It’s Wednesday. The House just canceled its votes for next week! That means when lawmakers finish votes at ~10:45 a.m.~ tomorrow, they’re done until Sept. 9! 🌞 There was a lot of excitement on my social media timeline when that announcement was made. Here’s what else is happening today:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is delivering his address to Congress this afternoon, and it’s causing quite the tension in Washington.Vice President Harris is notably skipping Netanyahu’s address, along with a number of congressional Democrats.
- President Biden will explain his decision to bow out tonight in a prime-time address. Meanwhile, Harris and former President Trump are out campaigning.
- Salt Lake City was selected to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. ⛷️
I’m Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what’s coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@digital-release.thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here.
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We’ve become all too familiar with these Capitol barricades:
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress today has created a tense atmosphere in Washington. Outside the Capitol, there are thousands of protesters expected. And inside the building, there’s bitter disagreement about the Israel-Hamas war and Netanyahu’s role. Netanyahu is stepping right in the middle of this.
First, there’s Harris: Vice President Harris will be notably absent from Netanyahu’s address. Even though her decision to skip is due to another scheduled event, it sends quite the message and “could have the potential to show some daylight between her and President Biden when it comes to the Israeli leader,” writes The Hill’s Alex Gangitano. She will meet with Netanyahu separately on Thursday.
Read more: ‘Harris skipping Netanyahu address shows daylight with Biden on Israeli leader’
Then, there’s the tension with Democrats: Democrats have become increasingly hostile toward Netanyahu’s war in Gaza. Even Democrats who wholeheartedly back Israel, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), have criticized Netanyahu. It’s not clear how many Democrats will boycott the speech. That will be worth watching. Read more: ‘Netanyahu to face skeptical Democrats at congressional address’
Meanwhile, Republicans are fairly united: Most Republicans are expected to attend the address. This draws a stark contrast from Democrats. How are the families of the Gaza hostages feeling?: They have low expectations for Netanyahu’s speech, reports The Hill’s Brad Dress. 💻 Watch Netanyahu’s 2 p.m. address 🗨️ Live blog of the address and protests |
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This is a day to use the metro if you can: |
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Finally, we’ll hear from Joe:
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President Biden will deliver a prime-time address this evening to explain his decision to withdraw from the presidential race.
He’s back in D.C.: Biden has been in Rehoboth Beach, Del., recovering from COVID-19. 📹 Watch Biden board Air Force One The Hill’s Brett Samuels lays out five things to watch tonight: - What are his reasons for withdrawing?
- What does he say about his health?
- What does he say about calls to resign?
- What are his plans for the rest of his term?
- How much does he say about Harris?
💻 Watch Biden’s 8 p.m. address |
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Come on, team. It’s 2024: |
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) labeled Vice President Harris as a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hire. And a Wisconsin congressman said Democrats “have to stick with her because of her ethnic background.” Semafor’s Kadia Goba, Shelby Talcott and Benjy Sarlin report that Democrats are watching these attacks on Harris and are torn on how to respond.
On one hand: “Black Democrats say they are watching the conversation on the right around Harris and preparing to defend her from criticism that they say unfairly diminishes her achievements based on race and gender.” On the other hand: “[Some Democrats worry] about being baited into a debate over racism and sexism that could consume the campaign just as they’re re-introducing Harris to the broader electorate.” Read the Semafor report: ‘“This kind of crap can’t be tolerated.” Or can it? Harris navigates talk of race and sex as campaign begins.’ |
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➤ MORE READS FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:
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- ‘Historic flood of cash pours into Harris campaign and allied groups’: The Washington Post
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‘Black Voters Feel Excited, and Worried, About a Kamala Harris Campaign’: The New York Times
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‘What Would a Harris Presidency Mean for the Economy?’: “Vice president puts focus on workers, middle class as she launches White House bid.” The Wall Street Journal
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‘Harris campaign memo lays out path to victory in November’: The Hill
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‘Harris’ big test: reclaiming swing states for Dems’: Axios
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🍹 Celebrate: Today is National Tequila Day!
🐋 This video is wild: A whale jumped out of the water in New Hampshire and landed on a boat, sending the fishermen into the water. Two brothers on another boat captured it on video and then helped the capsized fishermen out of the water. Everyone was OK! (WMUR) 📹 Watch the video
🎾 Go, Coco!: Women’s tennis star Coco Gauff, 20, will carry the Team USA flag at the Olympic opening ceremony. For the men’s flag bearer, LeBron James was chosen. (TIME)
Spotted in the U.S. Capitol: Elon Musk. He wouldn’t say why he’s here, according to The Hill’s Mychael Schnell. 📸 Mychael’s ~stealth~ photo
⛷️ Ah, right around the corner: The International Olympic Committee selected Salt Lake City to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. (NBC) |
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The House and Senate are in. President Biden is in Washington, and Vice President Harris is in Indiana and Texas. (all times Eastern) |
12:45 p.m.: Harris speaks at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s Grand Boulé in Indianapolis. She then leaves for Houston. 💻 Livestream
This afternoon: Second gentleman Doug Emhoff campaigns in Portland, Maine. 2 p.m.: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a joint address to Congress. 💻 Livestream
2 p.m.: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefs reporters. 💻 Livestream
3:15 p.m.: A Senate cloture vote, followed by two more at 5 p.m. 📆 Today’s agenda
6 p.m.: Former President Trump campaigns in Charlotte, N.C. 💻 Livestream
8 p.m.: Biden addresses the nation. 💻 Livestream
8:45 p.m.: Last House votes expected. 📆 Today’s agenda
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