Politics and Current
This Black #SistersInLaw Talks Law, Politics, and What You Need to Know This Election Season – Essence
Policy
Kimberly Atkins Stohr has been covering politics for greater than twenty years. The lawyer-turned-award-winning journalist is the co-host of the Politicon podcast, and when it comes to this 12 months’s historic election, Atkins Stohr is deeply committed to helping voters understand and make sense of the problems at stake.
She recently launched a brand new podcast, which “explores how justice is painstakingly constructed in our society by featuring characters working on the ground to find real solutions to our most pressing problems.”
With Vice President Kamala Harris now the Democratic presidential candidate, ESSENCE had the chance to speak with Atkins Stohr concerning the current political climate.
The columnist was quick to dispel rumors that a black woman wouldn’t have the option to win the election, responding, “As someone who has been involved in politics as long as I have, I know there is a fear based on what other people will or will not do, particularly among Democrats, that just doesn’t come across on the conservative side in the same way.”
In conclusion, “people need to vote for who they want, people need to vote consciously, not vote strategically, not vote defensively, but really support the candidates they want to support,” Atkins Stohr firmly stated.
Atkins Stohr believes crucial issue on this election is “health care for Black women, especially reproductive freedom. That’s a fundamental part of freedom. It’s about the economy, about family choice, and about being able to support a family. That’s something that’s really mobilized and is one of the reasons why, right after Vice President Harris announced her candidacy, Black women were the first to organize because, as Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley said, ‘those who are closest to the pain understand the power’ and they took action immediately.”
Regarding the vitriolic attacks on Harris due to her race, Atkins Stohr commented that “some of the attacks from conservatives at this point are coming from an admission that they are making accusations against themselves… they want to keep women in these more ‘traditional’ positions to protect the power of white, male patriarchy, because that is what the entire Republican agenda is based on.”
“What I find comforting,” says Atkins Stohor, “is the broadening of the coalition around Vice President Harris. It’s not just black women who are seeing this, but people outside of that demographic who are seeing the truth for what it is.”
This broad base of support “allows the momentum that has surrounded Harris’ campaign so far to come to the fore.” Atkins Stohr referenced former President Barack Obama’s contagious 2008 campaign, saying that “it reminds me of the excitement of what could happen. It seems like Democrats have been on the defensive ever since, fighting what Republicans are doing, what Trump is doing, what conservatives are doing, and Harris puts Democrats back on the offensive with something positive, just like Barack Obama did.”
“I think people are starting to understand that this is a very exciting moment in America right now, to see progress,” Atkins Stohr told ESSENCE. “We’re turning the page on what was a really dark period in America and we have the perspective of something fresh and inspiring. It’s really contagious, and it’s on the Democratic side right now.”
“I think if we can get back to a place where the problems are, where Americans can come together around what we have in common, rather than being so steadfastly focused on our differences and what divides us, that’s where we’ll get,” Atkins Stohr said. “It won’t happen overnight, but it can happen.”
Politics and Current
Barack and Michelle Obama understand Kamala Harris’ loss to Trump
Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama broke their silence Wednesday night after their friend Kamala Harris was defeated by Donald Trump within the 2024 presidential election.
“Clearly, this is not the outcome we had hoped for, given our deep disagreements with the Republican ticket on many issues,” Obama said in a joint statement. statement with wife Michelle Obama.
The powerful political couple, who campaigned vigorously against Trump in the ultimate weeks of the election cycle, added: “But living in a democracy is about recognizing that not every point of view will always prevail and being willing to accept a peaceful solution.” transfer of power.”
In an act of courtesy, America’s first Black president and first lady congratulated President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, just because the Obamas welcomed Donald Trump and Melania Trump to the White House when he was elected in 2016.
Despite the Democrats’ defeat, the Obamas said they “could not be more proud” of Vice President Harris and his running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, whom they called “two extraordinary servants” to “run an extraordinary campaign.”
“We will always be grateful to the employees and volunteers who poured their hearts and souls into electing public officials they truly believed in,” they continued.
The Obamas were extremely vocal throughout the campaign in support of Harris and Walz. The historically politically reserved pair have been particularly critical of Trump’s character, warning voters about his embrace of racist ideologies, penchant for authoritarianism and economic policies that can profit him and his wealthy allies.
However, voters overwhelmingly selected Donald Trump because the forty seventh president of the United States. Not only has Trump surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House, but he may additionally win the favored vote after a full count of all votes nationwide.
Former President Obama sought to provide global context for Harris’ loss, acknowledging the results of the 2020 pandemic that included “price increases” and “rapid changes” that left residents feeling as in the event that they were “treading water” economically “no matter how hard they work.”
“These conditions make it difficult for Democratic officials around the world, and last night showed that America is not immune,” Obama said.
According to A report from Vox: “2024 was the biggest election year in world history; More people voted this year than ever before. “Across the world, voters have told the party in power – regardless of its ideology or history – that it is time for change.”
The Obamas said: “The good news is that these problems can be solved.” But they added that solving them would come down to Americans listening to one another and upholding “the fundamental constitutional principles and democratic norms that have made this country great.”
“In a country as large and diverse as ours, we will not always be able to see everything. However, progress requires us to show good faith – even to people with whom we deeply disagree,” they explained. “That’s how we’ve come this far, and that’s how we will continue to build a country that is fairer, more equal and more free.”
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Politics and Current
Karine Jean-Pierre catches the eye of a Fox reporter who tests her with numerous questions after Donald Trump’s victory
Two days after Donald Trump’s resounding election victory, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s body language spoke for just about all Democrats. She looks like she’d slightly attend a full-day insurance seminar with no bathroom breaks than one other day of answering reporters’ questions.
But it’s her job, and in two months it can be another person’s job (assuming the Trump administration allows the press to enter the White House). Until then, Jean-Pierre’s cheerful and nice demeanor will likely be put to the test.
She became visibly emotional Thursday in an interview with Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich after a seemingly benign query asked at her each day news conference about the Biden administration’s pre-election rhetoric.
“This administration has given millions of Americans the message that when they wake up the day after the election, if Trump wins and takes away their rights, democracy will fall apart. And the president said today: “Everything will be fine.” Heinrich he asked“So how do we even it out?”
From there, things got touchy.
“I can fix it. “I will explain this in a way that I hope makes sense because I have answered this question many times,” he replied Jean-Pierre.
In interview for PBS two weeks before the election, President Joe Biden was putting pressure on the Republican Party candidate, just as Heinrich summarized. Biden said world leaders fear a second term for Trump, sharply criticized his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and joked that his predecessor (and now successor) “believes in a free press like I consider I can climb Mt. Everest.”
Jean-Pierre said the comments were made before the election. This is a different reality.
“The American people have made their decision,” the press secretary continued. “The elections were held two days ago. Was! This was a free and fair election and we respect the electoral process. We do. And the Americans have spoken.”
“So the president’s job is to make sure that we respect that,” she concluded. “The president’s job is to ensure the peaceful transfer of power. This is what Americans deserve. …It’s not complicated. It’s really, really that simple.”
Heinrich’s further actions irritated the press secretary.
“What is the message to people who are afraid, given the content of (Trump’s) message?” – Heinrich asked before being interrupted by Jean-Pierre.
“Well, now you’re just twisting everything, and it’s really unfair,” she said, clearly upset. “Jackie, it is not fair because I’m standing here attempting to be respectful of what happened the last two nights, two nights ago. Showing respect. “I stand here and say we respect the decision made by the American people.”
“I stand here and say the president will put the American people first,” she continued. “I’m standing here talking about how the president will be sure they get what they deserve, which is a peaceful transition of power. I don’t love my words being twisted. I mean, I’m being very clear, very, very clear about what the president and the vp need to do. We need to be sure we deliver products for Americans. They deserve, they deserve, a peaceful transfer of power. And that is what you will see.”
And that is it for Thursday’s White House press release.
Politics and Current
8 voter suppression tactics to watch out for on Election Day [site:name]
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Today is Election Day 2024, and candidates all over the place – from president to congress, and on the state and native levels – are making their final push to get your vote.
Unfortunately, voter suppression tactics could also be among the many strategies used to influence the end result. As a reminder, voter suppression includes any motion that makes it difficult or discourages people from voting.
As you head to the polls today, check out these 8 common voter suppression tactics that can help make sure you and others in your community can exercise their right to vote freely and fairly.
1. Discouragement within the face of long lines
No matter when or where you vote, there’s all the time a risk of encountering a line that is simply too long. Pay special attention to individuals who suggest you “leave and come back later” when lines are shorter, and even try to discourage you from voting altogether. Be sure to plan your visit to the polling place when you’ve some free time in order not to be distracted by potentially long lines.
2. Strict identification requirements
If you might be a registered voter, generally a government-issued ID card might be enough to vote. In some cases, chances are you’ll be required to show your voter registration card, but should you notice that other voters are receiving different instructions than you or anyone in your group, don’t hesitate to ask questions for clarification.
3. Unofficial “Observers” survey
While polling places in lots of states have been a comparatively hassle-free environment previously, the changing nature of this election 12 months may lead to people trying to query you or do other things to deliberately annoy you until you allow or are asked to leave. Remember to remain consistent and never give in to anyone who tries to stop you from doing what you got here to do, which is vote.
4. Last minute changes to the voting site
Try to check where your polling station is often. In some states, there’s a high likelihood that there might be changes to your voting location, and if this happens, chances are you’ll not be notified upfront.
5. Inconsistent information in regards to the opening hours of the polling station
Polling stations will open at 6:00 a.m. and shut at 9:00 p.m. on election day. Hours of operation vary by state, so make sure to check ahead of time what the hours are in your state. On the day you intend to vote, check again before you go to be sure there have been no changes that can cause you to lose your ability to vote.
6. Review of defamatory campaign ads
Read up on the candidates and where they stand on the problems that matter most to you, so you do not get easily swayed by an influx of negative campaign ads that can undoubtedly come across as a last-ditch effort to get your vote by painting the opposite candidate in a foul light. Know your candidate’s history, but additionally keep in mind that the motion plans he has outlined for the current and future will prove most vital if he’s elected president.
7. Random voter purges
If you might be faraway from the ballot for questioning, reassignment, and even being prevented from voting by an election official, stay calm and ask questions to find out what is going on fairly than leaving without voting. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself together with your voting rights upfront, or to bring someone with you who’s at the very least minimally informed in regards to the basics.
8. Blatant bullying
Whether it’s subtle comments from other voters, offended words from protesters, or an irate election official having a foul day, don’t let anyone intimidate you to the purpose of abstaining from voting by not doing all the things you’ll be able to all the things possible to be sure your vote is counted.
The undeniable fact that these tactics are used on their very own should let you know how beneficial and powerful your voice is. Otherwise why would they struggle to suppress it, right?
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