Party outreach advises Republicans to vote early

NEWS AND OPINION:

And so it begins: The Republican National Committee has launched an early, aggressive get-out-the-vote push, complete with a new website.

“To beat Joe Biden and the Democrats in 2024, we must ensure that Republicans bank as many votes as possible before Election Day. Because of the efforts to protect your vote in 2022, grassroots Republicans like you should feel comfortable Banking Your Vote in 2024,” the committee advised in an online public outreach, which got underway Monday.

The message is offered as both a written statement and in a video featuring Ronna McDaniel, committee chairwoman.

“The Bank Your Vote initiative encourages GOP voters (like YOU!) to get your vote in and make absolutely sure that your voice is heard in the critical 2024 elections,” the statement said.

“In all 56 states and territories, your Republican Party will be working hard to get our voters to vote by mail or early in-person, and ballot harvest where permitted. We can’t do it without you though – so share this site with family and friends to make sure they bank their vote, too!” the statement added.

The companion video is just as candid.

“Our work to protect the vote will be supercharged in 2024, with an even larger team of grassroots leaders. The Republican National Committee is laser focused on beating Joe Biden,” Ms. McDaniel said in her appearance.

“If we don’t vote early, we’re giving the Democrats a head start. But when Republicans vote early, we win. And in 2024, we are going to hold the House, win back the Senate and take the White House. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America,” she concluded.

Find the outreach at BankYourVote.com.

THE NEXT BIG FRENZY

Just call it the primary directive.

The Iowa caucus frenzy has already given way to the New Hampshire primary frenzy as both the candidates and new organizations abandon the Hawkeye State and race to the Granite State.

Well, no wonder. Here’s one candidate’s plans, likely similar to those of his competitors:

“Following the Iowa caucuses on Monday, political outsider and 2024 GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will return to the Granite State on Tuesday, Jan. 16, to kick off a week of events ahead of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary,” his campaign said in a written statement Monday afternoon.

Mr. Ramaswamy has three events scheduled in three different towns on Tuesday alone.

THE BIG REHEARSAL

Is this a preview of media coverage when the 2024 presidential election at last arrives on Nov. 5?

The Iowa caucuses gave news organizations a chance to strut their stuff on Monday night, right along with the presidential hopefuls.

There were slick sets, eager anchors, much speculation and lots of informational graphics. And let’s not forget the headlines. Here are just a few from the last 24 hours:

“Iowa caucuses will test Trump’s grip on Republican politics” (The Associated Press); “Iowa caucuses feature hidden complexities” (Washington Examiner); “How the Iowa caucuses fell apart” (Slate); “Will Iowa put DeSantis out of his misery?” (The Nation); “Iowa caucus: Trump counts on evangelicals to carry him to victory” (BBC); “Trump looks for a landslide” (CNBC); “The checkered history of Iowa caucus champs” (Politico); and “Trump insults GOP rivals ahead of Iowa caucus night” (The Hill).

THE FUNDRAISING SUMMARY

Meanwhile, the fundraising goes on and the political purses grow bigger.

“President Joe Biden raised more than $97 million in the final three months of last year for his re-election campaign as he prepares to make his case to voters for a second term,” the Daily Mail reported.

“The amount was more money than the $68 million that former President Barack Obama raised during the same period of his reelection but it was dwarfed by the $154 million that former President Donald Trump raised for his,” the British news organization said.

“Biden’s war chest was boosted by a series of star-studded fundraising events, including one in Boston that featured singer-songwriter James Taylor, and three days in California for gatherings with Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, Shonda Rhimes, Rob Reiner, and David Geffen,” it said.

LUXURY REDEFINED

“Luxury looks a little different in 2024,” according to Business Insider, which says that the public’s past fixation on fancy fare with dominant commercial logos is fading.

“Unlike the logomania trend of years past, status symbols have gotten quieter — though no less expensive — in recent years,” the news organization said in an analysis on Monday.

“Now, people casually show their wealth with the skincare products on their bathroom counters, the machines they use to make coffee, and the jewelry on their wrists,” Business Insider said.

“The older your watch, the better,” it advised.

Alo Yoga clothes are replacing the Lululemon craze, for example. The scent of Baccarat Rouge 540 will “define 2024,” the analysis added.

Classic-vintage designer watches are also a must-have, while Anita Ko is now the go-to jewelry designer.

“Look at the $3,750 Loewe puzzle bag, the $5,100 checked Andiamo purse from Bottega Veneta, and the $5,890 Margaux tote from The Row,” the analysis said.

Then there is the newest recommendation for all those selfies: Use a camera, not a phone.

“Why would someone lug a digital camera around when they already have a cell phone? They could be a professional photographer, but more likely, they’re using it as a quiet status symbol,” Business Insider said.

Other recommendations from the list of redefined “luxury” items include the Breville Barista Touch Impress coffee machine, the Dyson Gen5outsize vacuum cleaner, the Ooni Karu 16 Pizza Oven and the Hatch Restore 2 alarm clock.

POLL DU JOUR

• 37% of U.S. adults say they feel “hopeful” about the 2024 presidential election.

• 34% feel “frustrated” about the presidential election.

• 33% feel “tense” about the election.

• 30% feel “afraid.”

• 18% feel “angry.”

• 18% feel “excited.”

• 16% feel “sad.”

• 10% feel “happy.”

• 7% feel “bored.”

• 12% don’t feel emotional about the election.

SOURCE: An Economist/YouGo poll of 1,593 U.S. adults conducted Jan. 7-9. Respondents could choose more than one feeling, or none.

• Contact Jennifer Harper at jharper@washigtontimes.com.