TOP STORY

If Americans want to see what a leader with integrity looks like, maybe all we need to do is look north.

On Tuesday, Canada’s newly-elected prime minister Mark Carney deftly handled fascist manchild Donald Trump—by being both polite and friendly—but also firm and unwavering.

SOME BACKGROUND: Trump has picked an idiotic trade war with Canada—one of our biggest trading partners and closest allies—as part of a broader effort to scapegoat globalization for the broader failures of late-stage capitalism.

Trump has soured the relationship with our northern neighbor so much that Carney rode Canadian anti-Trump sentiment to a surprise election win two weeks ago.

WHAT HAPPENED: That raised the stakes for the pair’s first in-person meeting yesterday at the White House.

But at the same time, when reporters asked about Trump’s outrageous 51st state comments, Carney politely but firmly rejected the insane idea:

BIG PICTURE: That’s how you do it. You stand firm against the schoolyard bully. You placate him when you need to to protect others—but you don’t give in.

Maybe some Democratic leaders could use a lesson in this.

MAKING NEWS

A deadly mass shooting by extremists in Kashmir has brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war—again—after six years of peace. Yesterday, in retaliation for the shooting, India launched strikes against what it called terrorists sites in Pakistan killing at least 24 people. Pakistan has vowed to retaliate. This is truly scary because both countries have a deep hate for each other—and both have nuclear weapons. Full story from AP.

In a significant and disheartening loss, the Supreme Court ruled that it would allow Trump’s transphobic ban of transgender military personnel to stand while the ban is challenged in lower courts. Just over 4,000 transgender people currently serve in the military, though some activists put the figure much higher. It’s not a permanent loss, but it is devastating for those affected. Full story from NBC News.

Israel is again saying the quiet part out loud: they intend to ethnically cleanse all of Gaza. The country’s finance minister vowed Tuesday that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed” and that its Palestinian population will be forced to “leave in great numbers to third countries.” The remarks come a day after Israel’s government approved a new, massive military campaign in the already devastated region. Full story from The Guardian.

The leaders of the Roman Catholic Church will begin their secret meetings to elect a new pope shortly at the Vatican. It’s unclear who might replace the amazingly progressive Francis, or how long it will take. Though all conclaves since 1900 have been under four days long. Full story from NPR.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

YESTERDAY’S QUESTION: Yesterday we asked, given the craziness in our country right now—have you considered leaving?

Carol voted yes and said what so many people are feeling: “Our present government is full of liars and people completely out of touch with the average American life. There is way too much hate and greed. I don't even recognize my own country any more.”

SBelasco echoed many people as well saying: “I lack the financing to make such a move. If I were 10-20 years younger at this time, I would be gone already.”

Still others disagreed. Donna voted no and said, “We need to stay and fight back.”

Pat was more defiant—and we love it: “Trump and his staff are the ones that need to go. They love Russia so let them all go there. Leave America and never come back.”

TODAY’S QUESTION: Given the recent troubles at Newark Airport—not to mention crashes and near misses—do you still feel safe flying?

IN DEPTH

A few months ago, it looked like a foregone conclusion that Democrats had no chance in hell of taking back the Senate in 2026.

SOME BACKGROUND: Unlike the House of Representatives, only a third of the Senate is up for election next year.

Democrats would need to hold all four—and pick up another four seats—to have a majority. A very steep task.

BUT BUT BUT: Trump’s free-falling poll numbers have scared a handful of prominent Republicans out of key races, fearing they’ll lose in a blue wave.

THE NEWS GETS BETTER: Democrats also hope they’ll be running against massively unpopular MAGA politicians for the seats.

And according to Politico, several more MAGA figures are considering runs for open seats or primary challenges.

BIG PICTURE: In swing states, anyone guzzling the Trump Kool-Aid is political poison. The more MAGA deadbeats Democrats get to run against, the better their odds of flipping the Senate.

It’s an uphill climb to be sure—but still, there’s hope.

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