Articles chosen with care. Your comments welcomed.
Linked articles in bold purple
◆ Roy Moore wins in Alabama Republican Primary. Trump endorsed the loser, but it is still a victory for Trumpism, right-wing populism
Biggest loser outside Alabama: Mitch McConnell, who convinced Trump to get involved on the losing side.
My guess is that Trump is beside himself with fury at McConnell. The only thing keeping them from all-out war is the need to pass tax reform.
The main newspaper/website in Alabama has a concise headline on the outcome: Roy Moore rattles GOP in win over Luther Strange. They expect a “donnybrook” in the general election.
I have a separate post on the politics of Moore’s victory (here)
Comment on origin of word “donnybrook”: I hadn’t seen the word in a while and wondered where it came from. I was shocked, shocked to find it is an area of Dublin, known for . . . .
◆ Tax Cuts and Reforms to be unveiled on Wednesday. More on that later this week when the details are available.
The goal is to simplify, cut rates, and stimulate growth.
◆ The Health Care repeal and reform has died for this year. All that talk. No action.
The New York Times report is here.
Comment: The Senate Republicans are in such a knot, they can’t even hold “regular order” hearings on the latest proposal, Graham-Cassidy’s federalist proposal.
McCain and Susan Collins put the stake in it, but several other Republicans were also “no” votes.
◆ Bob Corker, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, won’t run for reelection. He is a center-right Republican from Tennessee (Washington Post)
◆ Two Chicago police officers “take a knee” in the police station. They are reprimanded by the department–but Mayor Rahm Emanuel offers no criticism (Chicago Tribune)
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