One candidate’s go to to Iowa on State Fair weekend

NEWS AND OPINION:

The Iowa State Fair stays the normal, cheerful, down residence, and must-go place to be for presidential hopefuls. It can show to be a really constructive and productive marketing campaign cease — aside from these attempting instances when a candidate will get caught on digicam attempting to devour a chili canine with dignity or commune with an uncooperative farm animal.

Let’s take into account a single schedule right here.

Republican hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy will spend Friday and Saturday on the truthful in Des Moines. His marketing campaign tells Inside the Beltway that he might be “engaging directly with fairgoers and sharing his vision for America.” Here is the candidate’s upcoming schedule on the fairgrounds — that are bodacious certainly, sprawling over 445 acres.

On Friday, Mr. Ramaswamy will “stop in” at 5:30 p.m. sharp for a welcome reception on the Elwell Family Park — famed for “outlaw truck and tractor pulls” and a demolition derby. Then it’s on to a “Next Gen Coalition Party” at Jalapeño Pete’s, which options dwell music and Tex-Mex delicacies.

On Saturday he’ll have a public chat with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds at JR’s Southpork Ranch, residence of the Pork Belly Burnt Ends Sandwich and Bacon Pickle Mac ‘n’ Cheese. Mr. Ramaswamy then joins Iowa state Sen. Zach Nunn for an look on the truthful’s spacious Poultry and Rabbit Building.

Then it’s on to the Animal Learning Center with state Agriculture Secretary Mike Berg, adopted by an look on the Des Moines Register’s standard public “Political Soapbox” situated on the truthful’s Grand Concourse. Here, the candidate will get pleasure from a showcase for his marketing campaign message.

Then Mr. Ramaswamy joins U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst on the Cattle and Swine Barn, and meets with members of the Iowa Pork Producers, a commerce group. He’ll spherical out his day at 5 p.m. on the Bremer County Republicans Grills & Chills occasion on the Waverly Area Veterans Post in Waverly.

And that’s Mr. Ramaswamy’s schedule, at the very least for the subsequent 48 hours or so.

FOR THE LEXICON

“Task Force Lima.”

This new phrase — made public Thursday — involves us from the Department of Defense. It is the title of a newly established “generative artificial intelligence (AI) task force, an initiative that reflects the DoD’s commitment to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in a responsible and strategic manner,” in accordance with a press launch shared with Inside the Beltway.

“The establishment of Task Force Lima underlines the Department of Defense’s unwavering commitment to leading the charge in AI innovation,” Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks mentioned in a written assertion.

“As we navigate the transformative power of generative AI, our focus remains steadfast on ensuring national security, minimizing risks, and responsibly integrating these technologies. The future of defense is not just about adopting cutting-edge technologies, but doing so with foresight, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the broader implications for our nation,” Ms. Hicks mentioned.

DOD goals to boost operations in areas reminiscent of warfighting, enterprise affairs, well being, readiness and coverage, in accordance with the press launch.

“The adoption of artificial intelligence in defense is not solely about innovative technology but also about enhancing national security,” mentioned Navy Capt. M. Xavier Lugo, Task Force Lima mission commander and a member of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s Algorithmic Warfare Directorate.

“The DoD recognizes the potential of generative AI to significantly improve intelligence, operational planning, and administrative and business processes. However, responsible implementation is key to managing associated risks effectively.” he mentioned, additionally in a written assertion.

GOP GOVERNORS STILL TRIUMPH

Republican-led states are driving job development, in accordance with a complete evaluation from the Republican National Committee, which consults the most recent numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics.

“Republican-led states are the states creating jobs. The latest state jobs report shows that eight of the top 10 states for jobs recovered since the coronavirus pandemic began are led by Republican governors, and all 10 states have Republican-controlled legislatures,” the committee report mentioned.

“Out of the top 10 states with the lowest unemployment rates, eight are led by Republican governors,” the report famous, additionally citing the federal numbers.

Meanwhile, the typical worth of gasoline within the U.S. is $3.83 per gallon, which is greater than $1.40 larger than when Mr. Biden assumed workplace — and 30 cents larger than only one month in the past.

“U.S. average gas prices have been above $3 per gallon for more than 820 days straight,” the report additionally famous, citing the all the time fascinating present statistics tracked by the American Automobile Association.

Two deep-blue states — Washington and California — are actually caught with common gasoline costs over $5 a gallon. The Golden State suffers underneath gasoline at $5.09 per gallon, the Evergreen State at $5.01 per gallon.

WEEKEND REAL ESTATE

For sale: The historic and grand J.B. Butler House, in-built basic Prairie type in 1903 of imported French bricks on one acre in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Six bedrooms, 4 baths, unique woodworking, leaded glass home windows, flooring and fixtures, two staircases; 5,748 sq. ft. Living and eating rooms, parlor, two fireplaces, sunroom, chef’s kitchen with breakfast room. Manicured grounds, tiled veranda, sweeping driveway with porte cochere, patio, giant deck, four-car indifferent storage. Priced at $399,900 by way of ToddMcCubbin.com; enter 22980 within the search perform.

POLL DU JOUR

• 77% of U.S. adults are nervous that the conflict in Ukraine will proceed with no decision “for a long time.”

• 65% are nervous that the conflict will result in elevated threats to democracy elsewhere.

• 64% are nervous that the conflict will result in elevated Russian assaults elsewhere.

• 59% are nervous the conflict will result in a broader conflict with Europe.

• 56% are nervous the conflict will threaten U.S. nationwide safety.

• 51% suppose the U.S. has “done enough” to cease Russian army actions in Ukraine.

SOURCE: A CNN/SSRS ballot of 1,279 U.S. adults performed on-line and by cellphone July 1-31 and launched Monday.