NEW THINGS: @12:00, , 6/27/21

Mike Gravel, Unconventional Two-Term Alaska Senator, Dies at 91

He made headlines by fighting for an oil pipeline and reading the Pentagon Papers aloud. After 25 years of obscurity, he re-emerged with a quixotic presidential campaign. read more

He sometimes did the proper thing.

NYT > U.S. > Politics12 hours ago

Trump, Seeking to Maintain G.O.P. Sway, Holds First Rally Since Jan. 6

The former president’s speech in Ohio, made on behalf of a challenger to a Republican congressman who voted to impeach Mr. Trump, reflected both his power over the party and his diminished status. read more

Trump belongs in prison.

NYT > U.S. > Politics13 hours ago

‘Not My Intent’: How Biden’s Impromptu Comments Upended a Political Win

President Biden walked back his stray remarks in a bid to salvage an infrastructure agreement that could cement his legacy as a bipartisan deal maker. read more

Biden spoke his mind.

NYT > U.S. > Politics16 hours ago

Biden’s Push for Equity in Government Hits Legal and Political Roadblocks

No part of President Biden’s agenda has been as ambitious as his attempt to place concerns about equity squarely at the center of the federal government’s decision-making. read more

No one is surprised.

NYT > U.S. > Politics21 hours ago

Trump Aides Prepped Insurrection Act Order Amid Protests

President Donald Trump never invoked the act, but fresh details underscore the intensity of his interest last June in using active-duty military to curb unrest. read more

"Cooler heads prevailed."

NYT > U.S. > Politics22 hours ago

Progressives’ Urgent Question: How to Win Over Voters of Color

A yearslong challenge for the left was starkly illustrated this week as its hopes faded in the New York mayor’s race. read more

The Democratic party machine is still powerful.

The progressive group has repeatedly failed.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

How Deceptive Campaign Fund-Raising Ensnares Older People

Older Americans, a critical source of political donations, often fall victim to aggressive and misleading digital practices. A broad Times analysis points to the scope of the problem. read more

Remember to read the fine print.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Jacques Barzaghi, a Former Fixture Beside Jerry Brown, Dies at 82

Whether as policy adviser, interior decorator or barber, he was a Zen-like presence in that California politician’s orbit, and always dressed in black. read more

Jacques Barzaghi could discuss philosophy with Governor Brown.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

What Does Eric Adams, Working-Class Champion, Mean for the Democrats?

Mr. Adams, who ran a campaign focused on appealing to blue-collar Black and Latino voters, said America does not want “fancy candidates.” read more

Eric Adams is what the New York Democratic machine wants for the future.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

What Does Eric Adams, Working-Class Champion, Mean for the Democrats?

Mr. Adams, who ran a campaign focused on appealing to blue-collar Black and Latino voters, said America does not “want fancy candidates.” read more

Eric Adams is what the New York Democratic machine wants for the future.

Ian Welsh1 day ago

Open Thread

[image: Story 446663028] Use comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn read more

Everything starts with negotiation.

Sooner is better. As soon as you can is best.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

U.S. Has No Explanation for U.F.O.s, Does Not Rule Out Aliens

A new government report is likely to fuel theories about unexplained aerial phenomena. read more

"It is impossible to prove a negative".

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Biden Says Afghans Must ‘Decide Their Future’ as U.S. Troops Withdraw

Mr. Biden told President Ashraf Ghani that the United States would still offer security assistance, as well as diplomatic and humanitarian aid. read more

We must be sending mercenaries.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Justice Dept. Sues Georgia Over Voting Restrictions Law

The lawsuit came after Republicans blocked ambitious federal legislation this week to protect voting rights. read more

This is only the beginning.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Touring the Border, Harris Asked Questions, and Had Few Answers

Advocates pushed the vice president to end Title 42, a Trump-era rule that allows the government to expel migrants for public health reasons. read more

A probable answer is "Trump demanded it."

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

A bipartisan infrastructure deal teeters just a day after it was announced.

Republicans vented on Friday over President Biden’s comment that he would not sign the agreement without a second, far more ambitious package on hand. read more

Republicans did not expect their plan to be accepted.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Intelligence officials are set to release a declassified U.F.O. report.

It is a good idea.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Supreme Court Sides With Alaskan Natives in Dispute Over Coronavirus Aid

Tribal governments in the lower 48 states had sued to challenge the allocation of $450 million in federal virus aid to Alaska Native corporations. read more

The majority has decided properly.

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Biden signs bill creating National Pulse Memorial and commemorates Pride Month.

Politically necessary.

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Biden will reverse a Trump border policy put in place during the pandemic.

A step toward the humanitarian.