Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush‘s massive fundraising haul was long expected, but the more than $114 million he raised for his campaign and super PAC is no less impressive, further pressuring Republican rivals to step up their game, and redoubling efforts by Hillary Clinton backers to catch up to Bush’s totals. The $103 million of the sum going to his super PAC only reinforces that the true epicenter of Bush’s campaign is not in Miami where his senior staff is, but in Los Angeles, where the outside group, Right to Rise USA is based. Clinton’s interview with CNN on Tuesday only reinforced why many Americans distrust her, TIME’s Michael Scherer writes, pointing to her less-that-accurate statements about her private email server. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has spent years plotting to run for president, but he’s been overshadowed by the rise of Vermont Gov. Bernie Sanders as the liberal alternative to Clinton. His aides are hoping Sanders follow’s the path of fellow Vermont native Howard Dean, who surged in 2004 before collapsing explosively. South Carolina will remove the Confederate Battle Flag from its state capitol grounds at 10 a.m. Friday following an emotional few days of legislating and a triumphant signing ceremony on Thursday. And more than 21 million government employees and affiliates are at risk following a massive Office of Personnel and Management hack, the agency revealed Thursday in its update on an attack officials say they have traced to China, including nearly everyone who applied for a security clearance through the agency since 2000.
Here are your must-reads:
Must Reads
Hillary Clinton’s Trustworthy Trap
Most of America doesn’t trust her, and an interview this week gave them more reason not to TIME’s Michael Scherer writes
How Jeb Bush’s Super PAC Will Spend $103 Million
Bush’s campaign is based in Miami, but the real headquarters in is Los Angeles [TIME]
Martin O’Malley Campaigns in the Long Shadow of Bernie Sanders
TIME’s Sam Frizell reports on the Democratic long-shot’s inability to catch fire
Jeb Bush’s ‘Longer Hours’ Remark Will Haunt Him
A gift to Democrats, TIME’s Philip Elliott reports
Republicans Yield as Confederate Flag Issue Roils Congress
Drama on the House floor amid a leadership misstep [New York Times]
OPM Ratchets Up Estimate of Hack’s Scope
More than 21 million vulnerable in breach; China cited as suspect [Wall Street Journal]
Sound Off
“Twenty-two days ago, I didn’t know that I would ever be able to say this again, but today, I am very proud to say that it is a great day in South Carolina.” — South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley before signing legislation to remove the Confederate Battle Flag from the state capitol grounds
“I’m a big fan of Hillary. She’s a terrific woman. She’s a friend of mine.” — Donald Trump in 2008
Bits and Bites
Martin O’Malley’s policy plan cites a satirical news site [TIME]
F.A.A. to drop Donald Trump-related navigation codes [New York Times]
18 Republicans Donald Trump has insulted [TIME]
That time Jeb Bush invited 300 top donors to his parent’s house [Washington Post]
Dawn of the planet of the super PACs [Politico]
Puerto Rico’s debt woes are conundrum for GOP [Wall Street Journal]
For Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, bold fixes mean high price tags [New York Times]
Trump hires Iowan he once fired on ‘Apprentice’ for campaign [Des Moines Register]
How to win (political) friends in N.H. [Boston Globe]
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