Isaac Wright Jr. NYC Mayor Hopeful Praises Kim K ... She Gets My Battle for Justice Reform
-
Exclusive
- 497 shares
Isaac Wright Jr. -- who was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison -- is now running for Mayor of NYC, and says he'd welcome Kim Kardashian's counsel in overhauling the city's justice system.
Isaac joined "TMZ Live" Tuesday and said there's no question about it ... Kim K's platform and her influential power would be a huge boost, not only for his campaign ... but for his goals if he wins next year's election.
His incredible life up to this point is already famous -- wrongfully convicted on drug charges in 1991, Isaac was sentenced to life in prison ... but studied as a paralegal while inside and proved his innocence in 1996. His story is the inspiration for the 50 Cent produced show, "For Life" on ABC.
Kim K and Wright are kinda on the same team already ... fighting for criminal justice reform and prisoner's rights. Isaac helped overturn 20 wrongful convictions, along with his own, just as Kim's successfully helped several inmates get clemency or overturned convictions.
Isaac acknowledges Kim's not only getting it done due to her celebrity -- he says she gets in the trenches ... and says that's the kind of people he wants working with him once he's elected.
BTW, they have something else in common -- Wright attended law school after he was released from prison and passed the bar exam in 2008. As you know, Kim's currently studying for the bar.
related articles
Biden's Inauguration Ceremony to Be Mostly Unchanged ... Masks, Distancing & Maybe Testing
-
Exclusive
- 3.1K shares
One thing the coronavirus pandemic won't dramatically change is President-elect Biden's inauguration ceremony -- although there will be a few COVID safety measures in place ... TMZ has learned.
A rep from the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies -- which oversees the swearing-in process -- tells TMZ, the team is still planning to hold the big event in-person ... not virtually.
We're told the JCCIC is going to require masks and social distancing for everyone sitting on the dais with Biden -- which you'd expect -- but the Committee is also considering imposing mandatory testing for anyone who will be in the Prez-elect's immediate vicinity.
The stage construction is in full swing and, at this point, a pivot to a virtual ceremony or one significantly scaled back on head count is not in the works. However, a lot can change between now and January 20, as far as the pandemic's concerned.
We're told the congressional committee is still weighing how to go about ticketing, hoping to make it safe, but also inclusive.
Now, as far as the folks who wanna gather on the National Mall and watch the inauguration -- the District of Columbia has already laid out ground rules. It's requiring masks and distancing ... which most likely will translate to a limited capacity.
Outside of the Inauguration, DC already has pretty strict regulations for out-of-town travelers ... including negative tests, and a 14-day quarantine if you're coming from certain states.
Regarding the parade that usually follows the swearing-in, we're told that falls on the city as well. The D.C. Mayor's Office tells us they are planning for a parade as well the other inauguration traditions.
There also Biden's own Presidential Inaugural Committee, from which the city will take additional cues on how to proceed.
related articles
Jared & Ivanka Trump Buy $30M-Plus Lot of land in Miami ... Keeping NYC Crib
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump are apparently looking to become Sunshine State residents like their old man is said to be -- 'cause they reportedly spent a fortune on a plot of land there.
Trump's daughter and son-in-law recently threw down upwards of $30 million to snap up space in the exclusive Miami neighborhood of Indian Creek Island ... this, per Page Six.
The outlet reports they actually purchased a lot of land that used to belong to Julio Iglesias -- and that they got almost 2 acres of dirt to play with which is right on the waterfront. PS says the couple plans to build an estate on the grounds, and that the sale closes in 10 days.
Indian Creek Island is heavily guarded too, BTW -- there's a small police force that works just there, protecting only 29 homes in the community, which boasts neighbors like billionaire Carl Icahn, ex-football coach Don Shula, Adriana Lima, and other CEO and business tycoons who are uber-rich. That's the company Jared and Ivanka will keep while there.
Speaking of that, it doesn't sound like they're planning to permanently establish roots in Florida -- unlike Donald, who's rumored to be getting out of NYC completely and heading off to Mar-a-Lago once his presidency is over.
Page Six reports the couple is planning to keep their Park Ave. apartment in the Big Apple, so this might just be a getaway home for when they wanna visit dad.
related articles
President Trump Campaign Sues Biden Directly ... Over Wisconsin Results
-
Breaking News
- 61.2K shares
President Trump is now directly blaming Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in his quest to overturn the election results -- throwing out a new legal twist that reeks of desperation.
Trump, Vice Prez Pence and the Trump Campaign are suing Biden and Harris in Wisconsin -- seeking to set aside the absentee ballots that helped them win in 2 key counties that went blue on Nov. 3 ... Milwaukee and Dane.
In the suit, Trump and co. ask the court to set aside the Board of Canvassers' legal determination that in-person absentee ballots should be counted ... alleging that doing so violates a Wisconsin law requiring written applications for such ballots.
The campaign's argument is the absentee ballots cast for Biden/Harris in those counties did not follow the proper procedure.
As for why Trump's now going after the President-elect and Vice President-elect as defendants, it's not entirely clear. Dozens of Trump's election results lawsuits -- without Biden and Harris as defendants -- have been tossed out by judges all over the country.
On the surface, this seems like a last-ditch effort to get at least one decision in their favor. Time's running out though ... January's right around the corner.
related articles
Pete Buttigieg Vetted for Cabinet Posts ... Commerce, HUD, EPA on the Table
-
Exclusive
- 15.5K shares
Joe Biden said the LGBTQ+ community would be represented in his cabinet, and sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ, Pete Buttigieg is actively under consideration for various posts, but we're told he didn't get his first choice.
Sources privy to the selection process tell TMZ, Buttigieg is being vetted for what could be a significant appointment. We're told the possible appointment includes Secretary of Commerce and HUD. We're told he's also under consideration to head the EPA.
Our sources say another post that has been a subject of discussion is Veterans Affairs. As you know, Pete served in Afghanistan and has a strong connection to the military. We're told, although the V.A. remains a possibility for Pete, it's unlikely.
We're told what Buttigieg really wanted was U.N. Ambassador, but obviously, that position has already been filled.
Buttigieg was a strong supporter of Biden's during the campaign, and we're told he will "almost certainly" be offered a significant position in the Biden Administration.
related articles
Rudy Giuliani Positive for COVID ... Reportedly Hospitalized
-
Breaking News
- 21K shares
2:36 PM PT -- According to ABC, Rudy Giuliani has been hospitalized over his COVID diagnosis. The outlet reports, citing anonymous sources, that he's currently at Georgetown Hospital in D.C. -- although his condition is unknown.
Rudy Giuliani is the latest Trump associate to test positive for coronavirus -- and the news was broken by none other than Donald Trump himself.
The President tweeted Sunday, "@RudyGiuliani, by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the USA, has tested positive for the China Virus. Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!!"
Unclear when Rudy was tested, or how long he's been positive -- but in any case ... it's another one bites the dust in the Trump world. Everyone from POTUS himself to Kellyanne Conway and many others in Trump's immediate orbit have contracted the virus.
Rudy had dodged getting sick until now -- but he's been on the move a lot these past several weeks, defending Trump's election fraud claims all over the country and going to court a lot (and losing) over election fraud allegations filed by the campaign in multiple jurisdictions.
He was oftentimes seen without a mask on too, FWIW ... including just a month ago when he made an appearance at the Four Seasons (landscaping company) in Philadelphia -- where he gathered reporters for a bizarro-impromptu press conference.
11/19/2020
Not only that, but RG had another very public hygiene moment recently -- when he was seen sweating profusely during a news conference, which caused his hair dye to start dripping down the side of his face. And sure enough ... he wasn't masked up then either.
Just earlier this week ... Rudy was in Lansing, MI with a bizarre "star witness" who was supposedly gonna blow the lid off of alleged election fraud in Michigan. There too, he wasn't wearing a mask, and neither was she. He even had the gall to ask another one of his witnesses -- who was masked -- to take remove her covering ... but she didn't.
Rudy Giuliani asking one of his witnesses: “Would you be comfortable taking your mask off some people can hear you?”
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) December 6, 2020 @DrEricDing
He was unmasked at the Michigan election hearing on Wednesday for over 4 hours.
Giuliani now tests #COVID19 positive today.pic.twitter.com/OZFdCzuVwC
Safe to say, this was bound to happen.
Most everyone in Trump's world who's tested positive has recovered -- and considering Rudy's one of Trump's right-hand men these days, we're guessing he'll get top-notch treatment and come out the other side.
What a year ...
Originally Published -- 12:43 PM PT
related articles
Donald Trump Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Caged, Boarded Up
-
Exclusive
- 35.4K shares
9:57 AM PT -- The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce tells us the barricades were placed around the plywood to prevent a tripping hazard.
Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been repeatedly vandalized over the last few years, but the latest alteration has a double meaning.
The star is now surrounded by a steel barricade. It's also covered by a wood plank.
On the surface, it seems like someone is trying to protect the star from more vandalism. But, there's another way to look at this ... it could be a symbol of Trump's policy separating children from their parents and caging them.
It would seem this is more protection ... otherwise, why protect the star with a board?
There's obviously reason for concern. The Hollywood Historic Trust has spent thousands of dollars repairing and/or replacing Trump's star in the wake of numerous acts of vandalism, some notably committed by Otis Elevator heir James Otis, who proudly showed off his handiwork in front of the camera.
And then, there's George Lopez, who famously fake peed on the star back in 2018.
It seems the ire evoked by Trump's latest antics regarding false claims of voter fraud may have worried the Chamber ... after all, repairs don't come cheap.
Originally published -- 8:41 AM PT
related articles
AOC Twitch Is Where It's at for COVID Relief Since Congress is Stalling!!!
-
Exclusive
- 1.4K shares
Apologies to Mr. Smith but screw going to Washington ... AOC's going to Twitch to get s**t done for America, and she's now recruiting her colleagues to do the same.
We got Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez out on Capitol Hill and she told us she's actually in the process of signing up her -- shall we say more senior -- colleagues to the game streaming platform so they too can capitalize on the massive audience it provides.
AOC says among some of the colleagues she's signing up is her Netflix doc costar, Representative-elect Cori Bush. There are others too ... and it seems she's making quite the effort to do so ... on the heels of raising $200k during her Twitch debut last month that attracted 435,000 viewers at its peak while playing the popular game "Among Us."
Big numbers for sure, but even more impressive is the money she raised on the platform for 6 orgs in her community that'll use the loot for eviction defenses, food pantries and more ... as the country struggles to deal with the pandemic and the collateral damage it's caused.
As for why she's so adamant about becoming a Twitch vet ... well, she pointed to the Capitol building and essentially said "these folks" are lagging behind when it comes to passing a new COVID relief bill to help struggling Americans.
Let's hope more of her colleagues are game.
related articles
Matthew McConaughey Hatred and Intolerance on the Left and Right Must Stop
Matthew McConaughey is not into extremes, at least not in politics ... and that's why he's saying the intolerance and condescension has got to stop, and he has a solution.
M.C. jumped on Russell Brand's podcast, 'Under the Skin,' and they were talkin' politics ... both here in the States and across the pond. Russell sees a bunch of similarities as far as vitriol for "the other side."
That's what got Matt going ... suggesting the trick is to meet in the middle, which sounds impossible, but hear him out.
For starters, he wants to find a way to measure the science behind each party's POVs and their values, like actually measuring it. It's somewhat difficult to understand exactly what he means, but he seems to be talking about quantifying how liberal views/policies and their conservative counterparts have benefited the country as a whole over time.
After that, Matt says each side will have to acknowledge that their fellow Americans across the aisle have value, and that even though they might not agree with everything they believe ... that their principles and viewpoints are worth something in and of themselves.
Matthew goes off on Twitter's blue checkmarks and other so-called liberal elites on the coasts of this country, saying that they are intolerant toward the right -- but just the same, he's got criticism for the right as well.
He also suggests the media on both sides don't paint a fair picture ... and that's why the average Joe and Jane don't believe what they read and hear.
related articles
Newsom, Lightfoot, Cuomo NYU Professor Says ... Blame Hypocrite Leaders for COVID Failures
-
Exclusive
- 636 shares
Way too many politicians are setting a terrible example of how to act during the coronavirus pandemic, which is why the U.S. is failing so badly at containing it ... according to NYU's Director of the Division of Medical Ethics.
Dr. Arthur Caplan is laying much of the blame for surging COVID-19 cases and deaths at the feet of elected officials who have been caught flouting their own health orders, restrictions and guidelines.
Donald Trump has been spewing misinformation about the pandemic for months, and the most effective people to push back are the governors and mayors who were promoting mask wearing, social distancing, etc. Around 40% of the country won't take the vaccine, and these governors and mayors are critical in changing minds. But, a number of those elected officials have crossed their own lines, and Dr. Caplan says it does lots of damage.
NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo's been the national counterpoint to Trump's misinformation campaign and a strong proponent of wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding indoor gatherings, but recently planned on having his mother visit for Thanksgiving after traveling.
Cuomo canceled that plan after being called out for it, but he's far from the only politician to go counter to the advice they give the public ... and Caplan says that's a major factor in regular U.S. citizens rejecting proper COVID precautions.
Dr. Caplan tells us we can't just allow politicians to get away with a "Do as I say, not as I do" approach to governing ... because it creates a dangerous double standard.
Instead, he says we desperately need our leaders to be role models during the pandemic ... especially with the crisis escalating and the all-important vaccine on the horizon.
Obviously, that means politicians like California Gov. Gavin Newsom should stop ignoring his own COVID guidelines by attending a restaurant birthday party with a bunch of people. The same goes for San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who attended a different party a day later at the same restaurant.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's been criticized for both getting a haircut during early lockdown days and joining a street party when Joe Biden won the election.
Sheila Kuehl, a member of L.A. County's powerful Board of Supervisors, voted to temporarily stop restaurant dining, but hours later she was chowing down at her favorite restaurant .. in fairness, before the restriction took effect, but still, it sends a bad message.
According to Caplan, these are the types of actions that make people think ... if government officials don't have to follow the rules, I don't either.
The good news -- the NYU professor believes politicians all across the country can garner public trust by supporting the COVID vaccine and showing they support it by getting vaccinated themselves ... and we'll all start doing the right thing.
related articles
John Mulaney Secret Service Agents Were On Me For 'SNL' Trump Joke!!!
John Mulaney's "Saturday Night Live" joke about how Julius Caesar was killed drew the ire of some Donald Trump supporters, but even crazier ... he says it made him the target of a Secret Service investigation.
The comedian's 'SNL' monologue from February included the fact Caesar started leap year to correct the calendar, but then he joked the Roman general was such a "powerful maniac" that a bunch of senators stabbed him to death.
Mulaney then added ... it would be interesting if we brought that back now.
Though he made no mention of Trump, the joke was enough for right-wing sites to call him out for allegedly insinuating a violent act should be done to POTUS ... and Mulaney says the Secret Service contacted him about it.
Mulaney says the agent who questioned him was respectful and quickly determined his joke was harmless and he was not a threat ... but nevertheless, the comedian says he now has an official Secret Service file opened on him.
Go ahead and watch the joke for yourself ... sounds like even John sensed he might be crossing the line.
related articles
Joe Biden Suited and Booted ... Emphasis on Das Boot
Joe Biden is giving his broken foot woes the boot ... quite literally.
The President-elect was spotted Tuesday in Wilmington, DE, popping into the Queen Theater to announce new cabinet members, and he was dressed to the nines in his usual navy blue suit ... now accessorized with a walking boot on his right foot.
Doesn't look like the boot was giving JB much trouble ... after exiting his SUV (without assistance) he struck a pose, lifting the boot pretty high, almost like a soldier. When asked how he's feeling, he flashed a thumbs up.
By the looks of it, Biden's probably gonna be just fine ... a vast improvement from how fragile he looked limping out of his doctor's office over the weekend.
Of course, that's not to downplay the seriousness of his injury -- remember, his doctor said he suffered a hairline fracture in his middle foot area when he took a tumble playing with his German shepherd, Major.
Biden will be in a boot for the foreseeable future -- several weeks the doc predicts -- so get used to these images.
related articles
Kim Jong-Un Gets COVID Vaccine from China ... Analyst Claims
Kim Jong-Un is more like Donald Trump than we think, in that he's reportedly willing to take experimental coronavirus treatments ... including an unproven vaccine.
A new report citing Japanese intelligence officials claims the North Korean dictator and his inner circle within the government have all gotten a 'rona vaccine from China within the last 2 to 3 weeks.
Unclear which pharmaceutical company developed the vaccine for Kim and co., but there are apparently 3 main players out there that have been working on some ... none of which have launched final-stage clinical trials.
So, in other words ... right up DT's alley. You'll recall -- POTUS received a few drugs during his bout with 'rona (some of which were experimental) ... such as dexamethasone, remdesivir and Regeneron's antibody therapy.
Kim getting vaccinated is interesting because N. Korea as a whole's been in denial about the pandemic -- the country's officially denied tracing even one confirmed case of COVID-19 ... which no one believes, of course.
They've also reportedly closed off the border with China ... beefing up security to keep people from crossing in either direction.
Ya gotta wonder if Kim's 'rona shot worked, would he give it to his people? Something tells us that's a long shot.
related articles
Joe Biden Fractures Foot Playing with Dog .... Boot Life for Weeks
-
Breaking News
- 8.1K shares
5:33 PM PT -- Yikes ... Biden's sprain just upgraded to a fracture, which will have him living the boot life for a good while.
Biden's doctor says that although initial X-rays did not show any obvious facture in his right foot, further imaging from a CT scan confirmed he'd suffered hairline fractures on his lateral and intermediate cuneiform bones ... which are in the mid-foot area.
His doc adds, "It is anticipated that he will likely require a walking boot for several weeks." Oof ...
4:00 PM PT -- Here's Joe Biden leaving his doctor's office after being preliminarily examined, and while there's no fracture or break ... it's clear he hurt himself pretty bad.
JUST IN: President-elect Joe Biden departs the doctor's office https://t.co/TssCXZEfHR pic.twitter.com/WzexquaBta
— The Hill (@thehill) November 29, 2020 @thehill
The man's walking gingerly with a slight limp. Luckily, there was a waiting car ready to pick him up and take him away. He also some handlers on hand for assistance.
3:11 PM PT -- Looks like Joe's gonna be alright after all -- his doctor says he suffered a sprain in his right foot, but that X-rays showed no obvious sign of a fracture.
President-elect Joe Biden might be limping his way into the White House -- the guy twisted his ankle this weekend playing with his dog ... and is getting checked out just in case.
Biden was injured Saturday while playing with his German Shepherd, Major. He slipped and twisted his ankle in the process. Out of an abundance of caution, his team says he'll be examined by an orthopedist Sunday afternoon.
Reporters weren't allowed to view Biden going in or out of the doctor's office, per his team's request.
Build Bark Better.
— Dr. Jill Biden (@DrBiden) August 26, 2020 @DrBiden
Happy #NationalDogDay. pic.twitter.com/64HXEBscwO
First of all, ouch. Second ... the news is both awesome and somewhat scary. It's great that Biden is active and able-bodied enough to play with his dog, and apparently feisty to the point that he could actually hurt himself ... even slightly.
It'll be cool having a Prez that gets out and there and ruffs it every now and then -- unlike Trump, whose only physical activity is golf ... which is pretty static.
On the other hand, Biden is an older guy ... he's 78. A sprained ankle isn't gonna make or break anything (we hope), but maybe take it easy out there, JB. We're gonna need ya intact for at least 4 years ... so tell Major (and Champ) to cool it.
Get well soon.
Originally Published -- 1:40 PM PT
related articles
Donald Trump Of Course I'll Leave The White House, But ...
Donald Trump seemed to concede something that has Bill Maher and many others worried sick ... that he won't leave The White House on January 20.
Trump now says he will indeed leave 1600 Pennsylvania if the Electoral College declares Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 presidential election. There were certainly signs he would not vacate, especially since he has refused to concede the election.
Just saw the vote tabulations. There is NO WAY Biden got 80,000,000 votes!!! This was a 100% RIGGED ELECTION.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 26, 2020 @realDonaldTrump
He's still claiming massive voter fraud -- without evidence -- so that's why his declaration is significant. He even compares the U.S. to a third world country.
As for attending Biden's inauguration ... he wouldn't commit, but listen to how Trump frames his answer. He seems to say he might attend, but emphasis on "seems." If Trump does show up on the Capitol steps, it would be pretty shocking given what he's said about the results and Biden himself.
related articles
Kamala Harris Not a Shoo-in for '24 w/ Black America Per Activist Tamika Mallory
-
Exclusive
- 915 shares
You'd think Kamala Harris would have widespread support among African-Americans if she runs for President in 2024 -- but that's no guarantee ... so says Tamika Mallory.
We spoke to the world-famous activist -- whose speech about George Floyd stirred the nation just a few months back -- and she was clear ... Vice President-elect Harris doesn't get the Black vote just because of the color of her skin.
Tamika says Kamala will have to earn the Black vote by living up to the promises she and Joe Biden have been making to African-Americans ahead of this year's election -- an election she says was do or die to get Trump out of The White House.
Bottom line for TM ... 2024 will be a normal primary cycle, and she says Black America will have a better chance to vet a candidate that best serves its interests ... regardless of identity politics. If that's Kamala, great -- but don't bank on it.
We've heard this logic before -- Ice Cube was saying something similar not too long ago regarding his "Contract with Black America." Sounds like Tamika has a hard-line she won't cross when it comes to DT, but the sentiment is similar.
We should also note -- Tamika is wishing Biden and Harris all the success in the world, and seems to genuinely hope they can follow through. Fingers crossed ...