Morning Must Reads: July 6

The Iran nuclear talks are continuing this week in Vienna with just days before the deadline. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday morning that an agreement is still far from assured, and the outcome will shape a key area of President Obama‘s legacy. Kerry’s predecessor, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, says now that she is hopeful for a deal, dropping her previously caveated cautious optimism. And New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is breaking with many of his 2016 competitors by refusing to promise to undo the agreement should he win the White House. No less than seven presidential candidates spent the holiday weekend in New Hampshire marching in parades and meeting voters, who appear more committed than ever to withhold judgement on the field. In recent presidential cycles, more than 50 percent of the Granite State’s famously finicky voters have made up their minds about who to support in the first-in-the-nation primary in the final weeks. Campaign fundraising numbers for the second quarter are beginning to trickle out, providing the first datapoint for the longevity of the more than 15 GOP campaigns.

Here are your must-reads:

Must Reads

Kerry Says Iran Nuke Talks ‘Could Go Either Way’
[Associated Press]

Bernie Sanders Outpaces Martin O’Malley as Hillary Clinton Alternative
Despite years spent laying the groundwork for a campaign, O’Malley can’t catch fire [Wall Street Journal]

I.R.S. Expected to Stand Aside as Nonprofits Increase Role in 2016 Race
Frontiers in campaign finance [New York Times]

Clinton Puts Tight Grip on DNC Wallet
The Democratic front-runner is first among equals for the national party [Politico]

Sound Off

“We are not yet where we need to be on several of the most difficult issues…This negotiation could go either way.” — Secretary of State John Kerry on the P5+1 nuclear talks

“At this eleventh hour, despite differences that remain, we have never been closer to a lasting outcome…Getting to yes requires the courage to compromise, the self confidence to be flexible, the maturity to be reasonable, the wisdom to set aside illusions and the audacity to break old habits.” — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a video over the weekend

Bits and Bites

Leaders seek solutions, next steps for civil rights momentum [TIME]

Marco Rubio is hardly a hero in Cuba. He likes that [New York Times]

Christie won’t pledge to undo Iran deal [TIME]

Hillary Clinton hopeful for Iran nuclear agreement next week [TIME]

Rick Perry addresses Republicans’ legacy on race [TIME]

Trump’s campaign theme song headache? Blame Michael Jackson, sort of [NPR]