The Biden administration is deploying more military power to the eastern Mediterranean in response to the escalating conflict in the region. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. is working to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas and is working with other countries in the region to try to bring about a lasting peace. The U.S. is also focused on ensuring the safe passage of Palestinian-Americans out of Gaza.
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The Republican Party is in a state of disarray as they attempt to fill the role of Speaker of the House. Rep. Jim Jordan has won the caucus vote, but has been unable to garner enough support from both the Republican establishment and the Trumpist right. In an effort to rally support, the party has launched a press campaign and enlisted right-wing media and activists.
President Joe Biden's 2024 re-election campaign has raised more than $71 million in the third quarter of 2023, nearly doubling the cash on hand of former President Donald Trump. The Biden campaign has $91 million on hand across its fundraising entities, and is actively fundraising to prepare for the 2024 election. Trump's campaign has raised $45.5 million in the third quarter.
Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican backed by former President Donald Trump, has won the Louisiana governor’s race, beating out 24 other candidates and reclaiming the governor’s mansion for the GOP for the first time in eight years. Landry, who has raised the profile of attorney general since 2015, won with 56% of the vote.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is engaging in Middle East diplomacy to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip and Israel. He has met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and is now in the United Arab Emirates, speaking with world leaders and the United Nations Secretary-General to find a lasting solution to the conflict.
House Republicans are facing difficulty in finding a new speaker of the House of Representatives after their first nominee, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, was ousted 10 days ago. On Friday, a small group of moderate Democrats proposed expanding the power of Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry until a new speaker is elected, while House Republicans consider their second nominee, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. Democrats are refusing to bail out the House Republican majority in their search for a new speaker, leaving the outcome of the power struggle uncertain.
The Wall Street Journal's editorial board has criticized former President Donald Trump for his rhetoric regarding the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza, noting that his comments at a Wednesday rally in Florida were inappropriate given the current situation. Trump responded to the criticism on the Truth Social media platform, and the Journal concluded that he "can't help himself from making everything about himself." It remains to be seen whether Trump will address the conflict in Israel and Gaza at a rally in Georgia or continue to focus on himself.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized former President Donald Trump for his remarks about Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militia designated as a foreign terrorist organization. DeSantis condemned Trump's comments, noting that terrorists have murdered at least 1,200 Israelis and 22 Americans. His criticism has sparked a debate about the US relationship with Israel and the role of terrorism in the region, and it remains to be seen how Trump and other potential 2024 candidates will respond.