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Sunrise to Sunset Network


Blake

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Outlet Name: The Sunrise to Sunset Network

Political Alignment: Left leaning

Focus: A multimedia website/youtube channel that covers political and local stories with a mild progressive bias

Target Audience: Millennials and Gen-Z

Logo: (I'll add a logo later when I have more time)

 

Staff:

 

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1. Anthony Clarke  Editor-in-Chief (Co-Owner)
 

Logan Shroyer - Actor

2. Natalie Clarke  Senior Political Analyst
 

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3. John Baker  Host of the Sunrise Podcast (Co-Owner)

 

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4. Emma Baker  Economics Editor
 

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5. Mark Conner  Sportswriter


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6. Erin Wynne  Culture Critic

 

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7. Zack Spears  Senior White House Correspondent
 

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8. Izumi Miyo – Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent


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9. Sato Yuki – Foreign Policy Specialist
 

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10. Kalā Kalili – Investigative Reporter
 

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Edited by Blake

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DNC Chair: Q1 2025-Present

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The Sunset Statement:

Abandoning working towards a two-state solution would be a colossal failure of judgement

by: Natalie Clarke

Washington DC-Hamas is a terrorist organization. Point blank. I doubt many serious people would disagree with that. That does not mean that the Palestinian people should be abandoned and have the right to statehood removed. This new resolution would be a step in the wrong direction if passed as is. Anonymous State Department sources are clear that this resolution will be poorly received. With it potentially being a sign that the US is moving away from a two-state solution. They that the references to Israel as a Nation and opposes objectives of terrorist organizations would be construed as the US moving away from a two-state solution. It would be imperative for lawmakers to resolve these issues and then pass the resolution, which is otherwise identical to one passed in November of last year. To me US foreign policy should not be changed on account of terrorist actions. Possibly be being more specific on their goals for the annihilation of Israel instead.

We can learn a lot from the past if we are starting to think that the road to peace is an impossible one to reach; however, it has happened before. Through decades of work in the US helped the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland sort out peace on the island and end the troubles. The US did not oppose the desires of a terrorist organization calls for a United Ireland. But peace was achieved through hard work and diplomacy. The lives that are saved because we continue pursued peace and never gave up will be the reward for our effort, and future generations will thank us. We do not have to work with Hamas if that is going to be US Policy and it will make the path more difficult, but we should stand firm in our desires to work for a two-state solution.

This is with the additional backdrop of a march on Washington calling for a cease fire in Gaza. The March4Gaza is made up of several thousand individuals including a substantial number of Arab-Americans. They have condemned the resolution in the Senate and are demanding that the Senate condemn Israel for its war crimes. While we may not agree with the protestors motivations or actions it is imperative that lawmakers from both parties attempt to understand their perspective and recognize that we can condemn Hamas as the terrorist organization it is while still pursuing a ceasefire agreement that will save thousands of lives, on both sides. 
 

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DNC Chair: Q1 2025-Present

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Sunrise Podcast with John Baker Episode #1 of 2024

 

 

(I'm not relistening to my recording to make sure the script matches 1 to 1 but this was the script as a wrote it before recording in case you don't want to listen to me talk. I don't love the sound of my own voice, and my mic isn't amazing, so I apologize for that in advance.)

Good morning! My name is John Baker and welcome to the Sunrise Podcast, a part of the Sunrise to Sunset Network here on YouTube and our website at www.S2S.com. If you wish to support our show listen to this podcast and consider supporting our work on Patreon or with YouTube channel membership. All of us here would appreciate your support.


We have a packed show today covering a few bits of news inside and outside of Washington. Firstly, the Senate unveiled its legislative docket today and boy is it a doozy. Chuck Schumer has decided to come out swinging with a docket designed to help working families and hard-hit communities with two progressive economic bills being released right out of the gate. The Price gouging Prevention Act proposed by Senator Reyes would empower the FTC to go after companies that exploit disasters to substantially raise profits and seeks to address cases where rising prices are not related to a change in manufacturing costs but companies trying to exploit an inelastic demand for profit. This combined with their insulin price cap in the inflation reduction act really show Democrats focus on addressing the economic burdens of inflation by targeting rising prices. An interesting strategy. 


Their other economic bill is more interesting, as it has proven to be quite the sticking point. The Working families tax relief act would expand the Child Tax credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Both have long been goals of the Democratic senate. However, the GOP seems to be sticking to their guns where they have no problem with unfunded tax cuts for the rich but if it’s about allowing hard working Americans to keep more of what they earned. They have an issue with it. What’s the phrase? Can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Americans are struggling with these rising prices, and I think the Democrats have it right here give hard working Americans a tax cut, so they don’t have to bear the burden of rising prices and let the Fed due its job of regulating the market. 
Just to quickly cover the rest of the docket before I move onto the other bill, I find interesting, I want to discuss the Education Innovation and Equity Act and the HEAL act. The EIEA is a nice start in helping to improve schools around the nation. The largest investment into education in recent memory will do a lot to address the underfunding that a lot of our schools are dealing with is exactly what we should be focused on. You know what I’ll be nice today credit to Senator Albion and Senator Coleman for both working together to seemingly put the bill on course to reach cloture. With the HEAL act a pathway to passage is less clear but healthcare remains one of Americans top issues and the Democrats are wise to bring up a bill that could serve as the start of a larger push on the issue. Senator Reyes speech on the Senate floor should be commended. 


The Hamas bill has already been covered by our network so the final bill I want to discuss before moving on to our other show topic, is the Healthy Families Act. The bill has a Republican Co-Sponsor in Senator Hunt of Maine, so this attempt at paid sick leave might have a slim chance of passing. But it is an important fight for Democrats to keep pushing. Far too many workers, especially in the food industry and other customer services industries, come into work while sick for fear of losing their jobs or being unable to afford to have the day off work. I’m glad Democrats are taking up this fight. I for one don’t want someone who is sick touching my food or bagging my clothes. Every worker should have the ability to take paid sick days. Here’s hoping that the bill passes and doesn’t languish as a much-needed reform that shouldn’t have to wait for decades to pass.


I know I buried the lead but onto the story that has lit Washington on fire. That being the announcement of Kamala Harris stepping down from the 2024 campaign and President Biden looking for a new running mate. I just want to take a minute and thank Vice President Harris for her service to our country and wish her speedy recovery. I am disappointed to not see her on the ballot this year due to these circumstances. 


However, now that there is space on the ticket. There are rumors about who will be on the ticket. According to the talking heads in Washington there are apparently a few leading candidates, but before talking about them I’d like to take a comment and emphasize to the White House that right now is the time to pick a candidate that is going to excite the base for not only this election but will be a future leading member of the party that is able to lead us for the eight years after President Biden leaves office. President Biden cannot win this election solely relying on being seen as the saner candidate. Not where he is currently polling. American elections are won on turnout. I implore you, Joe. Pick someone who can turn out the voters you cannot. Our Democracy depends on it. 
So, onto the rumored candidates. We have Senator Truman Sizemore of Pennsylvania, Senator Hannah Kahiona of Hawaii, and Senator Rafael Coleman of Colorado. Let’s go by how long they’ve been a Senator which will leave us with Sizemore. 


The Senator is a former primary care physician who entered politics in 2008, becoming a member of the Washington, Pennsylvania city council. I will admit Sizemore has several credits with moderate and cross-party appeal as he’s generally seen as a down to earth person. I truly wouldn’t dislike this option if he wasn’t up for reelection. Pennsylvania is a must win state, no doubt about it. However, it must win in both the Presidential election and the Senate. I don’t know how we can remove a popular incumbent out of his seat given the how hard it will already be for the Democrats to control the senate after 2024. We are not going to be able to get Roe V. Wade back into law without retaining Democratic control on approving Presidential appointments. However, to give Sizemore his credit this is an election that will almost certainly come down to the blue wall states and turnout of white working class and union voters could huge and those are two groups that he does seem to appeal to. 


The brings us to Senator Coleman. He is a former middle and high school teacher in underfunded schools in Denver, Colorado. In Colorado he is well noted for his every-man appeal as a former teacher from a working-class background. Colorado isn’t a state that is likely to flip away from the President, but a little security blanket couldn’t hurt. As for the value he could bring to the ticket directly, the Senator is well known as a bridge builder who worked to find a balance between conservatives and progressives to get the right policies done. That will certainly appeal to a section of the base that is looking for a progressive champion who gets results. In congress he’s been especially focused on Education, climate change, and police reform. Issues that are quite important to different sections of the base and could be the basis of a good coalition. This election is going to be won by turnout, I think Coleman would be a major asset in turning out rank and file democrats, as well as young African Americans.


That brings us to the youngest of our three main contenders Hannah Kahiona from the beautiful state of Hawaii. A former Lawyer who cut her teeth working with in the Governor’s office of David Ige and argued in front of the State Supreme Court. The immediate elephant in the room if you believe in the home state boost of VPs is that if the Republican Party wins Hawaii there basically is no Democratic party left anyway. She doesn’t add anything specific from that perspective; however, there are other advantages like the other candidates she does have a broader support outside of just the party. A couple of other advantages is that of the three she has the most credibility with the progressive wing including endorsing Bernie in 2020 which could help get that faction out to vote. She’s well positioned to help reach out to Hispanic voters which are very important in the southwest, as well as reaching out to AAPI people who don’t normally vote. In an election that will be as close as this one every vote matters. 


I’ll tell you one thing I would not want to be Joe Biden right now and must decide between not just these three options but every great Democratic option including Roy Cooper, Raphael Warnock, Gretchen Whitmer, Tim Walz, Mark Kelley and others. 
On the Republican side President Trump has apparently met with Senators Van Horn, Koening, and Duplantis. Senator Van Horn a former blue color worker and army vet from Kentucky. Van Horn is in from the more trump wing, but it will be hard to discount his likely broader appeal with rural and white working-class voters. Senator Koening from Florida, another out of touch billionaire will certainly fit right into Trump’s circle but one of them would need to change the state they are registered to vote in due to the twelfth amendment. Finally, for those who have publicly met with the former President we have Senator Earl Duplantis. A former Heritage foundation employee and pusher of Charter schools. Does explain his recent fight against improving education. I guess better public schools would be bad for his business. It is clear from who President Trump has met with that he really is only considering candidates that swing on his side of the party which is a mistake, and I appreciate the fascists making mistakes. Trump clearly does not appeal to most Americans so him not looking at ways to expand it is a great idea. I fully expect though the former president to take the billionaire with him could even help pay all those legal fees he has.  


However, some people in Washington think that Senators Allred and Albion should be considered. Though I doubt they will be considered as both have shown to be independent thinkers that they would be unqualified to be the Yesman-in-chief under former President Trump.  


That’s our show today. Thank you so much for listening. If you enjoyed our show please consider liking, subscribing, and joining our Patreon. We’ll see you next time! 
 

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DNC Chair: Q1 2025-Present

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The Sunset Statement:

California Leads the Way with a new era of Pro-Choice Policy

by: Kalā Kalili 

Sacramento - Earlier today Governor Gavin Newson signed a new Pro-choice bill into law. The governor handed the first honorary pen to Senator Sarah Avraham who had been pushing her home state to adopt policies to protect abortion access in the press for the last few weeks. The new law in California declares itself a sanctuary state for women from states that have heavily restricted abortion access, stating that California will protect women seeking services in California from legal action taken by their home states. It also includes a 100Travel and Medical Care Grant program (TMG Program). Which will establish a fund that will provide financial assistance to women who are travelling to California to get abortions. It will cover travel expenses, lodging and meals for the duration of the procedure, and medical expenses for the abortion and follow-up care. The program will prioritize abortions due to rape, incest, or situations where the life of the mother is at risk, such as an ectopic pregnancy. California has pledged 100 million dollars to the fund each year but will be partnering with advocacy groups and private donations to help maintain the fund. Eligibility for the program is open to any resident of a state that have abortion bans that do not include exceptions for rape, incest, or health of the mother, and states that have legal penalties that are imposed on those seeking or providing abortions. Applicants will be required to provide documentation proving residency and medical or legal documentation supporting the need for an abortion, such as a police report in case of rape or incest, or medical notes on health risks. 


This bill is exactly what we need to see from states that care about protecting access to abortion. In the aftermath of the Dodds decision, it is important that progressive states step up in defending women. California has it right, law enforcement should not cooperate with states seeking to prosecute women potentially for seeking lifesaving care. These states do not care about life, they care about being anti-choice. They are unwilling to listen to medical professions or women that access to abortion care is necessary to protect lives. Pregnancies can be risky not only for the baby but for mothers and no women should have to die writhing in pain because a doctor was afraid to perform lifesaving care due to threats of prosecution from a state, but here we are. They cannot call themselves pro-life while pushing policies that will end or ruin the lives of women who need abortions. While the GOP continues to push their radical anti-choice agenda that has even gone after IVF services; I can only hope that more states will follow the lead of California in the coming weeks and months ahead. 


But as we wait to see which state will be next, today is a victory for women around the nation. A bittersweet and one that should not have been necessary but a victory, nonetheless. I commend Senator Avraham and Governor Newson on their leadership on this issue. 

 

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DNC Chair: Q1 2025-Present

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The Sunset Statement:

First round of Analysis of the Vice-Presidential Live interviews

by Anthony Clarke

Washington DC-Over the course of the last few days the Vice-Presidential Candidates on both sides have taken to the airwaves to help make their case for why they should be selected. Some of them really helped with their cases. Stay tuned to our website for our own sit downs with the Democratic hopefuls coming later this week. 


The first interview took place on Monday night on the platform formerly known as Twitter, where Senator Kyle Van Horn (R-KY) spoke with known Russian Asset and frozen meals heir Tucker Carlson. The interview saw Senator Van Horn double down on the dangerous rhetoric that has been spouted by the MAGA movement since Donald Trump first went down that escalator. Kyle Van Horn fits right into the Trump circle ready to sell out our NATO allies and Ukraine to Russia. Russia is not and while Putin is in charge will never be an American ally or friend. While they are currently a regional power still trying to pretend to be a global power. Putin will not stop at Ukraine. He will push into NATO nations if we let him that is why we have to take this stand and protect Ukraine. You cannot expect to weaken China by pretending that America does not need to have friends and allies or that we can sell out European allies without hurting our standing with Asian nations just as worried about the rise of China as we are. Kyle Van Horn gets it completely wrong helping Ukraine is putting America first. Tucker Carlson is a good Russian agent; he is paid to shop in grocery stores in Moscow and spout Russian first rhetoric in the United States. However, to give Van Horn credit where it is due, he would certainly fit right into his audience, President Trump. I can only hope the former soldier considers the long-term consequences of once again giving Vladimir Putin what he wants, and hopefully for the people of Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland he realizes that kowtowing to Putin is putting America last. 


Senator Truman Sizemore (D-PA) picked an unusual audience for a Democratic VP hopeful but reaching out to persuadable voters is part of building a winning coalition, and taking tough interviews certainly can help bolster someone's record by showing they are not scared of tough questions. Though I'm not sure in practice how many persuadable voters still watch a network that paid over 750 million dollars over giving voice to election conspiracies. Sizemore's interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox started off strong with him defending the bipartisan education legislation. Sizemore has continued Democratic efforts in the past few weeks to champion the bill loudly and proudly. Laura then moved onto question Biden's mental health despite supporting a man wholly unqualified for office for his acts on January 6th. Sizemore gave a passionate defense of the president, championing his record on the economy and his foreign policy success such as defending Ukraine and Taiwan. The reality is that China is watching Ukraine very carefully. They know if the US blinks while defending Ukraine, we'll blink while defending Taiwan. Sizemore's interview finishes off defending President Biden's successes and laying the groundwork for a second term of President Biden. Directly stating the goals of a second Biden term: We will also need to undo the damage Donald Trump has done to reproductive rights, and protect interracial marriage, protect gay marriage, protect gun control, and stand up to authoritarian policies like book bans enacted by his cronies like Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott.
 

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DNC Chair: Q1 2025-Present

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The Sunset Statement:

Xi Jinping is dead, and do not expect change overnight

by Sato Yuki

New York- Earlier today Chinese President Xi Jinping was assassinated by a member of the People's Police, who was quickly killed by the President's bodyguards. President Xi has been replaced by his Vice President Han Zheng a member of the Shanghai clique. One might assume that without Xi China might pursue a different course of action, but it would be a mistake to assume that Chinese policy will shift drastically just because of a change in top level leadership. Power continuity has led to Han Zheng to be given the Presidency; however, it is safe to assume that his control on power is very weak, and likely will wait to show his true colors for some time. Early on there will be a continued authoritarian crackdown as either the regime looks to protect themselves against further assassination plots if this wasn't internally motivated or there will be a leadership purge to prevent a retaliatory strike.

Either way the United States must watch the region carefully and stand with our allies throughout the region. The future is incredibly unknown, and we shouldn't expect to see Gorbachev until Chinese leadership starts making reforms and outreaches. This is the same regime that has constantly committed human rights violations and is still actively committing a genocide. China is not our friends and while we can work with the new regime if they intend to reform, we should prepare for them to continue on the path they are on. So, we should make sure that their next show of force is not an actual attempt on taking Taiwan, or fully integrating Hong Kong. Whether by military or covert means. We must stand strong as a defender of Democracy and liberalism around the globe. 

 

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DNC Chair: Q1 2025-Present

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The Afternoon Sit Down with Izumi Miyo

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Interviews with Democratic VP Candidates:

Senator Hannah Kahiona:

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Izumi Miyo: Senator, thank you for taking the time out of your day. Your career is fairly typical for a politician, how would you say your work as a lawyer changed your politics and prepared you for the vice presidency?

 

Hannah Kahiona: If we are being honest, I think becoming a lawyer prepared me and taught me how to navigate the often cutthroat and unforgiving world of the legal profession and politics. It is not secret that these two go hand in hand and that many presidents from John Adams to Abraham Lincoln, to Franklin D. Roosevelt, to Barack Obama have all started their career in the legal profession. The legal world is fast paced and constantly changing and so is the political world and often times the traits needed for a good attorney are the same traits needed in a good Senator or Representative or cabinet official. 

The legal field showed me how the decisions that politicians make have an effect on the everyday lives of Americans. Every case I was in, has its roots from the legislative body that passed the law that was either being debated or had been broken by the guilty party. I think that it is important for politicians (especially in the legislative branch) to remember the fact that the decisions we make in passing laws have an impact on the population and that we must make careful, deliberate decisions. As much as the mainstream media and pundits try to make politics out as some sort of game, it isn't, and it should be taken seriously. Our job in the Senate or the House is to pass laws that hopefully make better the lives of everyday Americans.

 

Izumi Miyo: That makes sense Senator. There are a lot of important issues this election. What would you say is the most important one in your opinion and how would you advise President Biden to run on that issue?


Hannah Kahiona: I know this isn't a creative answer but, the cost-of-living crisis is the biggest issue facing Americans right now. Going to the grocery store and seeing those price tags creep up day by day is just frustrating. I get it, living in Hawaii, we have to get everything shipped over by boat or plane, so the impacts being felt in Hawaii are especially noticeable. 

The underlying problem is that wages are not keeping up with inflation. This is due to several reasons but the biggest, most obvious fix I see is raising the minimum wage. The fact that the federal minimum wage hasn't changed since 2009 is just ludicrous. During that time we have recovered from a financial crisis, gone through a period of growth, dealt with Covid and its lingering aftereffects, and now inflation and prices are growing while wages are stagnating. We must raise the minimum wage to $17 an hour and get the process going as soon as possible and have it indexed to inflation so that America's workers do not get left behind again!

Some other things I would push to help with this crisis are increasing paid family leave for families, introducing legislation to implement Medicare for all and strengthening social safety nets, to ensure that people are not left behind.

 

Izumi Miyo: Thank you for the answer, I'd like to ask a few follow ups on it. Firstly, how would you suggest the President address rising prices?


Hannah Kahiona: Unlike some politicians that say they will "fix inflation" without giving any evidence to the contrary, I want to make it clear that the executive branch has limited options to curb or stop inflation. The fact is that inflation is a complicated issue and comes from a wide variety of sources. 

However I do think that sound economic policies and promoting innovation and growth will be a huge step towards curbing inflation and stabilizing the economy into the future. Also price control on sectors such as pharmaceuticals and energy will do their parts to help Americans with two things that are rising out of control. Also promoting renewable energy sources and promoting innovation in the energy sector will help lower energy prices. The more we stay reliant on Arabian oil, the more we are influenced by crisies in the Middle East. We must ween ourselves off of it, by going to alternative domestically creates energy sources.

You look at Donald Trump and he says things to the extent that he will "fix inflation" but I will raise to those two points, The first being that actually it would be Congress or the Fed that would fix it and that secondly, he has given no plan to be able to fix it. Frankly he is using it as a campaign buzz word and misleading the American people at the same time. I am going to say it as it is and not spread lies like that to Americans. For him it is an easy way to "solve" the problem while offering nothing of actual substance in a plan on how to actually slow it down. This is not a simple problem, but one that if handled correctly can be solved by sound economics and better wages for workers.


Izumi Miyo: Price controls on energy is a different policy. Where should the price cap be set? And the US already is a net exporter of oil so can we say we are reliant on middle east oil right now?


Hannah Kahiona: The amount of oil we have imported from the middle east has declined in recent years and yes, we are a net exporter of oil, but we still import 7% of our oil from Saudi Arabia and 10% from the middle east in general. If the Israeli war escalates, God forbid, that is going to impact the cost of energy, gasoline, and other petroleum products here at home. 10% is 10% too much in my opinion and can and should be replaced by domestic renewable energy. 

In terms of price caps, we saw prices on the West Coast increase especially in 2021 and 2022, along with milder increases across the rest of the country. There are many families, especially low-income households that just cannot pay for it. California is introducing a policy of income-based electricity rates, that reflect that household's income while not compromising energy companies. California has not adopted this energy plan yet but if it succeeded, I would love to see it adopted across the country to ensure that the exorbitant price hikes that occurred a couple of years ago, do not happen again, and do not harm low-income households.


Izumi Miyo: I see. Thank you. A lot of Republicans oppose raising the minimum wage at all? How do you suggest that we achieve a much-needed minimum wage increase? And why do you think it should be increased to 17 dollars and hour instead of say 20?


Hannah Kahiona: Republicans act like a minimum wage increase would take place overnight, with their arguments being that it would hurt small businesses and business in general, leading to increased cost of goods and services, however nobody is saying to raise it that much all at once, it would be a gradual process that would become a $17 an hour minimum wage. 

As for $17 an hour, I think this is a good middle ground between the $15 an hour minimum wage which I and many others have advocated for years now, and a $20 an hour minimum wage that I know is becoming standard among progressives, but I think $17 an hour is the happy medium between the two and would provide Americans with a good living wage.


Izumi Miyo: Thank you. You mentioned expanding paid family leave earlier, how many weeks would you consider a successful policy if you could get it passed through congress?


Hannah Kahiona: Simply put I believe there should be 12 weeks of paid family leave. This would be a successful policy in my eyes and provide Americans with the time and relief they need.


Izumi Miyo: With the Senate recently passing 25 billion dollars for education, many progressives say there's more work to be done on education. As Vice President what would you advise President Biden to work to do to improve education throughout the nation?

 

Hannah Kahiona: There is always more we can do. My mother is a 5th grade teacher teaching in the public schools. From my childhood I know personally the struggles faced by teachers. I personally believe we should expand trade schools and create a network of alternative learning centers to better meet the needs of all children. Many kids don't fit the "public school" mold and would rather work with their hands, sometimes this is hard to quantify with normal schooling grades, but these kids are punished by the current system because they are intelligent in a non-orthodox sort of way. Many Republicans want to solve this problem with charter schools and school choice and such, but I believe that this can be done with a public system.

The deal that we just passed however will do a lot to fix many of the problems facing students and educators. Teachers for too long have been given the short end of the stick so to speak and have had to improvise and teach through adverse conditions. I am glad to see congress take the initiative on education. 

There are many problems that I would prioritize in bringing to the administration's attention such as the fact that many teachers feel they "teach to the test" and what is left out are things that can be used in careers and real world applications. Also we are sending young adults into the work force with no training on how to handle money and finances, or how taxes and the government works. These should be not left out of classrooms and need to be taught. So yes, there is always more we can do to improve our education system, but what we have accomplished this week has been a major step towards a better education system for America.


Izumi Miyo: Thank you, Senator. One final question for you, who do you think will win the Superbowl?


Hannah Kahiona: Well, I am a 49ers fan, and I am still reeling from last year's Superbowl, so I will give you two answers, what I want to happen and what I think will happen. First, I want the 49ers to win the superbowl, I hope they can put together another great season and finish the job this time. 

What I think will happen is that the Detroit Lions will finally break their Superbowl drought and shock the world!
 

 

 

Senator Truman Sizemore:

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Izumi Miyo: I'll start with a simple question. Doctor is a usual career for a modern vice president candidate, how has being a doctor shaped your career in politics and how do you think it has prepared you for the role of Vice President?

Truman Sizemore: "Well, I think to answer that, we should look at what the traditional career of a candidate for higher office. Usually, that's the academic, or the lawyer, or the soldier.

All of these are noble professions, of course, but they come from an era where the President and the Vice President were very far away figures dealing with concepts that would seem abstract to you and me and Joe at the grocery store.

That's not the world we live in anymore. Not in the digital age. Whether we like it or not, the President and Vice President have become a pair of faces everyone universally knows.

I didn't argue in court rooms for big, societally shifting legal battles or fight off in foreign lands for a cause or uncover discoveries that would shape our understanding of the world around us. My job was a lot more straightforward: to build a relationship with the person sitting across from me and to take great care with their trust.

I sat with grandpas and grandmas juggling their diminishing Social Security check with their rising Medicare premiums. I've worked with diabetics forced to ration their insulin desperately trying to find them more affordable options. I've talked down rape victims bawling their eyes out because they were afraid, they were out of options for a choice that was made for them.

Most people only see the statistics, but like so many others in my field, I was there for every single statistic. With Medicare under siege, with the Affordable Care Act under siege, with trans healthcare, sexual education, reproductive healthcare, mental health, and so many other care options we rely on under duress, I ask you this: why not a doctor?"


Izumi Miyo: That's fair a point. We are in a different era of politics unlike ever before. In this election what do you believe is the most important issue to everyday Americans? And how would you advise Joe Biden to run on that issue?


Truman Sizemore: "The economy, without a doubt.

President Biden and myself spoke extensively about the economy during my visit to Rehoboth Beach. He's governed tremendously and I know firsthand it's an issue he's taking very seriously.

We're still facing inflation leftover from the COVID era, and I don't think anyone can cast doubt that it's on top of Americans' minds. The conflicts across the globe tie back to this as well; we're seeing global supply lines be disrupted and energy prices skyrocketing.

Under Joe Biden, we've seen a net gain of manufacturing of nearly half a million when other presidents couldn't even get out of the red. He lowered prescription drug prices, invested a trillion dollars back to American infrastructure, put $20,000 back in our students' pockets, and lowered unemployment before 4%.

All without wasting millions of taxpayers' dollars on cuts for wealthy donors.

What I would say to President Biden to build on this success is a multi-pronged approach to diversify our supply lines. America should not have to be reliant on the repressive regime in China for cheap goods, nor should we be sending auto manufacturing down south to Mexico. Let's approach a balanced approach of competition and commerce to drive down the price of consumer goods by courting the markets of Southeast Asia. Let's build on the success of the CHIPS Act and use it as a blueprint for not only sustaining American manufacturing in the 21st Century but making it a leader for the 22nd.

Next is small business. We saw programs so wildly popular like the PPP that even Joe Biden's biggest critics like Marjorie Taylor Greene capitalized on it. We need more targeted relief to these businesses, cut the red tape, and we drive down interest rates so that we can increase opportunities for the Ma and Pa shops that make up our communities - especially those owned by veterans, by women, and by people of color.

Lastly, I would advise the President that energy independence is critical. The lessons of his
tory show us that overreliance on foreign energy always becomes a weapon against us. We saw it against Jimmy Carter during the Tehran hostage crisis. More recently, we're seeing it against the EU by Vladimir Putin. Even the Saudi government has been shown to get their way with the US government, and we saw it leveraged during the Yemeni Civil War under Donald Trump's watch. No doubt we'll see it again during this election.

We need practical needs, and that comes with a combined approach of leveraging our natural gas resources as well as practical renewable alternatives - namely nuclear and hydroelectric. We've already seen tremendous work in the Clean Energy Initiative and we're blessed to see technological innovation in the private sector, but we must be practical. If we are to move in the right direction that promotes green infrastructure and energy independence, lowers energy costs, and puts Americans back to work, we need to start by capitalizing on what we can control in our own backyard."


Izumi Miyo: Thank you for the detailed answer. I'd like to ask a few follow ups. Firstly, you talked about manufacturing a lot in terms of lowering prices but how would suggest addressing inflation on agricultural products most of which are already produced mostly in the us?


Truman Sizemore: "Well, Izumi, I think that's where a balanced approach is necessary. You saw it in the Trump years where too much of a good thing can be bad. Yes, we saw better deals for dairy farmers under the USMCA compared to NAFTA, but we also have to look at the cost of Donald Trump's tariffs. Soybean farmers lost 75% of their proceeds. They were effectively paying for the trade war he waged, and the proceeds from that had to be sent right back to them in subsidies.

In what world does that make sense?

That's where expanding our access to those Southeast Asian markets comes in. It isn't enough for us create policies that let us see that "Made in America" label in our local Wal-Mart or Kroger. We want people all over the world to see "Made in America", so that our manufacturers, our farmers, and our producers can enjoy that same prosperity that made America a global superpower in the first place. It wasn't just guns and boats; it was pure, American economic power.

In addition to that, we need to continue the Biden-era policies of infrastructure development to strengthen our supply chains at home, reduce transportation costs that run the overhead of a rural farm through the roof, and continue getting farmers access to credit - as we did under the Inflation Reduction Act - so they can invest in new equipment to make their jobs easier. All of these are policies I've supported and will continue to support under a new Biden term."


Izumi Miyo: How do you suggest we expand our access to Southeast Asian markets? Would you recommend negotiations on new free trade agreements?


Truman Sizemore: "Fair trade, not free trade. There's a distinction.

I believe we can leverage existing agreements like ASEAN to reduce and eliminate existing tariffs and quotas and making it easier for American exporters by harmonizing standards and simplifying customs procedures across ASEAN countries.

With the rise of China and Iran, this is fundamental to ensuring the security of the nations in the region. As of now, China imports agricultural products at double the rate the U.S. does to ASEAN countries. We can reverse that-" [snaps his fingers] "-just like that, and it'd be mutually beneficial in the long wrong."

This is American policy as old as the Marshall Plan and, funny enough, Harry Truman. It's the same policy that made McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Walmart international brands. And that policy is simple: we protect production and manufacturing in the homeland, and we work with the international community to create a pool of customers as big as possible for American producers. 

That is the kind of economics that brings wealth back to the American farmers and ensures they're making enough money to keep their prices low for everyone. That is the natural result of Bidenomics."


Izumi Miyo: You're right. On energy you mention leveraging nuclear energy, what do you say to progressives that are worried about the risks associated with nuclear energy, and the length and cost to get those plants operating. For example, Vogtle 3 and 4 are massively overbudget and Vogtle 4 hasn't entered commercial operation despite initial plans for it to enter commercial operation in 2017.


Truman Sizemore: "I'd say it's an understandable concern, but ultimately one that's misguided. When we think of nuclear energy, it conjures up images of Three Mile Island and Chernobyl and Fukushima, but it ignores the advancements nuclear power has made over the decades and just how much of an integral part it is to so many people's lives around the globe. We take it for granted, but it's true.

Now, I'm glad you brought up Vogtle, because you've left out some key information about that. It is by far the largest provider of clean energy in the United States, even in spite of the bottlenecks, providing a whopping 4,500 megawatts to the state of Georgia and surrounding areas. In fact, not only is it the largest clean energy provider; it's the largest power plant period.

That's a success story. 

Now, anyone who's tried on a pair of new shoes knows you have to break them in before you can wear them. It's no different from construction. These are the first set of power plants we've built in the United States in over three decades. We might as well be exploring a whole new science with how much it's changed, but with repetition comes perfect. Now that we've done it, we know how it works. We have streamlined construction processes and designs that will contribute to more timely developments. Anyone in construction will tell you the first building is always the hardest because of that.

But that's how many of our other allies across the globe developed their nuclear program, with time and investment. That's why France is the capital of the world in nuclear energy and powering 70% of its grid with the stuff. That's why Canada and South Korea are following up strong with a good reputation of their own in the sector. They put in the work, and it shows what the United States can be if we're willing to put in the work too."


Izumi Miyo: Thank you for the detailed answer, Senator. I'd like to pivot to healthcare for a moment. Do you support a Medicare for all program? And if not, what would you propose to help lower healthcare costs for American families?


Truman Sizemore: "My cause is getting more people covered, and getting that bill passed through a Republican House. Our people can't wait for a hypothetical Democratic supermajority.

Obamacare has stood the test of time, in spite of attempts to gut the program and take us back to the Wild West of the health insurance market. And I'll clue you in, it wasn't a Democrat that cast that vote to save it. It's a rock steady foundation that has seen 20 million more people gain coverage, and right now that stability is what working people need.

If I were Joe Biden, you would see me off to the races working with every Democrat and moderate Republican senator I could to build off that foundation and expand coverage. I'm talking finishing the Medicaid expansion, lowering the Medicare age to 55, expanding HSAs, supporting telehealth services for rural areas, and incentivizing employers to offer health insurance and insurers to offer dental, vision, and mental healthcare options.

To get real meaningful reform, we have to get serious about building a workable coalition. These ideas I mentioned have a real shot of passing. We've seen the President do more with less before on a whole slew of other issues, and I'm confident we can affect working families for the better here too."

 

Izumi Miyo: Okay thank you senator. Earlier in Joe Biden's term the Aukus partnership was announced. In a Biden-Sizemore administration, how would you build on the agreement to protect US national security?


Truman Sizemore: "I think AUKUS represents the next big shift in the battle to combat China's aggression. On that end, I'd say we can find a lot of common ground with many actors in the region, including India. That is the first thing I would advise the President to do. Expand the alliance to include Commonwealth actors like India, Canada, and South Africa to create a truly global force to bear. We also have the nations of ASEAN to engage, collaborate, partner with, a trade bloc that itself continues to be guided by the Australia-UK-US partnership and composed of many nations that haven't exactly had the best relationship with China in recent years.

The nature of this agreement means we have to share what we know. That means increased joint training exercises, which include improving our shared defenses against cybersecurity threats. That means increased intelligence sharing. That means getting Australia's submarine fleet up to standard, improving the supply chain for advanced technologies, and working together to invest research into the technology of the future like AI before it can be used against us.

We've got to remember this is the same administration that brought NATO together in position that strongest it's ever been, even in the face of doubt and growing Euroscepticism. There is no president more equipped for this than Joe Biden. Joe Biden has stared down trigger-happy despots like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin before, when Donald Trump looked down and kissed their boots.

There is no doubt in my mind that, if anybody, it's President Biden that would effectively be able to build a defensive partnership of this scale and leverage it to let Americans sleep soundly at night and secure a lasting peace."


Izumi Miyo: Thank you, Senator. One final question for you, who do you think will win the Superbowl?


Truman Sizemore: [chuckles] "This a serious question? The Chiefs, of course!

They're walking in with one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Patrick Mahomes, and not to mention Travis Kelce, one of the best tight ends in NFL history. Andy Reid is making sure they're rocking the kind of offensive firepower they'll need to break through the 49ers' defense, and they're walking in with win after win from previous years, including walking away with the gold from Super Bowl LIV.

They're no Steelers, granted, but if I were a betting man, Izumi, it'd be the Chiefs every time."

Senator Rafael Coleman

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Izumi Miyo: Senator you were a teacher before joining politics, how did working with underfunded schools shape your politics and prepare you for to be the vice president candidate?


Senator Rafael Coleman: 
My experience as a teacher in underfunded schools shaped my political journey in profound ways. When you're on the front lines of education, you see firsthand the challenges that students, teachers, and communities face, particularly in marginalized areas. I saw students with immense potential struggle because their schools' lacked resources, from updated textbooks to sufficient mental health support. It opened my eyes to the deep inequities in our education system and beyond. The experience not only motivated me to fight for education reform but also shaped my broader approach to policy. It’s not enough to talk about opportunity, we have to ensure its accessible to everyone. Whether it's education, healthcare, or criminal justice, I believe in pragmatic solutions that make systemic change possible for working-class families.
I think my background gives me a unique perspective on how policies impact everyday lives. My time in the classroom taught me to listen, to meet people where they are, and to never forget that our job in public service is to lift people up, especially those who are too often left behind.


Izumi Miyo: Thank you for your answer, Senator, what would you say is the most important issue this election and how would you advise President Biden on how to campaign on that issue?


Senator Rafael Coleman: You know, last week I saw Kyle Van Horn on TV, was kind of in and out because I was watching TV with the family. Kane and the kids are huge WWE fans. Anyway, the Senator said a lot of things I don't agree on, but one thing he will always have a partner in me on is the fact that we have to prioritize domestic policy. Foreign policy is extremely important, making sure that we have a collaborative and cooperative relationship with other nations helps keep not just the US safe, but the entire world. But it's absolutely senseless to use billions and billions of dollars on the rest of the world and not properly invest in Americans first and foremost. While I am very happy about this $25 billion education package, the thing I'm most disappointed in is that $25 billion is the most that we've ever spent on education in history. That is abysmal. And it results in Americans lacking skills they need to operate in the workforce. We can pay to repair the education system today, or we'll be trying to make up for it with the economy tomorrow.

And that's just the start. We have to get on top of America's crumbling infrastructure. And when we pay Americans to do it, we need to be making sure they are getting paid a fair and a living wage. The Biden Administration has gotten dug this country out of the pit that Trump and COVID put us in, but now we have to have tough conversations about how to move America not just forward, but to the next level. My advice to President Biden would simply be let's focus on home first. Let's continue to build, let's continue to grow and let's be at the kitchen table.


Izumi Miyo: Thank you. I have a few follow ups on that answer but just to make sure that I don't have anything wrong, do you disagree with the foreign aid program or the aid package that was recently announced?

Senator Rafael Coleman: Not at all, I am all for protecting our allies and doing what needs to be done to keep our enemies at bay. I'm proud that we have a strong military that is at the ready to protect this nation. I am proud that we have a state department that is working overtime to use diplomacy as the chief tool to avoid conflict, one of the best State departments in the world. I believe in doing all we can to help Ukraine, and all of our allies protect themselves. I have no problem with foreign aid. However, that aid shouldn't come at the expense of us doing what we need to do at home. I was raised to sweep off your own back porch before you mow someone else's lawn. We can't help other countries stand on their own if America isn't fully upright herself.
If we can't give $25 billion to our own kids, then we have no business giving anything out to anyone.
But as you saw, making that kind of investment into our kids doesn't seem to be as controversial as it once was, so I am happy to see we are making progress in that area.


Izumi Miyo: I see. But as I'm sure you're aware while the $25 billion from your bill would help. What would you say is the next step to improve education in America?


Senator Rafael Coleman: Well, I believe most of our problems stem from not listening to educators. That's our first issue. I just got back from Denver where I spent the day with my local school district, but I also made sure I carved time out for my boys' teachers. Kenny, my oldest, has seven different teachers and each one of them, including the gym teacher, got my undivided attention. Teachers know what our kids need, they go to school, do a lot of method and pedagogy and then they walk into a classroom with 20+ kids that could give a damn about all of it and make miracles happen. We have to pay them right and well, we have to back off some of this standardized testing and get back to a system of mastery. We also need to resource the schools well. It is immoral that some students go to school without air conditioning, or books that were written in this millennium. We just have to continue to do all we can to support them and resource them. I also think that the Department of Education should ALWAYS be led by a teacher. Miguel Cardona is an amazing educator and has done well in leading the department. We also have to continue to invest in STEM education, after school programs, student interventions and support. As long as this teacher is in the Senate, I will continue fighting for teachers and students.


Izumi Miyo: Education policy goes further than just k-12 education. There are extensive calls from younger voters about forgiving student debt and making public universities free. What would you suggest the tickets higher education policy be?


Senator Rafael Coleman: While I personally believe public colleges should be tuition free, the honest truth behind that is that's going to be a hard sell in today’s US Senate. But we can definitely build a coalition around making it more affordable, increasing Pell Grants and also resourcing colleges with what they need to give students the best possible experience without them breaking their wallets. I am very proud of this administration’s strides in reducing the burden of student loans and would continue to champion that cause. My suggestion would be to prioritize making public education as affordable as possible and ensuring they are fully funded. I also want to see major increases in community colleges and trade school options and see them support just as much as any public college is. Education is how we prepare our workforce for the challenges that are ahead. We should have a hand in making sure they are all properly resourced and equipped to equip America’s workforce.


Izumi Miyo: Americans are concerned about rising prices, as VP how would you suggest to the White House to address the rising cost of living?

Senator Rafael Coleman: I don't have to tell you Izumi that rising prices are hitting Americans hard, and as Vice President, my first priority would be to ensure the White House remains laser-focused on addressing the cost of living by tackling inflation in a way that's balanced and fair to working families.

I would push for policies that directly lower everyday costs on healthcare, housing and childcare. We need to accelerate efforts to cap the price of essentials like insulin and prescription drugs, expand access to affordable housing, and continue initiatives like the expanded child tax credit, which is going to give families real relief in the now. I would also advocate for expanding investments in clean energy and infrastructure, not just in a way that addresses the future of our planet, but also reducing long-term costs for Americans. Renewable energy can lower utility bills, and better infrastructure can help lower transportation costs which reduces the burdens on families and creates good paying jobs that add to the economy while doing it.

I also believe we should address price gouging and corporate greed and profiteering. I'm not trying to harsh anyone's hustle, but I'm not about companies taking advantage of global crises to inflate profits while working families' struggle.

Ultimately, I think by focusing on these measures and fostering an economy that grows from the middle out instead of the top down, we can not only give Americans relief but change the trajectory of American families and futures. That's a good thing.


Izumi Miyo: For a direct foreign policy question. How would a Biden-Coleman administration protect human rights throughout the world?


Senator Rafael Coleman: I think it's important to place human rights at the forefront of foreign policy. The strength of America is deeply tied to our commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of all people, at home and abroad.

A Biden-Coleman administration would prioritize multilateral diplomacy. We'd work closely with our allies and international organization to create a unified front against human rights abuses. With a coalition, we can leverage collective pressure on authoritarian regimes and ensure that human rights are a central topic in all diplomatic discussions. We would commit to holding accountable those who perpetrate human rights violations, with sanctions and supporting international investigations. It's not enough to condemn abuses, we must make sure there are real consequences for those who violate human rights. We will help people that need us and reaffirm America's role as a leader in the global fight for justice and equality.

 

Izumi Miyo: Thank you, Senator. One final question for you, who do you think will win the Superbowl?


Senator Rafael Coleman: Well, it's unfortunate that my Broncos couldn't hang this season, but I do have to hand it to the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes is a winner so I'm excited to see what they do.
 

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DNC Chair: Q1 2025-Present

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The Sunset Statement:

First #VeepStakes Polls

by Natalie Clarke

Washington DC. - In the first polls conducted by our network we found that Rafael Coleman leads over rivals Hannah Kahiona, and Truman Sizemore. Coleman having 30% of likely voters who are democrats or independents. With Kahiona having 27% and Sizemore at 24%. This sweepstakes is still early, and the main three candidates have only had a few opportunities to get a national message out there. All three candidates have done two interviews but outside of those interviews on national television and with our network they've been light in the press and could use more exposure outside of their home states. Coleman's was also the leading sponsor on a number of bills that are highly supported by the base. A good strategy for the bottom of the ticket to be a motivator, and his success with the education bill will give him bipartisan points. He does need to be careful in being regarded too much as a firebrand on issues that generally worry moderates. But overall, he's in poll position here and as the race heats up it will be important to see if he can survive the first turn. Pardon the formula one analogy. For Hannah Kahiona I think her main advantage at the moment is that she seemingly hasn't made very many enemies within the party but it's also not clear what issues she's championing. She could benefit by having some key legislation move through the Senate like Sizemore's Hamas condemnation or Coleman's education bill.  Whereas Sizemore's in a tough spot a noted Blue Dog, he needs to balance the moderate support that got him elected to the Senate to keep him on track to be reelected, but also needs to work on being exciting for the base if he was chosen as Vice President. I recommend that he work on economic progressivism that play well in the Rust belt but will still excite Democrats nationwide. 

For the Republicans Kyle Van Horn is leading at 32%, with Duplantis at 28%, and Koening at 25%. However, with the GOP it's harder to see internal polling of Republican and independents affecting the Choice of the former President Trump. According to public reports Koening seems to be leading with the only voter that actually matters Donald Trump. So, I would at the point assume it is a virtual tie between Van Horn and Koening. Though it's hard not to notice that politically all three Republican candidates are very similar policy wise and there could be an opening for a non-Maga supporter to build a base of support in preparations for the post Trump fight that is likely to come if Trump loses in November. Something to think about for the non-Trump aligned Republican politicians these days. 

Our poll also showed that just as 538 reported Democrats are holding a generic ballot lead. Our results were Democrats leading at 45.5% vs Republicans, 42%. It's not hard to see why both major bills passed by the Senate are overwhelmingly popular. With the Education bill being supported by 48% of respondents, with only 38% saying they did not support the bill, and the Working Families Tax Relief Act being supported by 39% of respondents and only being opposed by 15%. There are a high number of undecides in both polls so clearly there are many persuadable voters but at the moment the Democrats agenda is proving popular, and they should feel emboldened to keep pushing. A fair warning to Mike Johnson who recently announced he would not docket the Working Families Tax relief act, 36% of respondents said they'd be less likely to vote for a Republican candidate if they knew that the Republican candidate was blocking the bill. Whereas only 19% said they'd be more likely to vote for them. Will this message form a key part of the narrative by Democrats as we approach November but only time will tell. Currently Democrats are in the driver's seat but they must not get complacent and keep working hard to share their message to voters. 

 

Copy of our polls:

Quote

Likely voters. MOE +/-4%

"If there was an election for the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee tomorrow which of these candidates would you vote for: (Random order) Hannah Kahiona, Truman Sizemore, or Rafael Coleman?" Asked to likely Democratic voters and independents.
Rafael Coleman: 30%
Hannah Kahiona: 27%
Truman Sizemore: 24%
Undecided: 19%

If there was an election for the Republican Presidential nominee tomorrow which of these candidates would you vote for: (Random order) Kyle Van Horn, Levi Koenig, or Earl Duplantis?" Asked to likely Republican voters and independents.
Kyle Van Horn: 32%
Earl Duplantis: 28%
Levi Koenig: 25%
Undecided: 15%

"Do you support the Working Families Tax Relief Act?"

Yes: 39%
No: 15%
Unsure: 46%

"Do you support the bipartisan Education Innovation and Equity Bill?"
Yes: 48%
No: 38%
Unsure: 14%

"If the general election were held tomorrow would you vote for the republican or democrat for congress?"
Democrat: 45.5%
Republican: 43%

Final question. 

"Would you be more or less likely to vote for the republican candidate if you knew they blocking the Working Families Tax Relief Act from providing tax relief for your family?" 
More Likely: 19%
Less Likely: 36%
Unsure/No Opinion/Need More Info: 45%

 

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The Sunset Statement:

A Night with the Presidents

by Natalie Clarke

New York - Hosted by Steven Colbert, the last three Democratic Presidents appeared with a number of Democratic lawmakers including the three Vice Presidential Contenders. The Democratic Party finally needs to move on from Former President Clinton. His presence as a leading figure in the Party is a constant reminder of how powerful men are used to getting away with sexual harassment and assault on women. We cannot truly stand against a rapist like Donald Trump while aligning ourselves with someone just as close to Jefery Epstein.  We also need to have an honest discussion about the potential for President Biden to remain on the ticket. Seemingly being guided by President Obama, I think it's beyond time for Biden to change his mind and allow the party to have a primary arranged in short order. The criminal President Trump is a threat to our democracy, and we need a strong candidate to stand up against him and the Republicans who are actively undermining the rule of law by complaining that Trump's criminal and corrupt actions are finally catching up to him. 

 

The first of our VP contenders to speak was Senator Coleman. Whose brief remarks sung the typical tune of Democratic messaging. Things are getting better but there's a lot of work to get done. His remarks are unlikely to shift the narrative but simply keep him in the spotlight and praise the current president. Senator Kahiona spoke second (for the VP contenders). Her remarks were a mix of attacking former President Trump and praising Biden. It is likely to draw attention from across the spectrum for that. MAGA republicans will dislike it, but they would've hated everything she said. Her remarks though will continue to appeal to a certain brand of never Trump republican that her status as a former Republican lead them to be predisposed to her candidacy. Finally, Senator Sizemore spoke for the longest of the three candidates. He was the only candidate to associate himself directly with former President Clinton, which could further his issues with progressives. However, he used that support as part of a policy pitch on healthcare. Sizemore is backing lowering the Medicare age down to 55. Sizemore's policy focus and longer speaking time likely overall leads him to be the winner of tonight's events. 

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DNC Chair: Q1 2025-Present

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The Sunset Statement:

The Fight for a Fair Wage

by Emma Baker

Washington DC - Earlier this week Chuck Schumer docketed a bill that would raise the minimum wage for the first time since 2009. After nearly a decade of progressive push for 15 dollars an hour, senate democrats have moved officially to a new proposal of 17 dollars an hour. This figure has been pushed by two of the Vice-Presidential hopefuls in Senator Coleman and Senator Kahiona. While Senator Sizemore has been opposed to an increase to 17 dollars. He has stated that he supports an increase in the minimum wage. It is clear why the Democrats have moved up the figure they are looking for. After high inflation over the past few years, the living wage would need to be higher. Groceries and housing are more expensive than they were in 2016 when Bernie pushed so hard for 15 dollars during his presidential campaign. Either way it makes sense the Democrats want to be having a debate on the minimum wage. They want to continue to reinforce the narrative around the senate being focused on putting more money into the pockets of regular Americans, whereas the Republican house is blocking help for working class people. Whether it be the working families tax relief act or raising the minimum wage. 

However, there is hope that the minimum wage might actually see an increase. A leading Republican, Senator Duplantis, put in an amendment to limit the increase to 12 dollars an hour. The number Hillary Clinton campaigned on eight years ago. However, it removes a key provision that seemingly all Democrats agree on which is indexing the minimum wage with inflation in the future. Preventing multi-decade stagnation due to congressional inaction. Senator Sizemore has teamed up with progressives to defeat that particular portion of the amendment. While we here at the Sunrise to Sunset network support a raising the minimum wage to 17 dollars as the bill originally would have down. We cannot let out desires to achieve that undermine the ability to get a compromise now. There seems to be support of the 12-dollar proposal after nearly a decade. Democrats should take that now and finish the job in 2025. Don't lose sight of the goal, the fight for a fair wage is not over just because the minimum wage goes up. No one working a full-time job should be living in poverty, and a full-time job should be enough to support a family. But for those workers a raise to 12 dollars is significantly better than where they are at. 

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DNC Chair: Q1 2025-Present

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Sunrise Podcast with John Baker Episode #2 of 2024


 

 

Good morning and welcome to the Sunrise Podcast, a part of the Sunrise to Sunset network. I am your host, John Baker. This podcast is available on YouTube, on our website, or wherever you normally get your podcasts from. If you are watching this on YouTube, and you enjoy this video considering liking the video and subscribing to our channel. If you want to contribute to our coffee fund; join our Patreon to gain access to our discord and to be able to vote on show topics. We have an exceptionally long episode planned today covering the latest happenings in Washington and in the #Veepstakes. If you are looking for more podcast content, be on the lookout for my new Sports Podcast, The Midday Report, that will be out shortly after this podcast airs. 


Without further ado let us get started. Firstly, Sunrise to Sunset network co-owner Anthony Clarke got into a bit of drama on the platform formerly known as twitter. During a twitter spaces event that Anthony Clarke was live tweeting his follower count was cut in half. Only to later return to normal levels after Elon was called out for the attempted censorship. Honestly, the whole situation was hilarious to me because you have two terminally online individuals having a contest where Anthony is constantly trying to punch up and Elon is just too petty not to punch down. I love my friend but sometimes he could take a break and go touch a bit of grass. Either way the situation was clearly another example in how Elon’s takeover of twitter is nothing more than his attempt at trying to have control over information and push whatever he likes at any given moment. We will have a longer discussion about the interview on twitter spaces once we get into the #Veepstakes situation. 


But first let us cover the happenings in the Senate. Coming off a mostly successful first docket where the Senate Democrats passed the Child Tax credit and earned income tax credit they have long been fighting for and are slowly working on tackling price gouging. They have turned their attention to the minimum wage. My beautiful and amazing wife wrote about the minimum wage in an earlier Sunset Statement. I just want to echo her support for the seventeen dollar an hour minimum wage, while encouraging Senate Democrats to get something over nothing. Senate Democrats are doing all the right things in tackling the economic woes that people are feeling right now. 


However, that is not the only interesting piece of legislation that is going through the senate right now. The aid deal that was agreed upon by both parties’ leadership has had an interesting method of passing. It looks on course to pass but not before the GOP inexplicably opposed cloture the first time. I am unsure what the mental state of Mitch McConnel is these days but either way it is much needed aid going to Taiwan, Israel, and Ukraine. The last part is the deeply dividing the GOP. I am glad there were enough Republicans who were not too busy visiting the Kremlin to support Ukraine. This podcast stands with the people of Ukraine, and I am extremely glad to see the senate progressing the aid deal to give them the support they need as soon as possible. 

Code Pink. What is there to say? I am getting sick and tired of progressives cutting off our nose to spite our face. You are not helping the cause of the people of Palestine with this stunt. We are not going to get anywhere with an all or nothing approach unwilling to recognize the complexity of the situation. Israel has a right to defend itself. Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas are trying to destroy it. Hamas is using the people of Palestine as human shields. There is simply no way that the US is going to stop supporting Israel. But do you know what we can do? We can call for aid for people of Palestine. We can push our government to accept refugees. For it to put pressure on the Israeli government to limit civilian casualties. But this war is not going to end by trying to run into the capital and yell at lawmakers. It is going to end because our government is working hard, and we are pushing them to make sure the humanitarian crisis is being addressed without trying to make it impossible for Israel to protect itself against Iran and terrorists. There are examples throughout the world of long-term conflicts coming to a peaceful end. There is peace on the island of Ireland. It can be done but it happens only when all civilians are recognized as deserving of rights and protection. We need to be clearer we are calling to help the people of Gaza not for Israel to be unable to defend itself.


Let us move on to the #Veepstakes. We will start on the Republican side and in order of polling. We will discuss their interviews and their comments on the Trump trial and other public comments they have given. 


Firstly, Senator Kyle Van Horn of Kentucky. While his interview with Russian Asset Tucker Carlson has been covered on our network previously. I think it's important to highlight once again that abandoning Ukraine is putting Russia first as my friend Anthony Clarke first. His methods of making points about trying to use that money at home are likely to be an effective message, there is simply no reason that we cannot make the necessary changes at home while protecting Ukraine and defending American interests globally. You do not stop a rising China by abandoning allies to nations far more willing to work with China than the United States. Russia is not and will never be our ally. Ukraine is one and an important one in keeping global food prices low. Simply put, there is a simple reason he is leading. His message has been one that resonates with Trump’s populist following. His remarks at Trump’s trial are a clear example of how willing he is to lay down with the Trumpist rhetoric. Our nation was founded on the principle that no one is above the law. It is up to the justice system to determine if former President Trump broke the law. And calling the actions of an independent judiciary a witch hunt is the dangerous action here. However, as a message to Trump it is one, he will listen to. In the senate Kyle Van Horn has been vocally calling for a nationwide E-Verify bill. A bill I am glad to have seen no support by any other Senators. Most states, including some border states, do not have E-Verify. 


In second according to our poll, Senator Earl Duplantis. Ben Shapiro interviewed him. His interview focused on education. Earl Duplantis differentiates himself with Kyle Van Horn by being vocally opposed to the bill. Trying to push Charter schools, which he used to run a Charter school company before being elected to Senate. His message on school choice does fit into GOP and will get the base excited even if school choice and charter schools are terrible, ineffective policies. It always amazes me when Republican talk about fiscal responsibility. Each time we have had a Republican President in the 21st century, the first thing they do is pass a massive tax cut for the rich and do nothing but explode the debt. But Democrats doing necessary spending to help the economy recover post pandemic, help bring our public schools into the 21st century or give working class people a tax cut. These are luxuries we cannot afford. Just absolute hypocrisy. Of course, he spoke at the Trump event and spoke much the same as Kyle Van Horn. Speak to Trump with little regard to the facts of the case. Or letting the justice department do its job. An interesting development with his campaign is the recent amendment to the minimum wage bill. He has backed a twelve dollar an hour minimum wage. He is targeting making this his populist economic pitch. I am not going to look a gift horse in the mouth and if this is what it takes to get a minimum wage done then I say finally, and we can finish the job in 2025. 


Finally, there is Elon and Trump’s favorite billionaire that is not themselves, Levi Koenig. His interview on twitter spaces was just the representation of overly online Republican types. That is without even touching Elon’s weird comments about Biden’s daughter. Koenig is a typical out of touch billionaire who does not get the needs of regular Americans and sitting down talking about wokeness and aliens is a perfect representation of that. Of course, Elon and Levi could not avoid backing anti-American positions like opposing aid to Ukraine. If you think Koenig has the best interests of America at heart let me point to his answer about Xi assassination. “It is unfortunate that President Xi died. He liked Trump and the U.S. and China had a great relationship during Trump’s term.” He views everything in how much it benefits Trump. Finally, in the words of Charlotte O’Hare. “Nothing says anti-establishment like two billionaires complaining about not being above the law. At the end of the day Trump committed crimes and should be held accountable. But they know if Trump can be held accountable for his actions Koenig and Elon can as well and that is why they oppose it. It is about protecting their own interests. While he hasn’t made too many policy declarations, he gained noticed for telling Senator Hunt of Maine to be a democrat for stating that he did not support former President Trump. 


On the Democratic side. Starting with Senator Coleman. His interview with Rachel Maddow is an appeal to rank-and-file democrats. Focused on the key issues that democratic voters. He has been an important voice for Democrats in the Senate on economic issues like the minimum wage and with the education bill. He clearly sits in the middle of the party between Senator Kahiona and Senator Sizemore. His sit down with Izuymi Miyo helped make clear difference between himself and the other contenders. He was focused on education policy more than economic policy specifically cost of living and inflation. Coleman showed a bit of progressive leanings in that but mostly stayed with a policy of supporting what is possible. Which was most clear in his answer about free public university. Supporting the policy but pushing for expanded Pell grants which he believes has a greater chance of passing. However, credit where credit is due, on economic policy he does lean to the left of Joe Biden. Pushing hard for the seventeen dollar minimum wage as the main example. An appeal to younger voters who are most likely to be working those jobs. He will fit right into a Joe Biden administration as the Vice president, but the question is can he turn out enough people who are considering staying home to turn the tide in the election? He is by far the safest option for Joe Biden. 


Senator Kahiona has been quieter in the Senate than her counterparts. However, she did make a key push recently on housing policy. A massively important policy section that has not been tapped into by either candidate. Younger Americans are losing the dream of owning a home one day so this is an issue that young Americans care deeply about and could be a good boost to her candidacy. She sat down with Anderson Cooper in one of the more watched interviews. She showed great chops at handling difficult foreign policy questions and showed that she was not afraid to be hard hitting against President Trump. Good traits in a Vice President. In her interview with our network, she showed support for progressive policies and will be the best candidate to help with Biden’s weakness on the left wing of the party and turning out younger people who are unsatisfied with President Biden. She backed clear progressive economic messages in a seventeen dollar minimum wage, paid family leave, and price caps on energy. It is not just a matter of backing progressive economic policy. She backs policies that are designed to help millennials and Gen Z who are feeling forgotten about by our government. It would be a massive mistake for President Biden to discount her due to her age. This election is going to be won on turnout, and I think we would be making a mistake forgetting that getting our base excited is going to be a significant help in this election. 


Finally, Senator Sizemore the blue dog Senator made a big deal out of his support for Medicare at 55 during the event at Radio City. Certainly, a policy that will fit right into his appeal to moderate democrats and independents. However, it is a policy he first discussed in his interview with our network. The Senator has made a big push to support Israel. But as the days progress it becomes harder not to discuss what will be his biggest hurdle when it comes to being the VP nominee. It is unlikely that he will expand turnout beyond Joe Biden’s base within the party. Moderates and white working-class voters are key demographics in Biden’s coalition. That is true but it is hard to see how much Sizemore would increase turnout amongst those voters. Whereas younger voters and progressives are unlikely to be swayed by his candidacy. Medicare for fifty-five does nothing to help young people. That is a problem for the Democratic party to double down on. Ignoring that younger voters feel neglected by our government is not going to help us win this election. One thing that could help Sizemore without harming moderate credentials too much is trying to appeal to young voters on student debt relief. Back Biden’s executive order and hammer home the fact that it was the Supreme court that blocked relief and that you back relief. You are already tied to the plan anyway. Embrace it and let it help you excite young voters. I cannot stress how important turnout is going to be in this election. So, we must make sure that we are getting every voter we can out to the polls. And part of that is making sure that low information voters hear our message and that we have excited volunteers who understand the platforms young people are using and are spreading the message that we care about the issues they care about and the only way things are going to get better is if they go out and vote for democrats up and down the ballot. 


That is our show today folks. Please do not forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you are listening on YouTube. If you want to support our show, consider donating to our Patreon or becoming a YouTube member. Have a wonderful day and remember to register to vote. 

 
 

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Midday Report Podcast with John Baker Episode #1 of 2024

(No recording for this one. I don't have the extra time)

Welcome to the Midday report. I am your host, John Baker. This podcast is a part of the Sunrise to Sunset network, and is available on YouTube, on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts from. If you are watching on YouTube, and you enjoy this video considering liking the video and subscribing to our channel. If you want to contribute to our coffee fund, join our Patreon to gain access to our discord and be able to vote on show topics.


Let us get into a breaking news story, the Arizona coyotes will be relocating to Salt Lake City. After being unable to get a permanent arena done the NHL stepped in and made sure that the Coyotes would be moving to Salt Lake. An incredibly disappointing move after how hard the NHL has worked to keep the team in Arizona since they first arrived in the city in 1996. It is an incredibly sad day for hockey fans around the US. However, all is not lost for Hockey fans in Arizona. If Alex Meruelo can get an NHL ready arena by 2029 the Coyotes can come back as an expansion team. 


Which of course means that the NHL is considering expansion once again. I think it’s obvious which cities would be on the map for expansion alongside a new team in Arizona. Atlanta, Houston, Kansas City, and Quebec City. Atlanta and Houston are the with Houston already having an arena. Atlanta has several proposals for arena and ownership groups. The only downside with Atlanta is the two failed teams, though the Thrashers failed because the owners did not want the Thrashers using their arena anymore and would not consider owners that would keep them in Atlanta. Kansas City is in interesting prospect for Hockey, and I would love to see it as the expansion if hockey cannot go back to Phoenix. Quebec City is certainly going to happen but as the 36th team in the NHL. 


Conference tournaments are just finishing, and March madness is upon us. I will be posting my bracket as soon as the committee finalizes the teams. I am disappointed to see an average North Carolina team win the ACC, but it is a conference that produces a fair number of random winners that do not deserve to be in March madness. Looking at you 2021 Georgia Tech. Florida’s surprise win of the SEC is an amazing story. Hopefully, they can continue that success into the tournament. Other notable automatic qualifiers are Princton winning the Ivy League. Michigan State won the Big 10. Baylor won the Big 12. Arizona, the PAC-12. I am excited for the tournament. My way too early guess is that Duke shakes off their big game jitters and goes on a run through the tournament. 


In the realm of the pinnacle of motorsports. The news that has been dominating the headlines is that Sir Lewis Hamilton will be joining Ferrari. Which will leave Carlos Sainz looking for a seat for next year. However, as the season started Max Verstappen and Red Bill are off to a hot start of the season with Super Max winning the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grand prix. Red Bull’s other driver, and my wife’s favorite, Sergio Perez took second place in both races. It looks like Ferrari will be Red Bull’s main challenger this season with Carlos Sainz taking third place in Bahrain before missing the Saudi Arabian grand prix due to needing his appendix removed. In Saudi Arabia, Charles Leclerc placed third. Unfortunately for American fans, Logan Sergeant is off to a terrible start at trying to save his racing career. But American team Haas has scored a single point letting them hold sixth place in the constructors. Honestly, please Liberty Media let in Andretti with Cadillac as their engine supplier. We need an American team that cares about trying to win the constructors championship and dedicated to racing with American drivers. Other exciting off the track news is that Audi has confirmed a complete takeover of the Sauber group who will race under the name of Stake F1 team. 

That is our show today folks. Have a great rest of your day!
 

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The Sunset Statement:

A Word for Peace

by John Baker 

Washington DC - This week saw two rallies. The Free Palestine Rally at the University of Michigan, which had limited attendance, and the bipartisan attended Stand with Israel Rally at the University of Pennsylvania. While it is no surprise that the Free Palestine Rally did not see a lot of attendance with only two prominent speakers in Senator Donald Jones (D-NJ) and State Senator Charlotte O'Hare (D-HI) they struck the right tone. One that recognized the legitimacy of the Israeli position while still focusing on the needless pain and suffering the people of Palestine are experiencing. While their speeches were not praised by the organizers; I applaud them for not bringing even more poor press to the cause of the Palestinian people. They are suffering and stunts like that of Code Pink are actively harmful. Senator Donald Jones speech successfully brought attention to the suffering on both sides, in a way that will result in media coverage actually focused on the suffering of the people of Palestine. As with Senator O'Hare, I am hopeful that the call for humanitarian aid will lead to a discussion on the much-needed aid for Palestinians. Her points against taking aid away from Israel undercuts an immediate counter argument supports of the rally are likely to here. Make no mistake the careful rhetoric is exactly what this moment calls for, making sure that the message is the story and not some ill-thought-out line. I understand many on the left are disappointed, but we have to understand that mistakes in message are exactly what the right is looking for. Something to constantly attack and the ability to completely dismiss our message. Make no mistake despite everything, I believe this rally while not a success is a step in the right direction. 

In Pennsylvania, just because the rally was well attended does not mean that it went off without a hitch. A number of speakers such as Robert Albion (R-OH), Sarah Avraham (D-CA), Truman Sizemore (D-PA), and Hannah Kahiona (D-HI) gave speeches following typical expectations about protecting and aiding Israel and the noble cause of fighting antisemitism at home. Two truly stuck out to me as I was watching them back. Senator Earl Duplantis (R-LA) who started before the rally in Michigan ended to attack the people who are supporting the innocents in Palestine. Labeling the peaceful and moderate protest as evil. This is why having a careful message can be quite effective. His over-the-top rhetoric will fall flat due the lack of headlines about positions outside of the mainstream taking place in the event, and I'm sure that is without considering all the eyeballs on he would've brought on the speeches as people's curiosity about what could possibly be so evil causes them to tune in. Though I must wonder how a Senator who voted against aid for Israel can truly state that he stands with Israel. Finally, the other speech that is likely to catch the press's attention is from Douglas Butcher (R-TX). He had quite the choice of rhetoric in his speech. Co-opting the phrase "from the river to the sea", and comparing college students to the SS. Over the coming days we might see other attendees back away from his extreme anti-Palestinian rhetoric. I doubt many of the other speakers would truly deny that there are innocent Palestinians that have been killed in this conflict just as there have been innocent Israelis that have been killed. Both things can be true that the people are Israel and Palestine are being killed as a result of this war and until it comes to an end, we must do what we can to help Israel defend itself and provide aid to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

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The Sunset Statement:

A New Dawn

by Natalie Clarke

Washington DC - Early this morning fmr. President Trump died at the age of 78, and with him ends the Trump era. What comes next is a fight for the very soul of the Republican Party. What ideology and messaging will take place in the wake of removing the center of the Republican universe is yet to been seen. Clear contenders are the three Vice Presidential candidates, Earl Duplantis, Levi Koening, and Kyle Van Hortn. However, without Trump is there room in the party once again for a non MAGA leader to take hold. A person such as a moderate like Robert Albion or a traditional conservative like Kyle Allred? One thing is very clear there is no immediate leader that will take immediate control of the Trump movement. Van Horn, Koening, and Duplantis all appeal to different sections of the Trump coalition and it will be worth watching how they maneuver to set themselves up as his successor as we move towards the Republican convention. 

On the Democratic side things are not very different. It is clear that Joe Biden needs to step aside and let a fresh voice take center stage as well. He has done our nation a great service leading the pandemic recovery, protecting Ukraine, capping the cost of insulin, and fighting for student debt relief. President Biden's legacy will be a positive one. Which will be bolstered by him taking the brave action of stepping aside. Not unlike the GOP the short contest to decide the Democratic nominee will likely be led by the VP candidates, Rafael Coleman, Hannah Kahiona, and Truman Sizemore. The difference is that there are clear ideological differences between the candidates. Ones that will become even clearer as more candidates officially enter the race. The second primary of 2024 has already started on the Democratic side as Truman Sizemore entered the race and made a defense of Biden's presidency. Now is the opportunity to get a progressive voice in the White House that can be a push for positive change in people's lives. We must continue the work of President Biden, and we must live up to our values in helping those that need it. I am hopeful that this campaign will not see candidates shy away from Progressive principles. 

 

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The Sunset Statement:

Democratic Primary Heats Up

by Anthony Clarke

Washington DC - In the few days since President Biden announced that he was dropping out of the Presidential election, the Democratic primary has started to take immediate shape. The most unexpected development is that Truman Sizemore (D-PA) has announced that he is not seeking the nomination and instead choosing to continue his run for re-election in Pennsylvania. The Democratic Senate Campaign will likely breathe a sigh of relief at that news. Sizemore is a popular Senator and having him on the ballot in PA will likely boost their chances statewide. In the realm of expected developments, our Capitol Hill Correspondent Izumi Miyo broke the news that Senator Coleman (D-CO) has formed an exploratory committee to consider a run for the Presidency and Senator Hannah Kaihona (D-HI) had filed the paperwork to seek the nomination.

Both Senators made quite the name for themselves during the #VeepStakes, which brought both of their names into the national spotlight. Coleman is likely the early favorite due to holding the highest amount of support in the #Veepstakes. However, Kahiona should not be counted out, with her strong performance in a number of recent public events. But the field is likely not going to be limited to just two. Senator Osiris Storm (D-NY) has recently started to be speculated as a potential candidate. Though he and any others looking at entering the race, will need to quickly catch up on the name recognition that the two front runners enjoy.

Our network will be providing candidates a questionnaire and doing a profile on every Democratic Candidate, so that we can all learn about the person who might become the next President of the United States. However, this is going to be a primary unlike any other on both sides. It will be one without a yearlong campaign before the first vote is cast. It is one where party insiders have a disproportionate voice at the convention. And it will be one where social media opinion, news articles, and opinion polls will matter a lot. There will be a lot of key endorsements to watch, Fmr. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn, New York Congresswoman AOC, Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer, Senator Truman Sizemore, amongst many others. Our network will be saving our endorsement for mid-July to provide ample time to make a decision. We are truly in for a historic election. Have a great day! 

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Sunrise Sports:

Official Bracket

by Mark Conner

We are predicting final four Where Arizona's Matt Hayes putting them over the top of the Michigan State Spartans, and the blue bloods striking back with Duke and UNC facing for a second time in the last few weeks, with this time Duke coming out on top. In a high scoring final game, the Wildcats will defeat the Blue Devils and win their second national championship game. (Excerpt of a larger article defending every choice) 

 

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The Sunset Statement:

It is time for a fair wage

by Emma Baker

Washington DC - According to the non-partizan congressional budget office the Raise the Wage Act, would raise the earnings of 9 million workers by 2033. It would lift in the average of their math 400k people out of poverty. That alone is a solid enough argument for raising the wage. You immediately cut down the number of people who have to work more than one job to survive. You lift thousands of families out of poverty, and you put more money in the pocket of hard-working Americans throughout our nation. We also shouldn't be lost in skewed data that fails to paint the full picture, people that make under six times the poverty rate or less than $187k for a family of four will see their wages their earnings increase beyond 2023. It also will always be important to note that according to non-partisan thinktank the Economic Policy Institute most minimum wage studies find little-to-no effect on employment. 

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Hyperbole and doomsday scenarios should not prevent us from taking the necessary actions to help the families that have been hit the hardest by inflation and to bring people out of poverty. Though for those worried about the unlikely adverse results of a $17 minimum wage should be happy that it seems the Raise the Wage Act will be on course to pass the Senate with only a $13 minimum wage. While a disappointment for some on the left, if the House were to pass the bill it would still increase the earnings of over two million workers and raise over 100k people out of poverty. A compromise that in the end will improve the lives of the American people and still allows Democrats to push for a higher minimum wage in a more favorable environment. The people will notice that Democrats have consistently been pushing for things that will improve their lives nationwide, from paid family leave to a higher minimum wage, to the child tax credit, to education spending, and more. Whereas the House has been the place that these popular policies will have been languishing for months. Senate Democrats need to keep up the pressure on fighting to improve people's lives. 

 

 

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The Sunset Statement:

Congress to Pass Necessary Aid legislation

by Anthony Clarke

 

Washington DC - Over the last few months, the White House and Senate Democrats have been pushing hard to get an aid deal passed that will provide much needed aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. From the last time we discussed the aid deal the bill has been docketed by the Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson after a meeting with Chuck Schumer despite a pressure by the Freedom Caucus. While the pressure campaign was going on Republican Chair Kyle Allred (R-UT) spoke in favor of the deal getting a vote in the House. The campaign was a last-ditch attempt for Russian bought media people to prevent the US government from putting our interests first and instead working in the interests of Vladimir Putin.

The campaign also tries to blame democrats for Republicans not debating issues in the House. I'm sorry last time I checked Mike Johnson a republican set the docket. If Kyle Van Horn wants to get Mike Johnson to do something maybe he should be taking a meeting with the Speaker and Mitch McConnell instead of trying to pass the onus of governance on Chuck Schumer. Chuck and the Democrats have already passed bills designed to help working families and improve education. We know the house has the votes to pass them but currently they are choosing not to bring them up for debate. The blame of that failure lays solely at the feet of Republicans. 

The campaign is incredibly short sighted to think that as long as Putin is in charge of Russia that he will not continue to push the bounds of what the West will tolerate from invading Georgia, providing assistance to Iran, and trying to use tiny Russian minorities in certain countries to undermine their ability to govern. He is not an American friend and protecting a democracy that wants to get closer to the West is the right choice. Furthermore, it makes it clear that the US will defend our NATO allies and Russia cannot actually make a move against any of the Baltic states or Finland. 

It is clear based on comments by the caucus leaders that the aid deal will pass with the Republican Study committee joining the democrats in voting for favor of it. The bill will almost certainly be on Joe Biden's desk by the end of the month. From there we can only hope that the aid pushes Ukraine towards being successful in this war, helps prevent more civilian deaths in Israel due to rockets from Hamas and Hezbollah, and makes sure that the new regime in China knows that force is not an option when it comes to their Tawain policy. This aid is needed for our allies and our interests and if people want to see more stuff be done to help the American people, then call your congressman and tell them to get Mike Johnson to bring up the education bill or Working Families Tax Relief Act. It is him and the Republican party that is preventing 25 billion dollars in funding being sent to our schools and the expansion of the child tax credit and earned income tax credit that will immediately help middle- and working-class families deal with inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. 

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The Sunset Statement

The PRO-Act will be the boost American Workers Need

by Emma Baker

Washington DC - My husband is going to be disappointed that because he has to cover the horse race in his podcast that I get to talk about the new docket in the Senate before him. Oh well this is a very important discussion. Democrats feeling boosted by the fact that Senator John Hunt (R-ME) cosponsored the bill have brought the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (Pro Act). Named after the late President of the AFL-CIO. The bill is designed to provide a number of worker protections most importantly the elimination of so called "Right to work" legislation. Dr. Martin Luthur King talked about these laws in 1961 stating: "In our glorious fight for civil rights we must guard against being fooled by false slogans such as 'Right to work.' It provides no 'rights' and no 'work' Its purpose is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining." And he's right. These laws are designed to make it harder for Labor unions to do their jobs in working for hard working Americans to get higher wages and better benefits. 

According to the Economic Policy institute data shows that right to work laws damage a state's economy, lower wages, increase income inequality, and doesn't create jobs. Non-unionized workers are less likely to have health insurance and retirement benefits. In Wisconsin since they passed their right to work law blue collar wages fell by over five percent. It isn't just Wisconsin; the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that right to work laws are associated with 7.5% lower wages than states without right to work laws. I This bill is so important to addressing income inequality and the rising cost of living. This bill will help workers overcome the economic disparities that weaker unions create and make that American workers are being paid a true fair value for their work.

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Americans should have the ability to save for retirement, buy a home, put their kids through college. That starts with having Americans earn a fair wage because workers have a fair voice at the negotiating table. American workers are seeing higher and higher executive pay while seeing their wages stagnate. This bill will provide a worker the voice they need to fight for higher wages and while it is unlikely to pass without your voice. Support candidates this primary season who back passing the Pro-act or repealing Right to work laws. Michigan repealed theirs, many states can follow in their footsteps so there's no level of government that progressive voters should be ignoring this election season. Make your voice heard! 

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    • The Sunset Statement: Republicans get it wrong on the Raise the Wage Act by: Emily Baker Washington DC - The Republican Party has made a push on trying to become the party of working Americans but instead of just working to help Americans they are just playing political games on the minimum wage without actually planning on raise the minimum wage. Every working American should be earning a living wage, and it is a shame that the Republican Party isn't actually interested in delivering the raise Americans so desperately need. Make no mistake reader if they Raise the Wage act passes the Senate it will result in the House passing a version of it without E-verify where the bill will die. Supposedly both parties agree on raising the minimum wage but if it dies it will be because the GOP is not interested in passing a minimum wage increase without a program that is expensive and ineffective.  E-Verify is the wrong answer to addressing the immigration situation in this country. Nationwide E-verify would cost over 40 billion dollars when you adjust the CBO report for inflation. Not only is the program expensive to the American taxpayer, but it is also expensive to small businesses. Bloomberg estimates that the program will cost small businesses 2.6 billion dollars. That could result in many small businesses going under or being unable to get off the ground in the first place and give billion-dollar corporations like Walmart more market advantage to push local shops out of business. In addition, states that already have E-Verify know that the system is not perfect and often leads to mistakes that cost the employee and their employer money that the employee must go out of their way to correct. That means losing multiple days' pay and having to fight against government bureaucracy just to prove that you are following the law, instead of the presumption of innocence every American is going to be assumed to working illegally until the Government gives its stamp of approval. I make it a point not to agree with Vox Libertalis often, but I have to agree here because they are right this is a step too far in government overreach. The CATO institute stated on E-Verify: An audit of the system by the firm Westat found that an estimated 54 percent of unauthorized workers were incorrectly found to be work authorized by E‑Verify" You hardly find many issues where the CATO Institute, the ACLU, Vox, Sunrise and Sunset Media all agree but we all agree that nationwide E-Verify is the incorrect choice. We can only hope that Congress will give Americans the wage increase they need and then sort out an effective immigration solution instead of trying to create the TSA but for employment.   
    • Requiem for a Dream by Rondal Goldfarb The news today of President Kyle Allred passing away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm at only 48 years old is a tragedy for not just the people who loved and supported him but signals as well the last dying gasp of the Grand Old Party.  For better and worse, at his heart of hearts, President Allred represented the last of a now dead breed, the traditional conservative Republican archetype that believed in limited government, social conservatism, and a strong foreign policy and defense posture that was not afraid to intervene around the world to preserve an inflated ideal of American imperialism disguised as exceptionalism. Allred was a traditional conservative at his core, but he recognized that the road to power was littered with the bodies of failed resistance to President Trump. We have regularly pointed out the on again off again revolving door romance that was President Allred’s relationship with Donald Trump and his loyalist base. One week they were calling each other names in the press, and the next week they were back together, rinse and repeat ad nauseum. Like the bad boy you just can’t shake, Allred knew he needed Trump for his tradionalist message to go anywhere in today’s Republican Party. President Allred was forced to walk a tightrope between competing factions that led to a myriad of often contradictory words and actions. He regularly denounced and campaigned against Trump but nevertheless came around to supporting him in every election he ran in. He decried protectionism but pledged to keep the Trump/Biden tariffs in place. He spoke of fiscal restraint and the need to root out corruption in Medicare but insisted he would not reform the system rapidly speeding towards its demise. President Allred was a politician. What they say is rarely what they do. Nevertheless, we held out some small hope that he would be the chosen one to throw off the shackles of his party's recent authoritarian past and return to an ideal of limited government and free market ideals. And that the choice of Vice President Van Horn would temper his imperialist ambitions. There were fits of promise between the political posturing, but alas they shall not come to pass. Gone is the opportunity for President Allred to manifest his values into actions, and so too is the Party of free trade and limited government. In its wake, President Kyle Van Horn's faction reigns supreme. In his first statement as President he spoke plainly that he is 'not going to be Kyle Allred.' The balance to Allred’s interventionist neoconservatism is now the top of the ticket, projecting noninterventionism back into the mainstream but at the cost of borderline Democratic populism at home. The next four years under the uniparty (Van Horn’s word) in Washington will now instead have riveting debates about exactly how high the minimum wage should be, not if but by how much government should control free enterprise, who is the bigger ally to union bosses, and which who can dance around the looming apocalypse to entitlement programs without acknowledging the elephant in the room. Promises that cannot be kept will be made to disaffected working class Americans across the country while the U.S. Treasury self-immolates as domestic spending propels itself permanently over the fiscal cliff. In the meantime, we wish him godspeed in his pursuit of a fresh and long overdue new direction in foreign policy. President Van Horn’s America First policy will finally get us out of costly foreign entanglements abroad, but promises of reinvesting those dollars here without taking a serious look at the nation’s finances, sets the U.S. up to be more beholden to international financing (including from China) in the future, and at higher interest rates.  Perhaps we are wrong and fate will intervene to force President Van Horn to become the fiscal hawk we hoped Allred would ultimately become, but only time will tell. In its wake, America is mourning once again, not just for a President, but for the death of an idea ironically as old as the nation itself, that trusting in the invisible hand of the free market will always yield optimal results. #ChooseFreedom
    • The Sunset Statement: President Allred is Dead by: Anthony Clarke Washington DC. - Last night it was announced that President Allred died of a brain aneurysm. He is the first president to die in office since John F. Kennedy and the shortest serving president since William Henry Harrison. The passing of the President is a very sad occasion coming off the recent news about Jimmy Carter. It is unclear what legacy President Allred will leave behind.    Vice President Kyle Van Horn took the oath of office last night. Immediately he made it clear that he would not try to be Kyle Allred. With that it was announced that he would withdraw the disputed cabinet nominations at Treasury and Education to appoint his own nominees. Levi Koenig stated on twitter that all current cabinet officers resign. Clearly there is some push from the anti-Ukraine side to immediate give all of Allred's policies the boot. However, I think it is important to remember for the GOP and for Van Horn that Allred was fairly popular so is Ukraine aid. They might be better off long-term trying to find a balance between completing Allred's popular promises and making Kyle Van Horn his own man. It could go a long way in extending this new honeymoon period they have.   
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