House speaker’s “Christian nationalism” labeled extreme
Also, Antisemitism in Europe
Editorial Team
November 03, 2023
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Today we’re covering:
⛪ Mike Johnson’s personal views,
🌊 A new wave of antisemitism in Europe,
☢️ The collapse of global denuclearization,
And everything else you need to know.
☕️ Welcome back. I’m Ari, and this is Upward News. Every day, our team scours 100s of sources to bring you need-to-know news and insights you won’t find in the MSM—all in 5 minutes. Were you forwarded this email? Sign up here.
GEOPOLITICS
Antisemitism sweeps Europe
What’s happening: A wave of antisemitism has swept Europe amid the Israel-Hamas war. During October, antisemitic incidents reportedly rose 300 percent in Austria, 1,300 percent in London, and 240 percent in Germany.
The reaction: Security at Jewish institutions has increased and some have been advised not to wear a kippah in public.
Germany: On the day of Hamas’s surprise attack, supporters in Berlin handed out pastries in celebration. Swastikas were drawn onto a remaining section of the Berlin Wall with the words, “Kill Jews,” and Molotov cocktails were thrown at a synagogue. Authorities also arrested a man for allegedly planning to ram a vehicle into pro-Israel protesters.
Sentiment: More than a quarter of Muslims in Germany agree that “Wealthy Jews are the real rulers of the world,” according to polling from July.
France: Buildings were marked with Stars of David in Paris. Other threats were sent to a Jewish politician, and someone wrote, “Killing Jews is a duty” on a building.
Russia: An antisemitic mob stormed an airport in Dagestan — a majority-Muslim area — after hearing that a flight from Tel Aviv was arriving, intending to attack Jewish or Israeli passengers. The day prior, another Dagestan mob descended on a hotel looking for Jews and left after none were found.
Why it matters: Antisemitism has been a pressing issue in European society for years, with hate incidents rising substantially since 2000. Some dismissed it, but the mask is off now. The problem is crystal clear, raising questions about the future of Europe’s Jewish community.
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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING
⚖️ Another Trump “insurrection” trial begins. A lawsuit in Minnesota, much like another in Colorado, aims to remove Trump from state ballots in 2024, blaming him for the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and invoking the Constitution’s “insurrection” clause. The lawsuit is directed at the secretary of state, who claims he lacks the authority to decide a candidate’s eligibility. (NBC News)
🗳️ Voter fraud allegations stall Connecticut election. A judge has ordered a redo of Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Democratic mayoral primary over suspicions of illegal ballot harvesting. Footage that surfaced in the case appeared to show a supporter of one candidate stuffing ballots into an absentee voting box. The judge’s order came days before the mayoral election. (WBUR)
💰 Head of FTX found guilty. A jury convicted cryptocurrency trader Sam Bankman-Fried of several federal charges for defrauding customers. Prosecutors said Bankman-Fried stole $8 billion to use for partying with celebrities, lobbying in Washington, and other expenses. The 31-year-old could potentially face more than 100 years in prison. (Washington Examiner)
WHAT WE’RE HEARING
Democratic candidates are entering primary races against members of the House’s progressive "Squad" in response to their anti-Israel positions. (Washington Post)
The FBI raided the home of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’s top political fundraiser over suspicions that she took illegal foreign donations in concert with the Turkish government. (New York Times)
WASHINGTON
House speaker’s “Christian nationalism” labeled extreme
What’s happening: Legacy media outlets have come out with a flurry of articles associating House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) with “Christian nationalism” for his views on marriage, sexuality, and the “so-called separation of church and state,” as he puts it.
The narrative: The conservative speaker is “the embodiment of white Christian nationalism,” pushing “Christian supremacy” and threatening “democracy” with “theocracy,” according to the media. Christians like him are similar to or “a bigger threat” than Islamic terror groups such as Hamas and the Taliban, writers claim.
What does he say? "I’m not trying to establish Christianity as the national religion or something,” Johnson said in response. “That’s not what this is about at all.” In the past, Johnson has explained that his faith “informs everything” he does as an official and argued, “the founders wanted to protect the church from an encroaching state, not the other way around.”
Is that extreme? Polling has consistently shown that around half of Americans think the Bible should influence laws and want a “Christian nation.”
Why it matters: While Republicans often use Christian-friendly rhetoric to win voters, Johnson shows more signs of sincerity in his beliefs. This earns him the label of an extremist in America, despite the nation's deep historical ties to those beliefs.
The trend: Similarly, journalists dug up whatever they could find on Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s Catholic background as she rose to fame. This led some to portray her as cultish and to attribute her vote against Roe v. Wade to sexist beliefs.
The collapse of global denuclearization
As treaties fall one by one, the chances of nuclear disaster increase.
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POLL
Should America be governed with faith-based values?Poll results will be in Monday's newsletter. |
POLL RESULTS FROM YESTERDAY
Who do you prefer outside Trump for 2024?
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Nikki Haley (128)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Ron DeSantis (333)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Vivek Ramaswamy (125)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ RFK Jr. (93)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (53)
Haley: “A balanced position on the issues, calm, poised, articulate and experienced. Presidential material.” — Anonymous
Desantis: “Extraordinary leadership in extraordinary times—a rarity in government.” — Darryl
Ramaswamy: “He’s not a career politician.” — Rob
RFK Jr.: “All the other candidates are paid for my the deep state.” — Anonymous
Other: “I will stand strong for Trump.” — Anonymous
GEOPOLITICS
Bolivia broke off diplomatic relations with Israel this week, accusing it of an “aggressive and disproportionate” to Hamas’s attacks. (Reuters)
The U.S. doesn’t see “any indication” that Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah will declare war on Israel during his major speech in Beirut, Lebanon this afternoon. (Times of Israel)
The Israeli military has significantly tightened its perimeter around Gaza City to diminish Hamas’s infrastructure and capabilities. (Levant Kemal on X)
Germany’s government is exploring ways to deport migrants in response to the right-wing party, Alternative for Germany, gaining political support in the East. (Politico)
Russia’s Wagner Group is reportedly sending air-defense systems to Hezbollah, a possible sign the Lebanese group is preparing to fight Israel. (Wall Street Journal)
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