Elizabeth Warren: Democrats see it as a rising VP challenger as the coronavirus overhaul the 2020 race

Published

5 years ago

May 25, 2020

Biden spent a lot of time in the Democratic party who was locked in a promise to revive politeness in American political culture. Warren ran on a call for “major structural changes” which launched him to the top of the poll in the summer of 2019, but did not translate to success this year. The core of Biden’s appeal remained stable, but as the coronavirus virus deepened, he also began to telegraph a desire to attack with a more ambitious policy agenda – corporate politics, in scope and scale, which was believed by many Warren allies. uniquely qualified to feed through mazes, grind government teeth.

That the possibility of ticket distribution remains after the primary election in which both sometimes clash in direct and personal terms is another sign of the smooth running of the race.

In November 2019, Warren responded to Biden’s criticism of his plan “Medicare for All” by accusing him of “repeating the points of Republican talks” and advising the former vice president, given his position on this issue, might “walk in the wrong presidential election.” Biden struck back at Medium blunt is extraordinary, calling Warren – though not by name – to take “my path or the highway approach” he described as “demeaning to millions of Democrats who have different views.”

But the episode resonates now only as outliers, rare – and brief – fights give up in contests that see so few of them. Since Warren left in March, he has been full of praise for Biden. “His modesty,” he told Rachel Maddow of MSNBC in an interview after he left the race, “came in almost everything he did.”

Earlier this week, Biden tweeted a video of a couple who worked together to call and thank a small dollar donor – the personal touch used by Massachusetts senators during his own campaign.

“I used to call my contributors,” Biden told supporters in the clip, “but I never had that much until (Warren) supported me.”

Warren, too, has been moved by the efforts of the former vice president – in particular his decision in March to support Warren’s consumer bankruptcy reform plan, which opens new avenues for student debt relief. It was a fight between them for decades, when they were famous for doing it during a trial on Capitol Hill. A source familiar with Warren’s thoughts said it meant so much to him that Biden adopted his bankruptcy plan when he left.

However, Biden’s decision-making process is expected to last for weeks, if not months. And even when he and Warren gathered together on some hot issues, there was still a significant political gap to bridge between strong supporters and progressive icons. Warren is widely regarded as a “team player,” but the extent to which Biden is willing to give up significant power to ideological rivals, and what Warren is willing to give to attack partnerships, remains an open question.

A more personal connection

The question that depends on this spring’s surge in interest in Warren’s prospects more often turns to whether he and Biden have – or are on their way to making – the kind of personal connection he wants to make a mate.

A source familiar with the Biden-Warren relationship acknowledged that the couple did not have to “get along like they were friends,” but said the two believed that the others were in politics “for the right reasons.”

“I think they are very sympathetic,” said the source, who channeled the terms Biden often used when talking about the decision. “Personal relationships are a part of it. But how do you see the world too.”

That potential connection, however, has developed in recent weeks – when the senator mourns his brother, Donald Reed Herring, who died of Covid-19. Warren described his conversation with Biden, who called to express his condolences, in a recent interview with Atlantic.

The Democratic senators called on the White House to prepare a double dose of flu and corona virus in the fall

Biden contacted Warren shortly after the death of his brother, the source said. Speaking to The Atlantic, he described the exchange that ensued as “one person who has lost a loved one who is trying to comfort another person who has just lost his beloved brother.” A source familiar with their discussion said Warren and Biden have now spoken several times since Warren left the race, both before and after his brother died.

Warren is at the end of a similar call.

Murshed Zaheed, former aide to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and a progressive agent who has been one of Warren’s most outspoken supporters, recalled his phone ringing the morning of his father’s funeral, in March 2018.

“He spoke to me and I can’t say how powerful that is,” Zaheed said. “And then he called me a year later, on the anniversary of my father’s death. So when I read the story about Biden and Warren being connected with sadness – it’s very strong. It’s a bond you can’t explain.”

“I saw that paragraph (in the Atlantic) and it was about me at that time,” he said. “It’s like, ‘OK, not everyone will take it, but that’s not bullshit, that’s what’s important.’ And that creates a different kind of chemistry. “

Biden’s campaign was very secretive about the process, and made a short list of what might be ascertained from public announcements and appearances, which seemed to oscillate among competitors. Asked why he felt an increasing opening for Warren, Sara Nelson, international president of the Aviation Association, pointed to the specific moment chosen by Biden and his team to highlight.

“I see an action that shows it,” said Nelson, an increasingly influential labor leader. “The grill Elizabeth Warren gave Steve Mnuchin (on Tuesday) about the enforcement of the CARES Act … is true what we are talking about. Biden took it and reinforced it with a tweet line.”

Richard Cordray, the first director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau built at Warren, who has worked with him and Biden, told CNN that he believes the new economic crisis – and the prospect that the crisis can last for years without significant intervention – lifts Warren’s stock.

He also suggested that, for all the policy differences they fought for during the primary election, Biden and Warren had more in common than many people realized.

“Both of them have tremendous personal tension towards their policies. They really look at policies in terms of, for Biden, in terms of middle class nurture, and the same thing is really for Elizabeth,” Cordray said. “And that is something that none of them has lost in years in the public arena. Many people are moving from their roots, but none of them have ever done it.”

Coronavirus effect

“The crisis has changed many things,” Rep said. Ro Khanna, a former campaign leader for Senator Bernie Sanders who wrote an op-ed last week, made Biden choose Warren as his partner. “That demands a bold structural program. That argument is more difficult to make when we are at 3.5% unemployment.”

Other Warren allies point to his turn as the pre-pandemic Cassandra, whose warning in the summer of 2019 that the economy was a “surprise” from another collapse that was largely ignored. When he offered a series of plans, earlier this year, to deal with the corona virus when its full power was released in the country, it was also largely ignored.

“Elizabeth Warren in January had plans for a coronavirus. Nobody else talked about that,” said Rebecca Katz, a progressive political strategist. “He has a plan about a health crisis around the coronavirus and a plan about an economic crisis. Imagine if we really did what he suggested in the plan a few months ago – where are we going now?”

Katz also pointed to the political brand that Warren brought to the contest, one of which helped lift him to the top of the main field for last year, when he took the lead in a poll when Democrats held him as a candidate with a “plan” for everything.

“You don’t have to make that new message,” Katz said. “Warren ran to have a plan and it was something that broke through and people found out about him a year later. It was not abstract.”

Biden and his team said that the decision would ultimately bring to life two main bets: that he could foresee a partnership, at the White House, which could potentially reflect the close relations he shared with President Barack Obama. And that the choice is ready to rise and lead, if necessary, with little or no training at work.

The Biden Campaign announces the vice presidential election committee

Warren’s ability to move smoothly into the role – and take steps if necessary – is not questioned by most Democrats.

“I do not claim to know who (Biden) will be elected, but as far as I know, I think he should go for someone who has the qualifications needed to serve as vice president,” said Jim Manley, an old aide to Reid. “And I’m not sure that everyone discussed meets the criteria.”

Like for Warren?

“Very much. I mean, she’s a one-woman policy shop!” Said Manley. “He clearly has a policy cut, but perhaps more importantly, he knows how to move the power levers in the regulatory process to get things done.”

Recently CBS News Polls shows that Warren will be a popular choice with many Democratic voters. More than 7-in-10 respondents said he must be considered for this slot. Senator Kamala Harris is his closest competitor, with 59%. Fifty percent appointed former Georgia governor candidate Stacey Abrams and 49% registered with Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Pitted against each other, Warren came out on top again, with 36% calling it their first choice. Harris came in second with 19%. Abrams and Klobuchar placed third and fourth respectively.

A national CNN poll earlier this month found Warren was seen as good by 69% of Democratic voters and 19% did not support.

Allied Warren formed their case

Progressives, for various reasons, are hesitant to appear too fat in public for Warren.

Sanders has missed the opportunity, publicly and privately, to present his case to the Biden team. His longtime senior advisor, Jeff Weaver, also refused, saying that he took “the same position as Bernie Sanders, namely: that is the decision (Biden) to make for himself.

But Weaver, who recently launched a super PAC to support Biden, echoes the other leading progressive voices with specific praise.

“Senator Warren has a long history of being very focused on personnel as a means of making progressive change,” he told CNN. “And obviously that would be an invaluable skill in government.”

Choosing Warren will also help Biden with his small dollar fundraising, reduce the potential for grumbling by progressives who are skeptical of his commitment to engage their ideas and potentially inspire Warren grassroots support that is large enough to be more active in the campaign.

“Reducing the type of negative media that comes from the ‘Bernie or bust’ type of voters, because he is an exceptional preference from Bernie’s supporters, while also helping to strengthen the acquisition in the suburbs, is an asset,” said Sean McElwee, one of the founders of Data for Progress, think tanks and progressive polls.

But like many other Warren allies, McElwee returns to the competency argument, framing designed to appeal to the entire party division and ideological division of the country – and, if the Democrats win, position them to immediately use their new powers.

“To ensure that we maintain the Council in 2022, (Biden) needs to provide direct and tangible benefits for the working class and the American middle class,” McElwee said. “And that means you have to take a government ship that has been totally destroyed by the Republicans and rebuild it in a way that can truly benefit people.”

All Your Acrylic Nail Questions Answered: From Application to Care

Published

2 months ago

October 16, 2024

Herb Adkins

Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those looking to add length, strength, and style to their natural nails. Whether you’re new to the world of acrylics or a seasoned nail enthusiast, there are always questions that arise about the application, maintenance, and overall care of these enhancements. This guide will answer all your acrylic nail questions to ensure your next manicure is a complete success.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. When combined, they form a hard protective layer that can be molded into various shapes and lengths. Once hardened, they provide a durable and long-lasting canvas for nail polish, art, or simply a natural look. For more in-depth information, check out Acrylic Nail FAQs to get all the details you need before your next salon visit.

How Are Acrylic Nails Applied?

The application process of acrylic nails begins with the preparation of your natural nails. The nail technician will clean your nails, file them down, and apply a bonding agent to help the acrylic adhere. The acrylic mixture is then applied in thin layers, sculpted to the desired shape, and allowed to dry. Once set, the nails are filed, shaped, and buffed to a smooth finish.

Acrylic nails can be customized in terms of length and shape, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their look.

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

Typically, acrylic nails can last anywhere from two to three weeks before requiring a fill. During a fill, the nail technician will replace any grown-out acrylic and maintain the structure of the nails. With proper care, acrylic nails can be worn for extended periods, but it’s essential to give your natural nails a break occasionally to maintain nail health.

How Do You Care for Acrylic Nails?

Caring for acrylic nails is crucial to ensuring they last as long as possible and that your natural nails remain healthy underneath. Here are some essential tips:

Avoid excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken acrylic nails, making them prone to lifting or damage. When washing dishes or cleaning, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails.
Moisturize cuticles regularly: The acrylic application process can sometimes dry out your cuticles. Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and prevent hangnails.
Be gentle with your nails: Acrylics can be strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or scrape things, as this can lead to breakage.
Schedule regular fills: As your natural nails grow, gaps will appear between the acrylic and your cuticles. Regular fills ensure your nails maintain a smooth, polished look and help prevent lifting.

How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails Safely?

Proper removal is crucial to avoid damaging your natural nails. It’s highly recommended to have acrylics removed by a professional at the salon. However, if you prefer to remove them at home, follow these steps:

Soak in acetone: Start by soaking a cotton ball in acetone, then place it on each nail. Wrap your fingers in aluminum foil and allow the acetone to work for about 20 minutes.
Gently scrape off the acrylic: After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. Be patient and avoid forcing the acrylic off, as this can damage your natural nails.
Buff and moisturize: Once the acrylic is completely removed, buff your natural nails to smooth out any rough spots and apply cuticle oil to restore moisture.

Are Acrylic Nails Safe for Your Natural Nails?

When applied and removed properly, acrylic nails should not cause significant damage to your natural nails. However, improper removal or overuse without giving your nails time to breathe can lead to thinning, weakening, or breakage of your natural nails.

If you plan on wearing acrylic nails long-term, it’s a good idea to take breaks between applications and ensure you’re nourishing your nails with oils and treatments.

What Are the Best Acrylic Nail Shapes?

Choosing the right nail shape is essential for creating a look that complements your hands. Some of the most popular acrylic nail shapes include:

– Square: A straight-edged, classic look perfect for shorter nails.

– Oval: A soft, rounded shape that elongates the fingers.

– Coffin: Also known as ballerina shape, this trendy look features a tapered edge with a flat tip.

– Stiletto: A dramatic, pointy shape ideal for those who want a bold statement.

Each shape offers a unique aesthetic and can be tailored to suit your personal style.

Are There Any Alternatives to Acrylic Nails?

If you’re looking for a different type of nail enhancement, consider these alternatives:

– Gel nails: Gel nails offer a glossy finish and are cured under UV or LED light. They’re less rigid than acrylics and can feel more natural.

– Dip powder: This method involves dipping the nails into a colored powder and sealing them with a clear coat. It provides a similar look to acrylics but is generally less damaging to the natural nails.

Conclusion

Acrylic nails are a versatile and durable option for achieving customized, beautiful nails. By understanding the application process, knowing how to care for them, and safely removing them, you can enjoy long-lasting manicures that enhance your style. With the ability to choose from a variety of shapes and designs, acrylic nails offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Remember to take care of your natural nails in between applications to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, acrylic nails can be a fantastic way to express your personality and keep your nails looking flawless for weeks.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee – A Tool in the Hands of the Russian Elite

Published

3 months ago

September 26, 2024

Herb Adkins

When sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine, their objectives were twofold: to reduce Russian military capacity by limiting modern weapons and to lower Russian revenue streams. While in the beginning, the sanctions indeed weakened the Russian economy, they have fallen short of their initial objectives – mostly because Russia has found ways to circumvent many of them. The Kremlin has exploited international corruption, relied on foreign third parties, and utilized loopholes in trade restrictions. One such individual who allegedly provides services to Russian-linked companies is Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, a Geneva-based Dutch citizen.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is married to Niels Troost, an oil trader sanctioned by the United Kingdom. He and his company, Paramount Energy & Commodities SA, are among the 50 individuals and organizations blacklisted in response to the business connections with Russia. His wife, Jacqueline, helps to facilitate financial transactions for Niles Troost and Russian oligarchs including Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire oil trader and Putin`s close associate.

Gennady Timchenko and his family have been sanctioned in many countries for backing the Kremlin’s war machine. However, with the help of Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, he seems to find ways to evade sanctions and continue his financial operations. In these illegal schemes, individuals like Jacqueline often serve as a front person for sanctioned oligarchs and their business assets. Russian-linked companies set up subsidiaries around the world, often registering new entities in offshore havens or countries where regulations are relatively lax or non-existent. To obfuscate the arrangements, the daughter companies spawn offspring in the form of subsidiaries, as the chain of concealment stretches on and on. The result is like a giant Matryoshka doll.

Jacqueline’s involvement in financial transactions that potentially support Timchenko’s interests raises significant concerns about the efficacy of Western sanctions. The fact that Jacqueline Troost Omvlee continues to operate without facing sanctions herself highlights a significant loophole in the enforcement mechanism. Various shady schemes and tactics designed to circumvent sanctions often hide the activity of individuals such as Jacqueline, making it difficult for authorities to detect and punish them for their involvement.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee’s role in her husband’s financial dealings as well as her alleged ties to Russian business schemes, emphasizes the need for stronger international sanctions. Her actions not only aid in sanctions evasion but also diminish the overall effectiveness of the measures designed to isolate and pressure those supporting the Russian regime. Therefore, sanctioning Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is not only a matter of addressing her individual actions but also a necessary step to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. By targeting individuals who play a key role in evading sanctions, authorities can send a strong message that efforts to undermine international sanctions will not go unpunished. This measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sanctions system and ensuring that it achieves its intended goal of isolating and restraining those who support destabilizing activities.

European countries and the US need to expand their sanctions-tracking and investigative actions to improve the monitoring of sanctions compliance and to introduce new measures against systematic violators of law. The sanctioning states have the resources and capacity for this, and need to take action now.

Hermann’s Tortoise Lifespan: How to Ensure a Long, Healthy Life

Published

3 months ago

September 16, 2024

Herb Adkins

Ensuring a long and healthy life for your Hermann’s Tortoise requires a combination of proper care, nutrition, and habitat management. Hermann’s Tortoises, known for their charming personalities and distinctive shells, can live for several decades with the right conditions. Understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how you can support your Hermann’s Tortoise in living a long, happy life.

Creating an Optimal Habitat

One of the most critical factors in promoting the longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise is the creation of a suitable habitat. Providing an environment that mimics their natural surroundings is essential for their overall health. An appropriate habitat helps prevent stress and supports their well-being. For detailed guidance on setting up an ideal habitat, including specific requirements for outdoor enclosures, visit this comprehensive guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise.

Outdoor Enclosure: Hermann’s Tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures that provide ample space to roam, bask, and forage. An outdoor setup should include a secure, predator-proof area with access to natural sunlight. Incorporate areas for basking and shade to allow the tortoise to regulate its body temperature. Additionally, include plants, rocks, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
Indoor Habitat: If an outdoor enclosure is not feasible, an indoor habitat can also support a long lifespan if set up correctly. Use a large, well-ventilated enclosure with appropriate heating and UVB lighting. Provide a substrate that allows for burrowing and offer various hiding spots and enrichment items.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.

Leafy Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Vegetables and Fruits: Supplement their diet with other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
Calcium and Supplements: Provide a calcium supplement to support shell and bone health. A cuttlebone or powdered calcium can be added to their food. Ensure that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Regular Health Checks

Routine health checks are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular veterinary visits help ensure your tortoise remains in optimal condition and addresses any health concerns promptly.

Observation: Monitor your tortoise’s behavior and physical condition regularly. Changes in appetite, weight, or activity level can indicate health problems.
Preventative Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular exams help catch any issues early and keep vaccinations and other preventative treatments up to date.

Environmental Enrichment

Providing environmental enrichment helps keep your Hermann’s Tortoise mentally stimulated and active. Enrichment can reduce stress and prevent boredom, contributing to a better quality of life.

Foraging Opportunities: Hide food items around the enclosure to encourage natural foraging behavior. This not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural hunting practices.
Variety: Change the layout of their enclosure periodically and introduce new objects or plants to keep their environment interesting and engaging.

Conclusion

By focusing on creating the right habitat, providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular health checks, and offering environmental enrichment, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and well-being of your Hermann’s Tortoise. For further details on creating an ideal habitat, including tips for designing an outdoor enclosure, refer to this helpful guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise. Implementing these practices will help ensure that your tortoise enjoys a long, healthy life.