Keely Bastow

I am a journalist currently based in Washington, D.C. I've previously lived in Toronto, Miami, Singapore and Atlanta. 

Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Kitchen-table issues helped Democrats avoid 2024 wipeout - Washington Examiner

It’s been a grim near-month for Democrats since the election results poured in. President-elect Donald Trump won both the Electoral College and the popular vote, and Republicans are set to have full control of Congress for the next two years. Democrats will need multiple election cycles to repair their political brand, many pundits argue.But Democrats have a chance at bouncing back reasonably quickly — if they learn their lessons on the importance of promoting economic populism and centrist appr...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announces bid for governor in 2026 - Washington Examiner

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, a Republican, has announced he is running in the race for governor in 2026, becoming the first member of either major party to announce his candidacy.“Today, I filed paperwork to run for Governor in 2026. As a proven conservative, building on the legacy of Brian Kemp, Nathan Deal and Sonny Perdue, I’m running to create jobs for hardworking Georgians, keep our families and our neighborhoods safe, and vigorously defend our constitution and our freedoms,” he sai...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Pelosi professes positive outlook for Democrats despite election blow and low morale - Washington Examiner

Speaker Emirata Nancy Pelosi offered a glass-half-full view of the Democratic Party after election results dealt a substantial blow to party morale.In her first long-form interview since the election on Nov. 5, Pelosi spoke with the New York Times about the many causes of President-elect Donald Trump’s triumph over Vice President Kamala Harris, and the down-ballot outcomes as well. She repeatedly refuted evidence that the Democratic party has lost support among working-class voters, and insisted...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Kamala Harris and the Lina Khan-shaped elephant in the room - Washington Examiner

Vice President Kamala Harris has won over many business leaders during her abbreviated presidential campaign. However, if Harris gets elected, her choice of giving Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan the boot or allowing her to stay put could put those fragile relationships at risk. Khan hasn’t been shy during her tenure, since winning Senate confirmation in June 2021, about trying to regulate corporate America, particularly large tech companies, aggressively. She’s turned a lot of peo...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Man with illegal guns arrested outside Trump Coachella rally venue - Washington Examiner

A man was arrested last night outside of the Coachella, California, venue for former President Donald Trump‘s rally. He was found to be in possession of multiple guns and a high-capacity magazine.“On Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 4:59 p.m., deputies assigned to former President Donald Trump’s rally in the Coachella Valley contacted the driver of a black SUV at a checkpoint at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Celebration Drive,” a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said....
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Trump responds after shooting incident: ‘I’m alive and well' - Washington Examiner

Following an incident at Trump International Golf Club where Secret Service shot at a suspicious man, former President Donald Trump sent out a message to his supporters.“There were gunshots in my vicinity but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL. Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” he wrote in an email sent from the campaign.


A man was arrested in connection with the incident. Secret Service fired shots at a person o...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Wake up with the Washington Examiner: Hints about Harris’s debate strategy, ‘Squad’ member safe, and DNC protest plans - Washington Examiner

With Vice President Kamala Harris avoiding questions from the press, the debate against former Vice President Mike Pence in 2020 provides insight into what her strategy will be this time with former President Donald Trump. She and the former president are set to spar at an ABC debate on Sept. 10.Two viral moments came out of the 2020 debate, including when a black fly nestled into Pence’s white hair and the six times Harris told Pence, “I’m speaking,” a line she recently revived at a campaign ra...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

US officials prepare for final round of hostage and ceasefire negotiations with retaliatory attacks on the horizon - Washington Examiner

Diplomats and state officials are preparing to meet their Middle East counterparts this week as the Thursday ceasefire negotiation deadline nears.Negotiators are rushing to tie up any loose ends before the final round of negotiations begins Thursday. If the deal succeeds, it could signal a drastic change in the Middle East, where tensions have been steadily rising.
Officials planning to visit the region include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, diplomat Brett McGurk, and CIA Director William Bu...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Six policies Harris has flipped on since ascending to top of Democratic ticket - Washington Examiner

Vice President Kamala Harris has spent her career championing progressive legislation, from the Green New Deal to Medicare for all. Now, she’s backtracking on some of that support as she tries to rally voters behind her as the Democratic nominee since President Joe Biden dropped out last month.Here are six policies she’s walked back support for.
A campaign official told Fox News that Harris is no longer supporting a mandatory buy-back program for AR-15s and similar guns. While running for presi...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Biden administration lifts ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia - Washington Examiner

The Biden administration has lifted a weapons sale ban on Saudi Arabia, which had been in place since 2021.The ban was originally put in place in response to Saudi Arabia’s war with the Houthis in Yemen. The administration was displaying their disapproval of Saudi Arabia targeting civilians in their attacks. Since then, officials said they are satisfied with the country’s conduct changes — and there have been no airstrikes in Yemen since 2022.
“So the Saudis have met their end of the deal, and w...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Six takeaways from Trump’s rally in Bozeman, Montana - Washington Examiner

Former President Donald Trump held a rally in Bozeman, Montana, Friday night, stumping for Republican Tim Sheehy, who is challenging a vulnerable Democrat, Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT). He spoke for almost two hours, discussing Vice President Kamala Harris‘s ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket, Gov. Tim Walz‘s (D-MN) comments about Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), and his popularity with suburban women.Here are a few of the most notable moments from the rally.
While discussing how the Democrats “too...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Twelve Israeli youths dead from Hezbollah soccer field strike - Washington Examiner

An Israel Defense Forces spokesman confirmed Saturday that at least 12 Israelis have died and dozens more are injured after a rocket strike hit a soccer field in Majdal Shams in Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. All of those killed are between the ages of 10 and 20.“We share the grief of the families of the victims and embrace the entire Druze community at this difficult time,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said. “We send strength to those injured and wish them a speedy recovery.
“From the initial inq...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Wake up with the Washington Examiner: Trump sets record with acceptance speech, pressure mounts on Secret Service director - Washington Examiner

Former President Donald Trump accepted the Republican Party’s nomination last night in a historically long speech. In the beginning, he struck a calm, uniting tone, saying, “We are Americans. Ambition is our heritage. Greatness is our birthright. But as long as our energies are spent fighting each other, our destiny will remain out of reach.” This is a noticeable difference from past speeches, likely spurred by Saturday’s attempted assassination. He also brought the firefighting helmet and prote...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

RNC Day 3, Biden's Supreme Court reforms are DOA, and what's next for Trump's immunity - Washington Examiner

On the third night of the Republican National Convention, themed “Make America Strong Once Again,” Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) gave his first address since becoming former President Donald Trump‘s running mate. He spoke of unity and of the working class and gave a message of hope after Saturday’s assassination attempt against Trump.“As we meet tonight, we cannot forget that this evening could have been much different. Instead of a day of celebration, this could have been a day of heartache and mourni...
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Jen Psaki agrees to be interviewed about Afghanistan withdrawal operation: Report - Washington Examiner

Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki has agreed to an interview with the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan after almost a year of back and forth.

Psaki, now an MSNBC host, has agreed to the sitdown sometime this month with the committee, according to a letter from her lawyers obtained by Axios. The interview will happen before Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) releases a report on the operation, which will be sometime before the elect
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Record-setting New Jersey budget raises taxes on corporations to help transit system - Washington Examiner

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed into law the state’s largest budget package, at $56.6 billion, boosting the tax rates for the richest corporations.

The budget will increase the tax rate from 9% to 11.5% on corporations making more than $10 million a year in revenue. Called the corporate transit fee, this money will go toward the NJ Transit system, which is staring down the barrel of their own budget difficulties. The system operates the trains and busses in the state.

“With this budget,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Iran warns that ‘all options are on the table’ if Israel launches offensives against Lebanon - Washington Examiner

Iran has issued a stark warning to Israel about what would happen if the Jewish state launches a full-scale attack on Lebanon in response to strikes from Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

“Albeit Iran deems as psychological warfare the Zionist regime’s propaganda about intending to attack Lebanon, should it embark on full-scale military aggression, an obliterating war will ensue. All options, incl. the full involvement of all Resistance Fronts, are on the table,” the Iranian mission to the U.N. said in
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

NYPD arrests protesters trying to reach Biden fundraiser - Washington Examiner

Police have surrounded protesters who gathered near President Joe Biden’s campaign event in New York City, leading to some reported arrests. Biden arrived at the venue around 7:45 p.m. while protesters were outside.

Within Our Lifetime, a pro-Palestinian group, circulated a flyer urging protesters to attempt to reach the building where Biden is holding a fundraiser in Manhattan on Friday. The flyer says “Genocidal politicians are not welcome in New York City. Get there by any means necessary.”
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

McCarthy doubts Biden will step down: ‘You can’t negotiate with him’ - Washington Examiner

Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy stepped into the debate about the debate on Friday, saying he does not believe President Joe Biden will step down as Democratic candidate.

“Joe Biden is going to be the nominee. Joe Biden is not going to give it up,” McCarthy said on Fox Business. “Why? Because Jill does not want to give it up either.”

For the Democratic party to nominate someone besides Biden, 81, he would have to step out of the race himself because of all the delegates he’s collect
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

New York Times editorial board urges Biden to step aside after debate fallout - Washington Examiner

The New York Times’s editorial board published an article urging President Joe Biden to step out of the race following his disastrous performance at Thursday night’s debate against former President Donald Trump. The authors said the debate ruled out “sufficient rationale for why Mr. Biden should be the Democratic nominee this year.”

“At Thursday’s debate, the president needed to convince the American public that he was equal to the formidable demands of the office he is seeking to hold for anot
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Wake up with the Washington Examiner: Bob Good ousted, AIPAC’s next target, and what to know about tonight’s debate - Washington Examiner

Former President Donald Trump will return to Fulton County Thursday — not for matters relating to the election interference case there, but to face off against President Joe Biden in a debate in Atlanta, the Washington Examiner’s Naomi Lim reports.

As the two prepare for the head-to-head hosted by CNN at 9 p.m., the charges District Attorney Fani Willis has brought against Trump, alleging he attempted to overturn the 2020 election, will be hanging over his head. The judge on the case, which is
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Trump ramps up ground game in two possible swing states - Washington Examiner

Former President Donald Trump‘s campaign has been slower than President Joe Biden‘s in rolling out their ground game, but with a recent influx of cash they’re rearing to go.

The Trump campaign plans to roll out eight offices in Minnesota and 11 in Virginia, according to a memo obtained by CBS News. Both states had been assumed to go for Biden in the general election, but new efforts could put them both in reach of Trump.

In the memo, the Trump campaign political director, James Blair, said the
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Starliner return to Earth delayed indefinitely after a slew of technical issues - Washington Examiner

The two astronauts onboard Boeing‘s first manned spaceship were supposed to be home already but have had their push date pushed back yet again, this time without a new date proposed.

Boeing’s Starliner launched on June 5 after many delays, and when it reached the International Space Station, 28 thrusters went out, causing docking difficulties. Since then, flight commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams have been putting out various fires, including helium leaks. Now, all but one thruster
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Debate is a chance for Biden and Trump to have their ‘stand-alone moments’: Gabe Kaminsky - Washington Examiner

The Washington Examiner’s Gabe Kaminsky discussed the importance of next week’s presidential debate, saying with the microphones turned off there will be a chance for the candidates to have their own moments to shine.

“This debate is going to be an opportunity for both of these candidates to have stand-alone moments,” Kaminsky said on Fox News at Night on Friday.

In a discussion about who will benefit the most from the microphone rule, which President Joe Biden’s campaign forced when agreeing
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