Gavin Newsom stated that he had no conversations with DJT related to the National Guard the weekend before the protests turned violent. Then DJT got out his cell phone and "proved" he had called him. Who is right? It has been reported online that 2 billion dollars worth of damage was done during the weeklong protests in LA. TWO BILLION? really? 5 Waymo cars and 1 Highway Patrol SUV? 23 businesses? No fires there....Today DJT stated that Iran did not "Make a Deal" in 60 days so Israel had a right to send bombs? Then why were talks still scheduled? Are these all LIES LIES LIES ?
How can democrats challenge the status quo and promote policies that make lives better for their constituents with the existence of well-funded super PACS? I think a recent example of how super PACS influence legislation is the passage of the GENIUS Act in the senate. This is a crypto bill that according to Elizabeth Warren allows " .... anonymous buyers, big companies, and foreign governments to use the president’s stablecoin as both a shadowy bank account shielded from government oversight and as a way to pay off the president personally. "
Jon Ossoff, who is running for re-election, voted for the bill. I assume he wanted to prevent an avalanche of negative advertising from the crypto industry that Katie Porter experienced when she ran for the U.S. Senate in 2024.
On covering a U.S. president: As AP's Washington bureau chief, you had a front-row seat to presidential actions and decision-making. What was the most challenging aspect of maintaining journalistic objectivity when covering a president, especially during a polarizing administration or crisis, and how did you navigate the pressure from both political operatives and your audience to shape narratives?
On investigative journalism under pressure: During your tenure, what was the most ethically or professionally complex story your team pursued, and how did you balance the pursuit of truth with external pressures—whether from government officials, corporate interests, or internal editorial constraints, while ensuring the story’s integrity and public impact?
Gavin Newsom stated that he had no conversations with DJT related to the National Guard the weekend before the protests turned violent. Then DJT got out his cell phone and "proved" he had called him. Who is right? It has been reported online that 2 billion dollars worth of damage was done during the weeklong protests in LA. TWO BILLION? really? 5 Waymo cars and 1 Highway Patrol SUV? 23 businesses? No fires there....Today DJT stated that Iran did not "Make a Deal" in 60 days so Israel had a right to send bombs? Then why were talks still scheduled? Are these all LIES LIES LIES ?
How should journalists cover Executive Orders, including challenges? Attorney friend sent me this today. Another frightening example of Trump’s use of EO’s. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/va-doctors-refuse-treat-patients
How can democrats challenge the status quo and promote policies that make lives better for their constituents with the existence of well-funded super PACS? I think a recent example of how super PACS influence legislation is the passage of the GENIUS Act in the senate. This is a crypto bill that according to Elizabeth Warren allows " .... anonymous buyers, big companies, and foreign governments to use the president’s stablecoin as both a shadowy bank account shielded from government oversight and as a way to pay off the president personally. "
Jon Ossoff, who is running for re-election, voted for the bill. I assume he wanted to prevent an avalanche of negative advertising from the crypto industry that Katie Porter experienced when she ran for the U.S. Senate in 2024.
Ron, if you please, I'll submit two questions.
On covering a U.S. president: As AP's Washington bureau chief, you had a front-row seat to presidential actions and decision-making. What was the most challenging aspect of maintaining journalistic objectivity when covering a president, especially during a polarizing administration or crisis, and how did you navigate the pressure from both political operatives and your audience to shape narratives?
On investigative journalism under pressure: During your tenure, what was the most ethically or professionally complex story your team pursued, and how did you balance the pursuit of truth with external pressures—whether from government officials, corporate interests, or internal editorial constraints, while ensuring the story’s integrity and public impact?
Wow. Great questions, Bob! Let me mull.