US Election Coverage – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com israelhayom english website Wed, 14 May 2025 16:39:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.israelhayom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-G_rTskDu_400x400-32x32.jpg US Election Coverage – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com 32 32 Inside the cover-up: Biden aides feared wheelchair optics, hid decline https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/14/inside-the-coverup-biden-aides-feared-wheelchair-optics-hid-decline-book-reveals/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/14/inside-the-coverup-biden-aides-feared-wheelchair-optics-hid-decline-book-reveals/#respond Tue, 13 May 2025 22:00:20 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1058461 As former US President Joe Biden fought to win a second term in 2024, his inner circle held private discussions about the likelihood he would require a wheelchair if reelected, according to startling revelations in a forthcoming book by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson. The explosive report reveals how Biden's physical deterioration had […]

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As former US President Joe Biden fought to win a second term in 2024, his inner circle held private discussions about the likelihood he would require a wheelchair if reelected, according to startling revelations in a forthcoming book by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson.

The explosive report reveals how Biden's physical deterioration had progressed to such an alarming degree by 2023 that his team was deeply concerned about his health while simultaneously working to hide the full extent of his decline from voters during his reelection campaign.

In "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," scheduled for release on May 20, the authors explain that Biden's physician Kevin O'Connor frequently battled with political staffers about the president's demanding schedule, claiming they "were trying to kill him" while he was "trying to keep him alive."

The book, based on extensive interviews with more than 200 individuals, primarily Democratic insiders, documents the significant deterioration of Biden's spine and outlines comprehensive measures implemented to prevent the then-81-year-old president from falling in public after a June 2023 incident when he tripped over a sandbag at the Air Force Academy.

Biden's team enacted numerous safeguards, including planning shorter walking paths, requiring handrails for stage steps, having him wear sneakers more frequently, providing more detailed visual briefings, and offering enhanced guidance through his movements – all while maintaining publicly that his labored walking style was primarily the result of a 2020 foot fracture.

The authors note that while O'Connor had documented in early 2021 that Biden's foot fractures were "completely healed," the White House continued to reference the injury when questioned about the president's increasingly difficult gait. In his official health summaries, O'Connor emphasized "significant spinal arthritis" as the explanation for changes in Biden's walking style.

US former President Joe Biden (C) and his wife Jill arrive for the funeral Mass of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, on the parvis of Saint Peter's Basilica, in Vatican City, 26 April 2025 (Photo: EPA/Riccardo Antimiani) EPA

What's politically revealing is the authors' assertion that Biden's aides considered using a wheelchair during the campaign "politically untenable" despite his worsening physical condition.

These revelations provide fresh context to Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race following his widely criticized June 2024 debate performance against Donald Trump. Three weeks after that decisive debate, Biden abandoned his reelection bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

A Biden spokesperson, who requested anonymity, challenged the portrayal in the book, stating that Biden's medical examination "made clear that he had a stiffened gait caused, in part, by wear and tear to his spine – but that no special treatment was necessary and that it had not worsened."

The spokesperson maintained Biden was "transparent about this" and that "evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity," arguing that no one has identified instances where Biden "was unable to do his job because of mental decline."

 In another remarkable disclosure, the book reports that Biden repeatedly failed to recognize George Clooney at a June 2024 fundraiser despite having known the actor for two decades. For Clooney, observing Biden's "diminished" physical appearance after not having seen him since 2022 was characterized as a "holy sh*t" moment.

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Trump sues Iowa pollster over 'election fiction' https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/17/trump-sues-iowa-pollster-over-election-interfering-fiction/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/17/trump-sues-iowa-pollster-over-election-interfering-fiction/#respond Tue, 17 Dec 2024 04:49:12 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1020923 President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit Monday night accusing renowned Iowa pollster Ann Selzer, her polling firm, The Des Moines Register and its parent company Gannett of consumer fraud over a Nov. 2 poll that showed President Kamala Harris up 3 percentage points in the state which Trump ultimately won by double digits, NBC News […]

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President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit Monday night accusing renowned Iowa pollster Ann Selzer, her polling firm, The Des Moines Register and its parent company Gannett of consumer fraud over a Nov. 2 poll that showed President Kamala Harris up 3 percentage points in the state which Trump ultimately won by double digits, NBC News reported.

The suit, filed in Polk County, Iowa, seeks "accountability for brazen election interference" and claims "Millions of Americans, including Plaintiff, residents of Iowa, and Iowans who contributed to President Trump's Campaign and its affiliated entities (the 'Trump 2024 Campaign'), were deceived by the doctored Harris Poll," according to the filing reviewed by NBC News.

Snow covers a lawn sign in support of former US President and then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Des Moines, Iowa, US., January 14, 2024 (Reuters/Cheney Orr) REUTERS

"I'm doing this because I feel I have an obligation to. I'm going to be bringing one against the people in Iowa, their newspaper, which had a very, very good pollster who got me right all the time, and then just before the election, she said I was going to lose by 3 or 4 points," Trump said Monday in discussing the suit, NBC News reported.

The suit accuses Selzer, long considered the gold standard of Iowa polling, of attempting to influence political races to favor Democrats. It states the "polling 'miss' was not an astonishing coincidence — it was intentional," according to NBC News.

After the election, Selzer announced she would stop polling political contests to pursue other ventures. Rick Hasen, an election law expert at UCLA School of Law, immediately dismissed Trump's lawsuit, writing on his blog "I don't expect this lawsuit to go anywhere," NBC News reported.

Trump is bringing the claim under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, which prohibits deceptive advertising. The 17 point difference between the poll and final result, his lawyers argue, constitutes "election-interfering fiction," according to the NBC filing.

The suit is the latest in a string of legal actions Trump has taken against perceived opponents since leaving office, from social media companies that banned him to the Pulitzer Prize board over awards given for reporting on Russian interference in the 2016 election. None have gained significant legal traction to date, according to NBC News.

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Trump's final hurdle? Crucial vote gets underway https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/16/trumps-final-hurdle-most-crucial-vote-gets-underway/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/16/trumps-final-hurdle-most-crucial-vote-gets-underway/#respond Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:54:08 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1020415 Former President Donald Trump's path back to the White House will reach a crucial milestone on Tuesday as Electoral College delegates gather across the country to formally cast their votes. The Electoral College process, enshrined in the US Constitution as a compromise between direct popular election and congressional selection of the president, allocates electoral votes […]

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Former President Donald Trump's path back to the White House will reach a crucial milestone on Tuesday as Electoral College delegates gather across the country to formally cast their votes.

The Electoral College process, enshrined in the US Constitution as a compromise between direct popular election and congressional selection of the president, allocates electoral votes to each state based on their congressional representation.

Trump secured victory in the Nov. 6 election with 312 electoral votes, well above the 270 needed to win. After electors meet in their respective state capitals on Dec. 17, Congress will conduct the official count during a joint session on Jan. 6, 2025, leading to Trump being declared as "president-elect" by Senate President Kamala Harris – who was also his chief opponent as the Democratic presidential nominee. Then, on Jan. 20, he will take the oath of office at his second inauguration.

Trump's commanding victory in Florida, where he captured 56% of the vote compared to his narrower 49.9% national margin, will be formalized when the state's electors convene in the Senate chambers at the state Capitol. The 30 Republican electors, whose names were submitted by the state party in August, include several high-profile officials, including one already tapped for Trump's future cabinet – former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has been nominated for US attorney general.

Former state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who received Trump's endorsement to fill Sen. Marco Rubio's Senate seat, is also among the electors, alongside Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, Attorney General Ashley Moody, House Speaker Daniel Pérez and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

Republican presidential candidate former US President Donald Trump is introduced at the Republican Jewish Coalition's Annual Leadership Summit at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on October 28, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada (Ethan Miller/Getty Images via AFP) Ethan Miller/Getty Images via AFP

Florida law requires electors to be registered state voters and members of their respective parties who have sworn in writing to support their party's nominees. An elector's refusal to vote for their party's candidates is considered an automatic resignation under state statute.

The process faced a legal challenge in Wisconsin over scheduling, but a federal judge affirmed the Dec. 17 meeting date, aligning with federal law despite state statutes initially suggesting an earlier date.

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FEMA official blocked hurricane aid to homes with Trump signs https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/10/fema-official-blocked-hurricane-aid-to-homes-with-trump-signs/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/10/fema-official-blocked-hurricane-aid-to-homes-with-trump-signs/#respond Sun, 10 Nov 2024 02:30:24 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1010741   A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supervisor instructed disaster relief workers to bypass homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump in a hurricane-devastated Florida community, according to reports published in the Daily Wire. The supervisor, Marn'i Washington, issued the directive both verbally and through a Microsoft Teams chat to workers surveying damage in Lake […]

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A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supervisor instructed disaster relief workers to bypass homes displaying support for President-elect Donald Trump in a hurricane-devastated Florida community, according to reports published in the Daily Wire.

The supervisor, Marn'i Washington, issued the directive both verbally and through a Microsoft Teams chat to workers surveying damage in Lake Placid following Hurricane Milton's destruction last month, the Daily Wire reported.

"Avoid homes advertising Trump," Washington wrote in a "best practices" memo to employees, listing the instruction alongside other guidelines such as not going "anywhere alone," practicing "de-escalation," staying hydrated, and "following the rules."

A tattered American flag flaps outside a home with furniture and household items damaged by Hurricane Helene piled outside along the street awaiting pickup ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Oct. 8, 2024. Photo credit: AP/Rebecca Blackwell AP

According to employees who spoke to the Daily Wire, approximately 20 residences with Trump signs or flags were deliberately skipped between late October and November, effectively denying those residents the opportunity to apply for federal disaster assistance in the wake of the Category 3 hurricane.

Workers documented these exclusions in FEMA's tracking system with notes stating "Trump sign no entry per leadership."

"FEMA helps all survivors regardless of their political preference or affiliation and we are deeply disturbed by this employee's actions," a FEMA spokesperson told The New York Post.

"While we believe this is an isolated incident, we have taken measures to remove the employee from their role and are investigating the matter to prevent this from happening ever again," they added.

The spokesperson emphasized the agency's response to the situation: "We are horrified that this took place and therefore have taken extreme actions to correct this situation and have ensured that the matter was addressed at all levels."

Gov Ron DeSantis of Florida condemned the incident on X, characterizing it as evidence of government "weaponization" under the Harris-Biden administration.

"The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days," DeSantis wrote.

While FEMA employees told the Daily Wire that Washington was merely transferred to a different Florida county, a FEMA spokesperson clarified to The New York Post that Washington is "no longer working in the state of Florida or in any FEMA operations at this moment" pending investigation results.

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Biden: Electoral system is honest, fair, and transparent https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/biden-electoral-system-is-honest-fair-and-transparent/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/biden-electoral-system-is-honest-fair-and-transparent/#respond Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:38:34 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1010523   President Joe Biden delivered a measured and reflective speech following electoral results, emphasizing the endurance of American democracy and calling for national unity. In his address, Biden confirmed he had spoken with President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory and discuss the transition of power. "For over 200 years, America has carried […]

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President Joe Biden delivered a measured and reflective speech following electoral results, emphasizing the endurance of American democracy and calling for national unity. In his address, Biden confirmed he had spoken with President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory and discuss the transition of power.

"For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world. The people vote and choose their own leaders, and they do it peacefully," Biden stated at the beginning of his remarks. The president emphasized his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power, stating he had directed his "entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition."

In his speech, Biden also acknowledged Vice President Harris' contributions, praising her character and campaign efforts. "She has a backbone, like a ramrod. She has great character. She gave her whole heart and effort. And she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran," he said.

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the results of the 2024 presidential election during an address to the nation in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, November 7,2024 (Photo: EPA/Graeme Sloan) EPA

The president made a strong appeal for national unity, urging Americans to see beyond political divisions: "Campaigns are contests of competing visions. The country chooses one or the other. We accept the choice the country made. I've said many times, you can't love your country only when you win. You can't love your neighbor only when you agree. Something I hope we can do, no matter who you voted for, is see each other not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans. I also hope we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system. It is honest. It is fair, and it is transparent. I will fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution on January 20th. We'll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America."

Looking back at his presidency, Biden highlighted his administration's achievements, particularly in infrastructure development. "We're going to see over $1 trillion worth of infrastructure work done, changing people's lives in rural communities and communities that are in real difficulty," he noted.

The President concluded his speech with a message of resilience, sharing what he called his father's wisdom: "Setbacks are unavoidable. But giving up is unforgivable." He assured the American people, "We're going to be okay. We need to keep going. And above all, we need to keep the faith."

The speech marked a significant moment in the transfer of power process, with Biden indicating there are "74 days to finish the term" and emphasizing his commitment to making "every day count."

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From woke to broke: Why Democrats lost the working class https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/from-woke-to-broke-why-democrats-lost-the-working-class/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/from-woke-to-broke-why-democrats-lost-the-working-class/#respond Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:00:56 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1010467   Emotions are still running high over the results of the 47th US presidential election. For millions of Americans (and even non-Americans), it felt like a lot was on the line. There is much to consider when reflecting on the choice that American voters faced. Those who lean Democrat advocated the stance of "anyone but […]

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Emotions are still running high over the results of the 47th US presidential election. For millions of Americans (and even non-Americans), it felt like a lot was on the line.

There is much to consider when reflecting on the choice that American voters faced. Those who lean Democrat advocated the stance of "anyone but Donald Trump," citing his character, sexual assault charges, racist comments, and refusal of a peaceful transfer of power as evidence that he was unfit for office. Meanwhile, those who lean Republican pointed to the Biden administration's failure to address the needs of the working class, the alleged cover-up of President Joe Biden's deteriorating mental health, and the decision to appoint Vice President Kamala Harris without giving Democratic constituents a chance to vote for their candidate.

The list of issues could go on. According to NBC exit polls, voters' top concerns were democracy (34%), the economy (31%), abortion (14%), immigration (11%), and foreign policy at a mere 4%. This suggests that the Israel-Hamas war and the threat of a nuclear Iran had little influence over this election; instead, a wide array of other factors drove the results.

One of the most striking aspects of this election was the shift among groups that traditionally voted Democrat. Many are discussing the significant movement of votes among Arab, Latino, and Black Americans, and unsurprisingly, the same shift can be seen among Jewish Americans. PEW research shows that 70% of American Jews typically vote Democrat, but an exit poll from the Orthodox Union and Honan Group indicated a serious split in the Jewish vote in states like Pennsylvania: 48% for Harris vs. 41% for Trump. The anti-Israel fanaticism of the far left and the Democrats' failure to distance themselves from these elements contributed heavily to this erosion of Jewish support.

Freedom Road Socialist Organization member Talison Crosby, 31, of Seattle ties a banner to a tent as protesters set up an encampment in solidarity with Palestine, at the University of Washington, in Seattle, Washington on April 29, 2024. Photo credit: Jason Redmond / AFP AFP

The actions of the far left influenced the election results and worked in favor of Trump and his supporters. As Representative Ritchie Torres aptly wrote, the far left "managed to alienate historic numbers of Latinos, Blacks, Asians, and Jews from the Democratic Party with absurdities like 'Defund the Police,' 'From the River to the Sea,' and 'Latinx.'" It's a clear summary of the demographic shift. Despite claims that Jews control those in power, American Jews are too small a minority to have influenced the election significantly.

The far left is often described as a minority that doesn't represent the values of Democrats and classic liberals. Yet in this election, the party neglected the working class in favor of woke jargon and performative activism. Democrats used identity politics and moral superiority messaging to speak to moderates and their former base, who didn't buy what the party was selling.

Anyone attributing the election outcome to white supremacy, patriarchy, and misogyny is missing the point, using these as a convenient way to avoid discussing pressing political issues. The overuse of these terms by the far left has stripped them of the power to inspire change.

Most Americans who feel economically worse off than they were four years ago hold Biden and Harris accountable. Democrats who refuse to acknowledge this will continue to lose to Republicans, who have positioned themselves as the party of the working class and distanced themselves from the far left. While there are certainly issues within the Republican Party, the silent majority of Americans appear fed up with identity politics. For Democrats to win back support, they'll need to distance themselves from "woke" activists and return to a common-sense message that resonates with working-class Americans.

America has grown weary of the far left, and it seems there is more to lose politically by pandering to these activists and keyboard warriors, who hold more sway on X, Twitch, and TikTok than in the real world. The working class is simply not buying the ivory-towered ideas that the far left is promoting.

 

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Trump 2.0: Pompeo, Friedman among floated appointees https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/trumps-new-cabinet-takes-shape-pompeo-and-friedman-among-potential-returnees/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/trumps-new-cabinet-takes-shape-pompeo-and-friedman-among-potential-returnees/#respond Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:00:03 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1010203   Following his presidential victory, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to begin selecting the members of his new cabinet soon. Final decisions are anticipated in the coming weeks, with several candidates being vetted for multiple positions simultaneously. In a wide-ranging interview on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast last month, Trump declared that his "biggest mistake" […]

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Following his presidential victory, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to begin selecting the members of his new cabinet soon. Final decisions are anticipated in the coming weeks, with several candidates being vetted for multiple positions simultaneously.

In a wide-ranging interview on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast last month, Trump declared that his "biggest mistake" during his first term was hiring "bad people, or disloyal people" to his White House team. The former president effectively acknowledged errors in his staffing choices, which led to an exceptionally high turnover rate among senior administration officials.

Several former senior officials who departed or were dismissed became vocal critics of Trump after leaving their positions. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton published a highly critical memoir about his tenure. For his upcoming term, Trump intends to place significantly greater emphasis on personal loyalty as the central criterion in staff selection.

According to multiple sources and reports in American media outlets, the State Department leadership is likely to be determined from among three contenders: former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. For the crucial position of US Ambassador to Israel, sources indicate David Friedman, who maintains a decades-long relationship with the president-elect and served in the same role during Trump's first term, is being strongly considered for reappointment.

Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, Nov. 4, 2024. Photo credit: EPA/CJ Gunther EPA

Former US Ambassador Richard Grenell, who served as Trump's envoy to Germany, has emerged as a leading candidate for national security advisor. The defense secretary position has drawn three prominent candidates: former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Representative Mike Waltz of Florida, and Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas. For the Department of Homeland Security leadership, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan, former Acting Secretary Chad Wolf, and Representative Mark Green are under consideration. Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and Senator Mike Lee lead the field of candidates for Attorney General.

For White House chief of staff, the highest-ranking position within the president's inner circle, veteran political strategist Susie Wiles has emerged as the leading candidate. Wiles, widely credited as the mastermind behind Trump's recent election victory, may be joined in the senior leadership team by former Trump White House official Brooke Rollins, who is also under consideration for the role.

The treasury secretary position has attracted five high-profile candidates: JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, though sources indicate uncertainty about his willingness to accept; former Soros Fund Management executive Scott Bessent; hedge fund manager John Paulson; Fox News commentator Larry Kudlow; and former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who served during Trump's first term.

Sources close to the transition process emphasize that these selections remain fluid, noting Trump's penchant for last-minute decisions and willingness to reverse course. His decisive victory two nights ago has significantly expanded his options for filling these crucial positions, an advantage the president-elect appears poised to leverage fully.

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Late-night hosts react to Trump victory https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/late-night-hosts-react-to-trump-victory/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/late-night-hosts-react-to-trump-victory/#respond Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:55:35 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1010281   America's leading late-night television hosts abandoned their trademark wit for raw emotion following Donald Trump's decisive victory in the presidential race, delivering unusually somber monologues that reflected the deep divisions within American society. In the 24 hours following the election results, three prominent late-night hosts – all previous backers of Kamala Harris – confronted […]

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America's leading late-night television hosts abandoned their trademark wit for raw emotion following Donald Trump's decisive victory in the presidential race, delivering unusually somber monologues that reflected the deep divisions within American society.

In the 24 hours following the election results, three prominent late-night hosts – all previous backers of Kamala Harris – confronted the new political reality with uncharacteristic gravity.

"We had the choice between a prosecutor and a criminal, and we chose the criminal to be president of the United States," Jimmy Kimmel declared in an emotionally charged monologue, visibly fighting back tears. "More than half of this country voted for the criminal who's planning to pardon himself for his crimes... It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of hardworking immigrants who make this country go, for healthcare, for our climate, for science, for journalism, for justice, for free speech.

"It was a terrible night for poor people, for the middle class, for seniors who rely on social security, for our allies in Ukraine, for NATO, for the truth, and democracy, and decency. It was a terrible night for everyone who voted against him, and guess what, it was a bad night for everyone who voted for him too, you just don't realize it yet."

Stephen Colbert delivered an even more pointed commentary, "Well, f***, it happened again. After a bizarre and vicious campaign fueled by a desperate need not to go to jail, Donald Trump has won the 2024 election. The deep shock and sense of shock is enormous. All day yesterday I was walking around proudly wearing my 'I voted' stick. Today I wore my "I am questioning my fundamental belief in the goodness of humanity' sticker.

"As a late-night host, people often say to me, 'Come on, part of you has got to want Trump to win because he gives you so much material to work with.' No! No! No one tells the guy who cleans the bathroom, 'Wow, you must love it when someone has explosive diarrhea. There's so much material for you to work with.'"

Seth Meyers contributed his perspective through equally stark metaphors, "I was watching the results come in because I couldn't sleep and it was like Christmas Eve if on Christmas morning you're either gonna wake up to find that Santa left presents under the tree or just took a huge dump in your fireplace. If you're lactose intolerant, don't drink the milk, you know...

"I don't think Donald Trump's a good person. I'd even go so far as to say he's a bad person. In my defense, I'm only basing that on everything I've ever been taught about what makes someone good or bad. I accept that half the country thinks he's a good person or they don't care that he's not because they think he's a good president and because of that he's going to be our president again. That's how democracy works in America, a country that is a privilege to live in, even on a morning like today."

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Trump's victory: A game-changing economic opportunity for Israel https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/trumps-victory-a-game-changing-economic-opportunity-for-israel/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/07/trumps-victory-a-game-changing-economic-opportunity-for-israel/#respond Thu, 07 Nov 2024 04:00:17 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1010255   America awakened Wednesday to a new political reality as Donald Trump secured a decisive victory to become the nation's 47th president, following Kamala Harris' unsuccessful campaign to carry forward the Biden-Obama legacy. President-elect Trump has consistently proven himself a steadfast ally of Israel – not through mere rhetoric, but through concrete actions, as demonstrated […]

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America awakened Wednesday to a new political reality as Donald Trump secured a decisive victory to become the nation's 47th president, following Kamala Harris' unsuccessful campaign to carry forward the Biden-Obama legacy.

President-elect Trump has consistently proven himself a steadfast ally of Israel – not through mere rhetoric, but through concrete actions, as demonstrated repeatedly during his previous term. As the 45th US president, Trump's unwavering commitment to Middle East peace was matched by his resolute defense of Israel's interests – a stark contrast to the approach taken by the Obama-Biden administration.

Abraham Accords: Trump's blueprint for regional transformation

Trump's first term saw a series of decisive moves: intensifying pressure on Iran through withdrawal from the nuclear deal and imposing stringent sanctions, designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem – Israel's eternal capital, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and orchestrating normalization agreements between Israel and Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan, and Morocco.

These historic Abraham Accords were intended to pave the way for broader regional peace, potentially including Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. This momentum stalled following Trump's 2020 electoral defeat, as the Biden administration struggled to maintain regional stability or demonstrate the clear foreign policy vision needed in our challenging neighborhood.

Trump's return to the White House opens new possibilities for Israel, Saudi Arabia, and potentially other Gulf states to forge comprehensive normalization agreements under American guidance, creating unprecedented economic opportunities throughout the region. Let's examine what each party brings to this prospective alliance and America's role as a facilitator.

Saudi Arabia offers a dynamic economy with 37 million predominantly young citizens eager for innovation. With an average age of 30 and a gross domestic product (GDP) of $28,000 per capita, the kingdom has enormous potential. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious Vision 2030, launched in 2016, aims to transform Saudi Arabia from an oil-dependent economy into a diversified, advanced nation. The initiative's success is crucial for bin Salman's leadership, particularly given current domestic and international challenges.

Dovi Frances. Photo credit: Group 11 GROUP 11

Despite recent economic headwinds, Israel's economy continues to thrive. Home to nearly 10 million people with an average age of 30, Israel boasts a per capita GDP of $66,000 – more than double Saudi Arabia's figure. The tech sector drives this prosperity, accounting for 50% of exports and almost 20% of GDP. Israel hosts 7% of global "unicorns" and maintains the world's premier tech workforce, with over 15% of employees in high-tech positions. The country has attracted R&D centers from more than 400 global leaders, including NVIDIA and Microsoft.

As the world's third-largest tech hub, Israel brings unmatched technological expertise to this potential regional partnership, particularly in developing industry-leading companies across defensive cybersecurity, defense technology, and AI applications in healthcare, education, and banking.

Saudi Arabia contributes massive purchasing power for both military and civilian technologies, along with ambitious mega-projects under Vision 2030 that provide ready-made opportunities to deploy these innovations. Israel's unique value proposition extends beyond its technological prowess – it offers something currently unavailable to Gulf states: a partnership that carries broad American support. This opens doors for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations to access previously restricted US information systems and computing technologies through joint ventures with Israel.

Economic ties between Israeli companies and Gulf clients have already taken root, even with nations lacking formal diplomatic relations.

Israeli AI reaches Saudi Arabia

Several Israeli AI firms, including Dream Security and Bridgewise, are already securing multi-million dollar contracts with Gulf states. Additionally, Israeli startups have successfully raised capital from Gulf-based financial institutions. While these dealings remain discreet, particularly during current regional tensions, their substantial scale indicates strong mutual interest.

Under a Trump administration and with potential new agreements including Saudi Arabia, Israeli AI companies could become the backbone of the Gulf's technological transformation, powering everything from education and banking to healthcare and cybersecurity.

The Gulf states are already engaged in an aggressive tech modernization drive, investing tens of billions in semiconductor procurement and data center construction. They're laying the groundwork for competition in the emerging global landscape.

However, infrastructure alone isn't enough. Without skilled personnel and expertise to develop applications – whether for new commercial ventures or government efficiency – this technological foundation risks becoming like a luxury high-rise without tenants.

Israel can export its technological expertise to the Gulf while selling cutting-edge cyber and AI solutions. In return, Saudi Arabia could accelerate Israel's development of supercomputing infrastructure and data centers, while joining the US in investing in Israeli national projects.

The region's instability, the AI revolution, and America's political shift are deeply interconnected.

During my meeting with Trump in Washington DC two months ago, we discussed how his potential administration could help Israel maintain its regional technological edge. We agreed to revisit these plans after the election. That time has now come.

This morning, as the sun rises over Washington DC, one thing is certain:
The path to a technologically transformed Middle East runs through Riyadh, Jerusalem, and the White House.

Dovi Frances is an Israeli-American venture capitalist and founder of Group11 and The Institute, a national center for AI applications research.

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Jewish organizations congratulate Trump, call for action https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/06/jewish-organizations-congratulate-trump-call-for-action/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/06/jewish-organizations-congratulate-trump-call-for-action/#respond Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:00:58 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1010185   Two prominent Jewish organizations issued statements Wednesday following Donald Trump's primary victory announcement, with the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) ready to "usher in a new Golden Age of peace and prosperity." At the same time, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) emphasized the need to address rising antisemitism. The RJC announced it had contributed significantly […]

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Two prominent Jewish organizations issued statements Wednesday following Donald Trump's primary victory announcement, with the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) ready to "usher in a new Golden Age of peace and prosperity." At the same time, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) emphasized the need to address rising antisemitism.

The RJC announced it had contributed significantly to Trump's campaign, reporting over $15 million in spending on voter outreach efforts. "This is the greatest political comeback in US history," the RJC stated in its announcement, highlighting its extensive paid media campaign and grassroots engagement efforts in key Jewish communities. According to the RJC, Jewish voters played a crucial role in battleground states, with the organization noting that "The Jewish vote matters, and it played a major role in delivering the Presidency for President Trump."

 The statement from the RJC specifically pointed to concerns about safety in the Jewish community and Israel's security as key factors in voter decision-making. "Jewish voters from coast to coast rejected Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party due to their failure to keep the Jewish community safe, and for undermining our ally Israel as it continues to fight an existential war against Iran and its terrorist proxies."

Israelis opposed to a contentious government plan to overhaul the judiciary wave Israeli and American flags during a protest outside of the US Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 30, 2023 (Photo: AP/Oded Balilty) AP/Oded Balilty

Meanwhile, the Combat Antisemitism Movement released its own statement, focusing on the challenges facing the American Jewish community. The organization cited data indicating that 3.5 million American Jews, representing more than 60% of the US Jewish population, have personally experienced antisemitism.

"Amid this dire reality, we expect the incoming presidential administration and all public officials to take urgent and decisive action to stop the rise of antisemitism and ensure the world's oldest hatred has no place in contemporary American society," CAM stated.

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