Sanders Opens Wide Lead on Clinton in NH Poll

Bernie Sanders has opened up a double digit lead on Hillary Clinton in the Granite State. The poll was reported in the Washigton Examiner.

Fox has Sanders leading 50 percent to Clinton's 37 percent among Democratic voters one month out from the primary. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley trails with 3 percent.

On Reddit: Hillary Clinton Underestimates Millenials' Intelligence

In what almost seems like satire, a user in the popular site Reddit's page for Bernie Sanders supporters wrote that Hillary Clinton seriously discounts the intelligence of Millenials.

As stated on the SandersforPresident Subreddit:

Hillary Clinton's main problem is that such a high proportion of millennials are intelligent enough, curious enough, and well-informed enough to see right through her piles of bullshit. She is really really smart, but we happen to be smarter. Also, Millennial values intersect with Bernie Sanders' values so well. We care about attention to detail, truth/integrity, curiosity, flexibility, and optimism with a future-oriented focus. That practically defines Bernie to a tee. I also think the vast majority of millennials have certain skills in more abundance than our predecessors. We are capable of deeply understanding nuance/shades of grey. We also seem to be able to hold two conflicting ideas in our minds at one time, and realize that both can be true, even though they seemed at odds on face value. All of these characteristics help us to see Hillary for what she truly is, and help us to see why Bernie Sanders is so rare and amazing.

North Dakota Has More Job Openings than Unemployed

North Dakota's economy is leading the country in annual GDP growth and unemployment rate. Even with sustained lower energy prices there is still a tremendous need for oil workers and associated employees in the state.

The SayAnything Blog covered some of the issue:

“Online job openings totaled 15,901 open and available positions in November 2015,” the report states. “Openings were lower by 4.7 percent (-783) from the prior month and 21.8 percent lower (-4,423) than one year ago.”

Still, even with the decline in the number of open jobs, the state is still measuring far more job openings than unemployed people. “Active resumés totaled 9,440 in November 2015,” the report states. “Active resumés were lower by 0.8 percent (-77) from the prior month but 9.7 percent higher (+836) than one year ago.”

Gary Johnson Starts New Presidential Campaign

Former Republican Governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson will be running for President as a Libertarian. This represents Johnson's second bid for the White House on that party line. He had ran in the GOP primary four years ago but did not gain traction. He did pick up over one percent of the vote in the race against Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

The USA Today reports on the announcement, which follows an interview on FoxNews:

"Government is too big. It's unwieldy," he said during an interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox Business. "It's out of control. We need to get control."

Video: North Korea Claims it Detonated H-Bomb

UKIP Leader Nigel Farange Survives Assassination Attempt

The leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party leader Nigel Farange survived an attempt on his life today. Someone allegedly attempted to rig his car to crash. The UK Daily Mail reported on the almost-crash, in which a wheel fell off his car.

The accident happened on the highway, with one of Farage's Volvo tires flying off. Farange was driving towards a construction zone and had to jump over a divider to stay safe.

It is not clear who attempted the attack, although Farage is constantly under death threats. He is a common target of radical left-wing causes and Islamists, who have declared his platform to be 'Islamophobic.'

The attack happened in October and information was only just released. The crash took place near Dunkirk, France. Dunkirk is near the giant refugee camp at Calais where refugees attempted to storm the Chunnel to make it to Britain.

The potential assassin appeared to know how his Volvo wheel functioned and used it for the assault:

Mr Farage’s Volvo V70 comes with a single locking nut on each wheel, which should be immune from interference. But if the other four nuts are loosened, then the remaining one is likely to sheer off as soon as the car is travelling at speed.

Former Femen Protester Declares War on Feminism

Sara Fernanda Giromin was among the most visible feminists of the last decade. Representing much of the feminist fringe pushing further and further to the left, Femen held many protests, often with their shirts off. The activists have been incredible in their vitriol against traditional society.

Under the pseudonym Sara Winter, Giromin was one of the founding members of Femen Brazil. Now, as reported on by the Australia Daily Telegraph, Giromin has swung on the opposite side.

Giromin said that modern feminism "promotes the destruction of the traditional family and all moral values ​​of society."

The former activist was interviewed by a Brazilian site, and began speaking out against abortion and was humbled by the fact that Christians practiced tolerance towards gays. This shocked her preconceived stereotype.

She said regarding motherhood, "Being a mother is a gift! It is an experience that every woman you want to spend." She questioned feminists' support of abortion after giving birth to a child. She had aborted a previous pregnancy-- which at the time she saw as no big deal. Once she delivered a child she had regrets and began atoning for her abortion.

Doctor Killed in UK Jihad Stabbing Attack

A British doctor was killed in a stabbing in the UK. Dr. Jeroen Ensink was dedicated to helping the less fortunate in the Third World. Timchang Nandap, the son of Nigerian refugees, was charged for the crime.

Little has been released by the UK media about the stabbing, which shocked the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. A sparse report was compiled by the BBC.

Jihadists Attack India Air Force Base

An air force base near the border with Pakistan was attacked by gunmen. Reuters reported on the assault by jihadists, the first major attack in India in several years. Two of the attackers were killed, as well as at least one Indian military member. Fortunately, it appears that cross-border relations will weather this attack.

"The moment that Modi touched down in Lahore (and probably even before), something like this was doomed to happen," said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert at the Wilson Center think tank in Washington.

Two Dead in Tel Aviv Terror Attack

A shooter walked into a restaurant in Tel Aviv and opened fire. Two are dead and at least seven wounded. Some believe that this is the first ISIS attack in the country. The UK Daily Mail reported on the attack, which eyewitnesses described as harrowing. Apparently the shooter cam ein smiling.

He also revealed that the suspect had struggled with drug problems in the past and that his arrest for assaulting a soldier in 2007 was fueled by his desire to steal his weapon to sell for drug money.

Oakland Artist Murdered While Painting Anti-Violence Mural

27-year-old Antonio Ramos was doing community service, intending to reshape one of the most violent parts of Oakland with a new mural. The effort was meant to highlight the city's soaring crime rate and encourage peace.

However, others in the city saw it differently.

Ramos was killed one morning under a highway overpass. He was part of the project working on the mural with the Attitudinal Healing Connection, a group meant to reduce violence.

The shooting meant that a group painting session including schoolchildren had to be canceled. Oakland has one of the highest rates of murder in the country.

The story was reported by the InsideBayArea News.

Photo credit: D. Ross Cameron/Bay Area News Group

Fight at Newark 'Anti-Violence' Rally

A fight broke out during a rally meant to oppose violence in the city of Newark. Two rival groups got into a fistfight. The photo header shows a fight between Tyrone Barnes and Abdul Mohammed, with other photos following.

The fight was covered by NJ.com, which authorities say happened without a permit.

"For all intents and purposes, this hurt the possibility that Newark can have in addressing this problem once and for all. Until there's some sense of a unified front among the leaders, there's never going to be an impact on the people at large."

Mohammed is a former Newark city employee and was reported as the instigator. He is reported as a "long-time anti-violence activist."

Salaam Ismial, the co-chair of the New Jersey Study Commission on Violence, said that the fight should not detract from the message of stopping violence.

This also comes as the city is planning on creating an overarching public safety department which will try to reform the city's out of control crime situation.

Minister Thomas Ellis was disgusted by the situation, saying, "Today we stood on the steps of City Hall to show that black lives matter in Newark, and it turned out ugly."

There were no serious injuries during the fight.

Photo credit: Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com 

Rochester, NY Man Arrested for Plotting New Year's Attack

A Rochester, New York man was arrested for allegedly plotting an attack tonight. The Washington Post reports about  Emanuel Lutchman, who was apparently radicalized in prison. Lutchman had allegedly been in contact with the Islamic State and planned to attack a 'soft target' in Rochester.

Lutchman was arrested earlier today. He was planning on launching the attack with knives. He faces up to twenty years in prison.

On the Ground Coverage: Graham, McCain Tout VA Reform

Note: This information was from before Christmas and Lindsey Graham dropping out of the race.

John McCain joined South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham at a town hall in Londonderry, New Hampshire to discuss the state of the nation. Both are veterans-- Graham just retired from the Air Force after 33 years of service and deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, and McCain's famous role in the Navy. Both deplored the state of the VA and poor treatment of veterans.

McCain spoke of a compromise made with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to overhaul the VA billing system to allow veterans to get care at any facility if they live more than 40 miles from a VA hospital.

New Poll Shows Trump's Most Dedicated Group: Democrats

Polling data has been released dissecting where and when Donald Trump's supporters are. It appears that many of them are clustered in Appalachia and former industrial regions. Trump has strong support among portions of the female demographic, as well as blue-collar workers. However, the largest share by party votes are Democrats.

The piece in the New York Times explains part of the appeal:

Mr. Trump’s strength among traditionally Democratic voters could pose some problems for his campaign. Many states bar voters registered with the other party from participating in partisan primaries. Other states go further, not allowing unaffiliated voters to vote in a primary; in the G.O.P. race, for example, that would mean restricting the electorate to those registered as Republicans — one of Mr. Trump’s weakest groups. This group of states includes many favorable to Mr. Trump, like Florida, Pennsylvania and New York.

On the Ground Coverage: Bush Calls for Increase in Space Exploration

At a Town Hall meeting in Nashua, New Hampshire, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush touched on many themes, but one question stood out. A 17 year old student that started college at 15 asked about space exploration and stated that he would like to one day go to space.

"Me too," Governor Bush replied.

Bush lamented cuts in NASA funding and the end of the Constellation program under President Obama. He said that he would make space travel a priority and hoped for a partnership with the private sector, as well.



He stated that "Donald Trump's friend Putin" was the only way to get to the International Space Station.

"We should have big aspirational goals, and one of them should be space because it has all sorts of throw off benefits down here on earth."

He said he might have a bias because he was from Florida, home of Cape Canaveral.

Bush stated that increases in funding for STEM programs would enable future generations to have the know how to further similar goals. He mentioned about how his college program in Florida allowed almost all students to have free tuition.

On the Ground Coverage: Bush Says Trump Not 'Serious'

Coming as the campaigns are launching their strongest barbs yet, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush set one of his own. Earlier yesterday, Donald Trump stated that Bush was "dumb" and today said he was "an embarrassment to his family."

Last night at a Town Hall meeting at Nashua Community College, Bush showed energy and brought up Trump several times. He said that the Presidency was not a role that should have on the job training and that Trump was not a "serious" candidate with "serious" solutions.

He said that only a person with a "servant's heart" would be able to lead and that not every candidate knew everything. He stated that any successful president needs an "intellectual curiosity" that allowed them to find solutions.

On the Ground Coverage: Christie Declares Guantanamo Will Stay Open

At an event at a middle school in Bedford, New Hampshire, Chris Christie appeared to be gaining momentum. The New Jersey governor's crowd was packed with about 400 spectators. He was joined by Maine Governor Paul LePage for a town hall style meeting.

Christie was blunt about many answers, speaking about his role as a US Attorney for New Jersey. Christie also was asked about what he would do with Guantanamo Bay. He said that he would keep the facility open and not allow a single suspected terrorist out. He said it would be reckless for a President to consider doing so.

On the Ground Coverage: Graham, McCain at NH Event: "We Will Defeat Radical Islam"

Londonderry, New Hampshire's Town Hall was packed Saturday to hear remarks from Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain. Both toed a hawkish approach against the Islamic State.

"As long as ISIL holds Raqqa, they can launch attacks," said Senator Graham.

McCain thanked the crowd for New Hampshire's support, saying he had friends in the state "for a long time."

Several in the group had questions about foreign policy and the VA. Graham and McCain stated they wanted a national VA card so that any vet that lived more than 40 miles from a VA hospital could get care anywhere. One audience member asked Graham if the US should take Iraq's oil to pay for future conflicts in the region. Graham stated that it would inflame the Middle East against the United States.

More info to follow.

Announcing NH Event Coverage

Sorry for the delay-- we've been sorting out a few things here at Pundit Press Central. Over the next several days we're going to be covering several key events for the site, including events for Dr. Ben Carson, Lindsay Graham, Jeb Bush, and Chris Christie. Stay tuned.

Yahoo May be Heading into Death Spiral

With word that Yahoo is spinning off key parts of the company, it appears that it may be entering its last stages of viable life. Despite a recent renaissance, the company is again struggling under CEO Marissa Meyer. The New York Times is reporting that the company will not sell its stake in the Chinese web giant Alibaba.

“The board remains committed to accomplishing the significant business purposes and shareholder benefits that can be realized by separating the Alibaba stake from the rest of Yahoo,” Maynard Webb, the chairman of Yahoo’s board, said in the statement. “To achieve this, we will now focus our efforts on the reverse spinoff plan.”

Third Bataclan Bomber Identified, Possibly Trained in Syria

French authorities released the name of the third Bataclan concert hall suicide bomber. It appears that he traveled to Syria before the attack and may have received training there.

CNN is reporting about Foued Mohamed-Aggad, who was from eastern France.

Mohamed-Aggad, the attacker who has just now been identified, was from a small town near Strasbourg, BFMTV and France 2 reported. He went to Syria in 2013, the stations said.

BFM also said Mohamed-Aggad was close to Mourad Fares, one of the main jihadist recruiters in France.

Job Openings Decline in October

Job openings nationwide have taken a hit as the economy continues to sputter. News compiled by Bloomberg confirms this trend.

The pace of job openings may start to moderate with the economy approaching maximum employment, as companies fill vacancies with skilled and experienced workers. A steady increase in the number of help-wanted signs since the end of 2013 underscores an improving job market that gives Federal Reserve policy makers reason to raise their benchmark interest rate.

Laugh of the Day Article: Why Obama Isn't Afraid of ISIS

From the Atlantic, there's a bundle of laughs in this article. Written by the otherwise alright Peter Beinart, there's a lot of wishful thinking, especially after the President's speech last night was widely panned.

For more read from the source:

Unlike Rubio, he considers violent jihadism a small, toxic strain within Islamic civilization, not a civilization itself. And unlike Bush, he doesn’t consider it a serious ideological competitor. In the 1930s, when fascism and communism were at their ideological height, many believed they could produce higher living standards for ordinary people than democratic capitalist societies that were prone to devastating cycles of boom and bust. No one believes that about “radical Islam” today. In Obama’s view, I suspect, democratic capitalism’s real ideological adversary is not the “radical Islam” of ISIS. It’s the authoritarian, state-managed capitalism of China.

Wow. Just wow.