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 •

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
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Hackers that crippled car dealerships demand tens of millions in ransom - Washington Examiner

The group responsible for hacking the system of CDK Global has demanded tens of millions of dollars in ransom as the June 19 attack on the company’s systems continues.

CDK Global provides software to nearly 15,000 car dealerships in the United States, which they rely on for day-to-day processing. This includes stocking vehicles, ordering services or parts, and deliveries. The breach has brought activity at these auto dealers to a halt.

“It’s just mass chaos at this point,” Diana Lee, the chief
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Stormy Daniels was ’emotional’ after Trump’s guilty verdict: Lawyer - Washington Examiner

Stormy Daniels, the star witness in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial, was “emotional” about the guilty verdict reached by a Manhattan jury Thursday night, according to her lawyer.

Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records on Thursday, marking the first time a former president has been convicted of a felony.

Clark Brewster, the porn star and director’s lawyer, spoke to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins about the verdict. He said Daniels had a strong and emotional re
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Fierce fights for control of state legislatures loom - Washington Examiner

The Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, effectively ending a federal guarantee of abortion access, raised the stakes for both parties to win power in state capitals. Two years on, fierce battles for control of state legislatures are playing out nationally, to be decided on the same ballots, and likely influenced by, the White House rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Political strategists identify six states where legislative
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

North Carolina on Team Biden’s mind: Does the president have a realistic chance at nabbing the usually red state from Trump? - Washington Examiner

President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign efforts at expanding the 2024 election playing field begin with the rolling hills of North Carolina.

The state has been just out of grasp for Democrats since the anomaly of 2008, when Barack Obama clinched victory by less than half a percentage point in his White House win over GOP rival John McCain. Outside of that, Republican presidential candidates haven’t lost North Carolina since Democrat Jimmy Carter of Georgia, a fellow Southerner, prevailed in 1
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservat •

Ex-Rep. Justin Amash returns to Republican fold for Michigan Senate run - Washington Examiner

Michigan Senate candidate Justin Amash will have a familiar (R) by his name on the Aug. 6 primary ballot. However, that’s not how he wanted to be identified when he last was in Congress in January 2021.

Amash was elected in the 2010 Tea Party wave when Republicans won control of the House. Amash stood out during his decade in Congress for his libertarian-leaning approach to governance, frequently clashing with the GOP over federal spending, interventionist foreign policy, and a range of other t
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