New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani (D) has shifted his stance on the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada,” saying he would now “discourage” its use. Speaking on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton, Mamdani said his change of heart came after a conversation with a rabbi who associated the phrase with past terrorist attacks in Israel.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and leading candidate to replace Mayor Eric Adams, acknowledged a “gap in intent” between how the phrase is used by some to protest Israeli occupation and how it is received by many in the Jewish community as a violent threat. He emphasized the importance of representing all New Yorkers, saying his role as mayor would be to understand and bridge differing perspectives.
The American Jewish Committee has defined the phrase as a call for “aggressive resistance against Israel.” Mamdani’s comments Sunday mark a departure from June, when he told NBC’s Meet the Press the phrase was “not language that I use,” but also said it wasn’t his role to “police” speech.
Mamdani’s updated position was first reported in July by The New York Times after a private meeting. Since then, he has tried to balance progressive support with broader electoral appeal, especially in a city with large and politically diverse Jewish and Arab communities.
Over the weekend, Mamdani campaigned with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who criticized billionaire Elon Musk’s wealth during a Brooklyn town hall. Mamdani has also promoted a plan for city-run grocery stores, which he defended in a CNN interview on Friday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), typically known for his calm, measured demeanor, erupted in frustration on the Senate floor Wednesday, accusing Democrats of prolonging the government shutdown and using social welfare programs as political leverage.
Thune’s rare display of anger came during a heated exchange over legislation to temporarily fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food aid to low-income families.
Democrats, led by Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), pushed for a standalone bill to keep SNAP benefits flowing as the shutdown approached its 30th day.
Thune fired back, noting that Republicans had already voted 13 times to reopen the government, only to be blocked by Senate Democrats.
“Let me just point out, if I might, that we are 29 days into a Democrat shutdown,” Thune said, his voice rising. “SNAP recipients shouldn’t go without food. People should be getting paid in this country. And we’ve tried to do that 13 times. You voted no 13 times.”
As the 2028 presidential race looms on the horizon, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s name is frequently mentioned as a potential contender.Known for his polished political persona, charismatic public speaking, and progressive achievements as the leader of the nation's most populous state, Newsom has built a reputation as a formidable political force.However, as his presidential ambitions gain momentum, one of his most infamous scandals from the past is making a resurgence in the media.
In 2007, while serving as mayor of San Francisco, Newsom found himself embroiled in a scandal that would nearly destroy his career. Newsom admitted to having an affair with Ruby Rippey Gibney, the wife of his close friend and campaign manager, Alex Tourk.This revelation shocked the Bay Area political world and ignited a media frenzy. The affair not only damaged personal relationships but also called into question Newsom’s character and judgment.At the time, Newsom was a rising star in California politics. Having become mayor in 2004 at the age of 36, he had quickly gained recognition for his leadership, particularly in his advocacy for same-sex marriage rights.However, the scandal shattered the image he had carefully crafted as a responsible, trustworthy public figure. The fallout was swift and intense. Tourk, who had been a key figure in Newsom’s political rise, resigned from his post as the mayor’s chief of staff. The affair dominated the news cycle, with local and national outlets giving it constant coverage. Political opponents seized on the controversy to question Newsom’s fitness for office, and late-night comedians made him a target for jokes.
In a public statement, Newsom admitted to the affair and offered a sincere apology. “I want to make it clear that everything you’ve heard and read is true,” Newsom said, visibly emotional.“I am deeply sorry about that. I’ve hurt someone I care deeply about, Alex Tourk and his friends and family. That is something I have to live with.” He went on to apologize to the people of San Francisco, acknowledging that his actions had damaged the public trust and promising to work hard to restore that trust in the coming months. Despite this apology, the damage had already been done.While Newsom’s political career survived the scandal, the affair left a stain on his record that has lingered over the years. Despite his eventual success in becoming California’s governor in 2019, the affair remains an enduring part of Newsom’s story.As speculation grows about his potential run for the White House in 2028, questions about his past and the impact of the scandal on his future prospects have resurfaced.
In the years since the scandal, the political discourse surrounding issues of personal conduct and workplace dynamics has evolved significantly, particularly with the rise of the #MeToo movement.As discussions of workplace misconduct and the abuse of power have become central to political debates, questions have emerged about whether Newsom’s relationship with a subordinate could be considered a form of workplace misconduct.Critics argue that, given Newsom’s position of power, the affair could be seen as a betrayal of professional boundaries, raising concerns about his judgment and integrity.However, Gibney herself has defended Newsom in the years following the scandal. In a Facebook post, she acknowledged that she was a subordinate but emphasized that the responsibility for the affair lay with her as well.
“To be clear, I fully support the Me Too movement,” Gibney wrote. “In this particular instance, however, I am doubtful that it applies.” She expressed her belief that the relationship had been mutual and consensual, pointing out that both she and Newsom had made choices that led to the affair.By doing so, she attempted to shield Newsom from the harsher allegations that had surfaced at the time.Despite this defense, the controversy surrounding Newsom’s past continues to haunt him. As he prepares for the possibility of a 2028 presidential run, Newsom will have to confront this scandal head-on.
The national stage is a far more unforgiving environment than the one he faced as mayor of San Francisco. While California voters may have forgiven Newsom for his past mistakes, a presidential campaign would thrust his personal history into the spotlight once again.The timing of the renewed focus on the scandal could not be more significant. As Newsom’s profile continues to rise on the national stage, particularly among progressive Democrats, his record as governor is often highlighted as evidence of his political capabilities.Newsom has been lauded for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, his aggressive climate change policies, and his efforts to address homelessness in California. His progressive stance on issues such as healthcare, climate action, and gun control has earned him praise from many in the Democratic Party.
However, Newsom’s opponents are likely to seize upon his past as a point of attack, questioning his integrity and trustworthiness. For those who view the affair as a sign of poor judgment, the idea of him becoming the leader of the free world may seem unthinkable.The scandal will be revisited frequently, especially if Newsom becomes a serious contender in the race. While Newsom’s charm and political acumen may help him weather these attacks, the personal nature of the scandal means that it will be difficult to fully escape
The legacy of the affair also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by public figures who have lived their lives in the spotlight. For many, Newsom’s scandal may seem like a minor lapse in judgment from an otherwise capable leader.However, for others, it represents a deeper issue about character and integrity. In a time when political leaders are held to higher standards than ever before, Newsom’s past may continue to shape how voters view him, both in California and nationally.In addition to the scandal, Newsom must also navigate the shifting political dynamics in the United States. While he enjoys strong support among progressives, the broader electorate may be less forgiving.
The country’s political landscape has evolved since Newsom’s time as mayor of San Francisco, and the issues that once defined his career may not be as relevant to voters in 2028.For example, the focus on climate change, healthcare, and social justice that defined Newsom’s tenure in California may resonate less with moderate and independent voters, who are likely to have different priorities in the coming years.As Newsom weighs the possibility of running for president, he will need to consider how to balance his progressive values with the broader appeal necessary to win a national election.The scandal may complicate that process, but it also presents an opportunity for Newsom to demonstrate growth and maturity as a leader. If he can effectively address his past while continuing to push forward with a compelling vision for the future, he may be able to overcome the stigma associated with the affair.For now, Newsom’s political future remains uncertain. While he has not yet officially announced his candidacy for the 2028 election, the speculation surrounding his potential run continues to build.
As he navigates the complexities of his past and the challenges of the future, Newsom will need to confront his past mistakes head-on, all while proving to voters that he is the right choice to lead the nation.In a political landscape where personal character is as important as policy, the resolution of Newsom’s scandal will be a key factor in determining whether he can rise to the occasion and secure a place in the presidential race.
When one twin gets diagnosed with cancer, everything changes, even the way you see yourself in the mirror.
That’s the emotional truth Isabella Strahan, daughter of TV host Michael Strahan, is sharing in a new interview, where she and her sister Sophia reveal how cancer reshaped not only Isabella’s life, but their bond as twins.
Now 20 and cancer-free, Isabella is reflecting on the last year: the terrifying diagnosis, the grueling treatments, and how her relationship with Sophia evolved in ways she never expected.
“It put so much into perspective,” Isabella told People, as the sisters promote their upcoming book Sisters Loved and Treasured: Stories of Unbreakable Bonds. “I would worry about small things and then understand, at the end of the day, they were trivial.”
A post shared by Sophia Strahan (@sophialstrahan)
Sophia, who attends Duke University, the same place where Isabella underwent her cancer treatment, agreed. “When Isabella got sick, that put a lot of things into perspective,” she said. “You have each other’s back, no matter what.”
Isabella was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, in October 2023, just as she was starting her freshman year at the University of Southern California. What began as vertigo and balance issues soon escalated into vomiting blood, leading to an emergency room visit that revealed the tumor.
A post shared by michaelstrahan (@michaelstrahan)
She underwent immediate surgery, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiation. Two additional surgeries were needed after a post-op infection.
“She was thin and tired and bald,” Michael Strahan said earlier this year. “All the things you hate to see your kid go through.” He added that watching Isabella fight for her life was “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
For twins who grew up doing everything together, Isabella’s treatment had another emotional impact — it changed how she saw herself next to her sister.
“Honestly, we don’t even look the same anymore,” she said. “That’s a little sad to me. A lot of it was my hair.”
A post shared by Isabella Strahan (@isabellastrahan)
She recalled a moment at a party when someone asked how she and Sophia knew each other. “We’re sisters. We’re twins,” she replied.
But through the grief, fear, and physical transformation, their connection deepened.
“Not many people can say they’ve gone through something so difficult and had someone there the whole time,” Isabella said. “That was great. It’s brought us a lot closer.”
And in true sister fashion, there’s still room for playful bickering.
A post shared by Isabella Strahan (@isabellastrahan)
“We still get in fights,” Isabella laughed. “She says, ‘You’re fine now. I can take your things.’”
Now back at the University of Southern California and regaining her strength, Isabella continues to be monitored by doctors, while Sophia studies at Duke, the same hospital campus where Isabella once received treatment.
“There will never be a time I’m not nervous,” he admitted. “I could tell she feels it too.”
But if the last year proved anything, it’s that some bonds aren’t just unbreakable, they’re forged in fire. And Isabella and Sophia? They’re still walking side by side, even when life pushes them to different coasts.
No comments: