TOP STORY: Sen. Elizabeth Warren had a press conference today and once again stated that she would not run for President in 2016. She pledged that she would complete her term in the Senate, which ends in 2019. The progressive darling was seen by many on the left as a progressive option against the centrist Hillary Clinton in 2016. Sen. Warren was also seen as another possible woman to run in the event that Clinton doesn’t run. The Warren camp has dampened much of the speculation over the months, with Sen. Warren saying publicly she wouldn’t run and a financial backer telling Politico she wouldn’t run. However, that did not stop pollsters from including her in presidential primary polling, where she was competitive against other Democrats. It also did not stop The New Republic from writing an article that called Sen. Warren the left’s answer to Hillary Clinton. Pundits have been speculating about a Warren run since she defeated Sen. Scott Brown in 2012. Since then, Warren has continued her progressive fury, including times where she has called on Wall Street bankers to be tried. She is extremely popular among progressive grassroots, so much so that the Progressive Change Campaign Committee has merchandise allowing people to claim they are part of the Elizabeth Warren wing of the party.
FOURTH ESTATE:
Martin Bashir has announced that he has resigned from MSNBC, weeks after he got in hot water for comments involving former Governor Sarah Palin. Bashir continued to host his show for awhile, apologized on-air, and then went on a vacation that continued yesterday. However, in an email to the website, Mediaite, Bashir announced his resignation.
From Mediaite:
After making an on-air apology, I asked for permission to take some additional time out around the Thanksgiving holiday.
Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation. It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments.
I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers – who are the smartest, most compassionate and discerning of all television audiences. I would also wish to express deepest gratitude to my immediate colleagues, and our contributors, all of whom have given so much of themselves to our broadcast.’
Another cable news personality has announced she is leaving her channel, respectively. TVNewser is reporting that Zoraida Sambolin, anchor of Early Start, that she is leaving CNN on Friday and will return to her previous home of Chicago. Sambolin was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and underwent a double mastectomy.
OFF AT THE RACES: Sen. David Vitter confirmed in a campaign email that he is considering running for Governor for Louisiana in 2015. The Republican is serving his second term in the Senate, and is looking at the office currently held by term-limited Gov. Bobby Jindal. Jindal is considered a possible 2016 contender, and has been active in the Republican Governors Association.
CRAWLING THE WEB:
Mediaite has a compilation of what they call Bashir’s greatest hits.
Newsweek is making a return to print, the New York Times reports.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS: This wraps up another slow news day here at TKNN. We’ve had many lately, and they are the hardest days for us because no news is bad news. If you have any news, tips, comments, or questions, be sure to send them to PunchOut@TKNN.info