Morning Must Reads: August 6

Welcome to debate day.

Seventeen Republican presidential candidates are gathered here in Cleveland for two debates this evening, kickstarting the presidential primary cycle. Donald Trump‘s presence is the major wild-card in the 9 p.m. primetime debate, particularly if he decides to go after his rivals on stage. Most campaigns expect him to make a cautious start out of the gate, but predict he will dial-up the bombast as the evening progresses. Winning the debate means different things for different candidates, with some like Jeb Bush and Scott Walker needing to first do no harm, while those in the undercard debate need to establish their relevancy in the massive field.

Hillary Clinton‘s presidential campaign is escalating its attacks on Republicans—and Jeb Bush in particular—as her approval numbers have taken a hit in polling. Aides say that are just taking advantage of the opportunity to draw contrast with the GOP on issues, but their sharp turn negative marks a dramatic shift in tone from her backers. Her campaign released a video Thursday morning branding it the “Throwback Thursday Debate.” Meanwhile, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz floats a presidential trial balloon in the New York Times.

Fun fact: Candidate career debate totals: Jeb Bush 25, Scott Walker 65, Marco Rubio 7, Rand Paul 8, Ted Cruz 24, Chris Christie 11, Mike Huckabee 19, Donald Trump and Ben Carson 0.

Here are your must-reads:

Must Reads

Here’s What Each Candidate Needs to Do at the First Republican Debate
Welcome to the Donald Trump show [TIME]

The Koch Brothers Reboot for 2016
TIME’s Philip Elliot reports they are putting a softer face on their massive political operation

Do You Want a President You Can Drink a Beer With?
The most likable, talented, trusted candidate does not always win, TIME’s Michael Scherer explains

Obama: Iraq War Backers Now Seek to Kill Iran Deal
Obama makes the case for the agreement in fiery speech [Washington Post]

Seeing Likely Nominee, Hillary Clinton Hits Jeb Bush Hard
Dems try repeat of 2012 strategy [New York Times]

Sound Off

“I’ve had to make a lot of tough calls as president, but whether or not this deal was good for America’s security is not one of those calls. It’s not even close.” — President Obama on the Iran nuclear deal

“It’s all about trying to pre-ordain the outcome, circle the wagons and close off debate. If they could actually accelerate the date of the Iowa caucuses and hold them tomorrow — they’d like to do that. Then there’d be no campaign at all. That’s what they’d really like.” — Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley accusing the Democratic National Committee of trying to tilt the scales in Hillary Clinton’s favor

Bits and Bites

Republican Committee Quietly Rejects Anti-Gay Marriage Resolution [TIME]

Rand Paul Ally Indicted in Alleged Conspiracy [TIME]

State Department Nomination Blocked Over Clinton Email Inquiry [TIME]

See Former President George W. Bush Show Up for Jury Duty [TIME]

O’Malley to DNC: We Need More Than Six Debates [Washington Post]

Jeb’s Guacamole Bowl, Hillary’s Beer Koozies: The Best of 2016 Campaign Merchandise (So Far) [New York Times]

The Pre-Debate Rituals of 2016 Republican Candidates [IJ Review]