NEWS AND OPINION:

One South Carolina Republican believes that an emerging unifying force is at work in the Republican Party in the wake of former President Donald Trump‘s recent hush-money trial.

“There’s no doubt that this verdict has actually unified our party,” Sen. Tim Scott told “Fox News Sunday” anchor Shannon Bream.

“Without any question, what we’ve seen is ‘Never-Trumpers’ calling me and saying, ‘Tim, I’m on the bandwagon now. I’ve seen this two-tiered justice system working against the president of the United States. It could work against me, too.’ I’ve seen donors who’ve been on the sidelines this entire process now jumping in — one of the reasons why we saw more than $50 million raised in 24 hours,” the South Carolina Republican said.

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The exact amount was $52.8 million. The campaign has also scheduled three major fundraisers in California this week as well.  

“The issues that are going to drive the results of this Nov. 5 election will be, can Donald Trump close the southern border? The answer is he already has closed the southern border,” Mr. Scott continued.

“Can he bring inflation down under 2%? The answer is it was 1.4% when he left office. Can he create jobs for the poorest Americans? The good news is he created more than 7 million jobs with the highest percentage going to women, African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians,” the lawmaker said.

“What we know about four years under Donald Trump is we had low unemployment, low inflation, high enthusiasm, law and order in our streets. And we’ve had the exact opposite under Joe Biden. We’ve had incredibly crushing inflation leading to high interest rates, crime in the poorest communities, devastating single mothers like the one that raised me,” Mr. Scott said.

“And we’ve had the greatest invasion in American history across our southern border, left wide open, unsafe, because Joe Biden on day one started unraveling border security put in place by Donald Trump,” the lawmaker noted.

BEACH REPORT

The Republican National Committee had a simple observation to make after evaluating President Biden‘s most recent visit to the Delaware seashore this past weekend.

It marked Mr. Biden’s 471st day of vacation, according to committee chairman Michael Whatley.

“While hard-working Americans are wrapping up their work weeks, Joe Biden skipped town on an already short week and heading to Delaware for another beach weekend. Families are struggling to enjoy fun summer activities thanks to high gas prices, unaffordable housing, and soaring grocery bills caused by failed Bidenomics but Biden cannot be bothered by Americans who are unable to afford vacations of their own,” Mr. Whatley said in a statement.

Mr. Biden attended evening mass at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach and was greeted by demonstrators, according to WRDE-TV, an NBC affiliate located in Milton, Delaware.

“Across the street from the church, a crowd of protesters waved large Palestinian flags. One flag stated “Free Palestine,” while some protesters chanted ’16,000 children killed!’ and ’16,000 children dead!’ As the president was leaving the church, protesters chanted ‘Palestine will be free!’” wrote Eleisa Weber, a reporter for the station.

ON THE RADAR

One historic and significant event will receive much press attention this week. That, of course, is the historic anniversary of D-Day on Thursday.

Here’s a minuscule look at the upcoming media coverage, with more to come:

Fox News Channel’s anchor and executive editor of “The Story,” Martha MacCallum, will host her 3 p.m. news program from France next week in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. From Tuesday to Thursday, Ms. MacCallum will broadcast live from the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, speaking with World War II veterans and a bipartisan delegation of U.S. senators taking part in the ceremony about the milestone.

ABC News also reported Sunday that “more than 60 U.S. veterans of World War II arrived in France on Saturday ahead of ceremonies marking 80 years since D-Day.”

“The group traveling from Dallas included six Medal of Honor recipients from wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam who wish to honor the WWII veterans. There are also two Rosie the Riveters, representing women who worked in factories and shipyards during the war. There will be a number of ceremonies to commemorate the day in France and to thank veterans, some of whom will make the long trans-Atlantic journey despite advanced age, fatigue and physical difficulties,” the network said.

DAD AND GRANDDAD REPORT

Father’s Day is June 16, less than two weeks away. For those seeking a very special, unique gift for dad, grandDad, uncle, brother or those who are like a dad to them — here’s a resource.

History Salvaged offers some appealing items custom created from wood obtained from historic and unique spots indeed — including Independence Hall, the USS Constitution and a dozen other famous ships, well-known beach boardwalks, wooden seats from Yankee Stadium, and even wood barrels that were used to age Jack Daniel’s whiskey and a variety of other famous libations.

The pens are handcrafted with many featuring 24k gold plating — along with black titanium, rhodium or chrome plating. They are indeed specialty items.

Curious? Find the details, prices, pen descriptions and more at historysalvagedonline.com

POLL DU JOUR

• 54% of U.S. adults would not vote for former President Donald Trump if he were convicted of a felony by a jury.

• 90% of Democrats, 58% of independents and 14% of Republicans agree.

• 34% overall would vote for Mr. Trump despite the conviction.

• 5% of Democrats, 28% of independents and 66% of Republicans agree.

• 11% don’t know, or refused to answer.

• 5% of Democrats, 15% of independents and 20% of Republicans agree.

SOURCE: A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 2,556 U.S. adults conducted online May 30-31.

• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, on Facebook @HarperUniverse.