Peter Doocy forces John Kirby into alarming admission about Afghanistan report — then second reporter bats cleanup



John Kirby admitted Thursday that an after-action report on the Biden administration's deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan is not about accountability.

At the White House press briefing, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy wasted no time when it was his turn to question Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, about the after-action report.

"Who's going to get fired over this?" Doocy asked.

Shockingly, Kirby suggested that no one will face any accountability for the embarrassing incident that ultimately led to the deaths of American soldiers and Afghanistan civilians.

"The purpose of the document that we’re putting out today is to sort of collate the chief reviews and findings of the agencies that did after-action reviews," Kirby said.

"The purpose of it is not accountability," he admitted. "The purpose of it is to study lessons learned."

04/06/23: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre www.youtube.com

But that's not true.

While Kirby said the report is not about "accountability," another reporter later confronted him over where the report does lay accountability. The reporter said, "You assign so much accountability to the Trump administration and very little, comparatively, to your own."

Indeed, the 12-page report repeatedly blames Trump for what happened under President Joe Biden's watch.

  • "President Biden’s choices for how to execute a withdrawal from Afghanistan were severely constrained by conditions created by his predecessor."
  • "President Biden had committed to ending the war in Afghanistan, but when he came into office he was confronted with difficult realities left to him by the Trump Administration."
  • "The departing Trump Administration had left the Biden Administration with a date for withdrawal, but no plan for executing it."
  • "The Trump Administration’s disregard and even hostility toward our commitment to Afghan allies led to a massive backlog of over 18,000 [Special Immigrant Visa] applicants. Despite drawing down troops and committing to a full withdrawal, the departing Trump Administration had all but stopped SIV interviews."
  • " The Trump Administration had hollowed out much of the career workforce, including at senior levels, at a moment when more resources were needed."

The report, on the other hand, completely absolves Biden.

In response to questions about blaming Trump, Kirby argued the Biden administration deserves congratulations for even completing an after-action report at all.

Later in the briefing, CBS News correspondent Ed O'Keefe confronted Kirby over the timing of the report's release.

"I think I speak on behalf of my colleagues in this room when we want the record to reflect that this was sent to us about 10 minutes before the briefing began with little notice, and it's the very definition of a modern major holiday news dump," O'Keefe said. "You're releasing this at the beginning of the high holidays and after months of requests from Republicans and the broader public."

\u201cJohn Kirby to CBS's @EdOKeefe on the WH dumping their Afghanistan withdrawal report ahead of a holiday weekend: "This is the result of months & months of work by individual agencies...to voluntarily review that withdrawal...No effort here to...obfuscate or...bury something"\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1680803632

Kirby, however, dismissed those concerns and claimed the report's release is the definition of transparency.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis responds to Trump's attack that he is guilty of 'grooming high school girls'



Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) made it clear on Wednesday he is not interested in attacking his fellow Republicans.

The comments came in response to a reporter who asked DeSantis about former President Donald Trump's latest attack against him, in which Trump accused DeSantis of once "grooming high school girls."

What did DeSantis say?

DeSantis did not mention Trump by name. But he took an implicit shot at Trump by telling the media he is not interested in smearing other Republicans — unlike Trump.

"I spend my time delivering results for the people of Florida and fighting against Joe Biden. That's how I spend my time," DeSantis said Wednesday. "I don't spend my time trying to smear other Republicans."

The remarks prompted a loud applause from the crowd.

\u201cHe is so good at this.\n\nDeSantis is about results.\n\nBullseye.\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1675878015

What prompted the response was a question from a reporter who connected Trump's baseless attack to a defamation panel that DeSantis hosted this week. He is advocating for legislation that protects "Floridians from the life-altering ramifications that defamation from the media can cause for a person who does not have the means or the platform to defend himself."

It was in that vein that DeSantis said, "I face defamatory stuff every single day I’ve been governor, that’s just the nature of it."

"It just goes with the territory. You gotta have a thick skin," he said.

What is the background?

While DeSantis has not announced a campaign for president, Trump has increasingly attacked the Florida governor because he knows that DeSantis is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Polls repeatedly show DeSantis' primary and general election popularity.

But DeSantis has refused to engage in return attacks.

Instead, when reporters ask DeSantis about Trump's attacks, he reminds them that he, not Trump, wins elections — and by significant margins.

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NBC analyst demands Tucker Carlson, Lauren Boebert face 'consequences' for Club Q massacre



NBC News analyst Frank Figliuzzi demanded on Monday that Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Fox News host Tucker Carlson be held partially responsible for the attack at Club Q, an LGBT nightclub in Colorado Springs.

Wait, what?

Speaking on MSNBC, Figliuzzi encouraged the families of the Club Q victims to take action against people like Boebert and Carlson, whom Figliuzzi suggested are partially responsible for the tragedy.

"Prosecutors and police, they found quickly what they needed. That means they know this was a biased crime," Figliuzzi said. "This is likely since we've heard reports that the subject isn't cooperative with police, that means they likely found clear and convincing evidence on his devices."

Authorities have charged the suspected perpetrator with hate crimes, but accusations, of course, are not declarations of guilt. That is something that Figliuzzi, a trained lawyer and career FBI official, should know, yet he declared the crime "biased" anyway.

"If he's a consumer of the people we just rattled of — from Lauren Boebert to Tucker Carlson — let's get it out. Let's get it out at trial, let's expose it for what it is, name it, and shame it," Figliuzzi continued.

"He's a consumer of these people and those people should face civil consequences from the victims," he declared.

There is no evidence, in fact, that the perpetrator is a "consumer" of Boebert and Carlson.

\u201cMSNBC analyst Frank Figliuzzi calls for @LaurenBoebert, #Tucker Carlson, @FoxNews, and others to face charges in civil court for causing the mass shooting at the Colorado Springs gay nightclub.\n\nHe adds teaching "young children" about sex will "put a stop to hate."\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1669067618

What about the law?

While Figliuzzi did not clarify what those "civil consequences" should be, the First Amendment protects Boebert, Carlson, and others who share their views about the LGBT agenda.

At any rate, neither of them have called for violence against the LGBT community.

And despite what progressive activists claim, disagreeing with the LGBT agenda is not the same thing as calling for violence against the LGBT community or directly inciting violence, which is unlawful.

Ironically, the same free speech principles that protect Boebert and Carlson also allow Figliuzzi to claim that the solution "to put a stop to hate" is to teach "young children in school" the LGBT agenda.

'I could not support him': Winsome Sears says she won't back Trump if he launches another presidential bid



Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears said that she will not support former President Donald Trump's candidacy if he announces another presidential bid.

Sears, a Republican who previously served as national chair of a group seeking to get Trump reelected, entered office in January after winning election in November 2021.

Trump, who is widely expected to launch a 2024 White House bid, said on Monday that he will make "a very big announcement" next week at the Mar-a-Lago on November 15.

During a Thursday appearance on Fox Business, Sears said that "the voters have spoken, and they have said that they want a different leader. And a true leader understands when they have become a liability. A true leader understands that it's time to step off the stage."

Sears said if Trump runs, she will not back his bid.

"I could not support him," Sears declared. She said that Trump-backed candidates have underperformed. "We have a clear mission. And it is time to move on."

Winsome Sears: It’s time to move on from Trump www.youtube.com

Trump has threatened to dish unflattering information about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis if the governor decides to mount a presidential run. "I know more about him than anybody other than perhaps his wife," Trump claimed, according to the Wall Street Journal. "I think if he runs he could hurt himself very badly," Trump said. "I think he would be making a mistake," he noted. "I think the base would not like it."

Trump took a jab at DeSantis last week by referring to him as "Ron DeSanctimonious." But the former president indicated this week that he voted for DeSantis in the Sunshine State's gubernatorial contest. The incumbent Republican governor won another term in office, decisively defeating Democratic challenger Charlie Crist.

Trump attacked DeSantis in a statement on Thursday, calling him "an average REPUBLICAN Governor with great Public Relations" and again referring to him as "Ron DeSanctimonious."

\u201cNEW: Trump goes postal on DeSantis \ud83d\udc47\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1668121314

'Hello. Good night, everybody': Fetterman delivers incoherent debate performance highlighting health concerns and sending betting odds on Dr. Oz skyrocketing



John Fetterman, the Democratic candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania, met with Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz on Tuesday night to debate the issues. Among the issues tackled, including abortion, immigration, and crime, the greatest issue Fetterman faced was assembling coherent sentences.

While the impact of Fetterman's disastrous performance in the debate will not be fully realized until November 8, one online prediction market has indicated it may be game over.

The debate

Fetterman began Tuesday's debate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with an awkward salutation: "Hi. Good night, everybody."

\u201cFetterman opens the debate: \n\n"Hi. Good night everybody."\u201d
— Greg Price (@Greg Price) 1666742744

After branding Oz a liar in his opening statement, Fetterman suggested that his opponent wouldn't let him forget that he had a stroke in May, for which he required a pacemaker implant along with a defibrillator.

The Democrat noted that he "might miss some words during this debate, mush two words together, but it knocked me down, and I am going to keep coming back up."

While Fetterman made sure to address "the elephant in the room," it still managed to trample the Democrat throughout the remainder of the debate.

On a number of occasions, Fetterman either contradicted himself or struggled to find a point.

One of his more challenging moments was when the moderator asked about his shifting stance on fracking.

The New York Post reported that Pennsylvania could lose up to 600,000 jobs if fracking is banned and take a GDP hit of nearly $261 billion. In 2016, Fetterman reportedly supported a moratorium on fracking, stating, "There's no such thing as a green fracker." Newsweek indicated he had also referred to fracking as a "stain."

Given his historic antipathy for fracking, the debate moderator pressed Fetterman on his apparent Tuesday-night pivot on the issue, saying, "You're saying tonight that you support fracking, that you've always supported fracking, but there is that 2018 interview that you said, quote, 'I don't support fracking at all,' so how do you square the two?"

Fetterman answered, "I do support fracking. And I don't, I don't. I support fracking, and I stand and I do support fracking."

\u201cFetterman is asked about previously saying he wanted to eliminate fracking: \n\n"I support fracking and I don't I support fracking and I stand and I do support fracking."\u201d
— Greg Price (@Greg Price) 1666744414

When asked about whether the Biden administration has spent too much money, Fetterman responded, "Here's what I think we have to fight about inflation here right now. That's we need to fight about: inflation right now." He then proceeded to attack Oz for owning multiple homes and having merchandise allegedly manufactured in China.

\u201cModerator: "Has the Biden administration overspent and, if so, where do you think [it] should be cut." You have 60 seconds."\n\n*Pause"\n\nFetterman: "Here's what I think we have to fight about inflation here right now. That's we need to fight about: inflation right now." #PASen\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1666743575

The moderator asked Fetterman why he has refused to release his stroke-related medical records. The Democrat answered, "My doctors believe I am ready to be served."

\u201cMod: "Why haven't you released your medical records?"\n\nFetterman: "My doctors believe I am ready to be served."\n\nMod: "Why won't you release the records?"\n\nFetterman: "My doctor believes I am fit to be serving and I believe that is where I am standing."\u201d
— Greg Price (@Greg Price) 1666744145

'The elephant in the room'

USA Today reported that Fetterman's campaign advisers had attempted to lower expectations on Monday, claiming, "This isn't John's format." After the debate, some are left wondering whether the U.S. Senate is Fetterman's format.

"Why the hell did Fetterman agree to this?" asked one Democrat lawmaker and Fetterman supporter, who told Axios, "This will obviously raise more questions than answers about John's health."

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) reportedly told CNN, "It's sad to see John Fetterman struggling so much. He should take more time to allow himself to fully recover."

Donald Trump Jr. tweeted, "It's worse than any of us could have ever imagined. At this point the moderator is filibustering to make sure he doesn't get any more Qs. ... Even today's partisan hack media can't cover for Fetterman being brain dead!"

\u201cOMG John Fetterman it\u2019s worse than any of us could have ever imagined. At this point the moderator is filibustering to make sure he doesn\u2019t get any more Qs. I think that\u2019s 4 in a row to @DrOz. Even today\u2019s partisan hack media can\u2019t cover for Fetterman being brain dead! #PASen\u201d
— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1666744870

Ann Coulter quipped, at President Joe Biden's expense: "At least give Fetterman this: In 2022, a debate performance like that can accurately be called 'presidential'."

Glenn Greenwald intimated it is not "ableist" to admit that Fetterman might have a considerable problem.

\u201cAny decent human being - by definition - feels great empathy for Fetterman. It's likely we and/or our loved ones will be disabled by illness at some point.\n\nBut this attempt to invent a new rule that it's "ableist" to discuss the cognitive abilities of candidates is just pathetic\u201d
— Glenn Greenwald (@Glenn Greenwald) 1666792101

Dire predictions

PredictIt is an online prediction market owned by Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. It enables people to make predictions on political races by buying shares via a continuous double auction.

Share price corresponds to the market’s estimate of the probability of an event taking place. According the site, users should "Buy ‘Yes’ shares when the price is too low, when you think your fellow traders are underestimating this likelihood. Buy ‘No’ shares when you think they are too optimistic."

In this instance, the question posed was: "Which party will win the U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania in 2022?"

On Sept. 28, it was 65 cents to bet "Yes" on Fetterman to win and only 37 cents to bet "Yes" on Oz.

This prediction market turned on Fetterman in a big way on Tuesday.

Although he had been ascribed higher value until October 18, confidence appears to have tanked on Oct. 25. A "Yes" buy for Oz went up from 53 cents to 65 cents. A "Yes" buy for Fetterman dropped from 50 cents the previous day to 39 cents.

Jean-Pierre struggles to explain away Biden's latest embarrassing senior moment as reporters won't have it



White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre floundered under pressure from reporters to explain why President Joe Biden appeared to forget about the death of Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) at an event on Wednesday.

Biden was speaking at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in Washington, D.C., when he repeatedly searched the crowd and asked for Walorski by name.

The Indiana Republican was one of the sponsors of bipartisan legislation to fund the conference. She died along with two of her staffers in a tragic car accident in August. Biden issued a statement at the time mourning her death.

But on Wednesday, the president asked for her at the event.

"I want to thank all of you here ... including bipartisan elected officials like Senator Braun, Senator Booker, Representative ... Jackie are you here? Where's Jackie?" Biden said. "I think she was going to be here to help make this a reality."

\u201c"Jackie are you here? Where's Jackie?"\n\nRep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) died in a car accident in August\u201d
— Charlie Spiering (@Charlie Spiering) 1664376738

The senior moment from the president went viral on social media and fueled questions about his advanced age and ability to serve as the nation's chief executive.

At a press briefing later, reporters asked Jean-Pierre to explain what happened.

"As you all know, you guys were watching today's event — a very important event on food security. The president was naming the congressional champions on this issue and was acknowledging her incredible work," Jean-Pierre said. She added that Biden is scheduled to welcome Walorski's family to the White House on Friday and said "she was on his mind, she was on top of mind for the president."

\u201cReporter: "What happened when Biden said where is Jackie Walorski?"\n\nJean-Pierre: "The president was acknowledging her incredible work."\n\nReporter: "He said 'Jackie, Jackie, where is Jackie?'"\n\nJean-Pierre: "She was clearly on top of his mind."\u201d
— Greg Price (@Greg Price) 1664388576

But reporters weren't buying the White House spin. "He said, 'Jackie, are you here? Where is Jackie? She must not be here," ABC White House correspondent Cecilia Vega told Jean-Pierre.

"No, I totally understand. I just — I just explained. She was on top of mind," the press secretary replied, reiterating that Biden will visit with Walorski's family later this week.

CNN correspondent Phil Mattingly then asked why, if Walorski's death and the upcoming visit with her family was "top of mind," was the president looking for her?

"I don't think it's all that unusual," Jean-Pierre told the press, repeating what she said before.

\u201cCNN's @Phil_Mattingly: "I'm trying to get my head around the response. [Walorski] was top of mind for [Biden] & her family was...here & that's what he was thinking about? Why was he looking for her?"\n\nKJP: "I think people can understand...when someone is at top of mind."\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1664388891

Unsatisfied, reporters did not drop the issue. CBS News Radio's Steven Portnoy said he was "compelled to ask ... one more time ... the question about Congresswoman Walorski."

"I'm not sure why. Why? Why one more time," Jean-Pierre said, hiding her frustration behind a smile.

"Frankly, honestly, I think the memory of the congresswoman and history requires some clarity here," Portnoy said. "Can you explain where the mistake was made? Was the president confused? Was something written in the teleprompter that [he] didn't recognize?"

Jean-Pierre accused him of "jumping to a lot of conclusions." Then she repeated the canned line about Walorski being "on top of mind" for Biden.

\u201c.@CBSNewsRadio's @StevenPortnoy: "Can you explain where the mistake was made? Did the President--was [he] confused? Was there something...in the teleprompter...he didn't recognize? Can you just help us understand?"\n\nKJP: "I mean, you're jumping to a lot of conclusions"\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1664388891

The Washington Post's Matt Viser was up next. "I think we all totally get why she's top of mind. You've made that case pretty effectively," he said. "I think the confusing part is why, if she and the family is top of mind, does the president think that she's living and in the room?"

"I don't find that confusing," Jean-Pierre responded. "I think many people can speak to, sometimes when you have someone on top of mind, they're on top of mind. Exactly that."

She rambled on for a bit repeating what she said before. Then, Newsmax correspondent James Rosen quipped, "I have John Lennon top of mind just about every day but I'm not looking around for him anywhere."

"When you sign a bill for John Lennon as president, then we can have this conversation," Jean-Pierre snapped back.

\u201cNewsmax's @JamesRosenTV: "I have John Lennon top of mind just about every day but I'm not looking around for him anywhere."\n\nKJP: "When you sign a bill for John Lennon--Lennon as president, then we can have this conversion."\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1664388891

Then all hell broke loose. Several reporters tried to speak at once. One shouted over the others, "These moments of confusion are happening with increasing frequency. Americans are watching this and are having concerns, what do you say to that? This is a legitimate question. We need to have some answers."

Jean-Pierre tried to move on, another reporter asked an unrelated question. But RealClearPolitics reporter Philip Wegmann returned to the Walorski issue by asking if the president would like to take back what he said.

"Just to try one more time, does the president believe that in his reference to the late Rep. Jackie Walorski, who you have said from the podium numerous time that he respects the work she has done and he will be meeting with her family to honor her work, does he believe he handled that reference appropriately? Or is this something that he would like to get back?" Wegmann asked.

"Like to get back what?" Jean-Pierre replied.

"Saying, 'where is Jackie?'" Wegmann clarified.

\u201c.@PhilipWegmann: "Does [Biden] believe that, in his reference to the late Rep. Walorski...he handled that reference appropriately or is this something that he would like to get back?"\n\nKJP: "Get--what? Like, to get back--what?"\n\nWegmann: "I mean, he said, 'where is Jackie?'"\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1664388891

The press secretary had enough. "I know this is a question that many of you have had. I have answered it multiple times already in this room and my answer is certainly not going to change," she told reporters.

"All of you may have views on the way I am answering it. But I am answering the question to the way that he saw it and the way that we see it," she continued.

"We have to remember as well that this was an important event today. This was an event about food security, this was an event to take the steps to eradicate hunger by 2030. And that is something the president takes very personally. We wouldn't be doing this event that has not happened since President Nixon, right? That was 50 years ago that an event like this occurred at the White House, so clearly, this is something that is important, so clearly, this is something that he really honors. Both Republican and Democratic congressional champions, when it comes to this issue.

"Again, she was at the top of mind. He is going to be seeing her family in two days to honor her, to honor the work that she has done, and you know, this was a remarkable legacy that she had and we should be honoring that."

Brian Stelter tries to pull a Kaepernick in laughable last show — only proves he DESERVED the boot



NewsBusters' Curtis Houck was kind enough to suffer through Brian Stelter's last episode of "Reliable Sources" so the rest of us didn't have to (not that we would have, but thanks anyway, Curtis.)

CNN's new CEO, Chris Licht, has made plans to cull the failing far-left network of its most obnoxious partisan hacks, and Stelter's last show proved beyond a doubt that Licht chose his first victim wisely.

\u201cWe're barely five minutes into the final Reliable Sources and the arrogance and hatred for conservatives that "the truth is not neutral" with Stelter and Carl Bernstein is flowing.\n\nThey've already shown why it's being canceled.\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1661094411

So, apparently, Stelter is a martyr, believing in something (horrible and dangerous called the far right) and sacrificing everything — just like a certain social justice warrior and former NFL quarterback.

\u201cSecond segment for Brian Stelter's final show -- the risk to the lives of journalists and how dangerous it is to be one in America because of the far-right.\n\nAh, yes. Being a journalist in America is JUST like reporting in China, Myanmar, North Korea, and Russia!\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1661095074

He also celebrated himself as "patriotic" for standing up to "demagogues" who are "lying to our faces."


\u201c.@brianstelter closes Reliable Sources by saying,\u00a0 "I know it is not partisan to stand up for decency and democracy and dialogue. It is not partisan to stand up to demagogues. It is patriotic. We must make sure we don't give platforms to those lying to our faces."\u201d
— Sarah Reese Jones (@Sarah Reese Jones) 1661098970

Wow, what a great guy. Shockingly, not everyone agreed with Stelter's self-assessment.

\u201cGood riddance, Stelter. You and your ilk have done grave damage to a free press.\nhttps://t.co/rtYKJ9AIga\u201d
— Mark R. Levin (@Mark R. Levin) 1660847185
\u201c@CurtisHouck @ComfortablySmug Almost as dangerous as being a Supreme Court Judge.\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1661095074
\u201cThis is something CNN, Brian Stelter, and 'Reliable Sources' NEVER accept -- the First Amendment applies to ALL of us, not just journalists.\n\nWe have a RIGHT to offer legitimate criticism of the press and doing so is NOT violent or a death threat.\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1661095208
\u201cStelter & Darcy were the Baghdad Bob's for Democrats and did more to damage the reputation of journalism (if more could actually be done) than any other two people in the industry. They acted directly on the behest and behalf of the DNC presenting unreliable & dishonest sources.\u201d
— Fusilli Spock (@Fusilli Spock) 1661100199
\u201cCNN's Brian Stelter decries outside criticism of journalism as a "poisonous cloud" that's spread throughout the country and around the world.\n\nHe adds he's "proud" to have worked at a network when they knew they had to fight and attack Trump.\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1661095611
\u201cCongratulations to Brian Stelter for being the only person to ever leave CNN for a non-penis-related reason.\u201d
— Scott Adams (@Scott Adams) 1660948899

While some hosts at BlazeTV, such as Glenn Beck, tried to be gracious about Stelter's exit, others couldn't help celebrating. On "The News & Why It Matters," BlazeTV host Sara Gonzales and guests talked about Stelter getting the ax and the future of CNN.

Watch the video clip below or find full episodes of "The News & Why It Matters" here. Can't watch? Download the podcast here.


Want more from 'The News & Why It Matters'?

To enjoy more roundtable rundowns of the top stories of the day, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

Charles Payne and others expose hidden problems with 'booming' jobs report, Peter Doocy presses White House about disappointing economic statistic



The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the July jobs report on Friday – which massively surpassed expectations. Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 528,000 in July, when it was forecast to add 250,000 jobs.

The Biden administration and left-leaning media basked in the jobs report that appears impressive at first glance.

President Joe Biden said on Friday, "Today’s jobs report shows that the economy added 528,000 jobs in July. More people are working than at any point in American history. That’s no accident, it’s results."

Vice President Kamala Harris gloated, "This morning’s jobs report shows our economy added 528,000 jobs in July, and the unemployment rate matches the lowest it’s been in more than 50 years. More people are working than ever before. We have more to do, but today’s jobs report shows we are making significant progress."

However, Charles Payne and others poured cold water on President Biden's "booming" jobs report.

Payne noticed that "black Americans are sinking in the midst of the jobs boom."

In July, there were 39,000 fewer black Americans in the labor force and 68,000 fewer black Americans employed.

"I get this stuff is only newsworthy when GOP is in the White House but some care all the time," he added.

Citing Household Survey Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payne noted that full-time jobs dropped by 71,000, while part-time jobs increased by 384,000, and people who held multiple jobs rose by 92,000.

\u201cHousehold Survey\nFull Time -71,000\nPart Time +384,000\nMultiple Jobs +92,000\u201d
— Charles V Payne (@Charles V Payne) 1659708224

The report also found that there were 279,000 fewer people who were self-employed.

\u201cSelf Employed dropping like a stone the past year.\u201d
— Frog Capital (@Frog Capital) 1659721317

Federal Reserve Economic Data revealed that 433,000 Americans are working two full-time jobs – which is an all-time high.

\u201c433,000 Americans now working 2 full time jobs.\nThat is an all time high.\u201d
— Frog Capital (@Frog Capital) 1659720907

Just The News reported, "This trend of the economy dropping full-time jobs while adding second and part-time jobs has been accelerating since March."

Many people suggest that the surge in part-time jobs and people getting multiple jobs is because they are facing soaring inflation month after month. In July, inflation hit 9.1% – the highest in more than 40 years.

Despite the Biden administration insisting that the country is not in a recession, key economic statistics suggest otherwise.

According to CNSNews, "The number of Americans not in the labor force – no job and not looking for one – climbed above the 100,000,000 mark again, settling at 100,051,000 in July. That's a 239,000 increase from June; and it follows an increase of 510,000 from May to June, when the number rose to 99,812,000."

\u201cOver 100 million people who 'can' work are not.\n1,016,000 people have left the labor force since March of this year.\nThese people still consume, but now are not producing.\nBy definition, this creates inflation.\u201d
— Frog Capital (@Frog Capital) 1659788544

The BLS announced that real average hourly earnings were down 3.6% year-over-year for June.

\u201cReal average hourly earnings down 3.6 percent over the 12 months ending June 2022 https://t.co/QOcqVIX8kK #BLSdata\u201d
— BLS-Labor Statistics (@BLS-Labor Statistics) 1658272200

Brownstone Institute president Jeffrey A. Tucker said, "We are living through the longest consecutive month-by-month decline in real personal disposable income since 1959, and it is combined with a most recent 16% increase debt service as a percent of that same income stream. Translation: dramatic moves toward personal impoverishment."

The Wall Street Journal pointed out, "The labor-force participation rate—or the share of adults working or seeking a job – ticked down to 62.1% in July from 62.2% a month earlier."

"While the economy has recovered all the jobs it lost since February 2020, there are still 623,000 fewer people in the workforce, a factor that has pushed up wages due to a demand for workers that is well above the number of available workers," the outlet added.

Before the pandemic, the participation rate was 63.4% in February 2020.

The BLS defines the labor force participation rate as "the number of people in the labor force as a percentage of the civilian noninstitutional population," and "the participation rate is the percentage of the population that is either working or actively looking for work."

New York Times economic reporter Ben Casselman wrote, "The labor force participation rate actually fell slightly in July, a discouraging sign for those hoping the strong labor market would bring workers off the sidelines. Participation ticked up slightly among prime-age workers, but remains below its May peak."

Former Federal Reserve insider Danielle DiMartino said, "Warning in the weeds: Labor force participation rate AND wage growth falling most among those who benefited the most from the post-pandemic stimulus spending."

On Friday, Fox News White House reporter Peter Doocy confronted White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about the declining labor participation rate.

Doocy asked, "The labor force participation rate is at its lowest level of the year now. Why do you think that is?"

Jean-Pierre replied, "So, participation actually ticked up."

Doocy interjected, "It declined 0.1 percentage points to 62.1 percent — the lowest level of the year."

Jean-Pierre responded, "So it actually ticked up for prime-age workers, when you look at 25 to 54, and for workers 65 and plus. The tick down this month was actually about teenagers. And it’s important to keep in mind that the labor force participation rate has bounced back relatively quickly compared to its pace in the past. So we have seen an uptick in the labor force."

\u201cKJP: "So, participation actually ticked up and for--for--"\n\nDoocy: "It declined 0.1 percentage points to 62.1%, the lowest level of the year."\n\nKJP: "So, it actually ticked up for prime-age workers...The tick down this month was actually about teenagers."\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1659726920

'Pathetic reporting': 'Defund NPR' trends after conservatives blast National Public Radio for 'shameful smear' of assassinated Shinzo Abe



There was a flood of calls to "defund NPR" in Twitter reactions to a now-deleted tweet from National Public Radio that demeaned former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the day that he was assassinated.

In the wake of the assassination of Abe, NPR smeared the close ally of the United States as a "divisive arch-conservative."

On Friday morning, the official Twitter account for NPR tweeted, "Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a divisive arch-conservative and one of his nation’s most powerful and influential figures, has died after being shot during a campaign speech Friday, in western Japan, hospital officials said."

There was a major backlash to the tweet – which caused NPR to delete the post.

\u201cA now-deleted tweet from NPR\u2026\u201d
— Kimberly Ross (@Kimberly Ross) 1657284787

However, NPR followed the controversial tweet with another post on Twitter that painted the assassinated former prime minister as an "ultranationalist."

"Shinzo Abe, the former Japanese prime minister and ultranationalist, was killed at a campaign rally on Friday. Police tackled and arrested the suspected gunman at the scene of an attack that shocked many in Japan.”

\u201cShinzo Abe, the former Japanese prime minister and ultranationalist, was killed at a campaign rally on Friday.\n\nPolice tackled and arrested the suspected gunman at the scene of an attack that shocked many in Japan. https://t.co/YpyEIM2Cim\u201d
— NPR (@NPR) 1657281144

There was a barrage of Twitter reactions calling to defund NPR – which is partially funded by U.S. taxpayers. "Defund NPR" was a trending Twitter topic on Friday.

Conservative advocacy organization ForAmerica: "This is disgusting. Defund NPR."

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas): "It's ENRAGING that taxpayer funded @npr would say such TERRIBLE things about Shinzo Abe. He was one of America’s STRONGEST defenders, so it’s not surprising that liberal NPR would post this. NPR is government-funded anti-American propaganda. Time to end this garbage & DEFUND NPR!"

Former president of Radio Free Asia Steve Yates: "Absolutely shameful smear of a positively transformational leader and one of America's best friends and allies. Such a long-tenured PM certainly united more than he divided. He was a reformer and defender of democratic Japan, and of the free world."

Former New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind: "Shinzo Abe won his elections by large margins. But NPR calls him an 'ultranationalist' and divisive! That’s some pathetic reporting, even for NPR."

Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party David Shafer: "NPR deleted its first tweet calling Shinzo Abe a 'divisive arch conservative' and then posted this tweet calling him an 'ultranationalist.' As if he were Tojo or Itagaki and not the four-time elected leader of a modern democracy. May he rest in peace."

Journalist Erielle Davidson: "NPR referring to Japan’s most popular PM, who won his elections by large margins, as 'divisive' indicates the inability of media outlets to genuinely report any longer. Everything is a mural for their projection. So pathetic and so sad."

Conservative commentator Steve Cortes: "We taxpayers fund this propaganda. Time to defund NPR & PBS."

AI expert Dr. Eli David said in a now-deleted tweet: "What a disgusting eulogy by NPR. Abe was the greatest postwar prime minister of Japan."

Editor Brandon Morse: "Time to defund @NPR. Tired of taxpayer dollars going to a communist propaganda playground."

Journalist Hank Campbell: "To the far left the middle always looks like the far right so this @NPR tweet is on brand. But should all Americans be paying taxes so NPR can make everything about their hatred? Including the assassination of Japan's longest-serving prime minister?"

National security adviser for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) Omri Ceren: "The people who write words at America's elite media institutions can't hear how abnormal and inappropriate they sound, because everyone they know talks like they do."

Communications professional Natalie Johnson pointed out that NPR eulogized Fidel Castro with a far more glowing account than the one written for Abe.

"One of the most prominent international figures in the last half of the 20th century, Castro inspired both passionate love and hate. Many who later lost faith in him can remember how they once admired the man who needed just a dozen men to launch the Cuban Revolution," NPR complimented Castro following his death in November 2016.

\u201cNPR describing Fidel Castro vs. NPR describing Shinzo Abe posthumously.\u201d
— Natalie Johnson (@Natalie Johnson) 1657284871

NPR also had a much more adulatory description of Qasem Soleimani – commander of the Quds Force, a division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that the Pentagon has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

"Qasem Soleimani, who was assassinated Friday in Baghdad in a U.S. airstrike, was at once both the shadowy commander of covert Iranian forces and a revered celebrity in an anti-American alliance that crosses sectarian lines across the Middle East," NPR wrote in January 2020.

"Known for his quiet demeanor and short stature, Soleimani exuded charisma and an intelligence that even his enemies came to respect," the left-leaning outlet gushed of the Iranian military leader "responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more,” according to the Pentagon.

It wasn't only NPR to disparage Abe on the day he was murdered.

The Associated Press claimed that Abe left a "divided legacy."

The AP previously praised socialist leaders after their deaths. The AP described Hugo Chavez as a "fiery Venezuelan leader" and said Fidel Castro "defied the US for 50 years."

\u201cSpot the difference\u201d
— Eric Cunningham (@Eric Cunningham) 1657282247

CBS Mornings called Abe a "polarizing figure," a "right-wing nationalist," and "conservative" whose "political opinions were controversial."

\u201c.@CBSMornings trashes Shinzo Abe hours after his assassination, calling him "a polarizing figure," "right-wing nationalist, and conservative" whose "political opinions were controversial"\u201d
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1657284834

Psaki responds to Elon Musk buying Twitter by floating 'reforms' to combat 'misinformation'



White House press secretary Jen Psaki responded to Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter on Monday by reiterating President Biden's continued support for "fundamental reforms" aimed at combating the spread of "misinformation" on social media platforms.

The remarks appeared to foreshadow a potential future fight between the Biden administration and Twitter over content censorship practices.

Musk — a tech billionaire and free speech advocate — finalized a buyout of the platform on Monday following weeks of negotiations. He immediately emphasized that his goal in purchasing the company is to return it to free speech principles and end the blatant ideological censorship that has become prevalent on the platform.

Though Psaki refused to respond specifically to Musk's acquisition of Twitter, her overarching comments made the administration's feelings clear; that is, officials are not at all happy at the notion that Twitter will be run in an unbiased way.

"What I can tell you as a general matter, no matter who owns or runs Twitter, the president has long been concerned about the power of large social media platforms, what they ... the power they have over our everyday lives, has long argued that tech platforms must be held accountable for the harms they cause," Psaki said during Monday's press briefing.

"He has been a strong supporter of fundamental reforms to achieve that goal, including reforms to Section 230, enacting antitrust reforms, requiring more transparency, and more, and he’s encouraged that there’s bipartisan interest in Congress," she continued. "In terms of what hypothetical policies might happen, I’m just not going to speak to that at this point in time."

.@PressSec on @elonmusk purchasing @twitter: "The president has long been concerned about the power of large social media platforms, the power they have over our everyday lives, has long argued that tech platforms must be held accountable for the harms they cause."pic.twitter.com/uWRizqqET4
— CSPAN (@CSPAN) 1650915297

Later, when pressed again on the White House's reaction to the acquisition, Psaki lent credence to concerns that "misinformation" will now run rampant on the platform and once again expressed that President Biden is open to making changes.

"I would say that our concerns are not new," Psaki said. "We’ve long talked about, and the president has long talked about, his concerns about the power of social platforms — including Twitter and others — to spread misinformation, disinformation, the need for these platforms be held accountable."

Psaki on Musk buying Twitter: "[O]ur concerns are not new. We've long talked about and the President has long talked about his concerns about the power of social platforms, including Twitter...to spread misinformation, disinformation, the need for [them] to be held accountable."pic.twitter.com/clfzPEWcWA
— Curtis Houck (@Curtis Houck) 1650916343

News of Musk's purchase of Twitter caused a widespread meltdown among liberals in the U.S., many of whom vowed to leave the platform as a result.

Twitter employees, too, went "absolutely insane" over the news, according to a report, as internal channels ran amok with outrage and panic.

"I feel like I'm going to throw up ... I [really] don’t wanna work for a company that is owned by Elon Musk," one Twitter employee reportedly told a New York Times reporter.

In a statement after his purchase, Musk said, "Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated."

"I also want to make Twitter better than ever by enhancing the product with new features, making the algorithms open source to increase trust, defeating the spam bots, and authenticating all humans," he added. "Twitter has tremendous potential – I look forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock it."

Yesss!!! pic.twitter.com/0T9HzUHuh6
— Elon Musk (@Elon Musk) 1650915802