“It doesn't matter how smart you are unless you stop and think.”
― Thomas Sowell
CAMPAIGN CONSTRUCTION: So far, so good for Donald Trump 3.0, who has maintained a relatively low profile while his campaign continues to improve on all fronts (except his poll numbers). His newfound path forward continues to drive donations and improve its advertising capabilities, focusing on digital media outside of his well-worn Twitter account. The Republican nominee has rolled out websites and attack ads, as he continues to pitch his agenda to supporters and reshape his demeanor. These factors signal that the Trump campaign is finally gaining some footing and it couldn’t come at a better time - with less than three weeks until the convention Trump still hasn’t nailed down key party endorsements or even solidified speakers for the convention.
BLUES SISTERS: Hillary Clinton and MA Senator Elizabeth Warren teamed up to trash Trump, knocking him for his self-promotional trip to Scotland and for his celebratory musings amidst Brexit global turmoil. Clinton and Warren highlighted their blue-collar upbringings, promoted the importance of strong union values, and called for the need to rebuild the middle class. While many progressive tongues were wagging at the prospect of the two women on the ticket, we feel Warren’s appearance is more of an affirmation of Clinton’s commitment to winning over the progressive wing of the party. Further, Clinton’s increasingly robust surrogate list continues to cast a large shadow over Trump, who seems to have very few major allies by comparison.
DENYING DONALD: With just weeks until the Republican convention, multiple anti-Trump factions have set up shop in Cleveland with the goal of blocking Trump’s nomination and they’re in the process of identifying pledged delegates who they believe can be persuaded to abandon Trump. Most delegate’s votes are bound to the results of their state’s primaries or caucuses, though a number are free to vote according to their preference. The plot is farfetched - there have been no endorsements that could bring more credibility to the cause - and the RNC has completely dismissed the movement outright.
CONSERVATIVE CASH FLOW: Freedom Partners Action Fund, a super PAC financed by the network of billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, has pledged $2.7 million in television and digital ad buys in the OH Senate race where incumbent Senator Rob Portman faces a tough battle with former Governor Ted Strickland. News of the spending spree comes just days after the group announced it will spend $1.2 million on advertising in the NV Senate race where Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid’s open seat is up for grabs. Republicans are stepping up their fundraising efforts ahead of what will be a dogfight for the House and Senate (perhaps at the expense of the White House) - and we expect no changes to this strategy for the foreseeable future.
UPDATE ON THE ISLAND: Less than a week remains until Puerto Rico defaults on almost $2 billion dollars of debt. The Senate is at a standstill on the House-passed debt assistance bill, and could soon be bogged down with amendments from NJ Senator Robert Menendez. One of the bill's biggest critics, Menendez is preparing amendments he aims to attach even if it means passing the debt-relief package after the default deadline of July1st. Though Menendez is in the minority, he can place a “hold” on the bill, giving Senate leadership the difficult task of obtaining 60 votes to break it.
RYAN RELEASES “BETTER WAY” TAX PROPOSAL: Lost in the fallout of the Brexit vote and the Democratic sit-in on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding gun control was Friday's release of the Republican’s long-awaited blueprint on tax reform, a 35-page document outlining what the tax code would look like if Speaker Paul Ryan had his way. You can read our views on the proposal here.
CABLE OPERATORS GAIN MOMENTUM IN SET-TOP BOX FIGHT: Our Telecommunications-Media Policy Analyst Paul Glenchur shared his insight on bipartisan political concerns pressuring the FCC leadership to consider alternatives less hostile to the cable industry. You can read his piece here.
CMS RELEASES CY2017 ESRD PAYMENT UPDATE WITH SURPRISE INCREASE FOR HOME TRAINING: Our Healthcare Policy Advisor Emily Evans shared her insight on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s CY17 payment update for End Stage Renal Dialysis Services. You can read her piece here.