'Maybe it’s because they’re busy shooting poets'

Connecting the dots

Comments about “voter suppression” are surfacing to haunt Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, ahead of the midterm elections. Landsman used a discussion about his plan for “The Great American Comeback” to lash out against the Buckeye State, claiming it’s “ground zero for voter suppression.” The comment came from when the congressman was taking questions at The City Club Forum in December. What Did the Congressman Say? During his remarks and while taking questions, the congressman discussed a plan to curtail what he described as “voter suppression.” “Can you talk about how Ohio is informing your ‘Great American Comeback’ as a mostly red state [with] a lot of blue urban hubs? Do you think that the Buckeye State as a whole can find a common denominator, as you found with Strive[Partnership]? So, is there a great Ohio comeback?” the attendee asked, referring to Landsman’s efforts for two-year preschool in Cincinnati, which had bipartisan support. After arguing that “Ohio is more purple than blue,” Landsman claimed it “feels different” due to “partisan gerrymandering,” which he criticized as “undemocratic” and “awful.” Ohio’s redistricting committee approved new maps on a bipartisan basis last year. These maps made the 1st Congressional District, that Landsman represents, more competitive. “It’s also ground zero for voter suppression,” Landsman went on to say, as he described Ohio’s driver’s license law as “absurd.” “Ohio has this absurd driver’s license law. I mean, I don’t think people realize that a lot of people don’t have a driver’s license, or it’s expired, or the name on your driver’s license is different because you got married, or you go to vote and you forgot your driver’s license,” he continued. Landsman also lamented concerns about “just purging hundreds of thousands of voters,” as he argued “they’re a specific kind of voter,” including black and Latino voters. The congressman laughed off concerns about illegal immigrants voting as well, claiming “undocumented people aren’t trying to vote.” Last October, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose referred 1,200 criminal cases to the Department of Justice, with 1,084 cases involving noncitizens appearing to have registered to vote in the state. Not a ‘Common Denominator’ The attendee’s question focused on “common ground” and did not mention “partisan gerrymandering” or “voter suppression.” This lack of “common ground” with Landsman’s response went noticed by the Republican Party. “The facts are clear: commonsense voter ID laws are widely supported by Ohioans and are critical to protecting election integrity. Voter ID simply ensures that only eligible American citizens can vote by requiring proof of citizenship and strengthening election protections nationwide. Greg Landsman can’t fool Ohioans with his fake, fearmongering rhetoric,” RNC Spokesman Hunter Lovell exclusively told The Daily Signal. In contrast to Landsman’s remarks, several Ohio Republicans praised their state’s system as a “model” when speaking to The Daily Signal last week. Voters also appear to be at odds. Landsman last month voted against the SAVE America Act. Polling from Heritage Action shows Ohio voters support provisions in the bill. On “requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections,” 71% of voters agreed, including 55% of Democrats. Additionally, 69% of voters, including 55% of Democrats, support “requiring states to remove non-citizens from voter registration rolls.” Heritage Action’s Stefani E. Buhajla, who directed the poll, took issue with Landsman’s claims. “Voter suppression is watering down the legal votes of law-abiding Americans by allowing ineligible ballots to be cast and counted in our elections,” she told The Daily Signal. “So, I think it is safe to say the honor of being ‘ground zero for voter suppression’ most certainly belongs to Minnesota, which, among other deficiencies, has no voter ID requirement whatsoever. Rep. Landsman advocating for Ohio to adopt the Tim Walz approach to election integrity is a losing proposition.” By 77%, Ohio voters also agreed to a ballot initiative in 2022 that amended the state constitution to require citizenship in order to vote in a state or local election. An Opportunity for the Right to Respond While Landsman once held an advantage before the new maps, his race is now regarded as a “Toss-Up.” Steven Erbeck, who is running as a Republican to represent the 1st, echoed the sentiments many Ohioans share about their state’s system. “Ohioans care deeply about election integrity, and Ohio voters overwhelmingly support Voter ID. When Democrats like Greg Landsman label basic election security as ‘voter suppression,’ it’s not grounded in reality, and it distracts from a serious conversation Ohioans expect their elected leaders to have,” he told The Daily Signal. Another Republican candidate, Eric Conroy, highlighted other policy disagreements with Landsman. “From defunding the police to defunding ICE to allowing biological males in girls’ sports to now opposing the SAVE Act requiring common sense policies like photo ID to vote and proof of citizenship to register to vote, Greg Landsman is a reliable vote for radical liberal policies. He isn’t a moderate. He’s a a California-style radical liberal,” Conroy told The Daily Signal. The Daily Signal reached out to Landsman’s congressional office and campaign but did not hear back. The post Ohio Dem Blasts State’s Voting System appeared first on The Daily Signal.

A Michigan Democrat state representative has announced she won’t run for reelection because her Christian faith is incompatible with remaining in her party, particularly considering its stances on social issues. “For me, it is impossible to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ while remaining a member of the Democratic Party as it exists today. I cannot reconcile that platform with Scripture,” Rep. Karen Whitsett told a local news outlet on Monday. “I will not be seeking reelection for this office, and I will not be running for any office ever again,” she added. “This is not a political calculation—it’s a spiritual decision.” Whitsett told WDIV-TV Local 4 that she will remain civically engaged and support leaders across party lines who are committed to improving lives and strengthening families based on the Bible. She mentioned specific social issues where she said the Democrat Party platform irreconcilably conflicts with the Bible’s teaching. “That conviction includes the issues I cannot reconcile with Scripture: abortion, the normalization of the gay lifestyle, and the push to redefine gender,” Whitsett explained. “I understand these are personal for many families, because your son, daughter, cousin, aunt, or uncle may be one,” she admitted. “But personal proximity does not change God’s definition of right and wrong. Love for people does not require agreement with sin, and compassion does not give us permission to rewrite Scripture.” Both the Bible and Christian tradition condemn same-sex sexual activity as sinful (Leviticus 18-20, 1 Corinthians 6, 1 Timothy 1, Romans 1), though they also condemn heterosexual acts outside of marriage. Both the Old and New Testaments forbid cross-dressing, and clearly say God made humans male and female. Some Democrats have claimed that the Bible does not mention abortion, but scholars note that Galatians 5:20 and Revelation 21:8 forbid as a form of sin the Greek word pharmakeia, the same word that early Christian and ancient Greek sources like Plutarch used to refer to abortion potions. “I’m not going to pretend God’s Word can be twisted by any priest, bishop, pastor, or preacher to make people feel comfortable in sin—whether that’s to keep donations coming, to avoid offending anyone, or to fit the culture,” Whitsett added. “Just because prominent leaders don’t speak against these things does not mean God is okay with them,” she said. “God does not change. My faith is not moving. My allegiance is to Jesus Christ, and I’m choosing God’s business over man’s approval.” Whitsett credited Michigan state Rep. Bradley Slagh, a Republican, for convincing her to reconsider her party. “You’re to vote your district, but you’re not to sell your soul,” she recalled Slagh saying. “In the end, I have to answer to God,” Whitsett explained. Michigan Democrat Party Chair Curtis Hertel celebrated Whitsett’s departure. “Good riddance,” he said, the local outlet reported. “Rep. Whitsett’s decision to not seek re-election is a net positive for her constituents and all Michiganders. We look forward to electing a strong Democratic candidate to represent this district, especially one who actually shows up for work.” Michigan Democrats have condemned Whitsett previously, as well. In April 2020, Whitsett recovered from COVID-19 after taking hydroxychloroquine. She publicly credited President Donald Trump for promoting the drug, and the 13th Congressional District Democrat Party censured her in a unanimous vote that month. Whitsett condemned the censure vote as “pettiness politics.” Whitsett has not joined the Republican Party. Writing on Facebook Friday, Whitsett responded to apparent criticism that her faith stance implied support for President Trump. “Ummmm… God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible… These are not code words for MAGA,” she wrote, referring to the Make America Great Again movement. “The triune God isn’t interested in a political party. I pray you don’t miss your chance to know Him better, simply because you have Trump Derangement Syndrome. Seriously! It would be a shame if you went to hell for eternal life because of something so ridiculous as that.” The post Michigan Democrat Leaves Party: It’s ‘Impossible’ to Be a ‘Faithful Follower of Jesus Christ’ and a Dem appeared first on The Daily Signal.

The Anglosphere Has Become Pathetic

Flashback Friday: That Time Talarico Demanded An Abortion Clinic in Every Federal Office

The employment situation report for February was released on Friday, showing a slowdown after an ostensibly strong start to the year. The United States lost 92,000 nonfarm jobs in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The unemployment rate saw a slight uptick compared to January, rising 0.1% to 4.4% in February.The Hill reported that economists were confronted with an unexpected downturn in total jobs, saying they generally expected the United States to add 60,000.Additionally, The Hill marked a concerning trend, reporting that the BLS revised December 2025's initial gain of 48,000 jobs to a loss of 17,000 jobs. However, consistent with previous trends in President Trump's first year, the federal government accounted for 10,000 of those jobs losses. BLS reported that federal employment is down by 330,000, or 11% of the federal workforce.RELATED: 'Golden Age of America is upon us!' Delayed January jobs report exceeds expectations CentrallTAlliance/Getty ImagesThe unemployment rate saw a slight uptick compared to January, rising 0.1% to 4.4% in February."Just as the January jobs report overstated any emerging strength in the labor market, the February employment data give a false impression of deteriorating labor market conditions," Nancy Vanden Houten, lead economist at Oxford Economics, said in an email to CBS News on Friday.The employment situation report for March is scheduled to be released on April 3. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Tuesday's Senate Republican primary election in Texas between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton triggered a runoff after neither received at least 50% of the vote.Heading into the May 26 runoff election, both Cornyn and Paxton are hoping to secure President Donald Trump's endorsement.'That is bad for him. So maybe, maybe that leads me to go the other direction.'Trump has stated he will endorse one of the candidates, but that he expects the one he does not select to withdraw his bid.Paxton appeared to stir up some drama with the president when he stated on Wednesday evening that he would continue in the race even if Trump decides to support Cornyn.Trump, who told Politico on Thursday that he will announce his support for one of the candidates "pretty soon," seemed to scold Paxton, stating that it is "bad for him to say" that he would not leave the race."That is bad for him. So maybe, maybe that leads me to go the other direction," Trump told Politico, indicating that Paxton's comments may prompt him to endorse Cornyn. RELATED: Trump to intervene in Texas' Senate race, anoint his preferred candidate Ken Paxton. Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty ImagesLater that day, Paxton walked back his earlier statement, writing in a post on X that he would "consider" withdrawing from the race if Senate leadership passes the SAVE America Act. "The Save America Act is the most important bill the U.S. Senate could ever pass, and I'm committed to helping President Trump get it done," Paxton said. "John Cornyn is a coward who has refused to support abolishing the filibuster to pass this bill. Now, Fake News reporters and the establishment are trying to destroy me with misinformation.""The truth is clear: No one has been more loyal to Donald Trump than me — fighting the stolen 2020 election, being in Mar-a-Lago when he announced his 2024 campaign, and standing with him in NY in the face of lawfare," Paxton continued. "For the good of our country and for the good of passing President Trump's agenda, I am determined to help him get this done."RELATED: Jasmine Crockett claims voters were 'disenfranchised' following crushing defeat in key Texas primary John Cornyn. Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty ImagesIn his comments to Politico, Trump described the Democrat nominee, state Rep. James Talarico, as "a terribly weak candidate."Talarico defeated his opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, by over 7.5 points on Tuesday.Trump expressed confidence that a Republican candidate could defeat Talarico, concluding that he is "more woke than even the very highly untalented Jasmine Crockett."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A young D.B. Sweeney circled a juicy role in the 1989 miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” based on the best-seller by Larry McMurtry.Sweeney later demurred, opting for a somewhat smaller part. Why? Playing “Dish” Boggett meant sharing scenes with Robert Duvall. And that, he figured, would be priceless.'There’s so much desperation. People want to be famous so bad, that energy leads to some dark pathways.'Good call.Lessons from a master“He was my hero,” Sweeney tells Align of the legendary actor, who passed away at 95 last month. “I learned more from film acting from him than anybody else.”Sweeney marveled at Duvall’s meticulous approach to his craft, like hiring a real-life tracker at his own expense so that he could better capture that skill set for a single scene. Duvall also called in a “quick-draw specialist” to hone his skills with a firearm.“He wasn’t just being thorough or method-y,” Sweeney says. “It was all very specific to what his character is going to do in the movie.”And, Sweeney adds, Duvall had fun along the way. Always.Those lessons hit home for the rising star, who landed key roles early in his career with films like “Gardens of Stone” (1987), “Eight Men Out” (1988), and “The Cutting Edge” (1992).Troubling subject He’s been working ever since, including a part in 2024’s “Megalopolis,” Francis Ford Coppola’s return to filmmaking after a 13-year pause.Now, he’s co-starring in “Protector,” an action yarn hitting theaters today in which a military veteran (Milla Jovovich) is forced to use her skills to save her daughter from human traffickers. Sweeney describes his role as like the corrupt cop Brian Dennehy played in 1982’s “First Blood.”He says the new film has some of that Sylvester Stallone hit in its creative DNA, along with the 2008 smash “Taken.” The troubling subject matter hit home for Sweeney, from the unending Epstein files saga to his own experience around major cultural events.“It’s a huge problem,” he says of sex trafficking.“Protector” casts Jovovich as a heroine who uses her military background for good. It’s a far cry from how Hollywood depicted soldiers during the 2000s, a time when many films showed the darkest side of the U.S. military.Think “Redacted” (2007), “Lions for Lambs” (2007), and “Green Zone” (2010).Nailing the detailsMore recent films like “Thank You for Your Service” (2017) and “American Sniper” (2014) showed a more balanced side to the modern soldier. Sweeney credits part of that shift to studios leaning on military veterans as advisers. That not only helps nail the smaller details but influences storytelling in general.That has impacted him, too.He worked on the CBS series “Jericho,” a postapocalyptic thriller that relied on military veterans for military accuracy. Sweeney bonded with the veterans advising the show along the way.At 64, Sweeney is still working in an industry that’s convulsing under the weight of new technologies and streaming wars. AI fears aren’t make-believe, he warns.“I’m worried about actors being replaced with digital avatars. That’s a real thing,” he says. It helps that “Protector” relied on old-school stunt work over CGI trickery. He says that’s what could help his fellow artists: a reliance on authenticity over digital ones and zeroes.“It’s one thing AI can’t master,” he says.Mega moviemakingHis time on the set of “Megalopolis” reminded him how hard it can be to shoot a film, above and beyond the standard-issue struggles like budget constraints and evasive sunlight. The film endured brutal headlines tied to sexual harassment allegations against the 80-something Coppola.Sweeney, who first worked with the legendary director on “Gardens of Stone,” has the auteur’s back.“I was there almost every day. He’s a hugger,” he says of Coppola. “He doesn’t have a pervy bone in his body.”Those salacious reports, plus talk of the film’s massive budget ($120 million), hurt the film’s box office tally.“The movie got put into a box before anyone has seen it,” he says.RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: DB Sweeney on surviving Hollywood and moving to 'Megalopolis' Michael Loccisano/Getty ImagesStaying in the lightSome actors who came of age alongside Sweeney saw Hollywood’s seedy side. Think Charlie Sheen, his co-star in “Eight Men Out.” Sheen is currently on a comeback of sorts after years of hard living and outlandish behavior.Sweeney didn’t follow that path, but he saw it all the same.“I was invited to all the biggest parties, a dark underbelly with drugs and sex. … I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I knew this is not for me,” he says. “I gravitated toward using my celebrity for sports tickets. That’s a much more wholesome world to me.”Others weren’t so fortunate, and he understands why.“There’s so much desperation. People want to be famous so bad, that energy leads to some dark pathways. You’ll do anything to get that fame,” he says. “People talk about selling their soul to Satan for fame. It’s figuratively true.”

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