<ul class="summary-list"><li>Spider-Man actor <keyword id="470824" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tom-Holland">Tom Holland</keyword> had a sweet phone call with young hero <keyword id="9588666" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bridger-Walker">Bridger Walker</keyword>, and invited the six-year-old to the set of "<keyword id="385249" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Spider-Man-3">Spider-Man 3</keyword>."</li><li>Bridger is the young boy who saved his sister from a brutal dog attack, and later required 90 stitches.</li><li>Bridger's aunt, Nicole, shared the exchange on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCtxBCOnO3L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">Instagram</a> where Holland told Bridger: "I mean, you're just such a brave little kid. It's not easy what you did, mate, you should be proud of yourself."</li></ul><p>Tom Holland invited Bridger Walker, the six-year-old boy who <a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-evans-sending-captain-america-shield-bridger-walker-dog-attack-2020-7">saved his sister from a dog attack</a>, to the set of "Spider-Man 3."</p><p>Bridger's aunt, Nicole Walker, shared the video of the young hero talking to Holland over FaceTime on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCtxBCOnO3L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">Instagram</a>.</p><p>"I've heard about your story, and I just want to say, you are so brave, mate, and we are all proud of you," Holland told the six-year-old.</p><p>"Your little sister is so lucky to have someone like you. I mean, you're just such a brave little kid. It's not easy what you did, mate, you should be proud of yourself."</p><p>Holland asked Bridger who his favourite Avenger was, but the starstruck fan was too shy to answer — his family confirmed it was indeed Spider-Man, whose outfit Bridger was wearing in the video.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCtxBCOnO3L" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">When dreams come true.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 16, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-16T19:44:50+00:00">Jul 16, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p>"We're going to be shooting 'Spider-Man 3,' and if you ever want to come to the set and hang out and see the 'Spider-Man' suit up close and hang out with us, you're always welcome," Holland offered. "You'll always be my guest."</p><p>Bridger was too starstruck to answer, but his grateful family thanked Holland for his kind invitation.</p><p>Nicole Walker told the story of Bridger's heroic act on July 9th on her Instagram, writing: "My nephew is a hero who saved his little sister from an attacking dog. He, himself, took on the attack so that the dog wouldn't get his sister." Bridger needed 90 stitches.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrDE7rAR3q" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Have y’all noticed that I have no idea what I’m doing yet? #UmmmIAccidentallyWentViral? When I first posted for Bridger, I expected maybe 500 likes at most and maybe a couple dozen reshares. But here we are. So much love from all walks of life (including a few celebs)! And we just got off a call with a friendly neighborhood idol. (Pic is of Bridger’s reaction right after the call.) Bridger is over the moon! Can’t wait to show him what’s next: a message from some guy who doesn’t like bullies. Gotta wait for the stardust to clear from his eyes first, though. Mission accomplished, everyone! We can’t thank you enough. #BridgerStrong EDIT: I feel like I should also mention that Bridger has also loved all of the other videos and messages I’ve shown him from all of you. We might not be able to get to everyone right away, but your messages are no less appreciated.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 15, 2020 at 11:22am PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-15T18:22:29+00:00">Jul 15, 2020 at 11:22am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p>Holland's fellow Avengers star <a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-evans-sending-captain-america-shield-bridger-walker-dog-attack-2020-7#:~:text=for%20more%20stories.-,Chris%20Evans%20is%20sending%20a%20real%20Captain%20America%20shield%20to,shared%20the%20video%20on%20Instagram.">Chris Evans sent a video message</a> to Bridger on Thursday, promising him that he was going to send him an authentic Captain America shield.</p><p>Evans told Bridger: "Pal, you're a hero, what you did was so brave, so selfless — your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you."</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-evans-sending-captain-america-shield-bridger-walker-dog-attack-2020-7#:~:text=for%20more%20stories.-,Chris%20Evans%20is%20sending%20a%20real%20Captain%20America%20shield%20to,shared%20the%20video%20on%20Instagram.">Other Avengers stars</a> including Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), and Brie Larson (Captain <keyword id="47501" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Marvel">Marvel</keyword>) all also reached out to Bridger. Ruffalo wrote: "Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow. You are more of man than many, many I have seen or known. With Admiration... Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk/Professor)."</p><p><strong>Read more:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-evans-sending-captain-america-shield-bridger-walker-dog-attack-2020-7#:~:text=for%20more%20stories.-,Chris%20Evans%20is%20sending%20a%20real%20Captain%20America%20shield%20to,shared%20the%20video%20on%20Instagram.">Chris Evans is sending a real Captain America shield to a boy who saved his sister from a brutal dog attack</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/tony-hawk-responds-to-young-skateboard-fan-tiktok-video-2020-5">A delivery driver on TikTok was asked to send Tony Hawk a skateboard from a young fan, and the skater is sending one back</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-evans-avengers-endgame-black-lives-matter-scene-reaction-2020-6">Chris Evans applauds fan-edited scene from 'Avengers: Endgame' that shows superheroes as Black Lives Matter supporters</a></p>

Tom Holland spoke to Bridger Walker on FaceTime, called him a hero, and invited him onto the set of 'Spider-Man 3'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Robert Downey Jr. sent a video message to Bridger, a 6-year-old who saved his 4-year-old sister from a dog attack on July 9 in Wyoming.</li><li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/parents-say-their-6-year-old-son-survived-brutal-dog-n1234036">Bridger's parents</a> said that their son protected his sister when a dog lunged toward them, and as a result, he was bitten in the face by the dog and received 90 stitches.</li><li>"Bridger, you're a rockstar," Downey Jr. told Bridger. "You call me on your next birthday. I've got something special for you."</li><li>Bridger has also received video messages from "Spider-Man" star Tom Holland and "Captain America" actor Chris Evans, who said he plans to send the child an authentic shield.</li></ul><p>Bridger, a 6-year-old who saved his 4-year-old sister from a dog attack earlier in July, is being recognized as a <a href="https://www.insider.com/coronavirus-help-acts-of-kindness-good-deeds">hero</a>.</p><p>Bridger's parents, Robert and Teila Walker, said in a statement obtained by <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/parents-say-their-6-year-old-son-survived-brutal-dog-n1234036">NBC</a> that on July 9, Bridger and his sister were at a friend's home in Wyoming. One of the homeowner's dogs, a German Shepherd, lunged toward the <keyword id="1862" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="kids">kids</keyword>, and Bridger stood in front of his sister to protect her, his parents said.</p><p>"Bridger explained that when the dog bit him, he yelled for his sister to run," the Walkers said in the statement. "After the dog released, Bridger ran to his sister and led her to a more secure part of the yard where he thought they would be safe."</p><p>Bridger received more than 90 stitches in his face. Since the incident, he has been recovering at home, his parents said, and he's received a handful of shoutouts from <keyword id="6412373" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="celebrities">celebrities</keyword> who play superheroes.</p><p>On Friday, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCv0uF5A9PP/?igshid=19frpu17z59af">Nicole Walker</a>, Bridger's aunt, shared a video on Instagram of "Iron Man" actor Robert Downey Jr., who gave a special message to Bridger.</p><p>"Bridger, you're a rockstar," Downey Jr. said in a video to the boy.</p><p>"My name's Robert Downey Jr. I played Tony, [which] makes me an old friend of Cap's," the actor continued, referring to his <keyword id="47501" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Marvel">Marvel</keyword> co-star <a href="https://www.insider.com/all-of-chris-evans-movies-ranked-by-critics-2019-11">Chris Evans</a>, who plays the character of Captain America.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCv0uF5A9PP" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">*Plays AC/DC to watch this video.* Thank you to @brandondavisbd for all his help in editing. EDIT: I guess I should mention that we just celebrated Bridger’s birthday not too long ago, so it will be a while before we find out what the surprise is.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 17, 2020 at 7:56am PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-17T14:56:42+00:00">Jul 17, 2020 at 7:56am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p>"You call me on your next birthday," Downey Jr. told Bridger in the video. "I've got something special for you. By the way, that's a promise. A promise beats a shield."</p><p>At the end of the video, Bridger is shown reacting to Downey Jr.'s message — and his face lights up in a smile.</p><p>Nicole Walker wrote in the post's caption that the family celebrated Bridger's birthday recently, so it will be a while until they find out what Downey Jr. has in store for the young hero's surprise.</p><p>Downey Jr. also referred to Evans' recent video message to Bridger, where <a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-evans-sending-captain-america-shield-bridger-walker-dog-attack-2020-7">the "Captain America" actor told the boy that he wanted to gift him an authentic superhero shield</a>.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrmxv1gTek" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">There are no words. We are so, so thankful.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 15, 2020 at 4:36pm PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-15T23:36:39+00:00">Jul 15, 2020 at 4:36pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/tom-holland-bridger-walker-dog-hero-invited-spiderman-3-set-2020-7">Bridger also received a FaceTime call from "Spider-Man" actor Tom Holland</a>, who extended the invitation to visit the set of "Spider-Man 3." </p><p>"I've heard about your story, and I just want to say, you are so brave, mate, and we are all proud of you," <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCtxBCOnO3L/?utm_source=ig_embed">Holland told the 6-year-old</a>. "Your little sister is so lucky to have someone like you. I mean, you're just such a brave little kid. It's not easy what you did, mate, you should be proud of yourself."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCtxBCOnO3L" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">When dreams come true.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 16, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-16T19:44:50+00:00">Jul 16, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/tom-holland-bridger-walker-dog-hero-invited-spiderman-3-set-2020-7">Tom Holland spoke to Bridger Walker on FaceTime, called him a hero, and invited him onto the set of 'Spider-Man 3'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/ways-people-around-the-world-have-spread-joy-2020-5">19 ways people around the world have spread joy to brighten up your week</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/celebrities-quarantine-activities-entertainment-indoors-social-distancing">How celebrities are staying entertained while self-isolating — from LED face masks to giant games of Jenga</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/robert-downey-jr-stephen-colbert-tony-stark-transformation-response-2020-3">Robert Downey Jr. responded to Stephen Colbert transforming into Tony Stark while self-isolating</a></li></ul>

Robert Downey Jr. hailed a 6-year-old boy who saved his sister from a dog attack as a 'rockstar' and promised him a 'special' birthday surprise

<ul class="summary-list"><li>GOP leaders are seeking out wealthy Senate candidates to counter Democratic fundraising successes.</li><li>As Republicans look to 2024, they could face another cycle where Democrats vastly outraise them.</li></ul><p>Republicans thought 2022 would be their year.</p><p>With a cascade of polling that <a href="https://morningconsult.com/2022/10/13/bidens-net-approval-rating-is-underwater-in-45-states/">showed</a> President Joe Biden's approval ratings largely mired in the 40s and voters <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2022/07/13/bidens-job-rating-slumps-as-publics-view-of-economy-turns-more-negative/">dissatisfied</a> with the direction of the country, most observers felt a "red wave" was imminent.</p><p>But it didn't materialize.</p><p>While Republicans flipped the House of Representatives — albeit narrowly — they came up short in the Senate, losing key races in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.</p><p>But as the GOP looks to 2024, party leaders are seeking out wealthy, self-funding candidates who can go up against the robust fundraising operation that helped Democrats win control of the upper chamber in the 2020 and 2022 election cycles, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/22/national-republicans-senate-candidates-rich-00088199">according to Politico</a>.</p><p>Per the Politico report, at least ten GOP candidates are weighing launching self-funded Senate candidacies in competitive swing states after being encouraged to do so by the National Republican Senatorial Committee.</p><p>Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines, the chairman of the NRSC, is putting a focus on potential candidates who can either spend money on their own campaigns or possess strong fundraising abilities, according to a source with knowledge of the senator's thinking who spoke to Politico.</p><p>"It's helpful," Daines told the news outlet. "We've got some work to do to catch up."</p><p>Scouting for self-funding candidates is not a new phenomenon for either Democrats or Republicans. But high-profile Democratic candidates like Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan easily outpaced their opponents in fundraising, which helped them define their own candidacies and buttressed them against Biden's less-than-stellar approval ratings.</p><p>Warnock raised $180.9 million in his successful reelection bid, while his GOP opponent, former NFL star Herschel Walker, took in $73.2 million, <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary?cycle=2022&amp;id=GAS2">according to OpenSecrets</a>. Hassan <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary?cycle=2022&amp;id=NHS1">raised</a> $41.6 million for her winning campaign, while Republican Don Bolduc only raked in $4.2 million.</p><p>Last year, Democratic Senate nominees in the six most competitive races outraised their GOP counterparts by $288 million, per Politico.</p><p>And Republicans, who have come to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/17/politics/senate-republican-super-pac-ad-spending/index.html">rely heavily</a> on super PACs in recent years, are adjusting accordingly to recruit candidates in states where they'll need to knock off vulnerable Democratic incumbents to win back the Senate.</p><div type="image" title="David McCormick" height="683" width="1024" msid="98999588" hostid="261" sizebytes="69858"></div><h2>'Won't be solved overnight'</h2><p>In Montana, Republican leaders want Bridger Aerospace chief executive Tim Sheehy — a former Navy SEAL and multimillionaire who could self-fund his own campaign — to challenge three-term Democratic Sen. Jon Tester next year, Politico reported. And the outlet reported that GOP officials are also hoping to convince wealthy West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice to run against Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.</p><p>Manchin, a moderate who sometimes breaks with the Biden administration on energy and environmental issues, recently <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/3884985-manchin-says-hell-decide-his-political-future-in-december/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicated</a> that he won't announce any reelection plans until December.</p><p>Republican leaders are also interested in former hedge fund chief executive <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mccormick-oz-casey-pennsylvania-republicans-2024-senate-campaign-2022-6">David McCormick</a> potentially running for the Senate in Pennsylvania again after he narrowly lost the 2022 GOP nomination to Dr. Mehmet Oz, Politico reported. (The incumbent Democrat, Sen. Bob Casey Jr., has not yet announced if he will seek a fourth term in office.)</p><p>Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon and former talk show host, appealed to many GOP donors last year due to his ability to self-fund his campaign. The well-known doctor poured $26.8 million of his own funds into his unsuccessful Senate campaign, <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2023/02/top-self-funding-congressional-candidates-were-among-the-2022-midterm-election-cycles-biggest-losers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to OpenSecrets</a>.</p><p>But in the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/results-john-fetterman-mehmet-oz-pennsylvania-us-senate-election-2022-11">general election</a>, Oz was still unable to beat now-Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, who ran a populist campaign and performed strongly in cities and suburban areas across the state.</p><p>And in Ohio, state Sen. Matt Dolan, whose family owns the Cleveland Guardians, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-senate-races-2024-election-landscape-democrats-republicans-2023-1">entered the GOP Senate primary </a>after losing last year's party primary to now-Sen. JD Vance. Dolan, who put more than $10.5 million into his 2022 Senate bid, could face Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.</p><p>Other names the outlet reported being floated as potential candidates in other states include: <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/07/12/karrin-taylor-robson-arizona-governors-office-primary-election-2022/7500211001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karrin Taylor Robson</a>, an Arizona attorney who lost the 2022 GOP gubernatorial nomination to former journalist Kari Lake, and Eric Hovde, a Wisconsin real estate executive.</p><p>Republicans know they'll likely face a well-oiled Democratic fundraising juggernaut in 2024, which could be amplified by Biden's potential reelection campaign, and are seeking quality candidates across the board. And with the possibility of former President Donald Trump once again heading the Republican ticket in 2024, GOP candidates may also have to navigate the former president's conduct on the campaign trail with their own campaign messages.</p><p>Democratic politicians like Sens. Brown, Tester and Casey, along with Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, were all <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary?cycle=2018&amp;id=PAS2">solid fundraisers</a> during the 2018 cycle, with each lawmaker raising at least $21 million in their respective races, according to campaign finance data. Still, Brown and Tester will face electorates that have a decidedly conservative bent; Casey and Baldwin, if they run in 2024, would run in states that have been more hospitable to electing Democrats statewide in recent years.</p><p>During a recent <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2024-race-is-on/id1535384390?i=1000605522057" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview</a> on the conservative podcast "Ruthless," Sen. Daines <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/republican-senate-minority-rest-decade-nrsc-chair-steve-daines-2023-3">warned</a> that Republicans would need to win the Senate contests in Montana, Ohio, and West Virginia or the party would be "in the minority" through the rest of the decade. The Montana lawmaker reiterated the importance of nominating candidates who can win primaries and appeal to the broader electorate.</p><p>Other Republicans are also echoing Daines' calls for the GOP to put forward more viable candidates.</p><p>"Republicans face an existential crisis that won't be solved overnight, but we still need to figure out how to mitigate the damage in the short term," former NRSC executive director Kevin McLaughlin told Politico. "Recruiting strong candidates who can both self-fund and win general elections is a great first step."</p>

Republicans are seeking wealthy, self-funding candidates to help the party win a Senate majority in 2024, report says

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="207127" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Chris-Evans">Chris Evans</keyword> sent a sweet video message to six-year-old Bridger, who saved his sister from a brutal dog attack on July 9th.</li><li>Evans said: "Pal, you're a hero, what you did was so brave, so selfless — your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother," and promised to send Bridger an "authentic <keyword id="329400" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Captain-America">Captain America</keyword> shield."</li><li>Bridger's aunt, Nicole Walker, explained on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCrmxv1gTek/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">Instagram</a> that her nephew fought off a dog that attacked his sister and later required 90 stitches.</li><li>Walker wrote that Bridger said after the incident: "If someone was going to die, I thought it should be me."</li></ul><p>Chris Evans is sending a real Captain America shield to a young boy who saved his sister from a brutal dog attack on July 9th.</p><p>Evans sent the video message to six-year-old Bridger, whose aunt Nicole Walker shared the video on Instagram.</p><p>In the message, Evans dons his best Cap' voice and told Bridger: "I read your story, I saw what you did. I'm sure you've heard a lot of this over the last couple of days but let me be the next one to tell you. Pal, you're a hero, what you did was so brave, so selfless — your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you."</p><p>Evans then told Bridger: "I'm going to track down your address and I'm going to send you an authentic Captain America shield because pal, you deserve it."</p><p>"Keep being the man you are. We need people like you. Hang in there, I know recovery might be tough, but based off of what I've seen, I don't think there is much that can slow you down. Bye buddy."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrmxv1gTek" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">There are no words. We are so, so thankful.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 15, 2020 at 4:36pm PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-15T23:36:39+00:00">Jul 15, 2020 at 4:36pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p>Walker told the story of Bridger's heroic act on July 9th on her Instagram, writing: "My nephew is a hero who saved his little sister from an attacking dog. He, himself, took on the attack so that the dog wouldn't get his sister."</p><p>"He later said, "If someone was going to die, I thought it should be me." He got home from the hospital last night. I know it's a long shot, but I'm reaching out to the Avengers and other heroes so that they can learn about this latest addition to their ranks."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCgWxh4ABi-" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">My nephew is a hero who saved his little sister from an attacking dog. He, himself, took on the attack so that the dog wouldn’t get his sister. He later said, “If someone was going to die, I thought it should be me.” He got home from the hospital last night. I know it’s a long shot, but I’m reaching out to the Avengers and other heroes so that they can learn about this latest addition to their ranks. Please, check your DM’s for my sweet nephew’s story. @tomholland2013 @chrishemsworth @robertdowneyjr @markruffalo @prattprattpratt @twhiddleston @chadwickboseman @vindiesel @chrisevans @vancityreynolds @thehughjackman Edit: I never expected my sweet nephew’s story to reach so many. Please, follow my other post (I only have two so far ) for the latest info regarding my sweet nephew and his family.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 11, 2020 at 7:42am PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-11T14:42:57+00:00">Jul 11, 2020 at 7:42am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p>In another post, Walker wrote that: "After receiving 90 stitches (give or take) from a skilled plastic surgeon, he's finally resting at home. We love our brave boy and want all the other superheroes to know about this latest hero who joined their ranks."</p><p>Evans isn't the only Avenger who has reached out to Bridger. Bruce Banner actor Mark Ruffalo left a lengthy comment on one of Walker's Instagram posts of Bridger: "Dear Bridger, I just read about what happened to you and I wanted to reach out to say this... People who put the well beings of others in front of themselves are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know."</p><p>Ruffalo continued: "I truly respect and admire your courage and your heart. Real courage isn't dominating people or fighting against people or walking around like a tough guy. Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow. You are more of man than many, many I have seen or known. With Admiration... Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk/Professor)."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCjDnLngOYO" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Hey, all. Please, share my nephew’s story so that it gets as much exposure as it can. We know that our little hero would love some words of encouragement from his favorite heroes. On July 9th, my six year old nephew Bridger saved his little sister’s life by standing between her and a charging dog. After getting bit several times on the face and head, he grabbed his sister’s hand and ran with her to keep her safe. He later said, “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.” After receiving 90 stitches (give or take) from a skilled plastic surgeon, he’s finally resting at home. We love our brave boy and want all the other superheroes to know about this latest hero who joined their ranks. @tomholland2013 @chrishemsworth @robertdowneyjr @markruffalo @prattprattpratt @twhiddleston @chadwickboseman @vindiesel @chrisevans EDIT: I just finished visiting with Bridger at his home. His wounds are looking so much better! He’s in great spirits, and his awesome personality is intact. He can’t smile too widely yet, but he was grinning as I read some of your comments to him. I’d also like to mention here that the dog’s owners are really great people who have been nothing but kind to Bridger and his family. We feel no resentment toward them at all, and—if anything—there’s only been an increase of love between our families as a result of this incident. EDIT 2: Once again we’re blown away by the amazing comments and messages that Bridger’s receiving. I’ve had lots of inquiries about a GoFundMe. Bridger’s family has asked that any one wishing to help out financially can, instead, donate to @mission_22 or @wwp. Bridger is also a huge fan of Science, especially Geology. So I’m going to start a post where people can share with him pictures of cool rocks that they see. EDIT 3: Once again, everyone’s kindness has meant so much to us. I’m trying to get to all of the messages that I can, but it may take some time. For those who have inquired about sending Bridger some rocks, here’s the address to use: Bridger Walker P.O. Box 22141 Cheyenne, WY 82003 #BridgerStrong</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 12, 2020 at 8:53am PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-12T15:53:14+00:00">Jul 12, 2020 at 8:53am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p>Spider-Man actor Tom Holland chatted on the phone to Bridger, while Hawkeye actor Jeremy Renner commented: "The first avenger. What fortitude and heart."</p><p>Walker detailed the full story in another Instagram post:</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCr0OMNndnM" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Bridger’s parents @robertwalker307 and @teilawalker have asked that I share more details of his story. It’s hefty but worth the read. If you only have time for a piece of it, skip to the end. #BridgerStrong EDIT: Vamos a hacer una traduccion en español, pero toma tiempo. Gracias por su paciencia. </a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 15, 2020 at 6:31pm PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-07-16T01:31:55+00:00">Jul 15, 2020 at 6:31pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><strong>Read more:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/tony-hawk-responds-to-young-skateboard-fan-tiktok-video-2020-5">A delivery driver on TikTok was asked to send Tony Hawk a skateboard from a young fan, and the skater is sending one back</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-evans-avengers-endgame-black-lives-matter-scene-reaction-2020-6">Chris Evans applauds fan-edited scene from 'Avengers: Endgame' that shows superheroes as Black Lives Matter supporters</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/chris-evans-captain-america-turned-down-marvel-anxiety-panic-attacks-2020-5">Chris Evans says his anxiety and panic attacks led him to turn down his role as Captain America before eventually accepting</a></p>

Chris Evans is sending a real Captain America shield to a boy who saved his sister from a brutal dog attack

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The first 2020 presidential debate between President <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> and <keyword id="99719" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Joe-Biden">Joe Biden</keyword> took place on Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio.</li><li>The event was chaotic, characterized by interruptions, sharp jabs, and misinformation, mostly from the president.</li><li>On social media, that chaos provoked a number of <keyword id="1605152" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Memes">memes</keyword> and reactions that went viral. Here are some of the best.</li></ul><p>The first presidential debate of 2020, held in Cleveland, Ohio, was "an embarassment for the US," <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/first-debate-international-reaction-embarrassment-for-us-on-global-stage-2020-9">as Insider's Jake Lahut wrote</a>, and was defined by the chaos of multiple people talking over each other, verbal jabs, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fact-check-of-first-trump-biden-2020-presidential-debate-live-2020-9">misinformation</a> that was largely spread by President Donald Trump.</p><p>Key moments from the event included Trump telling right-wing extremist group the Proud Boys to "stand by," a statement that didn't go unnoticed by the group itself, moderator Chris Wallace pleading with Trump to stop interrupting, and Trump encouraging his supporters to "go into the polls and watch very carefully."</p><p>The vitriol and chaos of the event fueled chatter on social media, sparking commiseration and plenty of jokes that were spun out of pop <keyword id="24504" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="culture">culture</keyword> references or repetition of phrases from the debate. Biden's "will you shut up, man?" or <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/media/518879-cnns-jake-tapper-calls-debate-a-hot-mess-inside-a-dumpster-fire-inside-a-train">CNN's Jake Tapper's description of the event as a "hot mess, inside a dumpster fire, inside a trainwreck"</a> were instantly meme-able sound bites that spread across social media.</p><p>Here are some of the best memes and reactions that played out on social media after the debate.</p><h2>Many highlighted the draining experience of watching the debate online by comparing it to other pop culture artifacts like "Uncut Gems," a film known for <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/15/movies/uncut-gems-soundtrack.html#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20opportunity%20for,in%20three%20movies%20at%20once.&amp;text=It%20is%20an%20astonishingly%20and,you%20away%20from%20the%20screen.een.">being relentlessly noisy</a>, or the <a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/wicked-witch-of-the-east-bro">infamous "Wicked Witch of the East, bro" clip. </a></h2><p>Others used <a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/classical-art-memes">art memes</a> to capture the vibe of watching — or vicariously experiencing — the debate.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Sophia Benoit  (@1followernodad) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311114550352048129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Natalie Walker  (@nwalks) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311150319200604165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—kayzo  (@KayzoMusic) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311137601747705856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><h2>Trump's mention of "forest cities," which Austria's prime minister <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3102041/austrian-minister-corrects-trumps-forest-city-claim-says-we-dont">said</a> was a mischaracterization, also drew some familiar pop culture comparisons to the <a href="https://www.starwars.com/databank/ewok">forest-dwelling Ewoks of "Star Wars,"</a> as <a href="https://www.dailydot.com/debug/trump-forest-cities-memes-star-wars-memes/">The Daily Dot reported.</a></h2><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Dave Filoni Stan Account  (@SammyNoCap) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311131516513259521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Stu Motown #BlackLivesMatter  (@cjzero) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311129268223643648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><h2>During the debate, Trump <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/point-by-point-fact-check-trump-debate-answers-voting-elections-2020-9">falsely claimed</a> that poll watchers had been kicked out of Philadelphia polls. In turn, he also made a comment  — "Bad things happen in Philadelphia" — that Philadelphians latched on to, <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/tatianatenreyrowhitlock/bad-things-happen-in-philadelphia-donald-trump-memes">as BuzzFeed reported</a>. </h2><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—traitor joe  (@phoebe_bridgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311149981277978627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Shawny Hill  (@ShawnyHill) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311133232713199617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><h2>Of course, no set of Philadelphia memes would be complete without <a href="https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/12/24/18145323/gritty-explained-mascot-flyers-meme-leftist">meme icon and Philadelphia Flyers mascot, Gritty.</a></h2><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—lex  (@ronlextall) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311136318458679296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><h2>As <a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/518872-bidens-looks-to-camera-during-debate-draw-jim-from-the-office">The Hill reported</a>, people drew comparisons between one of Biden's clear gazes into the camera and Jim Halpert from "The Office," who frequently reacts to shenanigans on the show by exasperatedly looking into the camera.</h2><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—pat tobin  (@tastefactory) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311128750944378882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Kayla  (@Kaylajolene95) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311115150506639360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><h2>Biden's "Will you shut up, man?" arguably became the most-quoted line of the night, with the Biden campaign tweeting its own edit of the exchange complete with a sobbing emoji bizarrely superimposed over Trump's face along with the sound of a baby crying.</h2><p><a href="https://www.complex.com/life/2020/09/joe-biden-selling-t-shirts-trump-debate-will-you-shut-up-man?utm_campaign=complexmag&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_medium=socialm=social">Complex reported</a> that the Biden campaign was already selling shirts with the one-liner on it, but they appear to have been taken down from the campaign store.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Joe Biden  (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311278369296719872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Monica Isabel  (@Monica_Isabel13) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311115975564066817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><h2>After the debate, <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/media/518879-cnns-jake-tapper-calls-debate-a-hot-mess-inside-a-dumpster-fire-inside-a-train">CNN's Jake Tapper called the debate</a> a "hot mess, inside a dumpster fire, inside a trainwreck," saying that it was "the worst debate I have ever seen.</h2><p>It wasn't even a debate. It was a disgrace." A clip of the statement, posted on TikTok by @spicy.mare, had amassed over 800,000 likes after it was posted, and there are now over 2000 videos associated with the sound on TikTok.</p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@spicy.mare/video/6878118471704644870" data-video-id="6878118471704644870" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@spicy.mare" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@spicy.mare">@spicy.mare</a> <p>cant wait to make a gazzillion videos to this!!!!!! <a title="fyp" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp">##fyp</a> <a title="foryou" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foryou">##foryou</a> <a title="trump" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/trump">##trump</a> <a title="debate" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/debate">##debate</a> <a title="biden" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/biden">##biden</a></p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ donny trump dump truck hot mess express - shelby" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/donny-trump-dump-truck-hot-mess-express-6878118575408810758">♬ donny trump dump truck hot mess express - shelby</a> </section> </blockquote> <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@artbydemarcusshawn/video/6878272412744551685" data-video-id="6878272412744551685" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@artbydemarcusshawn" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@artbydemarcusshawn">@artbydemarcusshawn</a> <p><a title="fyp" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp">##fyp</a> <a title="fashion101" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fashion101">##Fashion101</a> <a title="halloweenathome" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/halloweenathome">##HalloweenAtHome</a> <a title="oikosonetrip" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/oikosonetrip">##OikosOneTrip</a> <a title="immuneupvapedown" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/immuneupvapedown">##ImmuneUpVapeDown</a></p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ donny trump dump truck hot mess express - shelby" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/donny-trump-dump-truck-hot-mess-express-6878118575408810758">♬ donny trump dump truck hot mess express - shelby</a> </section> </blockquote> <h2>And of course, online reactions to any major event wouldn't be complete without a reference to the very false, but very funny <a href="https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a20269635/jason-derulo-falls-down-met-gala-steps/">"Jason Derulo has fallen down the steps" meme</a>.</h2><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—AJ 3000  (@ajiswriting) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1311114186102050816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fact-check-of-first-trump-biden-2020-presidential-debate-live-2020-9">Fact-checking the first Trump-Biden debate of the 2020 election</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/first-trump-biden-debate-was-microcosm-of-broken-american-capitalism-2020-9">The first Trump-Biden debate was a microcosm of how broken American capitalism is</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/first-debate-international-reaction-embarrassment-for-us-on-global-stage-2020-9">The first presidential debate was an embarrassment for the US and international news outlets came down on it harshly</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-biden-first-debate-biggest-moments-takeaways-highlights-video-2020-9">Here are the biggest moments from the chaotic first Trump-Biden debate</a></li></ul>

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