Takeaway: Stronger Together...; Worth More Than A Bucket Of Warm Spit?; Trump Stump;

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Capital Brief: Who's On Trump & Clinton's VP Short List - JT   Potomac under 1 mb

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”

Abraham Lincoln

STRONGER TOGETHER...

In a long-awaited and highly-anticipated speech, Bernie Sanders delivered an impassioned endorsement of Hillary Clinton while she rallied the crowd with the message that Democrats are unified and ready to take on Donald Trump in the fall. In the end, Sanders has much to feel good about – he’s helped shape the most progressive platform in Democratic party history.

The remaining question is whether or not the Clinton-Sanders relationship will actually blossom, and if she will be able to fully win over his supporters - many of whom are still reeling that he left the race before the convention.

WORTH MORE THAN A BUCKET OF WARM SPIT?

This may be the year where the veep selections carry more weight than in years past - dating back to JFK’s critical pick of LBJ. Trump’s decision could be a make or break moment for legions of Republicans and undecided party leaders. The push to unify and reassure has Trump seriously considering Governors Mike Pence and Chris Christie, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and Senator Jeff Sessions.

Clinton on the other hand, faces a much different situation. Her progressive moves within the party platform have helped her make progress with the wing she would most likely need help from and appears to be shifting her focus to VA Senator Tim Kaine, Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, and now Admiral James Stavridis. Title courtesy of VP John Nance Garner.

TRUMP STUMP

Trump continues to surprise - now adding Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to his growing list of convention speakers - all to be announced later today. McConnell, who will attend as a delegate and a speaker, endorsed Trump shortly after he clinched the nomination in early May, but has since kept his distance given the steady drumbeat of Trump’s controversies. McConnell’s participation is another step in the right direction for Trump, but he still lags in winning over other key party types - including his main primary rivals.