MORNING MESSAGE
The
2016 political races are being buffeted by “a transpartisan, nationwide trade
revolt” against trade deals that have been rigged to benefit wealthy
corporations at the expense of the rest of us, says Lori Wallach, director of
Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch, in this Burning Issues video.
CLINTON AND WARREN HEAD TO OHIO
Clinton
and Warren stump together today in Ohio. NYT: “The joint Ohio event comes as
the campaign enters the final stretch before the Democratic convention in
Philadelphia, where Mr. Sanders has vowed to take his liberal agenda to the
party, even if it means a fight or protests.”
Sanders
supporters moving toward Clinton. NBC: “… the newest NBC/WSJ poll finds that
Bernie Sanders supporters are slowly — but surely — coming to Clinton’s side …
78% of Sanders supporters are picking Clinton, while 10% back Trump … But in a
four-way ballot — where Clinton’s lead is reduced to one point — 63% of Sanders
supporters are behind Clinton, 14% pick the Green Party’s Jill Stein, 9% back
Trump, and 8% are for Libertarian Johnson.”
Clinton
child care plan could use more pressure on business, argues Brittany Bronson in
NYT oped: “[Her plan is] close to comprehensive when measured against her
rival’s … but it doesn’t place any onus on, or provide incentives to, large
companies … A mere 7 percent of American businesses offer on-site child
care…”
SANDERS KNOCKS PLATFORM DRAFT
Sanders
criticizes aspects of draft platform. The Hill: “[Said Sanders,] ‘…we lost
some very important fights. We’re going to take that fight to Orlando, where the
entire committee meets in two weeks, and if we don’t succeed there, we’re
certainly going to take it to the floor of the Democratic convention.’ … The
platform draft committee [adopted] language in support of a $15 minimum wage …
abolishing the death penalty and expanding Social Security [and] by calling for
‘an updated and modernized version of Glass-Steagall.’ But the panel refused to
adopt a proposed amendment … that would have opposed President Obama on the
Trans-Pacific Partnership … It also rejected amendments putting a national
freeze on fracking, imposing a carbon tax and promoting a single-payer
healthcare system.”
But
platform drafting committee member Rep. Barbara Lee praises platform as “truly
progressive platform draft”. Politico quotes: “I recognize there are bound
to be some who are disappointed with the outcome. But our Party’s platform has
always been both aspirational and imperfect. In fact, on issues like climate
change, I voted with Senator Sanders, and didn’t get everything I was hoping for
… as a member of Congress, I will continue to oppose TPP.”
Sanders
hits trail for down-ballot candidates. W. Post: “The [Syracuse] crowd was …
just 500 people — but technically, they were not there for Sanders. The senator
was rallying for a 70-year-old academic named Eric Kingson, who is running for
Congress … Since June 16, when he asked supporters to run for office, at least
21,000 said they would — or at least hit the streets to help.
DEMS RECRUIT FOR HOUSE RACES
Dems
optimistic about taking House. Politico: “…Democrats are diving into the
forbidding district-by-district math, scrutinizing under-the-radar and
cash-starved House candidates … The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
this week capped a late recruiting surge … adding a final candidate in Florida
before Friday’s filing deadline…”
But
Dems can’t take back Senate on Trump fallout alone. Roll Call: “Not when
many well-funded Republican candidates have worked diligently to craft their own
identities with the electorate — or when they can credibly claim to be different
than their unique presidential standard-bearer … a flurry of new ads and
releases last week demonstrate a renewed focus on their opponents’ records as
much as their connection to Trump.”
Many
Republicans avoiding convention podium. Politico: “…POLITICO contacted more
than 50 prominent governors, senators, and House members to gauge their interest
in speaking. Only a few said they were open to it…”
LABOUR CRACKUP
UK
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn faces intra-party ouster in Brexit fallout. The
Telegraph: “Jeremy Corbyn has lost more than half his Cabinet and seen more
than 30 of his MPs revolt against his leadership over the last 48 hours …
Sources said that Mr Corbyn will refuse to step down and will instead try and
make public a planned secret vote on his future so that voters can see which MPs
are trying to unseat him.”
Team
Corbyn defiant. The Guardian: “A source close to Corbyn said the number of
resignations was destabilising but ultimately irrelevant unless someone
triggered a leadership election. ‘In many ways, the shadow cabinet is now
stronger … The only way to try to replace Jeremy is to stand against him in a
democratic contest,’ he said, adding that was now ‘likely to happen.'”
Brexit
may not happen. Politico: “A referendum is not legally binding. In pure
constitutional terms it is merely advisory. You can repeat the exercise as
wanted, as long as the irrevocable Article 50 formalizing the U.K.’s divorce
from Brussels hasn’t been invoked.”
Progressive
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