Don’t freak out…
For months after Gov. Ron DeSantis completely walloped his opponent Charlie Crist within the Florida gubernatorial race final November, it felt like possibly Democrats ought to lastly simply write off the Sunshine State as soon as and for all. The governor’s warfare on Mickey and Minnie was bizarrely resonating and his argument that he needed to show America into Florida was interesting to many within the Republican base.
However don’t freak out fairly but about the way forward for Florida Democratic politics.
Quick-forward six months and it seems DeSantis’ tradition warfare obsession is probably not as standard as he thought. In April, he signed his new six-week abortion ban late at night time and with a lot much less fanfare than he’s given earlier anti-abortion laws. And this week, the stunning win by Democrat Donna Deegan in Jacksonville flipped a mayoral seat towards a DeSantis-endorsed candidate in a county DeSantis received by 12 factors in 2022. Florida isn’t precisely crusing into blue territory anytime quickly, however Deegan confirmed that it isn’t a state fully managed by Republicans both.
A narrative you need to be following: Abortion as a GOP speaking level
Abortion rights have now change into a divisive flashpoint throughout the Republican Celebration.
When requested about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new six-week abortion ban, Trump known as it “too harsh.” DeSantis fired again, “Defending an unborn youngster when there’s a detectable heartbeat is one thing that nearly 99% of pro-lifers assist.”
Final week, Trump was requested repeatedly if he would signal a federal abortion ban into regulation and he refused to reply. Once I requested potential presidential GOP candidate Gov. Chris Sununu final week whether or not he would signal an abortion ban, he responded, “Not solely would I not signal the nationwide abortion ban, however no person needs to be speaking about signing a nationwide abortion ban.”
It’s clear that the GOP is not the celebration of anti-abortion insurance policies throughout the board. This is sensible: 58% of adults within the nation say abortion needs to be authorized in all or most instances, in accordance with the most recent NBC Information ballot. Abortion goes to be a degree of division amongst Republican presidential candidates, and one I’m going to be watching very intently.
Somebody you need to know: Jacob Ward
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified on Capitol Hill this week, calling on lawmakers to control the more and more highly effective know-how of synthetic intelligence. Somebody who may help make sense of this quickly altering panorama is NBC Information’ Jacob Ward, an skilled on all issues tech and AI.
Ward has reported extensively on the improvement of AI and the controversy over TikTok, each points at present drawing the eye of lawmakers.
You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter @byjacobward — and skim his guide “Loop,” which reveals the hazards of AI.
Jennifer Palmieri’s weekend routine:
What present are you bingeing proper now?
I’m not an enormous streamer. There’s a lot coming at you nowadays it’s arduous to course of — not to mention recognize — all of it. However I’m a lifelong Springsteen and Stevie Nicks devotee, an enormous Jason Isbell fan (nice documentary about him on HBO Max now — that’s one factor I streamed!), and I’m at present very into Esther Rose’s and Ruston Kelly’s new albums “Protected to Run” and “Michael Keaton.”
What’s the final guide you learn?
I learn a lot, that I insist on sharing the final two books I learn and cherished. First is “Misplaced Boys of Montauk” by Amanda Fairbanks. Couldn’t put it down. The second is “Daughters of Yalta” by Catherine Grace Katz. It’s a terrific story in regards to the convention but in addition the lives of those three compelling (and under-appreciated) girls.
What time do you get up on the weekends?
I’m such a foul sleeper. And whereas I really like being a part of the little sub-culture on “Morning Joe,” doing that present a few instances every week positively messes together with your sleep. Even on weekends, I get up at 4 a.m. after which hope to fall again asleep for a few hours. It’s ability I must work on.
How do you’re taking your espresso?
Black, venti. However I splurge with half-and-half.
