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V M's avatar

Candace has been nothing short of demonic for a while now. It was her vilification of you that quite honestly made me read your articles for the first time. (I had followed you on IG for awhile.) Watching her and the joy she took in shredding your reputation made me believe you must be doing something right, and I subscribed to your Substack and unfollowed her. I haven’t been sorry once! You’re great at what you do, Jessica. Don’t forget

that. I believe you’re here for a purpose at this time in our nation. Just keep your head down and don’t let the cretins get to you!

Heather Tusko's avatar

I did the same for the same reasons. So happy to be here ♥️

Marti's avatar

Agreed. Watch or read long enough and the true spirit and intention always floats to the surface. It’s so obviously a twisted game for her, with no redeeming purpose or objective.

Christopher Arnell's avatar

Candace can’t just make a point. She has to build a Stalin-level villain first. Facts aren’t enough, so everything becomes an apocalypse. That’s a very Democrat habit, just wearing a different jersey.

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

Once again, You nailed it Christopher. Stalin with a podcast.

Maddie's avatar

As hard as this situation has been to live through… I truly see the good it’s done for you. You are a better journalist and writer because of it. There may have been a time where you were quicker to form an opinion, and now you cautiously tread - knowing a wrong accusation can spiral and cause someone else to be a victim. Even unintentional. This didn’t feel like a hit piece either (and we all know you would be justified in doing so)… very well written and engaging. 🥰 Great job mama. 💛

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

Maddie - it makes me so happy to read this, to know you see it. Thank you for taking the time to share this perspective.

Sasha Stone's avatar

I used to think Candace was kind of funny, but when I saw her use Charlie Kirk and his assassination as a conspiracy theory to drive her Jew hate to her Jew hating readers, I saw something deeper, darker, uglier. It's not hard to sell that kind of thing. Hitler did it really well. He was charismatic, too, and captivating to listen to. But more than anything, he knew how to channel hate in a specific direction, as she does.

All of that harassment that came at you and your family is that. It's about Jew hate. It is hard to believe that people are that insane, but they are.

She reminds me of Amazing Amy in Gone Girl. A clever, manipulative cipher who has no moral center. I think it's likely a role she plays, and when she's off camera, she's semi-normal and a loving mother. I would imagine that's true. She's a performer and a writer, but she is using that power to drive grotesque hatred.

I'm a small fry with a tiny readership and no power, no proximity to power as you had, but I know how it feels to be swarmed like that. Even now, after years and years of attacks from the Left at me for various reasons, they still come around. Of course, it always hurts. We're only human. What I don't understand is that mindset. I don't get people who are that cruel. I never will. Thanks for writing this. It's awful. But at least you told the story. She didn't silence you.

DDDAnon's avatar

I’m so proud of you, Jessica.

Sharing your truth, after all of this time, is something that you did with grace and respect rather than emotion and revenge.

Well done

TxAg's avatar

Wow! She is a scary figure for sure. I consider myself a level headed person and a good reader of people, but for a while I was drinking the Candace Koolaid. I began to see through her while she was in deep to the Macron story. And then she jumped to Charlie. It was the Charlie stuff that made me see the pattern, and how she uses everyone around her.

That must have been cathartic to write. Great piece, Jess!

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

Yes, it was. I feel a huge weight lifted ❤️

Bettina Belter's avatar

As you should!👏👏👏👏🏆❤️‍🔥🙏

Pamela's avatar

The only reason Candace has friends is so she can have enemies. It’s all a big chess game for her. She gets close enough to people to gather the intel she needs then takes them out. One minute she was friendly with Jessica, and the next she was going for the jugular. She did the same thing to Ben Shapiro and I suspect Jessica’s next piece will bear that out with others. She knew she could never take out Charlie but when he was killed, she saw her moment and seized it, doing everything in her power to take out TPUSA and Erika. Tucker and Megyn -the undeniable King and Queen on the board - are not threatened by her but they should be. She is calculating and patient. When the moment is right, she will go for them, too.

ALLYSONRT's avatar

Candace is toxic. Her angelic face is a mask of the devil. Look how she treated a true man of faith and integrity, Dennis Prager, who took her under his wing and gave her legitimacy. She used him and tried to destroy everything he stood for.

She uses people like she uses toilet paper. She gets relief then wipes her ass. The problem is, and apologies for being crude, she is so full of shit there isn't enough paper to cleanse her.

Just desserts.

Ann-Meri's avatar

Bravo Jessica!!!!

I specifically remember the feud with your ex bestie and your freelance employee. And I knew in time, the truth would come out.

I have never liked Candace. There is something in her eyes, her haughty attitude, and this narcissistic air she gives off.

Thank you. Honestly. For trusting us with this and giving us some insight into what’s really going on. I’ve been with you on Instagram for a long time now, just signed up to be a subscriber.

It’s been a pleasure!!

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

Thank you Ann-Meri! I love typing your name (btw) It's been so infuriating - to sit silent through endless lies and harassment, but like I wrote - there are always valuable lessons in these experiences. I'm just Happy to finally be on the other side of it, untried to drama and chaos. To do what I love. Write. Engage. Travel and learn about people. Without all of this overblown egos inflicting constant cycles of conflict.

Ann-Meri's avatar

😂 (about my name, my parents. Had to give me a unique spelling of my name. 🤭)

I am excited for part 4, the rest of this series, some vindication for you, and really 2026 as a whole.

I’ll come here more than insta, even though you know I look for you there on the daily. 🤩

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

and I'd rather have you in my living room

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

That makes me even happier! I see this as my living room. IG as a cocktail party :D

Chelsea Tuff's avatar

Pt. 3 has left me speechless....I knew it was bad, but this is beyond horrific. And to know that now its Erika Kirks turn...

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

It’s always someone’s turn. That’s why I had to write this. We need documentation of her patterns to wake people up to her abuse.

Bettina Belter's avatar

She’s a classic Borderline/narcissist. Unfortunately I know…..💔They ALWAYS have a TARGET.

Valarie Fairchild's avatar

I have not been able to figure out where Ian Carroll came from. Now I start to wonder if he’s a Candace creation. It’s all so bizarre.

Amy Igo's avatar

HIH liked Ian at some point because her Instagram stories is how I found him! Thankful for that, along with some other great follows like Shane Cashman, etc

Valarie Fairchild's avatar

Liking someone is not the same thing as questioning his credibility or where he came from. He's obviously compelling. But for me, being compelling without authority, without any evidence of who he is and where he came from, makes him questionable.

Sandbar36's avatar

It’s not hard to know where Ian came from if you are part of the healthy world - he started out big when he did a YouTube on the terrible ingredients in our grocery isles . He’s been around a while . He’s not a creation lol 😂

Amy Webb's avatar

Ian got his “start” by calling out all the corporate owners of grocery items

Valarie Fairchild's avatar

I’ve seen some of it. But his X account is two ish years old and he has 1.3 million followers? It doesn’t track really.

Valarie Fairchild's avatar

I just haven’t been able to find much about him. It’s possible that anyone who learned to read labels decades ago didn’t have him on our radar.

Still unsure why he is qualified at all on political issues or international anything. His credibility is questionable.

Alana Hendrickson's avatar

I don’t know how Emily, Denise, and Jaggyish something or other live with themselves. Their betrayal is that of low life scum. And for Candace to think of them as valid sources says all. Stay strong!

Jj's avatar

Like she did with Charlie, she painted RFK jr as someone simple enough to be easily manipulated. Thats all I needed to know that Candace is full of shit

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

Yes, exactly. It’s a pattern.

Ohlaars's avatar

I believe you, and distrust her. My wife and daughter remain under her spell. I'll convert them.

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

Your wife and daughter, along with millions

Deborah Adams's avatar

My husband went through the same scenario with me, I was following Candace like it was my job. He was patient and the voice of reason and discernment ensured. Don’t give up!

Rachel K.'s avatar

One day my husband asked me why I was acting so “angry,” and I realized it was because I had been talking about one of CO’s episodes. He told me it wasn’t doing me any good lol, and he was right. Listening to her genuinely stirs something heavy in me. She brings out bad energy and thrives on division. I am Catholic, born and raised in the Church, and it deeply troubles me to see her now claiming Catholicism as a shield for her words and actions. It makes my heart sink. To anyone reading this: her behavior does not reflect the teachings of the Church. Using the name of the Church to justify harm or division is not just wrong, it’s heartbreaking and shameful.

Bettina Belter's avatar

I too am a cradle Catholic. I’m horrified by her touting of Catholicism. It’s MOST UNHOLY.

Wolfpak5's avatar

Agree! It makes me sick too to see her using our religion as a shield. A real Catholic would never behave like that for the fear of God would be within them. Her soul is demonic.

Rachel K.'s avatar

I think using any religion to shield yourself or make yourself more plausible is not okay. It’s the opposite of being a Christian.

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

Really? This is encouraging to read, Deborah. X

Deborah Adams's avatar

For reals! It feels good to have my life and sanity back, lol!

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

You got this! LOL

MLJ's avatar

You are a class act Jessica and I’m just horrified at how unimaginably bad it got. While most of us would have taken to the bed, you took a deep breath and headed into battle. You were brave, brilliant, and stuck to your scruples, unlike that creature Candace. It’s clear she is jealous and intimidated by you and her only weapons are lies and an unhinged need to take out her competition. Your former friend? It’s clear there are deep issues and hopefully she’ll get help eventually. I’m so sorry for your loss with her. But I’m so impressed with how you’ve heald your head high and moved forward. Finish taking out the trash here, and then keep fighting and keep writing. We NEED your insights and voice.🩷

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

🙏🏻❤️❤️

Natasha Bee's avatar

OMG this is just shocking to read. My heart breaks to hear what your family has been through. I cant stand that woman, she is the devil. I love you Jess. You have all my support 🌺

Jessica Reed Kraus's avatar

Thank you Natasha - for reading and supporting. I appreciate you!

Katie Cesaro's avatar

Love love love your long form writing, I have missed reading longer articles and have followers you on Instagram for a while, but watching all of this unfold has been so unbelievably disgusting that a woman and mother of 4 would find such immense pleasure in lying and degrading another woman and mother I just wanted to support you by subscribing. Know that there are some of us out here praying for peace for you and your family and CO is not even close to looking like who Christ is and what the gospel looks like. Thanks for your continued honesty, vulnerability and commitment to your craft ❤️