On Tuesday, Kansans will decide whether to pass a constitutional amendment that could lead to far-reaching abortion restrictions or an outright ban on the procedure.
In neighborhoods where yard signs often tout high school sports teams, dueling abortion-related messages now also dot front lawns. A cafe known for its chocolates and cheese pie has become a haven for abortion rights advocates and a source of ire for opponents. Signs have been stolen, a Catholic church was vandalized earlier this month and tension is palpable on the cusp of the first major vote on the abortion issue since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June.
“I’m really sad that that happened,” said Leslie Schmitz, 54, of Olathe, speaking of the abortion access landscape. “And mad. Sad and mad.”
There may be no greater motivator in modern American politics than anger. And for months, Republican voters enraged by the Biden administration have been explosively energized about this year’s elections. Democrats, meanwhile, have confronted erosion with their base and significant challenges with independent voters.
But interviews with more than 40 voters in populous Johnson County, Kan., this week show that after the fall of Roe, Republicans no longer have a monopoly on fury — especially in states where abortion rights are clearly on the ballot and particularly in the battleground suburbs.
“I feel pretty strongly about this,” said Chris Price, 46, a political independent who said he voted for Mitt Romney for president in 2012 before backing Democrats when Donald J. Trump was on the ballot. “The candidates that would support an abortion ban, I would not be supporting at all. Period.”
Chris Price outside a Johnson County early-voting location in Overland Park, Kan.Chase Castor for The New York Times
Natalie Roberts-Wilner, an early voter, outside her home in Merriam, Kan.Chase Castor for The New York Times
Asked if threats to abortion rights had affected how motivated she felt about engaging in the midterm elections this fall, Natalie Roberts-Wilner, a Democrat from Merriam, Kan., added, “Yes. Yes. Yes. Definitely.”
On Tuesday, Kansans will vote on a constitutional amendment that, if it passes, could give the Republican-dominated Legislature the ability to push new abortion restrictions or to outlaw the procedure entirely. Nearby states including Missouri — which is separated from some competitive Kansas suburbs by State Line Road, a thoroughfare dotted with abortion-related yard signs — have already enacted near-total bans.
The vote is open to unaffiliated Kansans as well as partisans. And whatever the outcome, activists on both sides caution against drawing sweeping national conclusions from an August ballot question, given complex crosscurrents at play.
The amendment language itself has been criticized as confusing, and in an overwhelmingly Republican state, Democrats and unaffiliated voters are less accustomed to voting on Primary Day. On the other hand, a few voters said they would vote no on the amendment but could back Republicans in November — a sign that some who support abortion rights still weigh other political issues more heavily in elections. And nationally, a Washington Post-Schar School poll released on Friday found that Republicans and abortion opponents were more likely to vote in November.
But there is no question that the abortion debate in the state’s most populous county — located in the Third District of Kansas, one of the nation’s most competitive congressional seats — offers the first significant national test of how the issue is resonating in suburban swing territory.
Like other highly educated, moderate areas — from suburban Philadelphia to Orange County, Calif. — the Third District is home to a substantial number of center-right voters who, like Mr. Price, were comfortable with Mr. Romney in 2012. But they embraced Democrats in the 2018 midterms, including Gov. Laura Kelly and Representative Sharice Davids, and many have recoiled from Mr. Trump.
Whether those voters remain in the Democratic fold this year, with Mr. Trump out of office, has been an open question in American politics. Democrats are betting that outrage over far-reaching abortion restrictions will help the party hang onto at least some of those moderates, despite the extraordinary political headwinds they face.
Republicans insist that anger around inflation — and fear of a recession — will crowd out other concerns for a broad swath of voters. (In polls, far more Americans cite inflation or the economy as the biggest problem facing the country than they do abortion.)
Silvana Botero, a patron at André’s, in Overland Park, Kan.Chase Castor for The New York Times
Melissa Moore at a voting location in Olathe, Kan.Chase Castor for The New York Times
The Tuesday vote will offer an early snapshot of attitudes and energy around abortion, if not a definitive predictor of how those voters will behave in the fall.
“How much of a motivator is it really?” said Dan Sena, a Democratic strategist who guided the House takeover in 2018, of abortion rights, adding that there had recently been signs of improvement for Democrats in some suburban districts. “How does it actually, when it’s by itself, move women, move portions of the electorate? And this will really give us insight and the opportunity to get an answer to that.”
“It appears that the ‘Yes’ vote still has the lead, but that has narrowed,” said Mike Kuckelman, the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party. Citing the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that handed control over abortion rights to the states, he continued, “A lot of that is because, I think, the Dobbs decision has incited the pro-choice forces to come out.”
The Kansas City Star reported on Thursday that there had been an increase, so far, of about 246 percent in early in-person votes compared with during the 2018 midterm primary elections. Several voting stations in both moderate and more conservative parts of Johnson County this week were bustling all day, including in a rainstorm and in the baking heat. And on Friday, Scott Schwab, the Republican secretary of state, predicted that around 36 percent of Kansas voters would participate in the 2022 primary election, slightly up from the primary in 2020.
His office said that the constitutional amendment “has increased voter interest in the election.”
“I’ve talked to many people that said, ‘I’ve not previously been involved but going to vote,’” Mr. Kuckelman said.
Other Republicans said that the abortion amendment and overturning of Roe did not affect their commitment to voting in other races this year — that they have long been highly engaged.
“No more energized,” said John Morrill, 58, of Overland Park, who supports the amendment. “I was already very energized.”
At the Olathe site, which drew more conservative voters on Thursday, Melissa Moore said she was voting for the amendment because of her deeply held beliefs opposing abortion.
“I understand women saying, ‘I need to control my own body,’ but once you have another body in there, that’s their body,” Ms. Moore said. But asked how the intense national focus on abortion affected how she thought about voting, she replied, “I tend to always be energized.”
A few others at the early-voting site in Olathe indicated that they were voting against the amendment and were inclined to back Democrats this fall. But they spoke in hushed tones and declined to give full names, citing concerns about professional backlash, in an illustration of how fraught the environment has become.
Andre’s Rivaz, a Swiss cafe in Overland Park, Kan., has encouraged patrons to vote.Chase Castor for The New York Times
Closer to the Missouri border, patrons at André’s, an upscale Swiss cafe, felt freer to openly express their opposition to the amendment. The restaurant and shop stoked controversy earlier this summer when employees wore “Vote No” stickers or buttons and encouraged patrons to vote, but several lunchtime visitors made clear that they shared those views.
“We just want to make sure people have rights to make choices,” said Silvana Botero, 45, who said that she and a group of about 20 friends were all voting no and that she felt more enthusiastic about voting in November, too.
At a voting site nearby, Shelly Schneider, a 66-year-old Republican, was more politically conflicted. Ms. Schneider opposed the amendment but planned to back some Republicans in November. Still, she was open to Ms. Kelly, the Democratic governor, especially if the amendment succeeded. Approval of the amendment, she acknowledged, could open the way for potentially far-reaching action from the Legislature.
“I think Laura Kelly is kind of a hedge against anything that might pass,” she said. “She might provide some common sense there.”
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Kansas Abortion Vote Tests Political Energy in Post-Roe America - The New York Times
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(CNN)The Justice Department unveiled on Friday a conspiracy charge against a Russian national accused of working with FSB agents and using unnamed political groups in the US as foreign agents of Russia.
Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov allegedly orchestrated "a years-long foreign malign influence campaign that used various U.S. political groups to sow discord, spread pro-Russian propaganda, and interfere in elections within the United States," according to a Justice Department statement.
Prosecutors allege that the purpose of the conspiracy was to establish relationships that would "further the interests of the Russian federation." Ionov, the indictment alleges, worked with FSB agents to "identify and exploit" connections with the US political groups.
The indictment describes some of the US political groups as "separatist groups" based in Florida and California that advocated for seceding from the US, and it alleges that Ionov had "direction or control over these groups on behalf of the FSB," providing financial support for the group and using them to publish Russian and pro-separatist propaganda online and on the radio.
Six US citizens worked with and were funded by Ionov, including two unnamed Florida residents who ran for public office in 2017 and 2019, the indictment said.
The unindicted co-conspirators allegedly worked to promote Russian interests, secession movements in California, and led pro-separatist political groups in the US, all with funding from the FSB.
According to the indictment, Ionov supported the 2019 campaign of one these alleged co-conspirators for local office in Florida by participating in campaign events and providing funds. Ionov also allegedly sent updates on the campaign's progress to FSB agents on the candidate whom, Ionov allegedly wrote to the FSB, "we supervise."
The indictment alleges that Ionov pushed false claims about Russia's invasion of Ukraine as part of the conspiracy, including with a video appearance Ionov allegedly made in a March video conference hosted by the Florida-based group.
Ionov, who says he's currently in Russia, rejected the charges in a statement to CNN: "Today we received disturbing news about my inclusion in the sanctions list and the initiation of a criminal case. I have reviewed the documents and consulted with lawyers in the USA. Until now, I do not understand the essence of the accusation, since there are no specific references in the documents to persons in the Russian government for whom I allegedly worked. I was particularly struck by the fact that I allegedly work for the special services. At the same time, the names and officials are not called. I consider these accusations destructive."
The US Treasury Department also announced sanctions Friday against Ionov and Natalya Valeryevna Burlinova, the president of an organization allegedly connected to Russian intelligence service, and their organizations.
"The Kremlin has repeatedly sought to threaten and undermine our democratic processes and institutions," Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said in a statement Friday. "The United States will continue our extensive work to counter these efforts and safeguard our democracy from Russia's interference."
Under the law that Ionov is accused of violating, Ionov faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The indictment references media reports describing Ionov as fundraising for the defense of Maria Butina, who pleaded guilty in 2018 to acting as a foreign agent in an effort to influence US gun rights groups. Prosecutors allege that Ionov was warned by an FSB agent who commented on one such article in 2019 that sanctions could be imposed against him.
The indictment points to several episodes of the alleged influence campaign. In 2015, a member of the Florida-based group identified as unindicted co-conspirator UIC-1, traveled to Russia on two occasions -- the first time, to meet with Ionov, and on a second occasion, to attend a "separatist conference" in Moscow, according to the indictment. Also that year, Ionov allegedly worked with another member of the Florida-based group on a petition to be sent to the United Nations.
The alleged conspiracy continued through 2016, prosecutors say, with requests from Ionov that the Florida-based group organize a four-city tour to show that people are opposed to the "US colonial government" and that the group made statements supporting the Russian Olympic team amid doping controversy that year.
The indictment also accuses Ionov of emailing with members of the California-based group about plans to demonstrate at California's state capital in 2018. Ionov communicated details about the demonstration to an FSB agent, who complained that the rally did not amount to an "historic" demonstration, the indictment said.
"The prosecution of this criminal conduct is essential to protecting the American public when foreign governments seek to inject themselves into the American political process," US Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, which is where the indictment was handed up, said in a statement. "We will continue to work with our partners at the FBI to investigate these events, and we will continue to follow the evidence to ensure justice is done."
This story has been updated with additional details.
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Russian accused of influencing US political groups to interfere in elections is indicted - CNN
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Beware of the Ides of August! With most of this year’s primary elections settled, except for 13 states that hold primaries in August and September, political pundits are turning their attention to public opinion polling about issues confronting our nation. In the background, a potential confluence of events is building to what could become a “perfect storm” that reshapes the sentiments of voters nationwide.
In a recent Pew Research Center survey, only 20 percent of Democrats and 5 percent of Republicans rated the conditions of the U.S. economy as “excellent/good,” and of those surveyed, 75 percent said they are “very concerned” about rising prices for food, gasoline and other goods.
Exposed only over the past two years, our supply chains for decades have been a fragile network of just-in-time delivery. Persistent disruptions of supply chains are a key component driving concerns about the economy and, to an extent, inflation.
As summer winds down and we look toward November’s midterm elections, it’s important to step back to consider what poses incredible risk to our supply chain. We are in the midst of two stalled labor negotiations in the transportation sector and about to enter the peak of hurricane season. The convergence of these events could wreak havoc on our economy and the elections.
On July 1, the contract expired for more than 22,000 West Coast dockworkers who continue to handle nearly 40 percent of U.S. imports, and talks linger on with the Pacific Maritime Association. Simultaneously, 115,000 railroad workers nationwide, who move over 20 billion tons of goods per year, await a new contract after more than two years of failed negotiations.
While those close to the contract talks for dockworkers remain positive and committed to keeping cargo flowing, many U.S. industries are worried and cite the 2002 lockout and 2015 eight-day strike as examples that set the U.S. economy back billions of dollars and required intervention from presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, respectively. The outlook is not as bright for rail workers. Despite President Biden’s appointment of a Presidential Emergency Board to help resolve the contract dispute, some close to the talks believe a resolution will remain evasive and simply delay a strike.
With these labor disputes serving as the backdrop, NOAA’s outlook for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season predicts above-average hurricane activity, including the potential for three to six major storms. Even though the season has remained relatively quiet, with only three named storms that were relatively weak and short-lived, peak hurricane season is not until mid-August and runs through late October. During this window we should expect intensification of the quantity and strength of storms.
Hurricanes disrupt community lifelines — what the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) describes as the “seven enablers” of continuous operation of critical government and business functions that are essential to human health, public safety or economic security. My tenure with the National Security Council as senior director for resilience policy included the record-setting 2020 Atlantic hurricane season with its 30 named storms; 12 storms making landfall in the contiguous U.S.; and 10 of those storms forming in September alone. In this role, I recognized that rapid restoration of these lifelines requires resilient supply chains, and that accountability and public perception of disaster response easily can translate into a political context.
A Fox News survey released on July 17 found an astounding 93 percent of American voters are “concerned” about inflation. Any minor disruption to supply chains will have a cascading effect, impacting prices and consumer confidence and requiring decisive leadership to mitigate. Strikes by critical transportation workers or a hurricane affecting the United States could bring about a knee-jerk reaction in the economy. And there is a very real possibility that strikes and storms could converge in the coming weeks.
Striking dockworkers and railroad workers — even for only a few days — in the run-up to a major hurricane would send reverberations across the country and bring surging costs on commodities. That could jeopardize the ability of responders to send supplies quickly to where they are needed. Emergency managers for years have educated communities on what it means to be prepared, suggesting they include a three- to seven-day supply of water and nonperishable food. This year, being prepared may require having supplies that exceed seven days given the state of supply chains.
We must ask ourselves if elected officials at all levels of government are taking the steps necessary to minimize the impacts of potential disruptions. Are state and local governments preparing hurricane-prone communities for the instability in supply chains? Has the federal government, which has widely integrated the private sector into its domestic response plans, accounted for supply chain challenges? Especially during election season, a crisis can have far-reaching implications.
The road to this year’s midterms already has had twists and turns. From pessimism about the economy to polarizing views on ideological issues, the winds of this fall are hardly settled. A domestic disaster, such as a damaging hurricane, compounded by two labor strikes in critical industries, if negotiations fail, could further alter the political landscape in 2023 and beyond.
Brian J. Cavanaugh is a senior vice president atAmerican Global Strategies LLC. He served as special assistant to the president and senior director for resilience policy at the U.S. National Security Council from 2018 to 2021.
(CNN)A group of former Republican and Democratic officials are forming a new political party called Forward, in an attempt to appeal to what they call the "moderate, common-sense majority."
"Political extremism is ripping our nation apart, and the two major parties have failed to remedy the crisis," David Jolly, Christine Todd Whitman and Andrew Yang wrote in a Washington Post op-ed published Wednesday. "Today's outdated parties have failed by catering to the fringes. As a result, most Americans feel they aren't represented."
Jolly is a former Republican congressman from Florida, Whitman a former Republican governor of New Jersey and Yang is a former Democratic presidential and New York mayoral candidate. The three will merge their political organizations into the new party, whose launch was first reported by Reuters.
The group cites issues including guns, climate change and abortion as those that could benefit from a moderate approach. The new party will also advocate ranked-choice voting and open primaries, the end of gerrymandering, and nationwide protection for voting rights.
"Sixty-two percent of Americans now want a third party, a record high, because they can see that our leaders aren't getting it done," Yang told CNN's Brianna Keilar on "New Day" on Thursday in a joint appearance with Whitman. "And when you ask about the policy goals, the fact is the majority of Americans actually agree on really even divisive issues. The most divisive issues of the day like abortion or firearms -- there's actually a commonsense coalition position on these issues and just about every other issue under the sun."
Forward is planning a national convention next summer and will soon seek ballot access to run candidates in 2024, according to the Post op-ed.
The party said in a news release that it would launch "a national building tour this fall to hear from voters and begin laying the groundwork for expanded state-by-state party registration and ballot access, relying on the combined nationwide network of the three organizations." It plans to gain legal recognition "in 15 states by the end of 2022, twice that number in 2023, and in almost all U.S. states by the end of 2024."
While Forward won't be running its own candidates in this year's midterm elections, it will "support select candidates in November who stand up for our democracy, even if they come from outside the new party," according to the news release.
Jolly, Whitman and Yang acknowledged the clear lack of success third parties have had in the United States previously, writing in their op-ed, "Most third parties in U.S. history failed to take off, either because they were ideologically too narrow or the population was uninterested." But they said that "voters are calling for a new party now more than ever," citing a Gallup poll from last year.
"Americans of all stripes -- Democrats, Republicans and independents -- are invited to be a part of the process, without abandoning their existing political affiliations, by joining us to discuss building an optimistic and inclusive home for the politically homeless majority," Jolly, Whitman and Yang wrote.
Asked by Keilar on Thursday why they believe their effort to create a third party would work, Whitman said, "We're in a different time."
"When you have 50% of the American people saying that they are registered independent ... people are sick and tired of what they're seeing in Washington and the fact that nothing major is getting done is frustrating them. We have big problems and we want to see them resolved," she said.
A few independent candidates have earned national attention in their races this cycle. In Utah, Evan McMullin, who ran for president in 2016 as an anti-Trump conservative, is challenging GOP Sen. Mike Lee and has the backing of the state Democratic Party. In Missouri, John Wood, a former senior investigator for the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, is running as a "commonsense alternative" to the field of Republican and Democratic candidates for the state's open US Senate seat. And in Oregon, former state Sen. Betsy Johnson, who left the Democratic Party last year, is a top contender in the open governor's race.
CORRECTION: This story has been corrected to reflect that Andrew Yang has not been elected to office.
This story has also been updated with additional reaction.
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Group of Republicans and Democrats form new political party to appeal to moderates - CNN
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As was the case when we launched the forecast a month ago, the Deluxe version of FiveThirtyEight’s midterm model still rates the battle for control of the Senate as a “toss-up.” But within that category there’s been modest, but consistent movement toward Democrats. Their chances of winning the Senate now stand at 55 percent. That’s up from 47 percent from forecast launch on June 30. It’s also up from 40 percent in a retroactive forecast dated back to June 1.1
This is matched by Democrats’ improved position on the generic congressional ballot, which asks voters which party they would support in a congressional election. Democrats are now essentially tied with Republicans in our generic ballot polling average, after having trailed by 2 to 3 percentage points over most of the late spring and early summer.
In the Classic version of our forecast — which doesn’t use the race ratings published by the Cook Political Report and other expert groups — the movement toward Democrats has also been steady. There, their chances sit at 67 percent, up from 56 percent at launch on June 30 and 52 percent in the June 1 retroactive forecast. (We discussed some of the differences between our Classic and Deluxe versions of the forecast on this week’s podcast, and it’s a theme we’ll revisit in the coming weeks.)
It’s always hard to know how much to emphasize relatively modest movement in the forecast. Sure, the difference between a 47 percent chance and a 55 percent chance might matter to a poker player (raises hand) or an options trader. But in practical terms, the story is the same, which is that the battle for Senate control is highly competitive and neither party has a clear advantage.
What would losing big in the midterms mean for Biden?
In this case, though, I think the shift is worth discussing. One reason, as I’ve discussed previously, is that our model is designed to be pretty conservative — at least at this relatively early stage of the race.2 It takes a fair amount of data to get the model to change its opinion in July, more so than in October. So although the shift may be modest, it probably isn’t just statistical noise.
The other reason is that there are plenty of news developments to help explain the shift; the political climate would appear to be getting better for Democrats.
It’s not clear how much the Jan. 6 hearings have changed public opinion, but they have highlighted an issue where the public is relatively sympathetic toward Democrats, with 79 percent of voters saying former President Donald Trump acted either unethically or illegally in a new CNN poll.
COVID-19 — an issue that was something of a no-win for President Biden — is on the backburner for most voters. In the aforementioned Suffolk/USA Today poll, so few voters mentioned COVID-19 as their most important issue that it wasn’t broken out as one of the 25 issues respondents named. Cases remain high, but deaths are low compared to earlier stages of the pandemic.
(CNN)A group of former Republican and Democratic officials are forming a new political party called Forward, in an attempt to appeal to what they call the "moderate, common-sense majority."
"Political extremism is ripping our nation apart, and the two major parties have failed to remedy the crisis," David Jolly, Christine Todd Whitman and Andrew Yang wrote in a Washington Post op-ed published Wednesday. "Today's outdated parties have failed by catering to the fringes. As a result, most Americans feel they aren't represented."
Jolly is a former Republican congressman from Florida, Whitman a former Republican governor of New Jersey and Yang is a former Democratic presidential and New York mayoral candidate. The three will merge their political organizations into the new party, whose launch was first reported by Reuters.
The group cites issues including guns, climate change and abortion as those that could benefit from a moderate approach. The new party will also advocate ranked-choice voting and open primaries, the end of gerrymandering, and nationwide protection for voting rights.
"Sixty-two percent of Americans now want a third party, a record high, because they can see that our leaders aren't getting it done," Yang told CNN's Brianna Keilar on "New Day" on Thursday in a joint appearance with Whitman. "And when you ask about the policy goals, the fact is the majority of Americans actually agree on really even divisive issues. The most divisive issues of the day like abortion or firearms -- there's actually a commonsense coalition position on these issues and just about every other issue under the sun."
Forward is planning a national convention next summer and will soon seek ballot access to run candidates in 2024, according to the Post op-ed.
The party said in a news release that it would launch "a national building tour this fall to hear from voters and begin laying the groundwork for expanded state-by-state party registration and ballot access, relying on the combined nationwide network of the three organizations." It plans to gain legal recognition "in 15 states by the end of 2022, twice that number in 2023, and in almost all U.S. states by the end of 2024."
While Forward won't be running its own candidates in this year's midterm elections, it will "support select candidates in November who stand up for our democracy, even if they come from outside the new party," according to the news release.
Jolly, Whitman and Yang acknowledged the clear lack of success third parties have had in the United States previously, writing in their op-ed, "Most third parties in U.S. history failed to take off, either because they were ideologically too narrow or the population was uninterested." But they said that "voters are calling for a new party now more than ever," citing a Gallup poll from last year.
"Americans of all stripes -- Democrats, Republicans and independents -- are invited to be a part of the process, without abandoning their existing political affiliations, by joining us to discuss building an optimistic and inclusive home for the politically homeless majority," Jolly, Whitman and Yang wrote.
Asked by Keilar on Thursday why they believe their effort to create a third party would work, Whitman said, "We're in a different time."
"When you have 50% of the American people saying that they are registered independent ... people are sick and tired of what they're seeing in Washington and the fact that nothing major is getting done is frustrating them. We have big problems and we want to see them resolved," she said.
A few independent candidates have earned national attention in their races this cycle. In Utah, Evan McMullin, who ran for president in 2016 as an anti-Trump conservative, is challenging GOP Sen. Mike Lee and has the backing of the state Democratic Party. In Missouri, John Wood, a former senior investigator for the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, is running as a "commonsense alternative" to the field of Republican and Democratic candidates for the state's open US Senate seat. And in Oregon, former state Sen. Betsy Johnson, who left the Democratic Party last year, is a top contender in the open governor's race.
CORRECTION: This story has been corrected to reflect that Andrew Yang has not been elected to office.
This story has also been updated with additional reaction.
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July 29, 2022 at 05:58AM
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Group of Republicans and Democrats form new political party to appeal to moderates - CNN
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(CNN)A group of former Republican and Democratic officials are forming a new political party called Forward, in an attempt to appeal to what they call the "moderate, common-sense majority."
"Political extremism is ripping our nation apart, and the two major parties have failed to remedy the crisis," David Jolly, Christine Todd Whitman and Andrew Yang wrote in a Washington Post op-ed published Wednesday. "Today's outdated parties have failed by catering to the fringes. As a result, most Americans feel they aren't represented."
Jolly is a former Republican congressman from Florida, Whitman a former Republican governor of New Jersey and Yang is a former Democratic presidential and New York mayoral candidate. The three will merge their political organizations into the new party, whose launch was first reported by Reuters.
The group cites issues including guns, climate change and abortion as those that could benefit from a moderate approach. The new party will also advocate ranked-choice voting and open primaries, the end of gerrymandering, and nationwide protection for voting rights.
"Sixty-two percent of Americans now want a third party, a record high, because they can see that our leaders aren't getting it done," Yang told CNN's Brianna Keilar on "New Day" on Thursday in a joint appearance with Whitman. "And when you ask about the policy goals, the fact is the majority of Americans actually agree on really even divisive issues. The most divisive issues of the day like abortion or firearms -- there's actually a commonsense coalition position on these issues and just about every other issue under the sun."
Forward is planning a national convention next summer and will soon seek ballot access to run candidates in 2024, according to the Post op-ed.
The party said in a news release that it would launch "a national building tour this fall to hear from voters and begin laying the groundwork for expanded state-by-state party registration and ballot access, relying on the combined nationwide network of the three organizations." It plans to gain legal recognition "in 15 states by the end of 2022, twice that number in 2023, and in almost all U.S. states by the end of 2024."
While Forward won't be running its own candidates in this year's midterm elections, it will "support select candidates in November who stand up for our democracy, even if they come from outside the new party," according to the news release.
Jolly, Whitman and Yang acknowledged the clear lack of success third parties have had in the United States previously, writing in their op-ed, "Most third parties in U.S. history failed to take off, either because they were ideologically too narrow or the population was uninterested." But they said that "voters are calling for a new party now more than ever," citing a Gallup poll from last year.
"Americans of all stripes -- Democrats, Republicans and independents -- are invited to be a part of the process, without abandoning their existing political affiliations, by joining us to discuss building an optimistic and inclusive home for the politically homeless majority," Jolly, Whitman and Yang wrote.
Asked by Keilar on Thursday why they believe their effort to create a third party would work, Whitman said, "We're in a different time."
"When you have 50% of the American people saying that they are registered independent ... people are sick and tired of what they're seeing in Washington and the fact that nothing major is getting done is frustrating them. We have big problems and we want to see them resolved," she said.
A few independent candidates have earned national attention in their races this cycle. In Utah, Evan McMullin, who ran for president in 2016 as an anti-Trump conservative, is challenging GOP Sen. Mike Lee and has the backing of the state Democratic Party. In Missouri, John Wood, a former senior investigator for the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, is running as a "commonsense alternative" to the field of Republican and Democratic candidates for the state's open US Senate seat. And in Oregon, former state Sen. Betsy Johnson, who left the Democratic Party last year, is a top contender in the open governor's race.
CORRECTION: This story has been corrected to reflect that Andrew Yang has not been elected to office.
This story has also been updated with additional reaction.
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July 29, 2022 at 05:58AM
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Group of Republicans and Democrats form new political party to appeal to moderates - CNN
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Political Rewind: Fulton DA disqualified; Camden Spaceport Saga; Carter's no vote on gay marriage - GPB News
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In advance of the Primary Elections next month, we’re dropping the latest edition of INFLUENCE Magazine, which previews many of the politicians, operatives, and activists on the hunt for a win.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has crossed the century mark in state legislative endorsements.
Two weeks ago, the group approved scores of sitting lawmakers, including 54 Republican Representatives and every Republican Senator. They also endorsed Orlando Democratic Sen.Linda Stewart, making the list technically bipartisan.
This week, the Chamber is adding another 33 endorsements. Of those, two dozen are for state House candidates, and nine are for Senate candidates.
For RepublicansBryan Avilain SD 39andAdam Andersonin HD 57, the endorsement is purely symbolic, as they have already won their elections without opposition. And the nod may as well be symbolic for the many candidates primed to steamroll what little opposition exists, such as Republican Rep.Jay Trumbullin SD 2.
Still, the Chamber offered endorsements in some potential swing districts. The highest profile, by far, was SD 14. They made the expected pick there, lining up behind Gov. Ron DeSantis-backed RepublicanJay Collins’bid to oust Democratic Sen.Janet Cruz.
Republicans once again made up the bulk of the list, but this wave was a little bluer than the last one. Democrats getting the nod includeGallop Franklinin HD 8,Bruce Antonein HD 41,Dan Marquithin HD 47,Wengay Newtonin HD 62, andTodd Delmayin HD 101. All are running in heavily Democratic districts.
“Florida continues its growth at a rapid pace — with nearly 1,000 net new residents relocating to Florida every single day. While Florida continues its growth, we need strong leadership with bold and fresh ideas to continue championing economic freedom and a vibrant quality of life,” said Florida Chamber President and CEOMark Wilson.
“The Florida Chamber has put forth a strategic plan to make Florida a top 10 global economy by 2030, and we trust that these candidates will keep us on a pathway to get there. This year, we’re proud to stand alongside these candidates for the Florida House and Senate, putting our experience behind getting them elected.”
___
Rest In Peace — “Longtime political adviser, tax expert David Zachem dies at 79” via Andrew Meacham of Florida Politics —David Zachem, a versatile property appraiser, tax analyst and Republican consultant, died July 19 of a heart ailment, his family said. Zachem chaired the Florida presidential campaign of television evangelistPat Robertsonin 1988. Before that, he worked on Ronald Reagan’s presidential runs and played a leading role in the U.S. Senate campaign ofLarry Pressler, part of a burgeoning movement now known by its most visible organization, the Christian Coalition of America. Zachem was also known to lend a hand to select Democrats, including Florida state Sen.Darryl Rouson. “I considered him an adviser extraordinaire,” Rouson said. “We were on different sides of the fence many times, policy-wise, but he never let that get in the way of a friendship or a good relationship. He approached politics with spice and a little humor.”
RIP: David Zachem was an impressive figure for both sides of the aisle.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@WJCarter: Worthwhile again to remember: when these hearings started, there was WIDESPREAD commentary abt how “nothing new” was expected to come out of them; they were likely to be mostly “political grandstanding.” Commentary now? “Eye-popping,” “dramatic,” “devastating,” “historic.”
—@GoodyYK: Prediction: “187 Minutes” is going to be the title of the movie they make about the Jan. 6 attack.
—@GovRonDeSantis: The Communist Regime in Cuba has cooked up a new scheme — asking U.S. residents for “private-sector” investments. In Cuba, citizens have no property rights, and all businesses are state-run. I’ve instructed@FLDEO and @EnterpriseFL to alert Floridians to not fall for this racket.
—@Mattyglesias: I think that letting Ron DeSantis have his national reputation be that he’s the anti-mask guy while he makes all kinds of secret promises to billionaire donors is dangerous and irresponsible and the country is owed some account of his thinking on major policy issues.
—@DMAbrams: Democrat activists disguised as journalists aren’t invited to Republican summit. shocking!
—@Redistrict: Is the “red wave” ebbing? Probably not much. But as Dems show more signs of life and Rs nominate several problematic candidates, we’re downgrading our@CookPolitical House outlook from a GOP gain of 20-35 seats to 15-30 seats.
—@JewishResister: It’s not a coincidence every time there are Nazis, they are in Florida or Texas. BTW, this shit shouldn’t be covered by freedom of speech. Like, we fought a war & they killed 6 million people like me over this bullshit.
Tweet, tweet:
1) Pump social media full of partisan content —fueled by inaccurate speculation
2) build a following of fellow partisans craving confirmation bias over truth
3) brand yourself a political “strategist”, despite the lack of strategic or campaign experience
—@RPerrinRogers: Take notice, ladies — if you use emojis = you’re clearly asking for it. Also, if you wear certain clothes. Do functions of your job that involve informing people what is in the Senate lunchroom daily. Are seen in public having a glass of wine. Oh, and don’t ever smile. Etc etc etc
Tweet, tweet:
We have a new "Papa!" Late Saturday night, Jon Auvil, center, from Dade City, Fla., won the 2022 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West. He beat 124 other contenders at the highlight event of the island city's annual Hemingway Days. 📸 Andy Newman pic.twitter.com/eOFHBzZQpx
Beyoncérolls-out seventh solo studio album ’Renaissance’ — 4; MLB trade deadline — 7; The 10-day Florida Python Challenge kicks off — 11;Michael MannandMeg Gardinernovel ‘Heat 2’ publishes — 15; Early voting begins for Primaries — 19; FBHA’s annual conference, BHCon2022, begins — 23; FRLA’s Operations and Marketing Summit — 24; ‘House of the Dragon’ premieres on HBO — 27; 2022 Florida Primary — 29; launch window opens for NASA to launch the Artemis I — 35; 2022 Florida Chamber Technology & Innovation Solution Summit — 37; ‘Andor’ premieres on Disney+ — 37; ‘The Lord of the Rings’ premieres on Amazon Prime — 39; NFL Opening Night: LA Rams vs. Buffalo Bills — 45; 2022 Emmys — 49; JMI’s 2022 Tech & Innovation Summit begins — 52; Vote-by-mail mailing deadline for General Election — 73; Deadline to register for General Election — 78; 22-23 NHL season begins — 78; Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum — 92;Cormac McCarthy’s‘The Passenger’ releases — 92;Jon Meacham’s‘And There Was Light:Abraham Lincolnand the American Struggle’ releases — 92; Early voting begins for General Election — 96; 2022 General Election — 106; Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ premieres — 109; ‘Captain Marvel 2′ premieres — 111; FITCon 2022 begins — 115; ‘The Flash’ premieres — 115; The World Cup kicks off in Qatar — 119; The U.S. World Cup Soccer Team begins play — 119; McCarthy’s ‘Stella Maris’ releases — 120; Florida TaxWatch’s Annual Meeting begins — 128; ‘Willow’ premieres on Disney+ — 128; ‘Avatar 2’ premieres — 144; ‘Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ premieres — 207; 2023 Legislative Session convenes — 225; ‘John Wick: Chapter 4′ premieres — 242; 2023 Session Sine Die — 284; ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ premieres — 284; ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 312;Christopher Nolan’s‘Oppenheimer’ premieres — 361; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 466; ‘Dune: Part Two’ premieres — 480; ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Part 2 premieres — 613; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games — 732; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 732; ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot premieres — 837; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 1,012.
—TOP STORY —
“Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis fight for the heart of the GOP in Florida” via Matt Dixon and Hannah Farrow of POLITICO — The GOP Florida Governor’s win-at-all-costs brand of politics, increasingly embraced by conservatives across the country, was on display this weekend as Florida hosted two GOP conventions that showcased the state’s national importance in the Republican Party and DeSantis’ role in reshaping it.
A growing legion of conservatives see DeSantis as what’s next in the party. Yet Trump’s popularity was clear Saturday night when he spoke to thousands of young conservatives in Tampa and suggested he’s running for President.
The Donald Trump show continues to entertain the fans. Image via Getty.
“If I announced I was not going to run for office, the persecution of Donald Trump would immediately stop,” Trump said at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit. “But that’s what they want me to do. And you know what? There’s no chance I do that.”
— 2022 —
“DeSantis, Republican leaders tout tough stance against Democrats and avoid Trump” via Zac Anderson of USA Today Network — DeSantis declared: “I am not backing down one inch.” The message was well received among the crowd of 5,000 young conservatives gathered for the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit at the Tampa Convention Center, where Trump will speak Saturday night. DeSantis had the prime speaking slot Friday. He generated the most enthusiastic reception.
Ron DeSantis doubles down on Democrats.
—“DeSantis slams Joe Biden at Florida GOP Gala” via Selim Algar of the New York Post — DeSantis blasted Biden in a fiery address to roughly 1,500 supporters Saturday night at a Republican fundraising event. With Trump holding simultaneous court at an event in Tampa, DeSantis trumpeted his stewardship of the Sunshine State while denouncing “woke” excesses and calling for a red wave in November. The GOP firebrand and potential 2024 presidential candidate repeatedly mocked Biden by using his disparaging “Brandon” moniker, branding his presidency a wide-ranging “disaster” that has weakened the country. During his speech at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, DeSantis reprised his backhanded concern for the President’s COVID-19 diagnosis.
“‘Try crying about it’: Liberal reporters blocked from GOP summit” via Mary Margaret Olohan of The Daily Wire — Fed up with the slew of liberal reporters launching partisan questions at DeSantis, Florida Republicans determined ahead of time that the state’s big election year summit would be “invite only” for media. “I’m not going to have a bunch of left-wing media asking our Primary candidates a bunch of gotcha questions,” DeSantis said to a packed crowd in Saturday morning remarks at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Reporters from outlets like The Daily Wire, The Washington Free Beacon, Americano Media, and Florida’s Voice were invited to attend the event.
“DeSantis is convinced Biden’s stimulus caused inflation. His solution: Use Biden’s stimulus to send inflation relief checks to Floridians” via Christine Mui of Fortune — The Governor will use $35.5 million that Florida received from federal COVID-19 relief funds to mail checks to nearly 59,000 foster and adoptive families in the state, First LadyCasey DeSantisannounced last week. “The one-time payments ensured that $35.5 million would be received by Florida families. Had these awards not been made, the funding would have otherwise reverted back to the federal government,” saidLaura Walthall, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Children and Families.
“DeSantis ignores challengers as he goes after ‘stumbling’ Biden. Democratic candidate calls Governor a ‘monster’” via Anthony Man and David Lyons of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis repeatedly hit on two of his favorite themes, extolling the “free state of Florida” and bashing Biden as dangerous and incompetent, to rally Florida Republicans on Saturday, previewing the kind of pitch he might deliver as a presidential candidate. For those who love the way he reshaped Florida, DeSantis promised even more. DeSantis was top of mind forCharlie CristandNikki Fried, who spoke Saturday at the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus summer conference in Fort Lauderdale. “We’ve got to get rid of the guy. He’s an absolute monster,” Crist said about DeSantis. “This guy’s horrible. We all know it,” adding, “He’s dead wrong on everything.”
“Nikki Fried falls one vote shy of winning Dem LGBTQ+ Caucus endorsement” via Mitch Perry of Spectrum News 9 — Fried received the majority of votes from the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus on Saturday in her race against Crist, 25-13, but it was one vote shy of a two-thirds majority required to get the official endorsement from the group. Shortly after the vote was announced, the Crist camp pounced on the non-endorsement, saying it came even though the LGBTQ+ conference was taking place in Fried’s home turf of Broward County and that she had “attempted to pack the room with supporters.”
“Farmers push back after Charlie Crist proposes land purchase as Governor” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Florida’s farmers are rebuking a plan floated by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Crist to buy up farmland should he become Governor. Crist threw out the proposal during the lone Democratic Primary debate ahead of the Aug. 23 election as part of a discussion about Florida’s environment and ecosystem. But Gene Adams, Chair of the Florida Ag Coalition, pushed back against that proposal, arguing lands in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) are not for sale.
“Crist’s bid earns nods from high-profile progressives” via Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — Miami Sen.JasonPizzo, Brevard School Board MemberJenniferJenkins,and Rep.KevinChamblisshave each announced their endorsement forCharlieCristas he runs for Governor. Crist called his endorsers “incredible public servants.” whose support he was grateful to receive. These endorsements are notable — Pizzo is one of the few Democratic committee chairs in the Florida Senate. Jenkins became a target of Republican Rep.RandyFineand the right-leaning group Moms for Liberty after voting in favor of COVID-19 masking policies. Chambliss also garnered attention after attacking DeSantis’ immigration policies as “callous politics.”
— Luther Luke Campbell (@unclelukereal1) July 23, 2022
“Neo-fascists’ swastika flags outside Tampa youth summit condemned by Holocaust museum” via Emily L. Mahoney and Divya Kumar of the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald — Calling it “an indefensible act of hatred,” the Florida Holocaust Museum sharply condemned demonstrations at the Tampa Convention Center where a group of neo-fascists waved flags with swastikas outside Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit. “This isn’t about politics or religion,” museum chair Mike Igel said in a statement. “It’s about humanity. The Florida Holocaust Museum calls upon everyone, Jew and non-Jew, regardless of political affiliation, to condemn this blatant antisemitism in the strongest possible terms. This should matter to everyone.” Groups clashed briefly outside on the convention center steps. Some were there to protest the gathering inside. Others were there to show support.
Nazis with anti-Semitic signs, Desantis sign and flag, outside the TPUSA event today, where Trump, Desantis, Hawley, Cruz, Greene, Gaetz and Boebert spoke: “We kicked all your n——s asses in Rhodesia. It was a race war in Africa between whites and blacks.” 🎥 @davedeckerphotopic.twitter.com/2VVis0k5Y2
— Ron Filipkowski 🇺🇦 (@RonFilipkowski) July 23, 2022
— 2022: CONG —
“Matt Gaetz to abortion rights protesters: ‘Nobody wants to impregnate you’” via Zac Anderson of the USA Today Network —Gaetztold a crowd of young people at a Saturday conference that women protesting abortion access are less likely to get pregnant because they aren’t attractive. “Why is it that the women with the least likelihood of getting pregnant are the ones most worried about having abortions?” Gaetz said. “Nobody wants to impregnate you if you look like a thumb.”
It wouldn’t be a Matt Gaetz speech without trolling.
“At Republican conference, Tampa Bay candidates vie to show they’re red enough” via Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times — Saturday’s Republican Party of Florida’s Sunshine Summit conference at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino included debates for candidates in four congressional races, including two contested seats in Tampa Bay that both lean red: Pinellas County’s 13th Congressional District seat and the 15th District seat that represents northeast Hillsborough, southeast Pasco and parts of Polk County. The debates were not streamed live, and most media outlets were barred from attending.
“Out of Africa: Jerry Torres accuses Kathy Castor of starting lawsuit” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times —Torreshas charged in court documents that U.S. Rep.Castorand her husband instigated a lawsuit that seeks to remove him from the ballot for Tampa’s District 14 congressional race. But the judge in the case has ruled against Torres’s attempt to take depositions from Castor’s husband, Bill Lewis, the Congresswoman, and her campaign consultant. And in the court filings, Torres acknowledges he was in Africa at the time; Mississippi-based notaries notarized three versions of his legally required candidate oath, even though two of them say he was physically present and that he signed a blank oath form before leaving. The lawsuit says that means the oath isn’t valid.
The race between Jerry Torres and Kathy Castor gets litigious.
“Ted Deutch weighs in, knocks down charge that Jared Moskowitz supports DeSantis or Trump” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — On Friday, Deutchemphatically knocked down the charge thatMoskowitzis a supporter of DeSantis or Trump. Deutch didn’t name them, but his Twitter thread was in effect calling out two Moskowitz opponents in the Aug. 23 Congressional Primary in the 23rd Congressional District in Broward and Palm Beach counties. The DeSantis-Trump theme has been central toBen Sorensen’scampaign, and it has more recently been picked up byHava Holzhauer.
— MORE 2022 —
“Who’s boosting Laurel Lee’s campaign contributions for Congress” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times —Leejust got a significant infusion of cash in her campaign for Congress, with more possibly to come — $1 million originally from a political committee tied to the former political ambitions of her husband, former state Sen.Tom Lee. Laurel Lee was already a leader in fundraising in the Republican Primary for the new District 15 U.S. House seat covering northeast Hillsborough County, Zephyrhills and part of Lakeland.
“GOP House candidate Chet Stokes confesses he’s not an Auburn grad after all” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Jacksonville Beach City CouncilmemberChetStokes, who is running for the open seat in the new House District 16, has cleared the air on his lack of a college degree after listing it on his candidate biography. Stokes was only seven credit hours away from graduating and said his campaign has “corrected this oversight” and “sincerely apologizes for the error.”
Chet Stokes comes clean about his college days.
“GOP House candidate Doug Bankson demands submissive wives, promises ‘stronger orgasms’ in 2011 sex book” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics —Banksonreleased his political agenda; he published a book of sex tips for Christians. In “Love Your Woman,” released in 2011, the Apopka City Commissioner and longtime pastor suggests the key to a healthy marriage is a wife who knows her place. Also, lots of foreplay. “When foreplay is longer,” he wrote, “orgasms are stronger.” That’s not a platform plank listed on his campaign website, though his official biography lists him as a “published author.” This book is the only one available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble written by Bankson.
Happening today— The deadline to register to vote or change party affiliations for the Aug. 23 Primary.
“Operatives working with FPL plotted Primary challenge for Miami Senator” via Annie Martin and Mario Alejandro Ariza of the Orlando Sentinel — Operatives working with Florida Power & Light sent the utility a $3-million-plus plan to discreetly recruit a Primary challenger in hopes of ousting one of the utility’s biggest foes from the state Senate in 2020 — in the same race that later became central to Florida’s “ghost” candidate scandal.Dan Newman, who had previously worked for the Florida Democrats’ legislative campaign arm, wrote the proposal, which called for recruiting a Florida House member to run against Sen.José Javier Rodríguez, who then was a prominent Democratic lawmaker from Miami.
— STATEWIDE —
“DeSantis calls out ‘huge problem’ of Chinese property purchases” via Charles Creitz of Fox News — DeSantis called out China for reportedly buying up massive amounts of property in the Sunshine State, telling “The Ingraham Angle” he signed legislation to curb what he deemed “undue influence from rogue states” like the Chinese Communist Party. HostLaura Ingrahamreported on growing concern over China buying up American real estate, especially in the agricultural and residential sectors, the Plains, and places like Florida. “I don’t think they should be able to do it,” DeSantis said. “I think the problem is these companies have ties to the CCP, and it’s not always apparent on the face of whatever a company is doing — but I think it’s a huge problem.”
“Andrew Gillum’s lawyers ask for his public corruption trial to move to 2023” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Lawyers forGillumare asking to push back his trial on federal public corruption charges until spring 2023. A motion for a continuance filed Friday by Miami attorneysDavid MarkusandTodd Yoderfollows a similar request filed earlier this week by lawyers for Gillum’s co-defendant,Sharon Lettman-Hicks. The two defendants were initially scheduled to stand trial on Aug. 16 at the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee. Gillum’s lawyers echoed concerns from Lettman-Hicks’ attorneys,Mutaqee AkbarandRobert Morrisof Tallahassee, that they are sifting through government evidence and not ready for trial.
Andrew Gillum needs a little more time. Will he get it?
“Ethics case against Jack Latvala moves to administrative judge after panel rejects settlement” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — An administrative law judge will review three alleged ethics violations of former Sen.Latvalaafter the Florida Commission on Ethics rejected a settlement between the Clearwater Republican and the panel’s advocate. Latvala has been accused of groping and making sexually insensitive comments to a Senate staffer and engaging in a consensual affair with a lobbyist. Latvala admitted “poor judgment” but insisted he never traded his actions as a lawmaker for any sexual favors. The ethics panel found probable cause to uphold all three allegations, but only after some Commissioners disagreed. The case now heads to an administrative law judge, and if the charges are upheld there, it could head to the Senate to enact punishment — a public censure, reprimand, or up to a $10,000 fine.
“Florida Bar dismisses complaint against Spencer Roach” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A Florida Bar complaint brought against state Rep.Roachhas been tossed after the Bar determined it warrants no further attention. The complaint came from former Lee County Republican State CommitteemanChrisCrowley, who said a radio endorsement recorded by Roach maligned him when he was running for re-election to his party position. Roach characterized the complaint as “frivolous” and an attempt to “drag my name through the mud.” It’s one of several recent episodes where a local political argument made its way into official channels, with political figures seeking discipline on opponents.
Fun read — “Has Florida Man finally met his match? Meet Florida Sheriff” via The Associated Press — The Sunshine State has become internationally notorious for the oddball miscreants who populate its police blotters and local news reports, known collectively as Florida Man. But an eccentric cast of hard-boiled sheriffs make a career of going after these guys. Florida Man, meet Florida Sheriff. Take Santa Rosa County SheriffBob Johnsonin Florida’s Panhandle. Johnson said a homeowner had fired shots but didn’t hit the suspect. Johnson encouraged that homeowner to take a gun safety course offered every other Saturday at the sheriff’s office to take matters into his own hands better. “Learn to shoot a lot better,” Johnson said. “Save the taxpayers’ money.”
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Biden improves ‘significantly,’ throat still sore from COVID-19” via Chris Megerian of The Associated Press — Biden continues to “improve significantly” despite a lingering sore throat from his coronavirus infection, according to an update Sunday from his doctor. “The President is responding to therapy as expected,” wrote Dr.Kevin O’Connorin his latest note. Biden has been taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug that helps reduce the chance of severe illness. O’Connor wrote that Biden still has a sore throat, though other symptoms, including a cough, runny nose and body aches, “have diminished considerably.”
Joe Biden is improving, working remotely. Image via AP.
“Rick Scott claims media ‘almost hoped’ for Trump COVID-19 decline” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Trump had COVID-19 in late 2020, during a pivotal time in his ultimately failed re-election campaign.Scottclaimed that the media wanted Trump to suffer during a radio interview on theBrian KilmeadeShow. “It’s ridiculous. They almost hoped that Trump would get worse,” Scott said. Kilmeade played clips of Democrats critiquing Trump for a “dereliction” that caused him to get COVID-19 last year, with one blasting Trump for getting taxpayer-funded treatment for the virus, goading further comment from the Senator. “Has anybody suggested that Joe Biden shouldn’t get the best care possible? Of course not,” Scott said. “We want the President to. We want everybody to … the Democrats are so mean-spirited. Everything is just messaging: anti-people like Trump.”
“‘Who knows?’ Scott stays vague on DeSantis, Mitch McConnell political futures” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — When Scott was asked about the political futures of two fellow Republicans on a Mississippi radio show, both times he offered the same answer: “Who knows?” about the seeming collision course DeSantis and Trump are on ahead of the 2024 Presidential Primary, Scott punted, saying he expected crowded fields on “both the Democratic and Republican sides.” “I have no idea. Who knows? DeSantis has a Governor’s race,” Scott said. “I don’t know who, but I think there’s going to be a lot of people who want to run. Everybody has an idea of how they can run this country better, so I think a lot of people are going to run.” In March, Scott was similarly reluctant to rave about DeSantis’ prospects, telling Fox Business “we’ll see what happens.”
Happening today— Scott, U.S. Rep.Byron Donalds, and former Attorney GeneralPam Bondiwill speak at the America First Policy Institute’s “American First Agenda Summit,” event starts at 11:30 a.m., Washington, D.C.
“Mike Waltz joins lawmakers in meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy” via Kelly Hayes of Florida Politics —Waltzjoined several House Armed Services Committee members Saturday to meet with Ukrainian PresidentZelenskyyand Minister of DefenseOleksiy Reznikov. Waltz met the Ukrainian leaders along with Armed Services Committee chairAdam Smithand U.S. Reps.Elissa Slotkin,Mikie SherrillandMike Quigley. “During our visit to Kyiv, we saw firsthand just how deeplyVladimir Putin’swar in Ukraine has failed to achieve his aims,” the delegation said in a joint statement.
— JAN. 6 —
“Jan. 6 hearings traced an arc of ‘carnage’ wrought by Trump” via Calvin Woodward and Eric Tucker of The Associated Press — In a methodical, even mannerly process rarely seen from Congress, the panel exposed behind-the-scenes machinations, showing the lengths Trump and his enablers went to keep him in power, and the extent of which his inner circle knew his case about a stolen election was false. The hearings have made clear Trump was willing to see the legislative branch of government and democratic processes in state after state consumed in the bonfire of his vanities.
Donald Trump warned us of ‘American carnage.’ Who’d have guessed it would come from him?
“Hearings test Trump’s clout and GOP’s wish to ‘forget about Jan. 6’” via Isaac Stanley-Becker and Josh Dawsey of The Washington Post — Over eight televised hearings revealing the fullest account yet of Trump’s role in provoking the carnage at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the House panel examining the attack has made clear its primary target audience: Republicans. The star witnesses have been Republicans. The Democratic committee members have gone out of their way to praise Republicans who stood up to Trump, chieflyMike Pence. And the committee’s vice chair, Rep.Liz Cheney, has openly appealed to Republican voters. On Thursday night, she beseeched them to drop the man they have long revered, a man who “preyed on their patriotism,” she said, by lying to them about a stolen election.
“Secret Service identified potential missing text messages on phones of 10 individuals” via Whitney Wild and Jeremy Herb of CNN — Two sources told CNN that Secret Service investigators were scrutinizing the phones of 10 Secret Service personnel that contained metadata showing text messages were sent and received around Jan. 6, 2021, but were not retained. The scrutiny came after the Department of Homeland Security inspector general asked for the text records last year of 24 Secret Service individuals involved in Jan. 6, but only one text had been produced. After the issue spilled into public view this month, the inspector general launched a criminal investigation into the matter, and lawmakers demanded answers from the Secret Service to go back and find out what happened to the texts that may have been deleted. But the Secret Service’s internal investigation ground to a halt after a July 20 letter from the DHS inspector general informed the agency there was an ongoing criminal investigation, directing the Secret Service to stop its own probe.
“Melania Trump says she was ‘unaware’ of the Jan. 6 insurrection as it was happening” via Kate Bennett of CNN — Trump said in a new interview with Fox that she was “unaware” of the ongoing riot on Jan. 6, 2021, because she was too busy photographing a rug in the White House. “On Jan. 6, 2021, I was fulfilling one of my duties as First Lady of the United States of America, and accordingly, I was unaware of what was simultaneously transpiring at the U.S. Capitol Building,” she said. Trump said it was her “duty” as the First Lady to archive the contents of the White House, which is not exactly true. The White House curator and the White House Historical Association are predominantly responsible for keeping a record of the contents of the official White House collection.
“The inescapable conclusion from the Jan. 6 hearings” via Russell Berman of The Atlantic — The Jan. 6 committee has accused the former President of being far more than a passive observer who fiddled while the Capitol nearly fell. Again and again, the panel asserted that Trump was an instigator and a would-be participant in the charge, an unhinged leader who lunged for the wheel of the car that would take him to the Capitol. “The mob was accomplishing President Trump’s purpose,” Rep.Adam Kinzingersaid. “So, of course, he didn’t intervene.” In the committee’s telling, the President watched his legion of supporters attack the seat of American government not only with glee but also with envy, and it is sheer folly to have expected him to try to stop the riot he had fomented.
“What ordinary Republicans think about Jan. 6” via David French of The Atlantic — Here’s one thing I understand: Rank-and-file Republicans are shockingly ignorant of Trump’s misdeeds. It is simply not the case that they understand everything that Trump has done and support him anyway. They have far, far more knowledge of Democratic misconduct and media malfeasance than they have of anything Trump has done. This truth applies to every single one of the worst moments of Trump’s campaigns and presidency. The average Republican has a completely different knowledge base about Special CounselRobert Mueller’sinvestigation, Ukraine impeachment, the election contest, and Jan. 6, and while there are some people (especially on Twitter) who do know everything and either love Trump anyway or love Trump because of his misdeeds, that is not the dominant mindset.
— MORE LOCAL: S. FL —
“Army Corps to release LOSOM update as stakeholder concerns remain” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to release a new update this week on the new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), as some stakeholders are still pressing for changes to the document that will govern Lake O releases for the next several years. The new operating manual will dictate where Lake O’s water resources head and when, leading to predictable battles over the manual’s language. Lawmakers and community stakeholders have voiced their concerns as the LOSOM language has continued to take shape. With a new update expected Friday, some are still concerned about the Corps’ direction, though that updated language could address some of those concerns very well.
“Formula One commits $500K to Miami Gardens community partnership benefiting small businesses” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Formula One is investing up to $500,000 to support small-business owners in Miami Gardens, where its racing events will be held for the next decade. The program is administered through the Community Fund of North Miami Dade, an Opa-locka Community Development Corporation subsidiary, which matched the Formula One contribution for a total $1 million grant sum. The money will fund loans to small-business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Miami Gardens. The Truist Foundation committed an added $100,000 to the program to help subsidize interest rates and forgive 10% of some loans. While there are no rules as to how much an applying company will be able to get through the program, they expect each loan to be between $25,000 and $125,000.
Formula One gives back to Miami Gardens. Image via F1.
“Miami-Dade Mayor demands candidate for County Commission stop using her photo in mailer” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald —Daniella Levine Cavais threatening legal action against a County Commission candidate for a flyer falsely suggesting she won Levine Cava’s endorsement. The flyer by District 12 candidateSophia Lacayoshows a photo of her posing with Levine Cava and another photo of her withAnnette Taddeo, a Florida Senator running for Congress. Both are Democrats, and Lacayo is a Republican seeking a nonpartisan seat on the Commission. But Levine Cava and Taddeo haven’t endorsed Lacayo, a former Sweetwater Commissioner who gave up her seat in 2020 over a perjury charge tied to false information about where she lived ahead of the city elections.
“As monkeypox cases surge in South Florida, demand for vaccines intensifies” via Michelle Marchante and Grethel Aguila of the Miami Herald — The surge in monkeypox cases is coming at the same time Florida has been battling an outbreak of meningococcal disease, which is caused by bacteria. The two most common meningococcal infections are meningitis — an infection of the brain and spinal cord lining — and bloodstream infection. The infections quickly can become deadly. Meningococcal disease, too, is spreading among gay and bisexual men. In fact, the CDC has called Florida’s outbreak — with 48 cases since the start of the year, about twice the levels for an entire year — “one of the worst outbreaks of meningococcal disease among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history.”
— MORE LOCAL: C. FL —
“Orange Co. Property Appraiser settles legal dispute linked to predecessor, Rick Singh” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Three top advisers to former Orange County Property AppraiserSingh, who were promised exit packages totaling over $300,000, settled a dispute over the deals for about $116,000. The payments end a legal saga that began 17 months ago. The exit packages surfaced in the fifth week of Singh’s successorAmyMercado’stime in office, and she decided not to retain Singh’s inner-circle trio. Rather than pay demands outlined in the separation agreements, Mercado opted to file a lawsuit in 2021 that asked a judge to review the exit packages, which had been kept secret until she let the advisers go, describing the separation agreements as “shockingly exorbitant.”
Rick Singh’s legal troubles lighten up a bit.
Ron’s not gonna like this — “Disney swaps ‘fairy godmother’ role at parks for gender-neutral ‘apprentice’” via Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech of The Hill — Employees at Disney’s famed Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will get a more gender-neutral title. Boutique cast members, who help children dress up as their favorite Disney characters, will now be called “Fairy God Mother’s Apprentices” instead of “Fairy God Mother’s in Training” to allow workers who do not identify as women to be a part of the magic. “Disney will continue their efforts at being more inclusive with all guests & cast members by renaming the Boutique cast members to ‘Fairy God Mother’s Apprentices’ rather than ‘Fairy Godmothers in training,’” Streaming the Magic said in a statement. “This way cast members that might not identify as female can still be part of the process to dress up & style the children without having to refer to themselves as a female Disney character.”
— MORE LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Southwest Florida climate survey shows divide between political parties as to causes, answers” via Chad Gillis of the Fort Myers News-Press — Most Southwest Floridians believe the climate is changing, and more than two-thirds say it is tied to human events. Sixty-eight percent of the polled people said they believe the climate is changing, 23% said it was not, and the other 9% said they were unsure. The polling work was at the request of Growing Climate Solutions, spearheaded by the Community Foundation of Collier County, the Collaboratory, Florida Gulf Coast University, and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. Results are expected to be released to the public next week.
“Former Sarasota officer sues city, ex-supervisors for alleged malicious prosecution, conspiracy” via Gabriela Szymanowska of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — A former Sarasota police officer is suing the city and three former supervisors, alleging he was maliciously targeted by senior management in 2016 when they pursued criminal action against him.Gregory M. Tancibokfiled a lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil conspiracy four years after a criminal case against him was dropped in 2017. Tancibok was charged with stalking a woman officer whom he’d previously dated for several months. The lawsuit alleges that former Sarasota Police ChiefBernadette DiPino, former Police Capt.Corinne Stannishand former Lt.Jonathan Toddwanted to oust Tancibok for making several internal complaints regarding misconduct by fellow officers.
— MORE LOCAL: N. FLORIDA —
“In final budget, Mayor Lenny Curry spends big but reveals scaled-back ambition” via Nate Monroe of the Florida Times-Union — The $1.55 billion budgetCurryunveiled Thursday is the largest spending plan he has proposed since taking office in 2015 and his final one before leaving City Hall next year, but the sweeping budget also reveals the scaled-back ambitions of a Mayor who once promised nothing less than to change the face of downtown. In speeches and editorial board meetings throughout his first term, Curry often said, in different variations, that “you won’t recognize downtown when I’m done.” Yet downtown remains notably, agonizingly, recognizable: It still has fewer than 10,000 residents, the paltry goal city officials set years ago; the aging Skyway still screeches overhead; sun-blasted grass lots and too much surface parking remain; vacant storefronts still line Bay Street.
Lenny Curry’s final budget packs a (scaled back) wallop.
“Lawyers suing over Jacksonville City Council redistricting want injunction before ’23 vote” via Steve Patterson of The Florida-Times Union — Lawyers have asked a federal judge to block the use of half of Jacksonville City Council’s 14 districts during the spring elections, arguing the new boundaries are unconstitutionally gerrymandered. The lawyers, representing a handful of residents, the Jacksonville NAACP branch, ACLU Northeast Florida, and voting rights groups, made the request as part of a lawsuit filed in May. If approved, the injunction would affect Districts 7, 8, 9 and 10, all majority-Black districts where the advocates argue Black voting power has diminished after being “packed” together artificially. If the judge approves the injunction, new district boundaries must be submitted by Dec. 15.
“For decades, Jacksonville City Council redistricted based off ‘misinformation’” via Andrew Pantazi of The Tributary — When a local government task force first proposed Jacksonville consolidate with Duval County in the 1960s, it addressed redistricting and racial gerrymandering directly. “Gerrymandering for purely selfish interests is exactly the kind of ‘politics’ at its worst that the study commission went to great lengths to avoid,” that task force’s executive director,Lex Hester, told journalists at the time. Consolidation, everybody knew, would make the city’s demographics whiter and make it harder for Black voters to gain power in an at-large system. Black people made up 41% of Jacksonville residents but just 23% of Duval County. District elections would allow Black residents to still elect some of the new City Council members. “We’ve been gerrymandered enough,”Alice Conway, a Black politician and activist, told reporters.
“Aaron Bell maintains large cash advantage in Nassau Commission race” via Wes Wolfe of Florida Politics — It remains to be seen what effectBell’sarrest on suspicion of driving under the influence will have on his re-election campaign. However, as the campaign entered July, Bell retained a commanding fundraising lead over challengerHupp Huppmann. Bell didn’t raise any money in the last part of June, though he had around $18,850 on hand at the end of the reporting period. However, he recently had a fundraiser at Story & Song Bookstore. Huppmann, in comparison, managed to raise $7,000 in June but spent less than $1,000 of it, entering July with around $7,240 in the bank. Bell’s vocal opposition to Riverstone Properties’ attempt to force the county into accepting 11 85-foot towers on the south end of Amelia Island, and the style that opposition took, has been a centerpiece of the campaign.
“Dollars rain down in Commissioner race for western Nassau” via Wes Wolfe of Florida Politics — The District 4 Nassau County Commission race is seeing heavy cash flow. Incumbent CommissionerThomas Fordfaces two Republican Primary opponents, including former CommissionerGeorgeSpicerand educatorAlysonMcCullough. Going into July, Ford had $22,429 on hand, compared to $17,922 for Spicer and $8,019 for McCullough. Spicer has led the money race, collecting $43,590 overall — including $26,000 in self-funding. Ford follows, having raised $35,600. McCullough, who has raked in $17,905, has depended more on small-dollar donors, though she gave her campaign $3,500 in May.
— TOP OPINION —
“What it means to see America in person” via Ross Douthat of The New York Times — I want to venture two general observations about America at scale — maybe banal ones, but I’ll take that risk.
The first is a sense of wonder at the uncrowded availability of sights and spectacles on the Western roads. If you’re accustomed to the crowded spaces on the coasts, you should know that it really does all melt away — and not just into cornfields or pastureland or desert, but into a landscape filled with places that are made for travelers, that offer immediate rewards to even the most casual visitor.
This connects to the second observation, which is just the intense difference between America experienced as a geographic entity, a continental empire, and America experienced as a virtual landscape via the screens and apps through which we increasingly encounter one another.
The comparison does not reflect well on virtual America, which feels crowded and exhausting, a thousand-odd people screaming at one another in a medium-size hotel ballroom. I don’t want to say that crossing physical America exposes the online version as “unreal,” since online life is quite real in its own way, and our national parks and roadside attractions aren’t the places where most Americans live their daily lives.
Seeing America gives you hope for America.
— OPINIONS —
“Quit, Joe, Quit! Biden could save the midterms with a one-term pledge.” via Steven L. Isenberg of The Washington Post — Biden should announce now that he will not run for re-election in 2024. He should not ask the Democratic Party, or the nation, to assume the risk of a second four-year term that would begin after he reached the age of 82. The conventional calculus argues that a President would be a fool to reveal such a plan before he has to because it would instantly undercut his ability to get anything of real significance accomplished. The midterm elections this November would become about key issues and the quality of individual House and Senate candidates rather than the merits of Biden’s presidency and whether voters feel he should run again.
“As a 76-year-old, let me say: Biden is too old to run again” via Robert Reich of The Guardian — At 79, Biden is the oldest President in American history. Concerns about his age top the list of why Democratic voters want the party to find an alternative for 2024. I don’t think this reflects an “ageist” prejudice. I speak with some authority. I’m now a sprightly 76, light years younger than our President. It’s not death that’s the worrying thing about a second Biden term. It’s the dwindling capacities that go with aging.
“The President who stood still on Jan. 6” via The Wall Street Journal editorial board — Trump took an oath to defend the Constitution, and he had a duty as Commander in Chief to protect the Capitol from a mob attacking it in his name. He refused. He didn’t call the military to send help. He didn’t call Pence to check on the safety of his loyal VP. Instead, he fed the mob’s anger and let the riot play out. In the 18 months since, Trump has shown not an iota of regret.
“There is no remaining Christian case for Trump” via David French for The Dispatch — One of the most amusing recurring conversations of the last six years is the omnipresent effort to explain to me “why Christians support Trump” — as if I need tweet threads or pointed essays to explain to me my own friends, many members of my family, and my own church and neighborhood. But there is a key difference between then and now. If the early church was admonished to love its enemies, bless those who persecute them, and exhibit the fruit of the spirit even when they’re being persecuted and massacred, it’s just hard for me to believe the threat ofHillary Clintonor Biden was so great that it justified the lies and cruelty inherent in Trumpian political engagement. They’ve absorbed the lessons Trump taught. Fight the left with profane anger. Never apologize.
“Why Trump is weakening” via Ross Douthat of The New York Times — Judging by early Primary polling, the DeSantis strategy is working at the Trump strategy’s expense. DeSantis is effectively tied with the former President in recent polls of New Hampshire and Michigan, and leading him easily in Florida, which is DeSantis’s home state, yes, but now Trump’s as well. These early numbers don’t prove that Trump can be beaten. But they strongly suggest that if his case for 2024 is only that he was robbed in 2020, it won’t be enough to achieve a restoration.
“What could save Democrats from a midterm catastrophe?” via Charlie Cook of the Cook Political Report — At a time when very little, if anything, is “normal” about American politics, we have come to expect the unexpected. While the House looks very, very likely to flip into Republican hands and the Senate more likely than not, what kind of event might keep at least one if not both chambers in Democratic control? Democrats fervently hope that the reversal of Roe v. Wade, gun legislation, and the findings of the Jan. 6 committee might galvanize their voters enough to retain at least one chamber. Should Trump decide, against the advice of nearly every Republican strategist alive, to announce his candidacy before the midterm elections in November, he might energize Democratic voters enough to minimize their losses at the margins.
“The real reason Democrats are losing ground on education” via Conor Friedersdorf of The Atlantic — On many bygone Election Days, voters trusted Democrats more than Republicans on the issue of education — but that may not hold this November if recent polling is to be believed. In one question, likely voters were asked to choose the most important among a list of “different goals that public schools might try to achieve.” Here are the goals that finished last: “Making sure all children can pursue their dreams” and “giving children the freedom to be themselves.” While several questions asked about “critical race theory,” no results suggested that it was among the most important issues to majorities or even large pluralities of likely voters.
“DeSantis and his allies in Florida are trampling on our First Amendment rights” via Amy Turkel for the Tampa Bay Times — DeSantis has restricted Floridians’ First Amendment rights and repeatedly pushed for laws that violate basic American freedoms. During this year’s session of the Florida Legislature, these assaults accelerated. The First Amendment guarantees the rights to free speech, a free press, freedom to assemble and protest peacefully, the right to petition the government for change, and freedom from the imposition of religious beliefs by the government. DeSantis championed the anti-protest bill, House Bill 1. You could be charged for an offense committed by people who were total strangers to you, even if you were protesting peacefully. In 2021, U.S. District JudgeMark Walkerstruck down that provision of the law.
“Smoking on the beach and the vagaries of living in the ‘free state of Florida’” via Frank Cerabino of The Palm Beach Post — The town of Palm Beach is about to ban cigarette smoking on its public beaches. It’s not surprising. Palm Beach has always been leery of outsiders using its public beaches, which explains the $5-per-hour parking meters, the padlocking of beach access points, and why the main beach had lacked restrooms for years. What’s helping Palm Beach is a new state law that allows local governments to restrict cigarette smoking at public beaches and parks.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“First ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ trailer arrives” via Aaron Couch and Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter — Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is filmmakerRyan Coogler’sfollow-up to his 2018 film that became a cultural touchstone and earned a best picture nomination at the Oscars. He wrote a sequel for Panther starChadwick Boseman, but the actor died in 2020 after privately battling colon cancer. So, the filmmaker got to work on how to move forward while honoring Boseman’s legacy. At Comic-Con Saturday, Coogler reflected on bringing footage from the first Panther to the convention in 2017 and sitting next to Boseman, who hadn’t seen the footage yet. The actor was excited and grabbed the filmmaker’s shoulder with his left hand.
“Marvel’s Kevin Feige unveils phase 5 and 6 plans, new ‘Avengers’ movies at Comic-Con” via Aaron Couch and Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter — Marvel Studios bossFeigemade a triumphant return to Comic-Con Saturday and got a hero’s welcome. The executive announced a pair of Avengers movies and revealed the official title for the next saga he’s been building. The Infinity Saga, which concluded with Avengers: Endgame, helped make Marvel the biggest brand in Hollywood. The new batch of projects fall under the title Multiverse Saga. “I’m unbelievably excited,” Feige said, noting there were times he wondered if he’d ever get back to the -Con, which was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
“James Gunn gets cheers for first ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’ footage at Comic-Con” via Aaron Couch and Mia Galuppo of The Hollywood Reporter —Gunnhas confirmed that the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie is the end of the story for his group of Guardians characters. “This is the end of that story,” said Gunn at Comic-Con to disappointed groans from the Hall H crowd. “I’m sorry. Some stories have an end. It doesn’t mean everybody dies.” Still, even with that news, the first trailer shown at Comic-Con got massive cheers from the crowd. The footage, set to The Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize,” shows Gamora talking about how she doesn’t remember her time with the Guardians, the first glimpse ofWill Poulteras villain Adam Warlock, and Rocket’s origin story.
“‘Lord of the Rings’ series trailer debuts at Comic-Con” via Lindsey Bahr of The Associated Press — Amazon Studios unveiled a new trailer for the upcoming “Lord of the Rings” series “The Rings of Power” for Comic-Con audiences Friday. The eight-part series, set to debut on Prime Video on Sept. 2, will be set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” New episodes will be released weekly, with a reported budget of $465 million. Executive producersJ.D. PayneandPatrickMcKaywill focus the show on Tolkien’s Second Age of Middle-earth when kingdoms are forming and falling and evil forces loom and threaten to cover the world in darkness.
“Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ teaser debuts in theaters ahead of ‘Nope’: Intense look at atomic bomb drama” via Zack Sharf of Variety — The official first trailer for “Oppenheimer” is debuting exclusively in movie theaters. The brief teaser is attached to showings ofJordan Peele’s“Nope,” which makes sense as Universal Pictures back both movies. “Nope” screenings began as early as 4:30 p.m. ET in New York City on Thursday, July 21. Nolan did a similar theatrical-only release in August 2019 for the “Tenet” teaser, which played in front of “Hobbs & Shaw” screenings. The first “Tenet” teaser was never released online. It’s unclear if Universal will debut this “Oppenheimer” teaser online.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today are state Rep. Anika Omphroy, Liz Brown, VP of Federal Affairs for Children’s Hospital Association, Shannon Colavecchio, Melissa Dempsey,Kayla Lott, and Dave Shepp of The Southern Group. Belated best wishes to INFLUENCE 100’er Mike Fernandez.
Never forgotten is the late Steve Madden, whose birthday was today.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Renzo Downey, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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Sunburn — The morning read of what's hot in Florida politics — 7.25.22 - Florida Politics
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