Good morning. It’s a good time to remember that you’re not required to post on social media and to be discerning about what you find there.
Former President Donald Trump is in Milwaukee today as the Republican National Convention begins, arriving within a day of an assassination attempt on him. Trump was grazed by a gunman’s bullet and an attendee at the rally was also struck and killed. It’s a sad moment for the country. The investigation into the shooter’s motives is ongoing and scrutiny is rightly being placed on the security failure that came before. Democratic President Joe Biden, addressing the nation twice yesterday, promised a swift, independent investigation. In an Oval Office address, Biden urged the nation to “unite as one nation” and said, “Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that right now.”
The Republican convention could take on a different feel than what some planners and attendees were anticipating. Speeches are being retooled. Trump told the Washington Examiner in an interview that he is planning a different speech than he was previously. “This is a chance to bring the whole country, even the whole world, together. The speech will be a lot different, a lot different than it would’ve been two days ago,” he said. The speaker list is changing a bit, too. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was added yesterday to the week’s roster. It could signal an expanded unity theme, both meant to help the party coalesce but also as a nod to voters who were still unsure about voting for Trump this fall. One thing is certain: Security in and around the GOP convention will be heavy.
Minnesota’s 39 Republican delegates arrived over the weekend and many were processing the tragedy. MPR’s Mark Zdechlik is also in Milwaukee and spoke with some delegates. They, like many Americans, are still processing what was a startling turn of events. “It gave me chills,” one told Mark about the assassination attempt and then Trump’s raised-fist response as he was whisked off stage. The delegates were already expecting the convention to help the party coalesce as more aspects of the race go his way.
The attempted assassination has pushed the Democratic consternation over their presumed nominee, President Joe Biden, off the front burner for now. He’s by no means defused the call by some in his party to step aside. But that will probably be quieter than it would have been for the next few days. U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District was expected to break his silence during a national Sunday political show but that obviously changed. On CNN, he talked about the need for elected officials to demonstrate efforts to reach common ground. As for Biden’s standing in the race, Phillips said he remains open to a conversation but deferred offering further views publicly. “I don't think today is the time to have that. It’s a day of mourning. I think the country is in crisis.” If Biden does change his mind on running, here is a bit more from NPR about what that could look like.
One of Minnesota’s closely watched congressional primaries will take on less suspense next month. In the 2nd Congressional District, attorney Tayler Rahm has ended his campaign , although it’s too late for him to get his name off the ballot. Rahm was the endorsed Republican in the district now held by Democratic Rep. Angie Craig. Rahm faced a primary challenge from fellow attorney Joe Tierab. But Rahm says he’s leaving the race to take a senior role in the Trump Minnesota campaign. That gives Teirab, who has raised more money and is favored by some U.S. House leaders, the inside track to be the nominee. It’s a top race nationally.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar gave a health update on Friday. She has previously battled cancer. She said she would undergo a precautionary radiation treatment to remove a spot identified during a routine screening. | 