Probably the most important issue facing America in the next two months.
US detects ‘highly unusual’ North Korean submarine activity – CNN
Launching missiles from the submarine would greatly extend North Korea’s range. Latest intelligence estimates suggest that they will be able to put a nuclear bomb on the end of a missile by the end of next year. There is not a lot of time for the American government to execute a solution to protect the homeland from being phone Rible to an attack by this Rogue nation.
US detects ‘highly unusual’ North Korean submarine activity – CNN
https://apple.news/AUwGYMJbVRC2Aum96sMZ87w
NBC News: Trump’s Base Sticks, Except in the South
Fascinating look at Trump approval numbers in eight key states.
Why Trump Needs Sessions to Quit
This Washington Post analysis lays out, in scenario #4, why Trump needs Sessions to quit as Attorney General. The Vacancies Act of 1998 allows the President to appoint another Senate confirmed individual to fill this position if there is a resignation. The Act does not explicitly state a president can take this action if the individual is fired.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/07/27/how-rick-perry-could-fire-robert-mueller/
POLITICO: Ban on transgender troops an attempt to save funding for border wall and other Trump priorities
What early fundraising in California says about the race for Congress: Some incumbents are behind
The first fundraising reports ate definitely a mixed bag for Republicans, but there are no signs of trouble for any Democratic incumbents at this point.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Gerrymandering Case May Be Most Important Decision SCOTUS Faces
This case has the potential electoral impact of Citizens United.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ruth-bader-ginsburg-gerrymandering_us_59736a9de4b00e4363dfd3c8
Senate Seat Wrangling — New Jersey
A lot of attention is being paid to John McCain’s absence and what that does to the Republican’s ability to legislate–or at least TRY to legislate–in the Senate. The other moving piece is the fate of New Jersey Senator Menendez (D), who goes on trial for corruption in September. Electoral-Vote.com has a brief summary of scenarios that could happen if he is convicted that would result in a flip of the seat to (R), which would be hugely significant regardless of McCain’s battle with cancer.
http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2017/Senate/Maps/Jul21.html#item-8
NBC News: What Happens If John McCain Leaves the Senate?
I wish I could say this is just morbid speculation, but McCain’s cancer is the same kind that killed Senator Ted Kennedy.
NBC News: Can the President Pardon Himself?
A friend of mine asked me this question last night, and I was thankful to wake up to this answer, which is much better researched than anything I could put together.
The Electoral College Blog 