AOC, Rubio Lead in Latest 2028 Presidential Primary Poll A new poll released this week has positioned Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, as the leading potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential election, marking the first time the progressive has topped the field. According to the latest survey by AtlasIntel, 26% of Democratic voters indicated they would support Ocasio-Cortez’s bid for the presidency, with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and California Gov. Gavin Newsom following closely behind at 22% and 18%, respectively. On the Republican side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emerged as the frontrunner, securing 45.4% of primary voters’ backing, while Vice President JD Vance and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis trailed at 15% and 12%, respectively. President Donald Trump, who has yet to publicly endorse a successor for the 2028 election, expressed support for Rubio and Vance’s potential partnership during a White House event on May 11. Describing the duo as a “dream team,” Trump emphasized their combined appeal but clarified that his endorsement would not be extended to either candidate. “I think it sounds like presidential candidate and vice presidential candidate,” he said, adding that their collaboration would be a “perfect ticket” for the next presidential race. However, Trump stopped short of formally endorsing either candidate, leaving the Republican field in a state of uncertainty. Ocasio-Cortez’s potential candidacy has sparked significant attention, though she has not confirmed her intentions. During an interview with Democratic strategist David Axelrod earlier this month, Axelrod directly asked her whether she was considering a presidential or Senate run. Ocasio-Cortez responded by rejecting the notion that her ambitions were limited to political office.#marco_rubio #j_d_vance #gavin_newsom #alexandria_ocasio_cortez #pete_buttigieg
Here are Iran's 5 conditions for ending war after rejecting US ceasefire plan Iran outlined five key demands for ending the conflict in the region after rejecting a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. The counteroffer, presented by Tehran, includes calls for sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, an end to “aggression” from the U.S. and Israel, and reparations for war damages. A statement from Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai emphasized that the country would determine the timing of the war’s end, rejecting any U.S. influence over the process. The Iranian conditions include: the cessation of all acts of aggression, guarantees to prevent future conflicts, compensation for war-related damages, a comprehensive end to hostilities across all fronts involving resistance groups, and full control over the Strait of Hormuz. These demands were presented as separate from previous negotiations in Geneva, where talks on Iran’s nuclear program had stalled without reaching an agreement. The rejection of the U.S. ceasefire plan comes amid ongoing military actions. Iran has targeted Kuwait International Airport and other sites in the Persian Gulf, while Israel launched an offensive air assault, signaling continued hostilities. President Trump’s initial 15-point proposal included rollbacks to Iran’s nuclear program, limited missile activity, sanctions relief, and a conditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran’s latest demands appear to diverge from these terms. Tehran has accused U.S. officials of betrayal, summoning Vice President JD Vance to negotiate. The country alleges that Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, who previously led peace talks, have undermined efforts. Mediation is expected to involve Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is preparing to deploy 2,000 U.S.#iran #united_states #israel #strait_of_hormuz #j_d_vance
Marco Rubio Mocked for Wearing Oversized Shoes Amid Report Trump Gifts Officials Footwear They Are Too ‘Afraid Not to Wear’ President Donald Trump has been gifting senior officials $145 Florsheim dress shoes, reportedly guessing their sizes in front of them, leading to a situation where recipients are described as “too afraid not to wear” the footwear. The practice has drawn ridicule, particularly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced mockery for wearing oversized shoes ordered for him. According to reports, Trump has taken to guessing officials’ shoe sizes during meetings, with an aide placing an order and a brown Florsheim box arriving at the White House a week later. Recipients, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and others, have reportedly worn the shoes in Trump’s presence, some reportedly doing so begrudgingly. One cabinet secretary reportedly complained about having to shelve his Louis Vuitton shoes, according to people who overheard the complaint. The practice has sparked criticism, with conservative columnist Matt Lewis warning that the shoes could “cause blisters.” Meanwhile, unnamed White House officials described the situation as “hysterical,” noting that officials are “afraid not to wear” the footwear. One official remarked, “All the boys have them,” while another told the Journal, “It’s hysterical because everybody’s afraid not to wear them.” The shoe-gifting trend has extended to a range of figures, including Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, White House communications director Steven Cheung, and media personalities like Fox News host Sean Hannity and former host Tucker Carlson. The practice has also drawn attention from the media, with SNL mocking Kristi Noem in a separate segment.#donald_trump #white_house #marco_rubio #j_d_vance #florsheim
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Briefs on Iran War Amid Trump's Mixed Messaging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine held a press briefing on Tuesday, providing updates on the ongoing military operations against Iran. Hegseth emphasized that the United States is “crushing the enemy in an overwhelming display of technical skill and military force,” describing the conflict as a 10-day battle that has intensified with each passing day. He warned that Tuesday would mark “the most intense day of strikes inside Iran,” with increased numbers of fighters, bombers, and refined intelligence targeting key infrastructure. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, offered conflicting assessments of the war’s progress. On Monday, he described Operation Epic Fury as a “short excursion,” yet simultaneously threatened to escalate the campaign with more “fury” to achieve its objectives. Trump’s remarks came as the economic fallout of the conflict began to take shape, with rising oil prices and concerns over gas costs growing among Republicans. The president argued that higher fuel prices were a “very small price to pay” for eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat, a stance that has drawn criticism from GOP lawmakers worried about its impact on the November elections. Trump’s comments also touched on his relationship with Vice President JD Vance, whom he described as “maybe less enthusiastic” at the start of the war. Despite this, Trump claimed the two “get along very well on this,” suggesting a degree of unity within the administration. However, tensions within the Republican Party have intensified as Trump’s demand for the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act—requiring proof of citizenship for voting—has placed pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune.#donald_trump #pete_hegseth #dan_caine #john_thune #j_d_vance
