Trump Has Not Won Majority of 2024 Votes Cast

Trump (R), like the Last Election, cliamed Vote Totals before they were all Counted. Trump’s Popular Vote Total has fallen below 50%, and His Margin over Kamala Harris (D), has narrowed considerably as all the Votes are Counted.

Unfortunately, the U.S. takes time to count 155,000,000 million Votes, give or take a million, and the Actual Result will rob Trump of His Bragging points.

As California, Oregon, and Washington, and other Western States moved closer to completing their Counts, Trump’s % of the Popular Vote fell below 50%. And His Margin of Victory looks to be much Smaller than initially anticipated. In fact, of all the 59 Presidential Elections since the Nation’s Founding, it appears that after All of the 2024 Votes are Counted, only Five Popular Vote Winners in history, will have {revailed by Smaller Percentage Margins than Trump.

As of Monday afternoon, Trump was at 49.94%, while Harris was at 48.26%, according to the Authoritative Cook Political Report’s Tracking of Results from Official Sources in States across the Country. And we can expect that the Republican’s Total will only continue to tick Downward as heavily Democratic States on the West Coast finalize their Vote Tallies.

Trump is Winning a Lower Percent of the Popular Vote this year than Biden did in 2020: (51.3%), Obama in 2012 (51.1%), Obama in 2008 (52.9%), George W. Bush in 2004 (50.7%), George H.W. Bush in 1988 (53.2%), Ronald Reagan in 1984 (58.8%), Reagan in 1980 (50.7%), or Jimmy Carter in 1976 (50.1%).

Harris, on the other hand, is looking like a much Stronger Finisher than She did on Election Night. In fact, the Democrat now has a Higher Percentage of the Popular Vote than Presidents Trump in 2016 (46.1%), Bush in 2000 (47.9%), Clinton in 1992 (43%), or Nixon in 1968 (43.4%).

She has also performed significantly Better than recent Major-Party Nominees such as: Trump in 2020 (46.8%), Trump in 2016 (48.2%), Mitt Romney in 2012 (47.2%), John McCain in 2008 (45.7%), George W. Bush in 2000 (47.9%), Bob Dole in 1996 (40.7%), George H.W. Bush in 1992 (37.4%), Michael Dukakis in 1988 (45.6%), Walter Mondale (40.6%), Carter in 1980 (41%), or Gerald Ford in 1976 (48%).

Some of those Historic Results were Influenced by the Presence of Strong Third-Party contenders. But most were not. And the bottom line is that the gap between Trump and Harris is narrower than the difference between major-party Contenders, in the vast Majority of American Presidential Races.

These Numbers are better for the Democrats than what was recorded on Election Nightt. But. this is a time for serious Reflection on Mistakes that were made, and on Challenges going forward, as part of a needed Examination of how to build a Multiracial, Multiethnic Working-Class Coalition that can Win Decisively, and Not just at the Presidential level, but also in the Struggle to Regain Ccontrol of the House and Senate in 2026.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Trump Picks Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary

Trump picks Howard Lutnick, a Wall Street Executive and Leader of His Transition Team, to serve as Commerce Secretary, a Job overseeing a 51,000-Person Agency, with an $11 billion Budget, and vast Influence over America’s Manufacturing Sector, Trade, the Census and Technology Regulation.

Lutnick, the Chief Executive of Cantor Fitzgerald, a Financial Services firm, had been considered for Treasury Secretary.

Lutnick, would Oversee an Agency that promotes U.S. Industry, and Oversees Controls on Exports of Technology, including Semiconductors, to China, Russia, and elsewhere, for National Security Reasons.

He has called for Tariffs to Protect U.S. Industries from Foreign Competition, Lower Corporate Taxes, and an Expansion of American Energy Production.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Germany and Finland Baltic Undersea Cables Damaged

The Foreign Ministries of Germany and Finland said Monday, that they were "deeply concerned" by the Severing of an Undersea Cable connecting the Two Countries across the Baltic Sea, One of two Baltic Sea Connections suddenly Damaged in recent days.

Finnish company Cinia reported a "Fault Situation" with its C-Lion-1 Submarine Cable on Monday afternoon, saying in a Statement that Investigation and Repair Work was Underway.

Cinia did not offer any Explanation for the Interruption to the Connection, and said that Undersea Cable Repairs generally take between 5 and 15 days. The 730-mile Cable has connected Finland to Central European Communication Networks since 2016.

The German Interior Ministry Confirmed, that Authorities believe the Cable to have been Severed by an External Force near the Swedish Island of Oland. Berlin and Helsinki said they were "deeply concerned about the severed undersea cable."

"The fact that such an incident immediately raises suspicions of intentional damage speaks volumes about the volatility of our times," the joint Foreign Ministries Statement continued.

"A thorough investigation is underway. Our European security is not only under threat from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, but also from hybrid warfare by malicious actors. Safeguarding our shared critical infrastructure is vital to our security and the resilience of our societies."

The Damage to the C-Lion-1 Cable came One day after Telia Lietuva, a Swedish Telecoms Company in Lithuania, said One of its Undersea Telecommunications Cable linking Lithuania and Sweden across the Baltic Sea sustained Damage. That Cable, which intersects with the C-Lion-1 Finnish-German Cable, was Damaged on Sunday Morning, Company Spokesperson Andrius Semeskevicius told Local Media.

The Damaged Cable has been the subject of Faults and Accidents in the past. But, Semeskevicius told Lithuanian National Radio and Television, "since both are damaged, it is clear that this was not an accidental dropping of one of the ship's anchors, but something more serious could be going on."

The cause of the Damage to the Cables is yet to be established. The Interruptions come against a backdrop of Concerns over Russian Sabotage Operations in Europe and elsewhere, prompted by Western support for Ukraine in its Defensive War against Moscow.

The Baltic Sea has been the scene of Mysterious Undersea incidents in recent years, such as the Sabotage Attacks on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 Natural Gas Pipelines running from Russia to Germany in 2022.

The following year, a Chinese Container Ship, the Newnew Polar Bear, dragged its Anchor for more than 100 nautical miles through the Gulf of Finland, Damaging an Undersea Natural Gas Pipeline, and Two Telecommunications Cables. Finnish and Estonian Authorities are conducting a Joint Criminal Investigation into the Incident.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Judge Strikes Down WY Abortion Laws

A Wyoming State Judge on Monday, struck down the State’s Ban on Abortion and its First-in-the-Nation Explicit Prohibition on the use of Medication to End Pregnancy. Since 2022, Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens has Ruled Three times to Block the Laws while they were disputed in Court.

The Ruling marks another Victory for Abortion Rights Advocates, after Voters in Seven States Passed Measures this month, in Support of Access.

One Wyoming Law that Judge Owens said Violated Women’s Rights under the State Constitution Bans, Abortion except to Protect to a Pregnant Woman’s Life or in Cases involving Rape and Incest. The other made Wyoming the only State to explicitly Ban Abortion Pills, though other States have instituted de facto Bans on the Medication by broadly Prohibiting Abortion.

The Laws were Challenged by Four Women, including Two Obstetricians, and Two Nonprofit Organizations. One of the Groups, "Wellspring Health Access", opened in April 2023 as the State’s First full-service Abortion Clinic in years, following an Arson Attack in 2022.

“This is a wonderful day for the citizens of Wyoming — and women everywhere who should have control over their own bodies,” Wellspring Health Access President Julie Burkhart said in a Statement.

Seven States Vote to Protect Abortion Rights, while efforts to Expand Access in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota, Fail.

November’s Elections saw Voters in Missouri, clear the way to undo One of the Nation’s most Restrictive Abortion Bans, in a series of Victories for Abortion Rights Advocates.

Abortion Rights Amendments also Passed in: Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and Montana. Nevada Voters also Approved an Amendment, but they’ll need to Pass it again it 2026, for it to take effect. Another Measure that Bans Discrimination on the basis of “Pregnancy Outcomes” prevailed in New York.

Thirteen States have Bans on Abortion at All Stages of Pregnancy, with Limited Exceptions, and Four have Bans that Kick-In around Six weeks into Pregnancy, often before Women realize they’re Pregnant.

Nearly every Ban has been Challenged with a Lawsuit. Courts have Blocked Enforcement of some Restrictions, including Bans throughout Pregnancy in Utah and Wyoming. Judges Struck-Down Bans in Georgia and North Dakota in September. Georgia’s Supreme Court Ruled the next month that the State’s Ban can be Enforced while it considers the Case.

In the Wyoming Case, the Women and Nonprofits who Challenged the Laws, argued that the Bans stood to Harm their Health, Well-Being, and Livelihoods, Claims disputed by State Attorneys. They also Argued the Bans Violated a 2012 State Constitutional Amendment, saying Competent Wyoming Residents have a Right to make their Own Health Care Decisions.

As She had done with previous Rulings, Owens found Merit in both Arguments. The Abortion Bans “will undermine the integrity of the medical profession by hamstringing the ability of physicians to provide evidence-based medicine to their patients,” Owens ruled.

The Abortion Laws impede the Fundamental Right of Women, to make Health Care Decisions for an entire Class of People, those who are Pregnant, in Violation of the 2012 Constitutional Amendment, Owens Ruled.

Wyoming Voters Approved that Amendment, amid Fears of Government Overreach following Approval of the Federal Affordable Care Act and its Initial Requirements for People to have Health Insurance.

Attorneys for the State Argued that Health Care, under the Amendment, didn’t include Abortion. Gov. Mark Gordon (R), who Signed the Abortion Laws into effect in 2022 and 2023.

Both sides wanted Owens to Rule on the Lawsuit Challenging the Abortion Bans, rather than allow it to go to Trial in the Spring. A Three-day Bench Trial before Owens, was previously set but isn’t necessary with this Ruling.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Trump Taps Lawmaker and Reality TV Star for Transportation

Trump to Nominate former Lawmaker, and Fox News Contributor, Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI, 7th District), who also had a turn on MTV’s “Real World,” to be the Next Secretary of Transportation.

In an Announcement posted to Truth Social, Trump Applauded Duffy’s Congressional Relationships, and expressed Faith in His Ability to Rebuild the Country’s Infrastructure, adding that he will “greatly elevate the Travel Experience for all Americans!”










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

German Government Collapse

Germany's "Traffic-Light" Coalition Collapsed, thanks to its Finance Minister's Refusal to let Chancellor Olaf Scholz Open the Spending Floodgates. As the Nation hurtles towards New Elections in February, 2025, its faces months of Political and Economic uncertainty.

This isn't a Domestic Political Squabble playing out in Berlin. While the World's gaze has been fixed on America and Trump's Re-Election, Germany's Situation is Pressing. The Fall of Germany's Coalition Government, has exposed Deep Cracks in a system stretched to its Limits. Now, the Country's Stalling Economic engine, signals the End of an era in European Politics.

Then, Finance Minister Christian Lindner's Refusal to Approve Unchecked Deficits, came as a Desperate response to Structural Failures born of Economic Realities that can No longer be Ignored.

At the same time, Europe's Economy is under Siege. From the East, Chinese Electric Vehicles are flooding European Markets, Undercutting the Prices of Domestic Manufacturers. Germany and France, Once the Pillars of European Unity, are now at Odds over whether to Defend their Industries with Protectionist Tariffs or to Double Down on Free Trade opportunities.

And in the West, a Trump-shaped Storm is rolling in. Trump proposed 10% Tariff on All Imports threatens to drain €260 billion from Europe's Economy, leaving EU Leaders scrambling to Win His Favor, even offering to Finally sever Ties with Russian Gas, in favor of American LNG Imports.

But such Concessions come at the Cost of Dependence on a distant Partner, and further Erosion of Europe's Autonomy. In the meantime, Europe faces a far more urgent Challenge: Financing its Future without plunging into Debt.

In Total, the Bloc needs an additional €800 billion each year, to Revitalize its Stagnant Economy and Reclaim its place on the Global Stage. But this necessary Investment Risks submerging Nations that are barely staying afloat.

France, for example, has announced Brutal Public spending Cuts of €60 billion for 2025, in order to meet EU Deficit Rules. It already Pays over €45 billion Annually in Interest on Debts, leaving little Margin for Error. Any Deviation from this Harsh Fiscal path could Tip its Fragile Government over the edge.

This is becoming a dangerous Trend. All over Europe, Coalition Governments are Crumbling under the weight of competing Economic and Political demands. Governments in: Denmark, Poland, Portugal, and Spain, are facing the same impossible Choice between Fiscal Survival and the Fulfillment of Expensive Election Promises.

Germany's Collapse is the most Alarming of all. As the Economic Heart of Europe, it accounts for nearly a Quarter of the EU's GDP. The Embargo on Russian Energy already dealt it a Staggering blow, but the Political Fallout could prove just as Damaging. Without Decisive action, it could trigger a Domino effect that topples Governments across the Continent.

The Economic Model of the past Decade, characterized by Unchecked Public Spending, is No longer Sustainable. A New Fiscal regime must emerge, one that balances Disciplined Spending with Strategic Investment in Critical Sectors, like Green Energy and Artificial Intelligence.

But Fiscal Reform alone isn't enough. Europe must also Reinvent itself as an Attractive Destination for Foreign Investment after Losing its edge in recent years. Foreign Direct Investment fell by 4% across the Continent in 2023, with Germany suffering a Steep 12% Decline.

We've already seen a glimpse of the Possibilities. In recent years, Italian Electricity Utility Enel has been bolstered by International Investors like BlackRock, enabling it to Diversify from Fossil Fuels into Renewables. Similarly, French Energy company TotalEnergies is Expanding its Portfolio of Solar and Wind, Greening Europe's Economy with the Help of Investment from China and Saudi Arabia.

The Chemicals Industry is picking up too, with LyondellBasell, a Dutch company, gaining Traction among Asian Investors interested in its Development of Sustainable Plastics.

Just last month, German Chemical Giant Covestro was Acquired in a whopping €14.7 billion Partnership with the Emirati Energy Giant ADNOC. This Deal offered a Lifeline for Germany's struggling Industrial Sector, while creating a Template for how Europe can Attract the Foreign Capital it desperately needs.

After all, ADNOC has Committed to Investing $150 billion on Capital Expenditure by 2027, suggesting that more Deals may be on the table. By partnering with the fast-growing Economies of Gulf Nations, Europe can gain both Financial and Strategic Support.

These Countries have long depended on their Fossil Fuel Resources, but as the Market shifts towards Greener Alternatives, they are keen to Diversify into other areas. ADNOC has gained a Head Start by grabbing hold of Covestro's Innovative Sustainable Chemicals Business, but others are bound to follow.

Now, Europe must prepare to Deliver. We must heed the urgent Warning of the German Government's Collapse, else other Governments will crumble, taking Europe's Collective Economy with them. The Future depends on the Ability to Adapt, Unite, and Harnessing the Potential to Lead the World into a Cleaner and Greener Future.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Republican House Majority Count Hangs on 5 Uncalled Races

Rpublicans hold a Slim Majority in the House of Representatives, though the Size of that Narrow Margin will Not be known until the Final Five undecided Races are called.

The Five House Races that remain Uncalled as of Monday Morning are in: Alaska, California, Iowa, and Ohio. The Balance of Power currently sits at 218 Seats for Republicans, and 212 for the Democrats.

Alaska - Incumbent Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola (D) is in a tight race in At-Large Congressional District, where She is Trailing Entrepreneur Nick Begich (R). As of Monday Morning, Begich holds a nearly 3-point Lead at 155,120 (48.7%), to Peltola's 146,782 (46.1%), with the Vote Count of 98% Counted.

California’s 13th Congressional District - Rep. John Duarte (R) (50.6%) is Leading State Assembly Member Adam Gray (D) (49.4%), with the Vote Count of 86% of the Vote Counted.

California’s 45th Congressional District - Challenger Derek Tran (D) has taken the Lead over Incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel (R). Steel had been in the Lead by a few Hundred Votes late last week, but Tran now has a razor-thin 36-Vote Lead. Roughly 94% of the Vote has been Counted for the District.

Iowa 1st District - Incumbent Rep. Mariannet Miller-Meeks (R) holds a less than 1% Lead over Challenger Christina Bohannan (D) with 99% of the Vote Counted. Miller-Meeks' Lead sits at just under 1,000 Votes. Bohannan has Requested a Recount in Her Bid to Unseat Miller-Meeks.

The Race has not be Calleds, because the Margin was Close enough that it could prompt a Recount. Miller-Meeks has Declared Victor, and said She was Confident in Her Lead.

Ohio's 9th District - Incumbent Marcy Kaptur (D) leads Her Challenger, Derek Merrin (R), by less than 1 point with 99% of the Votes Counted. Kaptur's Lead sits at just over 1,000 Votes as of Monday Morning. Races with a Margin of 0.5% or less, Triggera an Automatic Recount.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker