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NDP uses Singh's appeal, social media to attract younger environmental voters – Vancouver Sun

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But it’s a balancing act if party is to hold onto traditional union support

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Lauren Semple and Cheryl Lien can barely contain their excitement as the tour bus arrives at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith.

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The 20-somethings squeal and jump as the door opens and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh emerges. They are among the cheering crowd of 200, mostly party volunteers, who jostle for a selfie and a moment with their leader during a quick stop in a riding the NDP believes is theirs to take back from the Green incumbent.

“Young voters feel disenfranchised and they need someone to inspire them, and I think that’s what Jagmeet brings,” says Semple. “He tells us ‘we can do this’ and ‘we can make change.’ He is spreading that message through the channels that young people use.”

These women represent the young voters the party is trying to court through social media channels and through candidates and platforms that highlight millennials’ concerns, including climate change.

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But some political observers caution that while the party may need young voters, it must also retain its traditional union support.

“They’ve always had to do a bit of a dance with labour,” said Gerald Baier, a University of B.C. political science professor.

That labour support is not guaranteed.

Although the Canadian Labour Congress and the B.C. Federation of Labour have endorsed the NDP in this election, union leaders like Geoff Dawe, the president of Local 2 of the Public and Private Workers of Canada, said that doesn’t mean union members will automatically vote NDP.

“In the past, our national group backed the NDP, and we do have a Jack Layton poster in our local office right now,” said Dawe, whose local represents 600 workers at the pulp mill in Crofton, on Vancouver Island.

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“But we were expecting a little more attention to the state of the workforce in Canada and in B.C. None of the parties are talking about labour issues. It would be nice to hear from the NDP,” he said.

So far in this campaign, the NDP’s promises of 10 days of paid sick leave, a ban on unpaid internships outside of educational programs, and raising the federal minimum wage to $20 are aimed more at younger lower-income workers than at unionized employees of the boomer generation.

The NDP is putting a lot of effort into courting the youth vote in B.C., where the party believes the climate emergency is a winner among those under the age of 40. They hope the loss of support for the Green party will help defeat the Green incumbent in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, and push the NDP over the top in other close races.

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Vancouver-Granville candidate Anjali Appadurai is among the hopefuls with environmental credentials that the NDP hope will win over younger voters in swing ridings. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG

That’s why NDP candidates with high-profile environmental credentials are running in swing ridings. Anjali Appadurai, the former climate justice lead for the Sierra Club of B.C., is the party’s candidate in Vancouver–Granville. And Avi Lewis is running in West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country.  He has traditional bona fides as the grandson of former federal NDP leader David Lewis and the son of former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis. He also has climate change credentials gained by co-writing “The Leap Manifesto” with his wife Naomi Klein. It calls for an end to fossil fuels, and a moratorium on pipelines forms the basis of the party’s environmental policies.

The party is also targeting young voters by using TikTok, the most downloaded app on the planet, where anyone can get thousands of views by uploading 15 seconds of content. It’s also planning to ramp up its social media campaigns on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. Singh will also appear in the Nintendo game “Animal Crossing” to entice young gamers to cast their ballot.

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However, Baier said it’s not enough to have followers on social media.

“Young voters often don’t turn out to vote,” he explained. “You have to knock on doors and get people out to vote, and I think that will be even more important this time around when turnout is expected to be low.”

The NDP’s campaign strategist for B.C., Glen Sanford, says the party will use “modelling behaviour” to get out the vote among social media users.

“We will use examples on social media so young people are able to see other young people voting,” said Sanford. “Not using big-time influencers, but peers. What you will see during advance polls is showing people how easy it is to vote and that this is something that a lot of young people are doing.”

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The party will also rely on help from the provincial NDP to get the vote out.

Although Premier John Horgan has not come out directly to support his federal counterpart, hundreds of provincial party volunteers and many staff, including one of the premier’s communications directors, are now working full-time on the federal campaign in B.C.

Baier believes Singh could benefit from the party’s provincial success.

“One of the things that has changed in B.C. is that Horgan got seats where the NDP never had, like in suburban Metro Vancouver, and I think that is the kind of rising tide that may lift all boats,” said Baier.

Party strategists looking at the polls know that the dead heat between the Liberals and Conservatives means they need to brace for the traditional attack by Liberals, who will say a vote for the NDP is a vote for Conservatives.

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That is why in the final days of the campaign, Singh will be talking about how the Liberals and the Conservatives ganged up to defeat NDP bills on pharmacare and a tax on corporations that earned record-breaking profits during the pandemic.

It’s a message that organizers like Sanford will be pushing in B.C.

“When people look at Trudeau and O’Toole, they see leaders that are really on the side of the ultrarich, and they know that Singh isn’t and I really think that’s the defining difference,” he said.

It’s the defining difference the NDP hopes will resonate with B.C. voters, no matter what their age.


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What to stream this weekend: ‘Civil War,’ Snow Patrol, ‘How to Die Alone,’ ‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Uglies’

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Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.

— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.

— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”

AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”

— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.

AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.

Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.

— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.

— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.

Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.

Lou Kesten

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Trump could cash out his DJT stock within weeks. Here’s what happens if he sells

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Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.

Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.

Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.

Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.

Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.

Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.

As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.

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Arizona man accused of social media threats to Trump is arrested

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Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.

Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”

In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.

The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.

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