| June 24, 2024 08:40:47 AM |
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| June 24, 2024 08:40:47 AM |
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It's almost time for the first presidential debate. Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump enter Thursday night's face-off with tremendous opportunity – and tremendous risk. Welcome to this week’s edition of AP Ground Game. |
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, right, answers a question as President Donald Trump listens during the second and final presidential debate Oct. 22, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool, File) |
High stakes in Thursday’s presidential debate |
Trump has been convicted of 34 felony counts with serious charges in three other indictments still pending. As president, he nominated three of the justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade and erode abortion access in America, creating a backlash even in conservative-led states. And the presumptive Republican nominee has outlined sweeping second-term plans that include promises of retribution against political enemies in both parties. Those are major political liabilities. Yet the big question for Biden — fairly or not — is whether he has the physical and mental capacity at 81 years old to press the case against Trump. Perhaps nothing matters more in Thursday's debate than the level of energy and strength the Democratic incumbent projects on stage.
Trump has an opportunity with persuadable swing voters and moderates who fueled Biden’s victory four years ago and now express concerns about both candidates. But to win over the so-called “double haters,” Trump cannot simply lean into the red-meat talking points, personal insults and conspiracy theories that typically dominate his public appearances. In short, Trump needs to be somewhat boring on Thursday night. Can he stay disciplined? Read more. |
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Of note:
It's worth noting that the candidates are bypassing the traditional structure determined by the Commission on Presidential Debates and instead relying on a set of mutually agreed rules and conditions. Debating at a CNN studio in Atlanta with no audience, there will be no opening statements. And each candidate’s microphone will be muted, except when it’s his turn to speak. |
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What a second Trump administration could look like |
Trump allies have long prepared for a potential second term. Now, one group is assembling a list of employees who could be reassigned or fired.
Tom Jones and his American Accountability Foundation are digging into the backgrounds, social media posts and commentary of key high-ranking government employees, starting with the Department of Homeland Security. They’re relying in part on tips from his network of conservative contacts, including even workers themselves. In a move that alarms some, they are preparing to publish the findings online.
With a $100,000 grant from the influential Heritage Foundation, the goal is to post 100 names of government workers to a website this summer to show a potential new administration who might be standing in the way of a second-term Trump agenda – and ripe for scrutiny, reclassifications, reassignments or firings. Read more.
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Of note:
Jones' Project Sovereignty 2025 comes as Heritage’s own Project 2025 is laying the groundwork, with policies, proposals and personnel ready day one of a possible new White House. |
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Democratic discontent around Netanyahu address
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While some Democrats are saying they will attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's July 24 address to Congress out of respect for Israel, a larger faction of the party says it wants nothing to do with it.
The result is an extraordinarily charged atmosphere at a gathering that would otherwise be a ceremonial, bipartisan show of support.
Israel's ongoing war with Hamas after the militant group's Oct. 7 attack has splintered Democrats over whether Biden is doing enough to limit civilian casualties while also backing a longtime American ally.
Interviews with more than a dozen Democrats revealed the breadth of discontent over the coming address, which many feel is a Republican ploy intended to divide their party. Some Democrats say they will attend to express their support for Israel, not Netanyahu. Read more. |
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Of note:
The invitation from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to Netanyahu came after consultation with the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter who was granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive subject. As of now, no meeting with Biden has been scheduled, this person said. |
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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, center, greets customers and staff at Tony and Nick's Steaks as rapper QT-7 Quanny, left, looks on, Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) |
- Biden and Trump meet Thursday at CNN’s studios in Atlanta for the first of two scheduled general election presidential debates.
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Trump’s campaign outraised Biden by more than $60 million last month, according to federal filings that detailed the Republican fundraising explosion sparked by Trump’s felony convictions. Read more. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed paperwork Thursday to get on the ballot for the November election in swing-state Pennsylvania, the state’s election office said. Read more.
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