How Both Sides Are Framing the Debate

If you only read one thing: It’s silly season on the campaign trail, as operatives on both sides of aisle argue their preferred candidate is a terrible debater and set to be trounced in Monday’s first presidential debate. It’s the expectations game—in some ways as important as the debate itself. The frantic effort to adjust the baseline by which the candidates will be judged will continue right up until the debate. From team Trump you’ll hear how Clinton has debated more times than anyone running for office and is a lifelong politician. From team Clinton you’ll be told about how charismatic Trump is off-the-cuff, while she is uncomfortable on stage. There’s truth to both viewpoints, but here’s why you shouldn’t buy it: they’re each the nominee of a major political party for the role of President of the United States. By definition they are both good at this. In a way, 2016 will be the most evenly matched debating year—a test of which of two radically different styles, strategies, and perspectives voters want. Don’t forget to get the popcorn.

Donald Trump is still trying to bring together the conservative wing of the GOP, releasing additional names he would consider for Supreme Court vacancies Friday. Like the first list which included conservative legal darlings who are Trump critics, the new one is striking for the inclusion of Sen. Mike Lee, the Utah lawmaker who has thus far refused to endorse Trump. Lee, a close friend of Sen. Ted Cruz, who has also withheld his support, is revered in conservative intellectual circles, even if his tactics often cause consternation from the moderate wing of the GOP. Trump’s decision to put him on the list is a clear signal to a party that hasn’t fully unified behind him, but it may be too little, too late.

Hillary Clinton released a new ad Friday featuring young women and girls listening to Donald Trump’s comments critical of women. She also invited noted Trump critic Mark Cuban to attend the first debate in the front row.

Trump’s English-only campaign. Obama’s veto. And Frank Luntz’s advice to the candidates.

Here are your must reads:

Must Reads

President Obama Set To Veto Bill Allowing 9/11 Families to Sue Saudi Arabia
He says the bill would make U.S. diplomats and service members vulnerable to lawsuits [TIME]

Donald Trump’s Crime Policies Might Hit Minorities Harder, Experts Say
The racial and ethnic focus troubles some [New York Times]

Donald Trump Steps Deeper Into the U.S. Race Debate
Criticizing protestors for causing violence in their communities [Associated Press]

Key Lawmakers Accuse Russia of Campaign to Disrupt U.S. Election
Claims Putin is out to help Trump [Washington Post]

Debates are About the Voter, Not Moderators
Longtime moderator Jim Lehrer gives his advice to the 2016ers [NBC]

Sound Off

“Even an eight year old could tell you that whole slavery thing wasn’t good for black people.” — President Obama on ABC responding to Trump’s comments that it’s the wort time ever for the African American community

“You have 46 days to make possible every dream you ever dreamed for your country and your state” —Donald Trump in Pennsylvania Thursday.

Bits and Bites

Frank Luntz: How Hillary Clinton Can Defeat Donald Trump in the First Debate [TIME]

Frank Luntz: How Donald Trump Can Defeat Hillary Clinton in the First Debate [TIME]

For sale: Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Never used. [Yahoo]

Lester Holt takes the spotlight as moderator of first debate [CNN]

North Carolina Lawmaker Sorry for Saying Charlotte Protesters ‘Hate White People’ [TIME]

The day I became an American citizen [CNN]

Obama Puts Syria at Arm’s Length as Carnage Drags On [New York Times]

Ohio county chair for Trump campaign resigns after Obama remarks [Fox]

Trump’s English-only campaign [Politico]