It went. Yesterday, candidates polling a distant second to former President Trump got airtime at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. They scrutinized Obamacare, China, the Biden admin’s border policies, and transgender surgeries for kids. And former NJ Gov. Chris Christie criticized Donald Trump for ducking the debate. He called him…Donald Duck.
How Goofy. Who won?
Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy spoke the most. He wants to end birthright citizenship for kids of undocumented immigrants. And doesn’t mind being on TikTok. Former UN ambassador and former SC Gov. Nikki Haley does. She feels “dumber” every time Ramaswamy talks and wants lawmakers to lose pay if the government shuts down. Haley, former VP Mike Pence, and Sen. Tim Scott (SC) accused Ramaswamy of being in bed with China. Christie and Pence talked about who does or doesn’t sleep with teachers. Haley and Scott faced off about government spending and curtains. And Gov. Doug Burgum (ND) reminded us that showing up is half the battle.
The first debate introduced Republican voters to options beyond Trump. The second gave them airtime before a fundraising deadline. But if candidates aren’t able to turn zingers into better poll numbers, the US may soon be on track for another 2020 rematch.
Meta. Yesterday, Facebook’s parent company told everyone it would start putting chatbots of famous people everywhere from WhatsApp to Messenger. Here's what that looks like: starting this week, you'll be able to open WhatsApp and chat with an AI version of Snoop Dogg being dubbed the “Dungeon Master.” Or, you could slide into AI Tom Brady’s DMs and ask him what exactly a tight end is. CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who still plans to fight someone apparently, says the goal will be to change the fact that “most people haven’t had the chance to experience” the new AI tech. Normally critics worry about IP — but in this case, the celebrities are getting checks. Instead, critics worry this will add to the parasocial relationship fans already have with the rich and famous.
Who’s getting the boot…
Mel Tucker. Yesterday, Michigan State University fired the football coach over allegations that he sexually harassed Brenda Tracy, a prominent rape survivor and activist he previously worked with last year. The news ends the career of one of the highest-paid coaches in college sports and comes after years of scrutiny at MSU over sports allegations against sports doctor Larry Nassar. MSU said Tucker’s actions “brought public disrespect, contempt, and ridicule upon the university.” Tucker has said MSU “does not care about my rights.”
Who’s raising eyebrows…
Cher. Yesterday, court documents alleged that the singer hired four men to kidnap her son, Elijah Blue Allman. Allman and his ex-wife Marie Angela King were trying to work on their marriage in New York City when King alleges four men came to take Allman. Now, King reportedly says Cher did it because the couple were trying to “reconcile” their marriage. In the documents, she said one of the men claimed they were hired by Cher. Cher hasn’t commented.
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We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Taking back tech…Molly D (AZ). She’s participating in the inaugural Women Who Code to the Finish Line. It’s an inclusive walk, run, and roll with the goal of raising money and awareness about the disparity of women in tech, especially for women of color. The money will go towards providing women with resources to feel empowered.
