Morning Must Reads: September 11

Vice President Joe Biden‘s turn on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert was an emotional one, with the VP coming close to breaking down when discussing his son, Beau, who lost a battle with cancer earlier this year. Biden, who is still weighing a presidential bid, said he was still a ways away from being able to decide one way or another. DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is standing by her six-debate rule even as pressure builds to allow more onstage forums. On Thursday she fired a shot at candidate Martin O’Malley, escalating their war of words.

Donald Trump is changing his tune about attacking Carly Fiorina. After first saying he wasn’t commenting on her face, now he says he made those comments to Rolling Stone as an entertainer. And Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is looking to reboot his presidential campaign by promising to “wreak havoc” on Washington, but his slide in the polls continues as he has dropped from first place to 3% in Iowa.

Here are your must-reads:

Must Reads

Joe Biden’s Ambition and Grief Collide in 2016 Decision
TIME’s Philip Elliott on the VP’s agonizing decision

Democratic Party Head Stands Firm on Debate Schedule Amid Controversy
She reaffirms that she will only allow six debates [TIME]

Hillary Clinton Tries to Show That Her Record Is More Than Just Talk
Before Republicans define her legacy for her [Washington Post]

Influential Pro-Israel Group Suffers Stinging Political Defeat
Little to show after going all-in to kill Iran deal [New York Times]

Sound Off

“Every candidate does what they believe they need to to attract attention to their campaign…He has chosen to focus on debates, rather than substance. That is certainly his prerogative.” — Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz to reporters on former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s candidacy

“We need a leader who can wreak havoc on Washington and put the American people back in charge of our government. I am that leader.” — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker escalating his rhetoric as he seeks to reverse a slide in the polls

Bits and Bites

Donald Trump’s Lead Holds in Iowa as Scott Walker’s Slide Continues [TIME]

Watch Presidential Candidate Martin O’Malley Make $1.74 Singing on Wall Street [TIME]

Donald Trump: I wasn’t talking about Carly Fiorina’s face [CNN]

Trump on Fiorina’s Face: I Made Those Comments As an Entertainer [Politico]

Joe Biden Says He May Not Be Ready to Run for President in Emotional ‘Late Show’ Interview [TIME]

Michigan House Expels One Member, Another Resigns After Affair Scandal [Detroit News]

Five Fiscal Deadlines to Watch This Fall [Wall Street Journal]

New Mission for Team Romney: Stop Trump [Boston Globe]

Baited by Trump, Carson Comes Out Swinging [Politico]