TRNS News Notes

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[newsnotes]

Trump crowned GOP nominee / Carson: Clinton <3 Lucifer 😈 / Melania mess: What happened

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=8c03473858&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Donald Trump crowned GOP nominee * Carson: Clinton "acknowledges Lucifer"  * Melania plagiarism mess * Melania mess: What happened * GOP delegates on edge over novovirus * Clinton: Veepstakes heats up * Utterly awkward presser: Kerry/Boris * Turkey's purge widens: Education Donald Trump Crowned GOP Nominee (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/us/politics/donald-trump-rnc.html?ribbon-ad-idx=5&rref=homepage&module=Ribbon&version=origin&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Home%20Page&pgtype=article) , WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2016/07/19/4930f332-4dc6-11e6-a7d8-13d06b37f256_story.html) , AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GOP_2016_CONVENTION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-20-03-12-35) , WSJ (http://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-camp-aims-for-reset-after-turbulent-convention-start-1468954797) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/election-2016/2016/07/19/gop-nominates-trump/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/election-2016/2016/07/20/carson-goes-off-script-at-gop-convention-invokes-lucifer/) , me) • Donald Trump was formally crowned the Republican nominee for president at the party's convention on Tuesday, ending a tumultuous primary season. His campaign appeared in disarray after his wife, Melania, delivered a convention speech on Monday cribbed in part from one given by Michelle Obama (Trump hasn't tweeted about it once - he's being muzzled and he's fuming...) • At times, the only themes truly capable of rallying the Republican Party, even briefly, were ominous denunciations of Hillary Clinton. Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ) cast himself as her prosecutor in a mock trial (as a witch?) and roused the crowd to spontaneous chants of "Guilty!" and "Lock her up!" "Lock her up!" (give them a couple more days and it will be "Burn her at the stake!") • In the roll call vote that began the night, formally marking Trump's capture of the nomination, 721 delegates cast their votes for candidates other than Trump - the most significant expression of party dissent since 1976, when Republicans had a contested convention • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) drew scattered boos from the crowd in multiple appearances on stage. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis), who was reluctant to endorse Trump, was more direct in his remarks over the party's rift - what he called "our arguments this year." But, Ryan said, "democracy is a series of choices." • New York delayed casting its vote so that it would be the one that put Trump over the 1,237-delegate threshold. His son Donald Jr announced on the convention floor that New York's delegates had delivered the votes needed. "It's not a campaign anymore, it's a movement," said the younger Trump, surrounded by his three siblings • Listen: Trump campaign surrogate Boris Epshteyn told TMN Tuesday (http://www.talkmedianews.com/us-news/2016/07/19/trump-surrogate-presumtive-gop-nominee-pragmatic/) that he's supporting the mogul because "It's his leadership, it's his pragmatism and it's looking at what we have in America now - you know, we have stagnating wages, income going way down - down from 1999, down from 2008 - really terrible numbers, so we need a real leader." Carson: Clinton "Acknowledges Lucifer" • Ben Carson, the retired physician, used part of his speech to claim that Clinton is a student of Saul Alinsky, the 20th-century activist and community organizer who Carson claims "acknowledges Lucifer." "Are we willing to elect as president someone whose role model acknowledges Lucifer?" Carson asked (she wrote a thesis on him, she didn't go to an ashram and drink kool-aid) • Clinton pounced on the turmoil, saying the GOP gathering had so far been "surreal," comparing it to the classic fantasy film "Wizard of Oz." "When you pull back the curtain, it was just Donald Trump with nothing to offer the American people," Clinton said during a speech in Las Vegas (except easy answers - which she doesn't have, and that's a problem for her) • Amid the convention celebration in Cleveland Tuesday night, some delegates remained seated and other seats on the floor were entirely empty. In big sections of the mezzanine, row upon row of red-backed seats stood mostly vacant (and again, the schedulers got the timing wrong so people left early) • The passionless tone that prevailed for most of the evening made Christie's chest-thumping speech all the more noteworthy. For the second consecutive night, long stretches of the program were desultory, and the convention floor emptied out well before the speeches ended (dunno - maybe the parties are amazing. you know what they say about people at conventions) • Meanwhile, as Trump was bring formally nominated, his most formidable rival from the primary campaign, Sen Ted Cruz (R-Texas), mingled with activists and donors at a reception in a restaurant across the street from the convention arena. Cruz speaks tonight, as does VP nominee Gov Mike Pence (R-Ind) (will Cruz endorse Trump? And if so, will it be enthusiastic?) • Listen: "If you're not safe and secure, you're not free," U.S. District Court Judg (http://www.talkmedianews.com/audio/2016/07/19/ohio-judge-says-rnc-security-deal/) e Dan Aaron Polster, who mediated a lawsuit brought by the ACLU against the City of Cleveland, told TMN. "You've got a right to speak where the object of your speech might hear you. And the object here is the delegates," he said Melania Mess (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/us/politics/melania-trump-speech.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/288353-spicer-references-my-little-pony-in-defense-of-melania) Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/288381-experts-one-in-a-trillion-chance-melania-trump-speech) TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/election-2016/2016/07/19/dnc-chair-trump-campaign-should-be-held-accountable-for-melania-speech/) me) • The Republican Party scrambled on Tuesday to manage a cascade of finger-pointing and confusion as the Trump campaign was rocked by accusations that parts of Melania Trump's convention speech had been cribbed from the one that Michelle Obama delivered to Democrats in 2008 (decide for yourse (http://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/100000004538452/comparing-melania-and-michelles-speech.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) lf - pretty obvious - 1 in trillion chance it wasn't, algorithms say) • Paul Manafort, Donald Trump's campaign chair, pushed back aggressively against accusations of plagiarism and even tried to go on the offensive. On CNN, Manafort said that Ms Trump was aware that "she was speaking in front of 35 million people last night," adding "to think that she would be cribbing Michelle Obama's words is crazy." (not really - people don't think things through) • Deflecting questions about the passages themselves, Manafort attacked Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee. "This is once again an example of when a woman threatens Hillary Clinton, she seeks out to demean her and take her down," Manafort said. "It's not going to work against Melania Trump." He also blamed the media (no evidence it was Clinton. none) • Another adviser to Donald Trump, who has assisted in the drafting of some of his speeches, said: "I'm sure what happened is the person who was helping write this plucked something in there and probably an unfortunate oversight and certainly Melania didn't have anything to do with it," said Sam Clovis, a Trump campaign co-chair, on MSNBC (um. er. welll - read on...) • Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ), a staunch Trump ally, noted that parts of the speech were duplicative. Asked on NBC if the remarks were plagiarism, Christie said, "Nah, not when 93% of the speech is completely different than Michelle Obama's speech." (so Christie thinks she did it. and he's apparently up for AG in a trump admin lol) • Best excuse: Republican National Committee chief strategist Sean Spicer said on CNN: "Melania Trump said: 'The strength of your dreams and willingness to work for them.'Twilight Spar (http://img00.deviantart.net/49f6/i/2012/189/3/4/twilight_sparkle_is_ready_for_action_by_baumkuchenpony-d56fumd.png) kle from 'My Little Pony' said: 'This is your dream. Anything you can do in your dreams you can do now.'" (Melania has a mane of hair. ponies have manes. there are no comparisons - ok?) • Corey Lewandowski, the campaign manager fired in favor of Manafort, said on CNN, "Whoever signed off, the final signoff that allowed this to go forward, should be held accountable. I think if it was Paul Manafort, he would do the right thing and resign." (yeah, well, apparently Corey has been quietly giving Trump advice since he was fired - maybe he'd like his old gig back) • Ms Trump said in an interview with Matt Lauer of NBC before her speech that she went over it, just once in advance. "I wrote it with as little help as possible," she said. (hard to believe just once) Trump's aides have thus far publicly declined to identify who, if anyone, on the campaign helped in writing the speech (Trump has been silent - so far - how long can he restrain himself?) • In a statement released hours after the speech, Jason Miller, the campaign adviser, said "Melania's team of writers took notes on her life's inspirations, and in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking." RNC chair Reince Priebus said he'd "probably" fire the author if he found it had been plagiarized (how many explanations so far?) • Advisers to Clinton said they quickly decided on Monday night to take a restrained approach to the controversy. The Clinton campaign often challenges the integrity and judgment of the Trump campaign, but doing so over the speech would create an opening for Trump advisers to suggest that Clinton was somehow to blame for the furor (blamed her anyway) • Republicans want somebody fired over the plagiarism scandal so they can knock it on the head and move on. Meanwhile, Turnitin, a company that uses a computer algorithm to automatically vet writing for matches, said there was a 1 in a trillion chance that the speech was not plagiarized (deal with it - stop blaming, making stuff up. plug the leak. move on. be professional. for once) • Quiz! Who said it: Melania Trump or Twilight Sparkle from My Little Pony? Includes "You know, choosing not to choose isn't really a decision" (quick quick - who said it?)(Buzzfee (https://www.buzzfeed.com/davidmack/who-said-it-melania-trump-or-twilight-sparkle?utm_term=.fr1RQrO3k Melania Mess: What Happened (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/us/politics/melania-trump-convention-speech.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/288430-report-lifted-passages-of-melanias-speech-not-in) me) • Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, commissioned Melania Trump's speech from Matthew Scully and John McConnell, who worked on speeches such as George W. Bush's remarks after 9/11. They sent a draft, but then "weeks went by. They heard nothing" - because Ms Trump was uncomfortable with the text, which she began to change (here we go) • NYT put together an account of how the slip-up happened based on interviews with more than a dozen people involved in or close to the Trump campaign. The original speechwriters didn't know how much the speech had been changed until they saw it delivered Monday night. Ms Trump turned instead to Meredith McIver, who worked on some of Donald Trump's books • It's not clear how much of a hand McIver had in the final product. Sources said that by the time Ms Trump and her staff finished revising the speech, nearly all that remained from the original was the intro and a passage with the phrase "a national campaign like no other." (so somehow, someone put the Michelle Obama phrases in there - who? cue mystery music) • The controversy spread rapidly to average Americans: African-Americans were angry that Ms Trump had chosen to swipe the words of the country's first African-American first lady, especially given Trump's hostility to President Obama (and many of Trump's supporters have depicted Michelle Obama as "angry" and "anti-American" so to applaud her patriotic words now is hypocritical) • Blacks invoked a painful history of prominent white figures stealing the work of black artists and presenting it as their own. "I'm not surprised Melania plagiarized from Michelle," wrote Yasmin Yonis. "White women have spent centuries stealing black women's genius, labor, babies, bodies." (Trump also built his campaign originally on being a birther, so again to steal from the Obamas...) • Anti-govt and anti-racism protesters are set to burn an American flag today somewhere in Cleveland. There's also a wall-building stunt planned mocking Donald Trump's Mexican border plan. Tuesday, activists from Black Lives Matter, the KKK and Westboro Baptist Church were in Public Square downtown and were said to be throwing urine at each other (Pfirst Amendment?) GOP Delegates on Edge Over Novovirus( (http://www.talkmedianews.com/election-2016/2016/07/19/norovirus-hits-the-republican-national-convention/) TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/election-2016/2016/07/19/norovirus-hits-the-republican-national-convention/) • The California delegation decided to stay 60 miles from the convention in order to enjoy an indoor waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio, at the Kalahari Resort. In the midst of the stress from the lack of a roll call on Monday, the delegation relaxed on the long bus ride home • However, they were abruptly awakened at 2:40 am Tuesday by an email warning them to avoid shaking hands and sharing food and not to take the delegation buses if they have symptoms of novovirus. Many of the delegation are nervous that they may catch the illness, which causes vomiting and diarrhea and is highly contagious (and is absolutely dreadful) • So far reported, there have been 10 GOP staffers with the virus. No California delegates have reportedly come down with the virus. However, as the California delegation boarded their buses Tuesday morning they were fearful of contracting the virus which would possibly affect the convention vote • Samantha Flynn, PR spox for the resort, said in a statement: "In preparation for the Republican California Delegates' stay, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions worked diligently with govt officials to ensure we exceeded all health and sanitation requirements and protocols" • "This includes passing extensive testing prior to, and continuing through, the delegation's visit. As always, the safety and well-being of our guests is our top priority and we are fully cooperating with all necessary officials." (i'll bet) • Talk Media News is pro (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) viding on-the-scene coverage from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland all this week. Check back here with Talk Media News (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) throughout the day and throughout the week for news and interviews Clinton: Veepstakes Heats Up (Politi (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/clinton-vice-president-possibilities-225811) co, Politico (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/vilsack-stock-rises-as-clinton-nears-vp-pick-225789) , Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/finance/288380-huds-castro-wont-be-punished-for-hatch-rule-slip-up) , NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/us/politics/hillary-clinton-vice-president.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) me) • Hillary Clinton is likely to present her VP pick in the coming days - and likely during a rally in Miami on Saturday. On Friday, she will visit Orlando. Her shortlist includes Sen Time Kaine (D-Va) and ret Adm James Stavridis. She has told several potential running mater she needs a No 2 who would bring national security experience • In an interview with Charlie Rose, Clinton said she loved that Sen Tim Kaine (D-Va) has self-deprecatingly said he's "too boring." "And I love that about him. I mean ... he's never lost an election." Clinton praised Kaine as a "world-class mayor, governor and senator and ... is one of the most highly respected senators I know." Kaine is considered the favorite VP choice (snore) • Clinton called Gov John Hickenlooper (D-Co), one of three VP contenders who met with her at her DC home last Friday, "first class." She also met with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro and Sen Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass). Warren is "amazing," Clinton said (choking on her words) • Rose mentioned reports that the campaign is vetting Adm James Stavridis, a man Clinton called "exceptional" and "very impressive." President Obama won't discipline Castro for violating a rule prohibiting federal officials from making personal political statements while presenting themselves in an official capacity. "He owned up to it," WH spox Josh Earnest said • Clinton is also said to be looking closely at Labor Secretary Tom Perez, Sen Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Sen Corey Booker (D-NJ) and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The Agriculture Secretary's stock has been rising in recent days. He's an old friend of Clinton's and could help her in rural areas, particularly in the Midwest (also dull - but could help with white men) • Watch: The Clinton campaign has released a new web video featuring a piano salesman w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1-zqVna4qs&index=1&list=PLXlk_TEo7Llxi5LqDR8q7DyaLt7AtQGGi) ho says he was bilked out of $30,000 in fees owed for pianos supplied to Trump's Taj Mahal casino. He says he was told he could accept 70% of payment or wait until the casino made money, which he describes as a "bullying deal." Utterly Awkward Presser: Kerry/Johnson (Buzzfee (https://www.buzzfeed.com/emilyashton/well-that-was-awkward?utm_term=.irm5mXkOd (https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/Utterly%20Awkward%20Presser:%20Kerry/Johnson%20%28Buzzfeed,%20Guardian,%20me%29%20%E2%80%A2%20The%20new%20British%20foreign%20secretary%20Boris%20Johnson%20was%20asked%20by%20U.S.%20journalists%20on%20Tuesday%20to%20explain%20his%20past%20comments%20about%20President%20Obama%20and%20Hillary%20Clinton%20-%20but%20he%20refused%20to%20apologize.%20The%20joint%20event%20with%20SecState%20John%20Kerry%20in%20London%20was%20Johnson%27s%20first%20presser%20since%20being%20handed%20the%20high-powered%20role%20by%20new%20PM%20Theresa%20May%20last%20week%20%28it%20was%20baaad%29%20%E2%80%A2%20Johnson,%20a%20journalist%20and%20author%20who%20has%20long%20penned%20op-eds%20in%20newspapers,%20wrote%20in%20April%20that%20Obama%20has%20an%20%22ancestral%20dislike%22%20of%20the%20British%20empire%20because%20he%27s%20a%20%22part-Kenyan%20president.%22%20In%202007,%20he%20wrote%20of%20Clinton:%20%22She%27s%20got%20dyed%20blonde%20hair%20and%20pouty%20lips,%20 and%20a%20steely%20blue%20stare,%20like%20a%20sadistic%20nurse%20in%20a%20mental%20hospital.%22%20%E2%80%A2%20Bradley%20Klapper%20of%20AP%20reminded%20Johnson%20of%20both%20these%20comments%20and%20said%20he%20had%20also%20compared%20Clinton%20to%20Lady%20Macbeth.%20Johnson%20looked%20increasingly%20embarrassed%20as%20his%20own%20words%20were%20read%20back%20to%20him.%20%22I%27m%20afraid%20there%20is%20such%20a%20rich%20thesaurus%20of%20things%20that%20I%20have%20said%20that%20have%20been%20...%20somehow%20misconstrued,%20that%20it%20would%20take%20me%20too%20long%20to%22%20apologize%20to%20all%20concerned%20%20%20%E2%80%A2%20Ouch%21%20Watch%20SecState%20John%20Kerry%20bump%20his%20head%20on%20the%20front%20door%20of%2010%20Downing%20Street%20on%20Tuesday%20after%20he%20turns%20to%20wave%20at%20media%20scrum.%20He%20was%20on%20his%20way%20to%20his%20first%20meeting%20with%20new%20PM%20Theresa%20May.%20Should%20think%20he%27ll%20need%20some%20old-fashioned%20witch%20hazel,%20V eganin%20and%20maybe%20a%20plaster%20%28English%20English%20for%20witch%20hazel,%20Tylenol%20with%20codeine%20and%20a%20bandaid%29%20%20%20%E2%80%A2%20Then%20Gardiner%20Harris%20of%20NYT%20said%20to%20Johnson:%20%22You%20have%20an%20unusually%20long%20history%20of...%22%20Johnson%20tried%20to%20laugh%20it%20off.%20%22Not%20this%20one%20again.%22%20Harris:%20%22...wild%20exaggerations%20and%20frankly%20outright%20lies%20that%20I%20think%20few%20foreign%20secretaries%20have%20prior%20to%20this%20job.%20I%27m%20just%20wondering%20how%20Mr%20Kerry%20and%20others%20should%20believe%20what%20you%20say%20considering%20this%20very,%20very%20long%20history.%22%20%28gulp%29%20%E2%80%A2%20Johnson:%20%22I%20appreciate%20the%20First%20Amendment%20and%20your%20right%20to%20free%20speech%20but%20I%20think%20we%20need%20chapter%20and%20verse%20on%20this%20stuff...%22%20Klapper%20to%20Kerry:%20%22What%20confidence%20do%20you%20have%20that%20Mr%20Johnson%20will%20represent%20the%20interests%20 of%20anyone%20but%20himself?%22%20%E2%80%A2%20Kerry%20said%20he%20was%20%22absolutely%20confident%22%20that%20Johnson%20was%20%22deeply%20committed%22%20on%20behalf%20of%20the%20British%20people%20to%20working%20in%20world%20organizations,%20such%20as%20NATO.%20He%20told%20how%20Johnson%20had%20been%20described%20to%20him%20as%20a%20%22very%20smart%20and%20capable%20man.%22%20Johnson:%20%22Phew,%20Stop%20there,%20that%27s%20great.%22%20Kerry%20leaned%20over:%20%22It%27s%20called%20diplomacy,%20Boris.%22%20%20%20%20%E2%80%A2%20Quiz%21%20Who%20said%20it:%20Melania%20Trump%20or%20Twilight%20Sparkle%20from%20My%20Little%20Pony?%20Includes%20%22You%20know,%20choosing%20not%20to%20choose%20isn%27t%20really%20a%20decision%22%20%28Buzzfeed%29) , me) • The new British foreign secretary Boris Johnson was asked by U.S. journalists on Tuesday to explain his past comments about President Obama and Hillary Clinton - but he refused to apologize. The joint event with SecState John Kerry in London was Johnson's first presser since being handed the high-powered role by new PM Theresa May last week (it was soo awkward) • Johnson, a twice-fired journalist and author who has long penned op-eds in newspapers, wrote in April that Obama has an "ancestral dislike" of the British empire because he's a "part-Kenyan president." In 2007, he wrote of Clinton: "She's got dyed blonde hair and pouty lips, and a steely blue stare, like a sadistic nurse in a mental hospital." (he's a peach) • Bradley Klapper of AP reminded Johnson of both these comments and said he had also compared Clinton to Lady Macbeth. Johnson looked increasingly embarrassed as his own words were read back to him. "I'm afraid there is such a rich thesaurus of things that I have said that have been ... somehow misconstrued, that it would take me too long to" apologize to all concerned (yup) • Ouch! Watch SecState John Kerry bump his head on the front door (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcbMpqwxyuc) of 10 Downing Street on Tuesday after he turns to wave at media scrum. He was on his way to his first meeting with new PM Theresa May. Should think he'll need some witch hazel, Veganin and maybe a plaster (English English for witch hazel, Tylenol with codeine and a bandaid) • Then Gardiner Harris of NYT said to Johnson: "You have an unusually long history of..." Johnson tried to laugh it off. "Not this one again." Harris: "...wild exaggerations and frankly outright lies that I think few foreign secretaries have prior to this job. I'm just wondering how Mr Kerry and others should believe what you say considering this very, very long history." (gulp) • Johnson: "I appreciate the First Amendment and your right to free speech but I think we need chapter and verse on this stuff..." Klapper to Kerry: "What confidence do you have that Mr Johnson will represent the interests of anyone but himself?" (considering his appalling behavior and lies during the Brexit campaign, you mean, Brad?") • Kerry said he was "absolutely confident" that Johnson was "deeply committed" on behalf of the British people to working in world organizations, such as NATO. He told how Johnson had been described to him as a "very smart and capable man." Johnson: "Phew, Stop there, that's great." Kerry leaned over: "It's called diplomacy, Boris." (ouch and touché) • Roger Ailes and 21st Century Fox, Fox News's parent company, are in the advanced stages of discussions that would lead to his departure as chairman, one of Ailes's lawyers said in an interview on Tuesday. This follows a sexual harassment suit filed 6 July by former anchor Gretchen Carlson. The suit prompted an internal review (Daily Beas (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/07/19/roger-ailes-plans-fox-news-exit-talks-with-rupert-murdoch.html) t, NYT) (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/business/media/roger-ailes-fox-news-murdoch.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) Turkey's Purge Widens: Education (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36838347) , Bloombe (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-07-19/obama-presses-turkey-s-erdogan-to-respect-rights-after-rebellion) rg, me) • More than 15,000 education staff in Turkey have been suspended after last week's failed coup, as a purge of state officials widens still further. The ministry of education accused them of links to Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based cleric the Turkish govt says was behind Friday's uprising. Gulen denies any involvement (not everybody can be involved - this stinks) • More than 1,500 university deans have also been ordered to resign and the licenses of 21,000 teachers working at private institutions revoked. PM Yildirim vowed to take action against Gulen's supporters. "I'm sorry but this parallel terrorist organization will no longer be an effective pawn for any country," Yildirim said • President Obama spoke with President Erdogan by phone Tuesday and pledged "any needed assistance to the Turkish govt" in the wake of the attempted coup, WH spox Josh Earnest told reporters. Even so, Obama made clear the U.S. expects that any inquiry should be conducted "consistent with the democratic" values of the Turkish constitution • Earnest said the U.S. had received documents on Gulen from Turkey and was reviewing them to see if they constituted a formal extradition request, as Turkey has said it will seek. The army, judiciary, and civil service have all been targeted following the coup attempt - about 50,00 personnel. (this is crazy) Some 24 radio and TV channels had their licenses revoked (very scary) • Meanwhile, it has emerged that the army first received intel a coup was under way at 16:00 local time on Friday, hours before a rogue faction deployed tanks and targeted key infrastructure. Also, Erdogan is expected to make an "important" announcement today that would boost social cohesion and Turkey's democratic credentials • WikiLeaks has published 294,546 emails along with thousands of attached files from 762 mail boxes that allegedly belong to the primary email domain of Turkish PM Erdogan's ruling AK Party. The most recent email was sent on 6 July 2016. WikiLeaks says they mostly deal with "the world" as opposed to "sensitive internal matters." (al Jazeera) (http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/turkey-wikileaks-releases-thousands-akp-emails-160719204637732.html) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Did Melania's speech rip off Michelle's? / GOP convention chaos / Clinton: End "senseless killings"

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=d83f1424c9&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * GOP convention: Chaotic Day One * Did Melania's speech rip off Michelle's? * Clinton: End "senseless killings" * Baton Rouge shooter sought out police * Freddie Gray case: Another officer not guilty * WH asks SCOTUS to rehear immigration case GOP Convention: Chaotic Day One (Politico (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/rnc-2016-convention-clashes-donald-trump-225761) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/19/us/politics/republican-convention-donald-trump.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GOP_2016_CONVENTION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-19-03-11-58) , Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/288272-gop-convention-speaker-says-obama-is-absolutely-a-muslim) , TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/18/never-trump-delegates-spark-disorder-on-convention-floor/) TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/19/melania-trump/) , me) • Donald Trump's supporters painted a dark and dystopian portrait of an America in decline on Monday, as a parade of people spoke about a country slipping from their grasp, cops getting gunned down in the streets, and their family members slain by illegal immigrants (was a real razor blade Monday, folks) • But a self-inflicted scheduling blunder which infuriated schedulers - the Trump campaign put the evening's headliner, Melania Trump, well before the prime-time hour ended - had the networks turning away before the precious hour of tree TV had been used up. Worse, her speech bore a striking resemblance to a Mic (http://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/100000004538452/comparing-melania-and-michelles-speech.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) helle Obama speech from 2008 (oh come on, ya think?) • People inside the hall streamed for the exits as Lt Gen Michael Flynn droned on, and NBC wrapped up its hour, after some banter from its anchors, with a shot of a shockingly empty arena (partee time - or just exhausted after the shouting in the afternoon after the chair in a sort of fascistic way rode roughshod over delegates who demanded a roll-call vote - see below) • It was a rough end to a day that began with Trump's campaign feuding with the popular GOP governor of Ohio, and in between featured shouting and jostling on the convention floor as the party tried to stomp out the last embers of the Never Trump campaign. All day, cable chyrons spoke of disunity and chaos (about right - reflection of the candidate himself) • Of the 71 prime-time speakers expected to take the podium over the course of the convention, more than 80% are white. Perhaps most striking, only seven of the speakers are black and just three are Latino. Women compose one-third of the speaking slots (not sure why I even put that in - this is supposed to be news - that's just a given, really) • Listen: "I just don't understand if anyone is hesitating about getting behind our candidate," Sen David Perdue (R-Ga) told Talk Media News. (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/18/david-perdue-doesnt-understand-gop-doubts-over-trump/) "This is a guy that won Michigan and Mississippi on the same day. When's that ever happened?" • Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, spoke in prime-time about "why our enemies see us as weak and vulnerable" and of the terrorists planning to "come here and kill us." "There's no next election," he said, "This is it." He was hugely popular with the crowd • Melania Trump stood out, in an all-white dress, as a beacon of positivity, hailing her husband's tenacity: "He will never, ever give up and most importantly he will never ever let you down." She was introduced by Trump, making a a weird sort of foggy, over-dramatic entrance that overshadowed her - which seemed rather unfair • More than an hour earlier, a series of speakers delivered intense, emotional addresses about family members killed by illegal immigrants and why they supported Trump - and opposed Hillary Clinton. But MSNBC, CNN and Fox News didn't carry those speeches, sharply limiting the audience. It was fallout, in part, of the way the Trump campaign arranged its schedule • Trump himself (of course) trampled all over the emotional testimony. He called in live to Fox News' Bill O'Reilly, which switched away from the mother of one of four Americans killed in Benghazi to hear his thoughts. As Patricia Smith held back tears on stage and the crowd roiled with anger, Trump told O'Reilly, "I'm probably the least racist person there is." (naturally) • Former underwear model Antonio Sabato, who delivered a speech supporting Trump, told ABC Go that President Obama is "absolutely" a Muslim "I don't believe the guy is a Christian. I don't believe he follows the God that I love and the Jesus that I love. I think that he has had an agenda from the beginning." He said Obama has "never" spoken about Jesus -(really? really?) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=731EMQ4Tq5M) • One Republican convention-related arrest was reported Monday morning, involving a local man who pleaded not guilty to a petty theft charge after allegedly attempting to lift a gas mask from a Ohio state trooper. Police Chief Calvin Williams said the man may be suffering from an undisclosed mental illness. There were peaceful protests, with some carrying guns openly (TMN) • Many of the party's past and future stars were glaringly missing from the lineup, underscoring the concerns some GOP leaders have with closely aligning themselves with Trump. The businessman has cast aside decades of Republican orthodoxy in his unexpected political rise, creating a crisis within the GOP about its future • GOP divisions erupted briefly on the floor Monday afternoon after party officials adopted rules by a shouted voice vote. Anti-Trump forces seeking to derail his nomination responded with loud and angry chants, though they were quickly quieted and there were no lingering signs of the protests as delegates returned to the convention hall for the evening program • But campaign officials undermined their own effort to unite the party Monday by picking a fight with the hugely popular Gov John Kasich (R-Ohio), who isn't attending the convention and has yet to endorse Trump. Campaign chair Paul Manafort called Kasich "petulant" and said the governor was "embarrassing" his own party in his home state. Ohio GOP pols were livid • House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) seemed to be avoiding Trump - even though Ryan was at the convention. Speaking to delegates Monday morning, he didn't mention Trump. Ryan, asked later whether Trump was really a conservative, said: "Define conservative; he's not my kind of conservative." (Ryan's speech today should be interesting) • Trump on Monday morning on Fox News suggested that Obama was in cahoots with cop killers. "I watched the president and sometimes the words are OK, but you just look at the body language. There's something going on. Look, there's something going on and the words are not often OK, by the way." (what's "going on" sounds like a bit of racism and the politics of fear) • Talk Media News is pro (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) viding on-the-scene coverage from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland all this week. Check back here with Talk Media News (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) throughout the day and throughout the week for news and interviews Did Melania's Speech Rip Off Michelle's? (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/us/politics/melania-trump-speech.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/19/melania-trumps-convention-speech-strikingly-similar-michelle-obamas/) , me) • Whether Melania Trump wrote her own speech is up for grabs. She said on camera Monday: "I wrote it." Early today, the Trump campaign put out a statement saying she had a "team of writers" and "in some instances" it "included fragments that reflected her own thinking." Trying to protect her? Taking one for the team? Contradicting her, for sure • Melania 2016: My parents impressed on me the values: that you work hard for what you want in life. That your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promises. That you treat people with respect. They taught me to show the values and morals in my daily life. That is the lesson that I continue to pass along to our son • Michelle 2008: And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them (only way around this is she channeled the speech psychically) • Watch Melania Trumps's apparent plagiarism of Michelle Obama's speech her (http://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/100000004538452/comparing-melania-and-michelles-speech.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) e (NYT) • Melania 2016: And we need to pass those lessons on to the many generations to follow. Because we want our children in this nation to know that the only limit to our achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them • Michelle 2008: And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our generation - and all children in this nation - to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them (yeah there's actually no way around this) • (It's notable that Michelle Obama speaks about her husband as well, whereas Melania Trump doesn't even mention Donald Trump in these passages. Trump is on TV this morning. Watch for him to rip the press over his own campaign's - or his wife's - screw-up - just cannot wait) The similarity in the passages was first pointed out by Jarrett Hill on Twitter • Democratic National Committee chair Rep Debbie Wasserman Schults (D-Fla) told reporters during a conference call Monday: "We're here [Cleveland] because if elected Donald Trump would severely damage our economy, diminish our standing in the world and make our communities less safe."(TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/election-2016/2016/07/18/dnc-chair-trump-lacks-judgment-temperament-president/) Clinton: End "Senseless Killings" (Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/clinton-police-trust-naacp-225712) o, AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_DEM_2016_CLINTON?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-18-17-53-09) , me) • Hillary Clinton on Monday called for an end to the "senseless killings" that have ignited controversy across America. "Killing police officers is a terrible crime," she said. "That's why our laws treat the murders of police so seriously. Because they represent the rule of law itself. If you take aim at that and at them, you take aim at all of us." • Speaking to the NAACP annual convention in Cincinnati, she said: "We have difficult, painful work ahead of us to repair the bonds between our police and our communities and between and among each other." "Another hard truth of this complex matter is that many African-Americans fear the police. I can hear you." • Change, Clinton said, "can only happen if we build trust and accountability. And let's admit it: That gets harder every time someone else gets killed. So now is the time for all good people who agree that these senseless killings must end to stand up, speak out loudly and clearly." (Clinton should have said some of this on Sunday - she missed an opportunity - really silly) • Clinton has proposed a series of reforms to the criminal justice system, including developing national guidelines on the use of force by police, new investments in bias training, legislation to end racial profiling and funding for body cameras. She has also pushed for cutting mandatory minimum sentences, particularly for drug offenses • "Rosa Parks opened up every seat on the bus. Our challenge now is to expand jobs so everyone can afford the fare," she said, prompting applause. "And let's ensure that the bus route reaches every neighborhood and connects every family with safe affordable housing, good jobs and quality schools." (don't understand her press people - she should be all over the media this week) • Watch: "Confessions of a Republican II" - good new web ad f (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeYKFRV34kY&list=PLt9jO9QkAAoeF7SSQFHqPEyq2dqIA6hZD&index=8) rom Hillary Clinton featuring Bill Bogert on how he's a lifelong Republican who doesn't trust Donald Trump, can't vote for him, but must vote in November. Bogert was originally featured in "Confessions of a Republican" in (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKTY9Ib1VvA) 1964 during the Barry Goldwater campaign - the ads mimic each other (1964 is must-see and even better) Baton Rouge Shooter Sought Out Police (Reuter (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-police-idUSKCN0ZX0MX) s, Reuter (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-police-domesticsecurity-idUSKCN0ZY24V?mod=related&channelName=domesticNews) s, me) • The black Marine Corps veteran who shot dead three policemen in Louisiana's capital deliberately sought out officers to assassinate them, police officials said in Baton Rouge on Monday, as the U.S. reeled from the latest deadly shooting involving police and African-Americans • "There is no doubt whatsoever that these officers were intentionally targeted and assassinated," said Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson, adding that video showed that gunman Gavin Long "completely dismissed" a number of civilians while walking around wearing black with a gun. The video "is chilling in the sheer brutality of the shooting," Edmonson said • Authorities said three guns were recovered from the scene. Edmonson said the gunman "had been in our community for several days" and that police could not yet rule out his having assistance in planning the attack. Long was a 29-year-old from Kansas City, Mo. He was shot dead on Sunday morning in a gunfight with police • The suspect said he wanted to change his name from Gavin Eugene Long to Cosmo Ausar Setepenra in May 2015, according to Jackson County, Mo, records. But court officials said he never completed the process. A website, YouTube videos and social media accounts that appeared tied to Long included praise for killings of the Dallas policemen • Long also affiliated himself with the Washitaw Nation, an African-American offshoot of the Sovereign Citizen Movement, a group whose members view the federal govt as illegitimate. A senior member of the group, Frederix Washington, said, "We know nothing about this man. We don't give cards out. IDs out." • President Obama wrote an open letter to "brave members of our" law enforcement community Mondayposted on the Fraternal Order of Police's (https://www.facebook.com/NationalFraternalOrderofPolice/photos/pcb.1365234003490755/1365233670157455/?type=3&theater) Facebook page. "As you continue to serve us in this tumultuous hour ... we should give you the resources you need to do your job, including our full-throated support," he wrote (Politico) (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/obama-police-open-letter-225766) Freddie Gray Case: Another Officer Not Guilty (WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/judge-set-to-deliver-verdict-against-highest-ranking-officer-charged-in-freddie-gray-case/2016/07/16/d3a10e09-1e01-42f0-a1a8-3a95f2c2449b_story.html?hpid=hp_local-news_freddiegray-5am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) , Baltimore S (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/freddie-gray/bs-md-ci-rice-analysis-20160718-story.html) un, TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/18/freddie-gray-case-judge-acquits-highest-ranking-officer/) , me) • A judge on Monday found the highest-ranking officer charged in Freddie Gray's arrest and death not guilty on all counts, dealing a devastating blow to prosecutors, who have now tried four of the six officers initially indicted without winning a conviction. The verdict renews questions about whether the state should move forward with charges against the remaining officers or not • Judge Barry Williams acquitted Lt Brian Rice, 42, of manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office after a week-long bench trial, finding that Rice didn't commit a crime when he loaded Gray into a police transport van without seat-belting him. Gray suffered a fatal neck injury as he was being taken to a police station • Gov Larry Hogan (R-Md) said Monday that he doesn't see the point of moving forward with the remaining trials against the officers. "It's a waste of time and money," Hogan said. "But that's up to the court system to decide." (prosecution has messed this up - overreach - handled it badly - if Rice wasn't convicted, it's unlikely anyone else will be) • Williams' verdict echoes his findings in the trials of two of the other officers. In each case, the judge focused on whether the officers deliberately disregarded the dept's general orders requiring them to seat-belt detainees. For a third time, he has found their actions weren't criminal. Two more officers await trial, one at the end of July and one in October • In Rice's case, the judge said prosecutors didn't prove the lieutenant acted with "wanton and abandon indifference to human life" just because he didn't put Gray in a seat belt. Williams added that failing to follow a general order requiring seat belts, even if Rice had been aware of it, "is not inherently criminal conduct." (so nobody is held accountable so far) WH Asks SCOTUS to Rehear Immigration Case (Reute (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-immigration-idUSKCN0ZY2LG) rs, me) • In a last-ditch effort to revive a WH plan to protect up to 4 million immigrants from deportation, the Obama admin on Monday asked the Supreme Court to rehear a case on which the eight-member court was split 4-4 last month (this was a bit of a surprise) • The decision left in place a lower court ruling that blocked the plan, which has never been in effect. The court is currently one justice short following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February. The DoJ asked the court to take a second look at the case once it has a full complement of nine justices - likely after President Obama leaves office (gamble that Clinton wins...) • Acknowledging that the high court rarely rehears cases, Acting Solicitor General Ian Gershengorn said the immigration case is unique because the court couldn't in future take another case to resolve the issue if the plan is blocked. The high court "should be the final arbiter of these matters through a definitive ruling," he wrote • Obama unveiled his plan in November 2014. It was quickly challenged in court by GOP-governed Texas and 25 other states that argued that Obama overstepped the powers granted to him by the Constitution by infringing upon the authority of Congress • The plan was tailored to let roughly 4 million people - those who have lived illegally in the U.S. at least 2010, have no criminal record and have children who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents - get into a program that shields them from deportation and supplies work permits Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Baton Rouge police shootings: Latest / GOP convention: Viewer's popcorn guide / Turkey coup attempt

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=0b6fb290e1&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Baton Rouge shootings: 3 officers dead * Baton Rouge shooter left online trail * Republican convention: Viewer's popcorn guide * Republican rumblings * Clinton works to woo progressives * Turkey coup: 6,000 arrests, US blamed Baton Rouge Shootings: 3 Officers Dead (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36822335) ,AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOT_BATON_ROUGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-18-03-13-46) , WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/3-police-officers-killed-3-wounded-in-baton-rouge/2016/07/17/3734a3a6-4c2f-11e6-aa14-e0c1087f7583_story.html) , Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/288095-obama-calls-for-unity-after-baton-rouge-shooting) , me) • President Obama called for restraint on Sunday after three police officers were shot dead in Baton Rouge, La. The gunman, Gavin Long, an African-American who had served for five years in the Marines, was also killed. He had posted videos on the internet complaining about police treatment of blacks (he also tweeted "YES TO POLYGAMY!" (ugh) • Tensions in Baton Rouge have been high since a black man, Alton Sterling, was shot dead by police two weeks ago. That death - and a second police shooting in Minnesota - sparked protests and triggered a revenge attack by a black Army veteran who shot dead five officers in Dallas (this, I fear, may not be over, although I so pray it is) • "The death of these three brave officers underscores the danger that police across the country confront every single day, and we as a nation have to be loud and clear that nothing justifies violence against law enforcement," Obama said from the WH. "We don't need careless accusations thrown around to score political points or to advance an agenda," Obama said (here we go) • Shortly after Obama spoke, Donald Trump took to Twitter. "President Obama just had a news conference, but he doesn't have a clue. Our country is a divided crime scene, and it will only get worse!" he tweeted. (Tumpuniter...) Obama had called for the need to "temper our words and open our hearts ... all of us." "People need to focus on words and actions that can unite this country." • The incident began Sunday morning with shots being fired at a gas station on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge. Police received reports of a man with an assault rifle. A witness said she saw a gunman wearing a black mask and military-style clothing &&& • Shots were exchanged over a period of more than 15 minutes, leaving three police officers and the suspect dead, with three other officers wounded, one in a critical condition • The dead officers were named as Montrell Jackson, 32, and Matthew Gerald, 41, of the Baton Rouge police dept, and Sheriff's Deputy Brad Garafola, 45. All three men had families. The suspect was named as 29-year-old Gavin Long, of Kansas City, Mo, a former Marine. It was his birthday • Long received an honorable discharge, and won several medals while in the military, including one for good conduct and a global war on terrorism service medal (at least five medal). Gov John Edwards (D-La) said "The violence and hatred has to stop." Police said they were investigating whether the gunman had help from unknown others • "I swear to God I love this city but I wonder if this city loves me," Jackson, an African-American, wrote on Facebook some days ago, saying he was "physically and emotionally tired." "In uniform, I get nasty hateful looks, and out of uniform some consider me a threat. I've experienced so much in my short life and these last 3 days have tested me to the core." • Referring to Baton Rouge, Jackson said, "This city MUST and WILL get better. I'm working in these streets so any protesters, officers, friends, family or whoever, if you see me and need a hug or want to say a prayer, I got you." (we got you and the other officers in our prayers, too - and we're all seeking healing as we strive towards justice and unity) Baton Rouge Shooter Left Online Trail (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/18/us/baton-rouge-shooting.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&hp) Guardia (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/17/baton-rouge-gunman-gavin-e-long-cosmo-setepenra-marines) n, me) • Gavin Long, who police say was responsible for killing three Baton Rouge police officers Sunday morning, appears to have visited web sites focused on complaints about the treatment of black people by police. On a social media site registered under Gavin Long, a man who refers to himself as "Cosmo" posted videos and podcasts and shared bios and info that matched Long's • In a YouTube video, the man discusses a bloody response to the killings of African-American men at the hands of police officers, rather than protests (the videos have been disabled - just as well - why should the creep get the publicity) • "One hundred percent of revolutions, of victims fighting their oppressors have been successful through fighting back, through bloodshed. Zero had been successful just over simply protesting. It doesn't - it has never worked and it never will. You got to fight back. That's the only way that a bully knows how to quit." (tell that to Gandhi - or Nelson Mandela in prison) • "You've got to stand on your rights, just like George Washington did, just like the other white rebels they celebrate and salute did," he added. "That's what Nat Turner did. That's what Malcolm did. You got to stand, man. You got to sacrifice." (you can sacrifice of yourself for a cause. but you have no right to assassinate others and pretend that that's sacrifice. it's just murder) • Oren Segal of the Anti-Defamation League said there was no info linking Long to any extremist group, but the ADL and others were investigating Long's possible use of aliases. WSJ reported that he was a member of a group called the New Freedom Group. There are no references to the group online. He claimed to have belonged to the Nation of Islam. No evidence to support Republican Convention: Viewer's Popcorn Guide (AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAMPAIGN_2016_CONVENTION_THINGS_TO_WATCH?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-17-18-03-09) Marie Claire (http://www.marieclaire.com/politics/a21587/republican-national-convention-nude-women/) , me) • What about Trump? Can Donald Trump nail it with his nomination acceptance speech in Cleveland Thursday night? No natural with a teleprompter and can come across as blah. But he'll be super-energized. He's been working on his speech for weeks and wants it to hit all the rights notes and convert new voters as well as fire up his followers (he loves show-time, folks) • Dissidents: The conservatives trying to derail Trump's nomination are on life support, but they may well make a last-ditch effort to get the full convention to let delegates back the candidate of their choice. They were shut down by the rules committee last week (fun). Then, there's always the possibility that protesters will try to bring things to a halt inside the hall • Mike Who? The convention will be a sort of coming-out party of Trump's VP pick, Gov Mike Pence (R-Ind). Known to GOP insiders as a steady conservative, a recent CBS News poll showed 86% of people said they didn't know enough about him to form an opinion. Plus, he and Trump barely know each other - look for their chemistry (Trump was soooo controlling on 60 Minutes) • Poor Paul: House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis), the convention chairman, has run hot, cold and lukewarm on Trump. He's got to try to unify the fractured party while hold himself at arm's length from its combative nominee. He'll give a policy-focused speech Tuesday night. If you get bored, try to count all the GOP lawmakers who aren't there. Plenty are skipping... (fishing, lawns...) • Talk Media News will pro (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) vide special on-the-scene coverage from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland all this week. Check back here with Talk Media News (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) throughout the day and throughout the week for the latest scoop • The Losers: A list of vanquished hopefuls from the GOP primary will be speaking - most of whom said some unspeakable things about Trump. How will they complete their transformation from anti-Trumps to cheerleaders? Watch Sen Ted Cruz (R-Texas): has called Trump a "pathological liar" / "lies practically every w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdy2de3LTe4) ord that comes out of his mouth" / "narcissist" / "utterly amoral".... • Celeb quotient: Lame-oh. Tim Tebow said no. Ten Nugent's on tour (boo hoo) Right now, the best of the low-wattage stars include former underwear model Antonio Sabato Jr (in underwear?) and pro golfer Natalie Gulbis. Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner's rabbi, Haskel Lookstein, backed out because his appearance had become too politically charged (smart) • Hillareee: Oh yes. Meanwhile, during the Trumpfest, Clinton will be zeroing in on a running mate and prepping for her convention next week. She'll be campaigning in the same state and addressing the NAACP in Cincinnati this morning, and running plenty of convention counterprogramming with anti-Trump ads (she's going to struggle to get attention - that she wants, that is) • Protesters: Authorities are preparing for spontaneous gatherings and the potential for violence. Black Lives Matter and Stand Together Against Trump plan to protest, as do Bikers for Trump, Tea Partiers for Trump and Truckers for Trump (it's a long list - both sides - oh, and100 women got naked on Sunday morn (http://www.marieclaire.com/politics/a21587/republican-national-convention-nude-women/) ing to protest Trump - yes there are pics...) • Gov John Kasich (R-Ohio) said Sunday that he doesn't have authority "arbitrarily" to suspend the state's open carry gun law's. Earlier, Cleveland police union president Steve Loomis pushed for suspension of the law during the convention following the shooting of several police officers in Baton Rouge (this is nuts that we can't do anything about it, we know that, right?) Republican Rumblings (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/17/us/politics/mike-pence-donald-trump.html?ref=politics) HuffP (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-pence-cabinet_us_578a2fd6e4b08608d334c354?g37dyhk5ncatw3ik9) o, Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/288076-trump-to-roll-out-names-of-potential-cabinet-members) , Hill (http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/288031-trump-campaign-solicits-illegal-foreign-donations-despite-warnings) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/16/citing-law-and-order-credentials-trump-taps-vp-pence/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/15/trump-picks-pence-vp/) , me) • Donald Trump stood alone on the stage and talked about himself and his own issues for 20 minutes on Saturday (not news) before he got to the point of why he was there: to introduce his new running mate, Gov Mike Pence (R-Ind). Trump said they were the "law and order candidates," that Pence "looks good" and mocked Republicans who had opposed him • Trump reportedly plans to roll out the names of potential Cabinet members at the convention this week, after his VP announcement failed to generate the enthusiasm he was hoping for. He was unable to tell the other top contenders for the position - Newt Gingrich and Chris Christie - about his choice before news had leaked on Thursday (must have been furious) • After the terror attack in Nice Thursday night, Trump postponed the event and unveiled his decision on Twitter Friday morning. Several reports have surfaced that Trump had second thoughts on Thursday night about his decision and tried to get out of it. Trump now says Pence was always his first choice - rumor that fired Corey Lewandowski didn't want Pence - and is still in touch • Trump wants to name Christie, the governor of New Jersey, his AG. Lt Gen Mike Flynn, who was also rumored as a potential VP pick, may be floated to serve as defense secretary, HuffPo reported. Newt Gingrich is open to being in the Cabinet (i'll bet) • Trump's campaign appears still to be breaking the law by soliciting illegal donations from foreign individuals - including members of foreign govts at their official email addresses - weeks after the campaign was put on notice by watchdog groups. The foreign pols are livid. Is it "gross incompetence, gross negligence or willful conduct?" as a watchdog's attorney asked (it's illegal) • On 60 Minutes Sunday, Donald Trump again misled and said he'd always been against the Iraq War. Also: "I don't care" that VP pick Mike Pence voted for it in Congress - "it's a long time ago" - "they were misled." "He's entitled to make a mistake every once in a while." Hillary Clinton's not? - She voted for the war, too, Lesley Stahl said. "No, she's not," Trump said (utterly illogical) Clinton Works to Woo Progressives (LAT, (http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-netroots-progressive-clinton-20160717-snap-story.html) me) • Hillary Clinton didn't ask progressive activists for their vote Saturday. Instead she asked that they "keep holding elected officials, including me, accountable." It was a video message to the annual Netroots Nation conference that acknowledged the deep skepticism among many present who would have rather seen Bernie Sanders become Democratic nominee • Activists at the conference said they'll push for a Clinton Cabinet stocked with liberal appointees and a legislative agenda just as progressive as the Democratic platform that was finalized this month in Orlando (notable that she sent a video and didn't go - guessing she didn't fancy being booed) • MoveOn.org, a progressive group that originally backed Sanders, is laying the groundwork for a scorched-earth effort called Unite Against Hate that will paint Trump as a dangerous bigot. Their research shows it's the best way to motivate young voters, single women and minorities repulsed by Trump who who are less likely to turn out to the polls in November • Clinton officials have emphasized the earlier chapters of her biography, when she worked with the Children's Defense Fund to fight racial segregation in schools. She's also doubled down on liberal policies, such as making higher education more affordable. "We are not going to get there unless we elect Hillary Clinton," Clinton policy adviser Ann O'Leary said (they need convincing) • In Clinton's video at Netroots, she pledged to introduce a constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United decision that opened the floodgates to more corporate money in political campaigns. Instead of the boos that greeted the mention of Clinton's name during the primary, there was only applause (that's a start, anyway) • On 60 Minutes, Lesley Stahl asked if Mike Pence agreed with Donald Trump that Sen John McCain (R-Ariz) wasn't a war hero because he was captured, as Trump argued. "I have a great deal or respect for John McCain - - -" Pence stammered. Trump interrupted: "You could say yes. That's OK." (what if he wanted to shout no? Oh - he can't now - drank the kool-aid)(Politico, (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/trump-pence-60minutes-convention-225685) me) Turkey Coup: 6,000 Arrests, US Blamed (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36815476) , WSJ (http://www.wsj.com/articles/turkey-widens-crackdown-after-coup-attempt-1468761724) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/15/turkey-attempted-military-coup-unfolding/) , me) • Turkey has arrested over 6,000 members of judiciary and military after a failed coup, with President Erdogan vowing to purge state bodies of the "virus" that caused the revolt. Nearly 8,000 police officers have been suspended. The overall death toll for the weekend's violence has risen to 290, the foreign ministry said. More than 100 were said to be participating in the coup • Turkish govt officials said Saturday that Turkey would view the U.S. as an enemy if the Obama admin doesn't hand over Fethullah Gulen, a reclusive but influential moderate Turkish cleric who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pa for 15 years. "Any country that stands behind him is no friend of Turkey, is engaged in a serious war with Turkey, PM Yildirim said • SecState John Kerry then told Turkish FM Cavusoglu in a phone call that "public insinuations or claims about any role by the U.S. in the failed coup attempt are utterly false and harmful to our bilateral relations." Kerry said of extradition, that Turkey should "present us with any legitimate evidence that withstands scrutiny." Gulen has suggested that Erdogan was behind the coup • Why does the attempted coup matter? Turkey straddles Europe and Asia. It's a leading member of NATO. The Islamist President Erdogan and his AK party have taken a strong interest in the Sunni Muslim-led govts in the region. The West sees Turkey as part of the solution in the Middle East = need for stability. Turkey is seen by EU as vital to control flow of migrants (BBC) (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36816045) • Turkey's justice minister Bozdag said there wasn't a single person in Turkey who doubted Gulen was behind the attack. "Does one need evidence to prove the existence of the Sun? This is just as clear a matter." He said Turkey would provide the paperwork, but hoped the U.S. would extradite without it (they'll have to come up with more than the Sun - Gulen supports democracy) • With so many detentions, one Twitter user noted: "this is an opportunity for the governing party to cleanse out all opposition to the presidential system." Erdogan's critics wonder if he could make use of the latest events as leverage to push harder for a constitutional change that would further enhance his powers - maybe bring back death penalty (suspect he'll have a good go) • Kerry said an extensive purge "would be a great challenge to his relationship to Europe, to NATO and to all of us, and we have urged them not to reach out so far that they're creating doubts about their commitment to the democratic process, and I hope it won't result in that." • The Tunisian man who drove his truck into crowds of people in Nice on Thursday, killing more than 80, researched the route in advance, French media report. Six people are being held in connection with the killings. On the day, the killer sent his brother in Tunisia a photo of himself in the crowds, seemingly "happy and pleased, laughing" (TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/17/nice-like-attacks-become-commonplace-security-analysts/) ,(BBC) (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36818719) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Nice truck attack: 84 dead / Trump delays VP pick: Trump convention: Benghazi - no Palin :(

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=8ecb8f9185&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Nice truck attack: 84+ killed * Politicians' reax * Obama: Town hall on race * Trump postpones VP pick * Trump's convention: Benghazi - no Palin :( * Clinton slams Trump to Latino group * Classified 28 pages on 9/11 out today? * Congress slinks off for 7-week recess Nice Truck Attack: 84+ Killed (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-36799172) , Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-crash-idUSKCN0ZU2K7) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/14/least-70-dead-truck-attacks-bastille-day-crowds-france/) , me) • At least 84 people have died, including children, and 18 people are critical in the hospital, after a truck zigzagged through a large crowd celebrating Bastille Day in the southern French city of Nice. The driver plowed on for 2km on the Promenade des Anglais about at 11 pm local time, before being shot dead by police • President Francoise Hollande said the attack was of "an undeniable terrorist nature." A state of emergency, in place since November's Paris attacks, has been extended by three months. France had been on high alert since those attacks in which 130 people died and hundreds were wounded • "All of France is under the threat of Islamic terrorism," Hollande said. The president added that "operational reserves" would be deployed to support the army and security forces across the country, with particular focus on the borders. On social media, ISIS supporters celebrated • The gunman was a 31-year-old Franco-Tunisian born in Tunisia, a police source close to the investigation said. The man wasn't on the watch list of French intel services, but was known to police in connection with common law crimes such as theft and violence, the source said. He opened fire before police shot him dead • No one has yet claimed responsibility, however prosecutors said the inquiry would be handled by anti-terror investigators. A reporter said the incident took place as the firework display was ending, adding: "We saw people hit and bits of debris flying around." An image on Twitter and videos showed about a dozen bodies lying in the street (no comment necessary - brutal horror) Politicians' Reax (Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287847-trump-bastille-day-terrorist-attack-horrific) , AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_FRANCE_TRUCK_ATTACK_WORLD_REACTION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-15-03-48-24) Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287858-clinton-attacks-in-france-horrific) , me) • President Obama condemned what he said "appears to be a horrific terrorist attack" in Nice. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved ones of those killed." Noting the attack occurred on Bastille Day, Obama praised "the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world." • Hillary Clinton vowed that "every American stands in strong solidarity with the people of France, and we say with one voice: We will not be intimidated. We will never allow terrorists to undermine the egalitarian and democratic values that underpin our very way of life." She called for an "intelligence surge." • Donald Trump said "this is war. If you look at it, this is war coming from all different parts." "This has to be dealt with very harshly. I'd be making it very, very hard for people to come into our country from terrorist countries." Trump also demanded Obama refer to "Islamic terrorism" (because that will terrify ISIS into stopping right. now. cold.) • European Council president Donald Tusk said, "It is a tragic paradox that the victims of the attack were people celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity. We will stand united with the families of victims, the French people and the govt in the fight against violence and hatred." • Watch: Some of the world's most famous musicians of color - including Beyonce, Rihanna and Pharrell Williams -have appeared in a powerful political video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_VaNhI4CLo) "23 Ways You Could Be Killed If You Are Black In America" has each celebrity read out one of the ways an African-American has been killed by police officers. It's put together by Alicia Keys - and is must-see Obama: Town Hall on Race (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/15/us/politics/tensions-flare-at-obamas-town-hall-on-race-and-police.html?ref=politics) , Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/287855-obama-i-unequivocally-condemn-rhetoric-toward-police-officers) AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_OBAMA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-14-20-04-10) me) • In an hourlong televised event on Thursday, President sought for solutions to issues between police and minority communities by promoting a broad dialogue on race and reconciliation. Calling for "open hearts," he urged Americans not to cloister themselves in separate corners (easier said than done - America's most challenging issue has stayed that way for a reason) • "The phrase 'Black Lives Matters' simply refers to the notion that there's a specific vulnerability for African-Americans that needs to be addressed, Obama said. "It's not meant to suggest that other lives don't matter; it's to suggest that other folks aren't experiencing this particular vulnerability." (ok - can we move on now?) • Cameron Sterling, 15, the son of Alton Sterling, a black man killed by police in a confrontation in Baton Rouge, was the first with a question. "I ask that you keep all of these families and my family safe, and the people, and the rest of the good police officers safe from bad people and bad police officers. I ask for your help to unite all the races of this world." (this kid is amazing) • Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick (R) asked "you to consider not being too quick to condemn the police without due process and until the facts are known." An irritated Obama said he has been "unequivocal in condemning any rhetoric directed at police officers." "I'll be happy to send it to you in case you missed it." • In a particularly tense moment at the end of the town hall, the daughter of a man who died in a police confrontation started screaming after being denied a chance to question the president. "I was railroaded!" she yelled. Erica Garner, daughter of Eric Garner, later met briefly with Obama in private, the WH said (very sad - it was two years ago - someone messed up here) • Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg apologized Thursday for her remarks about Donald Trump: "On reflection, my recent remarks in response to press inquiries were ill-advised and I regret making them. Judges should avoid commenting on a candidate for public office. In the future I will be more circumspect." Trump (whined) that "it wasn't really an apology (actually, he's right...) (TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/supreme-court/2016/07/14/ginsburg-regrets-ill-advised-remarks-about-trump/) me) Trump Postpones VP Pick (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAMPAIGN_2016?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-14-23-32-02) , NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/15/us/politics/mike-pence-donald-trump-vice-president.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/14/trump-postpones-vp-announcement-following-attack-in-nice/) TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/14/deal-to-defuse-rules-committee-drama-fizzles/) , TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/14/trump-campaign-says-no-vp-decision-made/) me) • Donald Trump abruptly postponed plans to announce his VP pick following a day of rampant speculation, citing the "horrible attack" in Nice, France, that left scores dead. Trump had planned to hold his first event with his yet-to-be-named running mate this morning in New York (so this gives him more time in case he hasn't decided and he isn't overshadowed = win/win) • The stunning announcement raised questions about the status of Trump's selection process. Gov Mike Pence (R-Ind) had emerged as a late favorite for the job, though Trump said he hadn't finalized the pick and advisers cautioned he could change his mind. "I haven't made my final, final decision," Trump said on Fox News (anyone else bored with the show yet?) • In addition to Pence, Trump's VP shortlist included former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga) and Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ), according to people familiar with Trump's thinking. Pence flew to New York late Thursday, according to a Republican familiar with the process. Pence is a staunch conservative who is popular with GOP leaders • Trump didn't say when he plans to announce his running mate. He's up against a clock: The GOP convention kicks off in Cleveland on Monday. Pence is running for reelection, but Indiana law prevents him from seeking two offices at once. He faces a deadline today to withdraw from the governor's race (doesn't mean the announcement has to be made, though) • Top party officials are grappling with a rules fight that could increase the odds of nationally televised clashes at the convention. Late Thursday, a committee at the Republican convention defeated an effort by conservatives who want to let delegates vote for any presidential candidate they'd like. Conservatives hoped that would lead to blocking Trump's nomination Trump's Convention: Benghazi - No Palin :( (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/14/us/politics/republican-convention-speakers-donald-trump.html?action=click&contentCollection=Politics&module=RelatedCoverage&region=EndOfArticle&pgtype=article) WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-promises-showbiz-at-convention-but-stars-on-stage-will-be-relatively-dim/2016/07/13/2e28d14e-4453-11e6-bc99-7d269f8719b1_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_conventionstars720p%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&tid=a_inl) , TPM (http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/palin-not-going-rnc-too-far-away) , me) • A night highlighting the tragedy in Benghazi, Libya. A presentation detailing former President Bill Clinton's sexual misconduct. Donald Trump's Republican National Convention in Cleveland lacks many of the party's rising stars, but he's eager to put his showbiz stamp on the gathering (really? sexual misconduct and Hillary Clinton's "enabling?" really?) • There are several women speaking. They include Pam Bondi, the Florida AG, who tangled - to her detriment - on TV with CNN anchor Anderson Cooper after the Orlando nightclub massacre; Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle mission; Sen Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) (famed pig castrator) and Trump's wife, Melania (famous for saying Trump isn't Hitler) • There are a few African-Americans, like Jamiel Shaw Sr, who became an outspoken advocate for tougher immigration laws after his son was killed by an undocumented immigrants. From sports the RNC said there would be former quarterback Tebow - Update: no, it was a "rumor"; Dana White, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and professional golfer Natalia Gulbis • A handful of governors and other lawmakers are scheduled to give addresses, including former primary opponents Sen Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Gov Scott Walker (R-Wis), Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ) and former Gov Mike Huckabee (R-Ark), as well as retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson (hometown Ohio Gov John Kasich will be notably absent, though) • Talk Media News will pro (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) vide special on-the-scene coverage from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next week 18 - 21 July. Check back here with Talk Media News (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) throughout the day and throughout the week for the latest scoop No Sarah Palin? Trump: "Long Ways Away" • Trump's children are scheduled to speak. But what is striking is who isn't on the list: Sarah Palin? "She was asked," Trump said. "It's a little bit difficult because of where she is. We love Sarah. Little bit difficult because of, you know, it's a long ways away." (hahaha how about sending your plane? - you can see Russia from her house - that would be a treat for the pilot) • Night 1 is Benghazi followed by anti-immigrant border control agents, and other speakers. Night 2 is the economy. The nominee for VP on Night 3 as well as other speakers. Donald Trump on Night 4, as well as others. (not sure which night is the Bill Clinton Sexy Fest) • Not speaking are the GOP's past two presidential nominees, Mitt Romney and Sen John McCain (R-Ariz), as well as its only two living former presidents, George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush. None will be in Cleveland for the fun (think about it - the four most prominent Republicans - not coming) • Also excluded from the list are many of the party's more diverse rising stars, including Gov Nikki Haley (R-SC), Gov Susana Martinez (R-NM), Sens Marco Rubio (R-Fla) and Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep Mia Love (R-Utah) (hmmm wonder why not...) • Some Senate Republicans were "freaked out" about polls showing Donald Trump leading or tied in several battleground states during a private meeting with Hillary Clinton in the Capitol Thursday. Clinton said people are unhappy and they don't trust institutions (no, they don't trust you - if you don't deal with reality, you won't win)(Hill, (http://thehill.com/homenews/house/287845-democrats-freaked-out-about-polls-in-meeting-with-clinton) me) Clinton Slams Trump to Latino Group (AP (http://elections.ap.org/content/amid-vp-speculation-kaine-joins-clinton-campaign-trail) , Hill (http://thehill.com/latino/287746-clinton-to-latinos-i-need-your-help-against-trump) , me) • Hillary Clinton vowed to expand President Obama's executive actions on immigration after the Supreme Court's deadlocked decision, calling on Latino voters to help stop what she called GOP rival Donald Trump's efforts "to fan the flames of racial division." • "Donald Trump is running the most divisive campaign of our lifetime. His message is that you should be afraid," she told a gathering of Latino activists. "We've got to come back twice as strong and twice as clear. We have got to say with one voice that Latinos are a vital part of the American community." (the key is registration and showing up to vote) • Speaking at the convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens on Thursday, Clinton promised to create a clearer immigration system where immigrants with "sympathetic cases" or a history of community service can be eligible for special status • She also vowed to eliminate family detention centers, which hold undocumented immigrant families, including children and babies, for weeks or even months in what advocates call prison-like conditions while they wait for legal procession. "I'm going to work my heart out but I need your help," Clinton said. "This is your election." • Trump's promises to build a wall along the Southern border, create a special deportation force to catch undocumented immigrants and references to Mexican immigrants as criminals and rapists have alienated many Latino voters. "They will nominate someone who thinks Latino outreach is tweeting a picture of a taco bowl (https://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_480w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2016/05/05/National-Politics/Images/trump-taco-bowl1462484641.jpg?uuid=fKxZFBMKEeaptb9wOlpxkQ) ," said Clinton • SecState John Kerry is in Russia, where he met President Putin Thursday evening. Kerry took a proposal to boost military and intel cooperation against ISIS and al Qaeda in Syria, despite doubts among U.S. defense and intel officials (Reuters) (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-usa-idUSKCN0ZU25O) Classified 28 Pages on 9/11 Out - Today? (CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/14/politics/28-pages-on-alleged-saudi-arabia-ties-to-sept-11-attacks-to-be-released/index.html) , WashExa (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/white-house-wont-confirm-friday-release-of-28-pages/article/2596508) m, Independe (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/911-report-saudi-arabia-links-conspiracy-secret-28-pages-declassified-a7137361.html) nt, me) • The long-classified 28 pages detailing alleged ties of the Saudi Arabian govt to the 9/11 hijackers will be released by Congress as early as today, sources told CNN. The secret doc was part of a 2002 congressional investigation of the attacks and has been classified since the report's completion. Turns out there are actually 29 pages (will believe it when I see it) • WH spox Josh Earnest wouldn't confirm the report. "I don't have a specific date to confirm for you," he told reporters Thursday. "Any time we're talking about declassifying and releasing sensitive national security info, we need to weigh the diplomatic equities involved," he said (they really don't want it out) • "It is going to increase the questioning of the Saudis' role supporting the hijackers," said former Sen Bob Graham (D-Fla), who chaired the investigating committee. "Would the U.S. govt have kept info that was just speculation away from American people for 14 years if somebody didn't think it was going to make a difference?" (point) • "There were clues. There were allegations. There were witness reports. There was evidence about the hijackers, about people they met with - all kinds of different things that the 9/11 Commission was then tasked with reviewing and investigating," said former Rep Tim Roemer (D-Ind), who was part of the congressional inquiry and on the 9/11 Commission • Both Democratic and Republican members of Congress said they would pass legislation to compel the release of the docs if President Obama didn't. A senior Saudi official said that Riyadh will make any potential suspects available for interviews by U.S. authorities. So far, the official said, the Saudi govt has received no such requests • This is the best: Map of all the countries that new British Foreign Secretary Bori (http://indy100.independent.co.uk/article/update-a-map-of-all-the-countries-boris-johnson-has-offended--W1zaTLC63rW?utm_source=indy&utm_medium=top5&utm_campaign=i100) s Johnson has offended or insulted - it's interactive so you can click on a country to find out just how rude he's been. Oh yes, the U.S.A. is in there... (Independent, me) Congress Slinks Off for 7-Week Recess (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESS_RDP?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-14-16-20-40) , Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/287776-senate-punts-zika-fight-to-the-fall) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/congress/2016/07/14/ryan-defends-houses-track-record-in-lead-up-to-august-recess/) , me) • Congress exited a sweltering Washington on Thursday, its dysfunction on full display as it left behind must-do legislation to combat the mosquito-borne Zika virus and a stalemate over lawmakers' basic job of fulfilling agency budgets (so stock up on Deep Woods Off! - because the pols did nothing to help you. nothing) • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) trumpeted victories on opioid abuse legislation and other, more modest bills. But a continuing impasse over the Pentagon budget sent McConnell's effort to revive the process for advancing annual spending bills off the rails (roll on short term spending bills in the fall) • Calls by Democrats for modest curbs on gun sales went unheeded as lawmakers embarked on a seven-week vacation extended by the national political conventions this month. (stunning - not even guns) Democratic nominee-to-be Hillary Clinton paid a visit to Senate Democrats amid new polls showing a tightening race against Donald Trump • As the last act before lawmakers sped away from the Capitol, Senate Democrats again blocked a $1.1 billion take-it-or-leave-it Zika measure drafted by Republicans controlling Congress, protesting a provision that would block Planned Parenthood clinics in Puerto Rico from receiving money to fight the virus • "The Republicans are choosing vacation over protecting pregnant women and their babies from these terrible birth defects that can be prevented," said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) from the Senate floor (would love to see an analysis of how what percentage of U.S. senators can actually get pregnant...) • Mick Jagger, 72, is expecting his eighth child. OMG. WTF. His girlfriend, Melanie Hamrick, 29, (https://nyppagesix.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/2-photosjagger.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1200) is pregnant. She's a ballerina. Rocking into the weekendwith "You Can't Always Get What (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqMl5CRoFdk) You Want" (but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Trump: The VP winner is - 11am Friday! / Cleveland braces for chaos / Congress lurches to exits

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=ccfbfc5735&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Trump: aaand the VP winner - 11 am Friday! * Cleveland's cops, courts brace for protests * FBI checking extremist groups * Clinton: GOP "party of Trump" * Obama urges activists and police: Bridge divide * Ginsberg in hot water over Trump slam * Kerry to Moscow: Let's make a deal * Congress lurches for the exits Trump: aand the VP winner is - Friday 11 am (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/14/us/politics/mike-pence-donald-trump.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287664-trump-to-reveal-vp-in-new-york-friday) me) • Stranded in Indianapolis Wednesday after an aircraft malfunction, Donald Trump brought the veepstakes to him. He met throughout the day with three finalists - including two, Newt Gingrich and Sen Jeff Sessions (R-Ala), flown in solely for that purpose. Trump and his children huddled with Gov Mike Pence (R-Ind) at Pence's home • Trump's sudden series of back-to-back conversations with VP finalists gave at least the impression of indecision. Wednesday, Trump tweeted that he would announce his running mate at 11 am Eastern on Friday. Trump also spoke by phone Wednesday with Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ) (this VP show has fake exxxcitement - Mr Robot is better) • Among Trump's advisers, Pence is seen as the lowest-risk option: a stolid if unspectacular choice, helpful for locking up conservative votes and perhaps boosting Trump's appeal across the Midwest. Yet Trump hasn't seemed publicly enthusiastic for Pence. "Who the hell knows?" Trump mused Tuesday about his prospects to be VP (who the hell does? you do - it's all a tease) • Even as Trump's political advisers have largely rallied around Pence, there remains considerable affection for Gingrich within the Trump family, particularly from Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. Gingrich said Wednesday that Trump was like a "pirate" and so was he, and that Trump had to weigh whether he wanted that on the ticket (maybe it will be a surprise - snore...) • Trump told WSJ this week that his VP must be an "attack dog." But he backtracked on Fox News Wednesday and said he wasn't looking for an attack dog. Pence is a comparatively unfamiliar face. If he would seem the safe choice politically, it would be a rare move for Trump to go outside his personal comfort zone to make perhaps his most important decision of the election Cleveland's Cops, Courts Brace for Protests (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/14/us/politics/cleveland-rnc-protests.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) me) • With thousands of protesters expected to descend on Cleveland for next week's Republican convention, city officials have devised intricate plans to handle mass arrests should chaos break out on the streets, identifying jail facilities to house more than 975 arrested protesters and keeping courts open for 20 hours daily to process cases • And to guard against violence, authorities have been collecting intel on extremist groups to identify any possible threats. The killing of five officers in Dallas last week added urgency to the planning, as officials tightened their security plans for handling what was already expected to be a volatile atmosphere surrounding the nomination of Donald Trump • The event is attracting myriad groups, including white nationalist groups the American Freedom Party and Blood & Honour, along with skin heads and the anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church. "Everything She Says Means Everything" is working to have 100 naked women gather outside the convention, while a bus full of 21 nuns will be serving lemonade to crowds (at same time??) • "We are not going to be out with helmets and shields and all this other kind of stuff. We are going to be in regular uniforms," (not naked, then?) said Mayor Frank Jackson. "And if in fact there is a need to deal with something that is more aggressive, they will escalate according to the need. But it will be appropriate." (definition of appropriate, please) • Talk Media News will pro (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) vide special on-the-scene coverage from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next week 18 - 21 July. Check back here with Talk Media News (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) throughout the day and throughout the week for the latest scoop FBI Checking Anarchists, White Supremacists etc (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/14/us/politics/cleveland-rnc-protests.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) me) • The FBI has been looking into domestic and foreign terrorism threats but has found no direct threat from any group targeting the convention. Agents have cast a wide net, looking into anarchists, environmental activists, white supremacists, black separatists, extremist gun rights groups and sovereign citizens groups that believe they don't need to abide by federal laws (great) • FBI agents and Cleveland cops have also been knocking on local protesters' doors and asking questions about their plans for the convention, a tactic that has alarmed some who think that the authorities are already being too aggressive (hello, ms Smith, are you a subversive vegan commie pinko? here, meet Stella, my friendly steel baton) • Cleveland is bringing in roughly 2,500 law enforcement officers from as far away as California, Texas and Florida to bolster its own convention-dedicated force of about 500 officers. It's deploying a video unit to document crowd management and police activity (will there be drones? haven't seen reporting on that) • Some are worried that the city's Police Dept, which is being monitored by the Dept of Justice, could be eager to use some of the equipment it bought using a $50 million grant it received for convention security (note that - it's being monitored by the Justice Dept) • The Ohio chapter of the National Lawyers Guild said the city has purchased 2,000 sets of riot gear, 2,000 steel batons, 24 sets of bulletproof vests and helmets and 10,000 sets of plastic handcuffs (what's the point of having all the toys if you can't play with them a little bit?) • Interactive with pics and maps! In preparation for next week's GOP convention, half of downtown Cleveland will (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/07/13/us/politics/cleveland-republican-convention-protest-preparations.html?smid=tw-nytpolitics&smtyp=cur) be under restrictions. Demonstrators will be limited to a few sites, blocks from the convention center - oh but goody they can carry guns, including open carry (NYT, me) Clinton: GOP "Party of Trump" (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAMPAIGN_2016_CLINTON?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) , WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clinton-lambastes-trump-as-unfit-to-lead-a-country-dealing-with-race-violence/2016/07/13/acb877c0-48ff-11e6-bdb9-701687974517_story.html) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/13/clinton-trump-tied-in-key-swing-states-polls/) , me) • Hillary Clinton said Wednesday that the Republican Party of Abraham Lincoln has been transformed into "the party of Trump," declaring her GOP presidential opponent a polarizing figure who is deepening the divisions in America (she would know all about polarizing figures) • Clinton embraced the symbolism of Lincoln's "House Divided" speech, using the Illinois Old State House chamber as the backdrop to argue that the nation needs to repair its divisions after a series of police shootings. "This man is the nominee of the party of Lincoln. We are watching it become the party of Trump. And that's not just a huge loss for our democracy - it is a threat to it." • "As someone in the middle of a hotly fought political campaign, I cannot stand here and claim that my words and actions haven't sometimes fueled the partisanship that often stands in the way of our progress," Clinton said a week after she faced criticism from the FBI director over her emails. "So I recognize I have to do better, too." (that's refreshing - most of us have to do better) • Clinton cited Trump's toying with "creating a database to track Muslims in America," his provocative statements about women and his work during Obama's presidency to promote the "birther movement." Clinton called Trump "dangerous," "divisive," "fear-mongering," and "pitting American against American." (but now he's using a teleprompter and scripts - careful) • She also sought to send a warning of what a Trump presidency might bring, telling supporters, "Imagine if he had not just Twitter and cable news to go after his critics and opponents, but also the IRS - or for that matter, the entire military." Trump has a 2-point lead in Florida and Pennsylvania and they're tied in Ohio - battlegrounds. (Not good news for Clinton. At All) • Hillary Clinton will meet with Senate Democrats for lunch today, a source familiar with the meeting said, joining the caucus for their last meeting before the conventions and recess. After the meeting, Clinton is expected to campaign with Sen Tim Kaine (D-Va) in Virginia. Kaine is a frontrunner to be named Clinton's running mate (she's torn between safe and risky - risky is vital for her) Obama Urges Activists and Police to Bridge Divide (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/14/us/politics/tensions-between-police-and-blacks-are-likely-to-worsen-obama-says.html?ribbon-ad-idx=9&rref=homepage&module=Ribbon&version=origin&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Home%20Page&pgtype=article) , Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/obama-outlines-next-goals-on-policing-225512) o, Hill, (http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/287670-obama-vents-on-racial-tension-after-four-hour-meeting) me) • President Obama said Wednesday that the profound tensions between the police and African-American communities were likely to worsen "for quite some time" after the series of wrenching shooting deaths this month, urging law enforcement officials and civil rights activists at a lengthy and sometimes tense WH gathering to keep pressing to bridge their differences • "There is no doubt that police depts still feel embattled and unjustly accused, and there is no doubt that minority communities, communities of color, still feel like it just takes too long to do what's right," Obama said. "We have to, as a country, sit down and just grind it out - solve these problems." (grind it out is a good way to put it - leading to a just and peaceful society) • Obama listed five areas of agreement, including the need to build more confidence that there's fair investigations after police use force, as well as helping local depts with training, hiring and recruiting. The group also discussed ways to improve police data use and collection and how the govt can help the 18,000 law enforcement entities in the U.S. coordinate their efforts • Hostility flared at times behind closed doors at the session, particularly as those representing police organizations clashed with people who had been arrested at protests, said Rashad Robinson, executive director of the online civil rights group Color of Change, who was at the meeting. "What we heard was a willingness to listen," he said (that's the start of everything) • The hastily arranged meeting came the same day as funerals began for five Dallas police officers slain last week by a black man, and one day after Obama traveled to Dallas to memorialize the officers. Obama will attend a town hall meeting today devoted to race and law enforcement that ABC and ESPN will broadcast (town halls need to happen at grass roots, too) • Sen Tim Scott (R-SC), the first black Republican elected to the South in more than a century, gave the second of three speeches on race on the Senate floor Wednesday. He said he's been stopped by police seven times in one year. Capitol police told him last year: "The pin I know, you I don't. Show me your ID." He got a phone call apologizing later - he's now had three (WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/on-the-senate-floor-black-gop-senator-talks-of-disrespect-from-police/2016/07/13/db67c7de-4949-11e6-bdb9-701687974517_story.html?tid=pm_politics_pop_b) ) Ginsberg in Hot Water Over Trump Slam (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SUPREME_COURT_GINSBURG_TRUMP?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-13-15-45-40) , Politic (http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/07/ruth-bader-ginsburg-donald-trump-supreme-court-politics-history-214044) o,Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287578-dem-rep-tells-trump-to-shut-the-f-up-over-ginsburg) , TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/13/trump-calls-for-justice-ginsburgs-resignation-claims-her-mind-is-shot/) me) • Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's public criticism of Donald Trump is dividing legal experts over whether the leader of the court's liberal wing should recuse herself in any future case involving him. She called Trump a "faker" who "really has an ego" in a CNN interview and "I can't imagine what this country would be - with Donald Trump as president" to NYT • Trump, who is 69, quickly fired back at Ginsberg, who was appointed to the high court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. He tweeted Wednesday that the 83-year-old justice was an embarrassment for making "very dumb political statements about me. Her mind is shot - resign!" "I think I am questioning her mental capacity," he said on Fox News on Wed (read her opinions) • Rep Alan Grayson (D-Fla) tweeted to the presumptive Republican nominee to "shut the fu*k up." WH spox Josh Earnest refused Wednesday to say whether her comments were appropriate in the eyes of the WH, but joked: "She didn't earn the nickname the 'Notorious RBG' for nothing." (everyone knows she's a liberal Democrat. So why is this a surprise?) Would She Recuse if SCOTUS Decided the Election? • What if a situation were to arise this year like that in Bush v. Gore, the case in which the Supreme Court decided the outcome of the 2000 presidential election on a partisan 5-4 vote? Stephen Gillers, professor at NYU School of Law, said it's theoretically possible that Chief Justice John Roberts and the rest of Ginsberg's colleagues could force her to recuse herself • But in the long history of the precedent-bound Supreme Court, that's never happened, he said. "The court routinely defers to the decision of the justice," he said. "If Ginsberg declined to recuse herself in such a case that would be the end of the story. The court will not review it." (why should she? Sandra Day O'Connor didn't - see below) • Justice Sandra Day O'Connor told the guests at an election party that Al Gore's election victory in 2000 was "terrible." One hundred years ago, Charles Evans Hughes won the GOP presidential nomination on the third ballot at the party's national convention, and only then resigned his Supreme Court seat (wow) • Justice William Douglas regularly played cards with FDR. Justice Abe Fortas continued secretly advising President Lyndon Johnson after he put Fortas on the court in 1965 (see Politico story for more hair-raising examples) • Theresa May took the helm as Britain's new PM on Wednesday and made Boris Johnson, who led the campaign to leave EU with no plan and many falsehoods, her foreign secretary. Boris referred to President Obama as the "part-Kenyan president" in a recent column, and in 2007 referred to Hillary Clinton looking like "a sadistic nurse in a mental hospital." (good times ahead) (WaPo, (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/07/13/boris-johnson-britains-new-top-diplomat-has-said-some-very-undiplomatic-things/?tid=pm_pop_b) TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/13/david-cameron-steps-aside-passes-brexit-challenge-to-theresa-may/) me) Kerry to Moscow: Let's Make a Deal (AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SYRIA_DIPLOMACY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) me) • Frustrated by months of failure in Syria, the Obama admin is taking what might be its final offer to Moscow: Enhanced intel and military cooperation against ISIS and other extremist groups if Syria's Russian-backed president Bashar Assad upholds a ceasefire with U.S.-supported rebel groups and starts a political transition (first he puts on his piggy wings and flies) • When SecState John Kerry meets Russia's top diplomat and possibly President Putin in Moscow later this week, Syria's civil war and Assad's future will top the agenda. Kerry is trying to reverse a trend in which he has hailed a series of agreements with the Russians only for them to fall short - officials with knowledge (translation: Russians, Syrians, Iranians broke them) • Kerry will have to thread a needle. He's watched the Syrian and Russian air force violate truce after truce in recent months. Kerry will be wary about offering too much. The talks in Moscow are scheduled fewer than three weeks before an August ultimatum for diplomatic progress. All signs augur poorly for a breakthrough • Fighting is intensifying near Aleppo. Assad has reasserted control over more areas of the country he had once lost. Humanitarian aid deliveries to besieged, rebel-held areas are sporadic and grossly insufficient. And counterterrorism campaigns against ISIS and al Qaeda show no end in sight, meaning any peace would be partial (that's a depressing litany) • "Either something happens in these next few months or they [Russia, Syria] are asking for a very different track," Kerry told reporters two months ago. But that "very different track" has remained undefined beyond vague hints of a military intervention involving Saudi troops. The WH and Pentagon don't want to get sucked into a greater a role (so no real leverage) • Russian authorities briefly detained and then deported Jeff Shell, chief of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees U.S. govt broadcasting overseas, including Voice of America. He was told he was subject to a lifetime ban because his name was on a "stop list" that Russia widened in response to U.S. visa sanctions on Russians (getting nasty) (AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_UNITED_STATES_RUSSIA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) me) Congress Lurches For the Exits (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESS_BUDGET?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-14-03-12-35) , Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/287656-congresss-first-major-opioids-bill-heads-to-obamas-desk) , Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/287564-reid-gop-putting-trump-over-senate-work) , me) • A divided House is about to pass a $32 billion spending bill for the Interior Dept and environmental regulations as Congress prepares to exit Washington for a seven-week recess, but the bill faces a WH veto threat. The House measure would block EPA rules on coal-fired power plants and clean water rules involving coal operations • Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are poised to vote today to again block bills to finance the fight against the Zika virus and fund the Pentagon for the upcoming budget year. The Zika measure has been hung up over Democratic objections to GOP language that would block Planned Parenthood clinics in Puerto Rico from receiving money to fight the virus (just let it run rampant) • "We offered Republicans a legitimate compromise in the hopes they would join us at the negotiating table," Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) said Wed on the Senate floor. "But it's clear they don't want to stay in DC. They want to rush to Cleveland and wave the flag for Donald Trump." (we'll miss your snark, Harry) • Senate Democrats also have blocked action on a huge Pentagon spending bill over a move by House Republicans to use accounting moves to add $18 billion to the measure. Democrats say the move would unravel last year's hard-fought budget deal, which reversed curbs on both Pentagon and domestic accounts • The WH on Wednesday reluctantly agreed to sign off on Congress's first major bill to fight opioid abuse, but "Congressional Republicans have not done their jobs until they provide the funding for treatment that communities need to combat this epidemic," a WH statement said - the bill doesn't have an additional $900 million to help expand treatment capacity. (but it's Congress' one big win) • House Science, Space and Technology Committee chair Lamar Smith (R-Texas) said Wed he intended to subpoena the Democratic AGs of New York and Massachusetts as well as eight environmental groups for conspiring to deny free speech to global warming deniers. Ranking member Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) called the investigation "illegitimate"(TMN, me) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/congress/2016/07/13/democratic-attorney-generals-subpoenaed-over-prosecuting-climate-change-skeptics/) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Trump: Ginsberg's "mind is shot" / Obama strives for unity / Sanders <3 Clinton - at last💕

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=ee93f3620d&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Obama strives for unity * Racism: Anguished black responses * Sanders <3 Clinton - at last * Trump: Sanders "totally sold out" * Trump: Black Lives Matter "divisive" * Trump: Ginsberg's "mind is shot" * No gun vote in house: GOP leaders - go home * Lynch frustrates GOP-led House panel - 74 times Obama Strives for Unity (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_LOUISIANA_TXOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-13-04-08-44) , AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_DALLAS_FUNERALS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-13-03-38-29) AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_OBAMA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-13-03-19-05) , Politic (http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2016/07/disney-obama-town-hall-225449) o, Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/barack-obama-dallas-shooting-police-225448) o, TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/12/obama-dallas-not-divided-seem/) , me) • President Obama will host law enforcement, mayors, academics and activists at the WH this afternoon to consider how more of the recommendations from an earlier task force on "21st Century Policing" can be implemented. He will take part in a town hall on race featuring "candid discussions" that will be broadcast across Disney media properties this evening • Obama in Dallas urged Americans rattled by a week of violence and protests to find "open hearts" and new empathy Tuesday in a speech that seesawed between honoring police officers for their bravery and decrying racial prejudice that can affect their work. He spoke near five empty chairs for the police officers killed last week by a black man (very poignant) • Obama sought to reassure the nation that he understands the impact of the unsettling events of the past week - including the killing of two black men by police officers as well as the Dallas attacks. "It is as if the deepest fault lines of our democracy have suddenly become exposed, perhaps even widened," he said (they have - it's time for real work to a just, peaceful society) • Undaunted, the president urged Americans to cast aside such doubt and replace it with faith in the nation's institutions and progress. "Dallas, I'm here to say we must reject such despair. I'm here to insist that we are not as divided as we seem. And I know because I know America. I know how far we've come against impossible odds," he said • Police arrested three suspects and were seeking a possible fourth suspect accused of stealing several handguns as part of what authorities Tuesday described as "substantial, credible threat" to harm police officers in the Baton Rouge area • Speaking before Obama, former President George W. Bush said, "Too often we judge other groups by their worst examples, while judging ourselves by our best intentions. And this has strained our bonds of understanding and common purpose." • Bush and other speakers paid tribute to the fallen officers - Brent Thompson, a 43-year-old newlywed; Patrick Zamarripa, 32, a Navy veteran who served in Iraq; Michael Krol, 40, an athlete and basketball lover; Michael Smith, 55, a former Army Ranger and father of two; and Lorne Ahrens, whose wife is a police detective • If Americans "cannot talk honestly and openly" among themselves and those who look different or come from a different life experience, Obama said, "then we will never break this dangerous cycle." "Can we do this? Can we find the character as Americans to open our hearts to each other?" (we can and we shall. it's inevitable. force of unity is stronger than chaos) • Funerals will be held today for Ahrens, Smith and Thompson. More funerals are scheduled for Friday and Saturday Racism: Anguished Black Responses (Roll Ca (http://www.rollcall.com/news/union-station-protester-draws-celebrity-attention?utm_name=newsletters&utm_source=rollcalllunch&utm_medium=email) ll, Post and Couri (http://www.postandcourier.com/20160711/160719847/sen-tim-scott-angry-hurting-american-family-needs-to-sit-down-talk) er, me) • A young black man standing stoically in Union Station, DC, drew the attention of passersby. He was holding a sign where he had written in green marker: "Will I become the next endangered species?" A handful of people walking by stopped to shake his hand and take his picture. Ayinde Wilson, 28, stood silently. He said he didn't want to be disruptive - but to make people think • "I want people to notice the sign instead of my mouth," Wilson said. "It's just something that I felt inspired to do. And it's a real question. It is a real question. Will the black man become the next endangered species?" "[Police] are killing us. We're killing us. And that's the issue. And nobody is speaking about that." (pic of him in Roll Call article - very powerful) • Separately, Sen Tim Scott, the only black Republican in South Carolina's congressional delegation, described his emotional state last week as "pain and agony." He said he was "surprised" his GOP colleagues didn't release statements or comment publicly on the deaths of Alton Sterling or Philando Castile, yet held moments of silence for the Dallas police officers • Country musician and inspirational speaker Coffey Anderson decided to make a social media video: "Stop the Violence Safety Video For (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzs2QvtiTe8) When You Get Pulled Over by the Police." The video has gone viral, with 30 million Facebook views, but it's provoked reax from fervent praise to furious criticism. Check it out - he might pull it due to attacks (WaPo, (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/07/11/how-philando-castiles-killing-changed-the-way-blacks-talk-about-traffic-stops/?utm_term=.c32597ffa699) me) • Monday, Scott delivered the first in a three-part series of speeches on the Senate floor in which he plans to draw on his personal experiences and offer perspectives on how to achieve unity in a moment of rampant anger and distrust - but he won't introduce sweeping legislative proposals. Monday was an introduction and the story of the heroism of police officers • For his second speech set for today, Scott will take a more critical view of law enforcement. Saying he was stopped by the police seven times in one year as an elected official, Scott said, "We're not going to sugarcoat the fact that there is a problem." (will be interesting to see what, if anything, is reax of fellow GOP senators - white - to this speech) • The third speech, Thursday, "will be solution-focused, which will include policy solutions," Scott said. "We don't need a Republican conversation on this topic. We don't need a Democratic conversation on this topic. We need an American conversation that encompasses the American family on this topic." (maybe even move beyond seeing ourselves as Americans - humans?) Sanders <3 Clinton - At Last (WaPo, (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/sanders-finally-throws-his-support-behind-clinton/2016/07/12/c170379c-4833-11e6-bdb9-701687974517_story.html?hpid=hp_rhp-top-table-main_clinton-1133a-lede%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287375-sanders-hits-trump-on-immigrants-economy) , Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/dem-primaries/287472-sanders-delegates-to-hold-fart-in-protest-at-convention) , Roll Ca (http://www.rollcall.com/news/sanders-endorses-clinton?utm_name=newsletters&utm_source=rollcalllunch&utm_medium=email) ll,TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/12/sanders-endorses-clinton/) me) • Bernie Sanders threw his support behind presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at a rally in Portsmouth, NH, Tuesday, more than a month after Clinton effectively clinched the nomination. "I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States," Sanders said, standing beside Clinton (he didn't look thrilled) • "We are joining forced to defeat Donald Trump and build a future we can all believe in," Clinton told the crowd, borrowing Sanders' campaign slogan. Though Clinton and Sanders stressed Democratic unity during the packed rally, much remains unknown about how - and whether - the political marriage will actually work (like whether he campaigns for her or against Trump) • Supporters clashed and a police officer intervened to mediate a dispute in the high school bleachers. One Sanders supporter commented online: " They got to him! They probably threatened him and his family.in DC was probably an EXAMPLE to him!!!" (vince foster's skull on his pillow sort of thing??) • "While Donald Trump is busy insulting Mexicans, Muslims, women, African-Americans and veterans, Hillary Clinton understands that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths," Sanders said. The Vermont senator declared that a Trump presidency would mean the minimum wage remains "a starvation wage." (this was good stuff - he avoided trade - they totally disagree) • President Obama will speak at the Democratic convention on Wednesday 27 July. Sen Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) will speak prime-time on the first night, Monday 25 July. Hillary Clinton's campaign is vetting James Stavridis, a retired four-star Navy admiral who served as the 16th supreme allied commander at NATO, as a possible running mate (NYT) (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/13/us/politics/james-stavridis-hillary-clinton-vice-president.html?ribbon-ad-idx=4&src=trending&module=Ribbon&version=origin&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Trending&pgtype=article) Trump: Sanders "Sold Out" • Donald Trump unleashed a massive tweetstorm around Sanders' endorsement of Clinton. "Bernie Sanders, who has lost most of his leverage, has totally sold out to Crooked Hillary Clinton. He will endorse her today - fans angry!" Sanders responded on Twitter: "Big talk from the same guy who was too afraid to debate Bernie in California." (true - Trump wimped out after confirming) • In the past week, Clinton has agreed to push policies on free college tuition and expanded access to health insurance that reflect Sanders' positions. And he has claimed some major wins in the party's platform, including support for a $15 federal minimum wage and on climate change (staying in the race has forced her to the left - it's worked for him) • A WaPo/ABC News poll out late last month showed that only 8% of Sanders supporters said they would back Trump over Clinton in November, down from 20% a month earlier. The greater fear for Democrats is that Sanders voters might simply stay home - or vote Green Party - Dr Jill Stein. She unleashed on Twitter: "Many Berning hearts are breaking right now " • Meanwhile, a "fart-in" planned by some Sanders supporters for the convention will go forward. Protest organizer Cheri Honkala - who has been stocking up on beans - said the number of people sending beans "will probably quadruple." The plan is for delegates to munch the beans, then let Clinton smell what they think of her (oh thanks - we all have to smell the air there...) • Talk Media News will pro (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) vide special on-the-scene coverage from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next week: 18 - 21 July. Check back here with Talk Media News (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) throughout the day and throughout the week for the latest scoop Trump: Black Lives Matter "Divisive" (WSJ (http://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-wants-an-attack-dog-as-his-running-mate-1468366627) , AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAMPAIGN_2016_NAACP?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-12-21-57-32) AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAMPAIGN_2016_TRUMP_RUNNING_MATE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-13-03-27-52) me) • Donald Trump said to Fox News' Bill O'Reilly Tuesday, "I think it's certainly, it's very divisive and I think they're hurting themselves," in reference to the phrase "black lives matter" and the movement leading national demonstrations for criminal justice reform (they've got to get over their fear of black people asserting themselves) • "The first time I heard it I said 'you have to be kidding,'" said Trump. "I think it's a very, very, very divisive term. There's no question about it." Asked what he would say to African Americans who feel as though the system was biased against them, Trump drew an analogy with his own campaign (here we go - myopic inability to empathize coming up...) • "Well, I've been saying, even against me the system is rigged," Trump said. "When I ran for president I could see what is going on with the system, and the system is rigged. I can really relate it very much to myself." (being a narcissist, naturally everything relates back to himself, but really? a privileged, white self-proclaimed billionaire claiming solidarity with black kids? sorry) • Donald Trump is looking for a running mate who can be a "fighter skilled in hand-to-hand combat" to help him parry criticism on the campaign trail. His top picks include Gov Mike Pence (R-Ind), former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga), Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ), Sen Jeff Sessions (R-Ala) and one or two unknowns. An announcement is expected Friday • Trump criticized the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile as a "terrible, disgusting performance" by police. He struck a similar note while taking the stump in Indiana on Tuesday evening. "We have to figure it out what's going on. Was it training, was it something else? Could've been something else." (bit ambiguous, that) • Through most of his campaign Trump has vehemently defended law enforcement and even shared misleading and racially charged crime data on Twitter. He also suggested at a rally in November that a Black Lives Matter protester "should have been roughed up." • Trump has declined an invitation to address the NAACP's annual convention next week. (i'll bet) Hillary Clinton will speak on Monday. NAACP President Cornell William Brooks told CNN, "You can't run for president and not talk about the nation's civil rights agenda." (er yes you can) • Republicans moved on Tuesday towards adopting a staunchly conservative platform that takes a strict, traditionalist view of the family and child rearing, bars military women from combat, described coal as a "clean" energy source and expresses support for a "border wall" to cover "the entirety of the Southern Border" (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/13/us/politics/republican-convention-issues.html?ref=politics) me) Trump: Ginsburg's "Mind is Shot" (Hill (http://thehill.com/homenews/house/287411-mcconnell-slams-ginsburg-for-panning-trump) , Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/finance/287356-activists-to-deliver-petition-urging-trump-to-release-his-tax-returns) , Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/democrats-ruth-bader-ginsburg-trump-225423) o, Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/trump-ruth-bader-ginsburg-225411) o, NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/13/us/politics/ruth-bader-ginsburg-donald-trump.html?ref=politics) , me) • Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg has doubled down on her criticism of Donald Trump, calling him "a faker." "How has he gotten away with not turning over his tax returns?" Ginsberg said. "The press seems to be very gentle with him on that. Every other presidential candidate has turned over tax returns." (her comments were deliberate - and true - press has been "gentle") • In a Sunday NYT interview, Ginsberg said, "I can't imagine what this place would be - I can't imagine what the country would be - with Donald Trump as our president." "For the country it could be four years. For the court, it could be - I don't even want to contemplate that." Ginsberg joked ruefully about moving to New Zealand (she's pushing it - and knows she is) • Trump tweeted late Tuesday: "Justice Ginsberg of the US Supreme Court has embarrassed all by making very dumb political statements about me. Her mind is shot - resign." (her statements might be over the line, but her mind is as sharper than his if you read her opinions. To accuse her of senility is the lowest form of ageist attack - and the prejudiced one I sadly expected) • Democrats are divided over whether - or how - to defend Ginsberg's criticism. "She may have got out over her skis a little bit and [been] more forthright and political than she should be have," said Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill). Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) said the comments were "totally inappropriate." • Trump's spox, Hope Hicks, said of his taxes: "As you know, Mr Trump is undergoing a routine audit and plans to release his returns when completed." But the IRS has said an audit doesn't prevent taxpayers from releasing their own info. ( on Tuesday were to deliver a petition signed by more than 400,000 people urging Trump to release his returns • David Cameron will leave 10 Downing Street for the final time as PM later today, with Theresa May waiting to replace him. Cameron will face his last Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons. But Larry the Cat, the nation's "chief mouser," will be spared eviction from Number 10. "It's a civil servant's cat," a govt spox said (pic in link - phew - worriedfor a bit) (BBC, (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36772515) me) No Gun Vote in House: Go Home Early - GOP Leaders(Hill, (http://thehill.com/homenews/house/287371-house-expected-to-start-summer-recess-a-day-early) Hil (http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/287369-senators-block-dueling-zika-proposals-for-second-day) l,Hil (http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/287325-house-gop-leaders-block-votes-to-restrict-confederate-flag) l, Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/287458-reid-mcconnell-stringing-us-along-on-zika) , me) • After delaying a vote on a gun control bill this week, GOP leaders told rank-and-file members they plan to adjourn for the long summer recess Thursday, a day earlier than expected. Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) and his team punted on the terrorism/gun vote because they said it could incite more violence around the country • He asked his colleagues to go back to their districts and start a dialogue about ways to close the divide between law enforcement and the communities they've vowed to protect. (largely doomed: everyone is up for reelection, there's going to be grandstanding, not much in way of meaningful conversations - it's inherently divisive because of adversarial two-party system) • House GOP leaders didn't allow votes this week on measures to restrict display of the Confederate flag in the aftermath of racially charged police shootings. "If House Republicans cannot support the movement to take down the Confederate battle flag on federal property, they should at least have the guts to cast their votes in public," said sponsor Rep Jared Huffman (D-Calif) • Senators blocked dueling proposals funding a response to the Zika virus for the second time this week with days left before a lengthy recess. Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) ripped Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky). "Republicans have no desire to work with us... now, or any time in the future. It's all been a charade," Reid said (but charades are at least fun) • McConnell has pledged to bring up the House-passed bill for a second vote this week, though Democrats are showing no signs of caving in the fight. The WH has also pledged to veto the measure if it reaches President Obama's desk. The bill blocks funding for Planned Parenthood to fight the Zika virus (which seems a bit silly as it's sexually transmitted as well as by mosquitoes) • Dozens of Democrats late Tuesday night held a vigil on the House steps to commemorate the one-month anniversary of the murders of 49 patrons of a gay nightclub in Orlando. They took turns addressing a small crowd with pleas for equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and for new gun laws (AP) (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESS_GAY_RIGHTS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-12-20-02-24) Lynch Frustrates GOP-Led House Panel: Emails (Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/287387-gop-hammers-lynch-for-ceding-clinton-decision-to-fbi) , Roll Call (http://www.rollcall.com/news/lynch-deflects-questions-clintons?utm_name=newsletters&utm_source=rollcalllunch&utm_medium=email) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/13/us/politics/loretta-lynch-testify-hillary-clinton-email.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/12/lynch-defends-decision-not-prosecute-hillary-clinton/) , me) • AG Loretta Lynch declined at least 74 times in five hours to answer any questions on Tuesday about her dept's investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email server while SecState. Testifying before the House Judiciary Committee, Lynch said it would be "inappropriate for me to comment further on the underlying facts of the investigation." (got a bit boring actually) • FBI Director James Comey "has chosen to provide detailed statements" on the investigation, Lynch noted tersely, but she would not. Again and again, she deflected questions about crucial details that went into the decision not to bring charges in the case. "The buck stops with you," Rep Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis) said (rhymes with buck, anyway, some probably thought) • Lynch also defended her decision not to recuse herself from the case - even after her meeting on a tarmac in Phoenix with former President Bill Clinton. She deferred to the FBI and experienced prosecutors, she said, and saw no need to step out of the case completely before accepting their recommendations • "Today, apparently, Sec Hillary Clinton's email takes precedence over gun violence and civil rights," top Democrat John Conyers (Mich) said. "Let us be clear: the criminal investigation is closed. ... If any of my colleagues are not yet convinced, it is because they do not want to be convinced." • Lynch's meeting with Bill Clinton is "even more troubling if the FBI is also investigating improper donations to the Clinton Foundation, which was founded by former President Clinton," Goodlatte said. The Justice Dept is reportedly investigating possible violations of public corruptions laws at the Clinton Foundation - overlap of Hillary Clinton's State work and overseeing the foundation • Sen Al Franken (D-Minn) on Tuesday asked the software developer behind Nintendo's Pokemon GO to clarify the mobile game's data privacy protections, amid concerns the runaway hit was unnecessarily collecting vast swaths of sensitive user data(uh oh)Meanwhile, the Holocaust Museum and Arlington National Cemetery want Pokemon GO to cut it out on their premises (Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nintendo-pokemon-privacy-congress-idUSKCN0ZS2ON) , WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/07/12/holocaust-museum-to-visitors-please-stop-catching-pokemon-here/?hpid=hp_local-news_holocaust-1030am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) ) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Obama to console Dallas / "Trumped!" audio: Hillary/sex/guns / Sanders & Clinton together

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=656ecd5ca7&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Obama to Dallas: Console, reassure * Dallas shootings: Vigil / Doctors speak out * Trump veepstakes: He likes the "political" * "Trumped!" audio: Hillary/sex/guns/sex * Clinton emails: Republicans forge ahead * Clinton & Sanders together in NH today * South Sudan's leaders order truce * Theresa May promises "better Britain" Obama to Dallas: Console, Reassure (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/13/us/politics/obama-dallas-attacks-speech.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) Roll Cal (http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/obama-visit-dallas-early-next-week) l, me) • President Obama travels to Dallas today to mourn the deaths of five white police officers gunned down by a black Army veteran. Obama huddled with his speechwriters for much of Monday, hoping to find words that would not only console the families but also reassure a nation fearful that racial divisions are worsening (first, accept that race is USA's most challenging issue) • Obama approached the effort with the frustration of a man who has poured his heart and soul into similar speeches, only to later feel that nothing has changed and no one is listening. This will be the 11th time in his presidency that he has sought to comfort a city after a mass killing, and the second time in a month that such a killing grew out of bias • Obama's task is especially tough because Dallas has already undertaken many of the steps that his admin has advocated to improve race relations and foster better community ties with the police • Former President George W. Bush, who lives in Dallas, will also speak at today's memorial, a rare event in his post-presidency. VP Joe Biden will also attend the service. Obama's speech will almost certainly call for greater understanding from all sides of the debate while emphasizing that race relations are much improved since the 1960s (we need to talk - and listen - to each other) • Obama has been criticized by civil rights leaders for choosing to visit Dallas instead of Louisiana or Minnesota, the scenes of recent killings of black men by police officers. In every speech on policing and race, Obama has tried to strike a balance, acknowledging bias in the criminal justice system but saying that it's not an indictment of all police officers. He walks a tightrope Dallas Shootings: Candlelight Vigil (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/12/us/dallas-shooting-micah-johnson.html?action=click&contentCollection=U.S.&module=RelatedCoverage&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article) , AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_DALLAS_DEPARTMENT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-12-03-05-47) , Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/obama-dallas-police-shooting-hate-225390) o, TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/us-news/2016/07/11/three-dead-michigan-courthouse-shooting/) , me) • More than 1,000 people gathered in downtown Dallas Monday night to attend a candlelight vigil for the five police officers killed during a protest march. Speakers included police officers and friends of the slain officers. Dallas Police Chief David Brown told the crowd that police officers were like superheroes • President Obama on Monday described the Dallas shooting as a "hate crime" similar to the Dylann Roof shooting in Charleston, said Jim Pasco, executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police, who attended a nearly two-hour meeting with Obama, VP Joe Biden and seven other police assn officials, as well as rank-and-file officers (Obama should say that today) • Wednesday, Obama will gather law enforcement officials and policing reform activists to discuss ways to jumpstart the reforms outlined by a WH task force last year. Also Wednesday - funerals for the officers will begin. Brown said attending them was "going to be the most challenging thing in my life" • The gunman who killed the officers has bomb-making skills and a large cache of material to make bombs, Brown said at a presser Monday, but investigators will don't know how he learned to make explosives or how he planned to use them (he was in carpentry in the Army - and he didn't see combat) • During the standoff after the shooting, Micah Johnson told police that he had planted explosives, but they haven't found any. "The concern is that we haven't found something that's out there," Brown said Protests / Doctors Speak Out • The chief made his comments amid another day of protests, vigils and calls for peace around the country after a week of unsettling violence that began with the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, La, and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minn • Amid the protests, a shooting in a Michigan courthouse on Monday underscored the danger faced by law enforcement personnel. Two court bailiffs were fatally shot in St Joseph, in southwestern Michigan, before the gunman was killed, sheriff officials said (this was pretty appalling - that the inmate was able to get hold of the gun) • Detectives in Dallas are poring over 170 hours of video taken by officers' body cameras, Brown said, and "countless hours" of video from police dashboard cameras, security cameras at local businesses and more than 300 witness interviews • In a summary of an interview with Johnson's parents with The Blaze, the killer's mother, Delphine Johnson, reported that he had "displayed a noticeable change of behavior" after his Army discharge in 2015. Johnson said her son had transformed from an extrovert into a "hermit" after serving in the military (yeah? wonder what impact he had on the woman he sexually harassed) • At Parkland Hospital, doctors held an emotional presser on Monday. "That I was unable to save those cops when they came here that night, it weighs on my mind constantly," said Dr Brian Williams, a trauma surgeon, who is black • President Obama will deploy 560 more troops to Iraq to help retake Mosul, the largest city controlled by ISIS, SecDef Ash Carter announced on Monday, bringing the number of U.S. troops in Iraq to 4,647. GOP leaders in Congress are demanding Obama seek additional funding to pay for the troops (floor fight coming)(NY (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/12/world/middleeast/us-iraq-mosul.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) T, TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/world-news/2016/07/11/us-will-send-570-troops-iraq-help-retake-mosul-isis/) Trump Veepstakes: He Likes the "Political" (WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/07/11/donald-trump-will-make-his-mind-up-on-vp-pick-in-next-three-to-four-days/?hpid=hp_rhp-top-table-main_fix-rbg-240pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) , Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287237-trump-i-am-the-law-and-order-candidate) , me) • "I have five people, including the general," Donald Trump told WaPo in a phone interview Monday (weird as WaPo is banned from his rallies for lying...) referring to retired Lt Gen Michael Flynn. "I do like the military, but I do very much like the political. In my mind, I have someone that would be really good." Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie, Mike Pence and Who Else?? • "I have such great respect for the general, but believe it or not that will be one of my strong suits," Trump said (really?) I was against the war in Iraq from the start."(no he wasn't - check it out - recurrent lie) (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2016/05/12/recidivism-watch-trumps-false-claim-that-he-opposed-the-iraq-war/?tid=a_inl) Trump said he would make up his mind in the "next three to four days." • "I don't need two anti-establishment people," Trump said. "Someone respected by the establishment and liked by the establishment would be good for unification. I do like unification of the Republican Party." Trump also cited "great chemistry with me" (is this Match.com?) and someone "who can help you win" as major factors in his VP selection process • Trump laid into Hillary Clinton. "She is highly overrated in the brains department," he said. "She is really bad at reacting under pressure." Of himself, Trump said "I was always a good athlete," adding: "Under pressure, some good athletes become bad athletes" - referring to Clinton (would like to see him grilled by a highly hostile House committee for 11 hours and not lose it...) • Later, "I'm the law and order candidate," Trump said at the top of his carefully scripted speech in Virginia Beach, Va. Trump used the event to outline his strategies to streamline the Dept of Veterans Affairs. He argued that Clinton would pursue policies benefiting only the nation's elites. For others, "she couldn't care less," Trump said (ouch) • Donald Trump in a speech on Monday proposed a "private WH hotline" that veterans could call, which would be operated 24/7 to ensure that "no valid complaint" about the VA and "its wrongdoing" falls through the cracks. He's had such a hotline since the primaries - and it works like - well, actually, it doesn't work - according to The Blaze and HuffPo (HuffPo (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-veterans-hotline_us_5783f248e4b01edea78f08c9?section=politics) ,Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/287258-trump-floats-white-house-hotline-for-vets) ) "Trumped!": Hillary/Sex/Guns/Sex... (WSJ (http://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-said-hillary-clinton-would-make-a-good-president-in-2008-1468281714) , me) • Donald Trump said Hillary Clinton would "make a good president" in 2008, according to a previously unreported clip from "Trumped!", a syndicated radio feature that aired from 2004-2008 and consisted of a daily commentary of about 60 seconds from the real estate mogul. WSJ tracked down audio clips and transcripts • In an early 2008 broadcast on Clinton, aired as she and Barack Obama still were dueling for the Democratic nomination, Trump said that "at least one member of [Obama's] team said Clinton would make a good vice president. Well, I know her, and she'd make a good president or a good vice president." He described Obama/Clinton as a "dream ticket" (wait for 'splainer on this) • Trump suggested in the commentaries that marriage made a female pop star less sexy, expressed incredulity over a college chastity club and said he was surprised to hear that most women disapproved of on-night stands. "I thought today's women were independent and had a lot of sexual freedom. Well, I guess they fooled me," he said in April 2006 (freedom to say no, too, fella) • Trump in a 2008 piece opposed a West Virginia move to allow hunting education classes in schools. Trump called it a "dangerous risk." "We hear way too many stories about school violence, so the thought of voluntarily putting guns in the classroom seems like a really bad plan." - He now says "trained teachers should be able to have guns in classrooms." (bad-good - what's the diff?) • "Men in Saudi Arabia have the authority to divorce their wives without going to the courts," Trump said in a 2008 clip. "I guess that would also mean they don't need prenuptial agreements. No courts, no judges. Saudi Arabia sounds like a very good place to get a divorce" (i'm sure they love you too right about now) • A Sept 2004 segment was about the partisanship of sexual prowess. "Who has more fun than blondes?" he asked, according to a partial transcript. "Democrats, if you believe a new poll. Are Democrats really better in the bedroom?" He was referring to a Match.com poll in which respondents overwhelmingly thought Democrats better lovers than Republicans • TMN asks whether 2016 is an outlier year for a presidential election - as 1848 was, 168 years ago - when major global changes took place, following the sending of the world's first telegraph message in 1844: "What hath God wrought?"(TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/11/shocked-2016-look-1848/) Clinton Emails: Republicans Forge Ahead (Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/287279-house-gop-ramps-up-demands-on-fbi-chief-about-decision-in-clinton) , Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/287247-house-bill-would-revoke-clintons-security-clearance) , Hill, (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/287283-judiciary-oversight-chairs-demand-clinton-perjury-investigation) NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/12/us/politics/gop-seeks-criminal-inquiry-of-hillary-clintons-testimony-to-congress.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/11/politics/james-clapper-paul-ryan-hillary-clinton-intelligence-briefings/index.html) , me) • More than 200 House Republicans on Monday demanded that FBI Director James Comey answer a slew of questions about his decision not to recommend federal charges against Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server when SecState (soo predictable - should have done their homework instead of holding an instant grandstanding hearing - unprepared) • The FBI head will appear before the House Homeland Security Committee on Thursday, in a hearing billed as addressing global security issues - but bound to be an email extravaganza. AG Loretta Lynch is scheduled to appear before the House Judiciary Committee today to testify about her private meeting with former President Bill Clinton (this could be good - summer snaxx) • Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) in a letter Monday that he "does not intend to withhold briefings from any officially nominated, eligible candidate." Ryan had requested that Clinton be blocked from receiving intel briefings once she's formally nominated (this is more grandstanding. has she ever spoken about anything? no) • The chairmen of the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees on Monday formally requested Justice to open a criminal investigation into whether Clinton deliberately lied to Congress. Clinton when testifying about Benghazi was careful to hedge a number of answers about her email system by saying she was basing her statements on info from her lawyers (she's a lawyer, too...) • Rep Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, on Monday introduced legislation intended to revoke the security clearances of Clinton and several of her former State Dept aides. "This is monumentally stupid political theater," Bradley Moss, a lawyer who specializes in security clearances, said - already provisions in the Guidelines to address this • House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) and his leadership team on Monday decided to punt on any gun-related legislation until after the seven-week summer recess. The latest shootings led House GOP leaders to believe that debating and voting on contentious gun control bills now would only inflame an already violent situation (worried their gun positions could impact their reelection more like) (Hill (http://thehill.com/homenews/house/287284-house-gop-to-punt-gun-bill) , me) Sanders & Clinton Together in NH Today (AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAMPAIGN_2016?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-12-04-05-18) TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/11/sanders-to-appear-with-clinton-tuesday/) me) • After weeks of stalling as he sought liberal policy concessions from Hillary Clinton and lobbied to push the Democratic Party platform to the left, Bernie Sanders is expected to appear with Clinton at a high school in Portsmouth, NH, today to endorse her as the Democratic presidential nominee (but wholehearted? or tepid? that's the must-see bit of this) • In recent days, Clinton has announced new policies on higher education and health care in a nod to his liberal campaign. The party platform also shows Sanders' influence, with a commitment to a $15 federal minimum wage and tougher language on climate change (he's squeezed a lot of concessions out of Clinton - is he willing to give up the adulation of his fans?) • Some key progressive groups started falling in line behind Clinton on Monday. The Communications Workers of America, which had previously backed Sanders, announced its endorsement, as did the Progressive Action PAC, the political committee for the Congressional Progressive Caucus (they don't want Trump more than they were going to stick to Sanders) • Heading into this month's national convention, the Sanders campaign will try to promote unity. The campaign is considering a rally on the Sunday night before the convention, and Sanders is expected to campaign for Clinton post-convention (that's the test - will he campaign for her, or about his platform, with a nod to her?) • So far, six permits have been issued by Philadelphia to Sanders supporters for rallies and marches during the convention and more applications are pending. Kira Willig, 41, a delegate for Sanders, said, "I have not given any thought post the convention. I really don't because it's not over until it's over." (it's over) • A UN tribunal has ruled unanimously in favor of the Philippines in its case against China's extensive claims in the South China Sea (FT) (http://www.ft.com/fastft/2016/07/12/un-tribunal-rules-for-philippines-in-south-china-sea-dispute/) South Sudan's Leaders Order Truce (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36763076) , AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AF_SOUTH_SUDAN_SHOOTING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-11-15-26-50) , me) • South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and first VP Riek Machar on Monday ordered a ceasefire after days of intense fighting in the capital, Juba. Since Thursday, more than 200 people are said to have died in clashes between the rival leaders' forces • The violence began with a shootout after a disagreement at a checkpoint, and has since involved the use of heavy artillery, tanks and helicopters. In a unanimous statement, the UN Security Council condemned the violence "in the strongest terms" and expressed "particular shock and outrage" at attacks on UN sites. It called for additional peacekeepers • National security adviser Susan Rice said in a stern statement, "This senseless and inexcusable violence - undertaken by those who yet again are putting self-interest above the well-being of their country and people - puts at risk everything the South Sudanese people have aspired to over the past five years." Rice said the violence "must stop." • It's not clear if the violence has subsided. Heavy gunfire continued to be heard in the capital after Kiir's order came into effect at 6 pm local time • Earlier Monday, residents of Juba said they were staying indoors amid reports of looting and the sound of gunfire from the streets. The U.S. embassy warned of "serious fighting" taking place. There are doubts about how much control Kiir and Machar had over their forces. Both leaders called for calm last Friday, but the fighting carried on • Watch: Conservative PM David Cameron of Great Britain was caught on a hot mic humming "doo doo doo doo (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/287242-david-cameron-caught-on-hot-mic-singing-after-resignation) " to himself as he walked back into 10 Downing Street after announcing details of the transition to incoming PM Theresa May. Then he says, decisively: "Right." British journos think it was the theme of "The West Wing"...... Cameron denies Theresa May Promises "Better Britain" (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36768148) , me) • Theresa May promised to build a "better Britain" and to make the UK's EU exit a "success" after she was announced as the new Conservative leader and soon-to-be PM. Speaking outside Parliament, May said she was "honored and humbled" to succeed David Cameron, after her only rival in the race withdrew on Monday (May'll have a good relationship with Obama) • Cameron will tender his resignation to the Queen after Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. Cameron decided to quit after the UK's Brexit vote (his Waterloo). He wanted to remain. It was a dramatic morning Monday when Andrea Leadsom unexpectedly quit the two-way Tory leadership contest, saying she didn't have the support to build a "strong and stable govt." • May paid tribute to Leadsom for "dignity" in withdrawing. May said, "A vision of a country that works not for the privileged few but that works for every one of us because we're going to give people more control over their lives and that's how, together, we will build a better Britain." (the phrase "works not for the privileged few" appears to have been pinched from an ex-Labour leader...) • May said, "Brexit means Brexit and we're going to make a success of it." Cameron will tender his resignation to the Queen and recommend she sends for Theresa May as his replacement. May will then go to Buckingham Palace to see the Queen and receive her invitation to form a govt. She should be in place as PM by Wednesday evening • Leadsom apologized to May Monday after saying that being a mother made her a better candidate for the job than the married but childless May. "She possibly has nieces, nephews, but I have children who are going to have children who will directly be a part of what happens next." (full quote is worse. Was childless Elizabeth I no leader? May has expressed sorrow at not having children) • Playing Pokeman Go? Bumping into things, are you? You've got bigger probs. If you sign into the app through a Google account, you're inadvertently granting broad permissions over all info linked to the account, including the power to read and send emails. It doesn't tell you that. Huge privacy concern. You can check and modify permissions he (https://security.google.com/settings/security/permissions?pli=1) re (Verge) (http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/11/12150468/pokemon-go-privacy-full-account-access-permission) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Protesters, police clash in US / Dallas gunman planned wider attack / Trump veepstakes: When?

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=283d57eba4&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Protesters, police clash * Obama to speak: Dallas memorial service * RIP: 5 Dallas police officers * Dallas gunman planned wider attack: Police * Explosions shake South Sudan's capital * Trump veepstakes: General? Governor? * GOP convention: Fight starts today * Sanders to endorse Clinton Tuesday? Protesters, Police Clash (Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-police-protests-idUSKCN0ZQ0V8) , WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/calls-for-unity-give-way-to-partisan-finger-pointing-after-dallas/2016/07/10/612f40b0-46e6-11e6-bdb9-701687974517_story.html?hpid=hp_rhp-top-table-main_dallas-politics-910pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/11/us/dallas-shooting-micah-johnson-police.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_PROTESTS_LOUISIANA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-11-03-21-48) , NoLa (http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2016/07/43_of_102_arrested_protestors.html) , Politico (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/giuliani-black-parents-should-teach-children-to-be-respectful-of-the-police-225342) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/08/congressional-black-caucus-cites-dallas-shooting-as-need-for-new-gun-laws/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/08/dallas-shooting-ryan-pelosi-find-common-ground-tragedy/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/08/candidates-scrap-campaign-events-wake-dallas-attacks/) , me) • Officers stared down hundreds of shouting protesters near a ramp onto I-110 in Baton Rouge, La, Sunday night before another squad in riot gear arrived to make arrests. Earlier Sunday, some 2,000 people rallied outside the Capitol building to protests police killings of black people, State Police Maj Doug Cain said - "very organized and peaceful" • But as night began to fall, a few hundred people aimed for an on-ramp, trying a tactic protesters were using this weekend in multiple cities. After a lengthy standoff, more police in full riot gear moved in, pinning some protesters as others fled. Some 30 - 40 people were jailed for trying to block a highway, a sheriff's spox said (not going to win friends stranding motorists for hours) • That could push Baton Rouge's weekend arrest total about 160, with just one reported injury to a police officer. Tensions between black citizens and police have risen palpably over the past week or so amid police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana and the gunning down of five white officers by a black suspect in Dallas in apparent retaliation • "I remain disappointed in the Baton Rouge police, who continue to provoke protesters for peacefully protesting," said DeRay Mckesson, a prominent Black Lives Matter activist who embraced supporters Sunday after spending the night in jail (arrested for being on the street - but there was no sidewalk where he was) • Watch raw:Black Lives Matter protesters close Memphis bridge. T (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4SjwjJbwiE&feature=youtu.be) raffic on both sides of I-40 stopped for about four hours Sunday night (AP) Obama to Speak: Dallas Memorial Service Tuesday • President Obama cut short an overseas trip and planned on Tuesday to travel to Dallas, where he, along with former President George W. Bush, will address a memorial service. VP Joe Biden and Laura Bush will also attend, the WH said. "I'd like all sides to listen to each other," Obama said Sunday (there has to be a sense of justice leading to unity - not there yet, it seems) • "I would just say to everybody who's concerned about the issue of police shootings or racial bias in the criminal justice system that maintaining a truthful and serious and respectful tone is going to help mobilize American society to bring about real change" Obama said in Spain on Sunday. "It is in the interest of police officers that their communities trust them." • Citing Obama's claim on Saturday that the country isn't as divided as some suggest, Donald Trump countered that Obama is "living in a world of the make believe." "Look what is happening to our country under the WEAK leadership of Obama and people like Crooked Hillary Clinton," Trump tweeted Sunday morning. "We are a divided nation!" (spoken by chief divider) • Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) said on CBS on Sunday, "When you say black lives matter, that's inherently racist. Black lives matter, white lives matter, Asian lives matter, Hispanic lives matter. That's anti-American and it's racist." (is it anti-American to say that when black lives really do matter, all lives truly will matter? how is it racist?) • These two images of a young African-American woman wearing a long dress, standing calmly in the middle of a s (http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/17484/production/_90346359_mediaitem90346358.jpg) treet in Baton Rouge, peacefully confronting police who are in riot gear, have gone viral. The woman is later arrested af (http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/7FF2/production/_90345723_mediaitem90345722.jpg) ter refusing to move. The first is AP and the second is Reuters • Demonstrators gathered again on Sunday in cities as scattered as Dallas, Falcon Heights, Memphis, St Paul, Baton Rouge, Atlanta and New York City, where 300 people marched silently, fists raised in the air, from Times Square to Union Square, with signs proclaiming "Stop police terror!" and "Stand together." • In St Paul, Rashad Turner, leader of the local chapter of Black Lives Matter, told WCCO-TV that the throwing of rocks and bottles at officers was disturbing. He blamed outside agitators for the violence, not the protesters on the freeway. "It's ridiculous. It cannot happen. It's not what we do here in St Paul," Turner said (sounds like outside agitators came to many cities) • The Congressional Black Caucus called for stronger gun safety measures in the wake of the killing of five Dallas police officers. "We are continuing our fight to remove guns from the hands of would-be terrorists and criminals and require background checks for those seeking to purchase firearms," said caucus chair Rep G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) (going nowhere) • Pastors across the nation called for reconciliation and compassion. At St Patrick's Cathedral in New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan spoke of a country "worried, frustrated and fatigued over senseless violence." "From Minnesota to Louisiana and Texas, one nation under God examines its soul," he said (without unity first, we won't have peace, well-being or security) RIP: 5 Dallas Officers (AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_VICTIMS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-10-17-57-15) me) • Michael Smith, 55, once received a "Cops' Cop" awards from the Dallas Police Assn. His positive attitude impressed those around him. "It genuinely troubled him when he saw people treated as objects or when protocol got in the way of personal care," Pastor Todd Wagner of Watermark Community Church in Dallas, where Smith worked security, said in a statement • Lorne Ahrens at 6'5" and 300 pounds could intimidate, but his character was kindness. The day before Ahrens, 48, was killed, he bought a homeless man dinner and encouraged fellow officers to greet the man, Jorge Barrientos, another Dallas police officer who was wounded, said. He was married to an officer, and he volunteered at the school his two children attended • Brent Thompson, 43, was an officer with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit authority for the past seven years. There he found love, marrying another transit officer within the past two weeks. Thompson had six grown children from a previous marriage and recently welcomed his third grandchild. He "wanted to save lives and protect people," Tara Thornton, a close friend, said • Patrick Zamarripa had an urge to serve - first in the Navy, where his family said he did three tours in Iraq, then back home in Texas as a Dallas police officer. His father described him as hugely compassionate. "Patrick would bend over backward to help anybody," Rick Zamarripa said. Patrick Zamarripa was married with two young children • Michael Krol, 40, was a caring person who always wanted to help others, his mother said. "He knew the danger of the job, but he never shied away from his duty," said Susan Ehlke in a statement. He had a girlfriend. "He was a guy that was serving others," said Brian Schoenbaechler," Krol's brother-in-law, "And he gave his life in service to others." Dallas Gunman Planned Wider Attack: Police (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/11/us/dallas-shooting-micah-johnson-police.html) , WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/dallas-police-chief-shooter-seemed-delusional-scrawled-cryptic-messages-in-blood/2016/07/10/bd1c0d96-46a9-11e6-bdb9-701687974517_story.html) , USA Tod (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/07/10/dallas-chief-shooter-scrawled-rb-wall-blood/86916538/) ay, AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_DALLAS_GUNMAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) , AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_DALLAS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-10-13-25-16) , TMN, me) • The gunman who fatally shot five police officers in Dallas was believed to be planning larger attacks, the city's police chief said Sunday as he provided new details of how the gunman had scrawled letters in his own blood on a wall before he was killed by a bomb-equipped robot and how he had been singing, laughing and taunting officers during negotiations with them • David Brown, the police chief, said that evidence showed that Micah Johnson, 25, an African-American Army Reserve veteran, had been practicing detonations and that the explosive material had the potential "to have devastating effects throughout our city and our North Texas area." (feel no regrets that he was killed by a robot bomb - best outcome) • "We're convinced this suspect had other plans and thought that what he was doing was righteous" Chief Brown said during an interview on CNN Sunday. The chief said he believed Johnson's intent was to "make us pay for what he sees as law enforcement's efforts to punish people of color," including the fatal shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota • Brown said that during the two hours of negotiations, Johnson had demanded to speak to a black negotiator, had sung and laughed, and had asked how many officers he had killed. Johnson also wrote the letters "RB" in blood on the walls of the parking garage where he had hidden, an indication he may have been wounded. Not clear what the letters referred to (here we go) • Brown said Johnson "obviously had some delusion." he described the gunman as doing "quite a bit of rambling at the scene." Brown said the police were examining Johnson's laptop and cellphone and hadn't completely ruled out the possibility that others were involved (interesting - see below - this guy was like a domestic terrorist, imho) • On Facebook, Johnson "liked" black militant groups including the African American Defense League and the New Black Panther Party. He also "liked" the Nation of Islam and the Black Riders Liberation Party, which the Southern Poverty Law Center described as "hate groups." Authorities are investigating whether he was inspired or directed Gunman Practiced / Army Sexual Harassment • A neighbor reported to investigators that Dallas gunman Micah Johnson had been seen practicing some sort of military drill in his backyard, said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. Johnson donned a protective vest and used a military-style semi-automatic rifle for the shootings - the deadliest day for U.S. law enforcement since the 9/11 terrorist attacks • Officials have revealed that Johnson, who served in the Army Reserve from 2009-2015, had bomb-making materials, ballistic vests, rifles, ammunition and a journal of combat tactics in his home. His journal described a methodical attack in which a gunman can keep moving to confuse the enemy (which he did - and made police think there were multiple killers) • In May 2014, six months into his Afghanistan tour, Johnson was accused of sexual harassment by a female soldier. The Army sent him stateside, recommending an "other than honorable discharge," said Bradford Glendening, the military lawyer who represented him • According to a court filing, the victim said she wanted Johnson to "receive mental help," while also seeking a protective order to keep him away from her and her family, wherever they went. Johnson was ordered to avoid all contact with her (among other things, he stole women's underwear - but it sounds like that was the least of it) • Glendening said Johnson was set to be removed from the Army in Sept 2014 because of the incident, but instead got an honorable discharge months later - for reasons he can't understand. "Someone really screwed up," he said. "But to my client's benefit." (interesting how, once again, women's sexual harassment or assaults in the military get short shrift - and how this aspect of the story has been ignored) • Congress is sprinting to get out of town at the end of this week for a seven-week recess - fights over gun control and Zika funding dominate. Plus, AG Loretta Lynch appears before the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday re her private meeting with Bill Clinton. Lawmakers will send an opioid bill to President Obama for signature(Politico) (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/congress-guns-zika-recess-225308) Explosions Shake South Sudan's Capital (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36762831) , AP (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/92b9f2fe32eb4a6fa6b54af1c7076fc2/fighting-enters-5th-day-south-sudan-capital) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/11/world/africa/south-sudan-fighting.html?ref=world) , al Jazee (http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/south-sudan-security-council-demands-ceasefire-160711043656662.html) ra, me) • Heavy explosions and gunfire are shaking South Sudan's capital, Juba, this morning as clashes between govt and opposition forces enter their fifth day, witnesses say, pushing the country back towards civil war. South Sudan on Saturday marked its fifth anniversary of independence from Sudan (country is so broke they had no formal celebrations) • The UN Security Council on Sunday called on warring factions to immediately end the recent fighting and prevent the spread of violence. In a unanimous statement, the council condemned the fighting "in the strongest terms" and expressed "particular shock and outrage" at attacks on UN sites. It called for additional peacekeepers as a response • Forces loyal to VP Riek Machar say govt troops supporting President Salva Kiir attacked their positions in Juba. A spox for Machar told BBC on Sunday that the country was "back to war" - but Info Minister Michael Makuei Lueth described reports of war as "dishonest." • In a statement on Sunday, the State Dept strongly condemned the latest outbreak of fighting in Juba. Spox John Kirby said Washington had ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from the U.S. embassy in Juba • Friday's exchanges were apparently sparked by a shootout between Kiir's and Machar's bodyguards. At least 150 died in the clashes. The two men met at the presidential palace the same day, and issued a call for calm. It's unclear how much sway they have over their fighters. More than 2.2 million people are displaced by the civil war andover 50,000 have been ki (http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137sudan) lled since Dec 2013 • Hamza bin Laden, the son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, has threatened revenge against the U.S. for assassinating his father, according to an audio message posted online (Reuters) Trump Veepstakes: General? Governor?http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287171-trump-campaign-event-in-indiana-next-week-raises-vp(Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287171-trump-campaign-event-in-indiana-next-week-raises-vp) WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/07/09/a-curveball-in-trumps-veep-search-hes-seriously-considering-a-retired-general/?hpid=hp_no-name_hp-in-the-news%3Apage%2Fin-the-news) , Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287169-gen-mcchrystal-being-considered-for-trump-vp-report) Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/287136-gingrich-actively-lobbying-to-be-trumps-running-mate) , Politico (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/chris-christie-donald-trump-vp-225332) , me) • WashTimes reports that Gov Mike Pence (R-Ind) has a "95%" chance of being Donald Trumps VP nominee, according to sources. Trump has a campaign event in Indiana Tuesday. Trump has said he'll announce before the GOP convention 18 July. Pence, seeking reelection, would have to withdraw by noon on 15 July to run as VP (he's the safe choice - Trump may not do safe) • Trump is increasingly intrigued by the idea of tapping retired Lt Gen Michael Flynn as VP nominee, to project strength and know-how on national security, according to four people familiar with the vetting process. Flynn, a pro-choice registered Democrat, but fierce critic of President Obama, previously ran the Defense Intelligence Agency (Trump could then claim bipartisan) • The turn towards a military figure is being driven by Trump himself rather than his advisers, the people said, partly as he says national unrest may demand a "tough and steady" presence alongside him. Also by his growing sense that he doesn't necessarily want or need a running mate who will satisfy GOP insiders, in spite of long saying he'd go in that direction • Trump is also reportedly also considering retired Army Gen Stanley McChrystal, who stepped down in 2010, after serving as top commander in Afghanistan. He was relieved of his position by President Obama after giving a controversialinterview to Rolling Stone, (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-runaway-general-20100622) where he made controversial comments about some top U.S. officials, including Obama (both generals attacked Obama) • Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga), reportedly on Trump's VP shortlist, is "actively lobbying" for the gig, sources told CNN. Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ) is auditioning for a spot on the GOP ticket, according to Trenton insiders (Trump has turned the veepstakes into a reality game. My money is on a general - today. But I reserve the right to change...) • North Korea's military said today it will make a "physical response" to moves by the U.S. and South Korea to deploy the advanced THAAD missile defense system on the Korean peninsula. The U.S. and South Korea said Friday that the system will be used to counter North Korea's growing nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities (Reute (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-usa-northkorea-idUSKCN0ZQ107) rs, TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/world-news/2016/07/08/us-south-korea-deploy-thaad-system-north-korea-missile-threat/) ) GOP Convention: Fight Starts Today (Politico (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/republican-convention-fights-225327) , me) • Anti-Trump Republicans will make their final stand this week, a long-shot bid to hijack the rules of the Republican Party, and deny Donald Trump the presidential nomination. Those fights will play out in two powerful delegate committees. The Platform Committee meets today and Tuesday (this stuff could be vicious this week - Dump Trump v Trump Loyalists) • Platform Committee: Every four years, this committee of 112 delegates crafts the policy vision and goals meant to represent the official GOP positions on social, economic and foreign policy issues. Usually toothless - but this year Cruz loyalists plan a high-profile effort to preserve the platform's conservative bent. They think it may be undermined by Trumpers • Key issues: Same-sex marriage and transgender rights: The GOP platform includes harsh language condemning gay unions. GOP LGBT advocates are circulating language to soften the position. Trump recently met with high-profile transgender activist Caitlyn Jenner. Also: Trade. Abortion. Mexico (rapists, criminals, walls etc. etc.) • Cleveland police on Friday tightened their security plan for the convention after the deadly shootings of police officers in Dallas, increasing surveillance and intel ops. But Cleveland was still training police officers for duty at the convention. Cleveland police union president Steve Loomis complained before the attack, "They are setting my guys up for failure." (sounds encouraging) • Rules Committee: 112 delegates on committee. Anti-Trump delegates led by Colorado's Kendal Unruh are scraping together support for a plan that would guarantee delegates the option to vote their conscience when picking the party's presidential nominee - rather than adhere to the results of primaries and caucuses. Trump's allies plan to stop them cold • Committee on Permanent Organization: 112-delegate committee meets, headed by former RNC chair Haley Barbour, to recommend the leaders who will run the convention. Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) is expected to chair. The committee will also select the parliamentarian, who holds great sway should anti-Trump delegates mount a procedural effort to stop him (fly on wall) • It's important. Rules and Platform Committee reports must be adopted by the full convention in order to take effect. Delegates on the floor can amend or reject any portions of the reports if a majority differ. Because the floor is governed by the rules of the House of Representatives, the current speaker would have an edge over delegates unfamiliar with the nuances - lot of power • Watch: 44 seconds of President Obama's many faces on the camp (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/videos/2016-07-05/obama-s-many-faces-on-the-campaign-trail) aign trail - including "did I leave the stove on?" and "OK whatever" (Bloomberg Politics) Sanders to Endorse Clinton Tuesday? (AP (http://elections.ap.org/content/platform-draft-sanders-wins-climate-loses-trade) , NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/11/us/politics/bernie-sanders-hillary-clinton.html) TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/07/sanders-endorse-clinton-next-week-reports/) , me) • Bernie Sanders held a conference call with reporters Saturday morning to praise a new health care proposal that Clinton had announced. Asked if he was ready to endorse Clinton, Sanders said, "I think it's fair to say that the Clinton campaign and I, our campaign, are coming closer and closer together. We will have more to say in the very near future." (sooo bland) • Sanders is expected to endorse Clinton Tuesday morning at a campaign event in Portsmouth, NH, according to several Democrats who are familiar with the planning. Asked if he would campaign with her on Tuesday, Sanders said, "We look forward to continue working with the Clinton campaign and we'll have more to say as to where we go forward in the near future." (blaaah) • Sanders' still-impassioned campaign electrified debate over a draft of the Democratic Party's policy positions Saturday during a frequently combative session in Orlando, winning concessions on climate change but failing to include opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. Boos, shouts, yells, cheers - the meeting had it all • The draft includes Sanders' priorities such as a call for a $15 federal minimum wage over time, steps to break up large Wall Street banks and support for the end to the death penalty. The platform is a nonbinding document that serves as a guidepost for the party. The document will be voted on at the convention in Philadelphia this month • Despite coming together on many pieces of the platform, there were still evident tensions in the room. In the closing moments of the meeting, Sanders supporters shouted down an amendment that implied Hillary Clinton was the nominee (don't push your luck Hill - just a day or so to go - maybe...) • An emotional Andy Murray wins Wimble (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKCT2Tzzt_o) don for the second time -here are highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpXmoK1aWs4) from his straight set win over Milos Raonic - then tops that, meets Benedict Cumberbatch, talks Sherl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfyhsKgZQLc&sns=tw) ock and - - newborns. Serena Williams wins her 22nd Grand Slam title, tying Steffi Graf's record. Portugal beats France 1-0 to win Euro 16 - even with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

5 Dallas officers killed, 6 wounded / Obama: "Vicious, calculated, despicable"

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=db577d6f05&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * 5 Dallas officers killed, 6 wounded - snipers * Police: Not confident have all suspects * Obama: "Vicious, calculated and despicable" * FBI chief in hot seat on Hill: Clinton emails * Trump meets Senate GOP: Gets combative * Obama at NATO summit in Poland * Senate Dems block defense bill * Obama pushes for Zika funding 5 Dallas Officers Shot Dead, 6 Wounded - Snipers (Dallas Morning Ne (http://beta.dallasnews.com/news/news/2016/07/07/hundreds-expected-downtown-dallas-rally-following-shooting-deaths-alton-sterling-philando-castile) ws, Reute (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-police-idUSKCN0ZN0MF) rs, AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTINGS_PROTEST_TXOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-08-04-00-32) NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/us/dallas-police-officers-killed.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=span-ab-top-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/08/dallas-4-police-officers-dead-in-ambush-attack/) , me) • Snipers opened fire on police officers in the heart of Dallas, killing five officers and injuring six others during protests over two recent police shootings of black men. Three people are in custody and a fourth male suspect is dead of a self-inflicted gunshot after exchanging gunfire with authorities in a parking garage downtown, local media report - developing - will change • The suspect had "told our negotiators that the end is coming and he's going to hurt and kill more of us, meaning law enforcement, and that there are bombs all over the place in this garage and downtown," Dallas Police Chief David Brown said early today (unclear whether there are bombs downtown at time of writing) • The gunfire broke out around 8:45 pm Thursday while hundreds of people were gathered to protest fatal police shootings this week in Baton Rouge, La, and suburban St Paul, Minn. Brown said the snipers fired "ambush style" upon the officers. Mayor Mike Rawlings said one member of the public was wounded in the gunfire (attack was simply wicked) • Brown said that it appeared the shooters "planned to injure and kill as many officers as they could." The search for the shooters stretched throughout downtown, an area of hotels, restaurants, businesses and some apartments. The scene was chaotic, with helicopters hovering overhead and officers with automatic rifles on the street corners • Brown said police don't have a motivation for the attacks or any info on the suspects "leaving every motive on the table." He said they "triangulated" in the downtown area where the protesters were marching and had "some knowledge of the route" they would take. He said they haven't determined whether any protesters were involved with or complicit in the attack • Watch: Police officers shot by snipers during peaceful protest in Da (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPYcjxVL-8Y) llas over recent fatal shootings of black men Police: Not Confident Have All Suspects • Brown said he wasn't confident that the police had apprehended everyone involved in the shooting, and that a rigorous investigation would continue until "we are confident that all suspects have been captured." (let's be clear - as of early today, we have no idea why the snipers attacked, apart from possibly a few words of the suspect in the garage - "end is coming") • Police said they were questioning two occupants of a Mercedes they had pulled over after the vehicle sped off on a downtown street with a man who threw a camouflaged bag inside the back of the car. A woman was also taken into custody near the garage where the standoff was taking place • A witness told CNN that she had been standing on Main Street shortly before 9 pm when "all of a sudden, we started hearing, 'Pop pop pop pop pop. I don't think I've ever run so fast in my life." • In Baton Rouge, 37-year-old Alton Sterling was shot Tuesday as he tussled with two white officers outside a convenience store in a predominantly black neighborhood. The shooting was caught on tape and went viral- doesn't appear to show that he was holdin (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/07/06/new-video-shows-alton-sterling-was-not-holding-a-gun-when-baton-rogue-police-killed-him.html?via=newsletter&source=DDAfternoon) g a gun, though there may have been one in his pocket • The next day in Minnesota, 32-year-old Philando Castile was shot to death during a traffic stop. His girlfriend posted video of the aftermath live (https://www.facebook.com/100007611243538/videos/1690073837922975/) on Facebook, saying he had been shot "for no apparent reason" while reaching for his wallet, as an officer had asked, after he had informed the officer there was a gun in the car • Watch: Live footage of Dallas shooting - from g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Vs-cjLuZk) round level Obama: "Vicious, Calculated and Despicable" • In Warsaw, where President Obama arrived early today to attend a NATO summit, he spoke about the shootings. Calling it a "tremendous tragedy," he said there had "been a vicious, calculated and despicable attack on law enforcement" and that police were "doing their job keeping people safe" during protests. Obama's face was grim and sad (may not be his exact words - from notes) • Obama said he believed he spoke for all to say "we are horrified over these events and stand united with the people of Dallas and police dept of Dallas." He said "we will hear more about their twisted motivations" but that there were "no justifications for these attacks or any violence against law enforcement." "Justice will be done." He said he would have more to say • Obama said that "even as yesterday I spoke about the need to be concerned about racial disparities, I also said police have an extraordinarily difficult job and the vast majority do their job in an outstanding fashion. I also indicated the degree we need to be supportive of those officers who do their job." He said today is a "wrenching reminder of the sacrifices they make for us." • Obama had addressed the police shootings in Baton Rouge and Minneapolis shortly after he arrived in Warsaw, but before the reports of the shootings in Dallas. "When incidents like this occur, there's a big chunk of our fellow citizenry that feels as if it's because of the color of their skin, they are not being treated the same," Obama said • Obama said that speaking out on the issue isn't an attack on police. "When people say 'black lives matter,' that doesn't mean blue lives don't matter," Obama said, referring to uniformed officers. "That just means all lives matter." • Former Rep Joe Walsh (R-Ill) is trending on Twitter after a series of inflammatory (and disgusting) tweets, including: "Obama has BLOOD ON HIS HANDS" and "This is now war. Watch out Obama. Watch out black lives matter punks. Real America is coming after you." (so let's just ratchet up the hate and horror) FBI Chief in Hot Seat on Hill: Clinton Emails (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CLINTON_EMAILS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-07-19-10-39) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/us/politics/james-comey-fbi-testimony-hillary-clinton-emails.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/07/comey-defends-decision-not-recommend-charges-clinton/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/07/paul-ryan-formally-asks-for-clinton-to-be-denied-classified-information/) , me) • Under withering criticism from Republicans, FBI Director James Comey vigorously defended the govt's decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton over her private email setup, rejecting angry accusations that the Democratic presidential candidate was given special treatment (said he wasn't "celebrity hunting") • Republicans on the House Oversight Committee, voices sometimes raised in apparent frustration and irritation, said they were mystified by the decision not to prosecute because they felt Comey, in a remarkably detailed and critical public statement on Tuesday, had laid out a basis for charges. "I totally get people's questions," he said, but the FBI was obligated to follow the law • Comey said investigators found no evidence that Clinton or her aides intended to break the law, even though they mishandled classified info. A misdemeanor statute requires the mishandling to be intentional, Comey said. A law that permits felony prosecution due to gross negligence has been used only once in the 99 years since it was enacted - espionage case • "We don't want to put people in jail unless we prove that they knew they were doing something they shouldn't do," Comey said. "That is the characteristic of all the prosecutions involving mishandling of classified information." He said it was unanimous among all the investigators not to pursue charges (GOP won't want to hear that) • Later Thursday, State Dept spox John Kirby said the dept was reopening its internal investigation of possible mishandling of classified info by Clinton and top aides. The internal review was suspended in April to avoid interfering with the FBI inquiry (that's bad news for Clinton - but who knows how long the investigation will take... beyond November?) House GOP Launches New Probe into Clinton's Emails • Comey said FBI investigators didn't examine whether Clinton had lied to Congress about her use of emails because the agency didn't get a "referral" from the legislative branch to investigate her statements under oath. "You'll have one," chair Rep Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said, "You'll have one in the next few hours." (aaaand another investigation to keep things going) • Comey angrily denied suggestions that he had consulted with members of the WH or the Justice Dept or coordinated his conclusions about Clinton with them. His face red and in a raised voice he said that he wanted to make something very clear to anyone watching in their local cafe: "I did not coordinate that with anyone," he said (only time he got angry) • Comey said three of the emails in question bore classification markings in the body despite Clinton's assertions that nothing she had sent or received was marked classified. And he said govt workers who negligently handled classified info, including FBI agents, could be subject to firing or administrative sanctions • But he said it was possible Clinton didn't even understand what the classification markings were, saying the investigation suggested she wasn't "particularly sophisticated with respect to classified info." (he also said they hadn't taped the FBI interview with her - not FBI practice in probes - and that she wasn't under oath - GOP heads exploded) • And he repeated his earlier contention that "no reasonable prosecutor" would have pursued criminal charges, saying at one point, "We went at this very hard to see if we could make a case." (i got the impression he would have liked to pursue charges if he could have - but that the law precluded it) • June jobs report is out this morning at 8:30 am. Economists surveyed by WSJ estimate 165,000 new jobs last month, and that the unemployment rate edged up to 4.8% from 4.7% in May. Some 35,000 jobs were shaved off the May reading by striking Verizon employees - those workers were back at work in time to be counted for June(WSJ) (http://blogs.wsj.com/briefly/2016/07/07/5-things-to-watch-in-the-june-jobs-report-2/) Trump Meets Senate GOP: Gets Combative (WaP (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/07/07/trump-meets-with-hill-republicans-as-controversy-over-star-of-david-tweet-continues/?hpid=hp_rhp-top-table-low_trump-caphill-1035am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) o, Politi (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/trump-meets-house-republicans-225205) co, me) • Donald Trump's private meeting with Senate Republicans - designed to foster greater party unity ahead of the national convention - grew combative as he admonished three senators who have been critical of his candidacy and predicted they would lose their reelection bids, according to two GOP officials with direct knowledge of the exchanges ( just can't help himself) • Sen Jeff Flake (R-Ariz) has been critical of Trump's rhetoric and policies on immigration. Flake introduced himself. Trump: "You've been very critical of me." Flake: "Yes, I'm the other senator from Arizona - the one who didn't get captured - and I want to talk to you about statements like that." (you go, Jeff) Flake was referencing former POW and current Sen John McCain (R-Ariz) • Trump said that he has yet to attack Flake hard but threatened to begin doing so. Flake stood up to Trump by urging him to stop attacking Mexicans. Trump predicted that Flake would lose his reelection, at which point Flake informed Trump that he wasn't on the ballot this year, the sources said (once again, Trump didn't have the facts) • Donald Trump may reveal his program for the Republican National Convention today - Who will give speeches? Who will perform? Sen Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told reporters Thursday that he will speak at the convention. Here's Cruz a few months ago, unloading on Trump, including callin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmOaqutvs1U) g him a "pathological liar." And Sen Marco Rubio (R-Fla) joins Trump for lunch today • Trump called Sen Mark Kirk (R-Ill) - who withdrew his endorsement last month citing racism - a "lose"r and vowed he would carry Illinois in November. Kirk didn't attend the meeting. Trump singled out Sen Ben Sasse (R-Neb), who has refused to support Trump and wants a third-party candidate. "You must want Hillary," Trump said. Sasse didn't respond (admirable restraint) • Earlier, Trump visited with the House GOP conference and was greeted by applause from more than 200 members, according to GOP aides. Trump opened the discussion with a speech on the importance of appointing conservative justices to the Supreme Court, members said (warmer reception in the House than the Senate) • But Rep Mark Sanford (R-SC) left the meeting, worried about Trump's grasp on the Constitution. "Somebody asked about Article I powers: What will you do to protect them? I think his response was, 'I want to protect Article I, Article II, Article XII, going down the list. There is no Article XII." Sanford said a "number of folks looked at each other funny" when Trump said that (i'll bet) • Presented in a recent interview with a scenario in which Donald Trump beats Hillary Clinton and wins the presidency, only to forgo the office as the ultimate walk-off winner, Trump flashed a mischievous smile. "I'll let you know how I feel about it after it happens," he said (NYT) (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/us/politics/donald-trump-president.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) Obama at NATO Summit in Poland (AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBAMA_EUROPE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-07-20-00-52) FT (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ededcb24-4444-11e6-9b66-0712b3873ae1.html?ftcamp=crm/email//nbe/UKMorningHeadlines/product • President Obama has arrived in Poland, his first leg of a five-day, two-country mission to buck up a beleaguered Europe and brush back an aggressive Moscow. He attends a NATO summit in Warsaw, before moving on to Seville and Madrid for his first presidential visit to Spain (his entire trip is naturally overshadowed by the Dallas shootings) • Obama wrote in the Financial Times today, "As difficult as it will be, I am confident that the UK and the EU will be able to agree on an orderly transition to a new relationship," calling on NATO to stand united against global challenges. "The special relationship between the U.S. and the UK will endure." • Obama's first stop this morning is a sit-down with Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker, presidents of the European Council and European Commission, respectively. Obama plans to discuss fallout from the UK's EU referendum. Obama meets Saturday with Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko to discuss the status of the stalled 2015 Minsk peace deal with Russia • Obama's agenda goes far beyond the Brexit fallout. NATO plans to tout new efforts to send signals to Russia. The alliance recently agreed to bolster its presence in the east by deploying four multinational battalions on a rotational basis to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland • NATO leaders will also discuss the rising threat of ISIS attacks in Europe, the effort to address the migrant crisis and commitments to the mission in Afghanistan, where Obama acknowledged Wednesday the security situation was too fragile to stick to the planned timetable for drawing down troops • After three weeks of private preparations, Sen Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) is expected to endorse Hillary Clinton on Tuesday at a campaign event in New Hampshire, according to three Democrats involved in the planning. Sanders's endorsement is expected to ensure that he has a prominent speaking spot at the Democratic convention later this month (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/us/politics/bernie-sanders-hillary-clinton.html?ref=politics) ,TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/07/sanders-endorse-clinton-next-week-reports/) ) Senate Dems Block Defense Bill (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESS_SPENDING_FIGHT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-08-00-41-54) , me) • Senate Democrats sidetracked a $575 billion defense bill for next year on Thursday and threatened to shut down Congress' work on spending legislation, accusing Republicans of shortchanging domestic programs. The move prompted the leaders of both parties to testily accuse the other of dysfunction (ohhh enough dysfunction to go around) • Both parties support the defense measure itself. But Democrats fear that if it is completed and sent to President Obama, they would lose leverage with the GOP for future spending measures financing health, public works, law enforcement and other domestic programs (they would) • As Democrats made their intentions clear, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) said they should be renamed "the dysfunction party" and warned that this is a dangerous period to block money for the Pentagon. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) fired back, saying, "They're the party of Trump, so don't call us dysfunctional." (so much dysfunction - Viagra?) • Reid sent McConnell a letter earlier Thursday, saying Republicans were breaking a budget pact reached last year by not providing comparable funding for defense and domestic programs and inserting controversial provisions into spending legislation. McConnell said the amount of money in the defense bill did comport to last year's budget pact • The Democrats wrote that they would block Senate work on upcoming spending bills "without strong, public assurance that you are committed to honoring the core tenets" of the budget agreement, "including fair funding, parity and a rejection of poison pill" language Obama Pushes for Zika Funding - Now (Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/286861-obama-helping-dems-in-last-ditch-push-for-zika-funding) , Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-zika-congress-idUSKCN0ZN1PU) , me) • President Obama has personally lobbied leaders in Congress over funding for the fight against the Zika virus. He has spoken with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) as well as top Senate Democrats over the "past few days," WH homeland security adviser Any Pope told reporters Thursday • The WH is aggressively ramping up pressure on GOP leaders to approve Zika money before Congress departs for its seven-week summer recess. The Senate has just six legislative days left in session before September. McConnell says he will only allow a vote on the GOP's Zika funding package that the WH has threatened to veto (which Dems will oppose - sooo - bzzzzzz) • That $1.1 billion bill - which prevents Planned Parenthood from receiving funds to combat what can be a sexually transmitted infection - passed the House on party lines last month but was blocked in the Senate. Democrats are pushing for McConnell to hold a vote on an earlier, compromise version of the $1.1 billion bill - likely doomed as contains emergency funding - not offset • The WH pushed for that bill in a presser Thursday, with public health leaders and Democratic lawmakers, including Sen Chuck Schumer (D-NY). "We have one more week, and Republican leaders have no plans to get a bill passed," Schumer said (this may end up being the lamest non-action by Congress: not protecting pregnant women and babies) • CDC Director Tom Frieden, who has been frequently meeting with lawmakers to press for funding, specifically said the lack of funding is slowing efforts to improve diagnostic tests, launch new studies and invest in vaccine development. "It's frankly difficult to navigate with so many unknowns," Frieden said • House Republican infighting - Freedom Caucus - has forced GOP leaders to indefinitely postpone a vote on an "anti-terrorism" package, leaving Congress with no legislative response to last month's massacre in Orlando. Meanwhile, Democrats launched another protest on the House Floor Thursday, using debate time to read names of gun violence victims and hold their pictures (Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/house-gop-indefinitely-delays-gun-control-votes-225234) o, Roll Ca (http://www.rollcall.com/news/democrats-read-names-gun-violence-victims-house-floor?utm_name=newsletters&utm_source=rollcalllunch&utm_medium=email) ll) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

DoJ to probe Sterling's death / Another black man shot by police / FBI chief on the Hill

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=915ec3e8a7&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Alton Sterling shooting: DoJ to investigate * Minnesota man shot dead by police at traffic stop * Trump shouts, defends Star of David tweet * FBI chief on the Hill: Clinton email server * Bernie booed by House Democrats * House GOP gun bill in jeopardy * UK's Iraq war report mauls Blair * Blair's private notes to Bush - frank uncensored Justice Dept to Probe Alton Sterling Shooting(NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/us/alton-sterling-baton-rouge-shooting.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLICE_SHOOTING_LOUISIANA_LAOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-07-03-09-48) Daily Beast, NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/08/us/philando-castile-falcon-heights-shooting.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/06/justice-department-opens-civil-rights-investigation-death-alton-sterling/) , me) • The Justice Dept opened a civil rights investigation on Wednesday into the fatal shooting of a black man by the Baton Rouge, La, police after a searing video of the encounter, aired repeatedly on TV and social media, reignited contentious issues surrounding police killings of African-Americans (like why they keep happening...) • A law enforcement official said a gun was taken from Alton Sterling, 37, after he was killed early Tuesday in the parking lot where he regularly sold homemade music CDs from a folding table. It had been said he was holding a gun. New video (graphic) shot by a witness appears (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/07/06/new-video-shows-alton-sterling-was-not-holding-a-gun-when-baton-rogue-police-killed-him.html?via=newsletter&source=DDAfternoon) to show he had no gun in his hand and an officer takes something from his pocket after the shooting • Two white officers were arresting Sterling early Tuesday after responding to a call about an armed man. The officers had Sterling pinned to the ground when at least one of them shot him. The shooting prompted protests in Baton Rouge, including a vigil with prayers and gospel music that drew hundreds of people Wednesday night to the shooting scene &&& • Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie Jr said that Sterling was armed. "Like you, there is a lot that we do not understand. And at this point, like you, I am demanding answers," Dabadie said, calling the shooting a "horrible tragedy." Officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II were placed on administrative leave • Quinyetta McMillon, the mother of Sterling's teenage son, trembled as she read a statement outside City Hall, where a few dozen protesters and community leaders had assembled. He son, Cameron, 15, broke down in tears and was led away sobbing as his mother spoke (his life's changed forever and possibly ruined - how do you move on from that) • Police say they have dashcam and bodycam video and store surveillance footage - will be turned over to DoJ. Lt Jonny Dunnam said police bodycam footage may not be as good as investigators hoped for because the cameras became dislodged during the scuffle. Louisiana ACLU said, "Right when they're needed most is when two of them malfunction in the same way." • The DoJ will look into whether the officers willfully violated Sterling's civil rights through the use of unreasonable or excessive force. Federal investigators must meet a high legal burden to bring a civil rights prosecution - establishing an officer knowingly used unreasonable force and not simply a mistake or use poor judgment (this is going to be tough, given how fast it happened) Minnesota Man Shot Dead by Police: Traffic Stop - Video • A Minnesota man was fatally shot Wednesday night by the police during a routine traffic stop, and the aftermath was captured in a grisly video recorded by th (https://www.facebook.com/100007611243538/videos/1690073837922975/) e front seat passenger and streamed live. The woman narrates what's happening as she trains the camera on the man, described as her boyfriend, and at least one officer pointing a gun through the driver's window • The woman explains that after being pulled over for a broken taillight, her boyfriend, Philando Castile, was shot several times while reaching for his license. She says that he had told officers before the shooting that he had a gun in the car. In the background, an officer can be heard shouting, "I told him not to reach for it. I told him to get his hands up." • "You told him to get his ID, sir, his driver's license," Lavish Reynolds responds. "Oh my god. Please don't tell me he's dead. Please don't tell me my boyfriend just went like that." In the background, a bloody Castile moans and appears to lose consciousness. He died later at a Minneapolis hospital. The officer has been placed on leave... (how could he get his ID with hands up?) • President Obama heads out today on a five-day, two-country mission to attend a NATO summit in Warsaw, before moving on to Seville and Madrid. In both corners of Europe, he'll be surrounded by leaders reeling from Britain's decision to pull out of the EU and trying to figure out the future (good luck with that, then)(AP, me) (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA_EUROPE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-07-03-26-43) Trump Shouts, Defends Star of David Tweet (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/07/us/politics/donald-trump-campaign.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) ,Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/286772-trump-defends-star-of-david-tweet-we-should-have-left-it) , WaPo, (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trumps-favorite-dictators-in-reviled-tyrants-gop-nominee-finds-traits-to-praise/2016/07/06/8debf792-4385-11e6-bc99-7d269f8719b1_story.html) me) • An often shouting Donald Trump on Wednesday night raged that he regretted deleting a tweeted image of a six-pointed star next to a picture of Hillary Clinton, with cash in the background. "'You shouldn't have taken it down," Trump recalled telling a campaign worker. "I would rather have defended it (image came from a website that promotes neo-Nazism - • Trump also vigorously reaffirmed his praise of Saddam Hussein. It was a striking display of self-sabotage from a presumptive presidential nominee. The Cincinnati rally had been promoted by Trump's team as a chance for him to give a tryout to a potential running mate, Newt Gingrich. The crowd chanted Gingrich's name, but Trump didn't heed its wishes (course not) • Trump began to read from notes about the criticism leveled against Clinton on Tuesday by FBI director James Comey. But within 20 minutes, Trump tossed his notes aside and moved on to the criticism he received for praising Saddam Hussein. Trump claimed he woke up Wednesday and the press was saying he "loves" Saddam Hussein (not what I read or saw, but I'm "bad people") • "I said, 'That's not what I said.'" "I don't love Saddam Hussein, I hate Saddam Hussein. But he was damn good at killing terrorists." Trump called the press "liars" and "bad people." Trump said in Dec about Saddam's use of gas on the Kurds: "Saddam Hussein throws a little gas, everyone goes crazy. 'Oh he's using gas!'" (oh well, just an agonizing death for innocent children) • Raising his voice to a hoarse shout, Trump complained that the Clinton campaign had released an ad showing him playing golf, though he said he didn't play golf recently in Scotland. "The picture was from two years before, at a different course!" He said the clip in the ad made him look thin. (ah, well, then) "The swing," Trump added, "actually looked good." (keep it up, Do...) • Donald Trump heads to Capitol Hill today to meet with Senate Republicans for the first time. Wednesday, Sen Bob Corker (R-Tenn) took himself out of the running for VP nominee, and Sen Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) seemed to do the same. Trump said there were "10" people under consideration for the (pretty thankless) gig FBI Chief on the Hill: Clinton Email Server (AP (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c5ba063a01bd4e2986d6d5a94aa2b753/fbi-head-face-congress-over-clinton-email-investigation) , Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/286777-five-panels-to-grill-fbi-on-clinton) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/06/comey-and-lynch-to-testify-on-investigation-into-clintons-emails/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/06/ryan-says-congress-could-work-to-deny-clinton-classified-information/) , me) • FBI Director James Comey will testify today before the House Oversight and Govt Reform Committee to answer GOP questions about why he didn't recommend criminal charges against Hillary Clinton over her email server. The announcement came a day after Comey publicly slammed Clinton for "extremely careless" behavior with classified emails as SecState • AG Loretta Lynch said in a statement Wednesday evening that she was accepting Comey's recommendation that the case would be closed. "We have seen nothing but stonewalling and dishonesty from Sec Clinton on this issue, and that means there are a lot more questions that need to be answered," House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) told reporters • Ryan said Clinton should be barred from receiving classified briefings in the course of the campaign, and he would be looking into whether Congress could take action to enact such a prohibition. Asked about appointing a special prosecutor, Ryan said he wouldn't "foreclose any option." (any option - to keep it going until November, or beyond) • "Republican after Republican praised Director Comey's impeccable record of independence - right up until the moment he issued his conclusion," said the committee's top Democrat, Rep Elijah Cummings (Md). "The only emergency here is that yet another Republican conspiracy theory is slipping away." (not quite yet) • The House Judiciary Committee also announced that Lynch would appear next week to testify about her airport meeting with former President Bill Clinton. Five committees in total plan some action. Sen John Cornyn (R-Texas) called for the FBI to make public its recent 3 1/2 hour interview with Clinton (of course - would be interesting to see) • President Obama scrapped plans Wednesday to cut American forces in Afghanistan by half before leaving office, saying he'll leave 8,400 troops to address the country's "precarious" security situation. The new plan reinforced the likelihood that the U.S. will remain entangled in Afghanistan for years as America works to suppress a resurgent Taliban and train the Afghan military (TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/06/obama-keep-us-troops-afghanistan-planned-8400/) , AP) (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_AFGHANISTAN_NATO?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-07-03-30-45) Bernie Booed by House Democrats (Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/bernie-sanders-booed-house-democrats-225161) o, Bloomber (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-07-06/sanders-says-clinton-is-the-presumptive-candidate-absolutely) g, CNN, (http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/06/politics/democrats-boo-sanders/) me) • Bernie Sanders faced intense pressure from House Democrats on Wednesday to endorse Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, as rank-and-file lawmakers confronted him behind closed doors with shouts of "Timeline! Timeline!" and even boos. Sanders confirmed on MSNBC Wednesday night that he's in discussions with the Clinton campaign about a potential endorsement • With the Democratic convention just weeks away, Sanders dodged questions about when he would endorse Clinton during a tense meeting Wednesday morning. Sanders also stunned some Democrats in attendance when he told them that winning elections wasn't the only thing they should focus on - they're all up for election in November (know your room, Bernie) • "The goal isn't to win elections, the goal is to transform America," Sanders said at one point, according to multiple people in the room. Some Democrats booed Sanders for that line, which plays better on the campaign trail. House Democrats also overwhelmingly supported Clinton, so it wasn't surprising that Sanders got a cool reception • Frustration was evident. House Democrats can't understand why Sanders hasn't endorsed Clinton. "It was frustrating because he's squandering the movement he built with a self-obsession that was totally on display," said a senior Democrat - anonymous (that's a growing consensus. he's seen by growing numbers of Dems as the liberal Trump - narcissistic and self-interested) • Later on CNN, Sanders said, "Am I fighting to make sure that a Democrat is elected president? You bet your bottom dollar." He said Clinton is "the presumptive nominee, absolutely." Sanders may endorse Clinton at a joint event in New Hampshire next Tuesday • Where is the secret 28 pages missing from a 2002 joint congressional report into the 9/11 attacks? The Obama admin had hinted it would be released by end of June. Today, lawmakers and some relatives of those killed will push the House Intelligence Committee to release the report on its own at an early afternoon event outside the Capitol (NYT) House GOP Gun Bill in Jeopardy (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESS_GUNS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-06-16-40-19) , Bloomber (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-07-06/ryan-squeezed-from-both-sides-on-terror-related-gun-measure) g, TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/06/pelosi-slams-republicans-not-allowing-meaningful-gun-vote/) , me) • Opposition from the hard-line House Freedom Caucus put a House Republican gun and anti-terrorism bill in jeopardy Wednesday, delivering an embarrassing slap to Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis). Meanwhile, Democrats castigated the election-year GOP measure as ineffective and demanded votes on their own gun curb plans (a normal day in the House) • Despite the NRA's endorsement of similar GOP legislation in the Senate, the Freedom Caucus complained that the House bill, which Ryan has been pushing, didn't adequately protect gun owners' rights. "I think there is still a path forward," Ryan said. "We want to make sure we get it right." (right - or for the right-wing?) • Two weeks after staging a House floor sit-in to dramatize their demands, Democrats are pressing for votes on two amendments: One to broaden background checks for gun buyers, the other to ban many firearms sales to suspected terrorists (that's not going anywhere - background checks, supported by well over 80% of Americans, are not popular with the GOP) • At a rally with gun victims' families on the Capitol steps, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) said Democrats want "real action, not a bill written by the gun lobby." She added: "The Republican House still refuses to disarm hate. Rep John Lewis (D-Ga) said of future Democratic actions, "stay tuned." - GOP wants to get out of town for the summer next week, sooo • The GOP bill would bar many gun sales to suspected terrorists, but only if federal prosecutors could prove within three days that a terrorist act was afoot. Democrats say the bill sets an unreasonably difficult hurdle that makes the whole process unworkable. The focus on a terror-related bill has increased since the massacre in an Orlando nightclub killed 49 people • Someone in the Senate gallery on Wednesday dumped a whole lot of cash (https://vine.co/v/5aUpan2ilEz) on senators voting on a bill on GMO labeling of foods. The protest was against Monsanto contributing money to senators backing the bill, which advanced in the Senate. The bill mandates labeling of GMO ingredients, but leaves many ingredients out (so - toothless - and no penalties or fines for noncompliance) (NYT) (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/07/business/gmo-labeling-bill-passes-first-hurdle-in-senate.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fus&action=click&contentCollection=us&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=9&pgtype=sectionfront) UK's Chilcot Report Mauls Blair: Iraq War (Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jul/06/chilcot-report-crushing-verdict-tony-blair-iraq-war?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other) , BBC, (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36712735) me) • A defiant Tony Blair on Wednesday defended his decision to go to war in Iraq in 2003 following the publication of a devastating report by Sir John Chilcot, which mauled the ex-PM's reputation and said that at the time of the invasion Saddam Hussein "posed no imminent threat." The report runs 2.6 million pages, which would take about nine days to read, and took seven years • Looking tired, his voice sometimes croaking with emotion, Blair said he felt "deeply and sincerely ... the grief and suffering of those who lost ones they loved in Iraq." But asked whether invading Iraq was a mistake, Blair said: "I believe we made the right decision and the world is better and safer." (safer? really? heard of ISIS, spawned in the wake of the invasion?) • In a statement Wednesday, former President George W. Bush acknowledged mistakes, but said he continued to believe "the world is better off without Saddam Hussein." The report disagrees and cites a mix of flawed intel, "wholly inadequate" planning and an exaggerated sense of the UK's ability to influence the U.S. Key findings: • 1) There was no imminent threat from Saddam Hussein. 2) The strategy of containment could have been adopted and continued for some time. 3) The judgments about the severity of the threat posed by Iraq's WMDs were presented with a certainty that wasn't justified (all these apply to the U.S. as well - the Chilcot report matters for Americans) • 4) The widespread perception that a September 2002 dossier distorted intel produced a "damaging legacy," undermining trust and confidence in politicians. 5) The govt failed to achieve its stated objectives. See below for bits from a number of declassified notes from Blair to Bush - frank and revealing (pretty cynical and shocking, too) • (Having the UK's support for invasion was a big boost to Bush, giving him credibility and political and military backing. The U.S. has decided not to look back - or learn? - from Iraq. Parallels between the two countries' falsehoods headed into the war are striking. The U.S. lost 4,486 soldiers in Iraq, the UK 179. Iraq Body Count (https://www.iraqbodycount.org/) says 251,000 violent deaths, including combatants) Blair to Bush: Personal Notes (Telegraph, (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/06/chilcot-inquiry-tony-blair-george-bush-letters/) me) • On 4 December 2001 - two months after the invasion of Afghanistan - PM Tony Blair wrote to President George W. Bush, "any link to 11 September and AQ is at best very tenuous...so we need a strategy for regime change that builds over time." He suggested "softening up" the international community by drawing attention to Saddam's breaches of UN resolutions (he's the planner) • On 28 July 2002, after the now infamous meeting with Bush at Crawford, Blair began, in a six-page letter assuring Bush of unconditional British support: "I will be with you, whatever." Sir David Manning, British ambassador to Washington, and Jonathan Powell, Blair's chief of staff, tried to remove the commitment from the letter. Blair wouldn't let them take it out • On 26 March 2003, six days after the invasion, Blair appeared to admit that WMD had been just a convenient excuse to invade: "Though Iraq's WMD is the immediate justification for action, ridding Iraq of Saddam is the real prize." (this is stunning - reveals the real reason for going in - and use of word "justification" implies manipulation) • He told Bush: "This is the moment when you can define international priorities for the next generation: the true post-cold war world order. Our ambition is big: to construct a global agenda around which we can unite the world rather than dividing it into rival centres of power." (difficult to do that on a foundation of lies and aggression) • On 2 June 2003 and with Bush declaring "mission accomplished," Blair was getting jittery. "The task is absolutely awesome and I'm not at all sure we're geared for it. This is worse than re-building a country from scratch. We start from a really backward position. In time it can be sorted" "If it falls apart, everything falls apart in the region." (Blair was a bit psychic - how dreadful) • Fox News has launched an internal review of the behavior of CEO Roger Ailes and Fox and Friends co-host Steve Doocy after former Fox News top anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and sexual harassment. Ailes released a statement calling the lawsuit "defamatory" and "retaliatory."(Politico) (http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2016/07/gretchen-carlson-files-lawsuit-against-roger-ailes-alleging-sexual-harassment-225162) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

FBI rips Clinton on emails: No charges / Obama slams Trump / Ryan: No gun vote for Dems

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=f5d060f0db&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * FBI rips Clinton on emails: No charges * Clinton emails: 4 revelations * Petraeus plea deal loomed over Clinton case * Obama declares war on Trump * Trump rips, rambles, rants * Ryan: No gun vote for Dems * British Iraq War inquiry report out today FBI Rips Clinton on Emails: No Charges (Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-clinton-emails-idUSKCN0ZL1US) , Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/286608-ryan-gop-will-hold-hearings-on-clinton-probe) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/us/politics/hillary-clinton-fbi-email-comey.html) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/05/clinton-used-private-email-account-in-territory-of-sophisticated-adversaries/) , TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/05/fbi-director-wont-recommend-charging-clinton-email-missteps/) TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/05/mccarthy-troubling-clinton-consistently-lied-email-use/) , me) • The FBI recommended on Tuesday that no criminal charges be filed over Hillary Clinton's use of private email servers kept in her New York home while she was SecState, but (strongly) rebuked the Democratic presidential candidate for "extremely careless" handling of classified info (attack ads ad nauseam for the Trump campaign - they write themselves) • House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) said on Fox News, "People have been convicted for far less," (see below - not sure about that) saying he thought FBI Director James Comey "was going to recommend prosecution." "We're going to have hearings," Ryan said (but of course), mentioning House Oversight chair Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) (who needs something to do) • In alengthy statement on the FBI's (https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/statement-by-fbi-director-james-b.-comey-on-the-investigation-of-secretary-hillary-clintons-use-of-a-personal-e-mail-system) conclusions from its yearlong investigation, Comey directly contradicted statements Clinton has made. He said, for example, that the FBI found 110 emails that contained classified info when they were sent, although Clinton has repeatedly said she never sent or received classified info (that's bad - and was foolish - unless she was sure) • "Although we did not find clear evidence thet Sec Clinton or her colleagues intended to violate laws governing the handling of the classified info, there is evidence that they were extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified info," Comey said. But he said the FBI concluded "no reasonable prosecutor" would bring charges • Comey's recommendation to the Justice Dept will likely stand. AG Loretta Lynch said Friday she would accept the recommendations of career prosecutors and the FBI director on whether to charge Clinton for mishandling emails. As the investigation wound up, Clinton underwent a voluntary 3 1/2 hour interview with the FBI on Saturday in DC • Cases prosecuted involved some combination of "clearly intentional and willful mishandling of classified info; or vast quantities of materials exposed in such a way as to support an inference of intentional misconduct; or indications of disloyalty to the U.S.; or efforts to obstruct justice" Clinton Camp: Glad It's Resolved • Clinton's spox Brian Fallon said, "As the secretary has long said, it was a mistake to use her personal email, and she would not do it again. We are glad that this matter is now resolved." He didn't respond to questions about Comey's rebuttal of Clinton's main arguments (and it isn't over - I bet GOP intends to drag this out all during the summer into November - even beyond...) • Comey said there was no evidence anyone had hacked Clinton's communications. He said, however, that "hostile actors" gained access to email accounts of people with whom Clinton corresponded regularly. He also said she used email extensively while traveling "in territory of sophisticated adversaries" and it was "possible" (that's bad) • Experts routinely advise govt officials not to bring important digital info to countries with a track record of aggressive cyber activity. Clinton traveled to more than 100 countries during her four years as SecState, including trips to China and Russia, considered among the most sophisticated U.S. cyber adversaries (friendlies like to have a good hack, too) • The FBI found 110 emails in 52 email chains that contained info that was classified at the time the messages were sent, Comey said. Eight of those chains contained "top-secret" info, the highest level of govt classification for material that could harm national security • Republican criticism of the process heated up after Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, met privately with Lynch in Phoenix last week. Lynch, who was appointed by Obama, said alter she regretted the meeting and that she and the former president didn't discuss the investigation (nevertheless, things hotted up a bit) • Want to check out Where in the World Hillary Clinton Might Have Been Hacked? Here's the complete list of her travels (https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/travels/secretary/clinton-hillary-rodham) as SecStates (grab a looong drink - it could take you a while...) Clinton Emails: 4 New Findings (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/us/politics/hillary-clinton-fbi-email-comey.html) ,Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/hillary-clinton-emails-comey-225121) o, TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/05/clinton-used-private-email-account-in-territory-of-sophisticated-adversaries/) me) • Of 30,000 emails Hillary Clinton handed over to State Dept, 110 contained info that was classified at the time she sent or received them. Of those, FBI Director James Comey said, "a small number" bore markings that identified them as classified - Clinton has repeatedly said none of the emails were classified at the time she sent or received them • Clinton used multiple private servers and numerous mobile devices for her personal and govt business, not just a single server at her home that's been the focus of media reporting for over a year. Clinton has said she used a personal server because she didn't want to deal with the hassle of having two devices, one for work, the other for personal use, ie "convenience" (not so much) • The FBI discovered "several thousand" work-related emails that weren't in the original trove of 30,000 turned over by Clinton to State. Three of those contained info that agencies have concluded was classified, though Comey said he didn't believe Clinton deliberately deleted or withheld them from investigators (read the statement - lots more in there) • In saying it was "possible" that hostile foreign govts had gained access to Clinton's personal account, Comey noted that she used her mobile device extensively while traveling outside the U.S., including trips "in the territory of sophisticated adversaries." She has said there was "no evidence" her server was hacked (and never forget that she's a lawyer, too....) • So, how long before Clinton holds a freewheeling presser on the campaign trail? Hmmm - I'm thinking she's going be Bubble Girl - or else she has to find ways to viciously counterattack Trump - and she hasn't been very effective at that so far • Break it down into bits: What we kno (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/05/27/us/politics/what-we-know-about-hillary-clintons-private-email-server.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) w about Hillary Clinton's email server (NYT) Petraeus Plea Deal Loomed Over Clinton Case (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/us/david-petraeus-hillary-clinton-fbi.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) me) • As FBI lawyers weighed whether to recommend criminal charges over Hillary Clinton's private email server, looming over their decision was the plea deal reached last year by David Petraeus, retired four-star general and CIA director, for giving highly classified info to a woman with whom he had an affair (GOPers were bleating Tuesday that Clinton was worse than him) • FBI director James Comey said Tuesday that in assessing Clinton's case and looking at past cases on the handling of classified info, "we cannot find a case that would support bringing criminal charges on these facts." Comey and other FBI officials were known to be deeply upset by the Justice Dept's willingness to let Petraeus plead to a misdemeanor charge in the case • That decision complicated the Clinton investigation enormously for the FBI because the case against Clinton appeared much weaker to them than the case against Petraeus • In the Petraeus case, he acknowledged in a taped interview that he knew that some of the "black book" journals he gave to lover Paula Broadwell for a book she was writing were "highly classified," according to court docs. He then lied to FBI investigators, denying that he gave her any classified info (see reasons to prosecute - above) • In contrast, Comey said in the Clinton case that "we did not find clear evidence that Sec Clinton or her colleagues intended to violate laws governing the handling of classified info." (they must be fuming - he got off lightly, so how could they punish her for something more minor? And, BTW, if you punish her, what about all the people who emailed her? You gotta punish them too) • Comey and the FBI had pushed for felony charges against Petraeus for mishandling classified info and then lying about it. But then AG Eric Holder overruled Comey and reduced the charge to a misdemeanor, sparing Petraeus any jail time. Prosecutors and FBI agents said that Petraeus's sentence made it harder to argue that Clinton should face charges - barring a new revelation • NIH announced Tuesday that researchers will study as many as 1,000 U.S. athletes, coaches and staff for Zika during the summer Olympics and Paralympics in Brazil, to better understands how the virus infects Obama Declares War on Trump (Politico (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/obama-hillary-clinton-president-rally-225130) , Reuter (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-clinton-idUSKCN0ZL0ZD) s, TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/election-2016/2016/07/05/obama-passes-baton-to-clinton/) , TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/05/obama-and-clinton-likely-didnt-discuss-fbi-announcement-white-house-says/) me) • President Obama, in Charlotte, NC, campaigned for the first time in 2016 with presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. He was "fired up" and "ready to go." For 40 minutes, in shirtsleeves, he hammered Donald Trump, while heartily endorsing his former SecState and vanquished 2008 opponent (he was having fun) • Clinton praised the president. "I feel very privileged because I've known the president in many roles. As a colleague in the Senate, as an opponent in a hard-fought primary, and the president I was so proud to serve as SecState," Clinton said. Neither Clinton nor Obama mentioned her emails - and the WH said they didn't discuss them on Air Force One... • Obama mocked Trump favored mode of political communication - Twitter. "Everybody can tweet, but nobody actually knows what it takes to do the job until you've sat behind the desk," he said with a chuckle. Obama said that even his younger daughter, Sasha, tweets. "She doesn't think that she, thereby, should be sitting behind the desk." Sasha? Trump? Qualified? Toss-up?) &&& • Obama stomped on Trump's campaign slogan to "make America great again" - a phrase that irks black voters who have less fond recollections of segregation and income inequality. "Just the other day, somebody was writing about wow, when you look at the surveys in the world, turns out that when Obama came into office, the world didn't think we were that great." • "We were in a hole before I came into office, but right now, the world - the rest of the world think we're pretty darn good. And, by the way, you can look that up. That's a fact. That's not, like something I just made up and tweeted," Obama continued to hammer Trump - without naming him (this is pretty visceral, is the impression you get - between these two) • "When a crisis hits, you can't just walk off the set. You can't fire the script writer," Obama said. "You can't be reckless. You don't have the luxury of just saying whatever pops into your head. You've actually gotta know what you're talking about. You've gotta actually do your homework. You can't just kick out reporters." (yes you can, for now, anyway) Trump Rips, Rambles, Rants (Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/trump-clinton-email-obama-plane-saddam-hussein-225148) o, NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/us/politics/donald-trump-saddam-hussein.html) alJazeer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLTZDfZ4Y_E) a,Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/286600-trump-accuses-clinton-of-bribing-lynch) , me) • During a rally Tuesday night in Raleigh, NC, Donald Trump falsely claimed that Hillary Clinton "said today that we may consider the AG to go forward," noting that AG Loretta Lynch headed the investigation into Clinton's private email server. "That's like a bribe, isn't it?" NYT has cited unidentified Dems who said Clinton would consider retaining Lynch, but Clinton hasn't confirmed it • Trump said Clinton "went to extraordinary lengths to carry out an Enron-style purge of her emails." (not what Comey said) Trump claimed Clinton's rival, Bernie Sanders, must have been stung by the news because he'd just lost the "FBI primary." Trump claimed - without any evidence - that President Obama knew in advance that Clinton would be cleared and when - WH says not true • On a different subject (there were many), he contradicted himself: "We need real unity and the [GOP] leaders have to get supportive and if they don't get supportive, we're going to win anyway. Don't worry about it. In fact, probably I do better without the kind of support that I'm talking about because that's why I'm here in the first place." (head spinning like in Exorcist - arrant nonsense) • Trump praised former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, first calling him a "really bad guy," then: "But you know what he did well? He killed terrorists. He did that so good. He didn't read them their rights. They didn't talk. They were terrorists. It was over." (didn't read rights to Kurdish babies and children, political opponents or anyone else he didn't like, either) • "Today, Iraq is Harvard for terrorism," Trump continued. Hussein wasn't a fan of jihadists, but Iraq was listed as a state sponsor of terrorism by State before the 2003 invasion. In the 1980s, Hussein fired scud missiles at Israel and used chemical weapons on tens of thousands of Iraqis (as a reminder - this is the result of the genocidal work of Trump's p (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLTZDfZ4Y_E) et guy - graphic) • TMN's Ellen Rat (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/05/holocaust-south-sudan-will-not-forgotten/) ner remembers Holocaust survivor author Elie Wiesel's wisdom, and writes about the importance of remembering the genocide in South Sudan - the largest ethnic genocide since World War II Ryan Won't Allow Votes on Dems' Gun Proposals (Roll Cal (http://www.rollcall.com/news/order-in-the-house?utm_name=newsletters&utm_source=rollcalllunch&utm_medium=email) l, Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/democrats-intimidate-gop-staff-gun-protest-225109) o,NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/us/politics/house-gop-may-seek-to-punish-democrats-for-gun-control-sit-in.html?ref=politics) me) • House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) on Tuesday rejected Democratic demands for votes on their proposals to reduce gun violence. Ryan met with Reps John Lewis (D-Ga) and John Larson (D-Conn), leaders of last month's sit-in, in a bid to defuse the partisan tension between the two parties over guns • Lewis said after the meeting that although Ryan "heard us," he didn't give them assurances their bills would be brought up. When asked whether they would renew their protest on the floor, neither Lewis nor Larson would reveal their plans. Privately, some more senior members worry another sit-in would set a dangerous precedent for when they're in the majority (horse - barn door) • Democrats are pushing for a vote that would bar anyone placed on the federal "no fly" list from purchasing a gun. Democrats also want to vote on expanding background checks to all gun sales. Both measures failed to pass the GOP-controlled Senate recently • Republicans have countered the Democratic initiative by offering a package that includes a version of an NRA-supported bill offered by Sen John Cornyn (R-Texas). would allow the Justice Dept to prevent a gun sale to a terror suspect if it obtains a court order within three days proving "probable cause" - also failed in the Senate • House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) said Tuesday that Democrats who protested the lack of votes on gun legislation by essentially seizing the House floor for nearly 26 hours recently may be punished for possibly breaking House rules, including "knocking things out of the hands of professional staff" and damaging congressional furniture (horrors - not the furniture...) • Video: Killing of Alton Sterling, a black man shot by Baton Rouge police officers (grap (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLDUmPgXTyQ) hic). Protesters demanded justice for Sterling, who was tackled to the ground, pinned down by police. An officer yelled "gun." Witness Abdullah Muflahi said Sterling wasn't holding a gun. An officer shot Sterling 4-6 times. Police found a gun in Sterling's pocket. Officers on admin leave (Advocate) (http://theadvocate.com/news/16311988-77/report-one-baton-rouge-police-officer-involved-in-fatal-shooting-of-suspect-on-north-foster-drive) British Iraq War Inquiry Report Out Today: Blair on Hot Seat (Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jul/05/john-chilcot-says-iraq-war-inquiry-will-not-shy-away-from-criticisms) ,AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_BRITAIN_IRAQ_INQUIRY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-05-17-05-13) me) • Sir John Chilcot insisted Tuesday he was not afraid to criticize those who were in charge at the time of the Iraq War in his long-delayed report into the role of the UK in the buildup, handling and aftermath of the 2003 conflict. The report, highly anticipated by families of soldiers and civilians killed and dreaded by some politicians and military leaders, is out today • Chilcot's report runs 12 volumes totaling 2.6 million words. The Iraq Body Count, which maintains a database of deaths in Iraq, puts the death toll of combatants and civilians from the invasion to the present day at 251,000. ISIS may have sprung from the early days of Sunni-Shia conflict post-invasion, for which there was little U.S. planning by the G.W. Bush admin • The report's main focus is on what (secret) commitments Tony Blair gave to President George W. Bush and whether the former PM misled the British public over the threat posed by WMD, which turned out to be non-existent. Mi6 could be slammed for providing inaccurate intel and allowing facts to be messed with for politics, and military commanders for not standing up to Blair • Sir John said relatives of soldiers and civilians killed had been "very much in our minds" throughout the process. Blair is planning to hold a presser to deliver a robust response to the findings. The report is out shortly before Prime Minister's Questions at midday and will dominate - David Cameron, Conservative, voted for the war - Jeremy Corbyn, Labour, voted against • Alan West, who was head of the Royal Navy in March 2003, said, "I think there had been a decision that we were going to invade Iraq, that that was going to happen, but they were looking for a reason to actually do it." "They'd bloody decided, that's the reality," he told political magazine The House • South African Paralympic Gold medalist Oscar Pistorius was taken to jail immediately today after being sentenced to serve six years for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp(Reuters) (https://www.yahoo.com/news/pistorius-jailed-6-years-murder-girlfriend-084249056--sector.html?ref=gs) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Trump defends Star of David tweet / Trump VP this week? / Obama-Clinton: Road trip buddies

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=143a8f890a&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Obama-Clinton: Road trip buddies * FBI interviews Hillary Clinton: Emails * Suicide bombing near Saudi holy site * Trump Veepstakes: This week? * Trump defends Star of David tweet * House Democrats plan gun disruptions * Sex may spread Zika more than thought * America celebrates the Fourth Obama-Clinton: Road Trip Buddies (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAMPAIGN_2016_THE_HANDOFF_NCOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-04-08-55-27) , NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/04/us/politics/white-house-prohibits-cabinet-from-addressing-democratic-convention.html?ref=politics) me) • They've been bitter rivals, allies and colleagues. Hillary Clinton's chances of winning the WH hinge on rallying President Obama's coalition to her cause. Obama's legacy depends on her success. Eight years after they spent millions tearing each other down, the foe-to-friend story will be at the center of the Obama-Clinton show in Charlotte, NC, today, aides to both say • In his remarks, the president will act as a character witness for his former SecState, who is struggling to convince voters of her trustworthiness and honesty. There's no better politician to testify on her behalf, many Democrats believe, than the man who once counted himself among the Clinton skeptics but came around to be one of her biggest boosters (without trust, she's done) • The WH hasn't ruled out Clinton and Obama traveling to the event together on Air Force One. The cost of the trip would be shared between the WH and Clinton's campaign according to a complicated formula worked out by Obama's legal counsel to comply with federal election law. Donald Trump tweeted Monday night, "Who pays?" (after implying there was something creepy) • Clinton aides believe Obama will be particularly effective rallying young people, as well as black and Hispanic voters, and will be instrumental in voter registration efforts. Obama also has regularly found ways to blast Trump's message and mock his style in a way widely viewed as an effective tweetable model for other Democrats (don't think Obama can literally stand Trump) • But Obama plans to take a largely positive message on the road as his campaigning picks up later this summer. That's in part because he's campaigning for the continuation of his agenda as well as Clinton's. Obama makes his first campaign appearance amid a wave of popularity unlike anything he's experienced since his first time (he's above 50% - is great sex even above 50%?) • The Clinton campaign has a competition among its Hillary supporters. The prize? The winner gets to stand on stage in Philadelphia at the Democratic National Convention and give a speech nominating Clinton on behalf of the Democratic Party. All you have to do is submit a video about what Clinton's nomination means to you and why it's important to elect her FBI Interviews Hillary Clinton - Email Server (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/03/us/politics/hillary-clinton-fbi-emails.html?ref=politics) Hill, (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/286444-wikileaks-publishes-clinton-war-emails) TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/02/clinton-interviewed-fbi-email-use/) , me) • The FBI interviewed Hillary Clinton on Saturday morning for its investigation into whether she or her aides broke the law by corresponding through a private email server set up for her use as SecState, a controversy that has dogged her presidential campaign and provided fodder for political rivals • The voluntary interview, which took place over three and a half hours at the FBI headquarters in DC, largely focused on the Justice Dept's central question: Did the actions of Clinton or her staff rise to the level of criminal mishandling of classified info? (so it's coming to a close, but they've got to go through her statement and compare it with everything else) • The RNC called the step "unprecedented," while Republican presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday: "It is impossible for the FBI not to recommend criminal charges against Hillary Clinton. What she did was wrong!" (wrong isn't always criminal; if it was, he would be in a somewhat different position himself) • In an phone interview with Chuck Todd on MSNBC after her meeting, Clinton said, "I've been eager to do it, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to assist the dept in bringing its review to a conclusion." (oh i'll bet) A person familiar with the substance of the session characterized the meeting as "civil" and "businesslike." • Wikileaks on Monday published 1,258 emails from Clinton's server that she either sent or received about the Iraq War. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told ITV last month the site had gathered "enough evidence" for the FBI to indict Clinton, "but if Loretta Lynch is the head of the [DoJ] in the U.S., she's not going to indict Hillary Clinton," Assange said • The WH is warning Cabinet members not to speak later this month at the Democratic National Convention, where Hillary Clinton will be officially nominated. It's seen as a move by the WH to distance itself from election-year politics in the waning months of the Obama admin (NYT) (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/04/us/politics/white-house-prohibits-cabinet-from-addressing-democratic-convention.html?ref=politics) Suicide Bombing Near Saudi Holy Site (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36706761) ,Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-blast-idUSKCN0ZJ017) , Reute (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-bangladesh-attack-fbi-idUSKCN0ZK09U) rs,TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/01/attackers-take-hostages-detonate-explosives-bangladesh-diplomatic-area/) , me) • A suicide bomber on Monday killed four security officers and injured five others near one of Islam's holiest sites in the Saudi city of Medina, according to the Interior Ministry. A bomber detonated his explosives after being stopped outside the Prophet's Mosque, a statement said. Al-Arabiya said the bomber pretended he wanted to break his Ramadan fast with the officers • The mosque is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad and Medina the second-holiest city in Islam after Mecca. (this is really shocking - this site is holy to all Muslims - that even ISIS or anyone would do this is truly disgusting) Earlier, at least one explosion rocked Qatif, an eastern city which is home to many minority Shia Muslims • A suspected suicide bomber also died after detonating a device near the U.S. consulate in the city of Jeddah. Two security officers were slightly injured as they tackled the man, but no one else was hurt. No was has taken responsibility for the attacks, which come as the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close ahead of the Eid-al-Fitr holiday (that's no accident) • A massive truck bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sunday left at least 165 people dead. PM Abadi said he would ban "magic wand" fake bomb detectors, some based on cheap devices for finding golf balls. A British businessman was jailed for 10 years for selling 6,000 devices to Iraq, but Iraqi security forces still use them, despite warning that the devices are useless (wicked on wicked) • SecState John Kerry offered Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina help to investigate those behind the killing of 20 people at a Dhaka restaurant, as police examine how the young, affluent and educated attackers were radicalized. Police say all six Islamist gunmen killed in Friday's attack were locals. ISIS has claimed responsibility • NASA has successfully put a new probe in orbit around Jupiter. Juno capped a five-year journey to the biggest planet in the solar system late Monday with a do-or-die engine burn to sling itself into orbit. NASA's mission control burst into wild cheering on receipt of radio messages from Juno that the braking maneuver had been successful. Now the spacecraft will sense the planet's deep interior (Reuters) (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-jupiter-idUSKCN0ZK0VE) Trump VeepStakes: This Week? (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/05/us/politics/joni-ernst-trump-vp.html?ref=politics) NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/02/us/politics/donald-trump-vice-president.html) TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/07/01/pence-huddle-trump-veepstakes-unfold/) , me) • Republican Donald Trump's VP choice, which he had initially envisioned revealing in dramatic fashion at the Republican convention, is expected to come as early as this week. The change, according to two people familiar with planning, was driven largely by concerns that the media coverage of the selection could drown out Trump's appearance at his own convention (very funny) • Trump met in New Jersey on Monday with Sen Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) as he screens potential running mates. One person briefed said that the campaign began vetting Ernst in recent days. She's a retired National Guard lieutenant and veteran of the Iraq War and her military background could help Trump given his lack of foreign policy experience • Earlier in the weekend, Trump met with Gov Mike Pence (R-Ind), another potential VP candidate. In a tweet Monday, Trump praised Sen Tom Cotton (R-Ark) (omg), another military veteran. Meanwhile, Sen Bob Corker (R-Tenn), another potential VP nominee, is set to appear with Trump at an event in North Carolina today • Trump has publicly acknowledged his list of potential running mates is down to "four or five people." Included are Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ) and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga) who last week received vetting docs. Of note is the expanded role internally in the campaign of Kellyanne Conway, who is close to both Pence and Gingrich • The list of known candidates suggests that Trump is most interested in choosing someone with govt experience, but there's no agreement within Trump's campaign about precisely what he needs in a nominee. For all the advice his aides dispense, Trump relies on himself most frequently, and it remains to be seen whether he will heed suggestions (does he ever) Trump Defends Star of David Tweet (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2016/07/05/us/politics/05reuters-usa-election-trump-tweet.html) , Mic, (https://mic.com/articles/147711/donald-trump-s-star-of-david-hillary-clinton-meme-was-created-by-white-supremacistsw.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/04/donald-trump-antisemitic-hillary-clinton-tweet) , me) • Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Monday defended a tweet he posted two days earlier that included an image depicting Democratic rival Hillary Clinton against a backdrop of cash and a Star of David, while Clinton called the image anti-Semitic (money, Star of David, words "corruption" = anti-Semitism or stupidity so great that you couldn't run a bath, let alone USA) • In a tweet Monday, Trump said he hadn't meant the six-pointed star to refer to the Star of David, which is a symbol of Judaism. Rather, he said, the star could have referred to a sheriff's badge, which is shaped similarly except for small circles at the ends of each of its six points, or a "plain star." (not sure what that would have been meant to convey - that she's a star?) • Trump later released a statement saying Clinton's criticism of the image was an attempt to distract the public from "the dishonest behavior of herself and her husband." He was referring to a criticized meeting last week between Bill Clinton and AG Loretta Lynch as an investigation into Hillary Clinton's email server nears a conclusion • Trump's tweet came after Mic News reported Sunday that the image attacking Clinton - which included the words "History made" and, inside the star, "most corrupt candidate ever!" - had been shared on a neo-Nazi web forum called /pol.. Reuters confirmed the image was posted there 22 June by viewing a link - though the page has been updated and the image removed (of course) Clinton: "Blatantly Anti-Semitic" • "Donald Trump's use of a blatantly anti-Semitic image from racist websites to promote his campaign would be disturbing enough, but the fact that it's part of a pattern should give voters major cause for concern," Clinton said in a statement emailed to reporters on Monday (he's retweeted things by people with neo-Nazi connections several times during the campaign) • Trump posted and deleted the post Saturday, then tweeted a similar image in which the star was replaced by a circle, but you could still the edges of the star. (why delete it?) Monday, he lashed out at journalists. "Dishonest media is trying their absolute best to depict a star in a tweet as the Star of David rather than a Sheriff's Star, or plain star!" Trump tweeted • Saturday's incident was the latest departure by Trump from a recent effort to appease Republicans worried about his brash public persona by trying to appear more restrained. Trump has fired his campaign manager and begun using a teleprompter for speeches after having referred to Mexicans as "rapists" and mocked a disabled reporter - Clinton's using that in ads • Ed Brookover, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, said on CNN Monday that the campaign felt it had "corrected" the issue about the star by deleting Trump's original tweet. Brookover said of the image's earlier appearance on the neo-Nazi forum: "These images get posted and reposted on social media on many forums. There was never any intention of anti-Semitism." (course not) • Monday, Dan Scavino, Trump campaign's social media director, said the star wasn't sourced from an anti-Semitic website, but "lifted from an anti-Hillary Twitter user." "As the social media director for the campaign, I would never offend anyone and therefore chose to remove the image." (so why post it in the first place? - and if you think it's not offensive, why remove it?) • President Obama praised Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel as "one of the great moral voices of our time, and in many ways, the conscience of the world." Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial announced Saturday that Wiesel had died at the age of 87 (AP) House Democrats Plan Gun Disruptions (Roll Ca (http://www.rollcall.com/news/house-gop-gun-measure-looks-like-cornyns-plan?utm_name=newsletters&utm_source=lunchbreak&utm_medium=email) ll, Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/286393-congressional-black-caucus-to-coordinate-day-of-action-on-gun) me) • The Congressional Black Caucus said in a memo to Democratic offices that its members should be "as disruptive to Speaker [Paul] Ryan (R-Wis) as possible next week," when the House gets back today as part of a "day of action on the floor in regards to gun violence." (it's not going to be boring, then, now the House is back) • "During votes - Members are encouraged to have a picture - not poster board, but a printed piece of paper with an image of a constituent killed by a firearm" the memo said. Ryan said last week the House will vote this week on legislation to block suspected terrorists from buying guns following a nearly 26-hour sit-in by House Democrats demanding a vote • Friday, the House posted text of a new bill introduced by Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif). Included are gun control proposals that are substantially similar to an NRA-backed proposal from Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas), which the Senate failed to advance last week on a largely partisan vote, 52-47 • "All across America, families are demanding real action to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and suspected terrorists, not a toothless NRA bill that will do nothing to keep our communities safe," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) said in a statement Friday. Reps John Lewis (D-Ga) and John Larson (Conn) have asked to meet Ryan about possible amendments • A spox for Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md) said Democrats will continue to demand a vote on Rep Peter King's (R-NY) bipartisan "No, Fly, No Buy" bill which imposes a ban on firearms sales to those on terror watchlists, unless they can prove they don't belong on the list • Conservative MPs in Britain begin the process of choosing their next leader and UK PM today when the first round of voting gets under way. (voting off the island) Home Secretary Theresa May goes into the ballot with a lead. Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb and Liam Fox also hope to succeed David Cameron (BBC) (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36709218) Sex May Spread Zika More Than Thoughthttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/05/health/zika-virus-sex-spread.html?action=click&contentCollection=health&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront(NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/05/health/zika-virus-sex-spread.html?action=click&contentCollection=health&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront) ,Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/286340-planned-parenthood-showdown-threatens-zika-funding) , me) • An outbreak of the Zika virus in the continental U.S. could begin any day now. But while there's plenty of discussion about mosquito bites, some researchers are beginning to worry more about the other known transmission route: sex. Intimate contact may account for more Zika infections than previously suspected, these experts say • Two reports now suggest that women in Latin America are much more likely to be infected than men, although both are presumably to be equally exposed to mosquitoes. The gender difference appears at the age at which sexual activity begins, and then fades among older adults (not of concern to some older men in Congress, though - except stop younger women from birth control) • In most parts of the U.S., health officials have presumed that the risk of Zika infection is low, except possibly at the peak of summer, the height of the mosquito season. But wider sexual transmission may alter that calculus. Prevention campaigns, for instance, would have to be retooled with a greater emphasis on protected sex • Meanwhile, in Congress, Senate Democrats on Thursday blocked a Zeka funding bill put forward by Republicans, objecting to a range of measures, including most prominently that the bill allows Zika funding for community health centers and other providers, but not Planned Parenthood - (lots of poorer, younger women go there) • Democrats blasted that as a political move, saying that Planned Parenthood's contraceptive services could help prevent the spread of the virus through sex, and help women avoid pregnancy and the potential serious birth defects that come with Zika. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) has vowed to bring up the same $1.1 bn package for another vote America Celebrates the Fourth (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_INDEPENDENCE_DAY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-04-22-47-51) , WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/07/04/pbs-used-some-stock-footage-for-its-fireworks-show-and-people-were-not-happy/?hpid=hp_no-name_hp-in-the-news%3Apage%2Fin-the-news) , me) • In Philadelphia, celebrity guest Leslie Odom Jr, a Philadelphia native who plays Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical "Hamilton," read the Declaration of Independence. Meanwhile, in Plymouth, Mass, a barge being used for a fireworks celebration Monday night exploded and caught fire. Authorities were on the scene • History was made in the traditional hotdog-eating contest at New York's Coney Island when long-time champion Joey "Jaws" Chestnut took back the Mustard Yellow International Belt from last year's upstart winner Matt Stonie. Chestnut set an unofficial new world record by downing 70 hotdogs in 10 minutes (and didn't throw up - which also I think should get a prize) • More than a million spectators in New York City braved a light sprinkle of rain as they watched Macy's annual July Fourth fireworks display. The nearly 30-minute long show featured dazzling blues, reds and white among other colors from the more than 56,000 pyrotechnic shells launched from barges in the East River • It's the last Fourth of July at the WH for President Obama as his family hosted military families and two of the president's favorite performers, singer-songwriter Janelle Monae and rapper Kendrick Lamar - inside the WH because of the rain. Obama called America a "miracle" that needs to be defended, then embarrassed daughter Malia by singing Happy Birthday to her • Scandal if you were watching Washington's fireworks outside on Monday night where the weather was cloudy and if you also saw PBS's "A Capitol Fourth," you might have noticed many of the fireworks on TV looked glorious in a clear sky. Yes - stock footage. Twitter was outraged. PBS said it "the patriotic thing to do." One tweeter called it the "fraudulent" thing to do (treason...) • How well do YOU know America? Take this surprisingly confounding Fourth (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jul/04/fourth-of-july-america-quiz) of July quiz, including pet ownership, pizza eating, flag flying, sandwich fillings and circumcision (not actually together) (Guardian, me) Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

VP? Trump vets Gingrich, Christie / Backstabbing! Boris's Brexit / Lynch-Bill Clinton firestorm

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=f944cff0e0&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!   Morning Jumpstart * Trump vetting Gingrich, Christie for VP * Lawyer to sue gun makers: Orlando massacre * AG's meeting with Bill Clinton creates firestorm * Betrayal! Backstabbing! Boris's bruising Brexit * Obama to release some drone strike deaths * Judge blocks Mississippi anti-gay law * Pentagon ends transgender ban * DHS: Increased security for July 4th travel Trump Vetting Gingrich, Christie for VP (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GOP_2016_TRUMP_VEEP?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-06-30-23-54-19) , NYT, Politifact (http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2012/jan/23/did-gingrich-leave-speakership-disgrace/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/election-2016/2016/06/30/report-christie-vetted-vp-trump-campaign/) , me) • Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is considering former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga) and Gov Chris Christie (R-NJ) for VP, as part of a short list. Their inclusion was confirmed by people with direct knowledge of the vetting process - anonymous (Christie is unpopular in New Jersey. Gingrich is just unpopular) • Trump has said he would unveil his pick at the GOP convention in three weeks' time. Gingrich and Christie, who both received vetting paperwork in the last 24 hours, emerged as prominent Trump allies in recent months, even as the mogul faced deep and sustained skepticism from many GOP leaders • Trump on Thursday said of Christie, "I'm certainly looking at him [for VP] and I always will. Whether it's for that or something else," Trump told right-wing radio host Howie Carr. He also described Gov Mike Pence (R-Ind) as "somebody we like a lot." • His VP pick could be crucial to easing the concerns of Republicans who worry about his lack of political experience, as well as his temperament to be commander in chief. Tapping a political insider would also be a way for Trump to signal a willingness to work with the party establishment he has thoroughly bashed • Christie was vetted in 2012 by nominee Mitt Romney's research team. The Christie admin's recent involvement in "Bridgegate" could complicate his 2016 prospects. Gingrich, who ran in 2012, served as speaker from 95-99. He left under a cloud, with ethics problems, miscalculations on elections strategy, unpopularity with the public and a failed agenda (good start there, Newt) • VP Joe Biden says on NPR this weekend: "I've talked to Bernie, Bernie's going to endorse her [Hillary Clinton], this is going to work out." News to Bernie. Asked about what Biden said on MSNBC, Sanders said he'd talked with Biden about three weeks about, and: "As of this moment we're not quite there yet." (everybody has a shelf life, Benrie) (Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/286206-biden-spills-beans-sanders-will-endorse-clinton) , Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/286219-sanders-skirts-bidens-claim-that-hell-endorse-clinton) me) Lawyer to Sue Gunmakers Over Orlando Massacre (NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/orlando-nightclub-massacre/orlando-victim-miguel-angel-honorato-s-family-plans-sue-gunmakers-n601966) , AP (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/e1d559b0347341a4a5daf809bba99ef1/ryan-house-vote-barring-guns-suspected-terrorists) , Bloomber (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-06-30/ryan-plans-house-vote-on-gun-provision-after-democratic-sit-in) g, me) • A Texas lawyer said Thursday that he plans to sue two gun makers for "aggressively marketing" the kind of weapons used in the Orlando nightclub massacre. Robert Hilliard will represent the family of Miguel Angel Honorato, one of the 49 people shot to death 12 June at the Pulse nightclub. Honorato's family includes a wife and three young children, seven siblings and parents • Gunman Omar Mateen used a Sig Sauer MCX rifle and a Glock pistol. Hilliard didn't detail the legal argument he planned to make, but his statement focused on the companies' marketing campaigns: Sig Sauer touted the MXC as highly accurate and prolific, he said, while Glock boasted that its semiautomatic handguns were made for military use • The plan, Hilliard said, was to hold "manufacturers to account for their product designs and marketing - just as we as a society hold all other manufacturers to account for their products and marketing." The families of nine children and adults killed in the 2012 Newtown, Conn, massacre are already pursuing such a strategy (guns have a carve-out law protecting them) • Their lawsuit against Remington Arms, the parent of the company that makes the Bushmaster rifle, alleges that it was aware the gun was meant for the military and not civilians. Remington has asked a judge to dismiss on the grounds it's protected by a 2005 law that shields gun makers from most lawsuits involving crimes committed with their products (unlike everybody else) • Meanwhile, the House will hold election-year votes next week on a Republican proposal aimed at keeping suspected terrorists from obtaining guns, Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) told GOP lawmakers Thursday, after a Democratic sit-in. "Bringing up a bill authored by the NRA just isn't going to cut it," a spox for Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) said in a statement • Watch: Naked man takes over Times Square, climbs to top of Tkts Booth, rants about (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSqj6HeDUGA) Donald Trump - demands a meeting - taunts police (very funny), jumps off building, misses airbag. Man's current condition unknown...(maybe he's in a meeting with Donnie) (NYP, me) AG's Meeting with Bill Clinton Creates Firestorm (WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/06/29/attorney-general-meets-with-former-president-clinton-amid-politically-charged-investigation-into-his-wifes-email/?hpid=hp_rhp-more-top-stories_no-name%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.d6fb3aedd0cb) , Politico (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/bill-clinton-loretta-lynch-224972) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/us/politics/meeting-between-bill-clinton-and-loretta-lynch-provokes-political-furor.html?ref=politics) , Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/286143-lynch-clinton-meeting-creates-firestorm) , Bloombe (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-06-30/house-whip-calls-for-lynch-recusal-on-clinton-e-mail-probe) rg, TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/white-house/2016/06/30/white-house-toes-line-on-clinton-lynch-meeting/) me) • AG Loretta Lynch described her Monday meeting with Bill Clinton aboard a private plane as "primarily social," but some Democrats are struggling to stomach the optics of the AG's meeting with the former president while his wife is under federal investigation - and Republicans are pouncing (don't blame them - this was a surprisingly dim misstep by Lynch - but Clinton is most to blame) • The FBI and Justice Dept are in the midst of a high-profile investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her tenure as SecState - a probe that has, at times, been the subject of intense focus on the campaign trail. The decision on whether to bring charges would ultimately run through Lynch (unlikely she'll step down, but she's damaged herself) • "It's [investigation] being handled by career investigators and career agents, who always follow facts and the law, and do the same thorough and independent examination in this matter that they've done in all," Lynch said Wednesday in Los Angeles. "So that's how that'll be handled." (there'll always be a taint now - and she had the respect of most GOP lawmakers) &&& • WH spox Josh Earnest refused to second-guess Lynch's meeting when pressed by reporters. "I think the bottom line is simply that both the president and the AG understand how important it is for the Dept of Justice to conduct investigations that are free of political interference." (bet the WH is absolutely livid - Bill Clinton should have known better) • "In light of the apparent conflicts of interest, I have called repeatedly on AG Lynch to appoint a special counsel to ensure the investigation is as far from politics as possible," Sen John Cornyn (R-Texas) and a member of the Judiciary Committee, said in a statement on Thursday. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La) said Lynch should recuse herself - special prosecutor • Lynch said the meeting with Clinton was unplanned, largely social - golf, grandchildren, travel - and didn't touch on the email investigation. She suggested that he walked uninvited from his plane to her govt plane, which were both parked on a tarmac at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (she prob didn't have a choice. Big Dog shows up - you can't turn him away) • Donald Trump said on the Mike Gallagher Show that the meeting was "really a sneak," "so terrible" and "so horrible." "This is terrible and nobody can understand why nothing's happened. And you see a thing like this and, even in terms of judgment, how bad of judgment is it for him or for her to do this, I mean, who would do this?" • President Obama signed the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act, or PROMESA, in the Oval Office on Thursday, saying that although there's still "some tough work" to dig Puerto Rico out of its hole, "this indicates how committed my admin is to making sure that they get the help they need."(Reuters) (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-puertorico-debt-idUSKCN0ZG09Y) Betrayal! Backstabbing! Boris's Brexit (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36677028) , BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36672591) , Daily Bea (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/06/30/brexit-leader-boris-johnson-decapitated-in-brutal-fight-to-be-britain-s-next-prime-minister.html) st, Guardia (http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/30/goves-thunderbolt-boris-johnson-tory-morning) n, Telegrap (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/30/how-boris-johnson-was-brought-to-his-knees-by-the-cuckoo-nest-pl/?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=EU+referendum+briefing+2016&utm_term=179897&subid=16258414&CMP=ema-3239) h, me) • Ex-London Mayor Boris Johnson on Thursday ruled himself out of the race to be the next Conservative leader and prime minister. In a speech in London - billed as his campaign launch - Johnson stunned supporters - some of whom appeared to weep - when he said he didn't believe he could provide the leadership or unity needed (because he'd just been stabbed) • It comes after Justice Secretary and fellow Brexit campaigner Michael Gove's surprise announcement on Thursday morning that he would run for leader. Home secretary (interior minister) Theresa May is among the candidates (Gove is - was - a 30-year friend of Johnson's from Oxford University. They were both friends with PM David Cameron, too) • Also in the running are Energy minister Andrea Leadsom and former Defense Secretary Liam Fox - Leave - and Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb - Remain. The contest was sparked when Cameron announced he would resign following the EU referendum result, which saw the UK vote by 52% to 48% to leave the EU • Johnson learned that his old pal Gove had betrayed him at the same time as the public did. Johnson was still favorite to be Britain's next PM at 9:01 am, as he prepared to launch his campaign at a London hotel. There are also suggestions that Gove may have had weekly meetings behind the scenes with Treasury secretary George Osborne during the campaign • Commemorations are being held today in Britain and France to mark the centenary of the 1 July 1916 start of the Battle of the Somme in which 1 million men died over 5 months in the First World War. Britain lost 20,000 men on the first day. The UK fell silent for two minutes today to mark the moment when the battle began - bloodiest day in British military history(BBC) (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36674451) Gove Ambushes Boris for PM Post • But unbeknown to Johnson, Gove, his Brexit running mate, had already decided to run against him about nine hours beforehand. Gove had given no hint of his plans the night before as he attended the Conservative summer party. The justice sec had also repeatedly said that he had no ambitions to be the Tory leader (don't trust em when they say that) • Confirming his ambitions for Downing Street, Gove in his statement brutally cast Johnson as lacking he qualities and character to lead. He portrayed the decision as an agonizing, last-minute choice after senior Johnson backers pressured him to enter the race. "Michael, it should be you," he claimed they said (Boris was feckless and a liar - Gove is a backstabber - take your pick) • However, furious MPs in Camp Johnson believed it was a long-planned coup by Gove and his advisers after the justice secretary had his head turned during the EU referendum campaign by surveys suggesting he was the darling of the Tory membership. Plus he had the endorsement for PM from newspaper owner Rupert Murdoch (hugely influential in the UK • "Gove is a cu+t who set this up from the start," one friend of Johnson texted a political journalist at the Sun. More publicly, Jake Berry, Conservative MP and one of Johnson's closest allies, tweeted: "There is a very deep pit in Hell reserved for such as he.'s no innocent. The former journalist was fired twice for lying in articles) Boris "Ripped the Party Apart" • "He's ripped the Tory party apart, he has created the greatest constitutional crisis in peacetime in my life. He's knocked billions off his value of the savings of the British people. He's like a general who marches his army to the sound of the guns and the moment he sees the battleground he abandons it," ranted Lord Heseltine, former Conservative deputy prime minister • Johnson, in his speech, included a reference to Brutus in "Julius Caesar" and spoke of "a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." (Brutus and his pals stabbed Caesar to death) Johnson played Brutus to Cameron's Caesar. Then he was Caesar, and got stabbed by Gove's Brutus (Johnson's a history wonk - should have figured it out) • The five candidates will be winnowed down to two by successive votes by Conservative Party MPs, beginning on 5 July. One of those two will then be chosen as the next leader by the 150,000 or so registered members of the party, with an outcome to be announced on 9 Sept (voting off the island - pretty brutal stuff) • In a BBC interview, Gove said he "came in the last few days, reluctantly and firmly, to the conclusion that while Boris has great attributes he was not capable of uniting that team and leading the party in the way that I would have hoped." Gove didn't speak to Johnson ahead of the announcement. Stay tuned for the next episode of Game of Thrones: Brexit • Fifty-eight retired generals and admirals called on both Republicans and Democrats to "unequivocally" reject the use of torture on prisoners of war in letters to the two party platform committees. The letters follow calls by GOP 2016er Donald Trump to bring back waterboarding and "much worse" in the wake of the Istanbul airport terror attack(TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/election-2016/2016/06/30/retired-us-military-brass-urge-gop-dems-reinstituting-torture/) Obama to Release Some Drone Strike Deaths (AP, (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/237f02896dd3419bbc7c82c9910f7acb/ap-sources-obama-reveal-civilian-deaths-drones) me) • President Obama is expected to disclose as early as today the number of civilians killed in U.S. military and CIA drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Africa since he took office and will issue an executive order that makes protecting civilians a more integral part of planning U.S. military operations, according to activists and other individuals familiar • The WH is to disclose the casualties with a range of numbers indicating that an estimated 100 civilians have been inadvertently killed by 500 drone strikes since 2009. The estimate is said to cover drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Libya and Somalia. It doesn't cover ones in Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria where U.S. forces have conducted thousands of air attacks (so - what's point, then) • While sketchy details often emerge about individual drone strikes, the full scope of the U.S. drone program - a key tool of Obama's counterterrorism strategy - has long been shrouded from view. Still, the new info isn't likely to answer all the questions that have been raised and human rights groups have long claimed the admin undercounts civilian casualties • Reprieve, an international human rights organization based in New York, said, "The numbers without the definitions to back up how the admin is defining its targets is useless, especially given reports the Obama admin has shifted the goalposts on what counts as a 'civilian' to such an extent that any estimate may be far removed from reality." (maybe it's not about reality) • Weak leadership, poor judgment and a lack of "warfighting toughness" led to the capture of 10 U.S. sailors by Iran in the Gulf in January, the U.S. Navy says in a report. The sailors weren't even aware they had entered Iranian waters, the report says. Six officers and three sailors have been disciplined or face action (BBC) (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36678976) Judge Blocks Mississippi Anti-Gay Law (AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_RELIGIOUS_OBJECTIONS_MISSISSIPPI?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-07-01-03-46-51) me) • A federal judge has blocked a Mississippi law that would let merchants and govt employees cite religious beliefs to deny or delay services to same-sex couples • U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves filed orders in two lawsuits blocking the law just moments before it was to take effect today. State attorney are expected to appeal his decision • The law would protect three beliefs: That marriage is only between a man and a woman; that sex should only take place in such a marriage; and that a person's gender is determined at birth and cannot be altered • Reeves wrote that the law is unconstitutional because "the state has put its thumb on the scale to favor some religious beliefs over others." He also wrote that it violates the Constitution's equal protection guarantee • Quick quiz! Which congressional leader are you? Pau (http://www.rollcall.com/news/quiz-which-leader?utm_name=newsletters&utm_source=lunchbreak&utm_medium=email) l Ryan? Nancy Pelosi? Mitch McConnell? Harry Reid? Take Roll Call's quiz and find out (I was Harry Reid - better get out my shades - and I'm apparently never afraid to throw a punch and I always make time for date night...) Pentagon Ends Transgender Banhttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/us/transgender-military.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news(NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/us/transgender-military.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/defense/286176-gop-calls-for-hearings-on-end-of-militarys-transgender-ban) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/30/transgender-troops-allowed-openly-serve-defense-department/) , WaPo, (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/06/30/the-pentagons-ban-on-transgender-service-just-fell-but-the-details-are-complicated/?hpid=hp_rhp-top-table-main_transgendermilitary-2pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) me) • SecDef Ash Carter on Thursday removed one of the final barriers to military service by lifting the Pentagon's ban on transgender people serving openly in the armed forces • The decision pushes forward a transformation of the military that Carter has accelerated in the last year with the opening of all combat roles to women and the appointment of the first openly gay Army secretary. Transgender people who want to join the military will be required to wait 18 months after a doctor certifies that they are stable in their new gender before they can enlist • Lifting the ban on transgender people has faced resistance from some at the highest ranks of the military, who have expressed concerns over what they consider a social experiment that could potentially harm the military's readiness and effectiveness in combat • Several studies have reached the opposite conclusion, however, finding that lifting the ban is unlikely to have any appreciable effect on the readiness of the armed forces. A study by the RAND Corp, commissioned by Carter, found that out of the approx. 1.3 million active duty service members, an estimated 2,450 were transgender • Sen John McCain (R-Ariz) said Thursday said he had had no notice before the announcement. "I happen just to be the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and it's customary in all the years I've been on it to give members, particularly the chairman, a briefing." He said he intends to hold hearings and raised the potential for "some legislation" on the issue (he's not happy) DHS: Increased Security for July Fourth Travel (Reuter (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-independenceday-security-idUSKCN0ZF29E) s, Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/286107-dhs-chief-we-cant-just-focus-on-airport-security) , me) • Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said Thursday that the TSA, state and local enforcement would all beef up their efforts at U.S. airports over the Fourth of July weekend, days after suicide bombings killed 44 people at Turkey's Istanbul airport. Johnson was speaking at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing • But Johnson also warned the govt and American public not to limit their attention on security threats to the aviation sector, despite two major terrorist attacks on airports abroad recently. "My caution is that when it comes to public spaces and public events, we should not focus our attention on airports to the exclusion of other public events," Johnson said • "We continue to encourage the public to travel, to celebrate, to continue to go to public events," Johnson said. "Public awareness can and does make a difference." Johnson emphasized that airport security wouldn't be compromised in the face of long lines at checkpoints, which he said had improved recently (we'll be the judge of that, thank you) • The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees operations at the three major airports in the New York City area, said in a statement that police had added "high visibility patrols with tactical weapons and equipment." Agencies in charge of other major airports emphasized that security remains their top priority • Meanwhile, Amtrak said it had "robust security measures" in place and was working with other agencies to gather intelligence following the Istanbul attacks. A record number of Americans, 43 million, are expected to travel between 30 June and 4 July, according to AAA. The vast majority will go by car, but 3.3 million are expected to fly • Rocking into the Fourth of July weekend with "Made in America" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoEKWtgJQAU) - JAY Z, Kanye West - Otis ft. Otis Redding Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Canada's pols <3 Obama: "4 more years!" / GOP convention: Looming chaos? / Obama slams Trump

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=6909009c1e&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Turkish media say 13 suspects have been detained over Istanbul airport attack, including 3 foreign nationals (AP) Morning Jumpstart * Canada's pols <3 Obama: "4 more years!" * Obama slams Trump over trade * Istanbul attack: Obama, CIA suggest ISIS * Senate passes Puerto Rico debt bill - finally * GOP Cleveland convention: Looming chaos?... * Trump moves to quash rebellious delegates * Obama raises concerns: Brexit vote * Houston woman killed daughters to punish husband Canada's Pols <3 Obama: "4 More Years!" (Politico (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/obama-trade-trump-224950) , Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/06/29/canadian-lawmakers-chant-four-more-years-after-obama-address-to-parliament.html?intcmp=hplnws) , me) • Canadian lawmakers directed chants of "Four more years!" towards President Obama Wednesday as he wrapped up the first speech to Parliament by an American leader in 21 years. Obama was also greeted with a lengthy standing ovation, which prompted the president to joke that he should just "shut up and leave." (moving to Canada if Trump wins, eh?) • Obama appeared to criticize Donald Trump, without naming him. "Discussing opposition to globalization, Obama said that "politicians, some sincere and some entirely cynical, will tap [into] anger and fear, hearkening back to days of order [and] national glory, arguing we must build walls, disengage, rid ourselves of immigrants to regain control of our lives." • Earlier, at a joint presser with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in Ottawa, Obama went off on what he called a "rant." (6-minute one, too - that's about the length of a monologue for an opening for a TV comedy late night show. Just saying...) • "Somebody else who has never shown any regard for workers" and "who has worked against" them," Obama said, " they don't suddenly become a populist because they say something controversial in order to win votes. That's not the measure of populism. That's nativism or xenophobia. Or worse. Or it's just cynicism. Where have they been, have they been on the front lines?" • Obama said that he's the real populist, pointing to his advocacy for giving all American children "the same opportunities that I had," as well as a more progressive tax system and "workers being able to have a collective voice." "There are people like Bernie Sanders who I think genuinely deserve the title since he has been in the vineyards fighting." (bit of a Hillary swipe, that) • President Obama will join Hillary Clinton for their first joint campaign appearance on 5 July in Charlotte, North Carolina. They were to campaign together earlier this month in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but that event was scuttled after the Orlando shooting massacre(TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/29/clinton-and-obama-reschedule-campaign-debut/) Obama Slams Trump Over Trade (Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/286024-obama-rebukes-trump-on-nafta) me) • President Obama on Wednesday slammed Donald Trump for calling for a renegotiation or pullout of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) among the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Speaking at a summit with the two other nations' leaders, Obama said that people struggling to make a living have a "legitimate gripe about globalization." • "The question is, what do you do about it?" Obama said in Ottawa. "And the prescription of withdrawing from trade deals and focusing solely on your local market, that is the wrong medicine. We can't disengage, we've got to engage more." (point is, the same people wouldn't focus on their local markets only within their states - it's only when they talk international - it's fear) • Trump said Tuesday he would withdraw the U.S. from the trade pact if Canada and Mexico refuse to retool the deal to make it more favorable for American workers. But Obama said if the U.S. pulls out, it would deal a blow to the economy by making goods more expensive and lead to the loss of manufacturing jobs by driving up the cost of exports • Obama and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto urged support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership during the final "Three Amigos" summit. But Canadian PM Justin Trudeau came up short of endorsing the 12-nation TPP while stressing the importance of trade between the three nations • Pena Nieto said, "Isolationism is not the answer. We have decided to be closer, to work as a team and to complement each one and make progress together as the most competitive region in the world." (they may have decided to work closer, but they clearly don't know how to shake hands - watch the most awkward handshake ever - (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5XnDjNGolA) or was it a secret NAFTA code?) Istanbul Attack: Obama, Brennan Suggest ISIS (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36662684) , Yahoo (https://www.yahoo.com/news/cia-chief-brennan-looks-at-turkish-attack-and-sees-a-warning-for-americans-114533644.html) News, NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/30/world/middleeast/turkey-a-conduit-for-fighters-joining-isis-begins-to-feel-its-wrath.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , Hill (http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/285983-obama-blames-isis-for-istanbul-attack) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/29/istanbul-airport-attack-41-dead-islamic-state-suspected/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/29/cia-director-warns-turkey-like-attack-us-report/) , me) • President Obama on Wednesday indicated that ISIS was behind the deadly terrorist attack at Istanbul's international airport. Speaking at a summit in Canada, Obama called Tuesday's bombings "an indication of how little these vicious organizations have to offer beyond killing innocents." "They're continually losing ground, unable to govern those areas they have taken over." • CIA Director John Brennan said Tuesday, "It was a suicide bombing [which] is usually more a Daesh [ISIS] technique," rather than Kurdish nationalists. He also said, "I'd be surprised if Daesh is not trying to carry out that kind of attack in the U.S." (Daesh is an Arabic acronym for ISIS - they've threatened to cut out the tongue of anyone using it - let's all say it right now) • Turkey observed a national day of mourning on Tuesday after a gun and suicide bomb attack on Istanbul's airport killed 42 people, including 13 foreign nationals. Three attackers arrived in a taxi and began firing at the terminal entrance late Tuesday. They blew themselves up after police fired ba (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32QtdyRsFwY) ck (graphic video) • Officials said 239 people were injured, with 41 in intensive care. PM Binali Yildirim said early signs pointed to ISIS. However, nobody has so far admitted carrying out the attack. Turkish investigators are examining surveillance footage, witness statements and cellphone video recorded by terrified passengers to try to determine the identity of the attackers • For years, Turkey served as a rear base and transit hub for ISIS fighters, possibly protecting it from violence. Now, analysts say, the country may be paying the price for tightening its borders and allowing the U.S. to use a Turkish air base to fly sorties over Syria and Iraq Senate Passes Puerto Rico Debt Bill - Finally (Roll Cal (https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/puerto-rico-rescue-bill-faces-final-vote) l, Reuter (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-puertorico-debt-idUSKCN0ZG09Y) s, Hill (http://thehill.com/policy/finance/286026-senate-passes-puerto-rico-debt-relief-bill) , me) • The Senate late Wednesday passed 68-30 legislation to address Puerto Rico's growing debt crisis, stepping in to help the ailing territory just ahead of a daunting deadline Friday. The bill would let the island restructure its massive debt load, while establishing an outside control board to police its troubled finances • The bill now heads to President Obama - he will sign. Puerto Rico faces a default of $2 billion in debt payments Friday. The default would be the largest yet for the troubled island and was expected to unleash a torrent of messy litigation without congressional action • Gov Alejandro Garcia Padilla said that with passage of the bill, "we are starting to take the island back from creditors and giving it to Puerto Ricans." He has warned the U.S. territory would face multiple lawsuits if the bill wasn't approved, especially if there was a default on $1 billion in general obligation bonds • "The legislation before us is far from perfect. Oh, it is far from perfect," Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) said ahead of the vote. "I share my colleagues' really deep concerns about this compromise legislation." Sen Bob Menendez (D-NJ), who had railed against the bill on the floor, said it treated the people of Puerto Rico "like subjects, not citizens." • Sen Ron Wyden (R-Ore) said that he had only made up his mind Tuesday. He emerged from a meeting with Treasury Secretary Jack Lew saying that while the bill was flawed, he saw no time to improve it. "I'm not going to let the adequate be the enemy of the barely sufficient," Wyden said (that's really very well put) • VP Joe Biden gathered 6,000 people across 270 events around the U.S. and territories on Wednesday for his Cancer Moonshot Initiative. The WH announced new collaboration among agencies as well as between the federal govt and private industry, and the FDA said it would move forward with creation of an oncology center aimed at streamlining review of new treatments (TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/white-house/2016/06/29/bidens-cancer-moonshot-summit-gathers-thousands/) GOP Cleveland Convention: Looming Chaos?... (WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/who-will-show-up-who-will-pay-the-many-unknowns-of-the-gop-convention/2016/06/28/96abbd9c-3d34-11e6-a66f-aa6c1883b6b1_story.html) , McClatch (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/article86317537.html) y,AP, (http://elections.ap.org/content/cleveland-spend-95m-insurance-gop-convention) me) • Dozens of well-known Republicans aren't showing up. There's no word yet on who will speak. Past corporate sponsors such as Ford, GE and JPMorgan Chase are taking a pass. Groups of white supremacists and other agitators are on the way. And then there's the fight to dethrone the big star (it's a Trumpathon all right, and TMN will be on the spot for you) • The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off 18 July at a downtown basketball arena in Cleveland with Donald Trump expected to formally accept the nomination on 21 July. Convention organizers denied reports that several sports figures would be speaking at the convention. Singer (and racist) Ted Nugent is skipping despite numerous invites to appear - touring • Trump has called for a glitzier affair, telling WaPo in April that "it's very important to put some showbiz into a convention, otherwise people are going to fall asleep." A stage design unveiled on Tuesday was reviewed personally by Trump, who requested a few changes, according to convention officials (surrounded by mirrors so he can see himself?) • Trump has to quell a potential insurrection at his own convention. He's preparing a team of 150 staffers and volunteers designed to corral votes, push potential changes to the party's platform and, most importantly, block any attempt to unseat him (it's the heavy mob and they're serious enforcers. they've got background info on delegates and are going to use it) • A plan to allow convention delegates to vote however they want, rather than follow the results of their state's primary, has earned the support of hundreds of delegates upset by Trump's impending nomination, according to Free the Delegates, the group pushing for the change • Fox News poll out Wednesday evening has Hillary Clinton up 6 points over Donald Trump. In a head-to-head matchup, Clinton is 44% to Trump's 38%, with 7% voting for someone else, 5% not voting and 5% don't knows. A Quinnipiac poll earlier Wednesday showed Trump behind by only 2 points (Fox Ne (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/06/29/fox-news-poll-clinton-up-by-6-points-89-percent-say-hot-headed-describes-trump.html) ws, TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/29/clinton-trump-virtual-tie-poll/) Trump Moves to Quash Rebellious Delegates • A five-member Trump "study committee' is focused on quashing any effort to unbind delegates. Separately, delegates in Colorado, Louisiana, Ohio and elsewhere report being contacted by an unknown entity conducting a pro-Trump phone push poll with questions about their support for Trump (creepy). Now Free the Delegates is struggling to win votes on the rules committee • Members of the Bush family, including the former presidents, are planning to skip the convention even though they essentially helped build the modern GOP. Mitt Romney, the party's 2012 nominee, also won't be there. Many current GOP leaders remain committed to going. But several incumbent senators up for reelection are steering clear (Kelly Ayotte (NH, John McCain Ariz+++) • There are concerns about violence and particularly extremists (can't imagine why). A group of white nationalists who held a rally in California last weekend where five people were stabbed has said it plans to show up in Cleveland "to make sure Donald Trump supporters are elected," Matt Parrott, a spox for the Traditionalist Workers Party said • "You're going to have a relatively civil event where you're going to have the leftists protesting Trump and you're going to have us arguing up against the leftists," Parrott said. "And you're going to have the police there ensuring that you're going to have a first world situation and not some sort of 'Gangs of New York' knife fight." (at the least - Cleveland is allowing guns...) • A city of Cleveland panel on Wednesday authorized spending $9.5 million to purchase $50 million in insurance to protect the city against claims during the convention after a consultant concluded the city faces a higher risk than previously thought because of terrorism and volatility during the primaries. Cleveland police will have body cameras attached to their riot gear • FiveThirtyEight's first 2016 electionforecast is out : Who will win the presidency? (http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2016-election-forecast/) - Right now, they have Hillary Clinton at 80.6% - Donald Trump 19.3%. Nate Silver got it completely right in 2012 - utterly failed in the primary to predict the rise of Trump, he's analyzed why he got it wrong and factored that it in - he thinks. They'll update every day Obama Raises Concerns About Brexit Vote (BBC, (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36669530) me) • President Obama said Thursday the UK vote to leave the EU raises "longer-term concerns about global growth, if in fact Brexit goes through." (whoa whaaat?) He said Brexit would "freeze the possibilities of investment in Great Britain or in Europe as a whole." He appealed for an orderly process for the British exit (as Conservatives and Labour both melt down) • Earlier, EU leaders warned that the UK must honor the principle of free movement of people if it wants to retain access to the single market. The leaders of the other 27 EU countries were meeting in Brussels without the UK for the first time in more than 40 years • Obama was speaking at a summit in Ottawa with the leaders of Canada and Mexico, aimed at strengthening ties between North American countries. He said the preparations by central banks and finance ministers indicated the "global economy in the short run will hold steady" (what about the long run?) • Obama strongly defended free trade and promised to press on with plans for a Trans-Pacific Partnership. Without mentioning Donald Trump - who ripped the plan on Tuesday - he said, "We've had times throughout our history where anti-immigration sentiment is exploited by demagogues. But guess what? They kept coming." (including Trump's grandmother from Scotland, thanks) • Obama said he had spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and that her interest was making sure Britain's exit worked, not retribution. After their meeting, EU leaders said in a statement: "Access to the single market requires acceptance of all four freedoms." That's freedom of movement of goods, workers, services and capital (Leave voters don't like the workers much) Houston Woman Killed Daughters to Punish Husband (Houston Chron (http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Fort-Bend-sheriff-to-release-new-details-on-8332075.php) icle, Reuter (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-shooting-idUSKCN0ZF1TQ) s, me) • The Houston-area woman who fatally gunned down her two daughters wanted to punish her husband for their impending divorce, Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls said Wednesday. Christy Sheats, 42, had called a family meeting ostensibly to tell the family that she and Jason Sheats, 45, were going to divorce • Instead, she "quickly" pulled out a gun and chaos ensued. "He felt Christy wanted him to suffer," Nehls told reporters. "Ms Sheats stated Christy knew how much he loved Taylor, 22, and Madison, 17, and how much they loved him... Mr Sheats will have to live the rest of his life with this horrible memory." "We look at him as a victim in all this." • Christy Sheats had a history of mental health problems and had been hospitalized following suicide attempts. There had been 14 calls for help in the past four years, the sheriff said, but none of the calls offered any insight that Christy Sheats would be at risk of harming anyone but herself (but she had guns and she was super major mentally unstable = big clue, even in Texas?) • "Please. Forgive me. Don't shoot," one of the daughters said, and then a scream is heard followed by crying, in the tape released Tuesday by the sheriff's office. "Please! I'm sorry," said one of the daughters in the 911 call. Christy Sheats was shot and killed by a police officer who arrived as she was firing the final shot into Taylor (omg beyond imagining) • "It would be horribly tragic if my ability to protect myself or my family were to be taken away," Christy Sheats wrote in March on her Facebook page, "but that's exactly what Democrats are determined to do by banning semi-automatic handguns." (yeah and you sound too unstable even to be around teaspoons) • Fancy a diamond? To go in a ring - or - maybe something a bit bigger? You're in luck. A whopping 1,109-carat uncut diamond - world's largest - di (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/30/business/worlds-largest-uncut-diamond-fails-to-sell-at-auction.html?module=WatchingPortal&region=c-column-middle-span-region&pgType=Homepage&action=click&mediaId=thumb_square&state=standard&contentPlacement=3&version=internal&contentCollection=www.nytimes.com&contentId=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2016%2F06%2F30%2Fbusiness%2Fworlds-largest-uncut-diamond-fails-to-sell-at-auction.html&eventName=Watching-article-click) dn't sell at auction at Sotheby's on Wednesday (I couldn't make the gig). It didn't meet the unnamed minimum reserve. Bidding stopped at a mere $61 million. Fellas, I'll accept proxy bids if you feel like it Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Istanbul airport attack: 36 dead / Trump Trade "rape" / Benghazi report: 5 serious accusations

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=5333106904&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * Attack at Istanbul airport: 36 dead * House Benghazi report: No Clinton smoking gun * Benghazi report: 5 serious accusations * Benghazi report: Democrats' reax * Senate Dems block "poison pill" Zika bill * SCOTUS won't hear abortion restriction appeal * Trump: Trade "rape" - Biz bites back Attack at Istanbul Airport: 36 Dead (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36658187) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/29/world/europe/turkey-istanbul-airport-explosions.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/285264-white-house-condemns-heinous-terrorist-attack-in-istanbul) , TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/28/least-36-dead-147-injured-two-explosions-rock-istanbul-airport/) me) • A gun and bomb attack on Istanbul's Ataturk international airport has killed at 36 people and injured more than 140, officials say. Three attackers opened fire near an entry point to the terminal late Tuesday and blew themselves up after police fired at them, officials say • Turkish PM Binali Yildirim said early signs suggested ISIS was behind the attack. At time of writing, ISIS hadn't taken responsibility. Recent bombings have been linked to either ISIS militants or Kurdish separatists. Pictures from the airport terminal showed bodies covered in sheets, with glass and abandoned luggage littering the building • Ataturk airport was long seen as a vulnerable target, BBC's Turkey correspondent said. There are X-ray scanners at the entrance to the terminal, but security checks for cars are limited (so despite knowing it was vulnerable to ISIS and Kurdish attacks, it wasn't doing its job) • Turkish President Reccep Erdogan said, "The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world." Video emerged of the moment (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5-1zrKcd7w) of an explosion in the terminal. Video emerged that appears to show a policeofficer shooting one of the attackers, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32QtdyRsFwY) who detonates a suicide belt as he is lying injured on the ground (graphic) • WH spox Josh Earnest said the U.S. "condemns in the strongest possible terms today's heinous terrorist attack" and sent "deepest condolences" to families and loved ones of those killed. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump both issued statements condemning the attack • President Obama will meet with PM Justin Trudeau of Canada and President Enrique Pena Nieto of Mexico during today's North American Leaders' Summit in Ottawa, also dubbed the "Three Amigos Summit." The leaders will pledge to rely on renewable energy to generate 50% of North America's electrical power by 2025. Brexit will also be on their minds (Reuters) (http://in.reuters.com/article/us-usa-canada-mexico-idINKCN0ZF0BV) House Benghazi Report: No Clinton Smoking Gun (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36655420) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/29/us/politics/hillary-clinton-benghazi.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/28/clinton-gop-benghazi-report-time-move/) , me) • The U.S. military failed to protect four Americans who died in attacks on a U.S. compound in the Libyan city of Benghazi, the House select committee on Benghazi says. The Obama admin was criticized for lax security and a slow response to the 11 Sept 2012 attacks on the compound, in the report by Ho (http://benghazi.house.gov/NewInfo) use Republicans (sooo nothing new so far) • But they found no new evidence of wrongdoing by ex-SecState and current WH hopeful Hillary Clinton. The investigation took more than two years and cost over $7 million. Islamic militants stormed the U.S. compound in Benghazi in 2012, killing two Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. An attack on an annex run by the CIA killed two more Americans • Earlier this year, Clinton said she took responsibility for the attack during a marathon 11-hour hearing before the GOP-led committee on the matter. Military leaders have said they didn't have sufficient intel on what was happening or the resources to respond quickly enough • Two of the committee's hard-line conservative members, Reps Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Mike Pompeo (R-Kansas) wrote a 48-page addendum to the report. "With the presidential election just 56 days away, rather than tell the American people the truth and increase the risk of losing an election, the admin told one story privately and a different story publicly." • At a presser Tuesday, committee chair Rep Trey Gowdy (R-SC) said: "Nothing was en route to Libya at the time the last two Americans were killed almost eight hours after the attacks began." U.S. help was too slow because of "an obsession with hurting the Libyans' feelings," he said (if really inflaming Libyans could have led to more attacks, would that be a bad thing, then? • Clinton, in Denver, told reporters the investigation had found nothing to contradict past findings, arguing that the committee's work had assumed a "partisan tinge. "I'll leave it to others to characterize this report," she said, "but I think it's pretty clear, it's time to move on." (maybe move on to your emails, Hillary - there's no escape, you know) • Democrats, in their own report, sa (http://democrats-benghazi.house.gov/sites/democrats.benghazi.house.gov/files/documents/Report_of_the_Benghazi_Select_Committee_Democratic_Members-Honoring_Courage_Improving_Security_and_Fighting_the_Exploitation_of_a_Tragedy.pdf) id the State Dept's security measures were "woefully inadequate" but Clinton had never refused requests for more security. They called the Republicans' report a "conspiracy theory on steroids, bringing back long-debunked allegations with no credible evidence whatsoever." • "Everybody thought Hillary Clinton was unbeatable, right?" House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) said in Sept. "But we put together a Benghazi special committee, a select committee. What are her numbers today? Her numbers are dropping. Why? Because she's untrustable." The comments helped stymie McCarthy's bid to become the new speaker Benghazi Report: 5 Serious Accusations (WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/06/28/the-5-most-serious-accusations-from-republicans-benghazi-report/?hpid=hp_rhp-top-table-main_fix-benghazi-11am-top%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) , me) • State Dept failed to protect U.S. diplomats in Libya: The report's bottom line is that then SecState Hillary Clinton and the Obama admin should have realized the risks. Requests for more security in Benghazi leading up to the attacks went unheard or were refused, though Clinton never personally refused security - requests didn't go up to her level (everyone agrees = • Democrats' version of the report says that "security measures in Benghazi were woefully inadequate," pointing the finger at the security and law enforcement arm of State rather than Clinton. Ambassador Chris Stevens was at the diplomatic compound with only two official bodyguards even after other Western diplomats had left the country - and he insisted on staying there • The report finds that the then-vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff didn't join in an emergency video conference because "he had left to return to his residence to host a dinner party for foreign dignitaries." He received one update on the attacks during the dinner and returned to a monitor events after dinner (but he wasn't a key player in the events) • The CIA missed warning signs: The report says the agency misread how dangerous Libya, in the midst of a revolution after throwing Muammar Qaddafi a year earlier, was at the time. There was confusion in U.S. intel circles about who ultimately came to the Americans' rescue. It was in fact a military unit loyal to the country's former dictator (who U.S. had ousted - bit ironic) • Defense Dept failed to rescue Americans in time: Or at least, was late in deploying help, waiting until well after the initial attack had begun even though President Obama had authorized the military to do whatever it needed to hours earlier. (note that) U.S. military forces didn't reach Benghazi until 2 pm the day after the initial attack on the diplomatic compound • Ambassador Chris Stevens and Sean Smith, a State Dept info officer, were killed in an attack on the main diplomatic compound in Benghazi by a mob of militia fighters. Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, contractors for the CIA, died later when a separate annex run by the agency came under mortar attack(NYT) (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/29/us/politics/hillary-clinton-benghazi.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) • The report blames a breakdown in the chain of command for the delay, including a debate among Marines about whether they should wear their military uniforms or civilian attire. State Dept says that consideration didn't cause any delay. Democrats' report concludes that even if the military had arrived earlier, it couldn't have saved the lives of the four Americans who were killed • The Obama admin "stonewalled" the investigation: The admin engaged in what committee chair Rep Trey Gowdy (R-SC) called "intentional" and "shameful" stonewalling. The report says State, Pentagon and CIA refused to turn over all of the agencies' records and delayed getting other to Congress - State has consistently denied this and said some requests were ridiculous • At the heart of this accusation is Clinton's use of a private email server exclusively while she was SecState. You know the story (no space for it here) but Clinton was allowed to delete emails on her server she considered private and emails are still showing up. Democrats accuse Republicans of stonewalling them by not including them in key interviews or sharing key evidence (below) • A Clinton aide influenced the State Dept review: State did its own inquiry, intended to be internal but independent. The GOP report says the State report "was consistently influenced" by Cheryl Mills, Clinton's former chief of staff. Mills has said she offered suggestions on drafts, but they were merely that: suggestions (that's a real he said/she said - no clue as to truth) • What the report doesn't answer: Allegations that the U.S. was helping to get weapons to Libyan rebels. Any such operation would have been top secret. The report says the admin refused to let anyone who might have knowledge of such a program testify (there seems to basically nothing new in this report that changes the underlying narrative, just bits, details and scuttlebutt) • Fact-checking the findings (must-read to understand report) (NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/29/us/benghazi-committee-report-hillary-clinton.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) ) + comparison of congressional reports on 2012 Benghazi attack (very helpful), including: Preventing the attacks / military response / whether there was a "stand down" order / Hillary Clinton (AP) (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BENGHAZI_PAST_PROBES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-06-28-12-17-23) Democrats: Reax to Benghazi Report (Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/285178-white-house-rips-benghazi-report-as-an-effort-tear-down-clinton) , WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/06/28/house-benghazi-report-reveals-little-new-information-about-hillary-clinton/?tid=a_inl) , me) • "This has been one of the saddest exercises I've ever engaged in in my 20 years in Congress," committee ranking member Rep Elijah Cummings (D-Md) said Tuesday afternoon. "He's [chair Gowdy] still not releasing certain transcripts." "They basically hid the report from us. It's supposed to be a bipartisan effort. We literally got the report three hours ago." • "Witnesses interviewed and we're not told about it. Exculpatory evidence found out by the Republicans [and] they don't tell us about it. A failure to allow us to have free access in regard to transcripts." (this isn't new - Cummings complained about this throughout the investigation and they were certainly kept out of things and not allowed access) • WH spox Josh Earnest on Tuesday characterized the House Republican Benghazi report as a politically motivated effort to "tear down Dec [Hillary] Clinton's poll numbers." "Is the [RNC] going to disclose the in-kind contribution they received from House Republicans today?" Earnest quipped • "They are cynically trying to capitalize on the death of four innocent Americans," Earnest said. "The degree to which Republicans are willing to play politics with their death and this tragedy is astounding." (you saying that with a straight face, Josh?) • Sen Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif), top Democrat on the Senate Intel Committee, which released its own report in 2014, charged that the report was "blatantly political," "squandered $7 million of taxpayer funds" and "diverted significant Defense Dept, State Dept and intel community resources." • Senate leaders threw their support behind a House bill to provide debt relief to Puerto Rico on Tuesday. The Senate has until the end of Thursday to approve the Puerto Rico legislation before the island is expected to default Friday on $2 billion in bond payments. The bill is set for s procedural vote today. Defections are expected in both parties... (Hill, me) (http://thehill.com/policy/finance/285221-senate-faces-critical-vote-on-puerto-rico) Senate Dems Block "Poison Pill" Zika Bill (NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/29/us/politics/congress-zika-funding.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/285156-senate-democrats-block-zika-deal-ahead-of-recess) , Roll Cal (http://www.rollcall.com/news/senate-democrats-call-new-zika-talks?utm_name=newsletters&utm_source=lunchbreak&utm_medium=email) l, me) • Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked, 52-48, a federal spending bill that would have provided $1.1 billion to fight the mosquito-borne Zika virus, saying Republicans had sabotaged the legislation with politically charged provisions. "They're just not living in the real world," said Sen Bill Nelson (D-Fla) (middle-aged and elderly men don't get pregnant. am i wrong? or young ones) • Democrats called for a new round of negotiations to produce a bipartisan bill, but Republicans rejected that demand. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) said they would hold another vote on the same measure after the Fourth of July recess to give Democrats another chance. McConnell said no changes would be made to the bill (or that's good - bzzzz bzzzz) • Democrats charged that Republicans had booby-trapped the bill by adding provisions that included a ban on any direct govt funding for Planned Parenthood, to provide contraceptive services related to fighting the Zika virus, which is also transmitted sexually (you've got contraception + Obamacare + Confederate flag = poison pill of strychnine variety - bouncing off walls) • Democrats also said Republicans had inserted a provision cutting $500 million in financing for the Affordable Care Act, and that they had stripped a House provision that would ban the flying of the Confederate battle flag in federal cemeteries. They also objected that the measure was partially paid for with cuts to Ebola-response funding (let's throw in Ebola, too - it's only Africa) • With concerns about Zika arriving in Southern states, and 481 cases in pregnant women in the U.S., the blame game has already started. McConnell called Democrats' actions "inexplicable." Sen Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Republicans knew their bill was doomed but had to appease hard-line Conservatives in the House. "It's all going to be on the Republican shoulder." (the bites?) • A team of medical researchers reported in the journal Nature the discovery of two successful Zika vaccines for mice on Tuesday, a development that could prove instructive in the hunt for a preventative vaccine for humans. Public health officials caution that a safe and effective vaccine could still be several years off (TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/world-news/2016/06/28/zika-scientists-announce-vaccine-breakthrough-mice/) SCOTUS Won't Hear Abortion Restriction Appeal (TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/us-news/2016/06/28/supreme-court-rejects-wisconsin-mississippi-bids-revive-abortion-laws/) , CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/28/politics/supreme-court-religious-liberty-contraceptive/index.html) , me) • Abortion rights advocates hailed the Supreme Court's refusal Tuesday to hear appeals from Mississippi and Wisconsin seeking to put restrictions on abortion doctors a day after the court struck down similar requirements in Texas. Federal appeals courts had ruled against the laws in both states (dominoes?) • "This decision has opened the door to go state by state, legislature by legislature, law by law, and restore access to safe, legal abortion," said Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards. Tuesday's refusal came in the two states' bids to implement laws stipulating that doctors must have admitting privileges within 30 miles of the abortion clinic • The 2012 Mississippi law would have shut down the state's only abortion clinic. In its 5-3 ruling Monday, the court rejected a Texas law requiring doctors to have admitting privileges and for clinics to adhere to strict, hospital-like requirements of surgical centers • In the Texas case, the court found the requirements created "an undue burden on abortion access," violating the U.S. Constitution. Meanwhile, Alabama AG Luther Strange (R) said Monday's SCOTUS ruling prompted his office to drop its appeal of a state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a hospital in the same city where they perform abortions • Separately, the Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by a Washington state grocery store and pharmacy whose owners say they object on religious grounds to regulations requiring them to dispense emergency contraceptives. Three conservative justices voted to hear the case, expressing concern for the future of "religious liberty" claims • Contenders to succeed David Cameron as Conservative leader and British PM are set to come forward today. Boris Johnson is said to have the support of 100 Tory MPs, while Home Secretary Theresa May is also expected to seek the leadership. Meanwhile, EU leaders begin the second day of their Brussels summit - but without the UK after it voted to leave the bloc(BBC) (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36659229) Trump: Trade "Rape" - Business Bites Back (AP, (http://elections.ap.org/content/trump-blasts-trade-deals-departing-gop-orthodoxy) TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/28/trump-calls-economic-independence-rips-clinton-trade/) me) • Donald Trump called for a new era of economic "Americanism" Tuesday, promising to restore millions of lost factory jobs by backing away from decades of U.S. policy that encouraged trade with other nations - a move that could undermine the country's place as the dominant player in the global economy (Little Britain meet Antiquated America) • The speech marked a significant break from years of Republican Party advocacy for unencumbered trade between nations, and drew immediate condemnation from GOP business leaders. The pro-Republican U.S. Chamber of Commerce tweeted: "Under Trump's trade plans, we would see higher prices, fewer jobs, a weaker economy." (Trump's going after blue collar Democrats) • Trump threatened to exit the more than 2-decade-old North American Free Trade Agreement and vowed to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership that has yet to take effect. At a rally later, Trump declared that TPP had been "done and pushed by special interests who want to rape our country, just a continuing rape of our country." (no, that's not what rape is = trivializing rape) • In the speech, he pointed to China as a source of many of America's economic woes, promising to label that country a currency manipulator and slap new tariffs on America's leading source of imports, a decision with the potential to dramatically increase the cost of consumer goods (and hurting the very working-class voters he claims to champion) Biz: Trade Good for Workers • The National Assn of Manufacturers slammed Trump's logic on Tuesday, with the organization's president, Jay Timmons, writing on Twitter: "@realDonaldTrump you have it backward. Trade is GOOD for • Many economists have dismissed Trump's promise to immediately restore manufacturing jobs as dubious at best, given the impact of automation and the many years it typically takes to negotiate trade agreements. The introduction of robotics and access to cheaper foreign markets has reduced U.S. factory employment to a total last seen around 1941 (oh facts shmacts) • In making his case for a new approach to trade, Trump recounted economic policies in place at the founding of the country - a time when goods traveled by horseback and schooner, the invention of the telegraph was still decades away and the advances of the internet and broadband communication hardly imaginable (very snarky, AP - but point is appeal to the old days) • Trump then skipped to the 1990s, blaming the Clinton admin - and Hillary Clinton - for negative impacts of globalization, including NAFTA. But Trump, in a 2005 blog post on a website affiliated with now defunct Trump University, argued that outsourcing isn't always a bad thing • "We hear terrible things about outsourcing jobs - how sending work outside of our companies is contributing to the demise of American businesses. But in this instance I have to take the unpopular stance that it is not always a terrible thing," he wrote (not for you, who manufactures your Trump stuff in all kinds of countries other than America - journos - call him on it) • Watch: Tourist Star Swain sings an impromptu national anthem (https://www.facebook.com/naynichelle/videos/vb.249206988450137/1024095490961279/?type=2&theater) at the Lincoln Memorial, causing other visitors to stop, listen, be awed and applaud. A Facebook video has gone viral - 14.6 million views - and yes, maybe she should sing it at the Super Bowl in 2017 Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Trump's shifting Muslim ban / Clinton/Warren electrify / SCOTUS strikes abortion restrictions

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=b3e2e87290&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * SCOTUS strikes Texas abortion restrictions * SCOTUS throws out guv's bribery conviction * Clinton/Warren electrify in Ohio * Trump's shifting drifting Muslim ban * Democrats release own Benghazi report: Committee report today * Cameron to - gulp - meet EU leaders * Pelosi urges Dems: Hold "family sit-ins" SCOTUS Strikes Texas Abortion Restrictions (Bloombe (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-06-27/texas-abortion-limits-struck-down-by-u-s-supreme-court) rg, Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-06-27/trump-campaign-reaches-out-to-pastors-after-abortion-decision) , Politi (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/supreme-court-abortion-ruling-impact-224838) co, Reut (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-abortion-idUSKCN0ZC0JL) ers, TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/27/supreme-court-strikes-texas-abortion-law/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/us-news/2016/06/27/abortion-demonstrators-react-us-supreme-court-ruling/) , me) • The Supreme Court Monday struck down Texas abortion restrictions that had threatened to close three-quarters of the state's clinics by putting new requirements on facilities and doctors. The 5-3 ruling invalidates a law that required clinics to meet hospital-like surgical standards and forced abortion doctors to get admitting privileges at a local hospital • Texas said the rules safeguarded patient safety, while opponents said the real aim was to reduce access to abortion. The law provides "few, if any, health benefits for women, poses a substantial obstacle to women seeking abortions, and constitutes an undue burden on their constitutional right to do so," Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for the court (aim was to reduce access) • The case divided the court along ideological lines. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton hailed the ruling on Twitter as a "victory for women in Texas and across America. Safe abortion should be a right not just on paper, but in reality." &&& • The Trump campaign reached out directly to Christian leaders after the decision was announced. Its new religious board reaffirmed Trump's commitment to appoint only pro-life judges. The campaign didn't immediately respond to requests for comment (Trump waiting to be told what to say by the leaders? - no clue on the topic most likely) • The case tested how much leeway the govt has to regulate clinics in the name of protecting women's health. The effect of the law was to leave some patients hundreds of miles away from the nearest provider. It's the court's first abortion decision in almost a decade. The case is Whole Women's Health v. Hellerstedt • The ruling raises new questions about some of the more than 300 abortion restrictions put in place around the country since 2010. Those laws include limits on drug-induced abortions and bans on procedures after specified points in a pregnancy • The decision will galvanize both sides of the divisive abortion debate as the presidential campaign builds towards the national party conventions and intensify the political focus on the Supreme Court's vacancy, which is frozen in the Senate. The decision is sure to be cited to remind voters that the next president will almost certainly name several justices to the bench SCOTUS Throws Out Governor's Bribery Conviction (Bloombe (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-06-27/u-s-supreme-court-sets-aside-bob-mcdonnell-s-conviction) rg, TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/27/supreme-court-overturns-mcdonnell-conviction/) , me) • The Supreme Court Monday set aside former Gov Bob McDonnell's (R-Va) bribery conviction in a ruling that sets a new standard for corruption prosecutions of public officials. The justices unanimously said the jury instructions made it too easy for prosecutors to win a conviction. The ruling left open the possibility that McDonnell could be retried • The case stemmed from more than $175,000 in cash and gifts (yummy ones - Rolex, designer duds, daughter's wedding, trips...) McDonnell and his wife received from Jonnie Williams, a businessman who was trying to get a state university to conduct important clinical tests on a dietary supplement • The justices didn't reach the biggest question in the case: whether McDonnell provided enough in return to warrant prosecution. Chief Justice John Roberts, however, faulted a federal trial judge for refusing to tell jurors that it wasn't enough that McDonnell arranged meetings and hosted events to promote the supplement (you'd think that would be basic) • Roberts said the govt's interpretation of federal corruption laws risked making routine service by govt officials into a crime. "Conscientious public officials arrange meetings for constituents, contact other officials on their behalf, and include them in events all the time," Roberts wrote (former Gov Rod Blagojevich mush be gnashing his teeth) • A federal appeals court had upheld the conviction and McDonnell, 62, was facing a two-year prison sentence. The pivotal statute makes it a felony to agree to take "official action" in exchange for money, campaign contributions or other gifts. The two sides disagreed about exactly what constitutes "official action." (some slippery public officials are going to get away with stuff now) Clinton/Warren Electrify in Ohio (WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clinton-and-warren-electrify-ohio-crowd-sparking-visions-of-a-ticket/2016/06/27/8b169f8e-3a59-11e6-9ccd-d6005beac8b3_story.html?hpid=hp_special-topic-chain_clintonwarren-355pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) , Politic (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/elizabeth-warren-trump-224834) o, TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/27/warren-hits-trump-while-stumping-for-clinton/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/27/scott-brown-suggests-dna-test-for-elizabeth-warren/) , me) • Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren together electrified a crowd in Cincinnati on Monday by locking their arms, punching the air and excoriating Donald Trump. The senator from Mass labeled Trump a "small, insecure money-grubber," a "thin-skinned bully" and a "nasty man" who would "crush you into the dirt to get whatever he wants." (she was having a good time) • "Donald Trump says he will 'make America great again.' It is right there - it's stamped on the front of his goofy hat," Warren said, knowingly using the same adjective Trump uses to taunt her on Twitter. "You want to see goofy? Look at him in that hat." (someone finally said what everyone was thinking) • Clinton smiled, chuckled, nodded and clapped. When she took the mic, she congratulated Warren. "I do just love to see how she gets under Donald Trump's thin skin," Clinton said, laughing." • Trump quickly responded to Warren, telling NBC News that she is "a total fraud," "very racist" and "easy" to compete against. He again called her "Pocahontas," a slur alluding to controversy about Warren's claim of partial Native American heritage (how does he have time to watch all this stuff on TV? what does he do all day, actually?) • As Clinton considers her choices for VP, she's seriously weighing the potential negative impact her decision could have on Democratic efforts to retake control of the Senate, and is also said to be worried about how her pick could affect congressional elections in 2018, according to anonymous party members familiar with her thinking(AP) (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAMPAIGN_2016_CLINTON_RUNNING_MATE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-06-27-13-02-12) VP Tryout for Warren? • Monday's appearance amounted to a vice-presidential tryout for Warren, who is being formally vetted for the job by Clinton's lawyers and advisers. Trump's campaign issued a statement calling Warren a "turncoat for the causes she supposedly supports," highlighting their differences on issues such as trade • The two women apparently have bonded over being grandmothers. In her remarks, Warren testified to Clinton's progressive credentials. "Hillary has brains, she has guts, she has thick skin and steady hands, but most of all, she has a good heart, and that is what America needs and that is why I'm with her," Warren said • Former Sen Scott Brown (R-Mass) - who lost to Warren in 2012 - told reporters on a conference call Monday, "She's not 1/32 Cherokee." In the 2012 race Brown tried to make a campaign issue out of the Native American issue, but it backfired, especially after some campaign workers were filmed war-whooping and making "tomahawk chops" at Warren • "Harvard can release the records, she can authorize the release of those records, or she can take a DNA test," Brown said, insisting that Warren took a job that might have rightly gone to a nonwhite applicant. "It's a reverse form of racism, quite frankly." (Brown should stick to taking his shirt off (http://bigdonsboys.com/handsomest/pages_49_52/images/06_01_scott_brown_politician_0009.jpg) - he's good at that, quite frankly) • Conservative advocacy group Judicial Watch released 34 new emails to or from Hillary Clinton on Monday that appear not to have been among the roughly 30,000 messages handed over to the State Dept nearly two years ago - drip drip (Hill) (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/285063-more-unreleased-clinton-emails-emerge) Trump's Shifting Drifting Muslim Ban (AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GOP_2016_TRUMP_MUSLIM_BAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-06-28-03-16-00) , WSJ, (http://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-back-pedals-on-banning-muslims-from-u-s-1467058774) me) • From the moment he first declared it, the plan has been a signature of his campaign for president: "Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." (position 1) • Since then, the GOP WH candidate has evaded questions when pressed for details (as he has on everything). Now that he has sliding poll numbers, his spox says he's no longer seeking the ban at all. In its place, he's offering an approach based on a standard of terrorism that he and his campaign refuse to define (because they don't know what it is) • The ban idea originated with 28 direct and forceful words, issued immediately after the Dec shootings in San Bernardino that killed 14 people. Lots of questions emerged. Would it apply to U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad? Members of the armed forces? Foreign leaders? Or Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai? • In response, Trump's campaign manager at the time, Corey Lewandowski, said the ban would apply to "everybody" - including tourists and Muslims seeking immigrants visas. Trump's campaign refused to answer additional questions, including how the U.S. would determine a person's religious beliefs. Trump said in an email to AP: "...You figure it out!" Who's In? Who's Out? Trump Won't Say • Later, he said the ban would include exemptions for world leaders and athletes (athletes??). (position 2) Then his language softened further. "It's a temporary ban. It hasn't been called for yet, nobody's done it," Trump said on Fox News Radio in May. (position 3) • Then came this month's Orlando shootings. A day after the attack, Trump said, "I called for a ban after San Bernardino and was met with great scorn and anger. But now ... many are saying that I was right to do so. And although the pause is temporary, we must find out what is going on. We have to do it." (position 4 - redux of position 1) • In the speech, Trump added a new element: "When I'm elected, I will suspend immigration from areas of the world where there is a proven history of terrorism against the U.S., Europe or our allies, until we fully understand how to end these threats (position 5) • Did this replace the Muslim ban, or was it an addition? What qualified as a "proven history of terrorism?" Would it apply to Northern Ireland, with a proven history of terrorism? What about Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of most 9/11 hijackers, and a U.S. ally? Would Christians from Syria and Jews from Israel be banned? What about Turkey, a NATO ally? (dear me, sooo complicated) Press "Tried to Cause Confusion" - Spox • Terror attacks or attempted attacks against the U.S. and its European allies have been carried out in recent years by people from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Iraq, Syria, France and Belgium, among other places (so let's ban immigration from the U.S. - someone should say that to him - really) • Then, during a visit to his golf courses in Scotland at the weekend, Trump said he would have no issue with a Muslim from Scotland coming to the U.S. (position 6 - the haggis position) And following a Twitter outburst, spox Hope Hicks said he no longer supports his original ban and only wants to limit immigrants from states with extremist elements (position 7) • Trump said Saturday, "I would limit specific terrorist countries, and we know who those terrorist countries are." But he also suggested he wasn't actually proposing a hard ban on immigration from "terrorist countries." but only that people from such states - which he would not specify - should be strongly screened (position 8, at least - losing count - could be 94) • Asked to clarify whether Trump still supports a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. as originally proposed, a ban on immigration from states associated with terrorism - post-Orlando speech, or strong vetting as he said in Scotland, Hicks said: "Mr Trumo stated a position consistent with his speech two weeks ago." (position confused) • "He has been very clear," she added in an email Monday. It's the press, she said, that has "tried to cause confusion." (position head exploding) • Donald Trump has compared himself with Ronald Reagan. Talk Media News examines the words of the two Republicans - about walls - and finds that the two GOP politicians are very different in tone and substance(TMN) (http://www.talkmedianews.com/opinion/2016/06/27/trump-is-no-reagan/) Democrats Release Parallel Benghazi Report (Bloombe (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-06-27/benghazi-panel-democrats-say-politics-didn-t-influence-clinton) rg, Hill, (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/285014-dems-release-parallel-benghazi-report-transcripts-ahead-of-gop) me) • Democrats on the House Benghazi Committee on Monday released a minority report blasting the Republican-led panel investigating the admin's response to the 2012 attacks, saying it has found little new information, while targeting Hillary Clinton politically, and "spending more than two years and $7 million in taxpayer funds" The report finds: • "The Defense Dept couldn't have done anything differently on the night of the attacks that would have saved the lives" of the four Americans. "The State Dept's security measures in Benghazi were woefully inadequate as a result of decisions made by officials in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, but Sec Clinton never personally denied any requests for additional security in Benghazi" • "The Intelligence Community's assessments evolved after the attacks as more information became available, but they were not influenced by political considerations." "Admin officials did not make intentionally misleading statements about the attacks, but instead relied on information they were provided at the time under fast-moving circumstances." • The 339-page report accuses committee chair Trey Gowdy (R-SC) of conducting the investigation "like an overzealous prosecutor desperately trying to land a front-page conviction rather than a neutral judge of facts seeking to improve the security of our diplomatic corps." • The Democrats, who said they will post the committee's unclassified interview transcripts online, also asserted that the panel's Republicans have waited to release their report "until directly before the presidential conventions for maximum political impact." (aaand see bullet below for what appears to be slightly panicked response by GOP members of the committee...) • Monday evening, the Republican-led House Benghazi committee announced that it plans to release its final report today and will hold a 10 am presser (release moved up because of Democrats?). The report will say that Clinton wanted to visit Libya again, perhaps in October in 2012 . Said to be one of few new revelations (Bloombe (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-06-28/benghazi-panel-to-issue-final-report-on-attacks-clinton-s-role) rg, WaPo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/benghazi-report-clinton-was-planning-a-trip-to-libya-before-the-attacks/2016/06/27/582980a6-3cb5-11e6-80bc-d06711fd2125_story.html?tid=ss_tw-bottom) , me) Cameron to Meet EU Leaders ( (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-36647006) BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-36647006) , AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_KERRY_BRITAIN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-06-27-14-43-42) , WSJ, (http://www.wsj.com/news/markets) me) • David Cameron is to meet EU leaders today for the first time since the UK voted to leave (awkward). The British PM will discuss the way ahead at an EU summit in Brussels. German, French and Italian leaders said Monday there could be no "formal or informal" talks on a British exit at this stage. In the U.S., the Dow Jones average of stocks closed down 1.50% (Asia is up today) • Also today, Labour MPs will vote on a motion of no confidence in their far left leader Jeremy Corbyn - who has insisted he is staying put - while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will address MSPs over Brexit's implications for Scotland's future (masses of resignations from Corbyn's cabinet that he didn't support Remain as he should - but many Labour voters went Leave) • Cameron won't attend talks between the leaders of the other 27 EU members states at breakfast on Wednesday (no croissants for him). Cameron is standing down after last week's referendum went against him. The PM said Monday in Parliament that the result must be accepted - it's not law and not binding (he could have gone the other way - risky - but could have) • Cameron said it's up to his successor - who will be elected by his own party by the start of September - to decide how to proceed and precisely when to give formal notification of the UK's intention to leave by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty (nice bit of under the bus throwing by Cameron - ooh in a slap - English may no longer be the official language of the EU - merde!) • SecState John Kerry met top officials from the UK and the EU on Monday, telling both sides to act responsibly (like it's his business). "It's absolutely essential that we stay focused on how, in this transitional period, nobody loses their head, nobody goes off half-cocked, people don't start ginning up scatter-brained or revengeful promises" (prob bit late for that, John) • The leaders of the U.S., Canada and Mexico will make a joint pledge at a summit in Ottawa on Wednesday that by 2025 half of their overall electricity generation will come from clean power sources, according to admin officials (WaPo) (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/us-canada-and-mexico-vow-to-get-half-their-electricity-from-clean-power-by-2025/2016/06/27/640bd9b8-3cb1-11e6-80bc-d06711fd2125_story.html?hpid=hp_rhp-more-top-stories_no-name%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) Pelosi Urges Dems: Hold "Family Sit-Ins" (Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/285056-pelosi-urges-dems-to-hold-sit-ins-in-their-districts-this-week) , Hill (http://thehill.com/homenews/house/285044-ryan-gop-wont-tolerate-another-sit-in) , Hill (http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/285077-house-dems-face-ethics-complaint-over-sit-in) , me) • In a Monday letter to Democratic lawmakers, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) urged Democrats to hold "family sit-ins" in their districts this week to capitalize on the momentum from last week's nearly 26-hour House sit-in on the floor to push for action on gun control legislation. Wednesday is to be a "day of action" • "John Lewis's historic sit-in on the floor has resonated across the nation, energizing Americans tired of Republicans' reckless obstruction of bipartisan gun violence legislation," Pelosi wrote. "Now, we must continue to carry forward this momentum in our districts." • The Democrats' sit-in, unprecedented in recent congressional history, was a direct response to the refusal of Republican leaders to consider tougher gun laws in the wake of the 12 June shooting massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed and another 53 injured by a single gunman • House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) said in a Wisconsin TV interview Sunday, "We are not going to handle it [another sit-in] in the same way. We will not take this. We will not tolerate this." Ryan wouldn't say specifically how his party would react differently to another protest but signaled there would be a swift response • In a radio interview Monday, Ryan said Democrats had hoped to get arrested during the protest. But Republicans, cognizant of the bad optics of putting civil rights icon Rep John Lewis (D-Ga) and other senior Democrats in handcuffs, (ya think?) never called the sergeant-at-arms to intervene. A conservative group has filed an ethics complaint against the Democrats Get it fast. Sign uphere for (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning Jumpstart

[newsnotes]

Brexit: Panic - will Leave actually happen? / SCOTUS: 3 biggie opinions to go

Begin your news day with Quick Morning News. Victoria Jones brings you today's essential stories. Technical Note: Some email applications hide images by default. Remember to click 'display images' in your mail client. View this email in your browser (http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=31406c9493dd20026a9c16307&id=62e8ac8493&e=0349316805) http://talkmedianews.com http://talkmedianews.com/ Victoria Jones created and edits Quick Morning News. She is chief White House correspondent with Washington DC-based Talk Media News (http://talkmedianews.com) , where her insight and analysis are made available to over 400 news talk radio stations around the country and internationally. Morning Jumpstart * UK tries to calm markets - * Brexit: Backpedaling/Will Leave happen? * Trump's strange Scotland pressers * SCOTUS: 3 biggie opinions to go * Draft Democratic platform: Sanders' influence * Gay pride: Tinged with sadness * Benghazi Committee & WH at standstill UK Tries to Calm Markets (BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36637732) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/24/white-house-cautious-following-brexit-result/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/24/britains-brexit-vote-causes-turmoi/) TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/24/brexit-uk-position-in-alliance-will-remain-unchanged-nato-says/) , TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/world-news/2016/06/24/pentagon-says-uk-defense-relationship-will-stay-strong-post-brexit/) , me) • Britain's finance minister said today the UK is ready to face the future "from a position of strength " and indicated there will be no immediate emergency budget. He said there would still need to be an "adjustment" in the UK economy and it was "perfectly sensible to wait for a new prime minister" before taking any such action (because they're scared witless right now) • George Osborne also said that only the UK could begin the process of leaving the UK by triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. He made the comments in a statement aimed a calming financial markets (all down time of writing) after the Brexit vote triggered market turmoil Friday (totally predictably). He hadn't spoken since Leave won on Thursday (which hadn't helped) • Meanwhile, the opposition Labour party has seen 14 of its senior members resign since shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn (male) was fired in the early hours of Sunday after he told leader Jeremy Corbyn he had lost confidence in him (Benn launched a coup). Three of the resignations came today (Corbyn under fire because he was wishy-washy on campaigning on EU) • At the same time, Boris Johnson, widely seen as the most likely successor to PM David Cameron who resigned Friday, has said the UK will continue to "intensify" cooperation with the EU following the country's vote to leave (rubbish). The leading pro-Leave campaigner said the 52-48 result was "not entirely overwhelming." (opportunist) • Watch John Oliver totally lose it on Brexit vote: "There are n (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm65e526dOE) o fu**ing do-overs" (HBO) • Before Osborne's statement, the pound fell further in trading in Asia, down another 2.6% against the dollar at $1.34. In early trading on the London stock market, the benchmark FTSE 100 index fell nearly 1% before recovering some of the lost ground (but everything's down down down as I write early this am) • Cameron will today chair the first meeting of the cabinet since the EU referendum result. It's not a political cabinet and Johnson won't be there (still, it won't be pretty. Cameron brought the referendum on himself. it's entirely his fault). The executive of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservative MPs is set to meet to draw up the timetable for the leadership contest (bloodbath) • German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande will hold talks later in Berlin to discuss the fallout of Brexit. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Holyrood could try to block the UK's exit from the EU (not clear whether Scotland actually can under the unwritten constitution - but Scotland is livid) • SecState John Kerry will fly to Brussels and London today for talks with EU and UK leaders on the fallout from Britain's vote. President Obama said in a statement Friday that the relationship between the U.S. and the UK was "enduring." NATO said Britain's position will "remain unchanged" • Despite some skepticism by constitutional experts, an online petition calling for a parliamentary vote (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/131215?ftcamp=crm/email//nbe/FirstFTAmericas/product) for a second referendum to impose a higher bar for approval has crashed the website and gathered 3.6 million signatories. Parliament has to debate any petition with over 100,000 signatures. The poll is being investigated for some fraudulent signatures Brexit: Backpedaling/Will Leave Happen? (me, NYT, (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/27/world/europe/having-won-some-brexit-campaigners-begin-backpedaling.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=b-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) WaP (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/26/brexit-leaders-are-walking-back-some-of-their-biggest-promises/?hpid=hp_rhp-top-table-main_wv-brexit-leaders-5pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory) o, Wapo (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/26/an-astute-online-comment-has-many-wondering-whether-brexit-may-ever-happen/) ) • Me: Not only do the Leave campaigners have no plan - anyone actually heard one? no, right - but they're backpedaling like crazy on the false promises they made to a gullible British public, a public who, just hours after the disastrous vote was over, were frantically Googling: How do I vote in the EU referendum? and What is the EU? In Nov it'll be: who is Trump?... • They claimed that 350 million pounds a week that the UK sends to the EU would go to the NationalHealth Service - it was on the side of a red b (http://infacts.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Battle-Bus.jpg) us that Boris Johnson toured in. He went silent for all weekend. Coward. Nigel Farage of anti-immigrant UKIP said the 350 million pounds figure was a "mistake." Other campaigners have followed. It was all a con • They promised to reduce immigration levels - that was a huge part of the campaign. Justice Minister Michael Gove said a leave vote would "bring down the numbers" by 2020. Experts have said that would be very hard to pull off • The racists are out in full force now that Britain has voted to Leave the EU. White Britons are shouting at foreigners - and at Britons who look different from them to - "leave" or "get out of the fuc*ing country" as seen in this video shot in London over the weekend (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQlumgxEef8) - note the guy being yelled at says he was born in the UK • Friday, Daniel Hannan, a member of the European Parliament and a knowledgeable pro-Brexiter, stunned BBC viewers by saying: "Frankly, if people watching think that they have voted and there is now going to be zero immigration from the EU, they are going to be disappointed." Because it was always a lie. Experts said so. But experts are not popular right now • It's sinking in. A commenter to the Guardian's website noted: "the markets, Sterling, Scotland, the Irish border, the Gibraltar border, the frontier at Calais, the need to continue compliance with all EU regulations for a free market, re-issuing passports, Brits abroad, EU citizens in Britain, the mountain of legislation to be torn up and rewritten ... the list grew and grew" • PM David Cameron's successors, likely from his own party - as Labour is basically unelectable at this point - have a hideous job ahead of them. Cameron originally said he would invoke Article 50 immediately. Now he indicates he's leaving it to his successor. Johnson is in no hurry. Is it possible that Britain may find a way out of this mess? Trump's Strange Scotland Pressers ( (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/us/politics/donald-trump-over-18-holes-in-scotland-plays-20-questions.html?ribbon-ad-idx=11&rref=politics&module=Ribbon&version=origin&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Politics&pgtype=article) NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/us/politics/donald-trump-over-18-holes-in-scotland-plays-20-questions.html?ribbon-ad-idx=11&rref=politics&module=Ribbon&version=origin&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Politics&pgtype=article) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/us/politics/donald-trump-brexit.html?ribbon-ad-idx=11&rref=politics&module=Ribbon&version=origin&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Politics&pgtype=article) , NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/25/us/politics/donald-trump-scotland.html?ref=politics) , AP (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_CAMPAIGN_2016_TRUMP_SCOTLAND?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) , TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/featured/2016/06/24/trump-welcomes-brexit-result-clinton-fears-economic-uncertainty/) me) • Donald Trump held two pressers in Scotland, one an actual meandering news briefing, and one a sort of catch-me-on-the-golf-course romp in which reporters chased him on carts and ran along fairways to catch him up over 18 holes as he took question after question. One was in Turnberry and one in Aberdeenshire. A few bits • "When the pound goes down, more people are coming to Turnberry, frankly." (this reax to the pound going down after Brexit shows his utter lack of empathy. Other people lost money, but he's incapable of seeing anything except from the point of view of how it will benefit him) • "I can tell you, I have a lot of friends living in Germany that have always been very proud Germans to a level that you wouldn't believe. They would be bragging about their country. They would be talking about their country as though there would be no place." - and now they say they're leaving (oh I think we can believe exactly the kind of bragging that Germans have been capable of) • The Scots wasted no time ripping Trump over his dimwitted tweet: "Just arrived in Scotland. Place is going wild over the vote. They took their country back" - except Scotland voted to Remain. "coc*splat" - "toupéd f**ktrumpet" - "weaselheaded f**knugget" - "eejit" - "weapons-grade plum" - "clueless numpty" - "mangled apricot hellbeast" (Buzzfeed) (https://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/i-am-learning-so-much-cool-slang?utm_term=.ycYR6Q9vV • At one point, Trump compared his renovation of Turnberry to how he's hoping to overhaul the U.S. When a reporter pointed out - correctly - that a country is hardly a golf course, Trump replied: "No, it's not but you'll be amazed how similar it is. It's a place that has to be fixed." (holes, sand traps, tees, fairways, clubhouses, rough - obviously the same thing, duh...) • On the 18th hole, Trump said he would welcome Muslim immigrants from any nation, though they would need to be "even more severely vetted if it's one of the terror countries." Moments later, a senior aide said Trump wanted to clarify that "it is about terrorism and not about religion." Hope Hicks, a Trump campaign spox, added, "Nothing's changed." (ummm - upsidedown world) • Asked if he had been consulting with his foreign policy advisers over the British result, Trump seemed to dismiss advisers as a general class: "Honestly, most of them are no good," he said. "Let's go to the 14th!" • A WaPo/ABC News survey has Hillary Clinton ahead of Donald Trump 51%-39%. A WSJ/NBC News poll has Clinton ahead by five percentage points. Both surveys came out on Sunday and show Trump in worse shape than he had been a month ago, with voters expressing doubts about his preparedness and qualifications to lead the nation (NYT) (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/27/us/politics/donald-trump-slips-further-behind-hillary-clinton-in-new-polls.html?ref=politics) SCOTUS: 3 Biggie Opinions To Go (AP, (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SUPREME_COURT_WHATS_LEFT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-06-26-10-15-15) Reuters, (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-abortion-idUSKCN0ZC0JL) me) • The Supreme Court is set to close out its current term with opinions today in three remaining cases after a flurry of decisions last week. It's expected to be the eight justices' final meeting before they head out for summer fun. Meanwhile, President Obama's nominee for the seat vacated by deceased Justice Antonin Scalia, Judge Merrick Garland, has had no hearing or vote • Abortion: Texas abortion clinics are challenging a state law and regulations that already have cut the number of abortion providers in half, to roughly 20. Fewer than 10 would remain if the 2013 law were allowed to take full effect • Only Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan, who generally side with abortion rights advocates, have yet to write opinions from the session in late February and early March when the case was argued. Each justice typically write at least one majority opinion from each argument session - so the theory is this favors the clinics - but who knows with this one... • Public corruption: The justices seemed likely to side with former Gov Bob McDonnell (R-Va), who is challenging his conviction for accepting gifts and loans from a wealthy businessman in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement. A ruling for McDonnell could make it harder to prosecute public officials • Guns: Two men from Maine are challenging their convictions for possessing guns under a federal law that is intended to keep guns out of the hands of people who have previously been convicted of domestic violence. Justice Clarence Thomas used the case to ask his first questions during oral arguments in a decade about gun rights • More heavy rains are expected in West Virginia today, where floodwaters have killed at least 25 people in the past week. More than 20 counties are under a flood watch. President Obama signed a federal disaster declaration on Saturday for several counties. Gov Earl Tomblin's admin believes there are still people missing in Greenbrier County (AP) (http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SEVERE_WEATHER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-06-27-04-11-43) Draft Democratic Platform: Sanders' Influence (AP, (http://elections.ap.org/content/draft-dems-policy-positions-reflects-sanders-influence) Hill, (http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/284930-sanders-we-won-some-very-important-victories-in) AP, (http://elections.ap.org/content/clinton-blames-republican-leaders-paralyzed-congress) TMN (http://www.talkmedianews.com/us-news/2016/06/24/sanders-says-he-will-vote-for-clinton-holds-off-on-endorsement/) , me) • A draft of the Democratic Party's policy positions reflects the influence of Bernie Sanders' campaign: endorsing steps to break up large Wall Street banks, advocating a $15 hourly wage, urging an end to the death penalty. The platform isn't binding, but serves as a guidepost for the party moving forward • Hillary Clinton's supporters turned back efforts by Sanders' allies to promote a Medicare-for-all single-payer health care system and a carbon tax to address climate change, and free hydraulic fracking. The DNC's full platform committee will discuss the draft at a meeting next month with a vote at the convention in Philadelphia in late July • Sanders said Friday he would vote for Clinton in the fall, but so far hasn't endorsed her and hasn't encouraged his millions of voters to back her candidacy. He wants more. "I think, right now, what we are doing is trying to say to the Clinton campaign: 'Stand up, be bolder than you have been,' and then many of those voters may in fact come on board," he said Sunday on CNN • Sanders, a vociferous opponent of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, was unable to get language into the document opposing the trade deal. As a result, the party avoided an awkward scenario that would have put the platform at odds with President Obama. Clinton (finally) and Sanders have opposed the deal • Clinton on Sunday chastised GOP lawmakers for a "paralyzed" Congress, saying they've fueled populist anger by refusing to "do their job, including immigration overhaul, confirmation hearings for a SCOTUS vacancy, and action on gun control Gay Pride: Tinged With Sadness ( (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-lgbt-idUSKCN0ZC0HL) Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-lgbt-idUSKCN0ZC0HL) ,TMN, (http://www.talkmedianews.com/us-news/2016/06/24/obama-designates-stonewall-first-lgbt-national-monument/) me) • Millions of people draped in the rainbow hues of LGBT pride turned out for parades across the U.S. on Sunday, two weeks after a massacre at a Florida nightclub stirred fear and solidarity among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Police stepped up security to reassure participants and onlookers (shouldn't have to, though) • The march in New York, held every year since 1970, began at noon near the Empire State Building and ended at Greenwich Village's Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the gay rights movement and the newest national monument. Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, joined the march for a few blocks in an unannounced appearance • The mood nationwide was decidedly subdued. "I've been so heartbroken and outraged by Orlando," said Dorothee Benz, 50, who was marching with a group called New York Supports Orlando. "We need to be out loud and proud more than ever, but it comes with mourning and anger." • At the head of the Chicago parade, a group carried photos of the 49 Orlando nightclub victims. Later a contingent of marchers donned elaborate, rainbow-colored costumes constructed from hundreds of balloons and carried large letters, also formed by balloons, spelling out P-U-L-S-E. The lead float in New York's parade carried Pulse owner Barbara Poma • President Obama designated the Stonewall Inn as a national monument on Friday. It was the first time such an honor has been bestowed in specific recognition of LGBT Americans. The bar was the scene of a 1969 police raid that triggered riots and an impromptu rally that ignited a long struggle to bring LGBT people into the U.S. mainstream and guarantee their rights • Pope Francis said Sunday on a plane that gays "should not be discriminated against. They should be respected, accompanied pastorally." He added that the church should also apologize to the poor, to women who have been exploited and to children who have been exploited by being forced to work (Reuters) (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/27/world/europe/pope-francis-gays-christians-apologize.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) Benghazi Committee & WH at Standstill ( (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/white-house-benghazi-obama-224813) Politico (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/white-house-benghazi-obama-224813) , me) • The House Benghazi Committee and the WH are at a standstill over whether President Obama should answer questions about the 2012 attack. The committee sent Obama a list of questions, which the admin has called inappropriate and an attempt to frame the WH as uncooperative, as well as asking questions it already knew the answers to (it's a dance - well-known moves) • Neil Eggleston, counsel to the president, advised Obama not to answer "because of the implications of his response on the constitutional separation of powers," he said in a letter to chair Trey Gowdy (R-SC). "If the president were to answer your questions, his response would suggest that Congress has the unilateral power to demand answers from the president about his official acts • Committee spox Jamal Ware criticized the WH: "It's no surprise President Obama would rather take questions from Derek Jeter than answer questions for the American people about the Benghazi terrorist attacks, which followed what he himself has called his worst mistake" - the aftermath of ousting Muammar Qaddafi from Libya • Eggleston detailed Obama's actions the night of the Benghazi attack in a 11 May letter. He said Obama was briefed by then-SecDef Leon Panetta at 5 pm and "immediately ordered the military to deploy all available assets." The letter also said Obama "did not modify or rescind that order." (ie issue a "stand down" order or order a delay) • Gowdy has said he would release the (largely GOP-written) report by the summer (so it's late), and many believe the report will drop before the mid-July party conventions kick off (gosh that would be such a coincidence, wouldn't it?) Get it fast. Sign uphere for Quick (http://www.talkmedianews.com/) Morning News