The post Why Do Cats Fall Over in a Harness? Facts &; Outdoor Tips by Elizabeth Gray appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Training your cat to walk with a harness and leash is an excellent option if you want your kitty to enjoy outdoor adventures. However‚ the first time many cats wear a harness‚ they simply fall over on their side. But why does this happen? Generally‚ cats fall over because the harness feels like being grabbed by a predator. Falling over and freezing is an instinctive survival response. If you want your cat to learn to walk on a leash‚ you must help them overcome this instant reaction. In this article‚ you’ll learn why wearing a harness can cause your cat to fall over. Plus‚ we’ll give you tips on teaching your cat to wear a harness and how to prepare them for spending time outside. Getting to the Root of the Harness Response Take a look at where your cat’s harness places pressure on their body. Most of the time‚ much of the pressure falls between the shoulder blades and around the chest. For adult cats‚ being grabbed or held in this area can be a traumatic experience. Mother cats regularly carry their babies by the scruff of their necks. At that age‚ being scruffed triggers the kitten to relax. However‚ adult cats lose this instinct as they grow. Adult cats are typically only grabbed by the scruff during mating or by a predator‚ which can be a stressful experience. With this knowledge‚ it makes sense why a cat might react to a harness by freezing and falling over. Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya‚ Shutterstock Teaching Your Cat to Wear a Harness So‚ how do you help your cat overcome their natural fear and learn to wear a harness? The answer is usually A) slowly and B) with a lot of treats! First‚ make sure you buy the right size harness for your cat. It’s best to follow the sizing and measuring directions for the harness you’re considering. Try to purchase an adjustable harness to make the fit as close and comfortable as possible. Introduce the harness indoors where your cat is safe and comfortable. Start by allowing them to sniff and interact with the harness. Try using catnip or a cat pheromone spray on the harness to hold your kitty’s attention and keep them calm. Once your cat is familiar with the sight of the harness‚ start getting them used to it touching their body. Hold the harness against them and reward your cat with treats or praise if they stay calm. Slowly practice placing the harness over their head or beneath their body. Work your way up to placing the entire harness on the cat‚ rewarding them generously for staying calm. Your cat should be able to wear the harness indoors with no fuss before you move on to leash training. Adjust the harness as needed to ensure it fits snugly and won’t slip off. Every cat will progress through the stages of harness training at their own pace. If your cat shows signs of fear or discomfort‚ including falling over‚ repeat the previous step in the training process. Preparing Your Cat to Spend Time Outside Training your cat to wear a harness is only one step in the process of preparing your cat to spend time outside. The first thing you should do is make sure your pet is current on their vaccinations and appropriate parasite prevention. Talk to your vet about whether your cat is healthy enough to handle outdoor exercise‚ especially if they’re older or overweight. For indoor cats‚ the world outside can be overwhelming at first. The sights‚ sounds‚ and smells outside are far more stimulating than those found in the safety of a house. Even the most well-adjusted cat may be frightened the first few times they venture outside. To help ease your cat into the outdoors‚ try letting them spend time on a screened porch or in a “catio.” These enclosed areas help your cat feel secure while introducing them to the stimulation of the outside world. Portable cat yards or tents are another option if more permanent structures aren’t available. By the time you take your cat outside wearing a harness and leash‚ they should be comfortable and confident with the stimulation they’ll encounter there. Image Credit: Simol1407‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Despite what you might think‚ cats don’t fall over in a harness simply to provide you with viral social media content. Instead‚ they react this way because the harness triggers a survival response like they were grabbed by a predator. With patience and training‚ your cat can learn to overcome this reaction. Remember‚ not every cat will enjoy walking on a harness and leash. Consider your cat’s personality carefully before attempting to turn them into an adventurous kitty. Sources “How to Put a Cat Harness On” “Outdoor Cat Controversy: Is It Ever Okay to Let Them Roam?” “How to Leash Train a Cat” “Feline Kryptonite: Kitten’s Reaction to Harness Delights Internet” “Is Scruffing the Best Way to Handle an Upset Cat?” Featured Image Credit: Sari ONeal‚ Shutterstock The post Why Do Cats Fall Over in a Harness? Facts &; Outdoor Tips by Elizabeth Gray appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post How Much Do Snowshoe Cats Shed? Facts &; Grooming Tips by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. The Snowshoe cat is a medium-to-large hybrid breed of the Siamese and American Shorthair cat breeds. They get their name from the four distinctive white paws‚ which is the signature breed trait. These cats are popular for their affectionate‚ playful‚ and sociable personality. If you’re considering a Snowshoe cat‚ you may be wondering how much they shed. Fortunately‚ these cats are short-haired and very clean‚ so Snowshoe cats don’t shed much. Snowshoe Cat Grooming Requirements The Snowshoe cat is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They have a short coat and keep themselves clean‚ including minimal shedding. You will need to brush your cat at least once a week to remove dead hairs and prevent mats and irritation‚ however. Because of the short coat and low shedding‚ a lot of people mistakenly believe the Snowshoe cat is hypoallergenic. While they may not shed enough to irritate cat allergies‚ they are not a hypoallergenic breed. Image Credit: VeronArt16‚ Shutterstock How to Reduce Shedding in Your Snowshoe Cat Shedding is natural and necessary for your cat’s health‚ but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Some shedding is normal‚ but excessive shedding can cause problems. So‚ how much is too much? The amount your cat sheds depends on their breed‚ fur type‚ and seasonal changes. It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s normal shedding pattern to identify a problem. The normal process of shedding old hair and growing new hair‚ as well as shedding hair as the weather changes. Some other common causes of shedding in cats include: Stress‚ fear‚ or anxiety Poor nutrition Medical conditions Medical conditions are the biggest cause for concern if your cat’s shedding patterns suddenly change. Typically‚ cats with normal shedding patterns will have a healthy coat and skin with plenty of shine‚ no odors‚ and no signs of skin irritation. If your cat is shedding more because of medical causes‚ they may have a dull or thin coat‚ bald patches‚ rashes‚ or other abnormalities. Many health problems can cause this‚ including allergies or skin infections. If your cat is older or experiencing pain that makes it more difficult to groom themselves‚ it may seem like they’re shedding more than normal. This is because they can’t groom the fur away on their own‚ but you still need to intervene to determine the cause and help your cat take care of themselves. Image Credit: Aleksandar Nalbantjan‚ Shutterstock Tips to Reduce Shedding in Your Snowshoe Cat Cats groom themselves and swallow hair in the process. This normally passes through the digestive system without issue‚ but excess shedding can cause them to get hairballs. It’s important to brush your cat regularly to remove loose hair and help your cat avoid ingesting too much of their hair. Here are some other tips to reduce shedding: If you suspect health conditions causing shedding‚ visit your vet. Feed a high-quality and balanced diet that’s suitable for cats. A special diet formulated for skin health may help if there are skin or coat issues. Minimize stress for your cat‚ including abrupt changes like moving to a new home or bringing home a new pet. Train your cat to sit quietly for grooming and get appropriate brushes for cats. Groom and bathe your cat regularly to remove loose hair. Give your cat their own bed‚ perches‚ and cat tower to make fur easier to clean up. Vacuum and wash your linens often to capture loose hair. Keep a lint roller around for your clothing and furniture. Conclusion Snowshoe cats have short hair and don’t shed a lot‚ but they will shed all year and more heavily during seasonal changes. Regular grooming and some lifestyle habits can help you keep the hair at bay‚ but if you notice excessive shedding‚ it’s important to talk to your vet and determine the cause. Featured Image Credit: Yuliya Alekseeva‚ Shutterstock The post How Much Do Snowshoe Cats Shed? Facts &; Grooming Tips by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out While Sleeping? 4 Possible Reasons by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Cats stick their tongues out often‚ usually to the delight of their owners. You may see your cat stick their tongue out while sleeping‚ which can be alarming. There are many reasons a cat may stick their tongue out while sleeping‚ ranging from cute to causes for concern. Here are the four possible reasons your cat may sleep with their tongue out. The 4 Reasons Why Cats Stick Their Tongue Out While Sleeping 1. Your Cat Is Relaxed Many cats mainly stick their tongues out while sleeping for relaxation. There’s usually no cause for concern if your cat sleeps deeply and has their tongue sticking out a little bit. It’s just a sign that your cat is at ease. 2. It’s a Breed Trait Some cat breeds have tongues that extend a bit‚ such as the Burmese‚ Himalayan‚ and Persian. This often has to do with your cat’s face shape and misplaced bite‚ which causes tongue-tipping. It’s rarely a problem if your cat can still chew‚ eat‚ and shut their mouth normally while awake. Image Credit: Sergey Neanderthalec‚ Shutterstock 3. There May Be Dental Issues If your cat has dental issues‚ they may stick their tongue out while sleeping. It could be because something is preventing your cat from extending their tongue fully or shutting their mouth properly‚ which could affect eating. Something could also be trapped at the top of your cat’s mouth or throat. If you suspect this‚ you must make an appointment with your vet. 4. Your Cat Has a Large Tongue If your cat has only recently been sleeping with their tongue out‚ it could indicate that something has caused their tongue to swell‚ such as an insect bite or exposure to something toxic. You can check your cat’s tongue to see if it looks swollen or abnormal. Image Credit: Wirestock Creators‚ Shutterstock Are There Other Reasons Cats May Stick Their Tongues Out? Aside from sleeping‚ your cat may stick their tongue out for other reasons. The Flehmen response is one of those reasons. When your cat smells something in the air‚ sticks out their tongue‚ and scrunches their face up. This is to get more information about what they are smelling in their environment‚ which they do by transferring the scent to the Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth. They’re essentially “tasting the air”. Cats may also stick out their tongues if they are experiencing nausea or motion sickness. This is often accompanied by flicking the tongue and licking the lips excessively‚ as well as other symptoms like inappetence or vomiting. Some health conditions‚ such as neurological diseases‚ can cause your cat to stick out their tongue. This will usually happen with abnormal tongue movements‚ odd movements‚ and excessive grooming. Respiratory infections and blockages can also cause your cat to stick their tongue out to breathe more easily‚ often accompanied by signs like gasping for air‚ labored breathing‚ and blue-tinged gums. Image Credit: Tanja Richter‚ Pixabay When to Call a Vet In most cases‚ your cat sticking their tongue out while sleeping is nothing to worry about—especially if they’ve been doing this as long as you’ve had them. Like other quirks‚ if you notice your cat suddenly sleeping with their tongue out or other abnormal behaviors like labored breathing‚ an abnormal gait‚ loss of appetite‚ or drooling‚ it’s best to make an appointment with your vet for a checkup. Conclusion When cats sleep‚ they often get so relaxed they stick their tongues out. This is usually not a cause for alarm‚ but there can be other reasons your cat is sticking their tongue out‚ such as health conditions. If you are worried about your cat’s behavior or notice other signs‚ scheduling an exam with your vet is best. Sources https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/behavior-appearance/why-do-cats-stick-out-their-tongue?lightboxfired=true# https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/cat-sneering-what-flehmen-response https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptoms/nausea Featured Image Credit: Soja Som‚ Shutterstock The post Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out While Sleeping? 4 Possible Reasons by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post My Cat Is Limping But Still Jumping and Running‚ What’s Wrong? Vet Approved Advice by Annaliese Morgan appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Disclaimer: This article has been fact-checked and reviewed by a qualified veterinarian using information available at the time of review. However‚ the purpose of this article is not to replace a veterinary examination and advice but rather provide a general guide to medical and behavioral conditions. Cat owners are urged to seek tailored advice for their pet from a veterinary professional. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer. It is always a worrisome moment when we notice something wrong with our pets. We don’t like to think of our beloved feline friends being injured‚ hurt‚ or feeling unwell‚ especially as they can’t speak to us to inform us what may have happened or how they are feeling. Nor can they understand our offering of reassuring words to them in the same way a child or partner can. If your cat has started limping yet they are still jumping and running around‚ you may be wondering what could be wrong with them. In fact‚ you might think nothing is really wrong at all since they are still darting around. This is where different communication and understanding needs to come in. Your cat can’t tell you what is wrong‚ but limping is a sure sign that they need to get checked out by a vet‚ even if they are still running and jumping. Let’s look at some of the potential causes. Why Is My Cat Limping but Not Showing Signs of Pain? While cats are predatory animals and can often be considered to be quite ruthless creatures‚ they happily and fearlessly hunt mice‚ birds‚ and other small prey. However‚ despite this‚ they are also prey animals. Perhaps because of the danger of being another animal’s target‚ an instinct not to show or display pain (injury and illness) remains in cats‚ even though they are domesticated and not wild. Cats won’t obviously express pain unless absolutely vital or the pain or illness has reached a point where they no longer have the option but to demonstrate their pain or vulnerability. While there are many reasons for their limping‚ which we will look at next‚ do not assume your cat is not in pain or feeling stressed just because they are still jumping‚ running‚ etc. In general‚ your cat is shifting their weight because something is sore. Alternatively‚ there could be a nerve problem. There are subtle signs of pain you can watch out for‚ but any limp should be cause for concern. Image Credit: lagunabluemolly‚ Pixabay Causes of Cat Limping Cats do not limp for no reason‚ so if you see that they are lame either on their front leg or back leg‚ it needs investigating. The severity can range from a mild limp all the way to non-weight bearing. Commonly‚ it is just one limb‚ but not always. There are a multitude of causes behind the limping‚ and this will need to be looked at and diagnosed by your veterinarian. Some of the most common causes of limping in cats include: Fracture or dislocation Sprain or strain A foreign body‚ such as a thorn‚ stuck in the paw or paw pad Broken or torn nail Ingrown nail Infection Nerve damage Arthritis Tumor (anywhere on the affected limb‚ not just the paw) Cat bite or abscess Ligament or tendon injury Bruising Wound (cuts‚ lacerations‚ or grazes) Burns (heat‚ cold‚ or chemical) Image Credit: Phatara‚ Shutterstock Signs Your Cat Is in Pain As discussed‚ your cat will show more subtle signs of pain than obvious ones. These signs may become more apparent as the pain continues or increases‚ but learning how to read felines is a major benefit to their health. It means you can act quicker and your kitty receives help sooner instead of the problem worsening and their well-being declining. Limping itself is a sign of pain and not the actual problem or cause Reduced eating or not eating Sleeping more/ less activity Sleeping in a different area than normal Behavioral changes Aggression Retreating or hiding Being more vocal or louder Not happy when you touch or stroke them Pull the affected limb away from you if you try to touch or examine it Licking painful area Image Credit: Mantikorra‚ Shutterstock Should I Go to the Vet? Limping or any other sign of pain and discomfort is always worth a trip to your veterinarian or at least a phone call‚ especially if you can also see other signs of discomfort or if the lameness has continued for more than 12–24 hours. It’s better to err on the side of caution. While you are waiting for your consultation‚ keep your cat rested. Treatment for a Limping Cat To diagnose the cause of your cat’s limp‚ your vet will have to investigate the issue further. This can and likely will take a variety of routes and will be different for each cat. There are various examination tools and treatments available‚ but the ones your cat will receive will be dependent on the findings and the cause found. Here are a few common examples of investigations and treatments your vet may prescribe. They may use one of these‚ all of them‚ or order extra tests and treatments not mentioned here. Physical examination Blood tests Urine tests X-Rays Ultrasound scans or MRI Further and more detailed examination under sedation or anesthesia Surgery Wound flushing and care Bandage or dressing support Medication (oral or injectable)‚ such as antibiotics and painkillers Image Credit: Gorodenkoff‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Cats are complex and mysterious animals‚ and we love them for it. However‚ limping is a sure sign of pain and that something is wrong‚ even if they can still run around and jump onto the couch. The instinct not to appear vulnerable is as strong today in domesticated cats as it was with their wild ancestors and fellow big cat friends. Don’t ignore a limp thinking they are okay just because they are moving a lot. Instead‚ have them checked over by a vet to prevent the situation from worsening and so that your cat can receive the correct treatment rather than be uncomfortable longer than necessary. Sources https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptoms/why-my-cat-limping https://www.germantownah.com/site/blog-memphis-vet/2021/11/15/cat-limping https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/bone‚-joint‚-and-muscle-disorders-of-cats/lameness-in cats https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4765852/ Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi‚ Shutterstock The post My Cat Is Limping But Still Jumping and Running‚ What’s Wrong? Vet Approved Advice by Annaliese Morgan appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Nine Democrat Governors Pressure Biden and Congress to Address Border Crisis

What's Up With Those Fake Biden Robocalls in New Hampshire?

MRC’s contributing writer Stephanie Hamill was a guest on Fox News’ “Democracy 2024: Iowa Caucuses” special coverage on Tuesday morning with host Mike Emanuel where they discussed the state's caucus results and former President Donald Trump’s historic win.  Many in the mainstream media and the Democratic party appear to be in a tizzy after witnessing the former president win 98 of 99 counties in the state. Clearly the overwhelming negative news coverage of him‚ the weaponization of government and legal system against him so far aren’t working — in fact it appears to be doing the exact opposite. Hamill weighs in on the results and what it could possibly mean going forward as the candidates head to New Hampshire in the next crucial campaign test. Watch: Mike: Behind Nikki Haley setting her sights on next week's New Hampshire primary. A critical state for her campaign and recent poll numbers the South Carolina governor has reason to be hopeful she can outshine former president trump. Haley wrapped up in Iowa attacking both trump and President Biden.  [Nikki Haley Video]: You know what I'm talking about. [Cheers and applause] It is both Donald Trump and Joe Biden. They have more in common than you think. 70% of Americans don't want another Trump/Biden rematch. [Cheers and applause]  Mike: Joining us now Stephanie Hamill with media research TV. Stephanie‚ welcome.  Stephanie: Thank you.  Mike: How do you assess the G.O.P. Race in New Hampshire?  Stephanie: Well‚ everything is on the line in New Hampshire‚ right? Tonight‚ there were some surprises. Many people believed Nikki Haley would come in second place and she did not. During her speech‚ she reiterated that this is a two-person race between her and Donald Trump. But she came in third place. So yes‚ everything is on the line for the Haley campaign when it comes to New Hampshire. There have been different polls showing her within a few percentage points of Donald Trum and other polls showing over 10% difference. So‚ you know‚ Nikki Haley has some serious work to do. She has to convince a lot of voters that she is the person they should support. She is talking about how Donald Trump and Joe Biden‚ 70% of Americans don't want to support either candidate. She can say that but at the end of the day‚ she has to count on Republican voters to get her over the edge. Right now‚ national polling is not leading that direction. Donald Trump is dominating in all of the national polls. What we saw tonight was historic win for Donald Trump. He won all 99 counties‚ precincts. That is just incredible. A lot of people were not expecting that. If you look at Governor Ron DeSantis and his groundwork he put into Iowa‚ he went to all of those areas‚ all 99. Yet‚ he was not able to pull ahead of Donald Trump.  Mike: There were some stories about the Desantis campaign going into caucus night. He finished 30 points behind the former president with Haley finishing third. There were stories about his campaign suggesting maybe he was out of money and that if he had a poor showing in Iowa‚ it could be curtains for him. Second-place finish. What does it mean for him going forward?  Stephanie: This is extra momentum he needed for his campaign. He originally said what happened in Iowa didn’t matter as he would not call it quits but regardless he would go straight to a South Carolina after. It is interesting he’s planning to skip New Hampshire‚ possibly based on the polling that he saw there where he wasn't doing as well as his competitors. But we will have to see how he doesn't South Carolina because‚ again‚ former president Donald Trump is dominating in Nikki Haley's home state. And Donald Trump is also dominating in Florida. Floridians love Governor Ron DeSantis‚ but they still love Donald Trump more at this point in the race.  Mike: Vivek Ramaswamy dropping out with his fourth-place finish‚ not surprising‚ that only helps the former president‚ right?  Stephanie: That’s correct because a lot of people believe the supporters of Vivek Ramaswamy will go back to the trump campaign and support former President Trump. I was not expecting him to actually drop out tonight. That was kind of a surprise. But he said he wanted to put all of his support behind Donald Trump. There have been several prominent Republicans who came out tonight and said basically‚ this is it. This is the end. Donald Trump is our guy and everybody needs to get behind him if we want to beat Joe Biden. A lot of money has been spent on the campaign trail. If you look at Iowa‚ $100 million spent on vicious campaign ads against each other. This is not helpful for the party if they want to take on Biden.  Mike: Good time to own a TV station in Iowa after all that ad campaign money was spent. Your thoughts after Nikki Haley basically taking their argument to both President Trump and President Biden suggesting the American people don't want Trump/Biden 2.0.  Stephanie: She can say that and maybe people aren't necessarily happy with either candidate. But at the end of the day‚ the voters will have their voices heard. This is a democracy. People have the right to vote. They will vote and support the candidates they want. Whether that be Haley or Desantis or Trump‚ we will see. But overall Donald Trump is leading at this point in time. She did make a remark about the ages of both Biden and Trump during her speech. But at this point‚ I don't think that is a major issue on the Trump side. If you watched Donald Trump he has a lot of energy and he is with it. On the contrary‚ when it comes to Biden‚ a lot of people are concerned about him and they are wondering if he can actually handle another four years.  Mike: I wonder if folks in New Hampshire who may be Democrats or independents jumping in to create mayhem on the Republican side. What about that?  Stephanie: Yeah‚ there has been a lot of chatter about that. We will have to see where the support will end up. A lot of the polling was done when Chris Christie was in the race. Now that he has dropped out of the race‚ a lot of people suspect that his voters will trickle into the Haley camp. Will that be enough to make a difference? If Haley actually does come in second place as some are expecting‚ does it really make a difference overall? Which is what some of the pundits and Republicans that I referenced were saying‚ it doesn't make a difference at all. But we will have to wait and see. Ultimately‚ it depends on the donors‚ right? The campaigns can't keep going if they don't have money. It all depends on the confidence of the donors. Based on Donald Trump’s speech‚ he is feeling confident so much so‚ he even had nice things to say about his opponents‚ which some people suspect that he's not worried at all.  Mike: Fascinating‚ Stephanie Hamill‚ thank you for your time and analysis tonight.  Stephanie: Thank you. 

COVID-19 vaccine producer Moderna was so desperate to ensure huge profits that it coordinated with Big Tech to try and censor free speech. Independent journalist Lee Fang published a recent report detailing how Moderna worked to censor online voices with which it disagreed. The pharma giant and its partners reportedly targeted those on social media who criticized “mandates‚ industry profiteering‚ and the efficacy and safety of childhood vaccinations.” Fang also argued that the rise of the censorship industrial complex – censorship collusion between Big Tech‚ government officials‚ and private entities – is linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though Moderna grew from a startup to a $100 billion giant with its COVID-19 vaccine‚ the company had a $3.6 billion loss in last year’s third quarter. Americans rejected a COVID booster shot‚ and Moderna decided “misinformation” was to blame‚ Fang explained‚ citing RealClearInvestigations. Moderna then coordinated with former public health officials and law enforcement‚ along with The Public Good Projects (PGP)‚ on “shutting down misinformation.” Moderna reportedly went so far as to provide talking points to 45‚000 healthcare professionals and form the “Infodemic Training Program” to counter alleged misinformation. According to Fang‚ the pharma giant actually used artificial intelligence (AI) so it could monitor millions of online conversations. Its particular targets included actor Russell Brand‚ Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)‚ and independent journalists Michael Shellenberger and Alex Berenson.  Meanwhile‚ PGP‚ which received money from the lobby group that represents Moderna‚ coordinated the censorship of social media content‚ Fang wrote. PGP sent tech companies lists of accounts to amplify or censor. It even went after articles that it admitted did not contain misinformation‚ but which undermined trust in government agencies like the CDC. “The Moderna Reports consistently show the company raising red flags about those reporting documented side effects of the vaccine the biotech company was selling‚” Fang declared. “Like the Twitter Files‚ the Moderna Reports highlight the push by powerful entities – especially government‚ Big Tech‚ and Big Pharma – to identify and brand dissenting opinions about establishment narratives as risky forms of speech‚” he added. Fang further noted that Moderna’s obsession with censorship could be tied to the fact that the company’s success has been almost solely dependent on the COVID-19 vaccines‚ which few Americans want to continue taking. Moderna has not ceased its efforts‚ Fang wrote‚ as the company flagged one of Berenson’s tweets as late as September 2023. The Moderna Reports journalist also noted that the company monitored both Brand and his defenders even though the company did not identify any specific false information‚ but rather simply because Brand was a popular content creator with COVID-19 skeptics. Both Shellenberger and Paul‚ meanwhile‚ became targets of Moderna after highlighting reports that the CIA had suppressed information about COVID-19 and the Wuhan Institute of Virology‚ the virus’s possible point of origin‚ Fang reported. While it is not clear whether Moderna successfully censored these individuals and others‚ according to Fang‚ the Pharma giant remains determined to coordinate with social media and other private entities to suppress free speech. Conservatives are under attack. Contact your representatives and demand that Big Tech be held to account to mirror the First Amendment while providing transparency and an equal footing for conservatives. If you have been censored‚ contact us at the Media Research Center contact form‚ and help us hold Big Tech accountable.

What's up with these Morning Joe regulars who had cultivated something of a benign image suddenly turning nasty? Yesterday‚ we noted BBCer Katty Kay with a mocking laugh as she suggested to Charlie Sykes that they do a DeSantis post-mortem‚ "before we consign him to oblivion and forget his name." Today‚ it was Eugene Robinson's turn to turn mean. Though Robinson is an ardent liberal‚ he has something of an avuncular air about him. But both in his current Washington Post column‚ snidely entitled "The Nation's Gain is Florida's Loss‚" and on today's Morning Joe‚ Robinson took nasty swipes at Ron DeSantis as the Florida governor exited the GOP primary stage. The show quoted Robinson's very strained analogy in his column [emphasis added]‚ "I fear DeSantis will continue using the state as a stage to boost his MAGA profile — just like those awfully high heels on his cowboy boots." Apparently‚ Robinson thinks DeSantis should retire from politics altogether: "I fear he is going to go back to Florida. I guess he thinks he's got a political future. I'm not quire sure what that future is. But he's‚ I think he's going to keep it up. I think that's just bad for‚ again‚ you know‚ the citizens of the third most populous state in the nation." Even Scarborough‚ no slouch when it comes to slinging insults‚ seemed a bit taken aback by Robinson's bile. The segment ended with Robinson's mocking grin as he sarcastically claimed that he was "inconsolable" over DeSantis' departure‚ scornfully adding‚ "Ron‚ we hardly knew ye." Scarborough twice proclaimed Robinson was a "Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist‚" which these days is another term for liberal.  Who's next? Although Willie Geist has become an ardent Trump critic‚ he has somehow managed to maintain an affable air. Should we expect Willie‚ sometime soon‚ to unload ugly shots at Trump or another unsuspecting Republican? Here's the transcript. MSNBC Morning Joe 1/23/24 6:37 am ET  JOE SCARBOROUGH: Let's bring in right now Pulitzer Prize winning columnist at the Washington Post‚ Eugene Robinson. And Gene‚ your latest column for the Washington Post‚ you talk about the fall of Ron Desantis' presidential campaign. You also do not give him a fond farewell. Your piece is titled‚ "The Nation's Gain is Florida's Loss." MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Yeah‚ and you say‚ "It's hard to see what DeSantis might have gained from his presidential run and easy to see what he has lost. His appeal‚ in theory‚ was as someone who could deliver on Trump's MAGA policy agenda without all of Trump's baggage. "But DeSantis proved to be an awkward‚ wooden candidate who struggled to connect. His best weapons in Florida had been his bluster and belligerence‚ but he was too timid to use them against Trump. "As all the failed GOP candidates have learned‚ primary voters don't want New Trump--not while Trump Classic is still available. A nation's gain is Florida's loss‚ sadly. I fear DeSantis will continue using the state as a stage to boost his MAGA profile -- just like those awfully high heels on his cowboy boots." SCARBOROUGH: See‚ there we go again. There we go again. [Inaudible] mean. . . .  ROBINSON: But I fear he is going to go back to Florida. I guess he thinks he's got a political future. I'm not quire sure what that future is. But he's‚ I think he's going to keep it up. I think that's just bad for‚ again‚ you know‚ the citizens of the third most populous state in the nation. . . .  JONATHAN LEMIRE: My question to you is‚ it is rare to see a candidacy implode with such swiftness and such vigor as Ron DeSantis did. To the point where I wonder if he's so badly damaged that he hasn't set himself up for 2028‚ but‚ rather‚ you know‚ this moment has already passed him by‚ and his political future may be coming to an end. ROBINSON: I think that's entirely possible‚ Jonathan. I really do. First of all‚ he's in office‚ I believe‚ until '26‚ right? And‚ but he can't run again. I think he is term-limited in Florida. And so‚ what's he going to do?  And then‚ people are going to remember this campaign. I mean‚ he did leave an impression. Unfortunately‚ it was a really‚ really awful impression that he left‚ as this‚ again‚ sort of awkward guy. You saw the smile. You saw his sort of inability to connect on a human level. That's not good for him. I think that's one of the things people are going to remember. And also‚ his inability to choose any sort of lane to run in that made any sense. I think people will remember that. And I just don't know where he goes from here. I really don't. SCARBOROUGH: All right. Gene Robinson‚ thank you so much for that -- MIKA:  -- Thanks‚ Gene. SCARBOROUGH: -- [Facetiously] For that fond farewell. There's a bit of a tear‚ in‚ I think‚ in your left eye. You better check that. ROBINSON: Yes‚ I know. I've been inconsolable‚ Joe. I really have been‚ since he left. I just‚ I just. Ron‚ we hardly knew ye. SCARBOROUGH: We hardly knew ye. All right. Thank you so much‚ Gene Robinson‚ Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Gene Robinson of the Washington Post.

A Colorado Springs‚ Colorado‚ nightclub faced protest over its inclusion of child performers as drag artists during an all-ages drag show. The general manager said that no children were being exploited‚ but protesters argued children were being sexualized.La Burla Bee‚ which positions itself as a cabaret‚ hosted an all-ages drag performance that drew criticism and protests from community members.A protester named DeeDee Obrecht‚ who didn't claim affiliation with any group‚ said the event was sexualizing children by exposing them to adult entertainment."I think adults can do whatever they want‚ they're consenting‚ but I think children themselves need to go ahead [and] be taken care of and be away from this kind of stuff‚" Obrecht said. "I have no problems with LGBTQ people‚" she continued. "What I have a problem with is taking children and making them sexualized and sexualizing children."General manager Romeo Cage told KOAA News 5 that no one was "forcing or exploiting" the children at the event."This is their art form. They want a safe space‚ A stage where they can perform. Where they can perform for their family‚ their friends‚ for anybody who wants to come‚" Cage claimed."This is entertainment‚" he went on. "We have had children actors‚ children singers throughout history‚ there's nothing different about this. It just so happens to be drag‚ and people for some reason think that it has to do with sexuality‚ and it does not."The club's owner‚ a burlesque dancer who goes by the moniker "Bunny Bee‚" told the local outlet that the club has hosted monthly all-ages drag brunches for the past year.The club recently listed a "Drag Variety Show‚" hosted by a drag queen using the name "Connie Lingus‚" while also boasting a "topless stand-up" comedy show titled "Tits &; Giggles‚" along with an evening dedicated to "immortal Vampiric desire."The bar was meant to include homosexual themes from its inception‚ according to the owner‚ who told the Gazette that she chose the building because it used to be a gay bar. "We wanted to create a safe space‚ an inclusive space‚ for people to come in and experience what Colorado Springs has to offer‚" said Bee Radd at the time‚ business partner and husband of the owner.Protesters brought specific signs that read "children are not sex toys‚" "gender clinics are sterilizing our youth‚" and "Who is Keira Bell?"The latter appeared to reference a woman who detransitioned after beginning gender reassignment at the age of 15. Bell sued UK’s Gender Identity Development Service‚ according to the Other Cheek‚ after she was allegedly prescribed puberty blockers at 16.A group of volunteers calling themselves the Parasol Patrol also attended the protest‚ with the purpose of holding rainbow-colored umbrellas to literally shield patrons from having to see opposing opinions.Organizer Dana Rasmussen claimed the protests were a form of "hatred" and said all humans "deserve to live in peace."The owner of La Burla Bee also claimed the protests were motivated by anti-LGBTQ hate.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!