Politico: “A lot of the traits that make the United States exceptional these days are undesirable, like higher violence and less social mobility. Many of these differences can be attributed largely to the South… Minus the South, the rest of the U.S. probably would be more like Canada or Australia or Britain or New Zealand—more secular, more socially liberal, more moderate in the tone of its politics and somewhat more generous in social policy. And it would not be as centralized as France or as social democratic as Sweden.”
Trump Must Disclose Profits from His ‘University’
Vice News reports that as Donald Trump’s empire “hemorrhages money, we’re getting closer than ever to learning the details of his business practices. In the past, Trump’s net worth has been notoriously hard to pin down, and experts have said it’s likely a much lower number than he suggests. But earlier this week, a federal judge ruled that Trump will have to clarify some of his murky finances, as part of an ongoing lawsuit over a ‘university’ Trump named after himself.”
Courthouse News Service has more on the case.
Quote of the Day
“I take a backseat to no one when you look at my record in standing up and fighting for progressive values.”
— Hilary Clinton, quoted by Politico.
Romney Will Meet with Bush Next Week
Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, will travel to the Bush family compound in Kennebunkport, Me., early next week for a private lunch meeting with Jeb Bush, the New York Times reports.
“Mr. Romney is hosting two other presidential candidates — Gov Chris Christie of New Jersey and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida — at his summer home in Wolfeboro, N.H., this weekend.”
Romney Hosts Holiday Sleepover
Mitt Romney hosted two rival Republican presidential contenders at a holiday sleepover, the AP reports.
Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Marco Rubio “will both be staying over at Romney’s property in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire… the former governor and his wife opened their home to the Christie and Rubio families after hearing they would be in town for the holiday weekend. Both candidates are scheduled to march in Wolfeboro’s Fourth of July parade.”
Sucking Up to the Boss
The Wall Street Journal highlights emails from Hillary Clinton’s top aides lavishing praise on her.
Obama Launches Attack on Scott Walker
President Obama launched a frontal assault on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) in a visit to his state, the New York Times reports.
Obama likened Walker and the “bus full” of Republican candidates to an “Uncle Harry” at Thanksgiving dinner who says something that makes no sense.
Said Obama: “You still love him. He’s still a member of your family. Right? But you’ve got to correct him. You don’t want to put him in charge of stuff.”
Trump Blames Jeb Bush for Roberts Appointment
Donald Trump told radio host Hugh Hewitt that Jeb Bush is responsible for influencing his brother’s appointment of Chief Justice John Roberts to the Supreme Court and with it, last week’s decision justifying Obamacare.
Said Trump: “If you think about it, Jeb Bush gave us Justice Roberts. He’s the one who pushed Justice Roberts.”
Trump Says Golf Should Be Elitist
Donald Trump, who owns several golf course, told Fortune that he feels “golf should be an aspirational game, something people aspire to.”
When asked whether that viewpoint was elitist, Trump said that “perhaps that’s what golf needs. Let golf be elitist.”
Dodd Eyed as Ambassador to Cuba
Former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) has been floated as a leading candidate to be ambassador to Cuba, Foreign Policy reports.
“Dodd was an early proponent of relaxing sanctions on Cuba.”
Texas Attorney General Could Face Felony Charge
The criminal investigation against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) “has taken a more serious turn, with special prosecutors now planning to present a first-degree felony securities fraud case against him,” WFAA reports.
Sanders Draws 10K to Rally
Sen. Bernie Sanders drew “10,000 screaming fans” to a speech in Madison, WI “and promised to fulfill all of their progressive dreams: paid vacation for all, generous maternity leave, tuition-free public colleges, a minimum wage of $15, no more big banks, less youth unemployment, dramatic prison reform and an end to economic inequality,” the Washington Post reports.
Said Sanders: “Please, think big, not small. Our vision should be that in the wealthiest country in the history of the world there is nothing that we cannot accomplish.”
The AP reports Sanders has raised $15 million since entering the presidential race in late April.
Extra Bonus Quote of the Day
“I’ve lost count how many Republicans are running for this job. They’ll have enough for an actual Hunger Games.”
— President Obama, quoted by ABC News.
Fact Checking Paul LePage
Back in April, Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) stood up at a breakfast forum and told the crowd that seniors were sending him emails demanding that he stop the minimum wage from going up, the Bangor Daily News reports.
The report piqued the interest of reporter Amy Browne, who filed a Freedom of Access Act request with the governor’s office asking for “any emails received by Governor LePage from people identifying themselves as elderly and in opposition to minimum wage increases.”
“Two months later, on June 26, his office sent her the results: two emails. Neither email author gave their age, nor did they cite the specific and personal sort of concerns that LePage raised in his talk.”
Bundler Says Biden Is Planning a White House Bid
Vice President Joseph Biden’s team “is putting out the word that he is leaning in favor of joining the presidential race next month,” the Washington Times reports.
Said Democratic bundler Jon Cooper: “They have given increasingly strong signals that Biden is going to throw his hat in the ring. I’m as confident as I can be that he will be entering the race.”
Bonus Quote of the Day
“He’s the nicest person I think I’ve ever met in politics. He is as good a man as God has ever created.”
— Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), in an interview with the Huffington Post, on Vice President Joe Biden.
Webb Is Running
Former Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) announced his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Said Webb: “I understand the odds.”
Investigation Launched Into Dealings of Maine Governor
Members of the Maine legislature’s Government Oversight Committee voted unanimously to start a formal investigation into Gov. Paul LePage’s (R) use of taxpayer money to force Good Will-Hinckley to fire House Speaker Mark Eves (D), the Bangor Daily News reports.
LePage’s office claims the legislature has no right under the state constitution to investigate him.
