Our Chaos Agent President Has Another Big Card to Play

Key Points:

• In Michigan’s 8th district Republican primary, Trump-endorsed Amir Hassan unexpectedly lost to Tom Smith, who had withdrawn from the race a month earlier, with Smith winning 50% to 33%. Smith appeared at a GOP unity event pledging to unseat the Democratic incumbent.
• Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting mail-in voting via the U.S. Postal Service remains legally contested, with the Supreme Court weighing whether to lift a stay that blocks its implementation ahead of the midterms. Legal experts warn that if allowed, it could cause significant election administration chaos, especially in Democratic states.
• A drone attack targeted an upscale Italian restaurant in Moscow during a birthday party for Russian General Alexander Chaiko, a figure linked to war crimes in Ukraine; five people died and nineteen were injured. Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility, and the attack has sparked debate over the ethics of targeting military figures with civilian casualties.
• In Ohio’s 7th district, Democratic candidate Brian Poindexter distances himself from his opponent Rep. Max Miller’s controversies, focusing instead on representing working families and building bridges with disaffected voters. This race highlights tensions within the Democratic Party over appealing to different voter demographics.
• Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Rep. Haley Stevens, who had a bitter primary battle in Michigan, publicly reconciled to unify Democrats against their Republican opponent. However, some left-wing supporters remain critical, reflecting ongoing intra-party divisions.