Iowa is Rubio Country

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
August 2021, Part 1

August 1 :
-The Senate votes 69-31 for Senator Hoeven's bill to open the Gulf of Alaska to offshore drilling.

August 2 :
-Following Dan Coats' announcement of retirement at the end of the year, President Rubio gives a press conference during which he honors his service as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and thanked him for his contributions to all the successes America has done in the last four years in terms of national security and peace such as the democratization of Syria, Cuba and Venezuela, the strong progress made against radical Islamic terrorism, defense of human rights around the world, the start of the process of Iran's denuclearization, the denuclearization of North Korea and the ratification of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty.

August 3 :

-President Rubio hosts Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the White House where they agreed to reinforce their countries' defense relations in order to combat the Sheikh Omar Hadid Brigade, a branch of ISIS in Gaza.

August 4 :

-Nevada Senator Joe Heck announces that he's running for a second term in the 2022 midterm elections.

August 5 :

-President Rubio nominates U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to succeed Dan Coats as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations on October 1. His nomination has yet to be approved by the Senate.

August 6 :

-From the Niger River, the U.S. Navy launched a missile targeting an ISIS training base located in the Dosso Region and where Doundou Chefou, the leader of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, is hidden. The mission is a success as the missile destroyed the terrorist base and killed 27 jihadists, including Chefou.

August 7 :
-The House of Representatives votes 298-133 in favor of the bill aimed at opening the Gulf of Alaska to offshore drilling. The bill is later signed into law by President Rubio.

August 8 :

-As Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló is about to appoint two senators to represent Puerto Rico (that became the 51st U.S. state last month), it is officially announced that one of Puerto Rico's senate seats will be up for re-election in 2022 and the other one in 2026.

August 10 :

-During a cremony at the White House, President Rubio awards the Medal of Honor to the U.S. Marines who led the recent successful operation that killed Doundou Chefou. He enjoyed the ceremony to declare that the total annihilation of ISIS on the African continent is imminent.

August 12 :
-The Senate hearings to confirm Richard Grenell's nomination as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations started.

August 13 :

-The North Korean nuclear facility of the Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground is totally dismantled.

August 14 :

-During a rally in Tuscon, Arizona, President Rubio calls on the Congress to approve the creation of a Space Force, declaring that it will ensure America's victory in the War on Terror by ensuring the preservation of GPS satellites (that could be shut down by Russian and Chinese antisatellite weaponry) due to their crucial role in the success of counter-terrorism operations since these satellites are helping to guide aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf, drones in the skies above Yemen and fighter jets over Syria.

August 15 :

-South Carolina Senator Tim Scott introduces the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 that would increase funding for the developmnent of laser military artillery, authorize $16 500 000 000 for 30 additional LRS-B aircrafts and create a U.S. Space Force as the 6th branch of the American military.

[UWS]

CNN SITUATION ROOM (with Wolf Blitzer)

Wolf Blitzer
It's 5pm. Welcome to our Viewers in the US and around the World. I'm Wolf Blitzer and you are in the "Situation Room".

CNN PLAYS THE SITUATION ROOM INTRO

We're now one week away from the Arizona Senate Special Election to fulfill the Seat of former Senator John McCain and over the past 5 Days CNN/ORC has conducted extensive Polling in Arizona as well as the two States who hold Governor Elections this Fall. For a look at these Numbers we go to our Senior National Political Analyst John King who is at the "Magic Wall". John....

CNN Senior Political Analyst John King

Well Wolf, the Numbers we find it's going to be a little bit of a mixed bag for the President's Party especially in Virginia. But let's look at Arizona first: Here are the Primaries among LIKELY VOTERS. I can't stress enough though that Special Primary Elections are notoriously very hard to poll so it might be a little bit closer than that on both Sides...

Arizona Senate Special Election

Republican Primary

Rep. Martha McSally 45 %

Attorney General Mark Brnovich 35 %

Former Rep. Ben Quayle 15 %

Unsure 5 %

Democratic Primary

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords 50 %

Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano 24 %

House Minority Leader Chad Campbell 23 %

Unsure 3 %

As you can see Rep. Martha McSally and former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords have opened up huge leads for their respective Nominations. Let's look how they would fare against each other in the Fall: This is among REGISTERED VOTERS...

Arizona Senate Special General Election

Rep. Martha McSally 51 %

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords 43 %

Unsure 6 %

Rep. McSally would start the Fall Campaign with a Lead however not completely insurmountable to overcome. Our Political Unit at CNN rates this Race as LEAN REPUBLICAN.

Let's look at New Jersey next...again this is among REGISTERED VOTERS:

New Jersey General Election

Governor Phil Murphy 53%

Businessman Bob Hugin 40 %

Unsure 7 %

Governor Murphy has a 57-43 JA Rating in our Poll so that explains the somewhat safe margin. Republicans usually have a floor ceiling in NJ of about 40%. To win they simply need Democratic Crossover Votes. CNN rates this Race as LIKELY DEMOCRATIC.

Finally let's look at Virginia which will probably the closest Race this Fall among REGISTERED VOTERS:

Virginia General Election

Justin Fairfax 46 %

Lieutnant Governor Jill Vogel 44 %

Unsure 10 %

Fairfax really seems to have excited and galvanized the Democratic Vote in Northern Virginia and that makes it very complicated for the Republican Nominee, Lieutnant Governor Jill Vogel. CNN rates this Race as TOSS UP.
On a Sidenote: President Rubio as a POSITIVE JA in all 3 States we polled...
Arizona: 55/45
New Jersey: 51/49
Virginia: 52/48
...in New Jersey though he gets countered by Governor Murphy. In Virginia it explains why he already attended numerous Rallys for Vogel. Fairfax is no Bernie Sanders though who was easily attackable.

Wolf Blitzer
Thanks John. Let's discuss this with our Political Panel CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger, Republican Strategists Ana Navarro and Democratic Strategists Maria Cardona. Looks like a mixed bag for these Republicans as John said Gloria...

CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger

Well Wolf, Sources in Arizona telling me that they expect Rep. McSally and former Rep. Giffords to advance to the General Election. That Special Election has huge ramifications, not so much for the Overall Senate Majority but for the State and here is why: Governor Doug Ducey is term-limited in 2022 meaning he can't run for Re-Election and Attorney General Mark Brnovich was and I suspect still is considered as a Likely Candidate to replace him. If Brnovich would win Republicans get robbed of their best Candidate to hold that Seat; If McSally wins the Primary & General Election it would trigger a Special Election for her House in one of the swingiest District in the State. Democrats feeling very good at this Point in New Jersey and are cautiously optimistic about Virginia. Ana has more on that State I suspect and why it is so tight there...

Republican Strategist Ana Navarro

Wolf, one of the reasons why Virginia is so close is because Republicans didn't get the Candidate they wanted. There is a pretty close Relationship between Governor Gillespie and Mark Obenshain. In fact, Obenshain at the end of 2016/early 2017 was close to annoucing a Run for Governor but deferred to Gillespie because they were such close friends. This year before Lt. Governor Vogel announced her run Gillespie handpicked Obenshain to be his successor. Then we had a very divisive Primary between Vogel, Obenshain and Randy Forbes which didn't help and I suspect that not all the fences are mended. As far as I know Gillespie hasn't endorsed Vogel yet. Maybe the President JA will help us out. That being said it's unlikely Jill Vogel will make the same inroads and get the same Numbers President Rubio got out of Northern Virginia last year.

Democratic Strategist Maria Cardona

Democrats are pretty united in Virginia. Justin Fairfax & Mark Herring ran on the same Ticket in Virginia in 2017. They also kept it very civil. African-Americans represent an important group in VA and Lt. Governor Vogel isn't that good of a fit for these Voters. Sources telling me that Senator Tim Kaine, former Senator Mark Warner and former President Obama will campaign for Fairfax this fall.

I also believe that we're not out of Arizona completely although that will be a difficult Race to win.

Wolf Blitzer
Allright, thank You all for your Insights and we will see you back tomorrow in the "Situation Room".

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
August 2021, Part 2

August 17 :
-Virginia Governor Ed Gillespie endorses Republican gubernatorial candidate Jill Vogel to succeed him, thus boosting her candidacy.

August 18 :
-President Rubio hosts Filipina Vice-President Leni Robredo at the White House where they agree to reinforce U.S.-Filipino military exercises in the Pacific in order to reinforce the Filipino Armed Forces' ability to combat Abu Sayyaf in the South China Sea region.

August 19 :

-During a press conference at the White House, President Rubio announces a plan to set up a mountain brigade in Afghanistan’s isolated Wakhan Corridor in order to make sure that the transition of Afghanistan's security to the Afghan Army after the withdrawal of NATO troops at the end of the year successful. He called on India and China to join forces with the United States to train that mountain brigade in this narrow strip of inhospitable and barely accessible land extending about 350 km from the northern Afghan province of Badakhshan to China.

August 20 :

-The Senate votes 87-13 to confirm Richard Grenell's nomination as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He will be sworn in on October 1.

August 21 :

-During a debate on the senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Cory Gardner argues that the creation of a Space Force will be realistic thanks to America's victory in the War in Afghanistan and the end of this conflict that will save $500 billion over the next 10 years and to the passage of a balanced budget amendment, which will ensure the investment of a part of future budget surpluses into the modernization of America's military, including the formation of the planned Space Force.

August 22 :
-Ahead of the upcoming Pacific Treaty Organization summit in Kyoto, the Niger River, President Rubio starts an international trip.

August 23 :

-President Rubio arrives in Tel Aviv, Israel where he meets with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid. During their joint press conference, both leaders call on Israel and Palestine to cease the tensions between them and to come together to combat the Sheikh Omar Hadid Brigade (ISIS' branch in Gaza) citing the fact that this terrorist organization's ultimate aim is to destroy the State of Palestine, ensued by the destruction of the State of Israel, declaring that ISIS is the common enemy of Israel and Palestine and that they need to work together to defeat this terrorist threat.

August 24 :

-President Rubio lands in Kabul, Afghanistan where he meets with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He officially announces the beginning of the training of the mountain brigade in the Wakhan Corridor to ensure the success of the transition of the handle of Afghanistan's security to the Afghan troops.


-In the context of the special senate election to fulfill John McCain's senate seat, Congresswoman Martha McSally wins the Republican senate primary with 49 % of the vote over Attorney General Mark Brnovich's 33 % and former Congressman Ben Quayle's 18 %. Meanwhile, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords wins the Democratic primary with 50 % of the vote over Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano's 26 % and House Minority Leader Chad Campbell's 24 %. The special election will be held on November 2 2021, the same day as the gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey.

August 27-28 :

-President Rubio arrives in Kyoto where he meets all the other leaders of the PTO ahead of the PTO summit. During the summit, they underlined the success of the process of North Korea's denuclearization thanks to Japan's remilitarization, the reinforcement of America's military presence on the Pacific as well as the U.S. diplomatic efforts to force North Korea to dismantle its nuclear test facilities through diplomatic and economic sanctions, progressively leading to the pacification and stabilization of the Pacific Ocean. They agreed to make the anihilation of Abu Sayyaf PTO's top priority and to increase military assistance to the Philippines and Malaysia in order to defeat this terrorist organization.

August 29 :

-Back from his international trip, President Rubio holds a campaign rally in Phoenix, Arizona where he officially announces his endorsement to Martha McSally in the special senate race for John McCain's senate seat.

August 31 :

-Secretary of Defense Stanley McChrystal announces that the National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2022 will also include the re-establishment of the U.S. Space Command by the end of 2021.

[UWS]

POLITICAL NEWS AROUND THE COUNTRY

The Fall Campaigns for Virginia, New Jersey and the Arizona Special Election are in Full Swing. Despite that Republican and Democratic Campaign Operatives quietly planning and mapping out a strategy for the 2022 MidTerm Elections which will shape President Rubio's final two years in Office. Democrats face a dauting task to trim down Republican Majorities in the House and in the Senate after suffering heavy losses in 2018 and 2020.
The GOP currently holds 278-157 Majority in the House and a 69-31 Majority in the Senate. Democratic Operatives argue that in a "Six-Year Itch" their Republican Counterparts are bound to lose Seats in both Chambers. Meanwhile Republicans on the other hand hoping that the Presidents Popularity which still sits in between high 50ties and low 60ties will help save some of their endangered Members.

Neutral Political Handicappers like the Nathan Gonzalez Political Report, the Cook Political Report as well as Political Units from CNN & NBC have identified 12 Senate Seats to be competitive next fall:

Arizona (Democrats argue that Rep. McSally should she win this Fall could be taken down in a 6-year MidTerm next year)
Colorado (Darryl Glenn; 1st Term Senator)
Florida (Carlos Lopez Cantera; 1st Term Senator)
Illinois (Mark Kirk; 2nd Term Senator...won in a Squeaker in 2016)
Iowa (Open; long time Senator Chuck Grassley is retiring)
Missouri (Roy Blunt; 2nd Term Senator)
Nevada (Joe Heck; 1st Term Senator)
New Hampshire (Kelly Ayotte; 2nd Term Senator...Ayotte won by less than 2000 Votes in 2016)
North Carolina (Open; longtime Senator Richard Burr is retiring)
Ohio (Rob Portman; 2nd Term Senator)
Pennsylvania (Pat Toomey; 2nd Term Senator)
Wisconsin (Ron Johnson; 2nd Term Senator)

Democrats are facing an incredible tough task next year. To wrestle away the Republican Filibuster-Proof Senate Supermajority they would need to win 10 of the 12 competitive Seats and that's actually one of the reasons why CNN Political Commentator & Contributor Ana Navarro was so confident during the CNN Shows that Republicans would hang on to their 60+ Seat Majority although she said it would be trimmed somewhat.

None of the 8 held Democratic Seats are competitive ones. Democratic Operatives though say that Minority Leader Schumer (D; New York) and Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy (D) might retire.

One of the big items both Parties are doing right now is Candidate Recruitment so let's look at some States where things stand from East to West:

VERMONT

In the case Senator Patrick Leahy (D), the longest serving Democrat in the United States Senate does retire At-Large Rep. Peter Welch (D) has already indicated that he would run to replace Leahy.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Governor Chris Sununu's (R) JA sit at around 70% so it's unlikely Democrats will put up a serious Challenge to him.
Meanwhile two Democrats are already lining up to challenge 2nd Term Senator Kelly Ayotte (R): Former Democratic Governor Maggie Hassan (D) who lost her bit to Ayotte in 2016 by less than 2000 Votes and Colin Van Ostern (D) who lost the Governor Race that same year to Sununu.

PENNSYLVANIA

The DSCC is activly recruiting Connor Lamb (D) to run against 2nd Term Senator Pat Toomey (R). Another potential Candidate is Kathy McGinty (D) who lost to Toomey in 2016.
In the Open Governor Race (Governor Tom Wolf (D) is term-limited after winning Reelection in 2018) the RGA (Republican Governors Association) is recruiting former PA Attorney General Scott Wagner (R) and Rep. Charlie Dent (R).

NORTH CAROLINA

Former Charlotte Mayor & Governor Pat McCrory (R) has already announced that he will run to replace longtime Senator Richard Burr (R) in the Senate. On the Democratic Side it's still an Open Question who will run. The most likely Candidate is Deborah Ross (D) who lost to Burr in 2016.

FLORIDA

Both, Govenor Adam Putnam (R) and Senator Carlos Lopez Cantera (R) are running for Reelection. At this Point it's unclear what Democratic Challengers they will get. The DSCC is trying to recruit Rep. Stephanie Miller (D) to run against Lopez Cantera. Miller ousted veteran Rep. John Mica (R) in 2016 and then had two tough Reelections of her own.

ILLINOIS

The Race to take on 2nd Term Incumbent Senator Mark Kirk (R) could start in earnest in just a couple of weeks time. One Name that has surfaced in recent weeks is the former FLOTUS of the United States Michelle Obama (D). Other Democratic Candidates could be former Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D) and J. B. Pritzker (D). Incumbent Governor Chris Kennedy (D), a Democrat is activly recruiting Obama to take on Kirk. One Republican Operative recently sarcastially said if Michelle Obama runs the Race is over. Kirk is to be believed the most endagered Republican in the 2022 Cycle and very likely to lose regardless who runs in the end.

WISCONSIN

The entire Badger State is still somewhat in limbo. Everyone is waiting on a Decision from 2nd Term Senator Ron Johnson (R) whether he will seek Re-Election or not. Johnson made a pledge in 2016 that this would be his Final Term. If he follows through it could set up a "Domino Effect" in the State and the White House will be involved then too. NRSC Chair Steve Daines (R, Montana) is activly recruiting and making pleas to Governor Scott Walker (R) to replace Johnson. That however could have a huge impact on the WH where White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus (R) is thinking about running for Wisconsin Governor if Walker runs for Senate, a State where he himself was Chairman before taking over the RNC after the 2012 Presidential Election. For Democrats things are not settled.

OHIO

Incument Governor Mary Taylor (R) and Senator Rob Portman (R) running again. Former Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner (D) might run for Governor while Richard Cordray (D) thinking about challenging Portman.

COLORADO

Rep. Diana DeGette (D) & Rep. Earl Perlmutter (D) are potential Democratic Opponents for freshman Senator Darryl Glenn (R).

NEVADA

Three Democrats thinking about challenging freshman Senator Joe Heck (R): Former Nevada SoS Ross Miller (D), former Nevada AG Catherine Cortez-Masto (D) who lost a squeaker to Heck in 2016 and former Rep. Jacky Rosen (D) who was defeated by Senator Dean Heller (R) in 2018. Nevada Governor Adam Laxalt (R) may receive a Primary Challenger from former Lt. Governor Mark Hutchison (R), who was one of the early backers of Rubios Presidential Bid in 2016.

ARIZONA

Former Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D) thinking about running in the regular 2022 Senate Race if Rep. Martha McSally (R) wins the Special Election this Fall.

MORE HOUSE RETIREMENTS?

There could a few more House Retirements in the coming months.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
September 2021, Part 1

September 1 :
-Senate Majority Leader Cory Gardner officially announces that the Senate vote on a balanced budget amendment will take place on September 5 while the House vote will take place on September 9.

September 2 :

-Campaigning for Jill Vogel in Richmond, Virginia, President Rubio boosts Jill Vogel's gubernatorial candidacy by highlighting Vogel's experience as a business owner, declaring that the best way to create jobs is to make America the best place to do business, which has been done in the last 5 years and contributed to the strongest economy America has ever known with a 2.5 % unemployment rate and the creation 14 million new jobs since 2017. After calling Richmond a great symbolof America's prosperity through free enterprise by reminding that Richmond is home to six Fortune 500 companies, the President declares that thanks to the passage of a balanced budget amendment, Virginia, just like all the rest of America, will do even better by having all the necessary surpluses to further reduce taxpayers' fiscal burden, to invest into the development of renewable energies and to invest into the development of new infrastructures to facilitate economic activities and to favor the implementation of new businesses in America, calling on Virginia voters to elect Jill Vogel Governor in order to add another voice in favor of the President's agenda.

September 3 :

-President Rubio meets with a bipartisan group of Senators for a bipartisan dinner at the White House where he called on them to work together to adopt a balanced budget amendment.

September 5 :

-The Senate votes 75-25 for the proposed balanced budget amendment. The bill has yet to pass the House of Representatives.

September 6 :
-Vice-President Haley campaigns for Martha McSally in Arizona.

September 7 :
-President Rubio and his predecessors attends the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois.

September 7-8 :

-After a U.S. drone located the last remaining ISIS base in Niger near the Nigerien part of Lake Chad, the Nigerien-Algerian armed forces launched a military offensive there. While losing 10 soldiers, the Coalition killed 55 ISIS fighters and captured 8 others. The operation contributed to the eradication of ISIS in Niger and the entire African continent.


-President Rubio praises the courage of the U.S. and allied troops that contributed to the total eradication of ISIS on the African continent.

September 9-10 :

-The House of Representatives votes 294-141 for the proposed balanced budget amendment that is later signed into law by President Rubio, thus clearing the way for a balanced budget and for budget surpluses. The following day, the President praised the success of the legislation, calling it great news for the economy and for job creation through a balanced budget that provides all the necessary surpluses for further tax reduction for American taxpayers, for further investment in education, renewable energies and infrastructures.

September 11 :

-President Rubio and the First Lady as well as Vice-President Haley went to New York City for the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The President honored the memory of the 9/11 victims and of all the U.S. and allied soldiers who died in defense of security, freedom, justice and democracy against terror. He declares that thanks to the strengthening and modernization of America's military and to the strong contributions of America's allies, the U.S. and their allies are about to win the War on Terror for the sake of global peace, security and stability to make sure that « that our children, grandchildren as well as future generations will grow up in a peaceful and safe world. »

September 14 :

-President Rubio Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg at the White House. During their joint press conference, Stoltenberg declares his support to President Rubio's plan to create the proposed U.S. Space Force as the 6th branch of the U.S. military in order to defend the U.S. and European GPS satellites against Russia's and China's antisatellite weaponry for the sake of space security and the success of the War on Terror through the guidance of counter-terrorism operations in the Middle East by the satellites. He even declares that an important part of NATO's next budget will be invested into the development of the U.S. Space Force.

[UWS]

Jake Tapper

It's 9am in Washington, 6am in Los Angeles, 3pm in Berlin and 2pm in London on Sunday September 12th 2021. I'm Jake Tapper and this in "CNN's STATE OF THE UNION".

CNN PLAYS THE STATE OF THE UNION INTRO

After two and a half months, various talks and Debates the United States Congress finally adapted and passed a BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT this week. Joining me here in the Studio is the President's OMB Director David Malpass and the two Senators who crafted this Bipartisan Legislation: Senator Bill Haslam (R) of Tennessee and Senator Bob Casey (D) of Pennsylvania. But first let's get some perspective directly from the White House as we join our Chief White House Correspondent Michelle Kosinski. Michelle, this ought to be a big victory for the President...

Michelle Kosinski, CNN Chief White House Correspondent

Good Morning Jake, the President has had quite a busy weekend. On Friday he signed the "Balanced Budget into Law and praised the bipartisan approach of both Parties, yesterday he went to New York City for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and arrived back at he White House late last Night. This Legislation is as you suggested obviously a big victory for the President and his Team. The Obama Administration tried to pass a Balanced Budget in 2013 but was eventually blocked by the Freedom Caucus of a Republican-controlled House that year. Back to you Jake...

House Vote: 294 YES / 141 NAY
Senate Vote: 75 YES / 25 NAY
Let's get right into it Senators. This seems quite a big Legislation to pass. It has rarely being done nationally. What are your thoughts?



Senator Bill Haslam (R, Tennessee)
First of all good to be with you Jake. I also would like to thank my Senate Collegue, the Senator from Pennsylvania for helping craft this Legislation. One thing Bob and I as well as the President agreed on is that we wanted this Legislation as bipartisan as possible. For that a lot of talks with both Senate Caucuses, the President as well as his OMB Director had to be made. Often these take time to reach a common sense consens.

Senator Bob Casey Jr. (D, Pennsylvania)
Senator, Jake, thank you to be with you. It's important when you pass such a big legislation to weigh options what can be cut and what can't. One of the most important things is to have an open mind, meet the other side of the aisle half way and that's what both Parties obviously have during the last 10 weeks or so.

David Malpass (Director Office of Management & Budget/Rubio Administration)

First of all thanks for having me Jake. Secondly I want to thank both Senators who are sitting here. It was a pleasure to work with them over the past 2 1/2 months. We really needed to get our spending under control. Think about this Jake: When President Bill Clinton left Office in 2001 the United States of America had $ 150 Billion surplus, NOW we're are almost 24 Trillion $ in Depth. We need to think about Future Generations and how we want them to live. I'm proud Congress has passed this bill to help pay down the Nations Depth and I sincerely hope that whoever is elected President after 2024 will continue to do so.

Jake Tapper
Allright, Thank You Gentleman for being here. We're going into a Commercial right now. When we come back I discuss this and more with our Political Panel.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Jake Tapper
We're back from our commercial. Joining me to discuss the Political Impact of this new Legislation is CNN's Senior National Political Analyst John King, Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash and David Axelrod who was the former Senior Adviser of the Obama Administration. John, let's get right into it: What do you think an impact can this legislation have on the Political Landscape?

John King, CNN Senior National Political Analyst
On the immediate impact Jake I don't know. However what can be said is this: Whenever Congress & the President passed big legislations Congress & the Presidents Approvals have gone up nationally. It might differ in some States. The liberal wing of the Democratic Party doesn't like everything that's in that bill that is for sure.

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent
Clearly, if anything the Battle Lines for the upcoming MidTerm Elections are drawn with such a legislation. Moderate endangered Republicans like Senators Kirk, Ayotte will have trouble contrasting themselves with their more liberal Opponents.

David Axelrod, former Obama Senior Adviser
I wish then Speaker Boehner would had such leverage in the House when I was in the White House. Speaker Ryan has such a big Majority in the House that he basically can ignore the small House Freedom Caucus who oppose every legislation that's coming. Together with the more moderate Democrats he then can pass legislations with overwhelming Majorities.
For everyone who is excited about Michelle Obama possibly running for the Senate I can confirm that she is indeed thinking about it and will be making a Final Decision by the end of the month. We're all encouraging her run.

Jake Tapper
That concludes State of the Union for September 12th. Join us next week same place, same time.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
September 2021, Part 2

September 15 :
-Ron Johnson announces his retirement at the end of his term.

September 16 :

-President Rubio hosts Burmese President Win Myint at the White House where they discussed issues such as economic and trade ties between the two nations, human rights, energy and counter-terrorism. The two leaders agreed to reinforce the trade relations between the U.S. and Myanmar as well as their defense relations in an effort to combat Abu Sayyaf in the South China Sea.

September 18 :
-Campaigning for Bob Hugin in Elizabeth, New Jersey, President Rubio boosts Hugin's gubernatorial candidacy by praising his business expertise and his military service.

September 19-22 :
-In the context of the annual United Nations summit, President Rubio has dinner meeting with Middle Eastern leaders to discuss the date and the location of a possible U.S.-Iran summit on the dismantle of Iran's nuclear program.


-President Rubio gives a speech at the United Nations General Assembly during which he praises all the efforts given by the United States and their allies throughout the year to advance peace and security around the world, including the victory in the War in Afghanistan against radical Islamic terrorism, North Korea's denuclearization, the ratification of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty by the NATO nations.


-All of the 193 United Nations members voted in favor of ratifying the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, thus officially prohibiting the further production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices.

September 24 :

-The U.S. Department of Defense announces that the projectiles of the proposed U.S. Space Force would be made through plasma.

September 26 :

-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announces that he's running for Ron Johnson's senate seat in 2022.

September 27 :

-The Senate votes 86-14 for the National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2022. The bill has yet to pass the House of Representatives next month.

September 29 :

-President Rubio campaigns for Republican senatorial candidate Martha McSally in Mesa, Arizona. During a speech he gave at the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum in Mesa, Arizona, the President underlines all of his administration's foreign policy accomplishments and calls on the people of Arizona to give its support to Martha McSally for Senate in order to bring her foreign policy and national security expertise there, which will « ensure further reinforcement and modernization of our military through the development of the Long Range Strike Bomber program and of Columbia-class submarines and through the creation of the U.S. Space Force, thus reinforcing America's national security, leading us to total victory in the War on Terror and strengthening international peace and stability. »

[UWS]

White House CoS Reince Priebus to RESIGN; Plans to run for Wisconsin Governor in 2022...

Michelle Obama ANNOUNCES SENATE RUN in Chicago, Illinois...

Brooke Baldwin, CNN NEWSROOM

It's 2pm here in New York Thursday September 30th 2021. I'm Brooke Baldwin in the CNN NEWSROOM. We just received some BREAKING NEWS from the White House so let's go straight to our Chief White House Correspondent Michelle Kosinski. Michelle, what do you have?

Michelle Kosinski, CNN Chief White House Correspondent

Good Afternoon Brooke. CNN has just learned that White House Chief Of Staff Reince Priebus will RESIGN effective at the end of the year. Priebus plans to run for Wisconsin Govenor in next years Midterm Elections. Priebus is to be said saying quote:

"It would be difficult to manage all the White House Operations and at the same time running a Political Race in the middle of the Country."

Priebus became the obvious Choice to run for Governor for Republicans in the Badger State after 2nd Term Senator Ron Johnson (R) announced his Retirement two weeks ago following by Governor Scott Walker (R) announing his own Candidacy to replace Johnson in the Senate. Priebus knows the State well having served as Wisconsin Republican State Party Chairman before being elected to head the Republican National Committee after the 2012 Presidential Election. Two Favourites have emerged to be tapped by President Rubio as new White House Chief of Staff: General John F. Kelly and the President's Senior Adviser & former Campaign Manager Terry Sullivan.



During the White House Daily Press Briefing which concluded an hour ago WH Press Secretary Alex Conant quickly shut down rumors by the Media that this would be a major shakeup quote:

"Not at all. The President has a huge admiration how Mr. Priebus built up the Republican Party from the Ground Up after the 2012 Presidential Election. This is a move the President and his CoS have been long talked about. We're facing a challenging Election Cycle next year so we need to have good Candidates running. I'm also going to reinforce whoever is tapped as new CoS the American People will be well served".

The last time a President's CoS resigned to run for Political Office was Rahm Emmanuel who was the CoS for President Obama when he decided to run for Mayor of Chicago. Speaking of Chicago I'm now sent it to my Collegue Rene Marsh who has some BREAKING NEWS of her own. René...

René Marsh, CNN National Correspondent

Good Afternoon from Chicago, Illinois. After a month of intense speculation the former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama (D) made it OFFICIAL a short while go, she is running for the United States Senate against Incumbent Republican Senator Mark Kirk (R). Mrs. Obama was accompanied by her husband, the former President of the United States as well as her two Daughters and Illinois Governor Chris Kennedy (D). She attacked her likely Republican Opponent, Senator Kirk for being out of touch with the people of Illinois, voting too much lockstep with the President during his 2nd Term. She said that Illinois deserve a Senator who puts people before Party. She claims Washington has changed Mr. Kirk saying that there is moderate credentials in him anymore. She also took aim to fire at the more liberal Sanders-Wing of the Democratic Party saying that we cannot go down this road anymore saying the Democratic Party needs to adapt to the Challenges they face. A WGN/Chicago Tribune Poll conducted over the past week has Mrs. Obma at 63% among Democratic Primary Voters and she would lead Senator Kirk by a 58-35 margin. Democratic Operatives view the Illinois Senate Race as their Prime Pick Up Opportunity next year. If elected Mrs. Obama would become the 4th Female African American Senator in the Upper Chamber along with Senators Rice & Harris of California and Senator Mia Love of Utah. Although President Rubio narrowly won the State of Illinois in the 2020 Presidential Election 50-48 Democrats having their fair share of success in the Land of Lincoln. Despite facing a dauting Political Environment back in 2018 Democrat Chris Kennedy won the Govenor Race over Incumbent Govenor Bruce Rauner and Democrats swept all the Statewide Offices that year. I'm now sending it back to my Collegues Wolf Blitzer & John King in our Washington Studio. And that also means that we will witness, in Illinois, a showdown in the Democratic senate primary because Rahm Emmanuel, the former Mayor of Chicago, is also running for the Democratic senatorial nomination in Illinois. The race is likely to get nasty and tight.

Wolf Blitzer, Anchor of "Wolf"
Michelle & René, Thank You. These are big Developments. Before I discuss with Ana Navarro, the Republican Strategist and Kirsten Powers, the Democratic Strategist I toss it to John King because CNN is shifting some Races on our Senate & Govenor Battleground Maps. John...

John King, CNN Senior National Political Analyst
Thanks Wolf. The CNN Political Unit are ready to announce three shifts on the Senate & Governor Races next year

SENATE

Illinois from TOSS UP to LIKELY DEMOCRATIC

Wisconsin from TOSS UP to LEAN REPUBLICAN

GOVERNOR

Wisconsin from TOSS UP to LEAN REPUBLICAN

I also want to emphasize that Republicans in the last two Election Cycles have a very high success rate getting Governors or former Governors to the Senate like John Kasich (R, Ohio), Rick Scott (R, Florida), Susana Martinez (R, New Mexico), Mike Pence (R, Indiana) and Jack Dalrymple (R, North Dakota) who all got elected in 2018. Now we have Governor Walker & fmr Governor McCrory running next year and I wouldn't be surprised if one or both of them win. Back to you Wolf.

Wolf Blitzer
Joining me to discuss this are Ana Navarro and Kirsten Powers. Are you surprised of these Developments?

Republican Strategist Ana Navarro

No, I'm not Wolf. We already talked about that a Retirement of Senator Johnson could have a domino effect on the other Races in the State and that's what happened. It's good that these Annoucements come early in the Cycle so that we have enough time to prepare. Most important is to avoid contentious Primaries like we have had this year in Virginia and to less extend Arizona. As far as Illinois is concerned Senator Kirk was probably a goner even before the fmr. FLOTUS entered the Race. In the last three years after Republicans gained their Supermajority Kirk has potentially moved too far to the right and that's not helping him in a big blue State like Illinois.

Democratic Strategist Kirsten Powers

First of all I don't think we're out of Wisconsin as far as both Races are concerned. The Election is over a year away and Candidates do matter as we're seeing this year in Virginia. Governor Walker can easily being attacked stripping Union rights and we'll have to see how Mr. Priebus fares as a Candidate. Secondly I think Ana is right about Senator Kirk about a loser even before Michelle Obama entered. He definitly moved waaay too far to the right after we lost big in 2018 and Republicans gained their Supermajority. Nonetheless I'm very exciting seeing her (Michelle) running for Senate. She could basically have this Senate Seat for life if she wins next year. As far as what John said about Republican Governors running for Senate and being successful. That's true but I don't think fmr. Governor McCrory will have an easy ride to the Senate next year. Democratic Sources in the State are telling me that they plan to attack him for the HB2 Bill he signed into law when he was Governor of the State.

Wolf Blitzer
Allright. Join us for the Situation Room Monday to Saturday at 5pm ET.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
October 2021, Part 1

October 1 :

-Richard Grenell officially becomes U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He is sworn in by Vice-President Haley.

October 2 :

-Four years after Paris lost its bid to Los Angeles for the selection of the host city of the 2024 Summer Olympics, the capital of France is selected to host the 2028 Summer Olympics after edging Mumbay and Berlin at the 3rd round.

October 3 :
-President Rubio nominates his Campaign Manager for his successful presidential runs in 2016 and 2020 Terry Sullivan as White House Chief of Staff. Sullivan is sworn in by Vice-President Haley.

October 5 :

-France has recently accused Russia of spying on French military from space through an attempt to intercept transmissions from a Franco-Italian satellite used by both nations’ armies for secure communications.

October 6 :

-During a press conference at the White House, President Rubio describes Russia's recent attempt to spy America's allies from space as another reason why the Congress must pass the legislation that would create the U.S. Space Force and encourages the House of Representatives to do so during the House vote that will take place on October 12.

October 7 :

-In an effort to boost Jill Vogel in the Virginia gubernatorial race, President Rubio campaigns for Vogel in Roanoke, Virginia where he attacks Justin Fairfax on his opposition to coal, to oil drilling as well as to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Mountain Valley Pipeline while fossil energy while these sources of energies represent an important part of Virginia's energy industry, reminding voters that it is thanks to the Rubio Administration's efforts to take advantage of all of America's sources of energy in the last four years (including oil drilling, offshore drilling, promotion of clean coal technologies as well as the construction of new pipelines) that « we made America energy independent last year, brought massive job creation, got the necessary revenues from oil drilling to invest into the development of renewable energies instead of doing it with taxpayers' money, improved our ecological footprint and deprived terrorist organizations of the necessary capitals from our dependency on foreign energy, thus reinforcing our prosperity and our security. And by electing a champion of energy independence like Jill Vogel as your governor, you can contribute to the continuation of these successful efforts to lead America and the whole world to a clean and ecological world while pursuing job creation, which will make sure that your children and grandchildren will inherit a clean and prosperous world. »

October 8 :

-President Rubio hosts French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House where they discussed issues such as economic and trade ties, energy, democracy and human rights, foreign policy and counter-terrorism. During their joint press conference at the White House, both leaders, the French President expresses his support to President Rubio's efforts to create the U.S. Space Force in order to counter Russia's attempts to spy any state's military and intelligence agencies from space and to ensure the victory in the War on Terror thanks the defense of Western satellites aimed at guiding troops during counter-terrorism operations.

October 10 :

-The Algerian-Nigerian troops launched a military operation against a base controlled by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in a desert valley located near the Niger-Nigeria borders and between the Nigerien cities of Diffa and Zinder. Through airstrikes and a land offensive the Coalition killed 106 jihadists while losing 26 soldiers. More importantly, they killed AQIM leader Abdelmalek Droukdel, inclicting a massive defeat to Al-Qaeda.

October 11 :
-According to a new jobs report, 177 000 new jobs were created in September.

October 12-13 :

-The House of Representatives votes 398-37 for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 that is later signed into law by President Rubio, thus authorizing $16 500 000 000 for 30 additional LRS-B aircrafts in addition of re-establishing of the U.S. Space Command and creating a U.S. Space Force as the 6th branch of the American military.


-President Rubio praises Congress' decision to approve the creation of the U.S. Space Force, calling it a victory for America's strength and security and a guarantee of total success in the War on Terror through the protection of U.S. satellites (that are playing a crucial role in guiding the U.S. troops in their military operations) against Russian and Chinese anti-satellite weaponry.

[UWS]

Jake Tapper, Anchor "CNN State of the Union

It's 9am in Washington, 6am in Los Angeles, 3pm in Berlin and 2pm in London on Sunday . I'm Jake Tapper and this "CNN's STATE OF THE UNION".

CNN PLAYS THE STATE OF THE UNION INTRO

Recently after fierce Debates in the House and in the Senate the United States Congress passed NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT for the Fisical Year 2022 which also includes creating the U. S. Spaceforce aiming to protect U. S. GPS satellites against Russian and Chinese antisatellite weaponry. It's important that the United States is adapting to new spy methods. France, one of our closest allies has already accused Russia of spying on their millitary via a satellite.

What is the U. S. Space Force and what it would do?

Goals of the Space Force

• Total military superiority

• Surveillance and reconnaissance

• Logistics
• Orbital strikes
• Trade and travel routes
• Colonies in space

Joining me here in the Studio to discuss this and more...
Guest List
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina who co-sponsored the "National Defense Authorization Act" and our Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr (whom both I will be talking a little bit later in the Show)
...but first we talk to...
Defense Secretary of the Rubio Admistration James Matthis
and
National Security Advisor Stanley McChrystal

Gentleman, welcome to "State of the Union"...
Let's get right into it: Why is especially the U. S. Space Force so important for the Country?

James Matthis, Secretary of Defense (Rubio Administration)

First of all thanks for having me Jake. You already touched on some things in your Intro. The Main Goal of the U. S. Space Force which is included in the National Defense Authorization Act is to protect our own US Satellites from Russian & Chinese antisatellite arsenal. When I took Office a lot of our Millitary was dismantled thanks to the irresponsible Leadership of President Obama & his National Security Team so we had to built it back up and that's exactly what we did with President Rubio. Over the last few years spying became a huge problem. We have had for example clear evidence that Russia undermined our efforts to take out the Assad Regime in 2017 through satellite spying. But that is just one topic where the U. S. Space Force will be useful. It can also be used for guiding our aircraft carriers as well as drones and fighter jets. When we launch an offensive against terrorist cells we want as few civilian casualties as possible and we cannot do it properly when someone is trying to control our satellites.

Stanley McChrystal, National Security Advisor (Rubio Administration)

It can also be used to protect our Millitary Bases Abroad. We not only protect the US Mainland but also our equipment. It will be a lot easier work for us with the Spaceforce.
Our targets become more precise. I'm glad both Parties came together here because sometimes as a General you ought to shake your head when both sides fighting over National Security because that shouldn't be a Republican or a Democratic Problem, it should be a problem concerning us all.

Jake Tapper, Anchor "CNN State of the Union
Allright. Thank You to you both for being here. We're going into a Commercial right now. When we come back I'll speak to Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina who sponsored this bill.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Jake Tapper, Anchor "CNN State of the Union
And we're back from our Commercial. Joining me here in the Studio now is Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina who co-sponsored the "National Defense Authorization Act" for 2022 and our CNN Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr...
Senator, you first...

Senator Tim Scott (R, South Carolina)

Thanks for having me Jake. That was an interesting conversation with Secretary Matthis and advisor McChrystal, wasn't it? They're both right. We need to protect our Mainland as well as our Millitary Abroad and we can do that through the Space Force. These satellites will help us doing that. That's why I supported and co-sponsored the National Defense Authorization Act. One thing we all agree on that is the President's duty and our duty as well to protect our citizens.

Barbara Starr, CNN Pentagon Correspondent

We have to adapt to the new Century and new methods of spying. The Space Force will help us to have a more secure world.

Jake Tapper, Anchor "CNN State of the Union
That concludes State of the Union for Sunday . Join us next week same place, same time.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
October 2021, Part 2

October 15 :

-During a press conference at the White House, President Rubio praises the courage of the soldiers who led the operation that contributed to the total eradication of Al-Qaeda and to a safer world.

October 19-23 :

-President Rubio and Vice-President Haley campaign for Jill Vogel in Virginia, including in Roanoke as well as in Southeastern Virginia to boost her gubernatorial campaign by reminding the effects of the adoption of the balanced budget amendment by Congress last month. They argue that these policies will allow fiscal responsibility all across America, including in Virginia where, with Vogel as Governor, the fiscal burden is reduced and will deliver social services for all people thanks to an increase of spending of surpluses in education, renewable energies, health care, etc.

October 22 :

-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is re-elected for a 4th term with 287 seats and 40 % of the votes for his party the Liberal Democratic Party, 51 seats and 21 % of the votes for the Constitutional Democratic Party, 30 seats and 15 % of the vote for the Komeito, 9 % of the vote and 12 seats for the Nippon Ishin no Kai and 4 % of the vote and 5 seats for the Communist Party of Japan, thus giving Abe another majority government. These successful results for Abe are partly due to the success of North Korea's denuclearization.

October 23 :

-Accompanied by President Rubio during a campaign rally in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jill Vogel promises that a part of budget surpluses will be invested into the development of social service programs for Virginia veterans.

October 24 :

-German Chancellor Angela Merkel is re-elected for a 5th term with 30 % and 290 seats over Andrea Nahles's Social Democratic Party who received 21 % of the vote and 155 seats, AFD's 8.5 % and 56 seats, FDP's 12 % and 78 seats, the Left Party's 8 % and 67 seats and the Green Party's 10 % and 19 seats. Even though Merkel's party did not win enough seats to form a majority government, she managed to form a coalition government with Christian Lindner's FDP.

October 25 :

-Citing Russia's agression in Eastern Europe, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Union, promises a multilateral European space force similar to the U.S. Space Force in order to intercept and destroy any Russian missile targeting Western military positions or civilians like it happened with flight MH17 in 2016.

October 27 :

-President Rubio campaigns for Martha McSally in Chandler, Arizona where he describes McSally as a champion of Arizona's hardworking families and promises that if she's elected to the U.S. Senate, she will put Arizona taxpayers first for the sake of the continuation of prosperity all across America.

October 28 :
-During a rally with Vice-President Haley, McSally praises the effects of immigration reform, a policy accomplished by the Rubio Administration, such as a stronger economy through a stronger workforce, stronger diversity in America and a reinforcement of America's status as an inclusive country and as the land of opportunity.

October 29 :

-While campaigning for McSally in Phoenix, Arizona, President Rubio slams McSally's Democratic opponent Gabrielle Giffords on her « weak foreign policy record », citing her support to restore reinstating habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror and her 2007 vote in favor of the Guantanamo Transfer Plan that would have required the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the Congress within sixty days of enactment detailing a plan for the transfer of prisoners out of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which « would have undermined America’s national security by allowing Guantanamo terrorists to be on the run once again and to launch terrorist attacks against America and its allies ». The President calls on the people of Arizona to grant its support to McSally's senatorial campaign for the sake of a stronger and safer America by keeping America's military and homeland security strong, through a modernization of the military, strong alliances and diplomacy and the development of the U.S. Space Force in order to ensure America's and its allies' total victory in the War on Terror.

October 30 :

-During a campaign rally in Tempe, Arizona, Congresswoman McSally expresses her pride to have supported the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty Act in the House of Representatives and praises all the efforts given by the Rubio Administration to get North Korea to dimsmantle its nuclear program. In Tuscon, Arizona, President Rubio promises U.N. inspections in North Korea in an effort to salvage all the progress made throughout the year in terms of nuclear security.

[UWS]

CNN SITUATION ROOM (with Wolf Blitzer)

Situation Room Special Edition

Wolf Blitzer, Lead Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“
It's 5pm Saturday October 30th 2021. I’m Wolf Blitzer and we welcome our Viewers in the US and around the World to a Special Edition of the „Situation Room“.

CNN PLAYS THE SITUATION ROOM INTRO

We're now 72 Hours away from Election Day 2021 and over the past week CNN/ORC has conducted extensive Polling in all 3 States who are holding Statewide Elections on Tuesday. For a look at these Numbers we go to our Senior National Political Analyst John King who is at the "Magic Wall". John....

CNN Senior National Political Analyst John King

Well Wolf, in 2 of the 3 Statewide Races it got a lot tigher compared when we first polled these Races in Mid August. Let's look at Arizona first. This is among LIKELY VOTERS now:

ARIZONA

Rep. Martha McSally 52 %

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords 44 %

Unsure 4 %

Do you have a Favorable/Unfavorable View of Rep. Martha McSally?

Favorable 52 %

Unfavorable 45 %

Unsure 3%

Do you have a Favorable/Unfavorable View of Fmr. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords?

Favorable 52 %

Unfavorable 45 %

Unsure 3%

Do you Approve or Disapprove of the Job Marco Rubio is doing as President?

Approve 57 % (55)

Disapprove 42 %(45)

Unsure 1 %

As you can see Rep. McSally enjoying 8-Percentage Point lead. She leads fmr. Rep. Giffords by 8-Percentage Points in highly populated Maricopa County while Giffords leads her by 10 in heavy Democratic-friendly Pima County. President Rubio’s  JA maybe the deciding factor to decide this Election as both Candidates are well liked by the AZ Electorate given their Favorable/Unfavorable Numbers which are completely identical. This Race reminds me of the 2012 Senate Race between Jeff Flake and Richard Carmona and it looks like it will be in that same ballpark on Tuesday.

Next we look at the Governor Race in New Jersey. This is also among LIKELY VOTERS now:

NEW JERSEY

Governor Phil Murphy 55%

Businessman Bob Hugin 41 %

Unsure 4 %

Do you have a Favorable/Unfavorable View of Phil Murphy?

Favorable 56 %

Unfavorable 42 %

Unsure 2%

Do you have a Favorable/Unfavorable View of Bob Hugin?

Favorable 45 %

Unfavorable 54 %

Unsure 1 %

Do you Approve or Disapprove of the Job Marco Rubio is doing as President?

Approve 48 % (51)

Disapprove 48 % (49)

Unsure 4 %

Do you Approve or Disapprove of the Job Phil Murphy is doing as Governor?

Approve 57 %

Disapprove 40 %

Unsure 3 %

First of all Governor Murphy has a very high JA coupled with Bob Hugin’s Favorables being under water it makes it very tough for Republicans to win this Race. President Rubio’s JA Rating is split in New Jersey which is pretty good for a Incumbent Republican President considering this is a deep blue State. He gets countered by Govenor Murphy. Maybe it wasn’t the right time for Hugin to enter this Race and he should have run in 2024 when Sen. Menendez is likely to retire.

Finally we look at the State of Virginia. This is also among LIKELY VOTERS now:

VIRGINIA

Justin Fairfax 48%

Lieutnant Governor Jill Vogel 46 %

Unsure 6 %

Do you have a Favorable/Unfavorable View of Justin Fairfax?

Favorable 52 %

Unfavorable 47 %

Unsure 1 %

Do you have a Favorable/Unfavorable View of Jill Vogel?

Favorable 47 %

Unfavorable 52 %

Unsure 1 %

Do you Approve or Disapprove of the Job Marco Rubio is doing as President?

Approve 52 % (51)

Disapprove 45 % (49)

Unsure 2 %

Do you Approve or Disapprove of the Job Ed Gillespie is doing as Governor?

Approve 47 %

Disapprove 48 %

Unsure 5 %

Democrat Justin Fairfax is leading Lt. Governor Jill Vogel by 35-Percentage Points in the D. C. Suburbs (Obama & McAuliffe like Numbers) which consists of Fairfax Country as well as the Cities of Arlington & Alexandria. He also leads in Loudoun & Prince William Counties (two swing Counties which President Rubio won when he ran for Re-Election last year). Meanwhile Vogel leads in southwest & central Virginia by 33-Percentage Points (which keeps this Race very close at the moment). Fairfax though leads in the Richmond Suburbs 49-44. Vogel is really being hurt by her Favorables/Unfavorables (-5) being under water as well as Governor Gillespie's -7 JA. Her Opponent meanwhile has a Fav/Unfav Rating of +5. At this Point 72 Hours before the Election I'd rather be him than her. President Rubio's JA sits at 52/45. Justin Fairfax Message tying Vogel to Gillespie and declaring that she doesn't fit in for Virginia seems to be resonating.
What you see in paranthesis is President Rubio's JA when we last polled these States Mid August.

Wolf Blitzer, Lead Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“
Thanks John. Let’s discuss this now with our Political Panel. Joining me here in the Studio is our Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger, Republican Strategists Rick Santorum and Ana Navarro as well as Democratic Strategists Kirsten Powers and Jennifer Granholm.
First to you Gloria, what do you make of these Numbers?

Gloria Borger, CNN Chief Political Analyst

Well Wolf, two of the three Races on Tuesday seem to be reasonably close. VA seems to be the tightest of the 3 Races It looks like former Rep. Giffords is giving Rep. McSally a good run in this Race. Both Candidates are well liked by the AZ Electorate which might explain the closeness of the Race. Sources telling me that two Republican Senators are watching the AZ Race very closely and those are Senator Joe Heck of Nevada and Senator Darryl Glenn of Colorado. Both are up for Re-Election next year. If a Democrat gets 44 % in Arizona in a Special Election that doesn't bode necessarily very well for the two Senators especially considering that they are both running in States with large Hispanic Populations and President Rubio won't be on the Ballot next year.
Virginia seems to be trending Democratic this year. Having the Incumbent Republican Governor Ed Gillespie with an underwater JA doesn't help the Republican Governor Nominee Jill Vogel despite President Rubio having a + 7 positive Job Rating. Meanwhile the Democratic Nominee Justin Fairfax has the entire Democratic Establishment behind him noticeably former President Obama & his Wife Michelle, former Governor McAuliffe, former Lt. Governor Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring and Senators Booker & Harris.
Generally speaking Democrats seem to be much more enthusiastic & excited to vote this year.

Rick Santorum, Republican Strategist & fmr. Pennsylvania Senator

Well, we knew that this year and also next year would be very challenging in the wake of President Rubios spectacular Re-Election Victory last year. I said a couple of months ago that Arizona would be single digits this Fall. That seems to be the case. Democrats haven't won anything significant over the last two Election Cycles so they're really energized. I still think Rep. McSally will pull this out though.
Virginia is a different Story. For a Republican Candidate to win in there it requires something special. That State has been trending Democratic over the past 15 years or so since Jim Webb beat George Allen in 2006. Just because President Rubio won there last year it doesn't change the fundamentals of that State. The Democrats have had a very weak National Candidate in Bernie Sanders last year who also wasn't very polished on National Security unlike President Rubio who was very strong on that Topic. Coupled with that Rubio was the 1st Hispanic President and Sanders underperformed among Minorities notably among Hispanics enabling Rubio to win the State. This year it's different: Ever since the Primaries concluded we were scrambling with our Nominee to catch up to the Democrats. Can she still pull out a narrow victory? Possibly. That being said Northern VA and especially the D. C. Suburbs are increasingly deciding Virginia Statewide Elections and that's unfortunately for Republicans the Democrats stronghold.
New Jersey seems to be a good State for Democrats. In recent History only two Republicans have been elected Governor over there, Christine Todd Whitman and Chris Christie.

Ana Navarro, Republican Strategist

I have to say that I am happy Lt. Governor Vogel is still in this Race. It means that Justin Fairfax isn't completely unflawed. That being said Rick is right, the fundamentals & Demographics in that State are working against Republicans. I also think Gloria makes a good point when she said that Democrats are more excited to vote this year than Republicans. As far as AZ is concerned we should be happy with any win there. Fmr. Rep. Giffords isn't a completely unknown, is well liked and has had a horrible accident of her own. That she seems to be recovering this well to run for Senate now speaks to her testimony. That Race could potentially keep us up late on Tuesday along with Virginia. Altough AZ closes at 10pm ET they don't count Votes there until after 11pm.

Jennifer Granholm, Democratic Strategist & fmr. Michigan Governor

I'm really looking at Virginia. Justin Fairfax is an exciting, young, charismatic Candidate. I think he has had the right Message for Virginia and he did the right thing attaching the Lt. Governor Vogel to the unpolularity of Governor Gillespie. If we can't win Virginia with that kind of Democratic Nominee we have where else can we win then? It would be a huge setback for Democratis not only in VA but also Nationally if we can't win this Race.

Kirsten Powers, Democratic Strategist & Clinton WH Press Secretary

I'm looking more at Arizona and especially the Hispanic Vote over there. This is the first proper Race since Rubio's Re-Election Victory and I'm interested if his Presidency and all what he did for that Demographic during his Presidency would have a lasting effect. McSally probably won't win the Latino Vote but it will interesting how much of that Vote she gets.
Polls show VA close but I wouldn't be surprised if Fairfax wins this Race more comfortably than we thought he would.

CNN Senior National Political Analyst John King
Wolf, let me show you something and it basically supports what former Senator Santorum is saying regarding Virginia. President Rubio carried VA over Senator Sanders 55-45 in last years Presidential Election. How did he do it? By carrying Loudoun & Prince William Counties 53-47. He flipped those two Counties. He also did better in the Richmond Suburbs carrying Swing Henrico County 52-48. All 3 Counties went for Hillary Clinton narrowly in 2016 and our new CNN/ORC has Vogel trailing Fairfax by a substantial margin there.

Wolf Blitzer, Lead Anchor „Wolf“ & „Situation Room“
Allright. That's for this Special Edition of the „Situation Room“. Anderson Cooper & Jake Tapper will be anchoring our Election Night Coverage starting on Tuesday at 5pm ET when we release the first Exit Polls. See you then!

[BigVic]

Glad it's still going on. Surprised Merkel is still Chancellor of Germany ITTL

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
November 2021, Part 1

November 1-2 :

-President Rubio leads a GOTV operation in Arizona, Virginia and New Jersey by campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of November 2 Election Day in gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey and in special senate race in Arizona.

November 2 :

-Voters in Virginia, New Jersey and Arizona go to the polls ahead of the 2021 elections.

November 3 :
-President Rubio congratulates the winners of the 2021 elections.

November 5 :

-President Rubio announces that the Department of Defense identified all of the U.S. soldiers killed in the Korean War from returned remains after DNA testings.

November 6 :
-Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Iranian President Mahmoud Sadeghi hold a summit in Al-Riyad, Saudi Arabia. The summit was focused on counter-terrorism and the denuclearization of Iran.

November 7-8 :

-Istanbul is announced to be selected as the host city of the U.S.-Iran summit on Iran's denuclearization that will take place April 10 2022. In response, President Rubio declares these developments of the nuclear security talks with Iran as a further major step towards global peace and security.

November 10 :

-During a trip in Paris, France, Secretary of State Lindsey Graham declares that the creation of the U.S. Space Force by the Rubio Administration is a great opportunity to encourage the development of a European space defense policy, as Europe is the world's third space power, in order to further ensure the success of the War on Terror, to protect Western satellite against anti-satellite weaponry by Russia and/or China and in order to further derail any attempt by Russia to conduct cyber-attacks or to intercept transmissions and steal national security informations.

November 11 :

-The United Nations unanimously approve an American resolution to send weapons inspectors in North Korea to ensure the completion of North Korea's nuclear disarment.

November 14 :

-Kim Jong-un agrees to allow international inspectors and to shut down the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center.

November 15 :

-President Rubio praises the move by the United Nations to deploy weapons inspectors in North Korea and Kim Jong-Un's decision towards this policy and to shut down the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center, declaring that it will ensure the achievement of North Korea's denuclearization for the sake of international security and peace.

[UWS]

ELECTION NIGHT 2021

EXIT POLLS

Anderson Cooper, Lead Anchor „AC 360“ & Jake Tapper, Lead Anchor „CNN SOTU“
It's 5pm ET Tuesday November 2nd 2021 and we welcome our viewers in the US and around the world for our Special Coverage. I'm Anderson Cooper in the CNN Election Center. In a few moments we will be releasing the first Exit Poll of Election 2021 so stand by for that. With me every step of the way is our Lead Anchor of CNN's State of the Union, Jake Tapper.
Thank You Anderson. What an exciting Night we've in store including a potential Cliffhanger in Battleground Virginia. We also have our Correspondents in all the Major Campaign Headquarters throughout the Night:
René Marsh is at the Fairfax Campaign HQ in Annandale, Northern Virginia
Rebecca Berg is at the Vogel Campaign HQ in Williamsburg, Hampton Roads Area
Jeff Zeleny is at Governor Murphys Campaign HQ in Trenton, New Jersey
Jessica Schneider is at the Hugin Campaign HQ in Jersey City, New Jersey
Dana Bash is at the McSally Campaign HQ in Phoenix, Arizona
and Sunlen Serfaty is at the Giffords Campaign HQ in Tuscon, Arizona
But before we gauge how each Campaign feels let's go over to our Senior Political Analyst John King who is at the Voter Analysis Board, John...

CNN Senior National Political Analyst John King

Virginia closes at 7pm so let's look at that State first...

VIRGINIA

Demographics

White = 65 %
Black = 21 %
Latino = 7 %
Asian = 3 %
Other = 3 %

What we're seeing here is that the White Vote ticked down a couple of Points from 67% to 65%, the Black Vote as well as Latino Vote ticked up a Point to 23% and 7% respectivly compared to 2017. Overall the White Vote is 65% and the Non-White Vote is at 35% That could be problematic for the Republican Candidate Jill Vogel.

Vote by Income

Under 30K = 9 %
30K - 50K = 13 %
50K - 100K = 34 %
100K - 200K = 35 %
200K or more = 9 %

Ideology

Liberal = 29 %
Moderate = 42 %
Conservative = 29 %

Liberals are up 2%, Conservatives are down 2% and Moderates stayed at 42% compared to 2017. Obviously the Candidate who wins the moderate-Vote is going to win this Election.

Opinion of Marco Rubio as President

Approve = 53 %
Disapprove = 44 %

The President's JA in Virginia is pretty consistent with the late Polls we've seen. He is at or around the 50% mark.

Was one of the reason for your vote for Governor today

Support Rubio = 25 %
Oppose Rubio = 15%
Rubio not a factor = 60 %

Opinion of Ed Gillespie as Governor

Approve = 45 %
Disapprove = 53 %

Clearly, Mr. Fairfax did the right thing tying Lt. Governor Vogel to unpopular Governor Ed Gillespie when you look at these Numbers.

Opinion of Jill Vogel

Favorable = 47 %
Unfavorable = 53 %

Opinion of Justin Fairfax

Favorable = 53 %
Unfavorable = 47 %

Vote by Region

D. C. Suburbs = 29 %
Central Virginia = 15 %
Hampton Roads = 17 %
Richmond/Southside = 29 %
Mountain = 20 %

The Fairfax Campaign will like those Numbers from the D. C. Suburbs, the Vogel Campaign will like the Numbers from the Hampton Roads Area. Both Regions ticked up a point compared to 2017.
We won't release the Full Exit Poll until all the Polls have closed at 7pm in Virginia. Based on the Exits Fairfax is probably the slight Favourite to win it BUT remember: These are Exit Polls only and they always be adjusted.

Next we look at New Jersey which closes at 8pm...

NEW JERSEY

Demographics

White = 70 %
Black = 11 %
Latino = 14 %
Asian = 3 %
Other = 2 %

What we're seeing here is similar to Virginia. The White Vote ticked down a couple of Points from 72% to 70%, the Black Vote as well as Latino Vote ticked up a Point to 11% and 14% respectivly compared to 2017. Overall the White Vote is 70% and the Non-White Vote is at 30%.

Vote by Income

Under 30K = 9 %
30K - 50K = 14 %
50K - 100K = 27 %
100K - 200K = 36 %
200K or more = 15 %

Ideology

Liberal = 34 %
Moderate = 46 %
Conservative = 20 %

Liberals are up 2%, Conservatives are down 2% and Moderates stayed at 46% compared to 2017.

Opinion of Marco Rubio as President

Approve = 48 %
Disapprove = 48 %

The President's JA in New Jersey is identical with the CNN/ORC Polls we released on Saturday.

Was one of the reason for your vote for Governor today

Support Rubio = 21 %
Oppose Rubio = 20%
Rubio not a factor = 59 %

Opinion of Phil Murphy as Governor

Approve = 57 %
Disapprove = 43 %

Opinion of Phil Murphy

Favorable = 56 %
Unfavorable = 44 %

Opinion of Bob Hugin

Favorable = 45 %
Unfavorable = 55 %

Vote by Region

Urban North = 19 %
Suburban North = 15 %
Northwest = 16 %
Central = 20 %
South = 30 %

This looks like a good Race for the Democrats and a very tough one for Republicans. Almost impossible for Murphy to lose this Race having 57% positive JA Rating. We'll be releasing the Full Exit Polls at 8pm when Polls are closing in the State.

As far as Arizona is concerned we will be releasing those Preliminary Exits in the 6pm Hour after we get some more data in. Back to you Jake.

Jake Tapper, Lead Anchor "The Lead" & "State Of The Union"
Thank You John. Let's sweep around to some of the Campaign Headquarters and see how their Candidate is feeling. We begin with René Marsh at the Justin Fairfax HQ in Annandale, Northern Virginia. René...

René Marsh, CNN National Correspondent reporting from Annandale, VA

Good Evening Jake. Democratic Sources in the State as well as Aides to the Candidate telling me that they feel "Cautiously Optimistic" about tonight. They think that the repeated visits by former President Obama, his Wife Michelle, Senators Booker & Harris, fmr. Senator Warner, current Senator Kaine and Attorney General Herring helped to amp up the African-American Vote & Latino Vote in Northern Virginia. They won't rely on Exit Polls that coming out. They're relying more on the State Director for Obamas Victories 2008 & 2012 as well as McAuliffes win 2013 with the modelling. They say Turnout here up in the North is pretty high. What they don't know excatly is what happens in Central Virginia and in the rual western part of the State. Back to you Jake!

Jake Tapper, Lead Anchor "The Lead" & "State Of The Union"
Thank You René. From the Democratic Candidate we now go to the Campaign of Lt. Governor Jill Vogel where our own Rebecca Berg is standing by. Rebecca...

Rebecca Berg, CNN Correspondent reporting from Williamsburg VA

Good Evening from Williamsburg, VA. Aides of Lt. Governor Vogel acknowleging that they won't get the same Numbers out of Northern Virginia like President Rubio got in last years Presidential Election BUT they think that they can make up for it in the rural parts of the State and in the Hampton Roads Area where I am. One Republican Operative in the State said to me "Look, this is very close. We had to play catch up the last few months. We are wary that close Elections in VA are increasingly decided in the D. C. Suburbs." Another Campaign Aide citing the very close 2014 Senate Race between Mark Warner and Ed Gillespie that the Democrat won by some 13K Votes. Internal Campaign Polling had the Race between a 3-Point Fairfax lead and a 1-Point Vogel lead. Back to you Jake!

Jake Tapper, Lead Anchor "The Lead" & "State Of The Union"
From Virginia we now go to New Jersey and the Campaign HQ of Governor Phil Murphy where our own Jeff Zeleny is standing by. Jeff...

Jeff Zeleny, CNN Correspondent reporting from Trenton, NJ

Good Evening Jake! The Campaign of Governor Phil Murphy feels very confident that they will win this Race tonight. The Governors Favorables & JA Rating stayed high throughout the Year. Republicans basically pulled out at the beginning of October. President Rubio didn't do a single Campaign Stop for Murphy's Republican Opponent, Businessman Bob Hugin in the month of October. From Trenton I'm now toss it over to my Collegue Jessica Scheider who is at the Hugin Campaign HQ. Jessica...

Jessica Schneider, CNN Correspondent reporting from Jersey City, NJ

Good Evening! The Hugin Campaign Aides told me that they got what they needed when President Rubio made a campaign stop for Hugin yesterday in a GOTV operation. Back yo you Jake.

Jake Tapper, Lead Anchor "The Lead" & "State Of The Union"
We're going into a Commercial Break right now. When we come back we will have new Exit Poll Information out of Arizona and speak to both Campaigns in the Grand Canyon State.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Jake Tapper, Lead Anchor "The Lead" & "State Of The Union"
And we welcome back our Viewers from our Break. Let's go straight to John King who has Exit Poll Information out of Arizona for the Senate Special Election, John...

CNN Senior National Political Analyst John King

Let's take a peak at Arizona which closes at 10pm ET...

ARIZONA

Demographics

White = 74 %
Black = 2 %
Latino = 17 %
Asian = 2 %
Other = 5 %

This is probably some welcomed News for Republicans here. The White Vote is up 5-Percentage Point compared to the 2020 Presidential Election and the Latino Vote is down 3 Points compared to 2020. That makes it a very tough Race for Democrats. 74-26 Split between White/Non-White.

Vote by Income

Under 30K = 15 %
30K - 50K = 18 %
50K - 100K = 33 %
100K - 200K = 25 %
200K or more = 8 %

Ideology

Liberal = 20 %
Moderate = 32 %
Conservative = 48 %

Liberals ticked down a lot from 27% to 20%, Conservatives are on the other hand up from 41% to 48% and Moderates stayed at 32% compared to the 2020 Presidential Election. A higher Percentage of Conservatives usually favours Republicans

Opinion of Marco Rubio as President

Approve = 56 %
Disapprove = 44 %

The President's JA in Arizona is pretty high at 56% although that's slightly down below his National Average.

Was one of the reason for your vote for Senate today

Support Rubio = 38 %
Oppose Rubio = 15 %
Rubio not a factor = 47 %

Opinion of Martha McSally

Favorable = 54 %
Unfavorable = 46 %

Opinion of Gabrielle Giffords

Favorable = 54 %
Unfavorable = 46 %

Vote by Region

Maricopa County = 59 %
Pima County = 16 %
Rest of State = 24 %

Republicans are favoured to win this Special Election tonight. Democrats though made somewhat a bit competitive. Next year though may seen quite differently when likely more Hispanics going to the Polls. Back to Anderson Cooper now.

Anderson Cooper, Lead Anchor „AC 360“
Let's talk to both Campaigns in Arizona how they feel going into this Night. First our CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash in Phoenix, Arizona. Dana...

Dana Bash, CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent reporting from Phoenix, AZ

Good Afternoon from Phoenix, Arizona Anderson. The Campaign of Rep. McSally feels confident tonight. They're telling me that they have left nothing on the table and President Rubios repeated visits into this State helped them quite a lot. There was some tightening in the Polls after the Primaries but with the help of the President the Campaign expanded that lead between 7-10 Points. Should Rep. McSally win tonight she would likely be sworn in on Thursday or Friday which immediatedly opens up her AZ-2 Congressional Seat. Governor Doug Ducey would then have to call a Special Election for her Seat within 90 Days after the vacancy occurs so that would be somewhere in Late February 2022. With that I now toss it to my collegue Sunlen Serfaty who is standing by at the Giffords Campaign HQ in Tuscon. Sunlen...

Sunlen Serfaty, CNN Congressional Correspondent reporting from Tuscon, AZ

G'Afternoon as well from Tuscon. I'm here at Campaign HQ of former Rep. Giffords. Democratic Sources in the State telling me their objective is to get into single digits as the Race opened up quite a bit after the visits from President Rubio and VP Haley. Remember: This is a basically a Campaign sorely on grassroots without any help from the DSCC. Should this Race be closer than expected you can expect a lot of finger-pointing at the Democratic Establishment for not coming to help. Back to you Anderson.

Anderson Cooper, Lead Anchor „AC 360“
Stay tuned for continueing Coverage of „Election Night in America 2021“ in moments....

[UWS]

2021 ELECTIONS COVERAGE

CNN's America's Choice theme : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uvpd4myQXs

Anderson Cooper : Good evening, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the coverage of the 2021 U.S. elections. I'm Anderson Cooper and CNN is about to cover the gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey and of the special senate election in Arizona to fulfill Senator John McCain's senate seat six months after he passed away. It is 7 pm and we can now see the first results of the night. So as the polls just closed in Virginia, we can project an early lead for Republican gubernatorial nominee Jill Vogel as she dominates in Virginia's southwestern counties, a rather rural region.

Virginia Governor - 1 % of the vote reported
Jill Vogel : 54 %
Justin Fairfax : 44 %

7 : 30 pm

John King : Now is 7 : 30 pm and we can see that the race in Virginia is getting closer as Justin Fairfax shows a strong performance in Virginia's center counties, including in Richmond.

Virginia Governor - 25 % of the vote reported
Jill Vogel : 51 %
Justin Fairfax : 47 %

8 : 00 pm

Anderson Cooper : Right now it is 8 pm and Fairfax takes the lead after dominating Virginia's northern counties, including the D.C. suburbs. The polls have closed in New Jersey where we can project a double digit lead by incumbent New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy over businessman Bob Hugin.

Virginia Governor - 50 % of the vote reported
Justin Fairfax : 51 %
Jill Vogel : 48 %

New Jersey Governor - 1 % of the vote reported
Phil Murphy : 58 %
Bob Hugin : 42 %

8 : 30 pm

Anderson Cooper : At 8 : 30 pm, Vogel is catching up to Fairfax by doing well in Virginia's southeastern counties, including in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.

Virginia Governor - 75 % of the vote reported
Justin Fairfax : 50 %
Jill Vogel : 49 %

New Jersey Governor - 25 % of the vote reported
Phil Murphy : 55 %
Bob Hugin : 43 %

9 : 00 pm

Anderson Cooper : At 9 pm, we can project that Justin Fairfax will narrowly be elected Governor of Virginia while Phil Murphy will be re-elected Governor in New Jersey.

Virginia Governor - 100 % of the vote reported
Justin Fairfax : 50 % ✔
Jill Vogel : 49 %

New Jersey Governor - 50 % of the vote reported
Phil Murphy : 55 % ✔
Bob Hugin : 44 %

10 : 00 pm

Anderson Cooper : It is 10 pm, and the polls have closed in Arizona where Republican senate nominee Martha McSally is largely leading after easily winning the Mohave and Pinal counties.

Arizona Special Senate - 1 % of the vote reported
Martha McSally : 51 %
Gabrielle Giffords : 42 %

10 : 30 pm

Anderson Cooper : It's 10 : 30 pm, we can see that Congresswoman Giffords is doing progress by winning her home county of Pima (home to Tuscon).

Arizona Special Senate - 25 % of the vote reported
Martha McSally : 50 %
Gabrielle Giffords : 45 %

11 : 00 pm

Anderson Cooper : It's 10 pm and McSally further increased her lead thanks to a strong performance in the Maricopa County (home to Phoenix and Mesa), that represents almost 60 % of Arizona voters and where voters tend to be more conservative. She seems to be also benefiting from President Rubio's many visits in Arizona aimed at boosting her senate bid and from her strong performance among Arizona Hispanics due to her support to President Rubio's immigration reform policies such as the Opportunity Act approved by the Congress in 2018.

Arizona Special Senate - 50 % of the vote reported
Martha McSally : 53 %
Gabrielle Giffords : 46 %

11 : 30 pm

John King : At 11 : 30 pm Congresswoman McSally still leads comfortably as she won the Yuma County (home to Yuma).

Arizona Special Senate - 75 % of the vote reported
Martha McSally : 54 %
Gabrielle Giffords : 45 %

12 : 00 am

Anderson Cooper : It is midnight and we can project Martha McSally wins the Arizona special senate election by a 10 percentage point margin and will fulfill John McCain's senate seat.

Arizona Special Senate - 100 % of the vote reported
Martha McSally : 55 % ✔
Gabrielle Giffords : 45 %

Anderson Cooper : This is a major victory for President Rubio.

John King : Indeed. It seems that his recent accomplishments such as the denuclearization of North Korea, the ratification of the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty, the adoption of a balanced budget amendment and the creation of the U.S. Space Force helped the Republicans to keep this senate seat.

Jake Tapper : So as McSally won this special election, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey will have to call a special election for her seat within 90 days after the vacancy occurs so that would be somewhere in late February 2022. We'll see in the next few weeks how it will be going.

Anderson Cooper : Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us in the coverage of the gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey and of the special senate election in Arizona. We wish you good night.

[scutosaurus]

New Jersey Governor - 25 % of the vote reported
Phil Murphy : 55 %
Justin Fairfax : 43 %

Why is Justin Fairfax running as a Republican against Phil Murphy while simultaneously running for Governor of Virginia

[Lord Admirale]

New Jersey Governor - 25 % of the vote reported
Phil Murphy : 55 %
Justin Fairfax : 43 %

Why is Justin Fairfax running as a Republican against Phil Murphy

The power of Marco Rubio caused Justin Fairfax to become a Republican and move to New Jersey.

[UWS]

New Jersey Governor - 25 % of the vote reported
Phil Murphy : 55 %
Justin Fairfax : 43 %

Why is Justin Fairfax running as a Republican against Phil Murphy

The power of Marco Rubio caused Justin Fairfax to become a Republican and move to New Jersey.

Excuse me I forgot to change the challenger's name for Bob Hugin in New Jersey. Now I fixed it. Thanks.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Shouldn't the 2022 Midterms rush by now?

Knowing several states, I have some suggestions for them:

Possible GOP Losses

Alabama: Terri Sewell
Georgia: Stacey Abrams
Illinois: Michelle Obama
Indiana: Lloyd Winnecke
Missouri: Jay Nixon
New Hampshire: Ann McLane Kuster
North Carolina: G. K. Butterfield
Ohio: Tim Ryan
Pennsylvania: Dwight Evans

Possible DEM Losses:

Connecticut: Jodi Rell
Maryland: Larry Hogan
New York: George Pataki (NOTE: Only if Schumer retires and Chelsea is the Dem Candidate. If it's Kennedy, it's a loss for the GOP)
Oregon: Greg Walden
Washington: Jaime Herrera Beutler

All in all, I expect the Senate Composition to possibly look like this: 66-34; 65-35 if Schumer doesn't retire/Kennedy is the Dem Nominee

[OBD]

Shouldn't the 2022 Midterms rush by now?

Knowing several states, I have some suggestions for them:

Possible GOP Losses

Alabama: Terri Sewell
Georgia: Stacey Abrams
Illinois: Michelle Obama
Indiana: Lloyd Winnecke
Missouri: Jay Nixon
New Hampshire: Ann McLane Kuster
North Carolina: G. K. Butterfield
Ohio: Tim Ryan
Pennsylvania: Dwight Evans

Possible DEM Losses:

Connecticut: Jodi Rell
Maryland: Larry Hogan
New York: George Pataki (NOTE: Only if Schumer retires and Chelsea is the Dem Candidate. If it's Kennedy, it's a loss for the GOP)
Oregon: Greg Walden
Washington: Jaime Herrera Beutler

All in all, I expect the Senate Composition to possibly look like this: 66-34; 65-35 if Schumer doesn't retire/Kennedy is the Dem Nominee

Haha smarmy Greg Walden won't win my home state...right?

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Shouldn't the 2022 Midterms rush by now?

Knowing several states, I have some suggestions for them:

Possible GOP Losses

Alabama: Terri Sewell
Georgia: Stacey Abrams
Illinois: Michelle Obama
Indiana: Lloyd Winnecke
Missouri: Jay Nixon
New Hampshire: Ann McLane Kuster
North Carolina: G. K. Butterfield
Ohio: Tim Ryan
Pennsylvania: Dwight Evans

Possible DEM Losses:

Connecticut: Jodi Rell
Maryland: Larry Hogan
New York: George Pataki (NOTE: Only if Schumer retires and Chelsea is the Dem Candidate. If it's Kennedy, it's a loss for the GOP)
Oregon: Greg Walden
Washington: Jaime Herrera Beutler

All in all, I expect the Senate Composition to possibly look like this: 66-34; 65-35 if Schumer doesn't retire/Kennedy is the Dem Nominee

Haha smarmy Greg Walden won't win my home state...right?

Guy has survived the 2006 and 2008 Waves and most likely might survive the 2018 wave OTL, so it wouldn't hurt to assume he could win in a Senate race, especially considering the apparent Rightward shift of OR ITTL

[OBD]

Shouldn't the 2022 Midterms rush by now?

Knowing several states, I have some suggestions for them:

Possible GOP Losses

Alabama: Terri Sewell
Georgia: Stacey Abrams
Illinois: Michelle Obama
Indiana: Lloyd Winnecke
Missouri: Jay Nixon
New Hampshire: Ann McLane Kuster
North Carolina: G. K. Butterfield
Ohio: Tim Ryan
Pennsylvania: Dwight Evans

Possible DEM Losses:

Connecticut: Jodi Rell
Maryland: Larry Hogan
New York: George Pataki (NOTE: Only if Schumer retires and Chelsea is the Dem Candidate. If it's Kennedy, it's a loss for the GOP)
Oregon: Greg Walden
Washington: Jaime Herrera Beutler

All in all, I expect the Senate Composition to possibly look like this: 66-34; 65-35 if Schumer doesn't retire/Kennedy is the Dem Nominee

Haha smarmy Greg Walden won't win my home state...right?

Guy has survived the 2006 and 2008 Waves and most likely might survive the 2018 wave OTL, so it wouldn't hurt to assume he could win in a Senate race, especially considering the apparent Rightward shift of OR ITTL

Knute Buehler or Gordon Smith are better fits for the state imo

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Shouldn't the 2022 Midterms rush by now?

Knowing several states, I have some suggestions for them:

Possible GOP Losses

Alabama: Terri Sewell
Georgia: Stacey Abrams
Illinois: Michelle Obama
Indiana: Lloyd Winnecke
Missouri: Jay Nixon
New Hampshire: Ann McLane Kuster
North Carolina: G. K. Butterfield
Ohio: Tim Ryan
Pennsylvania: Dwight Evans

Possible DEM Losses:

Connecticut: Jodi Rell
Maryland: Larry Hogan
New York: George Pataki (NOTE: Only if Schumer retires and Chelsea is the Dem Candidate. If it's Kennedy, it's a loss for the GOP)
Oregon: Greg Walden
Washington: Jaime Herrera Beutler

All in all, I expect the Senate Composition to possibly look like this: 66-34; 65-35 if Schumer doesn't retire/Kennedy is the Dem Nominee

Haha smarmy Greg Walden won't win my home state...right?

Guy has survived the 2006 and 2008 Waves and most likely might survive the 2018 wave OTL, so it wouldn't hurt to assume he could win in a Senate race, especially considering the apparent Rightward shift of OR ITTL

Knute Buehler or Gordon Smith are better fits for the state imo

Smith, whom was a previous Senator did run...and he lost and I don't think he would be interested in going back to the Senate after being out for 14 years by this time. Knute Buehler, who I never heard of before you mentioned him, is debatable as, if he lost ITTL, the GOP in Oregon won't risk him becoming another Dino Rossi and instead choose Greg Walden and if he won ITTL, why wouldn't he wait to be Governor for two terms then run for Senator? Walden is the only one that makes at least some sense, TBH.

[UWS]

Marco Rubio's Presidency
November 2021, Part 2

November 16 :

-During a press conference at the White House, President Rubio declared that the holding of the U.S.-Iran summit in Istanbul next April as well as the reformist policies of Iranian President Mahmoud Sadeghi will also make an important contribution in defeating ISIS in Syria through possible Iranian military action there as Tehran is the 13th military power in the world.

November 18 :

-President Rubio, Vice-President Haley, Florida Senators Carlos Lopez-Cantera and Rick Scott and Florida Governor Adam Putnam attend the launch of Exploration Mission - 1 (an unmanned mission to the Moon with NASA's Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle ORION) at Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. The touchdown on the Moon is scheduled between December 10-15th 2021. The President gives a speech to NASA Workers, Guests, etc. calling the launch of Exploration Mission 1 a historic day for America's space exploration and described this accomplishment as the 1st step to send Americans to Moon and Mars.

November 19 :

-In the context of Iran's upcoming denuclearization and the warming of the relations between Washington and Tehran, President Rubio nominates former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Zalmay Khalizad as U.S. Ambassador to Iran. His nomination has yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

November 22 :

-Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Syrian President Riad Darar agreed to reinforce and secure their borders between their two countries in order to prevent any attempt by the Sheikh Omar Hadid Brigade (ISIS' branch in Gaza) to provide weapons or any sources of supply to ISIS in Syria.

November 23 :

-The U.N. weapons inspectors who have the mission to ensure the achievement of North Korea's denuclearization arrive in North Korea.

November 25 :
-The senate hearings to confirm Zalay Khalizad's nomination as U.S. ambassador to Iran started.

November 26 :

-President Rubio hosts South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House where they discuss issues such as the U.S.-South Korea trade and economic relations, democracy, human rights, North Korea, nuclear security and counter-terrorism. During their joint press conference at the White House, both leaders praised each other's countries' efforts into the pacification of the Korean peninsula. President Rubio declares that the denuclearization of North Korea will allow the Pacific Treaty Organization to focus most of its military efforts on combating Abu Sayyaf in Malaysia and in the Philippines, which will « accelerate our path to victory against radical Islamic terrorism and restore security and peace in the South China Sea. »

November 27 :

-As Martha McSally's victory in the 2021 special senate election in Arizona vacanted her congressional seat and necessitates a special election there in February, Meghan McCain, columnist, former Fox News contributor and daughter of deceased Arizona Senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain, announced that she's running for Congress in Arizona's second congressional district.

November 29 :

-Near Abu Kamal, Syria, coalition military forces conducted a strike consisting of one engagement against ISIS targets, destroying an ISIS command-and-control center.