We also look at the current developments regarding criminal charges brought against former President Trump's business empire.

Then turning our attention toward the recent Fourth of July holiday, we reflect on the U.S. and its position on the current global stage, as well as how this relates to foreign policy, the influence of the coronavirus pandemic, and a host of other issues. Finally, we also note the passing of two-time former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and his troublesome dealing with, as he termed it, "knowns and unknowns."

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Betty June

* Daniel Baumberger

* Charles Baldwin 

* Sean O’Neal

* Elizabeth Hove

* Robert Westfall

* Brett Giles

* Stacia Schwartz 

* Robert Walshe 

* Daniel Richard

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* CCP 100: Xi warns China will not be 'oppressed' in anniversary speech 

* COSBY: Bill Cosby released from prison after court overturns his conviction 

* NXIVM: Actress Who Recruited Women for Nxivm Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison

* CRIMINAL: Donald Trump’s Business Empire Hit With Criminal Charges

* ID4: The U.S. Prepares for a Blockbuster July Fourth 

* Capitol, symbol of democracy, off-limits on Independence Day 

* Georgetown students struggle to say is they're proud to be from US 

* RUMSFELD: Donald Rumsfeld, Defense Secretary During Iraq War,

This week, we examine the foundations of the American celebration of Independence Day, its relationship to 21st-century American politics, and the influence of the coronavirus pandemic.

As we lead off this week, items up for discussion include China's communist party celebrating a century in power, and what this means for the future of geopolitics, as well as the surprising release of comedian and accused sexual offender Bill Cosby from prison. In similar news, actress Allison Mack has been sentenced to three years in prison for her involvement with the NXIVM cult, and we analyze the NYT's strange phraseology with its reporting of the story. We also look at the current developments regarding criminal charges brought against former President Trump's business empire.

Then turning our attention toward the recent Fourth of July holiday, we reflect on the U.S. and its position on the current global stage, as well as how this relates to foreign policy, the influence of the coronavirus pandemic, and a host of other issues. Finally, we also note the passing of two-time former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and his troublesome dealing with, as he termed it, "knowns and unknowns."

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Betty June
• Daniel Baumberger
• Charles Baldwin
• Sean O'Neal
• Elizabeth Hove
• Robert Westfall
• Brett Giles
• Stacia Schwartz
• Robert Walshe
• Daniel Richard

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

• CCP 100: Xi warns China will not be 'oppressed' in anniversary speech
• COSBY: Bill Cosby released from prison after court overturns his conviction
• NXIVM: Actress Who Recruited Women for Nxivm Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison
• CRIMINAL: Donald Trump's Business Empire Hit With Criminal Charges
• ID4: The U.S. Prepares for a Blockbuster July Fourth
• Capitol, symbol of democracy, off-limits on Independence Day
• Georgetown students struggle to say is they're proud to be from US
• RUMSFELD: Donald Rumsfeld, Defense Secretary During Iraq War, Is Dead at 88

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week we examine Joe Biden's second military action since taking office, its similarity to the actions of past administrations, and how this compares with shifting political alliances in our culture and popular dialogue. 

This week, as we lead off, Baltimore's controversial surveillance plane program has ended after a court ruled it to be unconstitutional... but what does this say about the precedence of drones and their use for surveillance purposes? We also examine the tragic collapse of a building in Florida that has left several residents missing and presumed dead, along with why the Supreme Court won't hear a dispute over bathrooms for transgender students.

Then shifting our attention to military affairs, it was announced in recent days that President Biden had ordered U.S. warplanes to strike Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria. We examine the story, and a statement on the actions issued by the Department of Defense and White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. In light of these events, whether or not one chooses to see them as warranted, they point to the fact that much remains the same in Washington, regardless of who may be in office. In light of this, we turn our focus to the slipperiness of political attitudes, and how many traditionally left-leaning commentators often find themselves to be uneasy bedfellows with their counterparts on the right, particularly in the face of what many call the "Regressive Left."

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Jon Haskins 

* Charles Baldwin

* Connie Fletcher

* Brian Davis

* Kevin Webb

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* IT’S A BIRD… IT’S A PLANE: ‘Birds Aren’t Real’ rolling rally makes first stop in Missouri 

* Baltimore's Controversial Surveillance Plane Program Ruled Unconstitutional 

* MIAMI: Death toll rises to 10 at site of collapsed Florida building 

* Another body found in condo collapse near Miami Beach, FL 

* COURT RULES: Supreme Court won't hear dispute over bathrooms for transgender students 

* STRIKE TWO: U.S. warplanes strike Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria 

* Statement ...

This week we examine Joe Biden's second military action since taking office, its similarity to the actions of past administrations, and how this compares with shifting political alliances in our culture and popular dialogue.

This week, as we lead off, Baltimore's controversial surveillance plane program has ended after a court ruled it to be unconstitutional... but what does this say about the precedence of drones and their use for surveillance purposes? We also examine the tragic collapse of a building in Florida that has left several residents missing and presumed dead, along with why the Supreme Court won't hear a dispute over bathrooms for transgender students.

Then shifting our attention to military affairs, it was announced in recent days that President Biden had ordered U.S. warplanes to strike Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria. We examine the story, and a statement on the actions issued by the Department of Defense and White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. In light of these events, whether or not one chooses to see them as warranted, they point to the fact that much remains the same in Washington, regardless of who may be in office. In light of this, we turn our focus to the slipperiness of political attitudes, and how many traditionally left-leaning commentators often find themselves to be uneasy bedfellows with their counterparts on the right, particularly in the face of what many call the "Regressive Left."

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

• Jon Haskins
• Charles Baldwin
• Connie Fletcher
• Brian Davis
• Kevin Webb

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.

SHOW NOTES

• IT'S A BIRD… IT'S A PLANE: 'Birds Aren't Real' rolling rally makes first stop in Missouri
• Baltimore's Controversial Surveillance Plane Program Ruled Unconstitutional
• MIAMI: Death toll rises to 10 at site of collapsed Florida building
• Another body found in condo collapse near Miami Beach, FL
• COURT RULES: Supreme Court won't hear dispute over bathrooms for transgender students
• STRIKE TWO: U.S. warplanes strike Iran-backed militia in Iraq, Syria
• Statement by the Department of Defense
• GREENWALLED: The Interview: Glenn Greenwald on Trump, Biden and Fox News
• Is Glenn Greenwald the New Master of Right-Wing Media?
• GRIFTING: Godless grifters: How the New Atheists merged with the far right
• Here's a Troubling Roundup of the Rightward Drift of Many "New Atheists"

JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY

• To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week we analyze U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with Vladimir Putin, the media responses, and what one foreign policy scholar called the "most dangerous scenario." 

This week, as a dangerous new strain of COVID-19 arrives in the U.S., we look at what health officials have said about its spread, and the efficacy of vaccines against it. We also touch on a return to conflict in Israel, as well as the recent Iranian elections which have newly elected Israeli leader Nataly Bennett warning Western Leaders about things to come. We then shift our focus to the recent meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and why what one foreign policy scholar called the "most dangerous scenario" could result from the current geopolitical situation.

Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more.

DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Charles Baldwin

* Shelly Orlandini

* Jennie Vongvith

* Jessica Riley

* Jennifer Garland

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:

We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 

SHOW NOTES

* COVID UPDATE: Delta is the 'most serious' COVID-19 variant. How will it affect the US?

* Virus outpaces vaccines, a sobering milestone, a new variant: What to know about Covid-19

* Unvaccinated Americans are at risk of an aggressive and more dangerous Covid-19 variant. These are the most vulnerable states 

* RELAPSE: Fresh Israel-Hamas Violence Threatens Weeks-Old Cease-Fire Deal 

* IRAN: Hard-liner Raisi's 'engineered' Iran election win entrenches conservative rule

* Iran nuclear deal: President-elect Raisi issues warning over talks

* [AP] Iran president-elect takes hard line, refuses to meet Biden

* DANGEROUS: Biden's Chi...