Trump Positive of Winning Florida

Orlando, Florida – The Republican presidential candidate assured his supporters that he will win the White House position on the November 8 election. Trump addressed thousands of cheering supporters in his two-day rally in the crucial battleground state of Florida.

He said, “It’s going to happen”.

In the latest survey of Quinnipiac University, the results were considerably surprising. The Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton leads Trump with just 1% point. The total tally shows Clinton at 46% while Trump is at 45%, a connotation well within the 3.9% marginal error.

The recent poll indicates Trump won a huge amount of likely voters. Given that the last Quinnipiac poll conducted on October 17, showed Clinton is 4% points above Trump.

Meanwhile, the combined tally for the alternative candidates, Gary Johnson and Jill Stein is at 4% points of likely voters.

On Wednesday, Trump believed he will win against all odds in the presidential election. He said, “Our magnificent, historic movement has surprised the world and defied expectations at every single turn. And now next Tuesday, we will have one last glorious surprise for the pundits, the politicians and the special interests when we win and return the power back to the people”.

Trump’s political strategy

The real estate mogul stayed on his standpoint that he will win the battleground state of Florida; his turning point factor for the Presidential position.

Trump played on the recent controversy surrounding Clinton’s email woes when she was still the Secretary of the State. In his speech in the Pensacola rally, he pointed out the legal troubles of his opponent.

He also condemns Obama for campaigning for Clinton. He said, “He’s campaigning right now for Crooked Hillary. Why is he campaigning? She’s under federal investigation — and you’ve got a president campaigning for her”.

Obama addressed the Florida crowd on Friday and will revisit on Sunday. For the Republican candidate that indicates, “All he does is campaign”. He then added, “He ought to be working on your jobs that are leaving and going to Mexico, and your military”.

Trump itinerary includes a rally in Jacksonville before heading to Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

In his campaign at the Orlando Amphitheater, he urged the residents to vote, citing the recent poll of Quinnipiac showing Clinton’s lead of 4% with a marginal error of 4 points either way.

Trump promised the crowd that he will replace Obamacare, which for him is “a total catastrophe”. The attendees answered him with roars of “Trump” and “USA” while denouncing Clinton as “Lock Her Up” and “Liar”. A plane circled the campaign grounds while pulling a banner which reads “FL Chinese Americans for Trump”.

Meanwhile, outside the amphitheater, vendors made a lot of money in Trump’s merchandise selling T-shirts, caps, flags, buttons, and the likes.

Trump’s supporters

A senior mechanical engineer graduate of The University of Central Florida, Ryan Smith gathered attention in wearing a Clinton mask, an orange shirt with “Crooked Hillary” while in handcuffs. Smith’s shirt bears the numbers 11082916 in reference to the November 8 election day.

He said, “Everyone wants to see her in prison. I can’t walk 5 feet without somebody stopping and taking pictures’.

Another Trump supporter, Kara Elvidge said she believed that Clinton is a liar. Elvidge resides in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and a registered nurse. She stands against Clinton’s abortion policy. Elvidge said, “The abortion issue is a big issue for me with Hillary’s views on abortion. I also believe that we need to close the borders. That’s something important for me with Trump.”

Marie Maxime, a native Haitian and lifelong Democrat said she will vote for Trump. For the stay at home mother, “I think Trump can do the job. I think he’s a man of integrity and honor. And I think he can stand on his word.”

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Obamacare: Obama’s Parting Legacy

President Barrack Obama will soon end his term but his legacy will remain long after he’s gone.

This week, the administration announced a huge rate hike on affordable healthcare premium in the US, and this reflects a failure to the government’s responsibility in managing the cost and access to healthcare.

Obamacare is now littered with issues that need to be fixed, including rising premiums and deductibles, slow enrollment process, and an increasing number of people pulling out of ACA marketplace. All of these issues will be the next administration’s responsibility whether to fix or replace it.

Republican Stand on Obamacare

Trump castigated Obamacare on his recent speech, He promised to ‘repeal and replace it’ than saying how he would deal with the crisis over access and cost. He does not have any health reform highlighted in his campaigns.

In his statement on Tuesday, Trump said, “My first day in office, I’m going to ask Congress to put a bill on my desk getting rid of this disastrous law and replacing it with reforms that expand choice, freedom, and affordability,”

“Hillary Clinton wants to double down on Obamacare and make it even worse. She wants to put the government totally in charge of your health care.” He added.

Meanwhile, Clinton shows a more concrete plan over the Republican candidate.

In her statement, she said “The President and I have talked about it,” Clinton told WHCQ Radio in Florida on Tuesday. “We’re going to get co-pays and premiums and deductibles down. We’re going to tackle prescription drug costs. And we can do that without ripping away the insurance that people now have.”

Clinton’s plan is to increase competition among insurance companies to improve choices for Obamacare customers. This move will improve public’s option for better health care, regulate rising drug prices, and provide tax relief for out of pocket expenses. Her campaign team committed that Clinton’s administration would tackle diseases likeAlzheimer’s, autism, drug abuse, viruses such as Zika, and to improve urban and rural health infrastructure.

Political Agenda

Hillary Clinton, former first lady and New York senator has been in the political healthcare scene for years.

Obamacare’s problem is complex, and Clinton’s broad knowledge about the issue won’t solve it. Due to this, she would need the help and support of the congress, getting support from the Democratic seat sufficient enough to dominate GOP. This political fight to fix Obamacare will be tough.

Republican Congressmen who have voted 50 times to stop the law are not likely to cooperate to fix it. Even Democratic Senators who are up for re-election in 2018 may prolong the issue until the election.

On the other hand, Donald Trump is committed to repealing the individual mandate and modify the laws that prohibit the sale of health insurance. Furthermore, the laws should allow people to pay their insurance premiums from tax returns.

He will promote individual Health Savings Accounts that would allow patients’ access to imported drugs overseas. Hence, prices would go down.

Republican Rep. Chris Collins told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer last Tuesday that he thinks Trump would adopt the health care plan made by House Speaker Paul Ryan during a Republican conference.

He added, “It is my understanding that Mr. Trump has seen that plan and what he is talking about … is in fact a better way, a replacement plan.”

Obamacare hike

The White House released a statement on Monday that premiums for the benchmark plan will rise by 22% next year.

Trump thinks he can use this new issue to bring down Clinton who recently leads most polls. He told reporters last Tuesday at his golf resort in Florida, “It’s blowing up all over the country.” He is committed to replacing Obamacare with something less expensive.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee recently released a video of Katie McGinty. The Pennsylvania Democrat said Democrats should be “proud of” Obamacare.

“Is Shady Katie still proud of Obamacare?” the NRSC released asked.

Iowa Republican Party chairman Jeff Kaufmann also added, “cheers and hollers for the Obamacare disaster,” referring to Democrat Patty Judge.

Jay Carney is a former White House press secretary who spent hours defending Obamacare. He admitted that the law was not as popular as what the President expected. However, voters should give Clinton credit for trying to repair it.

Carney said on CNN’s New Day, “Is it something … that’s going to change the election? No, it’s not.”

“Remember, the opportunity Republicans had to use Obamacare against the Democrats and win the White House was in 2012. Mitt Romney, a far more credible candidate for president of the United States from the Republican Party, you know, beat us hard over the head with Obamacare.”

“And guess what,” Carney added.

“The American people re-elected President Obama.”

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Obama Shines Light On Manned Mars Mission

On Tuesday, President Obama took to revive his six-year-old bid for the US to launch humans to Mars by the 2030s.

 

The president called attention to government contracts granted to six companies to develop prototypes for “habitats” that could support human life in deep space. This is very similar to an inflatable room already attached to the International Space Station. Private companies such as Boeing and SpaceX will taxi astronauts to the space station with NASA as a customer within two years, Obama said.

Obama wrote on CNN’s website that humans will learn from these missions how to survive far from Earth, something we’ll need for the long journey to Mars. The ultimate goal is for humans to eventually stay on the red planet “for an extended time.”

No big deal

According to independent space experts and NASA officials, there is little new in what’s coming out of the government on Mars. John Logsdon, a former George Washington University space policy chief, said there’s nothing big at all. It’s a refocusing of the fact that the president laid down these goals and NASA has been working at them.

Former top NASA official Alan Ladwig said that though the intent is admirable, it’s a little late in the term to refocus on the humans to Mars exploration.

Obama intended to talk about the project further on Thursday when he meets with academics, engineers and scientists at an innovation summit in Pittsburgh.

The initiative has hardly drawn attention since the president first set a goal in 2010 to send humans to Mars by the 2030’s. Several Government Accountability Office reports have warned or the difficulties in achieving that goal, particularly a lack of extensive US government funding.

Obama did not give any details on what a Mars mission would cost or how the US would pay for it. But he said years of education, testing and patience are necessary.

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Duterte tells Obama “Go to Hell” . . . Threatens to break up with the U.S.

Philippine’s President Duterte onslaught of fiery statements continues as he told the US President Obama to “Go to Hell”. In a press conference held on Tuesday during the start of the joint military exercises, he said, “Mr. Obama, you can go to hell. … The EU better choose purgatory.”

The military exercises began on Tuesday and will end on October 12. These military drills that the two countries observed for the past years are coming to an end. Duterte said, “I serve notice to you now that this will be the last joint military exercise with US,”

The President of the Philippines behavioral outburst of fierce words came after the United States prevalent condemnation of his anti-drug campaign.

Since Duterte assumed office thousands of suspected drug dealers and drug users died during police operations. These suspects were involved in questionable allegations about resisting arrest resulting to shootouts. While many are left dead on the streets around the country in vigilante style killing. Victims only identifiable through signboards attached to their bodies describing their involvement in the illegal drugs.

Duterte also compared himself to Hitler, where the slayings of drug suspects are synonymous to those of holocausts. World leaders criticized Duterte on the insensitivity of his statements.

The president later apologized to the Jewish community.

The president however answered the criticism bitterly as he cites his willingness to affiliate with China and Russia and severe ties with the US. He said on Tuesday, “Respect is important. If this is what happens now, I will be re-configuring my foreign policy. Eventually I might, in my time, I will break up with America. I’d rather go to Russia and to China.”

Shaky relationship

Duterte’s venomous statement to Obama contradicts the “warm relationship” between the two countries said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest.

Earnest mentioned that US aid to the Philippines after natural disasters proves that both countries maintain a close relationship. He cited US relief efforts in natural disaster for the Philippines. The White House has not received any formal letter from the Philippines to alter their mutual agreement.

Furthermore, the White House stood firm on their previous statements that they will “not hesitate” to probe the extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. The US spokesman said it is “entirely inconsistent” with universal values of human rights. He added, “We won’t be silent in raising our significant concerns about these reports”.

Unrelenting prosecution of the war on drugs

Last year, Duterte lead the election with enormous lead against his rivals. His vow for a remorseless anti-drug campaign rallied voters to him in the election despite being accused of maintaining the Davao Death Squad.

Similar rhetoric flavored his speech on Tuesday, when he said, “Until the last pusher is taken out of the street. It will be unrelenting.”

The president also added that when still the Mayor of Davao, he used to tell criminals, “If you will not leave my city, I will kill you,”

He justified this by saying, “There is no law at all which says I cannot threaten criminals as mayor or even as president.”

Police made thousands of arrests and a huge number surrendered under Duterte’s policy of “knock and plead” operation. Police knock on the doors of alleged drug suspects and appealed for them to register as drug dependents with the local officials. Duterte‘s firm order to the police is to kill drug suspects if they choose to fight back.

During the first months since he assumed post, Duterte made several fierce statement against it longtime ally, the US.

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. questioned last month whether the anti-drug campaign “reduces the rule of law”. They believed it was damaging the image of the country.

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter confirmed last week the the long standing alliance with the Philippines is “iron clad”.  He also said, the US and Philippines connection “has served the interests of our nations for many years now”. Moreover, he added that there are ongoing talks on “alliance operations” with the Philippines.

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Philippines’ Duterte: Russia, China Supportive When He Complained Against US

In a new tirade against Washington, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday he received support from China and Russia when he complained to them about the United States.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev had agreed with him during a meeting on the sidelines of a leader’s summit in Laos last month when he criticized the United States, Duterte said.

Duterte disclosed during a speech, “I am revealing it to you now. I told him this is the situation: They are giving me a hard time. They are disrespecting me. They are shameless.”

“He said: ‘That is really how the Americans are.’ He said: ‘We will help you.’”

US President Barack Obama’s voicing over his opposition to Duterte’s deadly war on drugs has been a cause for annoyance for the Filipino president.

Duterte had called Obama a “son of a bitch” when Obama raised concerns about Duterte’s bloody campaign on drugs. This has caused the White House to cancel a meeting between the two leaders in Laos.

Duterte also mentioned his complaints about the United States to China, he said on Sunday. According to Duterte, a Chinese official said that the Philippines would not gain from siding with the United States.

As part of Duterte’s quest for an independent foreign policy, he has mentioned frequently that he intends to forge new partnerships with Russia and China, specifically for trade and commerce.

Duterte will visit Beijing on October 19 to 21 accompanied by a Philippine business delegation.

Re-evaluation of security arrangement with the US

In another jab at the US, Duterte said that he would review a significant security agreement with the United States, as it may not be binding since it does not bear the signature of the president of the Philippines. The US ambassador and then Philippine defense secretary signed the agreement.

The landmark security deal, known as Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, was signed before Obama visited the Philippines in 2014. It grants US troops access to Philippine military bases. It also gives them authority to put up storage facilities for maritime security and disaster response operations.

Although Duterte did not overtly say that the deal would be cancelled, it would be a huge setback for US attempts to enhance its authority in Asia and offset that of a rapidly emerging China if it does happens.

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Obama Says Congress Veto of Saudi 9/11 Bill a Mistake

US President Barack Obama has said that congress made a mistake by overruling his veto on Wednesday and put into effect a bill that allows legal action versus Saudi Arabia over the 9/11 attacks.

Therefore, he said that the legislation set a dangerous precedent for individuals around the world to charge the US government.

“It’s a dangerous precedent and it’s an example of why sometimes you have to do what’s hard,” Mr. Obama told CNN on Wednesday. “And, frankly, I wish Congress here had done what’s hard.”

The Justice Against Sponsors to Terrorism, or JASTA bill, finally clears the way for victims to file lawsuits seeking damages from members of the Saudi government who may have played a part in the attacks.

The oil-rich nation has denied any role in the attacks. Fifteen of the nineteen hijackers, however, were Saudi nationals.

Obama contended that putting the bill into law would be harmful to US interests. If other countries passed a similar legislation, US officials, troops and companies may be exposed.

The European Union and other US allies have opposed the bill. Dow Chemical and General Electric also contested it.

Government officials including Secretary of Defense Ash Carter disputed the bill. CIA Director John Brennan said that the bill held “grave implications” for national security.

Political considerations vs “doing the right thing”

The US president also suggested that political considerations were behind the vote.

“If you’re perceived as voting against 9/11 families right before an election, not surprisingly, that’s a hard vote for people to take.” he said on CNN. “But it would have been the right thing to do.”

Obama’s ardent Democratic supporters in congress managed to uphold all prior 11 vetoes. However, most of them linked up with Republicans to oppose him before going on the campaign trail for the November 8 elections.

The Senate voted against the veto 97-1 after the House of Representatives disapproved it 348-77.

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Obama’s Last Legacy; Nominates First Cuban Ambassador in 50 years

President Obama nominated the first US Ambassador to Cuba in more than 5 decades on Tuesday. Disregarding adversaries, he reached out to President Raul Castro with the goal of reuniting the two countries.

Obama selected Jeffrey DeLaurentis, a career Foreign Service officer. He sat as chief of mission for the US in Havana since 2014 to handle the job.

DeLaurentis however, still needs confirmation from the senate before he gets the chance to occupy the post. Senate Republicans staunchly refused their president’s attempt to reconcile with Havana.

In a provocative statement, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, Florida said the nomination must not continue. In a statement following Obama’s declaration, he said, “This nomination should go nowhere until the Castro regime makes significant and irreversible progress in the areas of human rights and political freedom for the Cuban people and until longstanding concerns about the Cuban regime addresses theft of property and crimes against American citizens.”

Rubio, the son of Cuban Immigrants added, “Just like releasing all terrorists from Guantánamo and sending U.S. taxpayer dollars to the Iranian regime, rewarding the Castro government with a U.S. ambassador is another last-ditch legacy project for the president that needs to be stopped”.

The US re-opened the American Embassy in Cuba a year ago after the two countries reunited their diplomatic relations. After a series guarded discussions, Obama sent out DeLaurentis to along with US interests section. US and Cuba ended the 55 long years of cold war when they announced a historic détente in 2014.

DeLaurentis role in fortifying peace talks makes him the most sensible candidate for the post. Obama said in his statement “Jeff’s leadership has been vital throughout the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba, and the appointment of an ambassador is a common sense step forward toward a more normal and productive relationship between our two countries”.

Obama’s formal nomination of DeLaurentis on Tuesday displays his assertiveness by the use his influence in overcoming the opposition. Only days before Congress takes a break for the November elections and months before he leaves office, Obama’s action shows his commitment on his Cuban policy. This is the one last major piece in his legacy.

The White House will face any opposition from the Senate. For the White House, having an ambassador in Cuba will strengthen US advocacies. These include improving the human rights situation and national security interests. Convinced it will make an impact on Cuba in having profound government policies and development in their society.

Obama stated, “Having an ambassador will make it easier to advocate for our interests, and will deepen our understanding even when we know that we will continue to have differences with the Cuban government”.

He defended his decision of DeLaurentis, saying, “Jeff is the type of person we want to represent the United States in Cuba, and we only hurt ourselves by not being represented by an ambassador.”

Jose Ramon Cabanas, the first Cuban ambassador in US since 1961, praised Obama for restoring ties with Cuba. Obama’s administration lifted the restrictions to commerce, trade and travel to to the island nation.

Eager tourists

American tourism increased in Cuba starting summer because of the Direct flights readily available, said Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont. It only shows positive support of Obama’s administration in mending ties with Cuba.

However, congress at Capitol Hill still needs to approve lifting the trade ban to Cuba.

Leahy supports Obama’s decision of having DeLaurentis as ambassador to Cuba. He said, “We need an ambassador who knows Cuba, who is respected by the Cuban government, and who will stand up for U.S. interests and values. Jeff is that person.”

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US Off Target with Emissions Goal