memeorandum: Why is the Press Making Trump Seem More Normal? (Dan Pfeiffer/The Message Box)

4:40 PM ET, April 7, 2024

Top Items:

Steven Shepard / Politico:

The polls are suggesting a huge shift in the electorate. Are they right? — It's a significant reversal from recent history: President Joe Biden is struggling with young voters but performing better than most Democrats with older ones. — Something weird is happening beneath …

Discussion: The Daily Caller and New York Magazine

Tamara Keith / NPR: Yes, Biden is really running in November. But a lot of voters say they doubt it

Nicholas Nehamas / New York Times:
Biden Waves His First-Term Résumé at a Skeptical America

Discussion: USA Today and New York Daily News

US Department of Justice:

Suspect Arrested in Arson at Burlington Office of Senator Sanders — For Immediate Release — U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont — Burlington, Vermont - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont stated that Shant Soghomonian (also known as Michael Soghomonian) …

Discussion: USA Today, Axios, NBC News, Politico, UPI, KDFX-TV, The Daily Beast, RedState and NPR

Dan Pfeiffer / The Message Box:

Why is the Press Making Trump Seem More Normal? — Believe it or not, much of the political press has an inadvertent pro-Trump bias — On Thursday morning, Donald Trump was a guest on Hugh Hewitt's radio show. Hewitt is a one time Never Trump conservative turned obsequious Trump flunkie.

Discussion: Digby's Hullabaloo and Political Wire

Shauneen Miranda / Axios:

Trump: Would be a “great honor” to be jailed for gag order violation … - “We have to Save our Country from these Political Operatives masquerading as Prosecutors and Judges, and I am willing to sacrifice my Freedom for that worthy cause,” he said. … - Merchan expanded the gag order …

Discussion: Reuters, Rolling Stone, Washington Post, Vanity Fair, Raw Story, HuffPost and CNBC

NBC News:

Trump tells billionaires he'll keep their taxes low at $50 million fundraising gala — Biden hit Trump for promising to extend the tax cuts in a video released Saturday. — WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of extending his signature tax cuts …

Discussion: Rolling Stone and Associated Press

CNN:
Biden hauls in $90 million in March as campaign embarks on general election blitz

Marianna Sotomayor / Washington Post:

‘Increasingly chaotic’: Why House Republicans are heading for the exits — The decision by 21 Republican lawmakers to step back is indicative of the broader morale problem within the GOP conference — House Majority Leader Steve Scalise thought he had a good argument for Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.).

Discussion: Raw Story

Axios:

Gaza buildings and land decimated in 6 months of war … - More than 100 Israelis are still being held hostage in Gaza. — Even prior to Oct. 7, years of Israeli blockade and military operations in the densely-populated enclave left many in Gaza with inadequate access to clean water, electricity or sewer.

Barak Ravid / Axios:
6 months in, the Gaza war is in limbo — which may help Bibi stay in power

Discussion: The Times of Israel, Rolling Stone and Raw Story

Washington Post:

Inside Donald Trump's secret plan to end the Ukraine-Russia war — Foreign policy experts and some Republicans warned that pressuring Ukraine to cede land would reward Putin — Former president Donald Trump has privately said he could end Russia's war in Ukraine by pressuring Ukraine …

Discussion: USA Today, RedState, The Kyiv Independent and Reuters

Rachel Leingang / The Guardian:

‘Mischief and problems’: rightwing activists ramp up drive to hand-count ballots — Mike Lindell and fellow influencers have hit the road since Donald Trump's 2020 loss, threatening chaos for the 2024 election — The fight for democracy is supported by — This article was published …

Discussion: Raw Story and Alternet.org

Sarah Fortinsky / The Hill:

Intel Chair Turner: ‘Absolutely true’ that Russia propaganda has infected US Congress — House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) on Sunday stressed the expansive reach of Russian propaganda and said it has even presented itself on the floor of the U.S. Congress.

Discussion: NBC News, The Daily Beast, Raw Story, Politico, Axios, USA Today, Washington Examiner, Rolling Stone, PoliticusUSA, The American Conservative, KDFX-TV, Breitbart, Mediaite, Crooks and Liars and Washington Times

Khaleda Rahman / Newsweek:

Melania's Appearance With Donald Trump Sparks Mockery: ‘Checking the Clock’ — Melania Trump's appearance at a fundraiser with husband Donald Trump has prompted mockery on social media. — The former first lady has maintained a low profile as her husband seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024.

Discussion: CBS News, Raw Story, CNN, ABC News, Fox News and PinkNews

Filip Timotija / The Hill:

Former GOP rep says Trump ‘appeals to the worst of us,’ calls on Biden ‘to recognize the moment’ — Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh (Ill.) said that former President Trump “appeals to the worst of us” when discussing his rhetoric and called on President Biden to “recognize the moment” …

Discussion: Washington Examiner

Filip Timotija / The Hill:

RNC chair: We're ‘going to be in the room’ when votes are cast, counted in November — Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley said the committee will ensure they are “going to be in the room” when the early votes are cast and counted in the November election.

Discussion: Breitbart and Fox Business

Politico:

Trump promises a ‘deal’ on abortion that will please everyone. It likely doesn't exist. — Should Trump appear vague or duck the issue, some of his supporters fear it will allow the Biden campaign to tie him to the more extreme wing of the anti-abortion movement.