Context:

Rebecca Bennett, a Democrat and former Navy veteran, is running for Congress in New Jersey's 7th District and aims to present herself as a moderate to unseat the Republican incumbent, Thomas Kean Jr. Despite this moderate positioning, Bennett has been found to have deleted several social media posts that praised progressive figures, suggesting a more progressive past. This discovery raises questions about her political positioning and authenticity in a district that leans Republican. Meanwhile, the political landscape includes ongoing debates about Trump's policies, such as tax hikes for the wealthy and shake-ups at the Veterans Affairs. Additionally, the news discusses international events like the meeting between Russia's Putin and China's Xi, and domestic controversies, including protests at Columbia University and the handling of a town hall by Letitia James in the face of Trump supporter interruptions.

Dive Deeper:

• Rebecca Bennett, who is contesting in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, has removed social media posts endorsing progressive candidates, challenging her self-portrayed image as a moderate candidate in a pro-Trump district.

• Bennett's revised online presence aims to capture a more centrist voter base, crucial in a district where the Cook Political Report suggests a slight Republican advantage.

• The political news landscape is dominated by Trump's proposed tax reforms targeting the wealthy, as well as his administrative changes at the Department of Veterans Affairs, highlighting ongoing partisan debates.

• Internationally, notable events include a significant military parade in Moscow attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring the geopolitical dynamics involving these nations.

• Domestically, Columbia University faces backlash for its handling of anti-Israel protests, while a town hall meeting by Letitia James was disrupted by a Trump supporter, reflecting heightened tensions in political discourse across the U.S.