Morning Must Reads: July 31

Republican candidates and their aides are locked in preparations for next week’s inaugural debate, but one thing they can’t control for is Donald Trump, whose presence is likely to dominate a substantial part of the debate. Strategies range from direct engagement and mockery to trying to fly under the radar, and are largely dependent on what Trump’s rivals need to accomplish, or not, next week.

In a preview of one potential general election matchup, Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush will share the same stage Friday at the National Urban League conference as they each seek to win over black voters. After turning out at record rates for President Obama‘s campaigns, black voters are very much in the mix this time around. Clinton is looking to maintain the Obama coalition, as Bush is hoping to shave off just a few percent in hopes they will boost him to victory.

Bush will use his remarks to highlight his education reform efforts in Florida, as well call for economic growth in urban centers and reforms for the nation’s safety net programs. He will likely also address the ongoing national debate over mistrust between police and the communities they serve. Clinton, after early missteps, has embraced the “Black Lives Matter” movement, which will be key a component of her remarks.

Here are your must-reads:

Must Reads

Republicans Debate the Best Way to Debate Donald Trump
TIME goes inside the strategic dilemma the rest of the GOP is facing

Koch Brothers Brave Spotlight to Try to Alter Their Image
The billionaire mega-donors show off their softer side [New York Times]

Congress Takes Off for the Summer, Setting Up an Autumn Showdown
Another shutdown? [Washington Post]

For Young Voters, Crushing Student Debt Is Front And Center
The issue is taking center-stage in New Hampshire as candidates try to adjust [NPR]

Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush to Share Stage at National Urban League
An effort to re-assemble or break the Obama coalition [CNN]

Sound Off

“I think it is regrettable that Republicans are once again trying to undermine, even end those services that so many women have needed and taken advantage of. I think that it’s another effort by the Republicans to try to limit the health care options of women and we should not let them succeed once again.” — Hillary Clinton criticizing GOP efforts to defund Planned Parenthood in the wake of several controversial videos

“I think I would get along very well with Vladimir Putin. I just think so.” — Donald Trump

Bits and Bites

Obama Rallies Grassroots to Get ‘Active’ in Iran Deal Organizing [TIME]

Clinton Campaign Complains of’ ‘Egregious’ New York Times Reporting Errors [Politico]

Here’s What the Bernie Sanders Cocktail Tastes Like [TIME]

With Debate and Convention, G.O.P. Looks to Reclaim Ohio in 2016 [New York Times]

Elizabeth Warren Wants You to Run For Office [TIME]

Slide Back in Time with the GOP Candidates [ABC]

Clinton Campaign Donors Also Big Backers of Foundation [Wall Street Journal]

Activists Release Fourth Planned Parenthood Video [TIME]

Sen. Schumer in Tight Spot on Iran Pact [Wall Street Journal]

No, Donald Trump Can’t Land his Helicopter at the Iowa State Fair [Des Moines Register]

Hillary Clinton Delivers ‘Cautious’ Message on Trade to AFL-CIO [Wall Street Journal]