Connect with us

Published

on

Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is seizing the moment in debt ceiling negotiations, staying out front in public messaging as he pushes the White House to change its debt limit posture while also keeping the right flank in his conference satisfied — for now.

Negotiators have yet to reach a deal, political dynamics could easily change depending on its final form and a bumpy weekend in the talks pose another challenge for him. But McCarthy’s public relations strategy on the debt limit has seen results so far. 

McCarthy united his far-flung conference to pass a bill that paired a debt limit increase with spending cuts and other GOP priorities. Shortly after, President Biden backed away from his no-negotiations stance and invited McCarthy and other congressional leaders to meet — though the White House has continued to frame the talks as a negotiation on the budget separate from the debt limit.

And after McCarthy expressed pessimism about how those talks were going, the structure of discussions was narrowed to be between just his deputies and the White House, cutting out congressional Democrats and Senate Republicans. 

House Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who some previously thought might have to step in to negotiate a compromise, has thrown his full support behind the Speaker to negotiate a deal.

The Speaker is holding frequent press conferences, gaggles, and TV interviews to advocate for spending cuts and policy reforms as a condition of raising the debt limit, a contrast to the press-shy President Biden. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) said he was “pretty impressed with his [Wednesday] press conference” that featured Republicans from both chambers.

A source familiar with McCarthy’s strategy said that his decision to be in front of the media shows his confidence in his policy asks and that the public will back him up in those.

McCarthy embraces an underdog, “House GOP vs. the world” message. 

“Here’s a Republican conference that none of you gave credibility to or thought we could achieve anything,” McCarthy said Tuesday.

With the talks amping up this week, the White House has appeared to back away from its longtime stance that it wants a “clean increase” without any other conditions, though it has still framed the negotiations in terms of the budget rather than the debt limit.

“He has the bully pulpit of the Speakership,” Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said of McCarthy’s messaging in contrast to the Democrats. “We always struggle to get our message amplified.”

Public opinion surveys have shown that Democratic attacks on Republicans for holding the economy “hostage” are struggling to sway the electorate in their favor.

A May 17-18 Harvard/Harris poll found that 57 percent of voters think Democrats should cave their position to prevent a default, up from 55 percent in April, while 43 percent said Republicans should cave. 

Meanwhile, Economist/YouGov polls have found that McCarthy’s net job approval rating has dramatically improved in the months since January, when a 15-ballot saga ended with him being elected Speaker.

A May 13-16 survey found that 42 percent of adults approved of the way McCarthy was handling his job as Speaker, while 34 percent disapproved while 24 percent were not sure. In a January 21-24 survey, just 32 percent approved, while 37 percent disapproved and 32 percent were not sure.

And some Democratic messaging on the negotiations has conflicted.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Monday that the GOP’s request for beefed-up work requirements for public assistance programs was a “nonstarter.” But later in the week, Biden signaled willingness to compromise on work requirements, though rejected any kind of significant change.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said that she was being “watchful” of the White House in the negotiations now that congressional Democrats have been cut out of the room.

“The President’s done such a phenomenal job of leading the country over the last two years and keeping Democrats united behind core Democratic values, and I would urge them to continue to do so,” Jayapal said.

Some progressive Democrats have continued to hold out hope for a “clean” debt limit increase. 

“I want to believe that the White House is holding firm to its commitments and our values,” Huffman said.

Several Democrats suggest Biden could test a 14th Amendment strategy to raise the debt limit unilaterally without the help of Congress. While Biden said over the weekend that he thinks he has the authority to do so, he warned there may not be enough time to invoke that authority, have it litigated, and still avoid a default.

House Democrats have also filed a escape-hatch discharge petition plan to force a vote on a clean debt ceiling increase — though that would need support from at least five Republicans, who have shown no willingness to help.

McCarthy is not out of the woods yet, though. 

It remains unclear whether he will be able to secure a compromise that appeases the right flank of his conference — some of whom expect nothing less than the sweeping policy reforms and cuts that they passed in their April debt limit bill. And others are trying to throw more policy proposals, such as beefed-up border security measures, into the mix.

Political observers note that it takes just one GOP member to call a motion to vacate the chair and force a vote on ousting the Speaker.

Hardline conservatives, however, insist such an upheaval is not being considered right now, signaling that McCarthy still has their support as negotiations continue.

“I’ve heard anybody talking about motion to vacate except for reporters who asked me about that,” said Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), one of the 20 hardline conservatives who withheld support from McCarthy during the Speaker’s election. 

However, the conservative House Freedom Caucus on Thursday threw another wrinkle in the mix when it called for “no further discussion” on the debt ceiling, pressuring the Senate to pass the House GOP bill. That position became cloudy, though, when the group’s chairman, Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), later said the position did not mean McCarthy and the White House should not talk at all.

And Friday, McCarthy hit pause on debt limit talks for much of the day as his top negotiator, Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), said the White House was being “unreasonable.” The talks resumed that evening but made little progress before McCarthy is set to meet with Biden on Monday.

That threw another wild card into the mix: Former President Trump. Veterinarians warn dog owners of rise in deadly parvovirus The northern lights are heating up: Could they come to all 50 states?

“REPUBLICANS SHOULD NOT MAKE A DEAL ON THE DEBT CEILING UNLESS THEY GET EVERYTHING THEY WANT (Including the “kitchen sink”),” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday.

McCarthy had been careful to not contradict Trump earlier in the week when asked to respond to the former president downplaying the potential economic consequences of a default. 

“I think President Trump is a great negotiator. And I think that President Trump when does that, he’s trying to help the negotiation,” McCarthy said.

Continue Reading

UK

Manchester synagogue attack: Families pay tribute to ‘kind and heroic’ victims – as police arrest three more suspects

Published

on

By

Manchester synagogue attack: Families pay tribute to 'kind and heroic' victims - as police arrest three more suspects

The families of the two victims of the Manchester synagogue attack have paid tribute to them as “heroic, beloved and cherished”.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed in the attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday.

Mr Daulby, a member of the congregation, was shot accidentally when police opened fire on attacker Jihad al Shamie.

The synagogue’s rabbi told Sky News it happened as Mr Daulby “was holding the doors to make sure everyone inside stayed safe”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Hero held doors closed to keep everyone safe, rabbi says

His family said he was a “hero” and a “lovely down-to-earth man” whose “final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act”.

The family of Mr Cravitz – a security guard at the synagogue who was attending the service – said he would “do anything to help anyone”.

“He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people,” they said.

“He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food. He will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends and community.”

Adrian Daulby. Pic: Family handout
Image:
Adrian Daulby. Pic: Family handout

The tributes came as police said three more people – a man and two women – had been arrested on suspicion of terror offences, bringing the total to six.

They also revealed the attacker had been on bail over a suspected rape, but wasn’t on the radar of counter-terror police.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the shooting – standard practice when a member of the public is killed.

The investigation would include “whether police may have caused or contributed to the death” of Mr Daulby.

Sir Stephen Watson, the head of Greater Manchester police, confirmed Mr Daulby’s injury appeared to be “a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers”.

‘Gentle giant’

Other relatives of Mr Cravitz told Sky News he was a “gentle giant” who “would never harm a fly”.

His cousin, Phil Bentley, said his death was even more tragic as he would never normally be at the synagogue that early.

Melvin Cravitz. Pic: GMP
Image:
Melvin Cravitz. Pic: GMP

Hindi Cohen, a friend and neighbour, said he was a “lovely man” with a good sense of humour, adding: “Our kids loved him. He called himself uncle Melvin to my kids.”

One of Mr Daulby’s neighbours was also emphatic in his praise for a man he lived next door to for 20 years.

Abdul Rahimi called him “one of the best guys I’ve ever seen in my life” and a “very, very good man”, who often bought books and toys for children on their street.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Synagogue attack victim was a ‘fantastic guy’

Another neighbour, Waqas Hussain, said the pair bonded over a shared love of nature, animals and birds.

He said Mr Daulby was a cancer survivor, who lived alone and started going to the synagogue more after his father died a few years ago.

“Just one of them people… so innocent, so approachable and so pure,” he told Sky News.

He said his friend hadn’t been fasting for health reasons and was debating whether or not to go the synagogue on Thursday.

Increased police patrols are being put in place near synagogues across the country following the atrocity.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Manchester attacker – what we know

Lammy heckled at vigil

Police in London and Manchester have urged people not to hold planned protests in the cities this weekend so they can keep officers free.

A vigil for the victims was also held in Manchester on Friday – but Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy walked out to shouts of “shame on you” and boos from a few in the crowd.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Deputy PM heckled at vigil

“Go to Palestine but leave us alone,” one person shouted.

Another protester shouted “my children’s school was closed today – you allowed this to happen.”

Read more:
Ex-minister says father-in-law was at synagogue attack
Attacker’s family condemn ‘heinous act’

Thirty-five-year-old Jihad al Shamie was named as the attacker on Thursday and is believed to be of Syrian descent.

He is understood to have been granted British citizenship when he was around 16, having entered the UK as a young child.

Police shot him dead seven minutes after the first emergency call as they feared he was wearing an explosive device – later identified as a fake.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Timeline: How terror attack unfolded

Three men also remain in hospital after the attack, with two of them named as Yoni Finlay and Andrew Franks.

One suffered a stab wound, a second was hurt after being hit by a car that al Shamie is said to have driven towards the synagogue, and the third suffered a gunshot wound.

One of the injured victims was working for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which provides security to the Jewish community.

Its chief executive, Mark Gardner, said: “One of our CST personnel was seriously injured in yesterday’s terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

“We pray for his continuing recovery and salute the courage of all those who helped stop the terrorist from getting into the shul.”

Continue Reading

Politics

Coinbase goes after National Trust Charter — But don’t call it a bank

Published

on

By

Coinbase goes after National Trust Charter — But don’t call it a bank

Coinbase goes after National Trust Charter — But don’t call it a bank

Coinbase said seeking the license is part of its broader effort to bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to more than four years in prison

Published

on

By

Sean 'Diddy' Combs sentenced to more than four years in prison

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to more than four years in prison over prostitution charges relating to his former girlfriends and male sex workers.

Judge Arun Subramanian handed down his 50-month sentence – including a $500,000 fine – at the end of a long and emotional full-day hearing, which saw the hip-hop mogul speak out for the first time in court.

Combs, 55, admitted his past behaviour was “disgusting, shameful and sick”, and apologised personally to Cassie Ventura and “Jane”, another former girlfriend who testified anonymously during the trial.

Sean Diddy Combs broke down and cried at one point during the sentencing hearing. Pic: AP/ Elizabeth Williams
Image:
Sean Diddy Combs broke down and cried at one point during the sentencing hearing. Pic: AP/ Elizabeth Williams

But despite his plea for “mercy” and expressions of remorse, the judge told him he had abused his “power and control” with women he professed to love – and rejected the defence’s characterisation that “freak off” sexual encounters were consensual experiences, that his was just a “sex, drugs and rock’n’roll story”.

Addressing Cassie and “the other brave survivors who came forward”, the judge said. “We heard you… I can only say your families are proud of you and your children will be proud of you.

“You weren’t just talking to the jury you were talking to the women who feel powerless – you gave them a voice, you stood up to power, it’s not easy.”

Combs showed no visible change of emotion as his sentence was delivered, looking straight ahead as the judge spoke. Afterwards, he seemed subdued – with no sign of the enthusiasm or feeling showed earlier in the day.

Six of Combs's children, including Chance, right, and twins Jessie and D'Lila Star, addressed the judge in support of their father. Pic: AP/Richard Drew
Image:
Six of Combs’s children, including Chance, right, and twins Jessie and D’Lila Star, addressed the judge in support of their father. Pic: AP/Richard Drew

Ahead of his own speech, the court heard from six of his seven children – causing the rapper to break down in tears as they spoke about how much they loved him, how he has changed, and how much they and their younger two-year-old sister need him.

The sentencing brings to an end a sordid case that featured harrowing testimony – not just from Cassie and Jane, but also from former employees and associates of Combs.

He was convicted in July of flying people around the US and abroad for sexual encounters, including his then girlfriends and male sex workers, in violation of prostitution laws.

However, he was cleared of more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking that could have put him in jail for life.

‘I hate myself right now’

Diddy cried as his children read impact statements. Pic: Reuters/Jane Rosenberg
Image:
Diddy cried as his children read impact statements. Pic: Reuters/Jane Rosenberg

On the eve of his sentencing, Combs submitted a letter to the judge pleading for “mercy” and apologising for the “hurt and pain” he has caused others.

He expanded on this in court, saying he wanted to “personally apologise” to Cassie for “any harm” he caused her “emotionally or physically”, and to Jane – and all victims of domestic violence.

He told the court he got “lost in my excess and lost in my ego”, but since his time in prison he has been “humbled and broken to my core”.

Combs continued: “I hate myself right now… I am truly sorry for it all.”

Read more:
The rise and fall of Diddy
Diddy sentencing: As it happened

Janice Combs supported her son in court. Pic: AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez
Image:
Janice Combs supported her son in court. Pic: AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez

Once one of the most influential hip-hop producers of the 1990s and 2000s – the founder of Bad Boy Records and a Grammy-winning artist in his own right – he has led a very different life since his high-profile arrest.

He was facing a maximum of 20 years in prison for the prostitution-related charges, so the sentence is towards the lower end of the scale.

Prosecutors had argued he should spend at least 11 years behind bars, while Combs’s lawyers were calling for him to be freed almost immediately due to time already served since his arrest just over a year ago.

Christy Slavik, for the prosecution, told the judge sparing the rapper serious prison time would excuse years of violence.

‘Make the most of that second chance’

Judge Arun Subramanian told Combs he will still have a life after prison if he takes his second chance. Pic: Elizabeth Williams via AP
Image:
Judge Arun Subramanian told Combs he will still have a life after prison if he takes his second chance. Pic: Elizabeth Williams via AP

The judge, who had rejected bail for the rapper several times before sentencing, told him that he would get through his time in prison. It will be hard, he said, but he will still “have a life afterwards”.

Combs has “a chance for renewal and redemption”, he added. “What went wrong can be made right… I am counting on you to make the most of that second chance.”

Outside the courthouse, journalists and onlookers swarmed the pavements as TV crews stood in a long row across the street, echoing scenes from the two-month high-profile trial.

It included four days of testimony from Cassie, now Cassie Ventura Fine, who told the court she was coerced and sometimes blackmailed into sexual encounters with male sex workers, referred to as “freak offs”.

Cassie responds

Diddy and Cassie at the premiere for a film she starred in, just days after the 2016 hotel incident. Pic: zz/Galaxy/STAR MAX/IPx/ AP
Image:
Diddy and Cassie at the premiere for a film she starred in, just days after the 2016 hotel incident. Pic: zz/Galaxy/STAR MAX/IPx/ AP

Jurors were also shown video clips of Combs dragging and beating her in a Los Angeles hotel hallway after one of those sessions in 2016.

Combs referred to this in court, saying it was a “heavy burden” that he will forever carry, and that he was “sick from drugs” and “out of control” at the time, “lost in my excess and lost in my ego”.

Ahead of the sentencing, Cassie also submitted a letter to the judge, calling Combs a “manipulator” and saying she would fear for her safety should he be immediately released.

Responding to the sentence, her lawyers Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog (Wigdor LLP), said: “While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognises the impact of the serious offences he committed.

“We are confident that with the support of her family and friends, Ms Ventura will continue healing knowing that her bravery and fortitude have been an inspiration to so many.”

Continue Reading

Trending