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Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- General
- Yahoo
Democrats need to embrace males with affection, not political strategy, NYT columnist argues
New York Times opinion columnist David French suggested the Democratic Party's $20 million effort to address their fallout with male voters might be the wrong approach, arguing that men needed to be embraced with "sincere affection." "Speaking with American Men: A Strategic Plan" is Democrats' $20 million project to "study the syntax, language and content that gains attention and virality in these spaces" of male voters, the Times reported Sunday. Known as "SAM," the study will specifically examine young male voters and how the party can connect with the demographic. Additionally, the study advised rolling out pro-Democrat ads in video games. French acknowledged the Democratic Party's fallout with young male voters, as the voting bloc was instrumental in re-electing President Donald Trump, but argued the party was "getting the challenge of reaching young men backward," because the "manosphere is not about politics." "You can't write a history of the manosphere without acknowledging that it was a response to a genuine crisis," French added. "Slogans like 'the future is female' created the impression that the sexes were in competition, and for women to win, men had to lose." Fetterman Hits Party's Losses Among Young Male Voters: 'Its Undeniable That Democrats Have Lost A Lot' The headline for French's column read, "The Democrats' 20-Million-Dollar-Man Problem." Read On The Fox News App The term "manosphere" has been used to describe podcasters or online personalities that appeal to male listeners and viewers. French also pointed to the American Psychological Association's study from 2019, which deemed traditional masculinity as "harmful." The study described it as being "marked by stoicism, competitiveness, dominance and aggression." The NYT columnist wrote, "The message seemed clear. Men, you don't have a problem; you are the problem." The 2024 election cycle included a push from both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's campaigns to speak to podcasters and other non-traditional media voices. 'The View' Hosts Clash Over Whether Racism, Sexism Played Role In Trump Election Victory The NYT reported that part of the Democrats' push to regain support from young male voters is to "shift from a moralizing tone." "The manosphere succeeded not by refusing to condemn men and not by avoiding a moralizing tone, but by choosing to love them and by choosing to help them," French wrote. French also argued that the "manosphere" has been planting "seeds for its own failure," and Trump's involvement with it means that many men are "doubling down on the worst versions of themselves." Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture French said men needed to be embraced with "sincere affection." "The answer to the manosphere's dark turn is rooted in embracing men with sincere affection, shunning the zero-sum calculus of the gender wars and offering a vision of masculine virtue that inspires men to heroic acts of compassion rather than vicious acts of aggression," French added. "America doesn't need a left-wing version of Joe Rogan. What it needs is our parents, pastors, teachers and coaches to fill the void in young men's hearts. Our sons should not have to turn to books or podcasts or social media to hear this simple and powerful message: I like you. I want you to live a good life. Let me show you how," the New York Times columnist concluded. Fox News' Emma Colton contributed to this article source: Democrats need to embrace males with affection, not political strategy, NYT columnist argues
New York Times
37 minutes ago
- Business
- New York Times
Ernst's Remark About Medicaid Cuts Draws Jeers at Iowa Town Hall
Senator Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa, had a gloomy message for constituents at a town hall in Butler County, Iowa, on Friday morning: 'We all are going to die.' Ms. Ernst was fielding questions about cuts to Medicaid that were included in the domestic policy bill working its way through Congress, when someone in the audience yelled out that the effect would be that 'people are going to die.' 'Well, we all are going to die,' Ms. Ernst responded, drawing jeers from the crowd. Ms. Ernst appeared taken aback by the negative response. 'For heaven's sakes, folks,' she said. Democrats moved quickly to call attention to the comment from Ms. Ernst, a second-term lawmaker who is up for re-election next year. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee circulated a video clip of the moment, calling Ms. Ernst's remark 'stunningly callous' and saying that it came as Republicans in Congress were pushing massive cuts to Medicaid that would leave 'millions of Americans uninsured in order to pay for a tax giveaway for billionaires.' The sprawling legislation, which contains a $4 trillion tax cut that would provide the biggest savings to the wealthy, also would make several changes to Medicaid, including adding a strict new work requirement. The independent, nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected that the bill would cause around 10 million Americans to become uninsured. Ms. Ernst comment on Friday came after town hall attendees interrupted her as she was highlighting provisions in the measure that sought to ensure that undocumented immigrants, who are not eligible to enroll in Medicaid, would not receive any services. As they defend the legislation, Republicans often refer to that aspect of it, suggesting that the only major changes it would make to Medicaid would be cracking down on waste and abuse in the program, including illegal use by undocumented people. Still, it is the more morbid portion of Ms. Ernst's remarks that Democrats are likely to play on repeat in campaign aids against her in the coming months. With her re-election top of mind, Ms. Ernst, a survivor of sexual assault and the Senate's first female combat veteran, earlier this year caved to a right-wing pressure campaign and voted to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth despite expressing reservations about his bid. A spokesman for Ms. Ernst said in a statement: 'While Democrats fearmonger against strengthening the integrity of Medicaid, Senator Ernst is focused on improving the lives of all Iowans.' The spokesman added: 'There's only two certainties in life: death and taxes, and she's working to ease the burden of both by fighting to keep more of Iowans' hard-earned tax dollars in their own pockets and ensuring their benefits are protected from waste, fraud, and abuse.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Longtime Eastern Kentucky Democrat joins the Republican Party
Sen. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, speaks on her floor amendments to Senate Bill 3. The logo on the cap says National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses. Webb's amendments were defeated and she voted against the bill. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) A long time Eastern Kentucky Democrat has announced she is joining the Republican Party. Sen. Robin Webb, a Carter County state lawmaker who has served in the state legislature since 1999, was one of two Democrats left in the statehouse representing parts of Eastern Kentucky. The region was once a Democratic stronghold, turning to a Republican area over the last couple of decades. She and other Republicans said it was a sign that the Democratic Party isn't what it once was. In a press release from the Republican Party of Kentucky, Webb said that she didn't leave the Democratic Party, but 'the party left me.' She added that her core values have not changed, just 'the letter next to my name' and she will continue to focus on issues in rural Kentucky. 'The Kentucky Democratic Party has increasingly alienated lifelong rural Democrats like myself by failing to support the issues that matter most to rural Kentuckians,' Webb said. 'First and foremost, I'm a mother, a rancher, and a lawyer with deep personal and professional roots in Kentucky's coal country. As the Democratic party continues its lurch to the left and its hyperfocus on policies that hurt workforce and economic development in my region, I no longer feel it represents my values. It has become untenable and counterproductive to the best interests of my constituents for me to remain a Democrat.' Webb thanked Republican Senate President Robert Stivers, other colleagues in the General Assembly and RPK for 'the warm welcome.' She said she looks 'forward to continuing to focus on sound policy with rural Kentucky's best interests in mind.' Webb was elected to the state Senate in 2009 after serving in the House for a decade, making her one of the current longest serving members of the General Assembly. Her district includes the northeastern Kentucky counties of Boyd, Carter, Greenup and Lewis. With Webb's switch, Democrats' superminority in the Senate dwindles to six members. Republicans now have 32 seats in the chamber. She was often seen as the caucus' more conservative member, sometimes voting with Republicans on culture war issues, like this year's bill to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in public Kentucky universities. Webb was also recently appointed by Stivers as the Senate co-chair of the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force, which will meet during the interim session. She sponsored a resolution to establish the panel. Webb also often worked across the aisle to get legislation she supported past, particularly on agriculture and rural policies. Earlier this year, one of her bills gained passage in both the Republican-controlled Senate and House. Signed into law by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, the bill established new allied animal health professional licenses for equine dentistry and animal chiropractic practice. Rep. Patrick Flannery, an Olive Hill Republican who represents Webb's home county in the House, said in the press release that the party switch makes sense for Webb and her constituents. 'Robin and I have always had an excellent working relationship,' Flannery said. 'She has served as a mentor to me and many others. We represent the same constituency, and she's making the same decision that many of our people have already made by changing her registration. Other Kentucky Republican leaders praised Webb for joining the party. RPK Chairman Robert J. Benvenuti III said in a statement that he met Webb when he was a state representative. 'I always respected that she approached issues in a very thoughtful and commonsense manner, and that she never failed to keenly focus on what was best for her constituents. It is my pleasure to welcome Sen. Robin Webb to the Republican Party,' he said. 'Like countless other Kentuckians, she has recognized that the policies and objectives of today's Democratic Party are simply not what they once were, and do not align with the vast majority of Kentuckians.' Kentucky's Republican National Committeeman John McCarthy and RNC Co-chair KC Crobsie, of Kentucky, also welcome Webb to the party's ranks. In the statehouse, the lone Democrat in the mountains left is Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, of Martin. Webb can seek election again in 2026. She had no opponents in the 2022 election. This story may be updated.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- General
- Yahoo
Religious garden, giant cross to rise in Maysville: Jerry Lundergan's vision
Jerry and Charlotte Lundergan are developing six acres at the entrance of St. Patrick Cemetery in historic Washington into a religious garden with Italian sculptures and a visitors center, May 29, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by David Stephenson) MAYSVILLE — Jerry Lundergan, a well-known Lexington businessman who once was state Democratic Party chairman, envisions days when thousands of visitors from around the world will walk in a six-acre garden in the historic village of Washington in his hometown of Maysville. Lundegan, who will formally unveil the plans June 3, wants to replicate the Garden of Gethsemane near Jerusalem where the New Testament says Jesus prayed the night before his crucifixion. Lundergan has commissioned a sculptor in Italy to create life-size bronze statues of Christ and the main characters in the 14 Stations of the Cross, representations of events in the Passion of Jesus Christ, from his condemnation to burial. A 70-foot cross, equivalent to a seven-story building, will tower nearby. It will be positioned to reflect sun rays during the Easter season onto Station 12, depicting Jesus dying on the cross. Excavations are underway for the spectacular religious display in front of the Saint Patrick Cemetery in Washington on U.S. 68 about five miles south of the Ohio River. It will include a visitor's center. Asked how much the project will cost, Lundergan said it is privately funded by the Lundergan family and receives no tax dollars. 'This is a way for my family to do something to show our love for the church and community that mean so much to us.' Lundergan said that the price of admission will be minimal if any — in contrast to other religious attractions — the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter — in Northern Kentucky. Visitors may leave donations, which will be used to maintain the garden and support St. Patrick Church and school in Maysville, Lundergan said. Lundergan grew up, was baptized and married in St. Patrick Church. He attended St. Patrick School. He will be buried someday at St. Patrick Cemetery along with his wife, Charlotte Lundergan. Actress and singer Rosemary Clooney, who was born on Front Street in Maysville in 1928 and died in 2002, is buried there. She was the aunt of international movie star George Clooney. The historic cemetery includes the tombstones of early immigrants from Ireland. The bishop of Covington, the Rev. John Curtis Iffert, has leased land to Lundergan, who will give the entire garden to St. Patrick Church once it is completed. Lundergan, 78, owns several companies in Lexington in the food services and hospitality industry and emergency disaster services. Lundy's Catering provided food services at the Woodstock revival, the Kentucky Derby, Indianapolis 500, Pope John Paul II's celebration of mass with 350,000 in San Antonio in 1987, and presidential inaugurations for Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The Lundergans are close friends to former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. President Joe Biden pardoned Lundergan earlier this year for his conviction on federal campaign finance charges involving unreported donations to the 2014 U.S. Senate campaign of his daughter, Alison Lundergan Grimes. Lundergan served time in prison and a halfway house. Lundergan emphasizes that the garden project is a family venture. Charlotte and he have five daughters and 10 grandchildren. To launch planning for the garden project, Lundergan contacted Betty Vento of Mentor, Ohio, an expert on religious statues. She and her husband run Mosack's, a Christian gifts and book store. 'I think this is a fabulous project, nothing like it, I believe, in the United States with bronze statues,' said Vento. 'I understand there is a Stations of the Cross garden in Puerto Rico but it is circular. This one will be on a pathway.' She said Lundergan called her almost five years ago to pursue the project. 'We have moved forward with it and are very excited about it.' Lundergan commissioned bronze statues by sculptor Reto Demetz. His family business, the Demetz Art Studio, is one of the world's leaders in producing ecclesiastical art. The studio is located in Ortisei, a small village in Val Gardena, nestled in the Dolomites, the famous mountain range in the heart of the Italian Alps. The studio was founded in 1872. During the last decades, it has reached worldwide fame for its modern religious sculptures as well as its traditional artworks. Lexington landscape architect John Carman, of the firm CARMAN, said that when Lundergan first called he was not sure he would have the time to devote to designing the garden. 'But it is such a wonderful project, quite unique, I am Catholic, so I was all in,' he said. He worked a year on the design. Carman said the garden will be a replica of Gethsemane. 'The real garden is in a different part of the world, with olive trees. Olive trees do not grow well here.' But visitors 'will see a beautiful garden with a lot of flowers and shrubs, some trees, that will capture the spirit of Gethsemane.' A public groundbreaking ceremony for the project is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the site. Christian ministers in Mason County have been invited to attend. The target date for completion of the project is Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. A celebration Mass will be held at the church the Thursday before Easter. A Good Friday program will be held at the stations and an Easter sunrise service will offer praise at the garden. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
an hour ago
- Politics
Rural Democratic lawmaker announces switch to the GOP in the latest setback for Kentucky Democrats
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A longtime state lawmaker announced Friday that she is switching parties, joining Republican supermajorities in the latest setback for Democrats trying to rebuild support across rural Kentucky. State Sen. Robin Webb, who represents a four-county swath of northeastern Kentucky, revealed she will join the ranks of GOP lawmakers who control the flow of legislation in the state. Webb was one of the last rural Democrats in Kentucky's legislature, and her defection leaves her ex-party more tethered to urban and suburban districts in a state with large stretches of rural territory controlled by the GOP. Webb said in a prepared release that the state's Democratic Party has continued to 'lurch left.' 'It has become untenable and counterproductive to the best interests of my constituents for me to remain a Democrat,' Webb said. 'I will continue to be a fearless advocate for rural Kentucky and for the residents of eastern Kentucky who have been so good to me and my family." Webb has compiled a resume deeply ingrained in Kentucky culture. She has ties to the coal industry and is a well-known gun enthusiast who changed career paths to become an attorney. Webb first joined the Kentucky House in 1999, when Democrats controlled the chamber. She spent a decade as a state representative before joining the GOP-led Senate in 2009. Republicans seized total control of the legislature in the 2016 election, when they rode Donald Trump's coattails to win the Kentucky House for the first time in nearly a century. Republicans padded their legislative numbers in subsequent elections, giving them their overwhelming majorities. Republicans attained that dominance by winning in rural districts previously held by Democrats, but Webb's district had remained a blue dot on the map until Friday. Her party switch leaves Democrats mostly devoid of a rural presence in the legislature. One exception is Democratic state Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, who represents an Appalachian district. The state's two-term governor, Democrat Andy Beshear, won a number of rural counties and shrank GOP margins in others in his 2023 reelection. His popularity was built on the state's robust economic growth in his first term and his handling of disasters, from tornadoes and floods to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kentucky Democrats are trying to spark a rural comeback with a grassroots strategy, evidenced by the state party's ongoing 'listening tour' with stops in culturally conservative towns across the state. Lawmakers will begin their 2026 session in early January, but Beshear has said he will likely call lawmakers back for a special session sometime this year to take up storm-relief funding. Parts of southeastern Kentucky were devastated by deadly tornadoes earlier in May, while other parts of the Bluegrass State were inundated by flooding in April.
