Stellar Spark Show

In this episode, I discuss how the Democrats can succeed in the 2024 presidential election and into the future. These three points are key to the Democratic Party's success. Uniting the party is essential and also adapting to changing demographics can put the Democrats at an advantage.

Operation Legend was expanded on July 22nd by President Trump to combat the violent crime epidemic in America. Operation Legend has mixed views on both sides of the political spectrum. The President has sent federal personnel and resources to U.S. major cities such as Chicago among others. As we witnessed autonomous zones in Portland, Oregon, President Trump seeks to "take back" this country and protect its citizens. The President will seek to draw a contrast to former vice president and presidential candidate Joe Biden of Delaware. The 1st presidential debate scheduled to be hosted by the University of Notre Dame was also cancelled. This election will likely feature the first ever presidential debate to be hosted in a virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In this episode, we discuss recent news of trial coronavirus vaccines in development by companies such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer. Today, the U.S. government as part of its "Operation Warpspeed" struck a deal with Pfizer to purchase 100 million doses of the trial vaccine. The deal registered at $1.5 billion. This news spurred some market confidence on Wall Street and is quelling fears that the pandemic may be drawn out for over another year. The vaccines still must pass regulatory requirements by the FDA in order to be deemed safe. As it relates to the political implications, President Trump would surely benefit from a coronavirus vaccine and convince the American people that there will be an economic recovery. If there is a lack of a vaccine or preventative measure by election day, his opponent Joe Biden can capitalize on his handling of the pandemic. It remains to be seen how the President's handling will affect the electoral outcome.

*Correction: There has been no president in American history to have lost the popular vote twice while winning the electoral college.

Yesterday, President Trump made a speech in the Rose Garden at the White House and highlighted his accomplishments from his first term on issue related to trade, foreign affairs, and criminal justice reform. He attempted to paint Joe Biden as being affiliated with the Progressive wing of the Democratic Party and warned that they are "radical". This is an an attempt to regain some ground in the race for the White House in which Biden is leading nationally. President Trump hopes to count on the support of the "silent majority" to propel him to re-election in his bid for a second term.

In this episode we discuss the recent polling shifts in the 2020 presidential race, the entry of Kanye West, and Mary Trump's response to her uncle seeking a second term. President Trump has seen his support grow in a slew of polls released by Gravis Marketing and others in key battleground states such as Arizona and Wisconsin. While West's impact will likely be minimal overall, if he receives ballot access his candidacy may see some traction in critical states in the Sun Belt among the younger African American demographic. Mary Trump also offered a critique in her newest book release about President Trump and why she believes he is acting out of his own self-interest in the presidency.

In recent days, President Trump has been criticized for his handling of intelligence surrounding Russian bounties placed on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan during 2019. The U.S. has engaged the Taliban since 2001 during the War in Afghanistan following the September 11th attacks.  Russia has sought to interfere in this process. It remains to be seen how President Trump will address this situation as he has had friendlier relations with this particular adversary.  

The release of former national security adviser John Bolton's book has caused much tension in the last week with President Trump. Bolton, a proponent of interventionism abroad, came into conflict with the President's positions on foreign affairs. President Trump sought an order blocking the book's release, but it was allowed to proceed. 

The recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program were safeguarded in the Supreme Court's ruling on June 18th. The program was allowed to continue. Meanwhile, President Trump and Joe Biden have diverging views on immigration and its role in the United States. Biden argues for a "citizenship bill" to take more action on the issue. While President Trump still advocates for the program to be repealed. 

In this episode, we discuss President Donald Trump's signing of an Executive Order to ban choke holds while balancing the interests of police and communities as well as his statements on the Confederate monuments and symbols. Racial tensions remain high in our country after a long history of divisions on the issue. President Trump faces a tough re-election battle with presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden. 

Fair Use Disclaimer: Pursuant to Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research.

In this episode, I discuss recent developments surrounding the latest economic numbers and if the economy is on a clear path to recovery as well as policing reform. The Justice in Policing Act of 2020 is being introduced by Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) to address the injustices in our police departments across the nation. It is unclear if the President will support such a measure during this time of a call for national unity from Americans and various groups. Today also marked the funeral of George Floyd, whose death came at the hands of former police officer Derek Chauvin of the Minneapolis Police Department. There have been calls in recent days to "defund" the police and abolish police departments across the country. The President stands firm in his belief to support the police, while his challenger Joe Biden is being cautious as they head toward a contentious general election campaign. It remains to be seen if President Trump can successfully rebound the U.S. economy by election day or if his challenger can make the case to bring the country in a new direction.

After the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man and security guard in Minnesota on May 25th, many protests erupted across the nation against racism and police brutality. These protests later turned violent as a result of other groups participating in demonstrations against the police. The federal government, led by President Trump promised to return the country to a state of "law and order" and safeguard Americans. 

Meanwhile, the risks of gathering for protests in large numbers may have a negative effect on reopening according to experts. Dr. Fauci spoke today about a potential coronavirus vaccine by 2021, which is a bright spot for all humanity.