Joe Biden Talks to Howard Stern in Live Interview
President Joe Biden spoke with radio host Howard Stern for an unannounced live interview on April 26. The president sat down with the media figure in his New York City studio for about an hour, talking about his personal life, the administration, and former President Donald Trump. During the interview, Biden made several claims that were immediately called into question, including saving six people from drowning as a lifeguard, being arrested as a kid for standing on a porch with a black family, and receiving “salacious pictures” from women in the 1970s and then handing the images to the Secret Service.
‘Happy’ to Debate Trump: After the presumptive Republican nominee and his campaign requested a debate with the incumbent “anytime, anywhere, anyplace,” Biden confirmed that he would be “happy” to debate his likely opponent in November. “I am, somewhere. I don’t know when,” he said. “I’m happy to debate him.” Related: Biden and Trump battle for Pennsylvania primary pole position…
Liberty Nation Today: A Sneak Peek
Are the Rich Making Exit Plans as America Struggles to Survive? - It’s a ‘different reality’ for lower and middle classes who can’t afford a Plan B. - Read Now!
The Presidential Polling Piñata - Not all surveys are created equal. - Read Now!
Blinken Meets Chinese Leaders in Shanghai and Beijing - US meets China, and the outcome is predictable. - Read Now!
Cash and Concerns for Ukraine - Understanding the reality on the ground. - Watch Now!
Republicans Wage War on Basic Income Schemes - Handing out free money is a sweet vote-getter. - Read Now!
Columbia University Protest Leader Threatens Violence to ‘Zionists’
A video of the student leader of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University went viral on social media, showing the individual threatening violence to “Zionists.” Khymani James stated in a January video that “Zionists don’t deserve to live.” He added: “Be grateful that I’m not just going out and murdering Zionists.” When the video emerged in the public realm, James backtracked on his comments and wrote on X that they were “wrong” and blamed “far-right agitators” for the clip. “Every member of our community deserves to feel safe without qualification,” James said.
White House Slams Comments: The White House lambasted the resurfaced comments. “These dangerous, appalling statements turn the stomach and should serve as a wakeup call. It is hideous to advocate for the murder of Jews,” said White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates in a statement. “President Biden has been clear that violent rhetoric, hate speech, and Antisemitic remarks have no place in America whatsoever, and he will always stand against them.” Related: Biden’s ‘very fine people on both sides’ moment…
Biden Approval Rating at Historic Low: Gallup
President Biden’s approval rating average is lower than any of his presidential predecessors in recent history at this point in their terms, according to Gallup. The polling firm confirmed that Biden averaged a job approval rating of 38.7% in his 13th quarter in the White House. By comparison, Trump maintained 46.8%, former President Barack Obama had 45.9%, and former President George W. Bush stood at 51%.
Tight Race: Despite Biden’s unpopularity, various polls suggest that the 2024 race is still tight. The Real Clear Politics average has Trump with a 0.3% edge, but the last three polls offer mixed numbers. Quinnipiac shows a tie, Morning Consult gives Biden a one-point advantage, and an Emerson survey suggests Trump enjoys a three-point lead. Related: Not all surveys are created equal…
Inflation’s Second Wave? Fed’s Preferred Gauge Rises
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measurement rose higher than market forecasts, suggesting that price pressures are reaccelerating. The personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index rose to a higher-than-expected 2.7% year-over-year and climbed 0.3% monthly. Core PCE, which eliminates the volatile food and energy factors, was unchanged at 2.8% but topped the consensus estimate of 2.6%. Core PCE also rose 0.3% month to month.
Rate Cut Delay: The latest PCE data confirmed that inflation is not disappearing from the US economy and is being resuscitated across the marketplace. As a result, financial markets are bracing for the Federal Reserve to delay a rate cut until later this year. “For now, it means the Fed’s not going to be cutting, and if [inflation] doesn’t come down, the Fed’s either going to have to hike at some point or keep rates higher for longer,” said Joseph LaVorgna, who was chief economist for the National Economic Council under former President Donald Trump. “Does that ultimately give us the hard landing?” Related: Federal Reserve capitulates to inflation revival…
Another US Bank Fails as Regulators Seize Republic First Bancorp
US regulators seized troubled Republic First Bancorp and agreed to sell it to Fulton Bank, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) on April 26. The Philadelphia-based financial institution was officially seized by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking Securities as the bank maintained about $6 billion in assets, $4 billion in deposits, and $262 million in unrealized losses on bonds as of Jan. 31. The FDIC says that the bank’s failure will cost its fund about $667 million. Fulton will assume all deposits and buy all the assets to “protect depositors.”
Regional Banking Jitters: It has been a year since the US financial system faced several bank failures following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. The concern is that the situation will worsen if the Federal Reserve keeps interest rates higher for longer. Related: US witnesses another bank failure…
