This newsletter was originally sent out via email to our Ground Game subscribers on July 01, 2024. You can subscribe at any time at apnews.com/newsletters.
Plus, uneasy feelings among Democrats after Biden’s debate performance, and presidential immunity on Supreme Court’s final decision day
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By Meg Kinnard
July 01, 2024 07:01:58 AM
By Meg Kinnard
July 01, 2024 07:01:58 AM
The Republicans hoping to become Donald Trump’s running mate have in some cases abandoned long-held policy positions and recanted vehement criticism. Democrats, meanwhile, are distressed over President Joe Biden's debate performance, though there are no signs he will end his candidacy.
Welcome to this week’s edition of AP Ground Game.
THE HEADLINES
Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally in Chesapeake, Va., June 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Shifting sands among Trump’s VP contenders
It’s hard to refer to someone as “Hitler” and end up in their good graces, let alone potentially become the person they choose to help lead the country.
But that’s precisely what Ohio Sen. JD Vance did. Vance has said he was initially “wrong” about Trump and now holds views closely aligned with the presumptive GOP nominee.
It’s not unheard of for a running mate to move beyond past disagreements with a presidential candidate. But Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, will soon choose a new running mate from a list that includes several onetime critics.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio called Trump “the most vulgar person to ever aspire to the presidency” as they ran against each other in 2016. A prominent voice on immigration, Rubio has cheered Trump’s proposals and says he supports his plan to deploy the U.S. military to deport those in the country illegally.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was asked last July if he’d ever do business with Trump, and responded, “I don’t think so.” He added, “I just think that it’s important that you’re judged by the company you keep.” Read more.
Of note:
Trump publicly and privately pressured Vice President Mike Pence to overturn Biden's 2020 election win during the congressional certification on Jan. 6, 2021, something Pence had no power to do. Trump's pressure campaign was a motivating factor in the violent mob assault on the Capitol, many chanting “Hang Mike Pence” as they fought their way into the building and searched for lawmakers. Pence has pointedly declined to endorse Trump this time.
Related reads ➤
Doug Burgum vetoed anti-LGBTQ measures while governor. Then he started running for president
Tim Scott has benefited from mentors along the way. He’s hoping for another helping hand
Republican Sen. JD Vance journeys from 'Hillbilly Elegy' memoirist to US senator to VP contender
The VP race’s Florida question: Would Rubio or Donalds have to move if Trump picks either of them?
Democrat unease grows after Biden’s debate performance
A sense of concern is growing inside the top ranks of the Democratic Party that leaders of Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee are not taking seriously enough the impact of the president’s troubling debate performance last week.
DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison and Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez held a Saturday afternoon call with dozens of committee members across the country, a group of some of the most influential party members. Multiple people on the call, most granted anonymity to talk about the private discussion, described feeling like they were being gaslighted – asked to ignore the dire nature of the party’s predicament, given Biden’s weak showing – and said the call may have worsened a widespread sense of panic among elected officials, donors and other stakeholders.
Instead, the people said, Harrison offered what they described as a rosy assessment of Biden's path forward. The chat function was disabled and there were no questions allowed. Read more.
Of note:
Many donors, party strategists and rank-and-file DNC members are publicly and privately saying they want the 81-year-old Biden to step aside to allow the party to select a younger replacement at the Democratic National Convention in August. As of now, though, Biden's closest allies insist he remains well-positioned to compete against Trump and have given no indication they will push him to end his campaign.
Related reads ➤
Biden makes appeals to donors as concerns persist over his presidential debate performance
After president’s debate debacle, Jill Biden delivering the message that they’re still all in
Biden concedes debate fumbles but declares he will defend democracy. Dems stick by him — for now
Here’s why it would be tough for Democrats to replace Joe Biden on the presidential ticket
Supreme Court term
It’s the final day of the Supreme Court’s term. Today is the day for a critical decision on whether Trump has immunity from prosecution for his actions related to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Trump, the first ex-president to face criminal charges, has been indicted on Jan. 6-related charges in Washington.
Even if the court sides against Trump, the decision’s timing means he may not stand trial before the 2024 election. If he is elected again, Trump could appoint a new attorney general who could have the case dismissed.
The court now includes three justices appointed by Trump and two others – Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas – who have rejected calls to step away from the Jan. 6 cases because of questions about their impartiality. Read more.
Of note:
Three other cases remain on the docket Monday, including another major one over social media laws in Texas and Florida limiting how platforms regulate content posted. Both laws aimed to address conservative complaints that the social media companies were liberal-leaning and censored users based on their viewpoints, especially on the political right.
Related reads ➤
Supreme Court makes it harder to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, charge Trump faces
TRAIL PHOTO
Supporters hold up signs as President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign rally in Raleigh, N.C., June. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
ON THE CALENDAR
Biden is at Camp David until Tuesday.
Trump has no listed events.
CANDIDATE CHECK
While Biden was out of sight at Camp David Sunday spending time with family, prominent Democrats rallied with a public show of unwavering support for his campaign following growing post-debate anxiety over whether he should remain in the White House race. Read more.
Trump gloated Friday over Biden’s often halting debate performance, saying Democrats have no better choices while calling the incumbent “the most incompetent president” in U.S. history. Read more.
2024 COUNTDOWN
OUTSIDE OF WASHINGTON
A pooch’s prominence: An English bulldog named Babydog makes a surprise appearance in a mural on West Virginia history
The Saipan surprise: How delicate talks led to the unlikely end of Julian Assange’s 12-year saga
Following the money: Lawsuit challenges Ohio law banning foreign nationals from donating to ballot campaigns
This newsletter was originally sent out via email to our Ground Game subscribers on July 01, 2024. You can subscribe at any time at apnews.com/newsletters.
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