The Friday Filibuster: The one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about this week in politics.
Closing Numbers
41—the number of years Turkey has illegally occupied Cyprus.
270—the percentage concealed carry permits for women rose since 2007.
59—the percentage of Americans who believe wedding related businesses with religious objects to SCOTUS’ same-sex marriage ruling should be allowed to refuse service.
63—the percentage of Americans who say they are “uncomfortable” with the direction the country is heading on social issues.
38, 36, 41—how Hillary is polling in Colorado, Iowa, and Virginia, respectively, showing that she’s losing her lead.
2—the number of people killed in a movie theater shooting in Louisiana Thursday night.
15--New York officially raised the minimum wage to $15 dollars/hour for the fast food industry.
Trumpentum?
We kicked off the week with Donald Trump refusing to apologize to Sen. John McCain for implying that he wasn’t an actual war hero over the weekend, which drew the ire of several Republican presidential candidates. Rick Perry gave a speech bashing the billionaire, an Iowa newspaper called on him to drop out, and even the WSJ told Republicans it’s time to take out the trash. As many are reminding voters, The Donald isn’t even a conservative. Andrew Breitbart warned us of this years ago, and he even said in 2004 that he identified more as a Democrat. The worst part about this? He hasn't really ruled out a third party run.
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Nuclear Deal
This administration this week was in full-on defense mode over the Iran deal. In the hot seat on Capitol Hill, Secretary of State John Kerry argued that it’s a good deal and we should trust him that Iran can’t use the unfrozen $150 billion for terror operations because the UN resolution says so. Even Susan Rice admitted they might. Nuclear experts ripped the inspections requirements. Meanwhile, Iran continues to chant ‘Death to America’ and North Korea is saying ‘hell no’ to new nuclear talks with the U.S.
Here’s What Some of the 2016 Presidential Contenders Were Up To This Week
Carly Fiorina schooled CNN and Hillary Clinton on abortion extremism.
Scott Walker signed historic pro-life legislation into law.
Rand Paul “killed” the tax code in a new video.
Lindsey Graham destroyed his cell phone in a new video because Trump gave out his number.
John Kasich announced his candidacy.
Martin O’Malley said climate change contributed to the rise of ISIS.
Hillary Clinton might be in trouble as two nonpartisan IG offices requested a criminal probe into her email use.
Planned Parenthood
Even more disturbing evidence indicting Planned Parenthood in the sale of fetal body parts came out this week—this time showing the group’s Medical Directors’ Council President joking about how she didn’t want to ‘lowball’ the price because she wanted a Lamborghini. Shockingly, after the first video was released 25 percent of Americans said they didn’t have a problem with Planned Parenthood selling aborted babies’ body parts. McAuliffe, for his part, doesn't want the video scandal to be 'fodder' for women's health. And of course, the DOJ is going after the messenger.
Gun Control
Well it’s confirmed: President Obama is the best gun salesman of the decade. The irony is so rich, especially because he’s attempting a new gun control push to take away the gun rights of people who need help managing their finances. Everytown also isn’t giving up on going after background checks. Interestingly, when asked what's been his greatest frustration as president, his response was: "[T]he one area where I feel that I’ve been most frustrated and most stymied, it is the fact that the United States of America is the one advanced nation on earth in which we do not have sufficient, common-sense gun safety laws." Think about that.
Graphics by Townhall Graphic Designer Feven Amenu.
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