The heroism of Senator John McCain (R-AZ) transcends politics. He forever embodies the spirit of a soldier. And as news of his battle with brain cancer emerges, we echo the words of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), “This disease has never had a more worthy opponent.” Former President Barack Obama weighed in saying on Twitter, "John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John." Our thoughts and prayers are with McCain and his family. Now ... from an American hero to the current occupant of the Oval Office who came out guns blazing in this NYT interview. We could parse out the abnormalities of the President of the United States insulting members of his own Cabinet, making veiled threats, and spilling alternative facts. But really, you should just read it for yourself. Now back to healthcare. Let us get this straight. Trump wants Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to delay recess until Republicans have a deal to move forward on healthcare?? In the words of the Black maid held captive in Jordan Peele’s Get Out, “no no no no no no no no.” If seven years wasn’t enough time to figure it out, we doubt a hot and steamy August in DC is going to propel this process further. Come August, the Senate should collectively roll by the White House on their way to DCA blasting Bey and tell 45, “Boy bye!” Here’s what we’ve got today:
- Former President Barack Obama was on watch on Election Day.
- Inclusv finds state Dem parties could be more inclusive.
- That sound you heard coming from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. yesterday? That was Trump reading about his Twitter numbers compared to Obama’s.
- Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) pushes for campaign finance reform.
- Dems officially question Trump’s ability and fitness to serve. Of note: 16 of 24 cosponsors are members of color.
- Black lobbyists honor leaders of the industry.
- Republican Army vet challenges Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA).
- OUT Power 50 list highlights LGBT people of color.
- Voto Latino grows by three.
- Picture it: Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO) with a butterfly collar and a big ole' 1970s style afro. We're throwing it back this Thursday!
- Meet the incoming President of Hispanics In Philanthropy (HIP).
- NYC announces the city’s first cultural plan, linking future funding for museums and arts groups to the diversity of their employees and board members.
- CHCI will honor author Sandra Cisneros.
- Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) plan to intro new, bipartisan DREAM Act and admin already says no.
- Congresswoman Michelle Luján Grisham (D-NM) pushes for diversity in the armed forces.
- Dallas hires its first female police chief.
- Want to meet the first white man to graduate from Howard University Law School? Join the MOWFF tomorrow for a conversation with former Senator Harris Wofford moderated by The Beat’s Tiffany D. Cross. RSVP below in FOMO.
- And for reals, hang with former Secretary of Education John King tonight. RSVP below in FOMO.