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Montgomery County at-large councilman Will Jawando, who's announced his candidacy for Sen. Ben Cardin's soon to be vacant seat, plans to pitch his "bold, progressive vision" to voters.

Conventional wisdom hasnt yet been set in stone, but it is hardening when it comes to the race for the U.S. Senate seat that Marylands Ben Cardin is stepping down from next year.

Those watching the Democratic primary see U.S. Rep. David Trone has the most money to spend. Since announcing last week, Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has come out of the gate strong, racking up endorsements around the state, including from well-known leaders in other counties.

In the weeks to come, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, who gained major name recognition for House impeachment hearings during the Trump Administration, is also set to decide if hell run as well. He also might remain in the House of Representatives where hes already gained a leadership role.

Though hes not favored to win, Montgomery County at-large councilman Will Jawando got more votes, by sheer numbers, than Alsobrooks, Trone and Raskin in their respective November 2022 elections.

I actually represent over a million people. We have 1.1 million in the county, Jawando said. Been twice elected as one of the top vote-getters, and so I actually represent more people than anyone in the race, funny enough.

Jawando is a native of Silver Spring now living in Sandy Spring and was a civil rights attorney, congressional staffer, and White House aide prior to getting elected to the county council. He argues that this isnt a race that can be bought, and downplayed the endorsements that Alsobrooks has received so far.

Its going to be about people voting, he said, as he pushed what is an unabashedly progressive platform in the race for Senate.

People want bold, progressive vision, Jawando said. They dont just want someone who is going to go there and do the status quo. Its not working.

He cited civil rights, reproductive freedom and gun violence as stances hes focused on, and he argues the U.S. Senate is a body that needs to be pushed to do more to help people.

They want the federal role to be more robust in those areas, and it just hasnt been, he argued.

And specifically on gun violence, Jawando said, People want to see action on that at the federal level.

At the same time, he also noted that in his past career on Capitol Hill, he had worked with Republican staffers working for members who didnt share his vision. Despite differences, he said he could still help get things accomplished, and admitted that sometimes progress needs to come incrementally, not all at once.

As he recited aspects of his stump speech, Jawando repeatedly referenced what he called the big lie, which in recent years has been a term that Democrats have used to refer to the idea that the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump. But for Jawando, it has a different meaning.

The big lie is not about Donald Trump and his allusions that he won the election. Obviously he didnt, Jawando said. Its about what I think is the core problem in America and Maryland right now. That if my neighbor gets something or does well or we help them then my life has to be diminished and thats a lie. Its never been true. Its something thats been told throughout our history, and I think its holding us back.

In terms of campaign infrastructure, Jawandos campaign may not be as built out as other campaigns, but with nearly 365 days before the senate primary, he said most Marylanders arent paying attention to the race anyway.

When they are focused, we will have built an organization, built the resources and the campaign to communicate what I think will be the boldest, clearest vision about how to move Maryland forward and solve the problems people are facing in a way that achieves shared prosperity.

Since its still early, theres one name still hanging over this race: Raskin. His TV appearances and job as one of the chief antagonists to Republicans in the nations capital have made him popular among Democrats paying attention to the race. Jawando happens to live in Raskins district. There are already whispers that if Raskin jumps into the race, Jawando might drop out of the Senate race and run for Raskins House seat.

We have three people in the race right now. Thats the race Im focused on. One thing I learned a long time ago in politics is you have to adjust when things happen and take things as they come, Jawando said. So much is going to happen in this campaign things you didnt even expect.

As he went on, Jawando noted he was an early endorser of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, speaking out at a time when Moore was way down in the polls.

There were a lot more well known people at the time. Im actually in a better position than the governor was, he said. I think we have a strong path to victory and as the campaign goes on time will show that.

In this media market, when I do something here, Im on TV in Bowie, too, he continued, arguing he has some name recognition in places like Prince Georges County even if hes not elected there.

He finished his response by saying, Congressman Raskin is my congressman, a great friend hes got to make his own decision. But Im focused on this race.

When it was pointed out that Jawando never said no he wouldnt run for a House seat instead, he laughed and said, You also didnt get a yes.

Follow this link:
In the 2024 Md. Senate race, the Democrat with the most votes last ... - WTOP

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) on Tuesday issued some embarrassing reminders to Republicans during their House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on crime in Washington.

Im so excited that my colleagues across the aisle care about sexual abuse considering that the front-runner right now for the presidency has just been found liable of sexual abuse, said Crockett, in an apparent response to election denier Rep. Anna Paulina Lunas (R-Fla.) comments about rising cases.

A Manhattan jury earlier this month found former President Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in advice columnist E. Jean Carrolls civil lawsuit against him. Carroll alleged Trump in the 1990s raped her in a department store dressing room.

So, Im excited because this may mean that, finally, some folk will back off from supporting him because we dont support sexual abusers in this chamber, Crockett added. So, Im happy about this.

Crockett also appeared to swipe at Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) and Republicans continued defense of the serial liar congressman, who earlier this month was charged on 13 federal counts including allegations he pocketed campaign donations and unlawfully received unemployment benefits. Santos has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

My Republican colleagues want to talk about keeping the streets of D.C. crime-free but they cant even keep the halls of Congress crime-free, said Crockett, who has co-sponsored a bill to expel Santos from Congress.

My freshman colleague has just been indicted on 13 felony counts. But have they exhibited any courage to say, You know what, we will not allow this in our body. We will disallow this in our body. We will make sure that we expel this individual? she asked.

They have not, Crockett answered her own question. So, what I dont want to hear is that they care about crime because if they did they would start by cleaning up our own house and mind our own business instead of coming after D.C.

Story continues

Watch from the 2:03 mark below:

Read more:
Freshman Democrat Hits Republicans With 2 Painful Truths In House Hearing On Crime - Yahoo News

Darrell Ehrlick| The Daily Montanan

Kevin Hamm told a crowd gathered in the backyard of a downtown Billings house that he can help unify the state behind one shared value that transcends both political parties a belief in being stubbornly independent.

As he announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, he said the spirit that has made Montana so unique a state is characterized by its ability to support people over partisan politics. He told the group gathered on Tuesday evening that he was that type of person who respects and understands Montanas purple heritage, a mix of both major political parties.

Hamm, who ran in 2022 for a seat on the states Public Service Commission, announced his candidacy for Montanas central and eastern Congressional district as a Democrat. Montanas current Congressman representing the district, which includes Billings, Helena and Great Falls, is held by Rep. Matt Rosendale, a Republican in his second term.

With the 2024 Election still 18 months away, Hamm told the Daily Montanan the timing gives him ample opportunity to speak with Montanans who may believe that the race is impossible for a Democrat.

I am not a politician, and I havent inherited my wealth, he told a gathering of about 50 people on Tuesday night. I took the drink orders of the pompous people whose fathers were paying for their drinks, while I was worrying about paying my own bills. I knew the good people in the kitchen. I was ridiculed, but I was able to live here authentically anyway. I built communities in the hallways, and I built communities in schools. I have a life of solidarity with those who are work for a living.

Hamm told supporters that he may not always agree with them, but he was willing to talk and return phone calls. He said that hes heard from many Montanans who are concerned that the political reputation of the state, which includes a tolerance and respect for diversity and a range of opinions, is under siege.

Hamms background is in telecommunications. He is the chief executive of Auxilyum and Treasure State Internet and Telegraph.

He said that his campaign is rooted in the belief that Montanans still support labor, still value a work ethic, are concerned about the climate, and want personal freedom.

I believe those are things that are more important than any political party, he said.

He also told the group that he planned on being a representative for a longtime, instead of using the office as a stepping stone to the next political office.

You have to have a representative with skin in the game and something to lose, he said.

He said current discussions at the federal level have been frustrating and he believes as a business owner in the technology industry, he understands the challenges both as an employer and a citizen.

I hear Congress talking about why it cant raise the minimum wage. That itd be too expensive to businesses. But businesses cant find employees and they cant find housing, Hamm said. Its too expensive not to do it.

He said some of those positions wont make him popular, but he said, I have thick skin.

He said that politicians in Congress have to stop playing with Social Security as a bargaining chip, and that the effects of weakening labor laws and federal oversight have led to catastrophes like the train derailment recently in Ohio.

He said that Montana and the nation have wrestled with a stubborn housing problem, but he said its not necessarily a case of not having enough houses, rather its an economic problem: The houses are no longer affordable.

Hamm said he was intentionally starting early and kicking off his candidacy in Billings, Montanas largest city, which is often considered to tilt conservative. He pointed out that even in the more conservative parts of the state, residents have historically been willing to split their ticket. He said hes beginning early to let independent voters know they have a choice, even though most political analysts see the seat as safely Republican.

Just watch me, Hamm said.

Continue reading here:
Democrat Kevin Hamm announces bid to rep Montana in U.S. ... - Great Falls Tribune

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seen here in September, is facing a united opposition in Sunday's election that threatens his grip on power. Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seen here in September, is facing a united opposition in Sunday's election that threatens his grip on power.

When Turkish citizens head to the polls on Sunday, they will vote in one of the most pivotal elections in their country's 100-year history. That's because for the first time in 20 years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces a united opposition threatening his grip on power.

Turkey, a NATO ally on the border between Europe and Asia, has experienced a decade of democratic backsliding as Erdogan has methodically consolidated all branches of government under his authority. Experts say Sunday's election will determine whether Turkey can return to democratic rule or will continue its path toward an autocracy.

"Erdogan is the inventor of nativist, populist politics globally, and his defeat would mean something globally," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute.

The threat to Erdogan's reign comes amid an economic and financial crisis that has been compounded by deadly earthquakes this year. Erdogan and his ruling AK Party have received much of the blame for the economic situation.

Furthermore, alleged corruption and negligence that led to building code and safety violations may have contributed to higher death tolls from the earthquakes, according to a preliminary report from scientists at Middle East Technical University in Ankara.

"Had the earthquake not happened, Erdogan would probably be leading in the polls today," Cagaptay said.

The irony that an earthquake and economic crisis could bring down Erdogan is not lost on those who have followed his political rise. It was a 1999 earthquake that killed 17,000 people that helped elevate his profile and catapulted him and his party to victory in the 2002 general election.

"It's a parallel that almost every Turkish person made in the first days after this earthquake in February," said journalist and writer Suzy Hansen, who lived and reported from Turkey for over a decade. "He was going to fix the economy, and he was going to eradicate corruption."

Erdogan is credited with expanding the Turkish middle class by making credit more easily available to those families. His government also embarked on massive infrastructure projects that provided lots of jobs. Gross domestic product per capita more than tripled during his first decade in office, from $3,600 in 2002 to $11,700 in 2012. He delivered growth, lifted people out of poverty and improved access to government services, such as health care.

Those successes over his first 10 years in power allowed him to build a loyal base of followers. But that base is starting to abandon Erdogan now as more and more middle-class families are struggling to make ends meet in today's Turkey. Runaway inflation and a currency devaluation have seen prices surge in recent years. In April, food prices increased 54% year on year.

"People are hungry in Turkey," Hansen said. "People cannot afford meat. They can't afford food. They can't afford diapers. They are really struggling."

Inflation has come down since reaching a high of more than 85% in October. The Turkish lira has lost 76% of its value during Erdogan's second term as president.

"People are angry," Hansen said. "I had one young man say to me, 'If you watch the Turkish news, which is controlled by Erdogan, all they're telling us is that life is great. And meanwhile, I can't afford onions.'"

But it's not just economic challenges that threaten Erdogan. It's also the political and cultural changes that he undertook during his second decade in power. Erdogan, who grew up in a poor conservative Muslim family in the Anatolian hinterland, always felt like a second-class citizen in Turkey's secular society, according to Cagaptay.

His rise to power in the early 2000s also led to the rise of political Islam in the country. Many in the majority-Muslim country remain loyal to Erdogan for making religion a bigger part of Turkish politics and society. At the same time, it alienated more progressive parts of society and those secularists who want to keep religion out of politics.

"Erdogan has demonized so many groups from secularists to Kurdish nationalists to liberals to social democrats to leftists," Cagaptay said. "When you add them up, that makes up about half of Turkey's population."

And those groups for the first time are now united in their opposition to Erdogan.

Similar to other authoritarian rulers, Erdogan has attempted to hold on to power by going after his opponents. He also started to centralize the government around himself. In 2017, Turkey transformed from a parliamentary system to a presidential one after 51% of voters approved the change in a public referendum.

This change came less than a year after a failed military coup in July 2016. More than 300 people died in the clashes between the military and Erdogan supporters during the coup attempt. Erdogan responded to the attempted overthrow of his government with mass arrests and large purges across the military, government and civil service.

"He became head of state, head of government, head of ruling party, head of the national police and head of the military as chief of staff. He became all powerful as Turkey's new sultan," Cagaptay said.

The change to this new presidential system means that for the first time, Erdogan has to win 50% of the vote. Going into Sunday's election, Erdogan and his main opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, are neck and neck in the polls.

Should none of the candidates win more than 50% of the vote, then there will be a runoff election on May 28 between the top two candidates.

Cagaptay and Hansen both believe Erdogan won't go quietly if he loses the election.

He might even take a page out of former President Donald Trump's playbook and call on his supporters to stop any transfer of power.

"You could very well see the repeat of Jan. 6 in Turkey after the elections, if this is a closely contested race," Cagaptay said.

Read the rest here:
From democrat to autocrat. The story of Turkey's Recep Tayyip ... - NPR

from the questions,-questions dept

There have been various chapters in the new large language models (LLMs) story. First, people were amazed that systems like ChatGPT could write a sonnet about bananas in the style of Shakespeare, and in just a few seconds. Soon, though, they realized that chatbots replies might be grammatically correct, but they were frequently peppered with false information that the system simply made up, often with equally fake references. Were now at the stage where many are starting to think through the deeper implications of using LLMs, with all their powers and flaws, and how they will affect current working (and living) practices. As a post on the Vice site explains, one group grappling with this issue is the Wikipedia community:

During a recent community call, it became apparent that there is a community split over whether or not to use large language models to generate content. While some people expressed that tools like Open AIs ChatGPT could help with generating and summarizing articles, others remained wary.

Wikipedia already has a draft policy on how LLMs can be used when writing Wikipedia entries. The draft provides an excellent summary of some of the key problems of using chatbots, many of which will be faced by people in other domains. Here are the main points from the basic guidance section:

Do not publish content on Wikipedia obtained by asking LLMs to write original content or generate references. Even if such content has been heavily edited, seek other alternatives that dont use machine-generated content.

You may use LLMs as a writing advisor, i.e. asking for outlines, asking how to improve paragraphs, asking for criticism of text, etc. However, you should be aware that the information they give to you can be unreliable and flat out wrong. Use due diligence and common sense when choosing whether to incorporate the LLMs suggestions or not.

You may use LLMs for copyediting, summarization, and paraphrasing, but note that they may not properly detect grammatical errors or keep key information intact. Use due diligence and heavily edit the response. Dont hesitate to ask the LLM to correct deficiencies such as missing information in a summary or an unencyclopedic, e.g. promotional tone.

You are responsible for making sure that using an LLM will not be disruptive to Wikipedia.

You must denote that a LLM was used in the edit summary.

LLM-created works are not reliable sources. Unless their outputs were published by reliable outlets with rigorous oversight, they should not be cited in our articles.

It would be foolish to try to forbid Wikipedia contributors from using chatbots to help write articles: people would use them anyway, but would try to hide the fact. A ban would also be counterproductive. LLMs are simply tools, just like computers, and the real issue is not whether to use them, but how to use them properly. The guidelines listed above essentially amount to yes, you can use chatbots to help you write and improve your writing, but they should not be relied upon unquestioningly. That means human input and checking afterwards are indispensable. Also important is flagging up that LLMs were used in some way, so that users of Wikipedia know where information is coming from, and can be alert to possible problems arising from this fact.

The Wikipedia draft policy concentrates on how LLMs output might be used to create material for Wikipedia entries. The Vice article points out that there is another question, about whether there should be restrictions on how LLMs can use Wikipedia entries as part of the machine learning process:

The [Wikipedia] community is also divided on whether large language models should be allowed to train on Wikipedia content. While open access is a cornerstone of Wikipedias design principles, some worry the unrestricted scraping of internet data allows AI companies like OpenAI to exploit the open web to create closed commercial datasets for their models. This is especially a problem if the Wikipedia content itself is AI-generated, creating a feedback loop of potentially biased information, if left unchecked.

That concern seems overblown. Low-quality training materials can cause chatbots to produce questionable or downright harmful outputs. An obvious way to counter that would be to encourage the use of high-quality input that has undergone some kind of fact checking. Wikipedia is one of the best and largest sources of such material, and in hundreds of languages. Provided the final Wikipedia policy on LLMs requires human checks on chatbot output, as proposed in the draft, the use of Wikipedia articles for training LLMs should surely be encouraged with the aim of making chatbots better for everyone.

Follow me @glynmoody onMastodon.

Filed Under: chatbots, chatgpt, llms, wikipediaCompanies: openai

The rest is here:
Wikipedia Grapples With Chatbots: Should It Allow Their Use For ... - Techdirt