It is possible that Trump's legal team could succeed in the election interference case. While the evidence is not strong, there are a number of factors that could work in his favor.

One factor is the possibility that the jury will be sympathetic to Trump. He is a popular figure among many Republicans, and some jurors may be reluctant to convict him, even if they believe he is guilty.

Another factor is the possibility that Trump's legal team could successfully argue that he was acting within his constitutional authority as president. They could argue that he was simply exercising his First Amendment right to free speech and his executive power to investigate allegations of election fraud.

Finally, it is also possible that the prosecution could make mistakes during the trial. If the prosecution fails to present a strong case, or if they make any major errors, it could give Trump's legal team an opening to win.

Here are some specific ways that Trump's legal team could try to succeed:

They could argue that the evidence against Trump is circumstantial and does not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed a crime.
They could argue that Trump was acting in good faith and that he did not intend to interfere with the election.
They could argue that Trump's actions were protected by the First Amendment.
They could argue that the Georgia statute on which Trump is being charged is unconstitutional.
If Trump's legal team is successful in any of these arguments, it could lead to an acquittal.

It is important to note that these are just a few of the possible ways that Trump's legal team could try to succeed. The specific strategy that they will use will likely depend on the evidence that is presented at trial and the arguments that the prosecution makes.

To learn more about read this article from Newsweek. An excerpt of the article has been copied below:

Donald Trump is seeking to have his Washington, D.C. election interference case quashed, calling it a "vindictive prosecution."

Much of his submission, filed early on Tuesday, hangs on whether alternative electors are a criminal conspiracy or a symbolic act of defiance that is rooted in American history.

Trump was charged in August under a four-count, 45-page indictment that accuses him of conspiring to defraud the U.S. by preventing Congress from certifying Democrat President Joe Biden's victory and to deprive voters of their right to a fair election. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith is leading the prosecution team.

"The core conduct alleged in the indictment relating to the presentation of alternate electors had a historical basis that dates back to 1800 and spans at least seven other elections," Trump's application to quash the charges stated.

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The House speaker race has stretched into a new week, with no end in sight. This is unprecedented, and it is starting to hurt Republicans.

Instead of focusing on passing legislation, Republicans are consumed by their internal drama. This is giving Democrats a chance to attack them for being dysfunctional and unable to govern.

It is also hurting their image with voters. A recent poll found that 70% of Americans disapprove of the way Republicans are handling the speaker race.

The longer this goes on, the more damage it will do to Republicans. They need to get their act together and elect a speaker so they can start governing. Otherwise, they will pay a heavy price in the next election.

Here are some specific ways in which the House speaker race is hurting Republicans:

It is preventing them from passing legislation. Republicans have a majority in the House, but they cannot pass any legislation without a speaker. This is costing them the opportunity to enact their agenda and deliver on their promises to voters.
It is damaging their image with voters. The public is tired of the partisan gridlock in Washington. They want to see their elected officials working together to solve problems. The House speaker race is only making things worse, and it is hurting Republicans' image with voters.
It is giving Democrats a chance to attack them. Democrats are using the House speaker race to paint Republicans as dysfunctional and unable to govern. This is making it difficult for Republicans to message their agenda to voters.
It is demoralizing Republican supporters. Republicans are frustrated with the lack of progress on their agenda. They are also starting to lose faith in their leaders. This could lead to lower turnout in the next election.
The longer the House speaker race goes on, the more damage it will do to Republicans. They need to get their act together and elect a speaker so they can start governing. Otherwise, they will pay a heavy price in the next election.

To learn more about read this article from Fox News. An excerpt of the article has been copied below:

Republicans' race to nominate and elect a new speaker of the House has created a power vacuum that may benefit Democrats as the vacancy spills into its 20th day.

There are now nine candidates officially in the running to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., but as the GOP caucus mulls its decision, there remain questions about how long the debate will rage – and if that means the party could lose voters in 2024.

Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio failed to garner enough votes during his third round of floor-wide votes on Friday, sending party members back to the drawing board in an effort to end a stalemate. Twenty-five Republicans voted against him, leaving him roughly 217 votes short of securing a win. The slim GOP majority and unified Democrat opposition gives any speaker candidate little wiggle room for naysayers within his or her own party.

https://blog.tpn.net/articles/....house-speaker-race-h

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President Biden's recent Oval Office address on the wars in Israel and Ukraine. In his speech, Biden urged Americans to stand by Israel and Ukraine as they face their respective adversaries, and he made the case for billions in aid to both countries.

Biden argued that the United States must support Israel and Ukraine because they are both democracies that are under attack by authoritarian regimes. He also said that supporting these countries is in America's own national security interest, because if they fall, it will embolden other authoritarian regimes around the world.

Biden's speech was met with mixed reactions. Some praised him for his strong leadership and for his unwavering support for Israel and Ukraine. Others criticized him for asking for more money for foreign aid, especially at a time when the United States is facing its own economic challenges.

To learn more about read this article from Fox News. An excerpt of the article has been copied below:

The president addressed the nation from the Oval Office Thursday night, a day after he visited with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli officials in Tel Aviv. Biden and Israeli officials discussed the ongoing war, and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip.

The president said he will send Congress an "urgent budget request" on Friday "to fund America's national security needs to support our critical partners, including Israel and Ukraine is a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations."

The president said the package, if approved, will help to "keep American troops out of harm's way, help us build a world that is safer, more peaceful and more prosperous for our children and grandchildren in Israel."

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The House of Representatives is in limbo after Jim Jordan failed to get enough votes to be speaker. This is a sign of the Republican infighting and Jordan's rocky performance. Some Republicans are pushing to give interim Speaker Patrick McHenry more power temporarily.

Jordan allies insist that he is still in the running for speaker. However, it is unclear if he will be able to get the necessary votes. The House is expected to hold another vote for speaker on January 3rd.

The Republican leadership is facing a number of challenges. They need to find a way to unite the party and elect a speaker. They also need to address the concerns of their constituents, who are increasingly frustrated with the gridlock in Washington.

Here are some more details about the Republican infighting and Jordan's rocky performance:

Jordan is a conservative Republican who is popular with the party's base. However, he is also a controversial figure who has been criticized for his role in the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
Jordan's performance in the speaker's race has been rocky. He has made a number of gaffes and has struggled to unite the Republican caucus.
The Republican Party is deeply divided between its moderate and conservative wings. This division has made it difficult for the party to agree on a speaker candidate.
The election of a speaker is the first order of business for the new House of Representatives. Without a speaker, the House cannot pass any legislation. The Republican leadership is facing a lot of pressure to elect a speaker quickly and to unite the party.

It is unclear how the Republican leadership will resolve the current impasse. It is possible that Jordan will eventually be elected speaker, but it is also possible that the party will choose another candidate. The outcome of the speaker's race will have a major impact on the direction of the Republican Party and the future of the House of Representatives.

To learn more about read this article from Fox News. An excerpt of the article has been copied below:

The House of Representatives is heading into yet another day without a speaker, and likely another day of votes amid Republican infighting and a failure to rally enough support — twice over — for Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., announced the next votes in the House would take place no earlier than 120 p.m. Thursday.

That’s when Jordan, R-Ohio, intends to hold a third round vote on the floor for speaker.

A Jordan spokesman doubled down Wednesday night, saying they have all intentions of going for a third round vote.

Republicans nominated Jordan to be the next House speaker, but he needs support from 217 members.

All House Democrats and 22 Republicans voted against Jordan's bid for speaker on Wednesday. That's two more GOP lawmakers voting against him than on Tuesday. All Democrats voted for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

But Jordan allies insist that is not a sign of a failed speaker campaign.

"Don’t lose faith if [Jordan] loses a few votes on the second ballot. I’m committed to voting as many times as we must to get Jim elected as Speaker, as long as he is putting his name forward," Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., wrote on X. "If that means we vote all night, then buckle up cause we will vote all night!"

https://blog.tpn.net/articles/....republicans-face-dif

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GOP senators have introduced bills calling on President Biden to freeze $6 billion in Iranian funds. The money in question was released to Iran as part of a prisoner exchange deal last month, and the Republican senators argue that it could be used by Iran to fund terrorism or other destabilizing activities.

The bills introduced by the GOP senators include:

The Iran Nuclear Deal Abrogation Act of 2023, which would reimpose all sanctions that were lifted under the Iran nuclear deal.
The Iranian Regime Disarmament Act of 2023, which would require the Biden administration to impose new sanctions on Iran until it dismantles its nuclear program and ceases its support for terrorism.
The Iranian Funds Freeze Act of 2023, which would specifically freeze the $6 billion in Iranian funds that were released as part of the prisoner exchange deal.
It is unclear whether any of these bills will be passed by the Senate, as Democrats hold a narrow majority in the chamber. However, the introduction of the bills is a sign of the growing opposition among Republicans to the Biden administration's Iran policy.

The Biden administration has defended its decision to release the $6 billion to Iran, arguing that it was necessary to secure the release of the five American prisoners. The administration has also said that the money will be used for humanitarian purposes only. However, some critics have argued that it is difficult to ensure that the money will not be diverted to other purposes, given Iran's history of supporting terrorism.

The debate over the $6 billion in Iranian funds is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months. It is a complex issue with no easy answers, and it is one that is likely to be a source of tension between the Biden administration and Congress.

To learn more about read this article from Fox News. An excerpt of the article has been copied below:

Calls from Capitol Hill lawmakers to freeze the $6 billion in Iranian funds reached through controversial negotiations increased this week.

Nearly 20 GOP senators are calling on the Biden administration to freeze the funds that were released to a Qatar account in exchange for five American prisoners last month.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., led a group of GOP senators on Tuesday, urging the administration to "limit Iran’s ability to provide support to Hamas."

She blamed President Biden for sending Palestine over $730 million in aid since taking office through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

"And yesterday, we learned Hamas stole aid from that group," Blackburn said. "I'll be introducing legislation to halt all funding for them until Iran is expelled from the UN and investigated for violations."
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