Category: US

Brittney Griner is no stranger to wearing Team USA across her basketball jersey in the Olympics, but a more reflective player heads to Paris considering what she’s been through since the 2020 Toyko Games. 

Griner, a two-time gold medalist for the U.S., was in Russian prison two years ago after being sentenced to nine years in jail for drug possession and smuggling after the Federal Customs Service found her traveling with vape cartridges containing less than a gram of hash oil, which is illegal in Russia. 

Griner would later be set free in a high-profile prisoner exchange that sent Viktor Bout, nicknamed the “Merchant of Death,” who was serving a 25-year federal sentence on charges of conspiracy to kill American citizens and officials, among others. 

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Brittney Griner #15 and Diana Taurasi #12 of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team stretch during practice as part of the 2024 USA Basketball Showcase on July 22, 2024 in London, England at City Sport. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Before playing in the WNBA All-Star Game, where Griner, a star with the league’s Phoenix Mercury, spoke about how she gets chills wearing her Team USA jersey now. 

“It means everything to me honestly,” Griner said, via The Associated Press. “For me to now have the honor to wear it again and potentially win gold is icing on the cake for everything.”

This tune wasn’t sung by Griner always, as she previously suggested the WNBA shouldn’t play the national anthem before its games back in 2020 when social unrest was at the forefront during “Black Lives Matter” protests.

WNBA STAR BRITTNEY GRINER PLANS TO HAVE CHILD CALL HER ‘POPS’

“I think we should take that much of a stand,” Griner, who also knelt for the national anthem, told The Arizona Republic in July 2020. 

However, when Griner returned home from Russia, where she went to supplement her WNBA income by playing internationally, she said her appreciation for hearing the anthem was different.

“It’s like when you go for the Olympics, you’re sitting there, about to get gold put on your neck, the flags are going up, and the anthem is playing, it just hits different,” she said after hearing the anthem for the first time since returning to the States. 

Griner also recently clapped back at critics who called her un-American for kneeling during the anthem, saying she was “blown away” by their words during an appearance on “The View.”

“Everyone has made a mistake before,” Griner said, responding to people who deemed her “careless.” “The unpatriotic thing, that blows my mind, because, one, my dad fought for this country, ’68, ’69, Vietnam Marines and law enforcement for 30 plus years. Dad was my hero. I wanted to be a cop. I didn’t want to play basketball growing up, I wanted to be a cop and go into the military, actually. And doesn’t it make me more American that I’m demonstrating a protest? That’s my right as an American, so for me to be called un-American, I was blown away at that.”

Brittney Griner during the USA Women’s basketball team training session at CitySport, The Franklin Building, London, before playing against Germany at the O2 arena in London in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games on July 22nd, 2024, in London, England. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

As she’s set to head overseas again, Griner feels very “protected” with Team USA. 

“It’s different, it’s way different,” she explained. “The level of comfortability and security we have right now makes it a lot easier.”

Griner has a lot to celebrate off the court these days as well, as she announced her wife, Cherelle, gave birth to their son, Bash, on July 8. She admitted it’s going to be hard being away from them while representing her country. 

Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve discussed Griner and what she’s about to experience overseas for the first time since her Russian imprisonment.

“Think outside the Olympics, someone’s personal experience and what she went through and still continues to go through,” Reeve said. “We were all thinking of BG when she was away, and we didn’t know if this moment would be possible. I’m thrilled for her personally and thrilled for our basketball team.”

Brittney Griner #15 of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team poses for a portrait during Training Camp in Phoenix, Arizona on July 17, 2024 as part of WNBA All Star. (Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Team USA, looking to win yet another gold, will play its first game in the Olympics against Japan in the group phase on July 29 in Lille, France.

Fox News’ Hanna Panreck contributed to this report.

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CNN commentator and former Obama administration official Van Jones grew visibly emotional while reacting to the news that President Biden would withdraw from the race. 

Biden stepped aside on Sunday and has endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, to become the new nominee for the Democratic Party.

“When your arm gets tired you let somebody else finish pitching the game,” Jones said Sunday on CNN. “That’s what Joe Biden has done. And he’s done that for all of us.”

MSNBC’S JEN PSAKI TAKEN ABACK BY HER EX-BOSS DROPPING OUT: DIDN’T HAVE ‘ANY INDICATION’

CNN commentator and former Obama administration official Van Jones grew visibly emotional while reacting to the news that President Biden would withdraw from the race.  (CNN)

Jones said that Democrats would not have accomplished as much as they have “without” Biden’s help. 

“The Democrat Party’s [Biden’]s family at the end of the day, this is a family matter,” Jones said. “You know, Joe Biden’s body may not be as strong as it used to be. His language skills may not be as sharp as they used to be. His heart is as big as ever.”

Jones also compared Biden stepping down to taking away driving privileges from a senior family member. 

“It’s kind of like when your grandpa, [when] you got to take the keys,” Jones said. “He’s fighting and he’s fighting and everybody’s so frustrated.”

“And then you finally get the keys back,” he continued, becoming increasingly emotional. “And then you just cry. Because this is somebody that you love. This is somebody that you care about. This is somebody who was there for you. This is somebody, you wouldn’t be here without him. And you had to take something from him.”

BIDEN ENDS BID FOR SECOND TERM IN WHITE HOUSE AS HE DROPS OUT OF HIS 2024 REMATCH WITH TRUMP

Biden has endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to become the new nominee for the Democratic Party. (Chris duMond/Getty Images)

Jones said that he did not know who Biden’s replacement would be. 

“Politics is politics,” he said, “But this is a human moment for one of the great humans in America.” 

“I just want to say, I don’t know who’s going to be the VP, the non VP. I don’t know anything about politics,” Jones said. “I just know that I love this man, I care about this man. It was painful every day to sit up here and talk about him like he’s just some problem for the party.”

“All of us are going to be in this situation someday, and I hope that we take a moment to honor this man and to love this man,” Jones said. “I love Joe Biden. I appreciate what he’s done. And a lot of people are heartbroken today. Even if it’s the right thing, it’s still just horrible.”

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Other news hosts were also shocked by Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race.

MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki reacted live on Sunday during her show. 

“There’s very little indication from people close to him and many people in the campaign that this was about to happen, as much as there were reports of Democrats calling on him to do that,” she said after reading the letter posted to X by the president. 

Delaware Sen. Chris Coons also appeared close to tears in an interview with CBS News after Biden ended his campaign. 

“This was a very difficult decision, and one that I think reflects the very best of who Joe Biden is,” Coons said. 

Fox News’ Hanna Panreck contributed to this report. 

Aaron Rodgers backed independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for president as the 2024 election cycle took off earlier this year and was even a possible vice presidential pick of his.

The New York Jets quarterback, however, dismissed the political system as a “sham” while he did a podcast interview from Lake Tahoe earlier this month. Rodgers participated in the American Century Championship – one of the top celebrity golf tournaments in the U.S.

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Aaron Rodgers, #8 of the New York Jets, speaks to the media during the New York Jets OTA Offseason Workout at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on May 21, 2024 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

On Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take,” PFT Commenter made a crack about Rodgers’ golf ability, saying he saw his shot go far to the right “like his politics.” Rodgers smiled and recalled all the times people tried to “cancel” him.

“Politics, I’ve said from the beginning, is an absolute sham. And if we’ve seen anything whether what they did to Bernie Sanders in 2016, that we saw in the (John) Podesta emails or the fact that nothing really ever changes … all they talk about is what they’re gonna do and then life doesn’t actually get better for any of us – whether it’s a Republican or a Democrat. And we’re still doing the same f—ing two-party system. Not letting Bobby get in or anybody else.”

Rodgers also criticized the inability of a third-party candidate to be able to get on the ballots for the election.

Aaron Rodgers gives a thumbs up to the crowd at the 15th hole on day one of the 2024 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 12, 2024 in Stateline, Nevada. (Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

CHIEFS’ CHRIS JONES SEES POSSIBLE THREE-PEAT AS ‘HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT’ FOR TEAM, NFL

Kennedy failed to meet the requirements of the debate between President Biden and former President Trump, which influencer top Democrat politicians and donors to urge Biden to drop out of the 2024 race.

“We have Bobby, who doesn’t even get a chance to be in the debates. If you knew the insides of how ridiculous it is for a third-party candidate to get on the ballots in 50 states – it’s a f—ing sham,” Rodgers said. “It’s certain colors in some states. There’s certain people you gotta submit it to in other states. It’s a certain amount of votes in certain states. It’s a f—ing joke.”

Rodgers was floated as a potential Kennedy running mate before Kennedy ended up picking Nicole Shanahan.

How close was Rodgers to taking the vice president nod?

NFL football player Aaron Rodgers smokes a cigar at the 13th hole on day three of the 2024 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 14, 2024 in Stateline, Nevada. (Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

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“Yeah, I thought about it,” he said. “And then I just kept on living my life.”

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Xander Schauffele claimed victory at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon on Sunday, earning his second major championship of the year. 

Schauffele, who had entered the year never claiming a victory at any major until the PGA Championship, became the first player to even two in the same year with closing rounds of 65. Jack Nicklaus is the only other player to do it in his career.

Xander Schauffele, right, celebrates with caddie Austin Kaiser after winning The Open at Royal Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland. (Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)

“It was hard. It was very difficult,” Schauffele said with a smile after the final round. “I think winning the first one helped me a lot today on the back nine. I had some feeling of calmness come through, and it was very helpful and what has been the back nine’s I’ve ever played in a tournament.” 

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Weather conditions at Royal Troon eased up some on the final day, but didn’t make for an easier go on the final nine holes, which players have lamented all weekend long. 

Billy Horschel entered the day as the leader with a narrow one-stroke lead, but the small margin for error allowed Shauffele to come from behind. He played bogey-free and pulled away with three birdies in a four-hole stretch early on the back nine to go from two shots behind to leading by as many as three.

SI WOO KIM RECORDS HISTORIC ACE AT BRITISH OPEN

“Best round I’ve played,” Schauffele said with a grin. 

Xander Schauffele places his ball on the 15th green during his final round at the 152nd British Open on July 21, 2024. (Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite being in contention earlier on, Horschel and Justin Rose tied for second with just two strokes behind. 

Schauffele’s win in Scotland on Sunday also set a record for the Americans. For the first time since 1982, U.S. golfers swept all four majors in the same year. Scottie Scheffler won the Masters for the second time in his career, Bryson DeChambeau won the U.S. Open for the second time in his career, and, of course, Schauffele took care of the rest. 

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Xander Schauffele celebrates his victory at the Open on July 21, 2024. (Charlie Crowhurst/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

“It’s a dream come true to win two majors in one year,” Schauffele said. “It took me forever to win just one and to have two now is just something else.” 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Former President Trump has a narrow edge over President Biden after the 46th president’s disastrous debate performance last month, a Fox News poll found, but the election cycle was thrown into disarray Sunday when Biden announced he won’t seek re-election. 

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in his letter posted to X on Sunday afternoon. 

Biden was ahead by two points last month (50%-48%), and now Trump is ahead by 1 point (49%-48%), which is also exactly where things stood in May, a Fox News national survey published last week found. 

Democrat strategist Julian Epstein told Fox News Digital that a “ham sandwich” would likely perform better in polls than Biden when asked how Trump would fare against a candidate other than the president.

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR DEMOCRATS AFTER BIDEN’S CAMPAIGN SUSPENSION?

President Biden and Vice President Harris (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/File)

“At this point, a ham sandwich would probably have a greater likelihood of success in the general election than Biden,” he said. “There are generic polls out there that suggest a young candidate versus Trump does well.”

“If the Democrats were smart, they would find a younger, attractive governor [in] their 40s or 50s who was in the political center. But Democrats being smart in the circumstance is giving them a huge benefit of the doubt,” Epstein added.

READ IT: BIDEN DROPS OUT OF 2024 RACE WITH LETTER

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after his announcement. Other Democrats such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been floated as viable candidates.

Harris appears to be the likely replacement for Biden as she gains additional endorsements from heavy-hitting Democrats such as former President Clinton and Hillary Clinton.

Harris notably has a lower favorability rating than Trump, according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll. Trump recorded his highest favorability rating in the history of the poll at 40%, up from the low to mid 30% range the former president typically hovered in the poll. Harris received a lower favorability than Trump at 35%.

FROM DEBATE CATASTROPHE TO STANDING DOWN: BIDEN’S ROAD TO THE EXIT

Sen. JD Vance, left, former President Trump and Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, are shown during the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on July 18, 2024. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Fox News Digital asked Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene during the RNC in Milwaukee last week if a candidate other than Biden would diminish Trump’s shot at the White House, which she shot down, arguing that whoever takes the mantle will have to run on Biden’s record in the White House.

‘PROUD OF OUR PRESIDENT’: DEMS HEAP PRAISE ON BIDEN FOR DECISION TO END 2024 CAMPAIGN

“No matter who they put at the top of the ticket, that candidate has to run with the job record that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have brought the several past years, because Democrats are fully aligned behind those policies,” Greene said.

“I think America really came to one mindset and got resolved behind President Trump and behind the Republican Party after seeing him almost assassinated on Saturday. It’s a moment that everyone will always remember where they were when that happened, similar to 9/11. Everyone remembers where they were when that happened. I also think people are just really fed up with the border invasion that’s happening every day. The fact that people can’t afford food, can’t afford rent and inflation is really crippling a lot of people,” she added.

Harris has a long history as a California liberal stalwart, serving as San Francisco’s district attorney in the early 2000s, then serving as the state attorney general under former Democrat Gov. Jerry Brown, and U.S. senator from the Golden State before her 2020 election as vice president.

If Harris takes up the party’s 2024 presidential election mantle, it is unlikely Harris’ policies would drastically differ from Biden’s platforms, though she could swing harder to the left on issues such as immigration, abortion and foreign policy.

Three Democrat delegates expressed support for Harris in comments to Fox News Digital on Sunday, with one saying the party is “100% supporting Kamala Harris.”

Vice President Harris (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

“I can tell you that the delegation in Florida that I’m speaking with … people are 100% on board following President Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris,” said Samantha Hope Herring, a Democrat delegate and elected member of the DNC from Florida.

Echoing Herring, Karl Gentles, a Democrat delegate from Arizona, told Fox he supports Harris and will vote for her at the party’s convention.

“While it is disappointing news that Biden has decided to not seek re-election, he has demonstrated that leadership starts with putting country first above all else. He understands what’s at stake for the future of our country and the imperative of winning this election,” he said. “I support VP Harris and will be casting my vote for her at the DNC Convention.”

Trump responded to the news of Biden dropping out by slamming him as the “worst president” in U.S. history.

“He is the worst president in the history of our country,” Trump told Fox News Digital in a phone interview on Sunday afternoon. “There has never been a president so bad.”

“He is not fit to serve,” Trump continued. “And I ask: Who is going to be running the country for the next five months?” 

Trump added in comments to CNN on Sunday that he believes defeating Harris, if she emerges as the official nominee, would be an easier feat than defeating Biden in November.

BIDEN ENDS BID FOR 2ND TERM IN WHITE HOUSE AS HE DROPS OUT OF 2024 REMATCH WITH TRUMP

Just two days before the RNC kicked off, Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooting injured Trump and two others and killed 50-year-old local father Corey Comperatore.

Former President Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. (Trump Campaign Office/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Epstein said that for Democrats, Biden “is only half their problem.”

“The other half is that the American people don’t like the results of their governing for the last four years. That’s true on every single issue other than abortion,” he said.

He argued that with Democrats “course correcting,” they “shouldn’t half-a– it with a stand-in for Biden. They should do a complete correction and find the political center with the younger candidate.” 

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Calls had mounted for weeks that Biden should drop out of the race after his disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27, when he stumbled over his responses and appeared much more subdued in his demeanor than during other public events.

Fox News Digital’s Michael Lee contributed to this report.

The summer is usually the slow part of the sports year, but ESPN turned up the temperature with a comparison post on its Instagram account and immediately drew ridicule.

ESPN compared Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James’ height and weight to that of second-year big man Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs Saturday.

“Bronny and Wemby are listed at the same weight despite Wemby being over a foot taller,” the post said.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. during the first half of an NBA Summer League game against the Houston Rockets July 12, 2024, in Las Vegas.  (AP Photo/David Becker)

James is listed at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. Wembanyama is listed at 7-foot-4 and 210 pounds. There didn’t seem to be any other point to the post aside from trying to draw comments. If that’s the case, it was successful.

NBA fans pointed out the major difference between the two. Wembanyama is a generational talent coming off a season in which he won the Rooke of the Year Award. James is the son of LeBron James, and he will have to work hard to remain a permanent player on an NBA roster.

“You can’t tell me there isn’t an agenda with the media. Like bruh we get it,” one Instagram comment said.

“Please don’t put them in the same sentence. NOT in any way, shape, form, or fashion,” an NBA fan said.

Victor Wembanyama of France in action during a game against Turkey July 3, 2024, in Rouen, France. (Christian Liewig/Corbis/Getty Images)

BRONNY JAMES HAS HIS BEST PERFORMANCE YET, SCORING 12 POINTS AGAINST THE HAWKS

“One is an NBA talent and one is not,” another agreed.

New England Patriots defensive back Jabrill Peppers thought James could have been a legit NFL defensive back if he had gone the football route.

There’s no doubt James has struggled at the start of his Summer League season, but there have been bright spots in spurts.

He had 12 points against the Atlanta Hawks Thursday, his best performance so far.

“No change really, just trying to keep my confidence,” James said of his performance, via UPI. “I’m just going out there and playing my game.

Victor Wembanyama and Bronny James. (Getty Images/AP)

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“I feel like I know the right way to play, so that if I go out there and play my game, results like that will come.”

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Don’t cry for Madonna’s son David Banda just yet.

During a recent Instagram Live, the “Material Girl” singer’s 18-year-old son shared a look at a few changes in his life after graduating from high school.

A fan asked Banda how he liked “living on your own,” according to People magazine, to which Banda candidly responded how humbling the experience has been since moving out of his mom’s New York abode.

MADONNA MARKS ONE YEAR SINCE HOSPITALIZATION FOR ‘LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS’: I MADE A MIRACULOUS RECOVERY’

Madonna’s son claimed he’s “starving” while living on his own. (Getty Images)

“It’s lovely to experience it being 9 o’clock at night, me being hungry and realizing that I don’t have enough money to get food, but we don’t have enough food in the house and scavenging,” he shared on social media.

Banda is reportedly living with his girlfriend in The Bronx, and teaches guitar lessons with bookings available via Instagram.

Sources told the outlet that Madonna is “very close” with David, and that she’s “always been supportive of all of her kids.”

Madonna adopted David from Malawi when she was married to Guy Ritchie. (Getty Images)

Representatives for Madonna did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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The “Borderline” singer has two biological children: daughter Lourdes Leon with ex Carlos Leon and son Rocco Ritchie with ex-husband, Guy Ritchie.

She adopted David while on a humanitarian trip to Malawi with Guy in 2006, and later returned to the country and adopted daughter Chifundo “Mercy” James.

Madonna has two biological children: Rocco Ritchie and Lourdes Leon  (Nina Westervelt/WWD via Getty Images)

In 2017, Madonna adopted twins Stella and Estere when they were five years old.

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Earlier this month, Madge celebrated a major health milestone. In June 2023, she developed a “serious bacterial infection” which led to a “several day stay in the ICU,” her longtime manager wrote on Instagram at the time.

“A year ago today, I had just come home from the hospital after surviving a life threatening illness, I could barely stand in my backyard holding one sparkler,” she shared on Instagram over the Fourth of July holiday. 

“I made a miraculous recovery and had an amazing year. Thank you God. Life is beautiful!”

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Madonna was forced to reschedule a number of dates on her Celebration World Tour in June 2023 due to the medical issue.

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In March, the “Like a Virgin!” singer recalled the “near-death experience” at her sold-out Los Angeles show, and told fans that her first word coming out of an induced coma after four days was “No,” according to People.

“I’m pretty sure that was God saying to me, ‘Do you want to come? Want to come up with me? No,’ Madonna said.

As friends and family gathered to remember Corey Comperatore, the father and firefighter killed by gunfire at a Trump rally on July 13, at his funeral on Friday morning, locals lined the streets leading to Comperatore’s church to remember the fallen “hero.”

Comperatore, 50, was shot during an assassination attempt against the former president in Butler, Pennsylvania, around 6:11 p.m. that evening.

“My son was a fireman with Corey for years. Great mentor for him. He was a wonderful person,” Sylvia Lowry told Fox News Digital on Friday. “Of course, we’re all devastating. Great family. … We just pray that he rests in peace.”

She went on to describe Comperatore as “quiet,” a “family man,” and a “good soul.”

BILLY RAY CYRUS PERFORMS AT FUNERAL FOR TRUMP SHOOTING VICTIM COREY COMPERATORE

Volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore (C), an attendee killed during gunfire at a campaign rally of Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, is seen in this undated Buffalo Township Fire Company 27 handout photo.  (Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Dept/Handout via REUTERS)

Firefighters carry the casket of Corey Comperatore, a retired volunteer fire department chief who was shot and killed in the attack on Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, on the day of Comperatore’s private funeral, as they exit the Cabot Church in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 19, 2024.  (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)

Jeanne Fox, who worked with Comperatore’s wife, Helen, described the volunteer firefighter as a “good dad” — specifically, a good “girl dad” to his two daughters.

The former fire chief for the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department also served 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

TRUMP SHOOTING VICTIM COREY COMPERATORE’S FUNERAL DRAWS HUNDREDS, SECURITY ON HIGH ALERT

“Above all, Corey was the quintessential family man and the best girl dad,” his obituary states. “His love for his wife Helen Comperatore was a testament to the power of partnership and devotion. Together, they raised two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee Comperatore, who will carry forward his spirit of compassion.”

LAST WORDS OF ‘HERO’ FIREFIGHTER WHO DIED AT TRUMP RALLY SHOOTING REVEALED 

Former Buffalo Township Fire Chief Corey Comperatore pictured with his daughters in an undated family photo. Authorities say Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, Saturday, struck and killed Comperatore in the crossfire. Secret Service agents returned fire, killing Crooks. (Helen Comperatore/Facebook)

Members of the community mourn the death of Corey Comperatore on the morning of his funeral at Cabot United Methodist Church in Cabot, Pennsylvania on Friday, July 19, 2024. Comperatore, a former fire chief and father of two, was killed on Saturday after being shot by the would-be Trump assassin in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital )

Residents between Sarver and Cabot, where a service was held for Comperatore at Cabot Church on Friday, sat on lawn chairs and waved American flags as they watched a procession of firetrucks, EMS vehicles and motorcycles from dozens of towns across Pennsylvania drive to and from the funeral.

Katie Fuhrman, whose uncle is married to Comperatore’s mother, said she knew him when “he was little.”

“I haven’t seen him in a long time, but I know he’s an amazing man and husband and father and son. From the stories I’ve been hearing from the family, he was a fun guy. He’s a family man. Loved his daughters and his wife with all his heart. But he had a good sense of humor.”

TRUMP HONORS FALLEN FIREFIGHTER DURING RNC SPEECH

Trump commemorated the fallen firefighter on Thursday night at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, with Comperatore’s firefighter jacket and helmet displayed on stage.

“He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets… what a fine man he was,” Trump said during his RNC speech on Thursday. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others.

“This is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hours, and this is the love that will lead America back to the summit of human achievement and greatness.”

Members of the community mourn the death of Corey Comperatore on the morning of his funeral at Cabot United Methodist Church in Cabot, Pennsylvania on Friday, July 19, 2024. Comperatore, a former fire chief and father of two, was killed on Saturday after being shot by the would-be Trump assassin in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital )

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Two other men, David “Jake” Dutch and James Copenhaver, were critically wounded in the assassination attempt against Trump. They are currently hospitalized in stable condition.

Investigators are still working to determine 20-year-old shooter Thomas Crooks’ motive behind the assassination attempt that killed Comperatore.

Fox News’ Chris Eberhart contributed to this report.

In our current political climate, it is rare for someone, especially an elected official, to publicly admit they misjudged an issue, took the wrong position, or supported the wrong candidate.

Since being announced as the Republican vice presidential nominee, JD Vance has endured an onslaught of attacks – primarily centered around previous comments he made about Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election. 

Much like then-Sen. Kamala Harris taking digs at Vice President Joe Biden during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, where she essentially labeled Biden a racist, Senator Vance’s remarks regarding former President Trump were pointed and admittedly, a bit harsh.

JD VANCE BY THE NUMBERS: FIRST SPEECH SIGNALS HEAVY CAMPAIGN PRESENCE IN BATTLEGROUND RUST BELT

However, just as Harris reassessed Biden’s record and her support for the former vice president, JD Vance also reassessed his position on President Trump. This led him to openly admit he got it wrong and then to him becoming a close confidant to the former president Trump and this week, to becoming President Trump’s vice presidential running mate.

Much like JD Vance and many other everyday Americans, I understand the gravity of reassessing one’s stance and admitting when I get it wrong– especially in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on President Trump’s life.

In late 2022, I published an op-ed declaring my opposition to Trump’s 2024 re-election bid. My op-ed and the subsequent words I shared were harsh, wrong, unfair, and far too pointed – but, fortunately, my experience running for and winning local office in South Carolina, and engaging daily with everyday Americans, has profoundly reshaped my perspective, and led me to, once again, support President Trump.

Interacting with citizens from all walks of life—those working multiple jobs yet struggling to make ends meet — has illuminated the failures of President Joe Biden’s policies. It’s become more apparent to me than ever that we must, as was on full display at this week’s Republican National Convention, unite in our efforts to save our nation.

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And although critics may decry Trump’s often blunt rhetoric or point to past criticism from those like Senator Vance and me, the reality is this: the Biden administration’s failures have had far more severe consequences for American families than admitting to a few harsh or pointed words ever will.

Let’s face it: under President Biden, the economy is faltering. Inflation rates hit a 40-year-high in 2022 and still remain elevated. Gas prices have soared, with some states seeing averages as high as $5 per gallon. Interest rates are at a near 20-year high, and grocery prices have skyrocketed, with essentials like meat, poultry, and eggs increasing by over 12% in the past year alone.

Concurrently, the ongoing crisis at our southern border has reached unprecedented levels. Record numbers of illegal crossings and a surge in drug trafficking have strained resources and exacerbated the opioid crisis. In 2022, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported over 2.3 million migrant encounters, the highest number ever recorded. The influx of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, has contributed to the overdose epidemic, claiming more than 100,000 American lives annually.

Internationally, our standing has diminished following Biden’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and left many citizens and allies stranded. This debacle epitomizes weak and indecisive leadership, emboldening our adversaries and contributing to global instability.

The conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, alongside increased tensions in the Middle East, reflect a perceived lack of American resolve. And while Biden may not have directly caused these crises, his failure to address them effectively has exacerbated the situation. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the violence in Gaza, coupled with a disturbing rise in antisemitism, underscore the need for strong, decisive leadership.

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Simply put, everyday Americans are struggling to thrive under Biden’s policies. His administration’s economic and foreign policy failures have left families grappling with financial insecurity and heightened anxiety about national and global stability.

However, in stark contrast, under former President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. experienced significant economic growth. The unemployment rate pre-pandemic fell to a 50-year low of 3.5% in 2019, and the country achieved energy independence, leading to lower gas prices averaging around $2.40 per gallon. 

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Trump’s firm stance on border security resulted in a 78% decrease in illegal crossings between 2019 and 2020, with drug seizures at the border increasing by 50%. This alleviated the strain on border communities and demonstrated Trump’s commitment to protecting American sovereignty and everyday Americans.

Globally, Trump’s administration prioritized diplomacy, culminating in the historic Abraham Accords, which brought peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. Support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia also yielded promising results, showcasing a commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomacy and emphasizing peace through strength.

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Facts are facts and the case is clear: while Democrats continue to debate Biden’s viability after his disastrous debate performance, and as more and more Democrats continue to come forward in opposition to President Biden remaining at the top of the Democratic ticket, everyday Americans continue to suffer under his administration.

Rather, as we begin the race towards the November general election, and while Biden and the Democratic establishment attempt to shift American’s focus to comments from the past as they try to sort out their ever-divided party, Republicans, with the selection of JD Vance, are more united than ever to save our nation and deliver the much-needed help everyday Americans so desperately want and need.