Politics
Klippenstein, Miller helping steer ag transition effort
Donald Trump’s Agriculture Department transition landing team is still assembling. But some early names working on the effort include Brian Klippenstein, according to four people familiar with the conversations.
Klippenstein, who’s known as “Klip,” was the key (and really only) official scrambling to pull together the chaotic Trump USDA transition in 2016…
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Europeans are much less likely than Americans to support the upcoming half-time show, according to recent polling by Blue Light News.
Half-time shows are a tradition in the Super Bowl, America’s flagship sporting encounter, but FIFA is bringing the fête to the World Cup for the first time Sunday. The imminent performance will be headlined by music superstars Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and K-pop band BTS. On Tuesday, the BBC reported that the show could extend the halftime break for up to 25 minutes, longer than the standard 15-minute half-time.
Just over half of U.K. respondents said they would oppose a half-time show, preferring that the U.S. and FIFA stick to soccer traditions. This was higher than other European countries polled, including Germany (48 percent), France (41 percent) and Spain (36 percent), but much higher than the mere 28 percent of Americans who were opposed.
Unsurprisingly, older respondents were consistently less supportive of the half-time show than young people. Just 18 percent of 65+ Germans and Brits supported a show, compared to 45 percent and 42 percent of 18-24 year olds, respectively.
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said in May that the show will “touch the hearts of the people.”
Blue Light News asked some of the most dedicated tourney followers in American politics to share their predictions for the final.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul: “Coming from Buffalo, we root for the underdogs, those who have not had the championship. Argentina’s had their opportunity. When was the last time Spain won? That was a long time ago.”
Rob Bonta, California attorney general, former Yale soccer player and father to professional soccer player Reina Bonta: “The South American champs vs. the European Champs. Messi vs Yamal. The current 39-year-old GOAT vs the 19-year-old wunderkind. Argentina vs Spain. Argentina has come from behind in the final minutes multiple times and grittily found a way to defend their World Cup title, led by the little magician #10. Spain dismantled France with their tiki-taka/rondo possession, tactical dominance and beautiful football on full display. Two teams at the top of their game, playing for the most coveted trophy in football. It should be a final for the ages! I’m so conflicted! Love them both.”
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie: “1-1 after extra time, Argentina wins on penalties. After what we have seen in three knockout games from Messi and his team, they will win back-to-back, and he will be considered the greatest player of all time, surpassing Maradona.”
Mia Bonta, assemblymember and mother to professional soccer player Reina Bonta: “I’m rooting for Argentina, the team including Messi have just played a phenomenal, gritty tournament. But most Bontas are thinking Spain is going to walk away with the trophy.”
Tammy Murphy, former first lady of New Jersey and current chair of the World Cup host committee: “As we approach the final, I’m wearing two hats. As chair of the New York New Jersey FIFA World Cup Host Committee, my focus is on delivering an exceptional experience for everyone — from seamless transportation and strong security to a safe, welcoming atmosphere and a lasting economic impact for our region. As a fan of the game, it’s hard not to get emotional knowing we’re about to witness Match 104 after an incredible 39-day tournament. While I have to admit I was disappointed to see England fall in the semifinal, given my family’s English roots on my mother’s side, it’s hard not to be excited about a historic first: the reigning European champions facing the reigning South American champions in a World Cup final. It has all the makings of an unforgettable match. Game on!”
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan: “Given San Jose’s Spanish roots as the first official pueblo in ‘Alta California,’ I’m going to call it 2-1 for Spain with a late-match Argentinian surge that falls just short.”
Tom Steyer, Democratic megadonor, former California gubernatorial candidate and former Yale soccer player: Spain, 2-1.
Randy Villegas, a Bernie Sanders-backed progressive running against GOP Rep. David Valadao: Spain, 2-1.
State Sen. Ben Allen, chair of the Senate Special Committee on International Sporting Events: Could not comment because he was too devastated by England’s loss to Argentina.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill: “In my heart, I just feel connected … to Argentina. In my head, I guess just watching Spain’s midfield, it’s hard to imagine that that doesn’t prevail.”
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.): 2-1 Argentina, with a goal and an assist for Lionel Messi.
The attorney general nominee has roughly two weeks to arrange the meeting…
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