MORNING MESSAGE
...the
amendment process in Orlando did not consider adding a progressive vision for
public education to the platform, but many of the specifics in the document
shifted to the left, thanks mostly to supporters of the Sanders campaign joining
with Clinton supporters to press for progressive change.
BURNING ISSUES: The OCCUPATION OF PALESTINE
Palestinians
are in for “another difficult four years” as a result of the weakness of the
Democratic Party platform’s statement on the conflict between Israel and
Palestine, says Jim Zogby in this Burning Issues video.
IT's PENCE?
Trump
appears to tap Gov. Mike Pence for VP, but delays announcement. W. Post:
“…Trump said he was scrapping his plans to announce a running mate because of
the terrorist attack in southern France … by early evening, Trump said that he
had yet to make a ‘final, final decision’ … Pence was spotted Thursday evening
in New York, an indication that he had been chosen … ‘If the objective is to
broaden the appeal of the party beyond the base, I’m not sure this would be the
wisest choice,’ said Rep. Charlie Dent (Pa.), noting Pence’s positions on social
issues.”
Pence
diverges from Trump on several key issues. New Republic’s Brian Beutler:
“Trump opposes cuts or changes to … Social Security and Medicare; Pence backed
radical reforms to those programs … Pence supports the trade agreements Trump
deplores. Pence supported the war in Iraq. Whatever Trump once thought of that
endeavor, he now criticizes Republicans who beat the drum for it in the most
withering terms.”
Trump
wins convention rules fight, delegates remain bound. NYT: “With that threat
neutralized, Mr. Trump and his campaign can turn their attention to other
problematic aspects of the convention, including a list of speakers that is not
finalized.”
National
Doorstep Convention to counter GOP convention. LeeAnn Hall of People’s
Action: “This weekend, July 15-17, People’s Action and other major
progressive organizations, including Center for Community Change Action,
MoveOn.org, and dozens of state-based groups, are joining together for a
National Doorstep Convention. Thousands of volunteers throughout the country
will go door to door to talk with voters … about coming together … to vote
against hate and in favor of a bold, progressive economic agenda.”
BERNIE TO LAUNCH "OUR REVOLUTION" POLITICAL OPERATION
Bernie
Sanders reveals more information of his post-primary political plans to USA
Today: “The Sanders Institute will help raise awareness of ‘enormous crises’
facing Americans. The Our Revolution political organization will help recruit,
train and fund progressive candidates’ campaigns. And a third political
organization may play a more direct role in campaign advertising. Sanders plans
to support at least 100 candidates running for a wide range of public offices —
from local school boards to Congress — at least through the 2016 elections …
Sanders also is writing a book titled, Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In
…”
Cornel
West breaks with Sanders, backs Green Party nominee Jill Stein in Guardian
oped: “I am supporting Jill Stein. I am with her – the only progressive
woman in the race – because we’ve got to get beyond this lock-jaw situation. I
have a deep love for my brother Bernie Sanders, but I disagree with him on
Hillary Clinton.”
VP
possibility Tim Kaine tears into Trump. NYT quotes: ““Do you want a ‘you’re
fired’ president or a ‘you’re hired’ president? Do you want a trash-talker
president or a bridge-builder president?” Do you want a me-first president or a
kids-and-families-first president?”
Tom
Steyer invests $10M into joint NextGen Climate Action-SEIU swing state GOTV
effort reports W. Post.
CONGRESS SKIPS TOWN
Congress
takes summer recess, leaving behind unfinished business. NYT: “…a plan to
aid the fight against the mosquito-borne Zika virus, a measure to prevent
terrorists from getting guns, scores of judicial confirmations, a sweeping
bipartisan criminal justice reform package and basic appropriations bills were
left scattered about like errant wrappers from the Senate candy drawer.”
Threat
of shutdown before election. Politico: “…Republicans and Democrats are
already at odds over a stopgap government spending measure that will almost
certainly be necessary in September to stave off a shutdown … Lawmakers, mostly
in the House, have already been debating whether to write a short-term
government spending measure that runs into December or a six-month stopgap
measure … Schumer already ruled out the six-month option…”
New
York on verge of approving law requiring lead testing of school water. Mother
Jones: ” It likely won’t be the last: This year, at least 20 bills in seven
states have been introduced to address lead contamination in school water … The
ultimate solution, researchers agree, is to replace all lead pipes and fixtures,
but few school systems can afford such a project … some experts fear that
occasional water testing won’t be enough [because] particles come out of pipes
and fixtures somewhat randomly…”
Progressive
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