The Morning Sixpack - October 25, 2024
Elections, Gaza, Economy...
1. Are “Undocumented” People Voting?
In a word, no. “But it’s complicated.”
No, not really.
From the Public Interest Legal Foundation:
Concerns about foreign election interference and so-called “alien voting” are adding to the already heated political climate, raising important questions about election integrity. At the center of these concerns are claims of non-citizen voter fraud, which are fueling incidents of doxxing and intimidation as accusations fly.
The roots of this issue go back to former President Trump's false claims regarding non-citizen voting—what some have called the “Big Lie.” These unfounded allegations have since taken on a life of their own, eroding public trust in our electoral system and creating an atmosphere of suspicion and division. What we see now is a disturbing trend where accusations, often without evidence, lead to personal attacks and harassment of those involved in elections.
In a different vein, some critics argue Trump’s tactics have targeted voting rights within the military. Allegations that he has aimed to suppress these constitutionally protected rights highlight another contentious layer in the ongoing debate over voting rights and election security.
As controversy grows, so does the need for a balanced, evidence-based examination of our voting processes. Election integrity is essential to democracy, and ensuring both the security and accessibility of voting must remain a priority. Only through a fair, open conversation can we hope to bridge divides and strengthen our democratic institutions in the face of such challenges.
It would help immensely if Trump would stop blatantly lying about this.
A note on the “Big Lie.” "The Big Lie" refers to the widely debunked claim that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was stolen due to widespread voter fraud, particularly in key battleground states. This idea was propagated by former President Donald Trump and his supporters, who alleged without evidence that systemic fraud had unfairly tipped the election in favor of Joe Biden. Despite numerous investigations, audits, and court rulings that found no basis for these claims, the idea has continued to circulate in some political circles.
The term itself, "The Big Lie," originated from a concept described by Adolf Hitler in his 1925 book Mein Kampf. He theorized that a lie so "colossal" that it would seem implausible could be believed because people would assume that no one would have the "impudence to distort the truth so infamously." The term has since been appropriated to describe Trump's post-2020 election claims, as many believe these falsehoods were deliberately inflated to sow doubt and distrust in the electoral process.
This has sparked a deeper conversation around election integrity, misinformation, and the impacts on democratic institutions, with continuing debates on voting laws and the security of U.S. elections.
2. Harris, Beyoncé team up for a Texas rally today
Vice President Kamala Harris and Beyoncé have teamed up for a Texas rally in support of abortion rights, drawing national attention and making statements for battleground states. Their rally happening in direct competition with an event hosted by former President Donald Trump. Amid this, Texas politicians are mounting robust opposition against Harris, demanding an apology ahead of her border state campaign rally. As the 2024 U.S. presidential election swiftly approaches, these events indicate the war of influence being waged by political figures and celebrity supporters alike.
Both advocated for abortion rights at the rally, which comes amid heightened scrutiny of Texas' restrictive abortion laws, one of the strictest in the country, that bans abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy. This issue has intensified partisan debates across the nation, with both sides regarding Texas as a determining battleground. Their involvement reflects an increasing trend of celebrity activism in political matters, adding weight to the existing political discourse. Moreover, the event serves as a significant moment in Harris's political career as debates over reproductive rights could be a defining factor in upcoming elections.
Simultaneously, former President Donald Trump hosted a dueling event in Texas, spotlighting the sharply contrasting political climates within the state. Texas' electoral importance, with its 38 electoral votes, makes it a high-value target for political campaigns. Meanwhile, criticism from Texas political figures against VP Harris is indicative of the intense divisions buoyed by issues such as immigration and abortion rights. As both camps ramp up their campaigns, these events serve as precursors to the potentially polarizing circumstances surrounding the 2024 election. It's clear that both parties are formidably vying to assert influence in contentious states like Texas, which will likely have significant implications for election outcomes.
Read more here.
3. Electoral ballots burned in Phoenix after someone set fire to a mailbox
A mailbox in Phoenix, Arizona was set on fire, resulting in the destruction of several electoral ballots. Police have arrested a suspect in connection to the crime. The damaged ballots are now a cause of concern because they could potentially impact the voting process.
A suspect is in custody for allegedly burning 20 electoral ballots that were inside a mailbox in Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday morning, the city's mayor and police said.
Dieter Klofkorn, 35, is accused of igniting a fire in a mailbox at a U.S. Postal Office in the area of 7th Avenue and Indian School Road around 1 a.m., Phoenix police said in a news release.
More details surrounding the incident reveal that the mailbox belonged to the United States Postal Service (USPS), which has raised concerns about the security and integrity of mail-in voting. The damaged electoral ballots are part of the mail-in voting process, which has seen a surge due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Mail-in voting allows eligible voters to participate in the election without having to physically visit polling stations, thereby minimizing their potential exposure to the virus. However, instances such as these damage the credibility and confidence in this voting process.
This incident brings out two significant issues: the safety of mail-in ballots and the effectiveness of USPS services. It also underlines the necessity for thorough investigation to deter future attempts of electoral sabotage. Furthermore, it provides fodder for political debates about the efficacy of mail-in voting, which has been an ongoing point of contention. Notably, President Donald Trump has criticized mail-in voting, citing potential for voter fraud, although evidence supporting such claims is sparse. The incident will likely intensify this debate as the country gears up for the U.S. Presidential election in November.
Read all about it here.
4. Rudy Giuliani Couldn’t Sell His Multimillion-Dollar Manhattan Apartment—Now He Has to Give It Up
Rudy Giuliani faces court-ordered forfeiture of his Upper East Side apartment and other assets, part of a defamation payout to two Georgia poll workers he defamed over the 2020 election. Despite attempts to sell, the apartment lingered unsold, and now it will transfer to the plaintiffs, pending any appeal overturning the judgment.
This case highlights a new intersection of political accountability and personal assets. When misinformation goes unchecked, those falsely accused, like the Georgia election workers, may suffer irrevocable harm. Financial redress is one way to acknowledge that harm, but it won’t erase the disruption or risks they faced due to these allegations.
The story is a potent reminder of how serious false statements can reverberate beyond headlines, potentially dismantling lives. For public figures, upholding truth and accountability isn’t just an ethical choice; increasingly, it’s a legal one that can reach into the heart of their personal wealth.
Ultimately, Giuliani’s case should remind us that misinformation is costly, both for those who spread it and for those caught in its crossfire. Our democracy relies on truth, and there must be consequences when public figures betray that truth for personal or political gain.
See “the Big Lie” above. Giuliani was a key architect of said Big Lie. And now he’s Big Insolvent.
In other words, Rudy fucked around and found out!
5. Gaza, Lebanon, the Middle East—Continued military devastation
Amid ongoing escalations, Israel’s strikes in Gaza and Lebanon have led to significant civilian casualties, including journalists in Lebanon and families in Gaza. The region is grappling with an immense humanitarian toll, including massive displacement and calls for urgent mediation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts, though an immediate ceasefire has not been brokered. Meanwhile, hostage release negotiations face obstacles, with both sides under pressure to reach an agreement.
In light of the intensifying conflict, it’s evident that global diplomacy must urgently address not only regional security but also the mounting civilian crises. The media coverage underscores the tragic impact on innocent lives, especially as journalists become unintended casualties while attempting to report on the events unfolding. The tragic loss of these journalists not only highlights the perils they face but also the essential role of a free press in conflict zones.
While efforts are being made to mediate and negotiate, particularly for hostages, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Immediate, coordinated action from global leaders could be pivotal in alleviating the suffering and setting a foundation for eventual peace. Only through dialogue, transparency, and humanitarian prioritization can a viable resolution be approached for all impacted communities.
One more thing: These are real people being slaughtered. Can we just stop it RIGHT NOW? Sure, negotiate and all that jazz, but do it after a real ceasefire.
Read more here, here, and here.
6. Do investors suddenly care if Trump or Harris wins?
With less than two weeks before Election Day, investors have finally begun reacting to the possibility of a Trump or Harris presidency. Following months of relative stability, rising Treasury yields and increasing political uncertainty are triggering jitters in the stock market, causing a notable selloff across major indexes. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq saw their largest three-day decline since September, fueled by concerns that the candidates’ proposed policies could exacerbate inflation, interest rates, and the national deficit/debt.
This newfound market tension illustrates the delicate balance investors hold between economic performance and political uncertainty. For months, markets remained largely unaffected by election talk, suggesting that investors were relatively indifferent to the outcome. Now, with both candidates facing scrutiny over potential policy impacts, stock volatility is rising. This shift underscores how even a whiff of potential fiscal instability or inflation can send shockwaves through financial markets, even when fundamentals remain relatively strong.
The Fed’s actions add another layer to this already complex scenario. With yields paradoxically rising since mid-September (even though the Fed lowered rates), the Fed's less aggressive monetary stance signals that it may not rush to stabilize these fluctuations if inflationary pressures grow. Investors accustomed to the Fed’s intervention now face the prospect of a longer adjustment period to these economic shifts. This adjustment could be further exacerbated if either candidate’s policies push the U.S. economy toward higher spending or new trade barriers, resulting in inflationary pressures the Fed is less willing to ease.
Interestingly, some analysts predict that a divided Congress would be the best-case scenario for the markets, with gridlock serving as a brake on the more extreme policies of either candidate. For investors, the appeal lies in predictability—a divided Congress limits the likelihood of sweeping economic reforms and could foster stability as leaders negotiate less radical changes. In the meantime, the market’s recent volatility serves as a stark reminder that in a politically charged economy, even minor shifts in perception can have outsized effects on financial stability and investor confidence.