The Chattanooga Shooting, Maine’s Veto Madness, and the GOP’s Electability Games

Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

Check out today’s newsletter!

July 17, 2015

Top Stories


Let The GOP Electability Games Begin!

The Gist: Given the vast size of the Republican field, a lot of theoretically “electable” candidates won’t survive for long.

What We Know About Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez

The Gist: Authorities report that Abdulazeez, a 24-year old, Kuwait-born engineer, is responsible for killing four Marines in Thursday's attacks on U.S. military centers in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

James Holmes Found Guilty Of Murder In Aurora Movie Theater Massacre

The Gist: Holmes was convicted of murdering 12 people and wounding dozens in a shooting attack at a midnight 'Batman' premiere in Colorado. He could get the death penalty.

From The Reporter's Notebook


With the leaders of Maine's Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate rejecting Gov. LePage's attempts to veto legislation they say has already become law, the governor only had House Republicans on his side, as the House minority leader said he would still consider the bills as vetoed. However, the House speaker's office told TPM’s Tierney Sneed that Republicans' options to attempt to stop the legislation from becoming law were limited by the fact that the House was planning to formally adjourn after Thursday's session.

Agree or Disagree?


Josh Marshall argues that what opponents of the Iran nuclear deal, including Israel and Saudia Arabia, are really upset about is that “it will take the US out of the confrontation with Iran business.”

Say What?!


"I hope you [expletive] go to hell because of your stance on gay marriage."

– A man got kicked off a flight after approaching Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who was on the plane, and giving him a piece of his mind.

BUZZING: Today in the Hive


From a TPM Prime member: "Scott Walker feeds off the fears and hatred that consume the Republican base. His politics are based on divide and conquer, thus generating unbridled animosity from those he attacks. He does not govern by building a consensus, but rather he blames those whom the GOP base fears and hates for taking from Republicans what Republicans believe is theirs. Fair wages and civil rights are only for white religious folks, not for the usurpers who want a living wage for working hard, and not for gays, Latinos or the poor. So yes, Walker is the perfect Republican candidate."

Related: Is Scott Walker the perfect conservative?

Have something to add? Become a Prime member and join the discussion here.

What We're Reading


The trolls are winning the battle for the Internet. (The Washington Post)

Social media plays a critical role in newsrooms — should we be worried that the majority of social media editors are women? (Matter)

Customers at New York's beloved book store The Strand no longer have time to get lost in its aisles, and the store's new aesthetic reflects that. (The New Yorker)


Latest Daybreaker
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: