Episode Transcript
[00:00:03] Speaker A: Getting back to our origin of we the People, tackling current issues, both political and legal, with common sense.
As we the People, we must bring common sense back to make our lives better.
Only on now Media tv.
[00:00:24] Speaker B: History has been made and it is about time.
For the first time in its 2000 plus year history, the Roman Catholic Church has elected an American Pope. That's right. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago has just stepped onto the world stage as Pope Leo xiv.
Let that sink in. A Pope from the heartland of America. I am Alina Gonzalez, Doctor, your hostess and welcome back to we the People.
This is more than just a first for the Church. It's a moment that sends a powerful signal to Catholics across the globe and yes, to Americans who have often felt like outsiders when it comes to the Vatican's inner circle.
Prevost isn't just some bureaucrat bureaucrat who climbed the ladder. He's a man who led the mission, serving in South America, leading in Peru, and navigating complex cultural terrains with grace and grit.
Now, let's be honest. For decades, the idea of an American Pope was seen as, well, highly unlikely. Even the Las Vegas odds had the cardinal from Rome and the cardinal from Philippines as the top potentials for getting becoming the next elected Pope.
Some even said an American Pope would be an impossibility.
The thinking was, America's too powerful already. Why would the Church hand the Papacy to one of its sons? But here we are. And let's just say this Pope didn't come from Wall street or Hollywood. He came from missionary work and service.
And there is a message in that.
When Pope Leo stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he opened with the words, peace be with you.
Simple, direct, human.
He spoke in Italian.
He gave a nod respectfully to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and emphasized that's Vatican speak for dialogue and inclusion, a continuation of Francis's more open style. But don't expect Pope Leo to dive headfirst into hot button controversies. Like his predecessor, he's seen as a bridge builder, someone who doesn't play to the extremes.
And maybe that's exactly what the Catholic Church is and the world needs right now.
A voice of calm, rooted in faith, focused on unity instead of division.
Pope Leo XIV isn't just an American success story. He's a reminder that leadership isn't about flash, is about service, humility and hope.
So, yes, this is a big moment for American Catholics, but it's also a big moment for anyone who believes in the power of faith to transcend borders, politics, and pride.
Let's watch closely because whether you're Catholic or not, this moment says something.
History isn't just something we study, it's something we live.
Now let's pull back the curtain and get to know the man behind the white robes, Pope Leo xiv, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, as we discussed the history being made.
Now let's get understanding why this new Pope could reshape how the Vatican shows up in the world.
Pope Leo is no Vatican careerist. He was born in Chicago, but has spent most of his life far from the American shores, living among the poor in Peru, leading missionary work and walking side by side with migrants and marginalized communities.
He once said, a bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom.
Isn't that refreshing?
Especially as we witnessed the pomp and circumstance, the bands playing and some would say was very much like the monarchy, you know, celebrations of the monarch coming in as we witness when King Charles stepped upon his throne.
But this isn't a monarchy, but it is something to be celebrated, especially for the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
The Pope is described as humble and reserved, even a bit quiet.
Not the kind of headline grabbing firebrand we have seen in past Popes such as Francis.
But make no mistake, this man has been at the center of the Church's most important decisions. In 2023, Pope Francis tapped him to run the Vatican's all important office for selecting bishops.
That means Pope Leo already helped shape the future leadership of the Church on almost every continent. And that is also another historical part of this conclave.
133 countries were represented in this much important vote for the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis had a vision. He wanted to spread the Catholic religion, be inclusive and also have fair representation among the many nations and countries that made up the Catholic reach.
So Pope Leo, with his instructions from Pope Francis, did just that.
Garnering bishops and cardinals, especially in the Eastern countries and in Africa, broadening the global reach of the Catholic Church.
And Pope Leo's global resume tells us something important.
He understands the Church isn't centered in Europe anymore, which is something that Francis has also been working at. Because when we see the Catholic Church in the west declining in, in people participating in the masses or even joining the Catholic Church, we are seeing record numbers joining the Catholic Catholic Church in conversion in African nations, Eastern nations as well as Latin America.
It's not even centered in the U.S. despite his passport, it's global and he's lived it.
Some are wondering where Pope Leo stands on hot button issues.
He's not one to give flashy sound bites. His style is more measured, if you will.
Supporters call him serene.
Critics say he's cautious.
And yes, he leans more traditionally on issues like family, gender and sexuality.
Back in 2012, he spoke out against what he called alternative families and the influence of Western media on church values.
He's also drawn some criticism for how he handled past sexual abuse cases, something the church must continue to confront head on.
Some say he was too passive. Others believe he was caught in a political storm fueled by internal church factions.
Either way, the world will be watching closely as the sexual abuse scandals are still very much a part of this papacy.
But here's the bigger picture.
Pope Leo isn't trying to be a celebrity pontiff, which was what many critics called Pope Francis.
He's a servant, quiet, intentional, rooted in his faith. He may not shake things up with a dramatic wave, but don't underestimate the ripple effect of a leader who walks with people, not above them.
So the next question is, what does this mean for the Vatican's role on the world stage?
I'd say balance with rising secularism, political polarization even within the Catholic Church. Pope Leo may be the steady hand the world's oldest institution needs right now.
Less drama, more discernment.
In a world that often rewards noise, Pope Leo offers something radical quiet strength. And that might just be the loudest statement of all.
I for one was raised Catholic and I will I the buzz even between myself and my friends who are definitely more devout than I am.
We were excited the moment that it was reported that that famous white plumes came up saying that a Pope was elected.
No one, not even the pundits, not even those that were betting, thought an American would reach this level in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
And here's something else to ponder. For those of you that are Christian but non Catholic Catholics make up 45% to 50% of the Christian faith.
That's interesting because for us, many times it seems like we are the ones who are dogged out. The Church is the one that's dogged. But let's recall Pope John Paul ii, how he was integral into assisting with the fall of communism, the Soviet Union and that Eastern bloc, a Pope that was not even a blip on the radar and a a cardinal, a bishop that was not even considered until the eighth vote. And in my lifetime, the greatest Pope we've ever had.
And so yes, I am biased. I will always look and compare to every Pope that comes after JP2 who is now a saint to see what shoes that will fill and how the papacy can help bring and unify the world and how its influence can also be reached by reaching out across the aisles, much like PR Pope John Paul II did with differing religions.
I am Alina Gonzalez. We're going to take a quick break.
Up next, talking about the political ripple effects of this papal election, especially for American Catholics and faith based voters. You'll want to hear this tune back in.
[00:12:23] Speaker A: As we the people, we must bring common sense back to make our lives better.
Only on NOW Media tv.
[00:12:31] Speaker B: Welcome back. We've talked about the history, we've talked about the man behind the papacy. But now let's talk about the impact.
What does the election of Pope Leo XIV really mean, not just for the Catholic Church, but for geopolitics, global culture and yes, for us here in the United States.
First, let's talk American Catholics.
For decades, they've been devoted, active and generous, making up about 20% of the global church's population. But culturally, they've often felt sidelined by the Vatican. This election is a shift. It's not Vatican endorsement of US Politics, far from it, but it is a symbolic bridge for American Catholics. This papacy feels a little more personal and I can attest to that based on just conversations and texting and messaging with friends around the nation.
Now, let's be clear.
Pope Leo isn't going to wave the Stars and Stripes from the papal balcony. So don't anybody get crazy and think, oh, America is going to take over the Vatican. Now, he's not a political figure, but the fact that he understands American values, freedom, responsibility, individual conscience gives him a unique lens.
He's fluent both in the Vatican diplomacy and the cultural pressures facing Western believers today.
Now, here's where it gets even more interesting.
Latin America. This is again a second pope that has significant ties with Latin America. Pope Francis was the first Latino pope to be elected. Originally from Argentina, Pope Leo was cardinal and was of Peru and spent much of his clergy time in Peru. And he's actually a dual citizenship.
So Pope Leo spending years living among the people there, serving in Peru, fighting for migrant rights, standing with the poor.
His election is a bomb for many in the global south who felt overlooked or perhaps demonized, especially with what the culture is for, anti immigration and here in the US and elsewhere.
It also signals that the church sees Latin America not just as a mission field, as it has been looked at for centuries, but as a spiritual engine of Catholicism.
This matters.
Latin America is ground zero for the church's future and also a Place where secular ideologies and authoritarian movements are clashing with traditional faith values.
Pope Leo brings credibility not just from Rome, but from the dirt roads and parishes of Peru.
That could reshape how the Vatican engages with Latin American politics and populism on both the left and and the right.
And the ripple effects don't stop there.
His election will resonate in Africa and Asia too.
Regions where Catholicism is growing fast, but where cultural traditions don't always align with Western liberalism.
So here is where Pope Leo's humility and quiet discipline could help the Church avoid cultural imperialism and truly listen to these communities.
So what do we take from all this?
It's tempted to look at a papal election as just a religious headline, something to say. Woohoo. The Catholics got a new Pope. Let them celebrate. That's fine, although geek moment. It is so cool. I could only imagine to be one of the many of the tens of thousands of people celebrating the election of a new Pope there at the Vatican while they are celebrating the jubilee with the portal doors open to St. Peter's tomb.
But this one touches on migration, morality, power. Because the Catholic Church does hold power and identity.
Who speaks for the world right now, where religion is sometimes demonized or used as a weapon?
And the answer, at least for Catholics, is now a soft spoken missionary from Chicago who's seen the world, listen carefully and quietly risen to one of the most powerful pulpits on earth.
So diving into how Pope Leo XIV's approach might influence US faith based politics in this upcoming midterms of 2026, how does this affect the Catholic swing voters to religious liberty battles?
So we talked about the new Pope, the man and the movement. But now let's bring it home.
What does the election of Pope Leo XIV mean for American politics?
Especially as we head towards the high end stakes of of 2026 midterm election cycle?
Let's start with the basics. Catholics make up roughly one in five American voters.
And here's the twist.
They're not a monolith.
You got devout pro life voters. You have progressive social justice Catholics. You have Hispanic Catholics with traditional faith family roots, and suburban moderates caught between cultural shifts and core beliefs.
But here's what unites many of them. They're paying attention now.
The election of an American born Pope, even one who's theologically measured, sends a ripple through parishes and pews.
For voters of faith who often feel dismissed or caricatured by both political parties.
Pope Leo's rise reinforces something important. Their values still matter on the global stage.
So how does this shape the political battlefield?
Well, both parties would be wise to pay attention.
Republicans have long found allies among pro life and religious liberty voters, many of them Catholic. But the new Pope's emphasis on humility, service to the poor and migrant rights would energize Catholics voices calling for a broader pro human dignity agenda, not just cultural worlds. And put out of your mind that all sudden, oh, we can push a pro choice or pro abortion agenda. That's not going to happen among the Vatican. It's just not.
And also, and it was despicable to see how the Catholic churches were the ones vandalized and churchgoers harassed by these pro abortion, really, it was just sycophants in the way that they were handling it.
That's not the way to do it either.
So be mindful and be respectful.
Hey, that is what the biggest message that we can get from this former cardinal who is now on the global stage as Pope.
Meanwhile, Democrats will likely embrace Pope Leo's commitment to dialogue, inclusion and global cooperation.
But they'll also be pressed on questions where faith and policy clash.
Think parental rights, which we have seen be diminished, especially in the blue states like California, bioethics, gender ideology, where this Pope has specifically stood against the recognition of trans women as being equal to biological females.
And conscious protections for religious institutions, which I will differentiate between Democrats and the woke progressives. Because the woke progressives have done everything that they could to belittle, to besmirch the Catholic faith.
And here is the political wildcard.
The growing independent Catholic voters, especially Hispanic and suburban white Catholics. Their swing voters in key states like Arizona, Pennsylvania and Georgia.
And while Pope Leo isn't endorsing any candidate, nor should he, his presence could remind these voters that faith and conscience belong in the public square, not at the margins.
And let's not forget the deeper undercurrent here.
The quiet revival of Catholic intellectual and moral influence in America public life.
Pope Leah won't light up Twitter or chase headlines, but his steady voice could inspire American Catholics to be more engaged, more thoughtful and yes, more vocal about shaping a nation grounded in virtue, not just volume.
And I'm not proposing that we eradicate the separation of church and state, which is specifically stated in the First Amendment of our Constitution.
However, both Democrats and Republicans have used the bully pulpit of many churches. But maybe it is time for us to be able to find a perfect balance. And maybe there is no such perfect balance. But maybe it's time to start bringing these ideological extremists get the majority of us that are somewhere in that middle, whether you're center left, center right and join forces and figure out how we can carry forward on a positive mission.
So as 2026 draws closer, watch for this. Catholic voters aren't just a block, they're a bellwether. And with an American pope now in the Vatican, you can bet the political world will be listening a little more closely to what's happening in the church. We're going to take a quick break and that wraps up Vatican and we're going to go to shifting our global partnerships that is bringing smiles on the man, on the face of the man in the Oval Office. Tune right back in.
[00:24:54] Speaker A: As we the people, we must bring common sense back to make our lives better.
Only on NOW Media Tier tv.
[00:25:02] Speaker B: US UK Trade deal framework just announced by President Trump.
All right, folks, something big just broke out of Washington and it's not just the usual beltway buzz. President Trump has announced a brand new trade agreement with our oldest ally, the United Kingdom. And while this framework may not be the full blown big beautiful deal, some hope for it is a strategic and symbolic win that's already shaking up the global trade chess board.
This is the first trade deal the US has struck with a major partner since those sweeping tariffs were dropped like a hammer on friends and foes alike.
And let's be honest, this wasn't just economic policy. It was a power move. The message, play fair, don't play at all.
Now, don't expect fireworks just yet. This deal is targeted. It's about rolling back certain tariffs and opening access in key areas.
British steel and cars getting a break. American beef, ethanol, Boeing jets getting in the door.
It's not a sweeping NAFTA style pact, but it is a pivot and one that could add billions in trade and signal something even bigger.
So let's talk numbers. In 2024, the US ran in 11.9 billion dollar trade surplus. Yeah, 11.9 billion.
With the UK alone one of the few countries where we're actually ahead.
That makes this a low drama, high opportunity deal. No messy deficit politics, no posturing, just business. Which, let's face it, the man in the office loves to do just that.
But here's the part I love. While other countries are threatening tariffs, wagging fingers or playing chicken, Britain picked up the phone.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer was literally watching his soccer match when Trump called to close the deal.
The UK Played smart, stayed diplomatic and opened its markets without a brawl.
That's what leadership looks like.
And for President Trump, it's a win he needed. Terrorists may have rattled Wall street, but this gives him a chance to say, see, we're getting results.
It also boosts his position heading into future talks with bigger players like the EU and and China, who are watching his every move.
Now, let's not ignore the critics.
Some economists are saying this deal is too narrow or that it's mostly symbolic. And it may very well be.
But sometimes symbolism matters, especially when we're looking at the eu.
This deal says America isn't backing down from fair trade and that allies who engage respectfully will be rewarded.
And can we talk about the tone for a second?
Instead of a backroom battle, this was rolled out with fanfare, gratitude, and a whole lot of optimism, which is refreshing at a time when global diplomacy often feels more like a chess smash than a handshake. This deal brings back a little bit of that Reagan Thatcher speech spirit.
So what's next?
Expect pressure on other nations, especially in Europe and Asia, to cut their own deals or face the music.
The European Union has already floated retaliatory tariffs. China's up next in the negotiations.
The Trump team is sending a clear message. Deals are on the table, but they come on our terms.
Bottom line, this US UK deal isn't just a trade tweak. It's a tone setter, a statement, a little bit of the old school alliance with a modern edge. And if you're a business owner, a farmer, or just someone who wants to see America lead with strain, this is a good sign.
Now let's look how this trade framework could influence global markets and US Midterm messaging.
President Trump unveiled a framework for a trade deal with our British allies. And let me tell you why this matters more than just another handshake across the pond.
First, let's talk markets. Wall Street's already responding positively. Stocks hit their daily highs as this news broke.
Why? Because this signals something crucial. America's tough stance on trade is starting to bear fruit, which is what Trump has stated since his hundred day speech.
We're seeing the first crack in what some critics called an impenetrable wall of global tariffs.
But here's what's really interesting and what many aren't talking about.
This deal is a strategic brilliance in three ways. One is sending a clear message to China ahead of today's of yesterday's talks in Switzerland. The timing isn't coincidental, folks, as Treasury Secretary Bezant sits down with Beijing's representatives. America showing we can make deals, but on our terms.
Two, the framework is selective, maintaining that baseline 10% tariff while offering specific relief on steel and automobiles is like a masterclass in negotiation, firm but flexible. And as far as the automobiles, it still carves out an exception on the tariffs of 100,000 British automobiles. Then after the 100,000 mark is when the tariffs come into effect, which looking at their exports of automobiles to the US really was around the 100,000 mark.
And thirdly, which I just realized how I'm doing, three, most importantly for American families, we're seeing real concessions on agricultural access.
Those tariff cuts on US Beef exports, that's real money in American farmers pockets. It's also opening up the export of American produce and beef to the uk.
Now, let's talk midterms. The administration is crafting a powerful narrative here.
Promises made, promises kept. They're addressing inflation concerns head on. Just look at how the President's handling those consumer price worries. When he says maybe children will have two dolls instead of 30, he's speaking directly to middle class families who understand the value of temporary sacrifice for long term gain.
But perhaps the most telling aspect is how this deal came together.
A late night call to the PM during a soccer match.
That's the kind of personal results driven diplomacy that resonates with voters is showing America isn't just throwing its weight around. We're building relationships but always putting America first, which is what President Trump has always campaigned on and stated the $11.9 billion trade surplus with Britain gives us leverage, but it's how we're using it that matters.
This isn't just about numbers. It's about setting precedence for future negotiations with the European countries, China and others.
And looking ahead, watch for this framework to become a template. Other nations are already lining up and that's exactly what the administration wanted to create competition for the American market access.
And as Trump stated, he wants America to be the global market. He wants all of that, these, you know, world people from around the world to come here and shop.
Bottom line, this isn't just a trade deal. It is a masterclass in economic statecraft that could reshape both global markets and the midterm narrative.
America is open for business and it is on our terms.
So yes, for those that love the Art of the Negotiation, a book that Trump clearly owns, we are now seeing it. So it's really now going to see what are the next steps, how this is going to influence the talks in Switzerland between America and China.
And also remember China, though it will not publicize this, they have been getting hit hard due to these terrorists. Even though they're putting 145% on. So we reciprocating things because you have, let's look at Apple, Apple computers, Apple iPhones, Apple, one of the biggest proponents of using workers and factories in China, has now already changed its strategy and it hasn't just happened within these hundred days, but it's changing its, its strategies and in refocusing its factories, moving its factories, moving its production to other countries such as India where they can still get cheap labor, but they can also do this that is a huge hit to China is when you had the likes of Apple, which in Trump's first term was starkly just embedded and saying absolutely not, we're not going to fold. They have seen the writing on the wall and they have been able to shift and create a business plan where they will shift their factories, their, their foundation for their products from China to other countries.
If Apple, who is one of the probably largest corporate American corporations that are very heavily based and dependent on China, is being able to re strategize and move its factory and its manufacturing, it is a blueprint and also the pathway for many other companies.
So we're going to take a quick, quick break and then we're just going to go into some other things in our next segment. In that one big beautiful bill, maybe not so beautiful when it comes to the Republicans. Tune right back in.
[00:36:51] Speaker A: As we the people, we must bring common sense back to make our lives better.
Only on NOW Media tv.
[00:36:58] Speaker B: What could be a game changing tax proposal that's got both Main street and Wall street paying attention?
The no tax on overtime plan that's taking shape on Capitol Hill.
So let's break it down.
Why does this matter to every hard working American who's ever picked up an extra shift or stayed late to get the job done?
Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas just dropped the details of how Republican Republicans plan to turn President Trump's campaign promise into a reality. And it's a fascinating blend of populist appeal and fiscal responsibility.
But can they achieve it?
I think that we will say, but here's what we the people need to know.
First, the numbers, because they do matter.
We're looking at a tax break capped at $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for married couples on tips. Because remember, Trump campaigned on no taxes on tips. And Kamala Harris, remember she took that and grabbed with it. So both parties technically were campaigning on no taxes on tips. However, they have to look at that because yes, absolutely, there are some individuals that are tip earners that are skating and they're just hovering at the poverty line or just above. But then there are others that have an significant income. So what the Republicans, or more specifically Senator Marshall is stating is let's cap it.
So the first $10,000 for an individual on tips is non taxable and for 20,000 for married.
Now for the average family in the 22% tax bracket, we're talking about potentially keeping extra $4,400 in their pocket.
That's not pocket change, folks. That's real money for real families.
But here's where it's even more interesting and why this proposal is smarter than your typical tax cut cut.
The Republicans are building in some strategic guard rails to Trump's vision.
Income limits kick in at $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for married couples.
And this isn't a giveaway to the coastal leads is targeted relief for middle class workers because remember, he wants to extend the 2017 tax relief beyond as they're about to expire in J come January 2026.
Also, Trump has floated that anyone who earns 150,000 or less should not be taxed. So we're looking at, the Republicans are looking at how can they shape this? So limiting the income $100,000 for an individual, married couples, 200.
It only applies to genuine overtime pay.
So for the $100,000 or $200,000 couples, this is the no tax on overtime. And I apologize, I didn't say that. Remember, he also stated in his campaign and Simpson that he wants to not have taxes on overtime pay.
So what is a genuine overtime Pay? We're talking one and a half times, 1.5 times regular pay rate.
This rewards actual extra effort, not creative accounting. So like for individuals working in Florida, anybody who earned, I know it's probably been risen, but let's just say for example, 45,000 or less and they, they work overtime. They are, the employers are required to pay at a one and a half time rate of their hourly rate.
Now, workers still pay, payroll taxes keep, so the Social Security system will remain stable. Same with Medicare because they still are contributing and they're still receiving that matching from their employers.
So we're starting to see some political chess moves.
This bill is part of what the President calls one big beautiful bill. And timing is everything. With the midterms approaching, Republicans are showing they can translate campaign slogans into practical policy.
They're not just talking about helping working Americans, they're showing exactly how they'll do it.
The Yale budget lab tells us about 8% of hourly workers and 4% of salary workers regularly clock overtime. That's millions of Americans who could see immediate benefits. Nurses pulling double shifts, factory workers keeping production lines running, first responders protecting our communities.
Perhaps the most brilliant aspect, the proposal cuts the potential cost by 75% compared to earlier estimates.
That's the kind of fiscal responsibility that plays well with both the base and independent voters.
We're also seeing a broader strategy emerge. Along with the no Tex on tips proposal from Senator Cruz and Representative Buchanan and Representative Malio Takis push for increased standard deductions for seniors, Republicans are crafting a comprehensive worker focused tax reform package.
Bottom line, this isn't just about overtime pay. It's about recognizing and rewarding the American work ethic is about saying if you're willing to put in the extra hours, we're going to let you keep more of what you earn. And that was something that was promised on the campaign trail. And interestingly enough, that was what Trump was doing in his first term. That's what he was stating.
This messaging resonates across party lines and could reshape both the economic and political landscape heading into the midterms.
But the big question is, will they be able to do it in an era where we're seeing record inflation and rising costs? Any policy that lets working Americans keep more of their hard earned money isn't just good politics. It's good policy. And this should be something that bipartisanship that means hello Democrats, work with people. We need common sense. This would be common sense.
However, this big beautiful tax bill is facing some big beautiful problems and is coming from within the Republican Party itself. Stocker, because Medicaid is also being tweaked in this or more than tweaked.
So we got three major stories converting that could impact every American wallet. First, there's the promising new overtime tax proposal.
There is Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, a Republican holding a district that Kamala Harris won by five points, is threatening to derail the entire package over Medicaid costs because in his district there are more people on Medicaid than what he barely won for his seat.
For many OCS, he's drawing a hard line at $500 billion in reductions while leadership is pushing for nearly 900 billion. Now that's not all in one year. It's over a graduated time period, but still, I think it's eight years.
And the math here is critical. Republicans have a razor thin 220 to 213 majority. Bacon claims he's got 20 other Republicans who share his concerns and and only need four no votes. To sink this bill, Speaker Johnson is trying to thread an impossible needle, promising conservatives $1.5 trillion in overall cuts while telling moderates that Medicaid will be protected.
As committee votes begin this week, vulnerable Republicans are being asked to take what one member called a walk the plank vote. In other words, the Titanic Democrats aren't missing this opportunity. They're already crafting campaign messages painting Republicans as choosing tax cuts over health care. But Republicans counter they're simply adding work requirements and eligibility checks to the program and also looking at what Medicaid fraud there could. You know, having a stauncher look at fraud and cutting that fraud out of its budget.
But the clock is ticking. President Trump wants this signed by July 4th, but committee members have until Memorial Day to find these savings. And remember, this same bill includes those tax breaks for overtime and tips that we have discussed.
Bottom line, this isn't just about policy anymore. It's about political survival. With razor thin margins and deep divisions, the fate of the president's economic agenda now rests on whether leadership can keep moderates like Bacon on board while delivering cuts conservatives demand and kind of shape it up.
Guess who's back in the limelight?
President, former President Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden.
So we have witnessed a remarkable moment of political candor as former President Joe Biden breaks his silence in his first television interview since leaving office.
The headline, Biden's frank admission of responsibility for Trump's return to the White House. Quote, I do, because, look, I was in charge and he won.
Here's what makes this story fascinating. It's not just about what happened. It's about what could have been.
Biden still maintains he could have beaten Trump again, pointing to those 7 million fewer voters Trump received, stating, they didn't even show up. Man.
Yet the numbers tell a different story.
Biden left office with just 38% approval, and a majority of Americans, 54%, expected him to be remembered as a below average president, if not one of the worst in history.
What's particularly striking is Biden's assessment of Trump's first hundred days, calling them the worst any president's ever had.
Strong words from a man who's been relatively quiet since that pivotal, pivotal debate performance that led to his withdrawal, the one that made it strikingly clear that something clearly was wrong with President Biden and put his cognitive decline on everybody's radar.
Talking to you, media.
But perhaps the most revealing moment came when he addressed the Harris campaign, highlighting what he called the most consistent campaign, undercutting the notion that a woman couldn't lead the country, and a woman of mixed race is a stark reminder the complex intersections of gender, race and power in American politics.
And while Jill pushed back against accusations of creating a cocoon around her husband, the former president offered a broader perspective on why democracies worldwide are facing challenges, not just democracies. What he meant was the left because we are seeing conservatives winning major seats in Europe, pointing to the underestimation of the psychological economic impact of COVID 19 on voter attitudes. Of course he's not going to take responsibility for the WOKE ideology that he just forced down the American's throats, which 70% are against.
But you know what, America? As I wrap up the tonight's show, I'm reminded that history rarely fits into neat little boxes. We've watched a former president grapple with his legacy while his successor reshapes the nation's direction.
Whether you supported Biden or Trump, one thing is clear.
The American experiment continues to evolve, challenging us all to look beyond partisan labels and ask ourselves, what kind of leadership do we really need for tomorrow's challenges?
From all of us here on we the People and NOW Media tv, good night. And remember, democracy isn't just about who's in the White House, is about all of us staying engaged in the conversation and demanding common sense to be brought back to governance.
This has been a NOW Media Network's feature presentation. All rights reserved.
