How Adam Kinzinger Felt Addressing the Democratic Convention as a Republican
Plus: Want to Be President? Take a Cognitive Test.
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ADAM KINZINGER: How It Felt to Address the Democratic Convention as a Republican
IF YOU HAD TOLD ME when I was first running for Congress in 2010 that in 2024 Iād be speaking at a presidential nominating convention, I would have assumed that my political career had taken off. Getting a speaking slot at a convention usually means your party likes you and wants to highlight you and invest in your future. Being invited to speak at the opposite partyās conventionāwell, that signals something altogether different.
When I first received the invitation to speak at the Democratic National Convention, I wasnāt that surprised. Rumors had been swirling that I would speak along with other Republicans, and it seems like I was the last to find out. I debated it in my own head. I knew it would raise eyebrows. Some in my party, friend groups, and family would accuse me of betrayal, and others would question my motives. I knew there would be angry texts and probably a few more lost friendships because āI could take you investigating January 6th, but this is too far.ā (Sure enough, that all happened.) Despite the accusations from a few friends, I didnāt get paid for this speech, and wouldnāt have accepted the money if it was offered.
TIM MILLER: They Served With Trump and Saw the Crazy. They Should Endorse Harris.
THE MOMENT FROM THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION I kept coming back to this weekend wasnāt from Oprah or the Obamas, Steph or Steve, Kamala or Dougānot even Gus Walz, Americaās proudest son.
It came early in the program on Wednesday night, from a former lieutenant governor, a modest slot for a mid-level political figure. He was there in his role as a conservative Republican willing to offer a full-throated endorsement of Kamala Harris, putting patriotism over partisanship or policy particulars.
SAM STEIN: Trump Camp Spends Tens of Thousands to Air Ads In and Around Mar-a-Lago
DONALD TRUMPāS CAMPAIGN is set to run cable news ads this week so they can be seen at the ex-presidentās Mar-a-Lago club and surrounding environs.
The South Florida expense is likely to have no impact on the course of the election. Palm Beach County is a Democratic stronghold in a Republican state that Trump has little chance of losing. But Trumpās staff is at some risk of incurring his wrath if heāand his Palm Beach palsādonāt see his ads at Mar-a-Lago, a factor that insiders say compelled the purchase.
š„ PODCASTS AND VIDEOS š§
Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller: Bill Kristol: Do Something [YouTube]
The Michael Steele Podcast: The Swift Turnaround of the Democratic Party (with Sophia Nelson and Dr. Jason Johnson) [YouTube]
The Focus Group: DNC-Palooza, Part 1 (with Joe Perticone) [YouTube]
The Bulwark Goes to Hollywood: The Social Media Trap for Teens
Shield of the Republic: The Lessons of 1968 [YouTube]
Did you know? Bulwark+ members can listen to an ad-free version of these podcasts on the player of their choice.
Learn more at Bulwark+ Podcast FAQ.
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KIM WEHLE: Want to Be President? Take a Cognitive Test.
JOE BIDEN AND DONALD TRUMP have together made one thing abundantly clear: Itās time to seriously consider mental wellness checks for presidential candidates. As the Constitution and federal law now stand, thereās probably little Congress could do about a mentally unstable sitting president. But Congress, state legislatures and party leaders could take steps to require candidates for president to pass the same kinds of mental health standards that airline pilots do. The safety of the American people demands it.
BILL LUEDERS: Donald Trumpās Promises to Keep
AS KAMALA HARRIS AND TIM WALZ emerge from the Democratic convention in Chicago brimming with optimism and ideas for building a better future, itās worth remembering what the Republicansā standard bearer, Donald Trump, has pledged to accomplishāa compendium of grievance, radicalism, and ill will.
šØOVERTIMEšØ
Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. We went out exploring and enjoyed Findlay Marketās offerings for a family cookout. I also got to see one of the few remaining Ollieās Trolleys, which I plan to patronize ASAP. D.C.ās Ollieās went out of business in December. It was a great weekend for the First Place Cleveland Guardians, who, if youāve never been, throw an excellent fireworks show.
A MLB firstā¦ A rain delay and a trade resulted in a player playing on both teams in a game. Congrats Danny Jansen.
RFK Jr.ās new prioritiesā¦ Include āchemtrails.ā
Jack Smith has appealedā¦ the classified documents case. (And not asked for Cannonās dismissal.)
Is Peanut Butter a liquid or solid? According to the TSA, it depends. (Please donāt tell RFK, Jr.)
More than 200 Bush, McCain, Romney alumsā¦ endorse Harris for president, criticize Trump (USA TODAY).
Georgia replaces a confederate statueā¦ With one of John Lewis. Good.
Congrats Lake Mary, FL!šŗšø Winners of the Little League World Series.
A new Dark Side parodyā¦ From the inimitable Holly Berkley-Fletcher!
21 Minutesā¦ in the Buttigieg Bubble (Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic)
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