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☆ Presidential debates have always been political theater. Here are some of their most memorable moments.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Debates are political theater — they rarely do much to inform voters when it comes to policy. In theory, presidential debates are meant to educate the public on the most important issues facing the country and how candidates would approach them. Donald Trump repeatedly proved that by wiping the floor with his opponents in presidential debates during the 2016 campaign season. AdvertisementAdvertisementThis is not to say presidential debates are not consequential, though their overall impact on elections can be difficult to measure. Here are some of the biggest moments in the history of presidential debates.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Tucker Carlson Organizations: GOP, Service, Republican, Fox News, Fox Nation, New York Times Locations: Wall, Silicon, soundbites

☆ Wagner boss Prigozhin rips into Russia's military leaders after drone attack on Moscow: 'Let your houses burn'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin ripped in Russia's military leaders over drone attacks in Moscow. Meanwhile, the Kremlin downplayed the attacks and said Russia's air defenses worked well. Prigozhin said in a rant directed at the Russian Defense Ministry, per Reuters, apparently infuriated that drones were able to reach the Russian capital. Despite the criticism from Prigozhin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia's air defense system "worked well," per Reuters. Russian President Vladimir Putin also said the air defense system "worked in a satisfactory way," and accused Ukraine of engaging in terrorism.

A drone attack in Moscow on Tuesday hit residential buildings — the first attack against the capitol since Russia invaded Ukraine. An expert told Insider the attack could be Ukraine giving Russia "a taste of its own medicine." Miron told Insider it makes sense for the drone attacks to follow those cross-border raids. The drone attacks could also be a way of "distracting the Russians" to "maintain a surprise initiative" for the counteroffensive, she added. Hours after the drone strikes on Tuesday, Podolyak made cryptic comments about the attacks, according to The Washington Post.

☆ Putin ally blusters about 'nuclear weapons for everyone' who joins Russia and Belarus
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Alexander Lukashenko said there will be "nuclear weapons for everyone" who joins Russia and Belarus. The comment came after Belarus agreed to host Russia's tactical nuclear weapons. Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, made the comment Sunday after Belarus agreed to host Russia's tactical nuclear weapons. But the mounting threats have led some adversaries to shrug him off, doubting he would actually resort to using nuclear weapons, Insider's John Haltiwanger previously reported. Belarus agreed to host Moscow's nuclear weapons last week.

☆ Putin rips into countries that 'impose their rules' on others just 15 months after Russia invaded Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-24 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Putin exhibited a stunning lack of self-awareness as he slammed countries that try to "impose" on others. Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine last February, sparking the largest conflict in Europe since WWII. Amid Russia's ongoing, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the Russian leader slammed countries that act with "complete disregard of other countries' sovereignty, national interests and traditions." Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also rapidly reshaped Europe's security apparatus, pushing Finland and Sweden — two historically neutral countries — to move to join NATO. Mishustin during the visit said that relations between the two countries were "at an unprecedented high level," per the Associated Press.

☆ Failures in Ukraine haven't left 'cracks' in Putin's hold on power, German spy chief says, warning Russia has what it needs to wage a long war
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-23 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Germany's spy chief, Bruno Kahl, said there are no "cracks" in Putin's system despite Russia's failures in Ukraine. The Kremlin has gone to extraordinary lengths to stifle opposition to the war in Ukraine. Kahl warned that "Russia is still capable of waging a long-range war" in Ukraine. In this kind of environment, it's difficult to get an accurate read on public sentiment toward the war in Russia. Russia was expected to easily defeat Ukraine, and its failures in the war have raised questions as to whether Putin's firm grip on power in Russia might slip.

☆ Armed with tanks and heavy armor from NATO, Ukraine says it's about to hit Russian forces with an 'iron fist'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Ukraine is almost ready to launch a long-awaited spring counteroffensive, its defense minister said. "We are to a high percentage ready," Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said Friday. Reznikov said Western-supplied weapons would serve as an "iron fist" against Russian forces. Stoltenberg said the aid provided to Ukraine included over 1,550 armored vehicles, 230 tanks, and other military hardware, as well as "vast amounts of ammunition." Meanwhile, the Ukrainian people continue to face the deadly consequences of the Russian onslaught, which targets not just the Ukrainian armed forces but also civilians.

☆ China's Xi is trying to play the role of peacemaker in Ukraine, but won't even acknowledge publicly that Putin started the war
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Xi and Zelenskyy spoke for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine. The Chinese leader spoke a lot about peace, even as he continues to support Putin in numerous ways. The Chinese government has claimed neutrality in the Ukraine war, while maintaining close ties with Moscow throughout. Along these lines, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader in March. Xi visited the Russian leader in Moscow shortly after, offering Putin an opportunity to tout his relationship with his Chinese counterpart.

☆ Following the invasion of Ukraine, majority of the world disapproves of Russia's leadership for the first time: new poll
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The majority of the world now disapproves of Russia's leadership, Gallup found. A median of 57% across the 137 countries surveyed disapprove of Russia's leadership. The majority of the world now disapproves of Russia's leadership — a first in the history of Gallup tracking ratings of world leaders, which began in 2007. Just a year before, that number stood at 38% — showing how disapproval of Russia's leadership skyrocketed worldwide after the invasion of Ukraine. As the conflict continues, it's possible that Russia's leadership could continue to face growing levels of disapproval across the world.

☆ The Pentagon leaks: What documents leaked in the US military's worst intelligence breach in a decade reveal
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The leaked documents revealed US spying on adversaries and allies alike. The leak also offered compromising details on the extent to which the US has infiltrated Russia's military and intelligence apparatus. Insider obtained and reviewed copies of photographs of dozens of the leaked documents. The documents revealed the US is spying on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and showed that he wanted to launch drone strikes against Russian forces in Russia. The US is keeping a watchful eye on ChinaA number of the leaked documents pertained to China, amid historic tensions between the US and Beijing.

☆ China's defense minister applauds Putin for 'promoting world peace' amid Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

China's defense minister applauded Putin for "promoting world peace" as they met in Moscow. Beijing and Moscow have maintained warm ties in spite of Russia's brutal war in Ukraine. The war in Ukraine — the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II — has left Ukrainian cities in ruins and wreaked havoc on the global economy. As Europe curtails Russian energy imports in response to the war in Ukraine, China remains a major buyer. Meanwhile, China in February unveiled a peace plan for the Ukraine war, which was met with major skepticism in Washington.

☆ Marjorie Taylor Greene defends suspected Pentagon leaker, saying he is 'white, male, Christian, and anti-war'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Marjorie Taylor Greene defended the suspected Pentagon leaker, saying he is "white, Christian, and anti-war." Greene said, "He told the truth about troops being on the ground in Ukraine and a lot more." download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy PolicyRep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has defended the man suspected of leaking top-secret Pentagon documents, saying he is "white, male, Christian, and anti-war." Greene said, "He told the truth about troops being on the ground in Ukraine and a lot more. Teixeira was sitting on his porch reading when he was arrested at his home and taken into custody by FBI agents.

☆ MAGA-world is rushing to defend Jack Teixeira, the accused Pentagon leaker who allegedly dumped secret documents online to impress his teenage gamer buddies
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The leak represents the worst military intelligence breach in roughly a decade. To them, Teixeira is a martyr for revealing the truth about the stalemated war in Ukraine to the American people. "Tonight, the news media are celebrating the capture of the kid who told Americans what's actually happening in Ukraine," Carlson said. The leaks could hurt Ukraine on the battlefieldThe leak of the documents allegedly perpetrated by Teixeira represents the worst US military intelligence breach in roughly a decade. The secret documents offered details on US spying on friends and foes alike, many of which pertained to the war in Ukraine.

☆ Pentagon leak suspect Jack Teixeira was reading a book on a porch when the feds showed up to arrest him
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( John Haltiwanger | Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Jack Teixeira, 21, was arrested in connection with the recent leak of secret military documents. Teixeira is a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman who worked in the 102nd Intelligence Wing. He was reading a book on a porch when federal agents arrived to arrest him. Teixeira worked in the 102nd Intelligence Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. The secret military documents that were leaked on various social media platforms exposed US spying on allies and adversaries alike.

☆ Trump is trying to win more GOP voters with bizarre takes on the Ukraine war and praise for Putin
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Trump made repeated false and misleading claims about the Ukraine war during a Fox News interview. Trump praised Putin as "very smart" amid the stalemated and brutal fight the Russian leader ordered. Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin "loved" Ukraine, while acknowledging that the unprovoked war Putin ordered has devastated the former Soviet republic. "Ukraine is being obliterated," Trump said at another point in the interview, while falsely suggesting that Ukrainian forces are not performing "better than anticipated." Polling has shown that Republican voters are less likely than Democratic voters to support continued assistance to Ukraine.

☆ What's in the leaked Pentagon documents that could hurt Ukraine and has US officials panicking
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-11 | by ( John Haltiwanger | Sonam Sheth | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Dozens of secret Pentagon documents were leaked online in recent weeks. Many of the documents appear to be intelligence briefing materials on a wide range of subjects, dating back to around early March. When were the documents leaked and who leaked them? But Bellingcat reported that some of the materials date back to January and may have been leaked online earlier. Leaked documents claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought to attack Russian troop deployments inside Russia with drones.

☆ Georgia's former president says he's dying in prison because of Putin, and calls on the US to save his life
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-07 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Georgia's ex-president, Mikheil Saakashvili, said he is dying in prison. Saakashvili is asking the US and its allies to help save his life by applying international pressure. He also warned that Georgia's government is "sliding toward the Kremlin." Georgia 'sliding toward the Kremlin'In his Politico op-ed, Saakashvili described himself as a "political prisoner" who continues to "defend democracy against Putin and his allies." Saakashvili warned that Georgia and other countries in the region "have continued sliding toward the Kremlin" amid Russia's ongoing and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

☆ The Kremlin throws cold water on China mediating peace in Ukraine as Macron urges Xi to 'bring Russia to its senses'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Moscow threw cold water on the potential for China to play the role of mediator in the Ukraine war. This came after Macron urged Xi to push Russia to see reason when it comes to the Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited Xi to visit Ukraine and repeatedly expressed a desire to speak with him. China has claimed that it's neutral in the Ukraine war and unveiled a peace plan in February on the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. That said, Xi showed no signs that China would provide Russia with weapons during a recent visit to Moscow.

☆ US journalist detained in Russia reportedly reading famous anti-Soviet novel by a Ukrainian Jew as he sits in notorious ex-KGB prison
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The WSJ reporter detained in Moscow is reportedly reading a famous anti-Soviet novel. The book, which equated crimes of the Nazis and the Soviets, was written by a Ukrainian Jew. "Life and Fate" was not published in the Soviet Union into 1988, when Mikhail Gorbachev's policy of glasnost allowed for greater freedom of expression. "This is a novel written by a Jew that concludes that the Soviet Union had come to resemble Nazi Germany," historian Walter Laqueur told the Washington Post in 1987, shortly before the novel was finally published in the Soviet Union. His parents were part of a large wave of Jews who fled the Soviet Union due to ongoing persecution.

☆ Putin said Finland joining NATO didn't pose a threat, but now that it's a done deal, Russia is warning it will have to take action
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Finland joining NATO is one of the most significant consequences of Russia invading Ukraine. Putin said at that time that Finland joining NATO didn't pose an "immediate threat" to Russia. Less than a year ago, however, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggested that Finland joining NATO wouldn't make "much difference." Finland joining NATO marks one of the most significant geopolitical consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine to date and represents a dramatic realignment of Europe's security framework. But now, as a result of invading Ukraine, Russia has seen its land border with NATO double in size.

☆ The only way you'll see Donald Trump's mugshot is if someone leaks it or he shares it himself
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Natalie Musumeci | John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Donald Trump will pose for a mugshot ahead of his Tuesday arraignment in New York City. But don't expect his mugshot to be released; under New York law, mugshots are not public record. Trump's mugshot won't be made public unless it is leaked or released by Trump himself. It's possible that Trump's mugshot could be leaked as other prominent figures' booking photos have been in the past. Meanwhile, fake artificial intelligence-generated images of Trump's mugshot and bogus photos of the former president's arrest have already spread like wildfire across social media.

☆ If Trump's mugshot is made public it would cement him as an 'outlaw' and could make him a folk hero like Al Capone, presidential historian says
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

If Trump's mugshot is made public, it could turn him into a folk hero, historian Douglas Brinkley says. New York law generally bars the release of mugshots but it's possible that Trump's could be leaked. During an episode of his YouTube show "Justice Matters" on Thursday, legal analyst Glenn Kirschner suggested that Trump's mugshot "will become publicly available pretty promptly." If the public does get a chance to see the mugshot, it would cement Trump's status as an "outlaw" among presidents and could make him a folk hero for some Americans, Brinkley said. "But Trump fits very easily into a narrative of folk heroes, like outlaw folk heroes like Al Capone and Dillinger, Billy the Kid."

☆ Trump and his sons say his indictment makes the US like a 'third world' country, but plenty of other democracies have prosecuted ex-leaders
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Trump and his sons are decrying his indictment as a sign the US is now a "third world" country. But other democracies across the world have prosecuted, convicted, and even jailed former leaders. Trump's sons offered similar takes, portraying the charges against the former president as a political attack orchestrated by his opponents. Trump is the first former US president to be criminally charged, and his indictment comes amid a period of historic political polarization. The researchers said that in "mature democracies, prosecutions can hold leaders accountable and solidify the rule of law."

☆ 151 years before Trump was indicted, Ulysses S. Grant was arrested for speeding on a horse-drawn carriage
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant was arrested for speeding on his horse-drawn carriage in Washington, DC. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant was arrested for speeding on his horse-drawn carriage in Washington, DC, which was highlighted by the Washington Post back in 2018 as Trump's legal woes were growing. Grant apparently had a penchant for speeding and a love for fast horses and had more than one run-in with West. West replied, "I want to inform you, Mr. President, that you are violating the law by speeding along this street. "I cautioned you yesterday, Mr. President, about fast driving, and you said, sir, that it would not occur again," West reportedly told Grant.

☆ Matt Gaetz's legislative aide is a convicted war criminal who murdered an Afghan civilian and dumped his body in a latrine
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Sonam Sheth | John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A legislative aide who works for GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz is a convicted war criminal, The Intercept reported. The aide, Derrick Miller, spent eight years in prison after murdering an Afghan civilian, the report said. Gaetz's office defended its decision to hire Miller, saying he was "wrongfully convicted." According to The Intercept, Miller shot Mohammed in September 2010. The Florida congressman also repeatedly criticized the war in Afghanistan before President Joe Biden withdrew US troops in 2021.

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