Trump running mate contender called ‘a workhorse, not a show horse’
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is in the Trump running mate spotlight.
The Army veteran, who served in combat in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars before becoming a rising star in Republican Party politics, has been viewed as a potential running mate since he endorsed the former president in early January, two weeks ahead of the Iowa caucuses.
But buzz about the senator intensified following a slew of media reports in late May that Cotton was moving up on Trump’s list for the GOP’s vice presidential nomination.
“I speak to President Trump and his senior team pretty regularly about the campaign and that we’re doing everything we can to set him up for success,” Cotton said this past week in an interview with Fox News Digital.
TRUMP GIVES A HINT ABOUT HIS RUNNING MATE
But Cotton emphasized that “we haven’t talked about the vice presidential choice.”
“I suspect there’s only one person who knows who’s genuinely on his short list and who he’s going to choose and that’s President Trump, and I’m confident that with a great roster of Republicans that he’s going to make a good choice at the right time,” the senator added.
Asked if he’d say yes if Trump offered him the running mate slot, Cotton said, “I do love my job in the United States Senate. It’s a privilege and an honor to serve the people of Arkansas and the people of our nation, but of course, any patriot if asked by the President of the United States to serve in another capacity, would have to seriously entertain it.”
TRUMP ACCELERATES VETTING OF RUNNING MATES
The 47-year-old Cotton has built a reputation during his tenure in Congress as a conservative hardliner and a small-government Republican.
“He’s articulate. He’s smart. I feel like he’s right in the heart of what the party is and wants right now,” longtime Republican strategist David Kochel told Fox News when asked about Cotton’s political attributes.
Kochel, a veteran of numerous GOP presidential campaigns, added that Cotton is young and that “he does the work. He’s a workhorse, not a show horse… He’s sharp and is going to be a good debater.”
Pointing to Cotton’s military service and his position on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Kochel added, “I think his credibility on foreign policy is pretty important.”
Among the potential drawbacks — the obvious. As a white male, Cotton would bring no added diversity to the Republican national ticket.
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Another issue — he hails from a reliably red state. But he is far from the only potential running mate contender who lives in a state where Republicans dominate the political landscape.
Cotton was interviewed by Fox News as he made a stop in New Hampshire to help campaign with former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who is the frontrunner for this year’s Republican gubernatorial nomination in the race to succeed retiring Gov. Chris Sununu.
Cotton is no stranger to New Hampshire, the state that for a century has held the first primary in the race for the White House.
The senator made two stops in the Granite State in 2020 on behalf of then-President Trump’s re-election campaign. And he was a frequent visitor in 2021 and 2022 to campaign on behalf of Republicans running in the midterm elections and to test the waters on a possible 2024 White House bid.
But days before the 2022 midterms, Cotton announced he wouldn’t run for the White House in 2024.
And in his first interview after announcing his decision, the senator emphasized why he didn’t run.
“Family was really the only consideration,” Cotton said at the time.
The senator and his wife, Anna, are the parents of two young boys.
“My boys are ages 7 and 5. They’re old enough to know that dad’s gone and be sad about it, but not old enough to understand the purpose and why it all matters and why the sacrifice is worth it,” Cotton said at the time. “I am pretty sure Republican voters can find another nominee, but I know that my sons can’t find another dad for the next two years.”
The senator added that “over the next two years, my 7-year-old will learn to hit the fastball and my 5-year-old will learn to read, and I want to be there to teach them both.”
But Cotton didn’t rule out a White House bid in the future.
Fast-forward nearly two years, and Cotton reiterated that he “closed the chapter on national race at the time but my wife and I didn’t necessarily close the book” on a presidential campaign in 2028 or beyond.
Major breakthrough in case of American boy feared to have been ‘lured’ from a cruise ship
A missing 14-year-old American boy has been found safe after he left a cruise ship that docked in Germany and disappeared, authorities said Saturday.
Aydin Brown was found unharmed at around 10 p.m. in Brandenburg, a city over two hours away from where he went missing in the port town of Rostock-Warnemünde on Thursday, local police said.
Brown was last seen exiting the Caribbean Princess cruise ship shortly after it docked on July 4 at the port of Warnemünde. Brown was taking the cruise with his grandmother when the pair reportedly got into an argument, which led Brown to leave the ship, police previously said.
Princess previously told Fox News Digital that they were working with local police to find Brown after the teen disembarked “without an escort.”
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Concerns grew over Brown’s whereabouts after family members posted on social media that the teen “may have been lured away” in their “worst nightmare” after he left the ship.
Police said investigators picked up the teen’s trail near Potsdam, a city on the border of Berlin, after “intensive investigation” and the evaluation of technical data.
Brown was found in Brandenburg, about an hour west of Berlin. Police said he was unharmed and accompanied by a 19-year-old whom he is believed to have met in Rostock.
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At this stage in the investigation, police said there were no indications of a crime.
Brown’s family said in an update on social media that the 14-year-old was found safe, thanking everyone who continued to share updates during the ordeal.
“Thank You from the bottom of our hearts!” Amy Kopischke, a cousin of Brown wrote. “Our Prayers were answered and Aydin was found safe!!”
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Family wrote on social media that Brown was reunited with his grandmother and mother, who had flown to Germany after he went missing, later Saturday night.
Gen Z’er takes the reins and makes history in the political world
Brooke Huckaby is bucking Gen Z’s apparent political apathy trend by stepping up to the plate to become the youngest female mayor ever elected in Georgia history. Now, she’s encouraging other young Americans to take part in the political process.
“It’s just really concerning to me how people my age aren’t involved in our economy or politics or any real thing going on in the world, and I just wanted to be the one to be able to make that change and take that step forward where other people aren’t,” she told guest host Lisa Boothe during Sunday’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” broadcast.
The 21-year-old mayor of a small town named Arabi, located approximately 150 miles south of Atlanta, followed in her father, Craig Huckaby’s, footsteps by taking on the role.
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Craig served as mayor of Arabi for 12 years before deciding not to run for reelection. His daughter subsequently decided to take the reins, but said she was reluctant at first to let her father know of her decision because she feared he might try to talk her out of it.
“On a Tuesday, I think she signed up, and it was Thursday before I found out from my secretary at City Hall,” he told Boothe.
“I thought maybe I talked her out of running. I was a little shocked then, but I’m glad, and she’s a smart girl. She’ll do well,” he added.
ARKANSAS COLLEGE STUDENT ELECTED TO SERVE AS MAYOR OF SMALL TOWN AT THE AGE OF 18
On that note, Brooke explained, “I think I wanted it to kind of be able to sneak up on him.”
Brooke’s goal is to get the Crisp County, Georgia, community to start “investing in themselves” and stop relying on the country to be their “backbone.”
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“I really do [hope more young people become leaders],” she said, while reflecting on the future.
“It’s really time we start caring about the world that we’re making for our children and their future and, right now, I don’t think too many people are worried about that.”
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Disney heiress puts Democrats on notice with a threat if they don’t replace Biden on the ticket
Walt Disney Company heiress and liberal megadonor Abigail Disney said she will withhold cash to the Democratic Party until President Biden drops out of the 2024 race.
Biden’s disastrous performance at last week’s debate has caused widespread concern about his candidacy from Democrats who now believe he is not up to running the country for another four years. Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Walt Disney Company’s co-founder Roy Disney and longtime donor to the Democratic Party, is among the influential liberals who have seen enough.
“I intend to stop any contributions to the party unless and until they replace Biden at the top of the ticket. This is realism, not disrespect. Biden is a good man and has served his country admirably, but the stakes are far too high,” she told CNBC.
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“If Biden does not step down, the Democrats will lose. Of that I am absolutely certain,” Disney continued. “The consequences for the loss will be genuinely dire.”
The Disney heiress has a preferred replacement and wants Democrats to overlook Vice President Kamala Harris’ “shortcomings” after years of giving Biden a pass.
“We have an excellent vice president. If Democrats would tolerate any of her perceived shortcomings even one-tenth as much as they have tolerated Biden’s — and let’s not kid ourselves about where race and gender figure in that inequity — and if Democrats can find a way to stop quibbling and rally around her, we can win this election by a lot,” she said.
The Walt Disney Company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“She has not donated to our campaign this cycle,” a Biden campaign official told Fox News Digital.
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Abigail Disney’s contributions have, however, included giving $50,000 to the Jane Fonda Climate political action committee in April and $150,000 in 2014 to Planned Parenthood Votes, according to CNBC.
During the now-infamous debate, Biden repeatedly lost his train of thought mid-sentence, got confused and visibly struggled to combat former President Trump’s arguments in real time. An onslaught of media outlets and high-profile Democrats have since called for him to step aside from re-election.
Biden has insisted he has no plans to drop out. He is scheduled to do a much-anticipated interview with Disney-owned ABC News on Friday.
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Abigail Disney’s stance could be troubling for Democrats if more rich donors follow suit. Gideon Stein, president of the Moriah Fund, said he is pausing planned donations of $3.5 million that would go to election-related nonprofits and political organizations, CNBC reported.
Costco rival members rage over controversial policy as they threaten to take biz elsewhere
Sam’s Club Plus members have about six weeks left to use a coveted perk, and they are letting the wholesale giant know they are not happy about losing it.
Effective August 19, Plus members will only get free shipping on orders from Sam’s Club’s website or app on “qualifying orders of $50 or more,” the company announced via email on June 19.
For those who do not add $50 worth of qualifying items to their digital cart, there is an $8 flat rate fee; however, Sam’s Club says, “Some category exclusions apply whereby variable shipping will be charged.”
“Hey @SamsClub, how are spinning these new changes and now for plus members, we have to order $50 or more for free shipping??” @Victorino1 posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “You are taking away benefits. ENOUGH, respond back to your plus members. This is some BS!!! Don’t ghost us!”
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Within minutes, Sam’s Club responded to say, “By adding a cart minimum, we are increasing access to different ways of shopping for our members. This will make it easier for you to get the products you want, the way and at the time you want.”
One X user, @mbarthur1, even went as far as to say, “class action here we come,” referencing a lawsuit.
At least one is threatening to take his business to Sam’s Club’s warehouse rival.
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“@SamsClub idiotic move getting rid for free shipping for plus members,” @80zkid4Ever posted to X. “I will take my business to Costco.”
Sam’s Club responded that they understood his “frustration about this new change,” and asked that he private message them.
In response, another X user said she is disabled and counts on Sam’s shipping to get the products that she needs.
“Many of the items I buy are only sold online so your new free (for $50 or more) from the warehouse makes no sense for me,” @monroe8831 posted to X. “Please help.”
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WMT | WALMART INC. | 70.04 | +1.80 | +2.64% |
Plus members will also be able to get free same-day delivery on qualifying orders when the $50 minimum threshold is met when the changes take place next month.
Other perks for Plus membership include free curbside pickup, early shopping, 2% Sam’s Cash through the rewards currency program, prescription savings, optical savings and Plus Early Access, which allows shopping two hours early during “big year-round savings events.”
Sam’s Club, a Walmart-owned company, is currently offering $50 off a Plus membership, making it $60, but the offer ends Sunday.
“Our members are at the heart of everything we do,” a statement from a Sam’s Club spokesperson to FOX Business said, adding that the retailer is “continuously working on providing an easier and more convenient shopping experience for our members.”
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“I’m NOT paying $8 for shipping that used to be free (or should I say was “included” in my $100/year membership!!),” Terese Helberg wrote on Facebook. “Will likely cancel and have to rely on Costco for all the items I used to love getting from Sam’s Club!”
At Costco, some items purchased online include shipping and handling. Others are two-business day delivery for orders of $75 or more.
Man’s attempt to impress on Independence Day with fireworks ends in death
A South Carolina man is dead after a firework he ignited on top of his head on Independence Day in an apparent attempt to “show off” exploded, according to officials.
Allen Ray McGrew, 41, set a large “firework device” on top of his head and ignited it at 10:20 p.m. on Thursday on a subdivision’s street, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office said, according to WSB-TV.
“The device exploded while on top of his head causing massive head injuries,” the sheriff’s office said.
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McGrew was pronounced dead at the scene in Summerville, South Carolina.
The man was “showing off” when he put a firework on his head, according to the incident report from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, FOX Television Stations reported.
McGrew’s wife told deputies they were having a block party on July 4th and that her husband had been drinking for several hours before the accident happened, according to the report. She said she observed her husband put a firework on his head in what she believed was an attempt to “show off.”
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The report said McGrew’s wife was telling him to stop when the firework went off, and witnesses saw him collapse.
Independence Day is McGrew’s favorite holiday, his wife told The Post and Courier, which reported that the firework used in the accident was legal.
ESPN star’s pick for Rookie of the Year draws immense backlash
ESPN pundit Monica McNutt drew some blowback for her explanation of why Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is her WNBA Rookie of the Year pick over Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark.
McNutt on “Get Up” on Friday said she would choose Reese for the award because of where the Sky are in the WNBA standings.
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“My rookie of the year is going to go based off the standings because I think that is how you have to measure impact,” McNutt said. “And the Sky right now are in the playoffs, so you have to give the nod, in my mind, to Angel Reese.”
McNutt also pointed to Reese’s double-double streak, which was at 11 as she was speaking on the ESPN show. She also pointed to the lack of All-Stars that were on the team when Reese was selected.
When it came to Indiana, McNutt said the Fever already have the building blocks. Aliyah Boston was the No. 1 pick last season and the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year, and Kelsey Mitchell was already averaging nearly 20 points per game.
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But fans who have tuned into the WNBA this season because of Clark and Reese took issue with McNutt’s reasoning and expressed as much on social media.
Since McNutt’s remarks, Clark became the first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double while Reese extended her double-double streak to 12 games.
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As of Sunday, both teams are in the top eight in the WNBA standings and would make the playoffs.