Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that there were early indications that Covid-19 Omicron variant was not more severe than&nbsp;strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand full severity of the Omicron variant.

Speaking to AFP, President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor broke down the knowns and unknowns about Omicron into three major areas: transmissibility, how well it evades immunity from prior infection and vaccines, and severity of illness.

Fauci said that Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world.

Accumulating epidemiological data from around the world also indicates re-infections are higher with Omicron.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/early-indications-omicron-variant-more-transmissible-than-delta-uk-pm-johnson-434892">Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson</a>

Fauci, the long-time director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said results from lab experiments that tested the potency of antibodies from current vaccines against Omicron should come in the "next few days to a week."

On the question of severity, "it almost certainly is not more severe than Delta," said Fauci.

"There is some suggestion that it might even be less severe, because when you look at some of the cohorts that are being followed in South Africa, the ratio between the number of infections and the number of hospitalizations seems to be less than with Delta."

But he noted it was important to not over-interpret this data because the populations being followed skewed young and were less likely to become hospitalized. Severe disease can also take weeks to develop.

"I think that's going to take another couple of weeks at least" to confirm in South Africa, where the variant was first reported in November, he said.

"Then as we get more infections throughout the rest of the world, it might take longer to see what's the level of severity."

Fauci said a more transmissible virus that doesn't cause more severe illness and doesn't lead to a surge of hospitalizations and deaths was the "best-case scenario."

"The worst-case scenario is that it is not only highly transmissible, but it also causes severe disease and then you have another wave of infections that are not necessarily blunted by the vaccine or by people's prior infections," he added.

"I don't think that worst-case scenario is going to come about, but you never know."

(With inputs from agencies)

Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that there were early indications that Covid-19 Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before.

Top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that there were early indications that Covid-19 Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand full severity of the Omicron variant. Speaking to AFP, President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor broke down the knowns and unknowns about Omicron into three major areas: transmissibility, how well it evades immunity from prior infection and vaccines, and severity of illness. Fauci said that Omicron was "clearly highly transmissible," very likely more so than Delta. He called Omicron to be currently the dominant strain in the world. Accumulating epidemiological data from around the world also indicates re-infections are higher with Omicron. Also Read | Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson Fauci, the long-time director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said results from lab experiments that tested the potency of antibodies from current vaccines against Omicron should come in the "next few days to a week." On the question of severity, "it almost certainly is not more severe than Delta," said Fauci. "There is some suggestion that it might even be less severe, because when you look at some of the cohorts that are being followed in South Africa, the ratio between the number of infections and the number of hospitalizations seems to be less than with Delta." But he noted it was important to not over-interpret this data because the populations being followed skewed young and were less likely to become hospitalized. Severe disease can also take weeks to develop. "I think that's going to take another couple of weeks at least" to confirm in South Africa, where the variant was first reported in November, he said. "Then as we get more infections throughout the rest of the world, it might take longer to see what's the level of severity." Fauci said a more transmissible virus that doesn't cause more severe illness and doesn't lead to a surge of hospitalizations and deaths was the "best-case scenario." "The worst-case scenario is that it is not only highly transmissible, but it also causes severe disease and then you have another wave of infections that are not necessarily blunted by the vaccine or by people's prior infections," he added. "I don't think that worst-case scenario is going to come about, but you never know." (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant 'almost certainly' not more severe than Delta: Top epidemiologist Anthony Fauci

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, often dubbed jokingly by many as Germany's 'permanent chancellor' due to her long stint at the helm, handed power to her successor Olaf Scholz in an official ceremony on Wednesday. She left her office in central Berlin by motorcade.&nbsp;

As she left her office, she was seen wearing a corona mask, sitting in the back of Mercedes car. Chancellery employees applauded her for her four consecutive terms in office that saw her steering the country with Europe's biggest economy for 16 years.

She urged new German chancellor Olaf Scholz to work in the country's best interest as she handed over power after 16 years in office.

"I know you are starting work highly motivated," she told Scholz at her chancellery in Berlin, adding: "take this office and work in the best interest of our country -- that is my wish."

<img alt="Angela Merkel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9bd1805-d409-4710-8007-be937977440f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9U98JD.jpg" />

As he took over from Angela Merkel in official power handover ceremony Scholz pledged a "new beginning" for Germany.

"It will be a new beginning for our country. In any case I will do everything to work towards that," said the 63-year-old.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ending-merkel-era-olaf-scholz-becomes-germanys-new-chancellor-435136">Ending Merkel era, Olaf Scholz becomes Germany's new chancellor</a>

With his down-to-earth and no-nonsense manner, Scholz has positioned himself as Merkel's natural successor and a safe pair of hands to steer Germany through challenges ranging from tackling the climate crisis to dealing with a more confrontational Russia and a more assertive China.

Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) had begun the election campaign at rock bottom in the polls, with many completely writing off Scholz's chances of heading the next government -- so much so that he didn't even have an official biography until this week.

But Scholz managed to stage a stunning upset, beating Merkel's conservatives by positioning himself as the best candidate to continue her legacy, even adopting her famous "rhombus" hand gesture on a magazine cover.

Unlike his rivals, he also managed not to make embarrassing mistakes during a campaign that drew on his reputation as a quiet workhorse, using the slogan "Scholz will sort it".

After a shorter than expected bout of post-election coalition haggling, Scholz has now managed to forge an alliance with the Greens and the liberal FDP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, often dubbed jokingly by many as Germany's 'permanent chancellor' due to her long stint at the helm, handed power to her successor Olaf Scholz in an official ceremony on Wednesday.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, often dubbed jokingly by many as Germany's 'permanent chancellor' due to her long stint at the helm, handed power to her successor Olaf Scholz in an official ceremony on Wednesday. She left her office in central Berlin by motorcade. As she left her office, she was seen wearing a corona mask, sitting in the back of Mercedes car. Chancellery employees applauded her for her four consecutive terms in office that saw her steering the country with Europe's biggest economy for 16 years. She urged new German chancellor Olaf Scholz to work in the country's best interest as she handed over power after 16 years in office. "I know you are starting work highly motivated," she told Scholz at her chancellery in Berlin, adding: "take this office and work in the best interest of our country -- that is my wish." As he took over from Angela Merkel in official power handover ceremony Scholz pledged a "new beginning" for Germany. "It will be a new beginning for our country. In any case I will do everything to work towards that," said the 63-year-old. Also Read: Ending Merkel era, Olaf Scholz becomes Germany's new chancellor With his down-to-earth and no-nonsense manner, Scholz has positioned himself as Merkel's natural successor and a safe pair of hands to steer Germany through challenges ranging from tackling the climate crisis to dealing with a more confrontational Russia and a more assertive China. Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) had begun the election campaign at rock bottom in the polls, with many completely writing off Scholz's chances of heading the next government -- so much so that he didn't even have an official biography until this week. But Scholz managed to stage a stunning upset, beating Merkel's conservatives by positioning himself as the best candidate to continue her legacy, even adopting her famous "rhombus" hand gesture on a magazine cover. Unlike his rivals, he also managed not to make embarrassing mistakes during a campaign that drew on his reputation as a quiet workhorse, using the slogan "Scholz will sort it". After a shorter than expected bout of post-election coalition haggling, Scholz has now managed to forge an alliance with the Greens and the liberal FDP. (With inputs from agencies)

Angela Merkel, Germany's 'permanent chancellor', passes baton to Olaf Scholz

Lawmakers in Germany on Wednesday elected Social Democrat Olaf Scholz an the country's chancellor on Wednesday. This marked end of the Merkel era who was in Germany's top office for 16 years. Elections of Scholz has paved way for pro-European coalition government which has vowed to boost green investment.

Scholz, 63, who served as vice chancellor and finance minister in Merkel's outgoing government, got a clear majority of 395 votes from lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house of parliament, Bundestag President Baerbel Bas said.

Scholz, who nodded wearing a face mask and waved as he received a standing ovation from lawmakers, received bouquets of flowers and a basket of apples from the leaders of the parliamentary groups.

As he took over from Angela Merkel in official power handover ceremony Scholz pledged a&nbsp;"new beginning" for Germany.

"It will be a new beginning for our country. In any case I will do everything to work towards that," said the 63-year-old.

With his down-to-earth and no-nonsense manner, Scholz has positioned himself as Merkel's natural successor and a safe pair of hands to steer Germany through challenges ranging from tackling the climate crisis to dealing with a more confrontational Russia and a more assertive China.

Scholz will lead an unprecedented three-way ruling coalition on the federal level with the pro-spending, environmentalist Greens and the fiscally more conservative, libertarian Free Democrats (FDP) - unlikely political bedfellows in the past.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lawmakers in Germany on Wednesday elected Social Democrat Olaf Scholz an the country's chancellor on Wednesday. This marked end of the Merkel era who was in Germany's top office for 16 years.

Lawmakers in Germany on Wednesday elected Social Democrat Olaf Scholz an the country's chancellor on Wednesday. This marked end of the Merkel era who was in Germany's top office for 16 years. Elections of Scholz has paved way for pro-European coalition government which has vowed to boost green investment. Scholz, 63, who served as vice chancellor and finance minister in Merkel's outgoing government, got a clear majority of 395 votes from lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house of parliament, Bundestag President Baerbel Bas said. Scholz, who nodded wearing a face mask and waved as he received a standing ovation from lawmakers, received bouquets of flowers and a basket of apples from the leaders of the parliamentary groups. As he took over from Angela Merkel in official power handover ceremony Scholz pledged a "new beginning" for Germany. "It will be a new beginning for our country. In any case I will do everything to work towards that," said the 63-year-old. With his down-to-earth and no-nonsense manner, Scholz has positioned himself as Merkel's natural successor and a safe pair of hands to steer Germany through challenges ranging from tackling the climate crisis to dealing with a more confrontational Russia and a more assertive China. Scholz will lead an unprecedented three-way ruling coalition on the federal level with the pro-spending, environmentalist Greens and the fiscally more conservative, libertarian Free Democrats (FDP) - unlikely political bedfellows in the past. (With inputs from agencies)

Ending Merkel era, Olaf Scholz becomes Germany's new chancellor

Viagra is a boon for men with erectile dysfunction but a new study says that the pill, often mentioned as a 'wonder pill' may also be linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

The study found that Sildenafil, the drug used in Viagra reduced risk of Alzheimer's by whopping 69 per cent. Result of the study has been published in the journal Nature Aging.

A team from Cleveland Clinic analysed a database of more than 7 million patients, and used computational methodology to screen and validate over 1,600 FDA-approved drugs as potential therapies for Alzheimer`s.

The buildup of beta amyloid and tau proteins in the brain leads to amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles -- two hallmarks of Alzheimer`s-related brain changes. The team pinpointed drugs that target both amyloid and tau as having higher scores compared to drugs that target just one or the other.

"Sildenafil, which has been shown to significantly improve cognition and memory in preclinical models, presented as the best drug candidate," said Feixiong Cheng, from Cleveland Clinic`s Genomic Medicine Institute.

Further, the analysis included patients using comparator drugs that either were in an active Alzheimer`s clinical trial (losartan or metformin) or were not yet reported as relevant to the disease (diltiazem or glimepiride).

They found that sildenafil users were 69 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer`s disease than non-sildenafil users after 6 years of follow-up. Specifically, sildenafil had a 55 per cent reduced risk of the disease compared to losartan, 63 per cent compared to metformin, 65 per cent compared to diltiazem and 64 per cent compared to glimepiride.

"Notably, we found that sildenafil use reduced the likelihood of Alzheimer`s in individuals with coronary artery disease, hypertension and Type-2 diabetes, all of which are comorbidities significantly associated with risk of the disease, as well as in those without," Cheng said.

The researchers also developed an Alzheimer`s patient-derived brain cell model using stem cells.

In the model, they found that sildenafil increased brain cell growth and decreased hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins -- a hallmark which leads to neurofibrillary tangles --, offering biological insights into how sildenafil may influence disease-related brain changes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Viagra is a boon for men with erectile dysfunction but a new study says that the pill, often mentioned as a 'wonder pill' may also be linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Viagra is a boon for men with erectile dysfunction but a new study says that the pill, often mentioned as a 'wonder pill' may also be linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that Sildenafil, the drug used in Viagra reduced risk of Alzheimer's by whopping 69 per cent. Result of the study has been published in the journal Nature Aging. A team from Cleveland Clinic analysed a database of more than 7 million patients, and used computational methodology to screen and validate over 1,600 FDA-approved drugs as potential therapies for Alzheimer`s. The buildup of beta amyloid and tau proteins in the brain leads to amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles -- two hallmarks of Alzheimer`s-related brain changes. The team pinpointed drugs that target both amyloid and tau as having higher scores compared to drugs that target just one or the other. "Sildenafil, which has been shown to significantly improve cognition and memory in preclinical models, presented as the best drug candidate," said Feixiong Cheng, from Cleveland Clinic`s Genomic Medicine Institute. Further, the analysis included patients using comparator drugs that either were in an active Alzheimer`s clinical trial (losartan or metformin) or were not yet reported as relevant to the disease (diltiazem or glimepiride). They found that sildenafil users were 69 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer`s disease than non-sildenafil users after 6 years of follow-up. Specifically, sildenafil had a 55 per cent reduced risk of the disease compared to losartan, 63 per cent compared to metformin, 65 per cent compared to diltiazem and 64 per cent compared to glimepiride. "Notably, we found that sildenafil use reduced the likelihood of Alzheimer`s in individuals with coronary artery disease, hypertension and Type-2 diabetes, all of which are comorbidities significantly associated with risk of the disease, as well as in those without," Cheng said. The researchers also developed an Alzheimer`s patient-derived brain cell model using stem cells. In the model, they found that sildenafil increased brain cell growth and decreased hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins -- a hallmark which leads to neurofibrillary tangles --, offering biological insights into how sildenafil may influence disease-related brain changes. (With inputs from agencies)

Viagra can reduce risk of Alzheimer's, says study

When Bob Dole was the Senate majority leader, in the days when Republicans and Democrats at least tried to work together, he routinely walked across the second floor of the Capitol to meet the minority leader, Tom Daschle, in Daschle’s office.

The reversal of protocol struck Daschle, who was new in the job, as gracious.

“I said, ‘Bob, I’m really humbled that you insist on coming to my office; I’m the junior guy, so I should come to your office,’ ” Daschle, D-S.D., recalled Sunday after learning that Dole, 98, had died. “And he said, ‘No, when I come to your office, I can always decide when the meeting is over.’ ”

The remark was classic Bob Dole — witty and straight to the point. And the story is a reminder of Bob Dole’s Washington.

Dole, a Kansas Republican who overcame the poverty of the Great Depression and grievous injuries suffered during World War II, brought his prairie values and no-nonsense manner when he arrived in Washington in 1961. Over the next 35 years — through eight years in the House, 27 in the Senate and three failed attempts to win the presidency — he operated in a city that was conducive to his instincts as a deal maker.

It is perhaps trite to reminisce about and romanticize a “bygone era” in Washington, when politicians of opposing parties fought by day and socialized with one another at night. There was plenty of partisanship — some of it every bit as bitter as what exists today — during Dole’s time in the Capitol.

But there also is no denying that the climate was different, and the facts speak for themselves: Both as a senator and as the Republican leader, a job he held from 1985 until 1996, Dole reached across the aisle to help push through a string of bipartisan legislation, such as a bill to rescue Social Security, the Americans with Disabilities Act and a measure to overhaul the welfare system.

Among his proudest accomplishments was teaming up with George McGovern, the liberal Democrat from South Dakota, to revamp the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called food stamps. They continued to work together on nutrition issues after they both left the Senate.

“People believed in working with each other, and they kept their word,” Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., who counted Dole as a friend, said Sunday. He recalled the close ties between George J. Mitchell Jr., the Maine senator who preceded Daschle as the Democratic leader, and Dole.

“When George Mitchell was leader, he’d go down to Dole’s office two and three times a day and vice versa,” Leahy said. “And I recall they both said the same thing about the other: ‘He never surprised me.’ You don’t see that happen today.”

Not only that, Mitchell and Dole had dedicated phone lines on their desks that let them communicate directly with the touch of a button, one aide recalled.

The button came in handy in November 1994, when Republicans won back the majority. Mitchell, who had not sought reelection, asked that Dole be alerted that he was coming to his office to congratulate him. Dole sent a quick message back that he didn’t want Mitchell to make the humbling trek and that Dole would instead go to his office, a gesture that Mitchell and his team regarded as decent and thoughtful.

“He operated in a different era, when the idea of bipartisanship was very much in vogue and politicians understood that in a democracy you simply have to work, not just with your fellow party members, but with people from the opposite side or the other side of the aisle,” said Robert Dallek, the presidential historian. “He was masterful at that.”

That is not to say that Dole lacked sharp elbows or conservative ideology. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House who is widely credited with ushering in Washington’s era of partisan warfare, said he worked closely with Dole to push through tax cuts and to defeat President Bill Clinton’s plan for universal health care.

In an interview Sunday, Gingrich likened Dole to the current Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, an object of loathing for Democrats.

“I think there’s a lot of parallels between Dole and McConnell,” Gingrich said. “They’re both creatures of the Senate; they’re both very, very good tactically. They both understand how to stop things, and they understand how to get things done.”

Despite their partnership, Dole could not embrace Gingrich’s bomb-throwing style. When Gingrich and House Republicans refused to pass federal spending bills, forcing the government to shut down in 1995, Dole took to the Senate floor to declare that he had had enough.

“We ought to end this,” Dole said at the time. “I mean, it’s gotten to the point where it’s a little ridiculous as far as this senator is concerned.”

In Washington, Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole — who later became a senator and ran for president herself — were seen as a power couple, the embodiment of the city’s institutions. Robert Dole came to stand for World War II and the Greatest Generation, and an earlier era of dignity and honor. He was the driving force behind the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, and could often be found greeting veterans there.

“He was in a sense Mr. America,” said Dallek, the historian. “He came from the heartland, and he stood for a kind of shared values.”

In 1996, Dole left the Senate — an institution in which he had served for more than a quarter century — to run for president. Washington was changing. Gingrich was at the height of his power. Clinton would later be impeached over his affair with an intern, Monica Lewinsky, exacerbating the growing partisan tensions.

But when Dole, who at that point was the Senate’s longest-serving Republican leader, went to the chamber to deliver a speech announcing his departure, the old ways of the Capitol were still intact.

“That day he announced he was leaving the Senate, almost every Democratic senator was on the floor,” Leahy said. “Now, he was going to go out to run against Bill Clinton. And when he finished speaking, we all stood and applauded and applauded.”

When Bob Dole was the Senate majority leader, in the days when Republicans and Democrats at least tried to work together, he routinely walked across the second floor of the Capitol to meet the minority leader, Tom Daschle, in Daschle’s office.

When Bob Dole was the Senate majority leader, in the days when Republicans and Democrats at least tried to work together, he routinely walked across the second floor of the Capitol to meet the minority leader, Tom Daschle, in Daschle’s office. The reversal of protocol struck Daschle, who was new in the job, as gracious. “I said, ‘Bob, I’m really humbled that you insist on coming to my office; I’m the junior guy, so I should come to your office,’ ” Daschle, D-S.D., recalled Sunday after learning that Dole, 98, had died. “And he said, ‘No, when I come to your office, I can always decide when the meeting is over.’ ” The remark was classic Bob Dole — witty and straight to the point. And the story is a reminder of Bob Dole’s Washington. Dole, a Kansas Republican who overcame the poverty of the Great Depression and grievous injuries suffered during World War II, brought his prairie values and no-nonsense manner when he arrived in Washington in 1961. Over the next 35 years — through eight years in the House, 27 in the Senate and three failed attempts to win the presidency — he operated in a city that was conducive to his instincts as a deal maker. It is perhaps trite to reminisce about and romanticize a “bygone era” in Washington, when politicians of opposing parties fought by day and socialized with one another at night. There was plenty of partisanship — some of it every bit as bitter as what exists today — during Dole’s time in the Capitol. But there also is no denying that the climate was different, and the facts speak for themselves: Both as a senator and as the Republican leader, a job he held from 1985 until 1996, Dole reached across the aisle to help push through a string of bipartisan legislation, such as a bill to rescue Social Security, the Americans with Disabilities Act and a measure to overhaul the welfare system. Among his proudest accomplishments was teaming up with George McGovern, the liberal Democrat from South Dakota, to revamp the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called food stamps. They continued to work together on nutrition issues after they both left the Senate. “People believed in working with each other, and they kept their word,” Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., who counted Dole as a friend, said Sunday. He recalled the close ties between George J. Mitchell Jr., the Maine senator who preceded Daschle as the Democratic leader, and Dole. “When George Mitchell was leader, he’d go down to Dole’s office two and three times a day and vice versa,” Leahy said. “And I recall they both said the same thing about the other: ‘He never surprised me.’ You don’t see that happen today.” Not only that, Mitchell and Dole had dedicated phone lines on their desks that let them communicate directly with the touch of a button, one aide recalled. The button came in handy in November 1994, when Republicans won back the majority. Mitchell, who had not sought reelection, asked that Dole be alerted that he was coming to his office to congratulate him. Dole sent a quick message back that he didn’t want Mitchell to make the humbling trek and that Dole would instead go to his office, a gesture that Mitchell and his team regarded as decent and thoughtful. “He operated in a different era, when the idea of bipartisanship was very much in vogue and politicians understood that in a democracy you simply have to work, not just with your fellow party members, but with people from the opposite side or the other side of the aisle,” said Robert Dallek, the presidential historian. “He was masterful at that.” That is not to say that Dole lacked sharp elbows or conservative ideology. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House who is widely credited with ushering in Washington’s era of partisan warfare, said he worked closely with Dole to push through tax cuts and to defeat President Bill Clinton’s plan for universal health care. In an interview Sunday, Gingrich likened Dole to the current Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, an object of loathing for Democrats. “I think there’s a lot of parallels between Dole and McConnell,” Gingrich said. “They’re both creatures of the Senate; they’re both very, very good tactically. They both understand how to stop things, and they understand how to get things done.” Despite their partnership, Dole could not embrace Gingrich’s bomb-throwing style. When Gingrich and House Republicans refused to pass federal spending bills, forcing the government to shut down in 1995, Dole took to the Senate floor to declare that he had had enough. “We ought to end this,” Dole said at the time. “I mean, it’s gotten to the point where it’s a little ridiculous as far as this senator is concerned.” In Washington, Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole — who later became a senator and ran for president herself — were seen as a power couple, the embodiment of the city’s institutions. Robert Dole came to stand for World War II and the Greatest Generation, and an earlier era of dignity and honor. He was the driving force behind the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, and could often be found greeting veterans there. “He was in a sense Mr. America,” said Dallek, the historian. “He came from the heartland, and he stood for a kind of shared values.” In 1996, Dole left the Senate — an institution in which he had served for more than a quarter century — to run for president. Washington was changing. Gingrich was at the height of his power. Clinton would later be impeached over his affair with an intern, Monica Lewinsky, exacerbating the growing partisan tensions. But when Dole, who at that point was the Senate’s longest-serving Republican leader, went to the chamber to deliver a speech announcing his departure, the old ways of the Capitol were still intact. “That day he announced he was leaving the Senate, almost every Democratic senator was on the floor,” Leahy said. “Now, he was going to go out to run against Bill Clinton. And when he finished speaking, we all stood and applauded and applauded.”

Witty and to the point, Dole embodied ‘shared values’ in Washington

There is no saying what the universe might throw at us. Just when some of us think they know everything about it, a new discovery tosses all that smugness out of the park.&nbsp;

Scientists have now spotted one of the smallest planets ever to be discovered outside our solar system. The planet, designated as GJ 367b is a red-hot world. It's just a bit larger than Mars and is as dense as pure Iron.&nbsp;

The planet zooms around its star every eight hours. It is 31 light-years away from Earth.

Scientists are eager to find exoplanets, as these alien worlds are known, that might harbor life. The newly discovered one, called GJ 367b, certainly could not, possessing ferocious surface temperatures and perhaps a molten lava surface on the side facing its star, they said. But other small exoplanets found and studied using the same methods might emerge as good candidates for nurturing extraterrestrial life.

A quarter century after the first exoplanet discoveries, scientists have turned toward characterizing them more precisely to gain a deeper understanding of their variety, from large gas giants akin to Jupiter to smaller rocky Earth-like planets where life might thrive.

"Gas giants such as Jupiter, as we know it, are not habitable because they have more extreme temperatures, weather, pressures and a lack of essential building blocks to support life," said astronomer Kristine Lam of the Institute of Planetary Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), lead author of the study published in the journal Science. She was quoted by Reuters.

"Unlike gas giants, small terrestrial worlds like Earth are more temperate and consist of important ingredients, such as liquid water and oxygen, to harbor life forms. Although not all terrestrial exoplanets are habitable, searching for smaller worlds and identifying the type of planets they are can help us understand how planets were formed, what makes a planet habitable and if our solar system is unique," Lam added.

GJ 367b is the smallest exoplanet to be so precisely characterized. It has a diameter of about 5,600 miles (9,000 km) - compared to Earth's 7,900 miles (12,700 km) and the 4,200 miles (6,800 km) of Mars. Its mass is 55% that of Earth and it is more dense - near that of pure iron.

The researchers calculated that 86% of GJ 367b is composed of iron, with an interior structure resembling Mercury, the closest planet to our sun. They are wondering whether the planet lost an outer mantle that once encased its core.

"Perhaps like Mercury, GJ 367b could have experienced an episode of giant impact which stripped away the mantle, leaving behind a large iron core. Or maybe the exoplanet is a remnant of a Neptune or super-Earth sized gaseous planet, where the atmosphere of the planet has completely blown away as the planet is blasted by a large amount of radiation from the star," Lam said.

(With inputs from agencies)

There is no saying what the universe might throw at us. Just when some of us think they know everything about it, a new discovery tosses all that smugness out of the park.

There is no saying what the universe might throw at us. Just when some of us think they know everything about it, a new discovery tosses all that smugness out of the park. Scientists have now spotted one of the smallest planets ever to be discovered outside our solar system. The planet, designated as GJ 367b is a red-hot world. It's just a bit larger than Mars and is as dense as pure Iron. The planet zooms around its star every eight hours. It is 31 light-years away from Earth. Scientists are eager to find exoplanets, as these alien worlds are known, that might harbor life. The newly discovered one, called GJ 367b, certainly could not, possessing ferocious surface temperatures and perhaps a molten lava surface on the side facing its star, they said. But other small exoplanets found and studied using the same methods might emerge as good candidates for nurturing extraterrestrial life. A quarter century after the first exoplanet discoveries, scientists have turned toward characterizing them more precisely to gain a deeper understanding of their variety, from large gas giants akin to Jupiter to smaller rocky Earth-like planets where life might thrive. "Gas giants such as Jupiter, as we know it, are not habitable because they have more extreme temperatures, weather, pressures and a lack of essential building blocks to support life," said astronomer Kristine Lam of the Institute of Planetary Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), lead author of the study published in the journal Science. She was quoted by Reuters. "Unlike gas giants, small terrestrial worlds like Earth are more temperate and consist of important ingredients, such as liquid water and oxygen, to harbor life forms. Although not all terrestrial exoplanets are habitable, searching for smaller worlds and identifying the type of planets they are can help us understand how planets were formed, what makes a planet habitable and if our solar system is unique," Lam added. GJ 367b is the smallest exoplanet to be so precisely characterized. It has a diameter of about 5,600 miles (9,000 km) - compared to Earth's 7,900 miles (12,700 km) and the 4,200 miles (6,800 km) of Mars. Its mass is 55% that of Earth and it is more dense - near that of pure iron. The researchers calculated that 86% of GJ 367b is composed of iron, with an interior structure resembling Mercury, the closest planet to our sun. They are wondering whether the planet lost an outer mantle that once encased its core. "Perhaps like Mercury, GJ 367b could have experienced an episode of giant impact which stripped away the mantle, leaving behind a large iron core. Or maybe the exoplanet is a remnant of a Neptune or super-Earth sized gaseous planet, where the atmosphere of the planet has completely blown away as the planet is blasted by a large amount of radiation from the star," Lam said. (With inputs from agencies)

On this planet as dense as Iron, a year lasts only eight hours

Two people have lost their lives in a shooting incident that took place at Moscow, Sputnik news reported. Police have detained a man.

As per the report, the shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre. As per the early report,&nbsp;the&nbsp;deceased included a woman working at the centre and an visitor.

Moscow mayor has made a tweet in Russian and has offered condolences to the victims.

Russian news agencies, citing sources in the interior ministry, reported a child had been injured in the shooting.&nbsp;

The capital's investigators launched a criminal case into the shooting, they also reported.&nbsp;

Mass shootings in Russia are rare but the country was rocked by two separate tragic killing sprees -- one at a school, another at a university -- this year, spurring lawmakers to tighten laws regulating access to guns.

In one high-profile public shooting in 2019, a gunman opened fire near the FSB domestic intelligence agency headquarters in central Moscow, killing an officer and wounding five people.

Other high-profile shooting cases have taken place in Russia's army.&nbsp;

In November 2020, a 20-year-old soldier killed three fellow servicemen at a military base near the city of Voronezh.&nbsp;

In a similar attack in 2019, a young recruit shot dead eight servicemen.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two people have lost their lives in a shooting incident that took place at Moscow, Sputnik news reported. Police have detained a man. As per the report, the shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre.

Two people have lost their lives in a shooting incident that took place at Moscow, Sputnik news reported. Police have detained a man. As per the report, the shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre. As per the early report, the deceased included a woman working at the centre and an visitor. Moscow mayor has made a tweet in Russian and has offered condolences to the victims. Russian news agencies, citing sources in the interior ministry, reported a child had been injured in the shooting. The capital's investigators launched a criminal case into the shooting, they also reported. Mass shootings in Russia are rare but the country was rocked by two separate tragic killing sprees -- one at a school, another at a university -- this year, spurring lawmakers to tighten laws regulating access to guns. In one high-profile public shooting in 2019, a gunman opened fire near the FSB domestic intelligence agency headquarters in central Moscow, killing an officer and wounding five people. Other high-profile shooting cases have taken place in Russia's army. In November 2020, a 20-year-old soldier killed three fellow servicemen at a military base near the city of Voronezh. In a similar attack in 2019, a young recruit shot dead eight servicemen. (With inputs from agencies)

Shooting in Moscow, two dead, a man detained

A computer scientist claiming to be inventor of Bitcoin has been told by a US court to pay USD 100 million. He was sued by his former partner, who is now dead. The partner&nbsp;had claimed half of the bitcoin cache with Wright. It is now&nbsp;worth&nbsp;about USD 4 billion. The estate of the departed partner has not been awarded half of the Bitcoin cache worth billions but will now get USD 100 million in intellectual property rights.&nbsp;

The Miami jury cleared Craig Wright on nearly all issues in the dispute, including tha involving transfer of&nbsp;half of the 1.1 million Bitcoin in dispute.

Jurors concluded that Wright was not liable for fraud.

Wright and Dave Klieman were formerly partners in W&amp;K Information Defense Research LLC.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fully-ecological-city-in-a-first-el-salvador-plans-a-bitcoin-city-431130">'Fully ecological city': In a first, El Salvador plans a 'Bitcoin city'</a>

"This has been a remarkable good outcome and I feel completely vindicated," Wright said in a video message, as quoted by Reuters

"There are still more fights. We are going to make everything change: cryptocurrency to digital cash the way it's meant to be."

According to court papers, the 1.1 million Bitcoin had been mined by Satoshi Nakamoto, whose October 2008 white paper "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System" described a framework for what would become bitcoin.

Wright claimed in 2016 that he was Nakamoto, which was a pseudonym. The claim has been disputed.

Kleiman's family contended that he and Wright had been friends and business partners, but that Wright stole the bitcoin stemming from their relationship.

In a statement, lawyers for W&amp;K and Kleiman's estate said they were "immensely gratified" that the jury awarded the $100 million in intellectual property rights, and help give the Kleimans "their fair share of what Dave helped create."

(With inputs from agencies)

A computer scientist claiming to be inventor of Bitcoin has been told by a US court to pay USD 100 million. He was sued by his former partner, who is now dead. The partner had claimed half of the bitcoin cache with Wright.

A computer scientist claiming to be inventor of Bitcoin has been told by a US court to pay USD 100 million. He was sued by his former partner, who is now dead. The partner had claimed half of the bitcoin cache with Wright. It is now worth about USD 4 billion. The estate of the departed partner has not been awarded half of the Bitcoin cache worth billions but will now get USD 100 million in intellectual property rights. The Miami jury cleared Craig Wright on nearly all issues in the dispute, including tha involving transfer of half of the 1.1 million Bitcoin in dispute. Jurors concluded that Wright was not liable for fraud. Wright and Dave Klieman were formerly partners in W&K Information Defense Research LLC. Also Read | 'Fully ecological city': In a first, El Salvador plans a 'Bitcoin city' "This has been a remarkable good outcome and I feel completely vindicated," Wright said in a video message, as quoted by Reuters "There are still more fights. We are going to make everything change: cryptocurrency to digital cash the way it's meant to be." According to court papers, the 1.1 million Bitcoin had been mined by Satoshi Nakamoto, whose October 2008 white paper "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System" described a framework for what would become bitcoin. Wright claimed in 2016 that he was Nakamoto, which was a pseudonym. The claim has been disputed. Kleiman's family contended that he and Wright had been friends and business partners, but that Wright stole the bitcoin stemming from their relationship. In a statement, lawyers for W&K and Kleiman's estate said they were "immensely gratified" that the jury awarded the $100 million in intellectual property rights, and help give the Kleimans "their fair share of what Dave helped create." (With inputs from agencies)

Bitcoin 'inventor' told to pay USD 100 million by US court

NASA is gearing up to announce names of candidates who will become astronauts taking part in new space missions. These missions include NASA's return to Moon and more space missions to Mars. It is expected that NASA will make announcement on fresh batch of its candidates tonight at 11 pm (IST).

NASA said that the selected candidates will join NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Nasa Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche, and Flight Operations Director Norm Knight on the stage.

Just getting included in this list would not guarantee a space travel for these men and women. The chosen candidates will have to complete a rigorous training program that will go on for two years.

"The astronaut candidates will report to Nasa Johnson in January to begin their training in spacecraft systems, spacewalking skills, teamwork, and other necessary skills," the agency said in a statement ahead of the announcement

Will there be a face with Indian-heritage?

Astronauts who were either born in India or were of Indian heritage have often been selected in NASA's successive batches of astronauts. These names include Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams and most recent Raja Chari

NASA has been tightlipped about new batch of astronaut candidates so far.

NASA is gearing up to announce names of candidates who will become astronauts taking part in new space missions. These missions include NASA's return to Moon and more space missions to Mars.

NASA is gearing up to announce names of candidates who will become astronauts taking part in new space missions. These missions include NASA's return to Moon and more space missions to Mars. It is expected that NASA will make announcement on fresh batch of its candidates tonight at 11 pm (IST). NASA said that the selected candidates will join NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Nasa Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche, and Flight Operations Director Norm Knight on the stage. Just getting included in this list would not guarantee a space travel for these men and women. The chosen candidates will have to complete a rigorous training program that will go on for two years. "The astronaut candidates will report to Nasa Johnson in January to begin their training in spacecraft systems, spacewalking skills, teamwork, and other necessary skills," the agency said in a statement ahead of the announcement Will there be a face with Indian-heritage? Astronauts who were either born in India or were of Indian heritage have often been selected in NASA's successive batches of astronauts. These names include Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams and most recent Raja Chari NASA has been tightlipped about new batch of astronaut candidates so far.

NASA to announce fresh names for its astronaut programme soon

NASA announced its fresh class of trainee astronauts on Tuesday. Anil Menon, a US fighter pilot born to parents from India and Ukraine has been named in the newest list.

Anil Menon (45), a lieutenant colonel in US Air Force was first direct responder during the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 2015 earthquake in Nepal and 2011 Reno Air Show accident.

Menon was previously a first flight surgeon with SpaceX. He had a stint with NASA before that.

There are 10 astronaut trainees including Menon in NASA's newest list. The list includes a firefighter turned Harvard professor, a former member of the national cycle team and a pilot who led the first-ever all-woman F-22 formation in combat.

NASA's latest list includes 10 names including that of Menon. The list includes a firefighter turned Harvard professor, a former member of the national cycle team and others.

"We're going back to the Moon, and we're continuing on to Mars -- and so today we welcome 10 new explorers," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said at an event to welcome the recruits.

"Alone, each candidate has 'the right stuff,' but together they represent the creed of our country: E pluribus unum – out of many, one," he added.

The 10 candidates have been shortlisted from 12,000 applicants. Inclusion in this list however, does not guarantee that each of them would get to become an astronaut. All of them will now undergo a rigorous training program that will go on for two years. All of the trainees will learn how to operate and maintain the International Space Station, train for spacewalks, develop robotics skills, safely operate a T-38 training jet, and learn Russian to communicate with their counterparts.

After they graduate, they could be assigned to missions aboard the ISS or deeper into space, including NASA's planned return to the Moon later this decade under the Artemis mission, which will include the first woman and person of color to set foot on lunar soil.

The field was open to US citizens who hold a master's degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field -- the first time such a requirement was added -- and passed an online test. The master's degree requirement could also be met by a medical degree or completion of a test pilot program.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA announced its fresh class of trainee astronauts on Tuesday. Anil Menon, a US fighter pilot born to parents from India and Ukraine has been named in the newest list.

NASA announced its fresh class of trainee astronauts on Tuesday. Anil Menon, a US fighter pilot born to parents from India and Ukraine has been named in the newest list. Anil Menon (45), a lieutenant colonel in US Air Force was first direct responder during the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 2015 earthquake in Nepal and 2011 Reno Air Show accident. Menon was previously a first flight surgeon with SpaceX. He had a stint with NASA before that. There are 10 astronaut trainees including Menon in NASA's newest list. The list includes a firefighter turned Harvard professor, a former member of the national cycle team and a pilot who led the first-ever all-woman F-22 formation in combat. NASA's latest list includes 10 names including that of Menon. The list includes a firefighter turned Harvard professor, a former member of the national cycle team and others. "We're going back to the Moon, and we're continuing on to Mars -- and so today we welcome 10 new explorers," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said at an event to welcome the recruits. "Alone, each candidate has 'the right stuff,' but together they represent the creed of our country: E pluribus unum – out of many, one," he added. The 10 candidates have been shortlisted from 12,000 applicants. Inclusion in this list however, does not guarantee that each of them would get to become an astronaut. All of them will now undergo a rigorous training program that will go on for two years. All of the trainees will learn how to operate and maintain the International Space Station, train for spacewalks, develop robotics skills, safely operate a T-38 training jet, and learn Russian to communicate with their counterparts. After they graduate, they could be assigned to missions aboard the ISS or deeper into space, including NASA's planned return to the Moon later this decade under the Artemis mission, which will include the first woman and person of color to set foot on lunar soil. The field was open to US citizens who hold a master's degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field -- the first time such a requirement was added -- and passed an online test. The master's degree requirement could also be met by a medical degree or completion of a test pilot program. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin Anil Menon named in NASA's newest astronaut class

I take no joy in sounding the alarm, but I do so as a proud Democrat who has won three statewide races in a rural, red state — the Democrats are in trouble in rural America, and their struggles there could doom the party in 2022.

The warning signs were already there in 2020 when Democrats fell short in congressional and state races despite electing Joe Biden president. I know because I was on the ballot for U.S. Senate and lost. In the last decade and a half, we’ve seen Senate seats flip red in Arkansas, Indiana, North Dakota, and more. Democrats have lost more than 900 state legislative seats around the country since 2008. And in this year’s governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, we saw the Democratic vote in rural areas plummet, costing the party one seat and nearly losing us the other. It was even worse for Democrats down ballot, as Democrats lost state legislative, county, and municipal seats.

The core problem is a familiar one — Democrats are out of touch with the needs of the ordinary voter. In 2021, voters watched Congress debate for months the cost of an infrastructure bill while holding a social spending bill hostage. Both measures contain policies that address the challenges Americans across the country face. Yet to anyone outside the Beltway, the infighting and procedural brinkmanship haven’t done a lick to meet their needs at a moment of health challenges, inflation and economic struggles. You had Democrats fighting Democrats, letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, and desperately needed progress was delayed. It’s no wonder rural voters think Democrats are not focused on helping them.

I was re-elected as Montana’s governor in 2016 at the same time Donald Trump took our state by more than 20 points. It’s never easy for Democrats to get elected in Montana, because Democrats here are running against not only the opponent on the ballot, but also against conservative media’s (and at times our own) typecast of the national Democratic brand: coastal, overly educated, elitist, judgmental, socialist — a bundle of identity groups and interests lacking any shared principles. The problem isn’t the candidates we nominate. It’s the perception of the party we belong to.

To overcome these obstacles, Democrats need to show up, listen, and respect voters in rural America by finding common ground instead of talking down to them. Eliminating student loans isn’t a top-of-mind matter for the two-thirds of Americans lacking a college degree. Being told that climate change is the most critical issue our nation faces rings hollow if you’re struggling to make it to the end of the month. And the most insulting thing is being told what your self-interest should be.

Get out of the cities and you will learn we have a libertarian streak, with a healthy distrust of government. We listen when folks talk about opportunity and fairness, not entitlements. We expect government to play a role in our having a fair shot at a better life, not solve all our problems.

We need to frame our policies, not in terms of grand ideological narratives, but around the material concerns of voters. Despite our differences and no matter where we live, we generally all want the same things: a decent job, a safe place to call home, good schools, clean air and water, and the promise of a better life for our kids and grandkids.

For me, that meant talking about Obamacare not as an entitlement, but as a way to save rural hospitals and keep local communities and small businesses afloat. It meant talking about expanding apprenticeships, not just lowering the costs of college. It meant framing public lands as a great equalizer and as a driver for small business. It meant talking about universal pre-K not as an abstract policy goal, but being essential for our children and for keeping parents in the work force. It meant talking about climate change not just as a crisis, but as an opportunity to create good jobs, preserve our outdoor heritage, and as a promise not to leave communities behind.

These lessons apply broadly, not just to swing states. We need to do the hard work of convincing voters that we are fighting for every American, regardless of party or where they live, or it’ll only get worse for us in the 2022 midterms and beyond.

It’s in the void of inaction and failure to solve problems real people face that racially tinged cultural fights, like we saw in Virginia, take hold. My children are in high school and have never heard of critical race theory — nor have their teachers. What voters want to know is that Democrats will fight for racial justice and to improve the lives of rural Americans, no matter the color of their skin. After all, that’s what we’ve always done.

In the parts of America that are completely rural, there are nine infants and toddlers for every day care slot, one in eight lacks health insurance, and for one in four, over half of income goes to rent. High-speed internet has eluded many parts of our country. Voters in my state may have grown cynical about the legislative process, infighting and eye-popping price tags in Washington, but enacting the Build Back Better bill, along with the bipartisan infrastructure bill, gives Democrats something to run on: proof that we have voters’ backs, including those who live in rural America.

It’s time for Democrats to get uncomfortable and go beyond friendly urban and suburban settings to hear directly from folks in small towns who are trying to run a business, pay the bills, and maintain access to health care. They have stories to tell and ideas to share, and we should listen. When then-candidate Barack Obama spent the Fourth of July 2008 in Butte, Mont., he didn’t go there because Butte was suddenly key to winning in November, but showing up there sent a loud and clear message to places like Butte all across our country that he gives a damn about us.

Butte and Scranton may be a long way from each other geographically, but they’re not that far apart in terms of working-class roots, values and attitudes. President Biden can help rural Americans know and believe Democrats are tackling the challenges they face. Democrats need to get off the polling and consultant calls, get into the community and engage voters directly: Do you have a decent job that covers the bills and leaves a little left over? Can you afford your home and pay for health care? Do you feel safe? Do you believe we are doing right for your kids, educationally, environmentally and economically? Do you see a path forward toward a better life for you and your family?

Fighting for every American means that, whether you live in Manhattan, N.Y. or Manhattan, Mont., you have an opportunity to climb the economic ladder and a temporary safety net to catch you if you stumble. Too often the Democratic Party comes off as a buffet line of policies, each prepared for a different group of voters. If we talk about — and work to address — the issues that people discuss around their kitchen table or at the fence line, the issues that fill endless hours of cable television become a hell of a lot less relevant. Our kitchen tables might look and feel different, but we need to learn to talk in a way that makes sense around everyone’s table.

Voters are facing real challenges — and so is our country. They need to know that Democrats are listening, working, and fighting for them. The voters deserve that level of respect and need to know we have their back.

I take no joy in sounding the alarm, but I do so as a proud Democrat who has won three statewide races in a rural, red state — the Democrats are in trouble in rural America, and their struggles there could doom the party in 2022.

I take no joy in sounding the alarm, but I do so as a proud Democrat who has won three statewide races in a rural, red state — the Democrats are in trouble in rural America, and their struggles there could doom the party in 2022. The warning signs were already there in 2020 when Democrats fell short in congressional and state races despite electing Joe Biden president. I know because I was on the ballot for U.S. Senate and lost. In the last decade and a half, we’ve seen Senate seats flip red in Arkansas, Indiana, North Dakota, and more. Democrats have lost more than 900 state legislative seats around the country since 2008. And in this year’s governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, we saw the Democratic vote in rural areas plummet, costing the party one seat and nearly losing us the other. It was even worse for Democrats down ballot, as Democrats lost state legislative, county, and municipal seats. The core problem is a familiar one — Democrats are out of touch with the needs of the ordinary voter. In 2021, voters watched Congress debate for months the cost of an infrastructure bill while holding a social spending bill hostage. Both measures contain policies that address the challenges Americans across the country face. Yet to anyone outside the Beltway, the infighting and procedural brinkmanship haven’t done a lick to meet their needs at a moment of health challenges, inflation and economic struggles. You had Democrats fighting Democrats, letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, and desperately needed progress was delayed. It’s no wonder rural voters think Democrats are not focused on helping them. I was re-elected as Montana’s governor in 2016 at the same time Donald Trump took our state by more than 20 points. It’s never easy for Democrats to get elected in Montana, because Democrats here are running against not only the opponent on the ballot, but also against conservative media’s (and at times our own) typecast of the national Democratic brand: coastal, overly educated, elitist, judgmental, socialist — a bundle of identity groups and interests lacking any shared principles. The problem isn’t the candidates we nominate. It’s the perception of the party we belong to. To overcome these obstacles, Democrats need to show up, listen, and respect voters in rural America by finding common ground instead of talking down to them. Eliminating student loans isn’t a top-of-mind matter for the two-thirds of Americans lacking a college degree. Being told that climate change is the most critical issue our nation faces rings hollow if you’re struggling to make it to the end of the month. And the most insulting thing is being told what your self-interest should be. Get out of the cities and you will learn we have a libertarian streak, with a healthy distrust of government. We listen when folks talk about opportunity and fairness, not entitlements. We expect government to play a role in our having a fair shot at a better life, not solve all our problems. We need to frame our policies, not in terms of grand ideological narratives, but around the material concerns of voters. Despite our differences and no matter where we live, we generally all want the same things: a decent job, a safe place to call home, good schools, clean air and water, and the promise of a better life for our kids and grandkids. For me, that meant talking about Obamacare not as an entitlement, but as a way to save rural hospitals and keep local communities and small businesses afloat. It meant talking about expanding apprenticeships, not just lowering the costs of college. It meant framing public lands as a great equalizer and as a driver for small business. It meant talking about universal pre-K not as an abstract policy goal, but being essential for our children and for keeping parents in the work force. It meant talking about climate change not just as a crisis, but as an opportunity to create good jobs, preserve our outdoor heritage, and as a promise not to leave communities behind. These lessons apply broadly, not just to swing states. We need to do the hard work of convincing voters that we are fighting for every American, regardless of party or where they live, or it’ll only get worse for us in the 2022 midterms and beyond. It’s in the void of inaction and failure to solve problems real people face that racially tinged cultural fights, like we saw in Virginia, take hold. My children are in high school and have never heard of critical race theory — nor have their teachers. What voters want to know is that Democrats will fight for racial justice and to improve the lives of rural Americans, no matter the color of their skin. After all, that’s what we’ve always done. In the parts of America that are completely rural, there are nine infants and toddlers for every day care slot, one in eight lacks health insurance, and for one in four, over half of income goes to rent. High-speed internet has eluded many parts of our country. Voters in my state may have grown cynical about the legislative process, infighting and eye-popping price tags in Washington, but enacting the Build Back Better bill, along with the bipartisan infrastructure bill, gives Democrats something to run on: proof that we have voters’ backs, including those who live in rural America. It’s time for Democrats to get uncomfortable and go beyond friendly urban and suburban settings to hear directly from folks in small towns who are trying to run a business, pay the bills, and maintain access to health care. They have stories to tell and ideas to share, and we should listen. When then-candidate Barack Obama spent the Fourth of July 2008 in Butte, Mont., he didn’t go there because Butte was suddenly key to winning in November, but showing up there sent a loud and clear message to places like Butte all across our country that he gives a damn about us. Butte and Scranton may be a long way from each other geographically, but they’re not that far apart in terms of working-class roots, values and attitudes. President Biden can help rural Americans know and believe Democrats are tackling the challenges they face. Democrats need to get off the polling and consultant calls, get into the community and engage voters directly: Do you have a decent job that covers the bills and leaves a little left over? Can you afford your home and pay for health care? Do you feel safe? Do you believe we are doing right for your kids, educationally, environmentally and economically? Do you see a path forward toward a better life for you and your family? Fighting for every American means that, whether you live in Manhattan, N.Y. or Manhattan, Mont., you have an opportunity to climb the economic ladder and a temporary safety net to catch you if you stumble. Too often the Democratic Party comes off as a buffet line of policies, each prepared for a different group of voters. If we talk about — and work to address — the issues that people discuss around their kitchen table or at the fence line, the issues that fill endless hours of cable television become a hell of a lot less relevant. Our kitchen tables might look and feel different, but we need to learn to talk in a way that makes sense around everyone’s table. Voters are facing real challenges — and so is our country. They need to know that Democrats are listening, working, and fighting for them. The voters deserve that level of respect and need to know we have their back.

Democrats are in trouble in rural America. But there’s a way out

Dozens of protesters gathered near the venue of France's far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour's rally on December 5. The leader's rally took place in Villepinte, near Paris. Police made arrests as protests were undeclared. The demonstrations took place near Villepinte Expo Hall.

It was Zemmour's first rally as an official candidate for presidential elections in 2022.

The rally was initially planned to take place at a venue in Paris, but was moved to Villepinte amid calls for protests, including by the anti-fascist Antifa group, at the original venue.

Zemmour, who was a prominent French far-right commentator, announced his candidacy on Tuesday (November 30) via a video played out live on Youtube and called on voters to take the country back "from minorities that oppress the majority."

A former journalist who has been convicted for inciting racial hatred, he becomes the top contender to challenge Marine Le Pen, leader of the more established far-right National Rally, for a place in a second round against President Emmanuel Macron.

His candidacy turns the election into a test of the endurance and limits of Europe's far right, which surged across the continent in the last decade but shows signs of reaching a ceiling as it pushes against boundaries of acceptable speech.

Zemmour, 63, is a hardline critic of Islam and immigration and has drawn support both from Le Pen's voter base and from the mainstream conservative right but has also alienated some voters that Le Pen had long sought to reassure.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Dozens of protesters gathered near the venue of France's far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour's rally on December 5. The leader's rally took place in Villepinte, near Paris.

Dozens of protesters gathered near the venue of France's far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour's rally on December 5. The leader's rally took place in Villepinte, near Paris. Police made arrests as protests were undeclared. The demonstrations took place near Villepinte Expo Hall. It was Zemmour's first rally as an official candidate for presidential elections in 2022. The rally was initially planned to take place at a venue in Paris, but was moved to Villepinte amid calls for protests, including by the anti-fascist Antifa group, at the original venue. Zemmour, who was a prominent French far-right commentator, announced his candidacy on Tuesday (November 30) via a video played out live on Youtube and called on voters to take the country back "from minorities that oppress the majority." A former journalist who has been convicted for inciting racial hatred, he becomes the top contender to challenge Marine Le Pen, leader of the more established far-right National Rally, for a place in a second round against President Emmanuel Macron. His candidacy turns the election into a test of the endurance and limits of Europe's far right, which surged across the continent in the last decade but shows signs of reaching a ceiling as it pushes against boundaries of acceptable speech. Zemmour, 63, is a hardline critic of Islam and immigration and has drawn support both from Le Pen's voter base and from the mainstream conservative right but has also alienated some voters that Le Pen had long sought to reassure. (With inputs from agencies)

France: Protesters march near far-right leader's rally, arrests made

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