NEWS AND OPINION:
One Republican stalwart has a polite warning about the ongoing student protests at various colleges and universities across the U.S.
“Professional agitators are organizing most of these demonstrations across the country … while so many of the students have no idea what they are demonstrating for or against, let alone the history and circumstances of what is happening in Israel,” writes Saul Anuzis, former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party and current president of 60 Plus Association, a nonpartisan seniors-advocacy group.
“There are those who want to destroy our country and are helping create division, chaos, and hate that only serves their purpose. This is not organic and it’s not accidental,” he says.
“The far left is abusing our free society and arguing for a system that ultimately is repressive and hasn’t worked as they imagine anywhere in the world. In fact, in the name of socialism and communism, tens of millions have been murdered, many others incarcerated, not to mention freedom and liberty lost,” Mr. Anuzis continues.
“This is a problem. Elections have consequences. Every Democrat in Congress has voted to empower these radicals. Liberal prosecutors and judges are encouraging this activity by ignoring the rule of law. Pay attention folks — these problems are coming to a neighborhood near you,” he concludes.
The commentary was published Sunday at SaulsNews.com, a news site which Mr. Anuzis both contributes to and curates.
AN UNEXPECTED BACKFIRE
Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo had a question for Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump. Former President Donald Trump continues his appearances in a New York City courtroom — but has still managed to make campaign stops such as a recent visit to a New York City firehouse, where he delivered pizzas to local firefighters.
“How are you raising money and putting President Trump in front of donors if he’s got to be in New York all day long?” Ms. Bartiromo asked her guest.
“Well, obviously, Maria, that’s by design. They want to keep Donald Trump trapped in a courtroom and not able to go out and campaign. And their hope is that, somehow, that helps Joe Biden. But it’s amazing to see,” said Mrs. Trump, who is Mr. Trump’s daughter-in-law.
“It’s almost like Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird. When Sylvester goes hard after Tweety Bird, it always backfires. And that’s exactly what’s happening to the Democrats right now, because you see, as you pointed out, Donald Trump’s poll numbers continuing to go up,” she said.
“At the Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign, we announced that our April fundraising exceeded our expectations. We raised $76 million. And the beauty of that is, the average donation, Maria, is under $30. That means the people of this country understand what’s at stake. They understand what is happening to this man, this lawfare that is being waged against him in an attempt to interfere in an election,” Mrs. Trump said.
“And they are fighting back. Even in the midst of this abysmal economy that Joe Biden has handed us, people are donating their money at DonaldJTrump.com, if anybody wants to support us, because they understand what is at stake right now,” she said.
Mrs. Trump also recommended that GOP voters visit two websites — DonaldJTrump.com and ProtectTheVote.com.
THE BIG SPRING MEETING
The big event took place on a “picture-perfect Palm Beach Saturday, in the Grand Ballroom of the Mar-a-Lago Club.”
That event was the Republican National Committee Spring Meeting which featured a “raucous standing ovation” for former President Donald Trump and some spirited speeches celebrating committee fundraising, the “America First Agenda,” and the “MAGA Movement.”
“President Trump closed the event by thanking Republican leaders and donors, and raising an additional $2 million right from the podium at the event,” the committee said in a statement.
Meanwhile, here’s who joined Mr. Trump onstage, according to a guest list shared with the Beltway: Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Mike Lee of Utah, Marco Rubio of Florida, Tim Scott of South Carolina, J.D. Vance of Ohio; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; and Reps. Jim Banks of Indiana, Byron Daniels of Florida, Wesley Hunt of Texas, Elise Stefanik of New York, and Michael Waltz of Florida.
Others onstage included David McCormick, U.S. Senate candidate in Pennsylvania; Bernie Moreno, U.S. Senate candidate in Ohio; and former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy.
“The American people are fed up with weak Joe Biden’s failed economy, border crisis, and unacceptable responses to antisemitic violence spreading across college campuses nationwide. Our team will continue working every day to exceed expectations, raise the funds we need, and build an unmatched party infrastructure to prove that President Trump’s momentum is unstoppable,” said RNC Chair Michael Whatley and Co-Chair Lara Trump in a written statement.
A GROWING INTEREST
The grand Burpee seed and garden catalog was established by W. Atlee Burpee in 1876 and continues to offer a near astonishing variety of garden goodies and supplies.
Their newest offerings include a “Supreme Sweet” red pepper, Mayan Sunset petunias, “Boomerang Purpink” lilacs, “Red Hybrid” Sunflowers and “Butterbaby” winter squash — along with tools, composters, vintage-style posters, wildflowers and much more.
Find it all at Burpee.com.
POLL DU JOUR
• 88% of U.S. adults say the economy is “very important” in determining who they will vote for U.S. president in the November election.
• 85% cite inflation and rising prices as very important in determining their vote.
• 77% cite crime and safety, 76% cite health care.
• 69% cite the immigration situation at the U.S.-Mexico border.
• 66% cite gun violence.
• 53% cite America’s standing in the world.
• 57% cite access to abortion.
• 48% cite the war between Israel and Hamas.
SOURCE: An ABC/Ipsos poll of 2,260 U.S. adults conducted online April 25-30 and released Sunday.
• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, on Facebook @HarperUniverse.