It’s Tuesday. Happy Election Day! 12:30 Not subscribed to the report? Sign up here.
In today’s issue:
- Debate within the Democratic Party about shutdowns.
- Election Day Preview
- Mike Pence’s interview with The Hill
- In memory of Dick Cheney
💸Government shutdown
There may be a way around this.
There are rumors circulating on Capitol Hill about a potential deal to end the government shutdown. A group of moderate Democrats is mulling over a vote to reopen the government with Republican support.
Recently, Senators finished their 14th unsuccessful attempt to fund the government. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have scheduled their regular luncheon for today, so keep an eye out for what comes out of that meeting.
The Hill’s Al Weaver notes some optimism from Congress regarding a deal coming together soon, as Senate Majority Leader John Tune expressed confidence on Monday.
Several Republican senators shared positive thoughts in interviews this morning about the shutdown possibly ending soon.
Who is involved in talks about reopening the government? According to reports, participants include Gary Peters (D-Michigan), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), and Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota).
Potential plans: Reports indicate that moderate Democrats might vote for reopening the government, contingent on a scheduled vote concerning extending Obamacare subsidies.
While Democrats want to tie subsidies to funding bills, Republicans prefer to deal with those issues separately.
This possible deal doesn’t guarantee the passage of healthcare subsidies, just that they will be addressed.
Lawmakers are also discussing whether to extend federal funding into December or January, with Speaker Mike Johnson expressing disapproval for the December option.
Please remember: These negotiations are quite delicate and in the early stages. If moderate Democrats shift their stance, it could lead to frustration among the more progressive members of the party.
The Hill’s Alexander Bolton suggests that Senate Democrats are currently divided on the viability of a deal to conclude the shutdown.
Timing: Food stamp benefits have been paused this week, flight delays have increased, and federal employees are feeling the impact of missed paychecks. The drive to find a resolution is partly motivated by today being Election Day. Democrats are likely to celebrate some wins today, but the outcomes may influence the ongoing shutdown situation.
💬 Follow today’s live blog
➤ On the other hand — Trump has made his preferences public:
Former President Trump has urged Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, allowing the government to restart without needing Democratic cooperation. However, GOP leaders have consistently rejected this idea, with Speaker Johnson reaffirming support for the filibuster.
The Wall Street Journal editorial board also published a piece opposing eliminating the filibuster, emphasizing its role in preventing extreme legislation and fostering compromise.
➤ Side note — Will Nancy Pelosi retire?:
New reports suggest that some California Democrats and members of Congress are hinting at former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi‘s potential retirement at the end of her term. While she hasn’t made a decision yet, she expressed confidence in her chances should she choose to run again.
🗳️ Election Day
Elections in four states will be very intense this year.
Today, voters in New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and California will cast ballots in significant races. This is also the first major election since Trump returned to the political arena.
The most attention-grabbing race: Zoran Mandani, a 34-year-old self-identified democratic socialist, leads the polls for New York City’s mayoral race. Former governor Andrew Cuomo is running as an independent after losing the primary to Mandani. Trump has publicly criticized Mandani but encouraged his supporters to vote for Cuomo over the Republican contender.
Races to watch in New Jersey: Representative Mikie Sherrill (D) faces former state representative Jack Ciatarelli (R) in a tightly contested governor’s race.
Races to watch in Virginia: Former Democratic party member Abigail Spanberger competes against Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears for the governorship, with Spanberger currently leading in the polls.
Another race to watch in Virginia: Democratic candidate Jay Jones is trying to unseat state Attorney General Jason Miyares (R). Jones’ campaign has faced challenges due to past text messages suggesting violence against a former state official.
Read more: “Five things to pay attention to”
🕊️This morning’s news
Dick Cheney dies:
Former Vice President Dick Cheney passed away Monday night at 84.
From the Cheney family: “He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lynne, daughters Liz and Mary, and additional family members. Cheney died from complications associated with pneumonia and cardiovascular disease.”
Pelosi’s remarks: “Cheney was a patriotic American devoted to his country. Despite our numerous policy disagreements, his love for the nation was clear during his return to the House for the January 6 anniversary,” the former Speaker noted.
Oh: The New York Times reported about Cheney’s health struggles over the years, highlighting that he had five heart attacks between 1978 and 2010 and underwent a heart transplant in 2012.
Cheney’s legacy: He is recognized as one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history, having played a significant role in the War on Terror while facing intense scrutiny following the Iraq invasion in 2003.
📰Read the New York Times obituary
➤ Quick Hit:
- The widow of Charlie Kirk, Erica Kirk, wants to install cameras in the courtroom for her late husband’s murder trial.
- Former Vice President Mike Pence shared concerns about the direction of the Republican Party in an exclusive interview with The Hill.
➤ Read more:
- Washington Post: Donors supporting J.D. Vance are reshaping MAGA’s future.
- Wall Street Journal: A well-known stock valuation method suggests tough times ahead.
- Atlantic: Conflict reignites in Gaza.
House is out. The Senate is in. Former President Trump is at the White House. (all times Eastern Standard Time)
1pm White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt will brief reporters.
2:15pm Senate confirmation vote.
Wednesday 8pm: Fox News Jesse Watters interviews Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk.
December 2nd: Public tours of the White House will resume.
🍭Celebrate: Today is National Candy Day!
🦁 A new documentary by David Attenborough captures a rare moment of a lion rescuing a pregnant hyena from a wild dog.
👖 Actor Sydney Sweeney reflected on her participation in a controversial advertising campaign, noting that while it didn’t impact her, seeing Trump’s remarks was surreal.
And finally…
To brighten your Tuesday afternoon, check out this video of a dog insisting on walking on its own.
