Morning Must Reads: September 18

A new Donald Trump firestorm is raging after the GOP front-runner appeared to accept the premise of a question that suggested that President Obama is Muslim. Trump greeted the statement, saying, “”We need this question.” The back-and-forth at a New Hampshire town hall drew immediate condemnation from Democrats and Hillary Clinton, and draws stark contrast to how 2008 GOP nominee John McCain handled a similar situation that year. Trump’s campaign claims he didn’t hear the full question, despite seemingly praising it, though he may find it difficult to earn the benefit of the doubt after similarly attempting to brush off controversial statements about Megyn Kelly and Carly Fiorina. Scott Walker was briefly ensnared in a similar maelstrom earlier this year when he refused to say the president is Christian. Expect Trump’s rivals to move to condemn him today.

Clinton indicated Thursday that she is ready and willing to engage her Democratic rivals in debates, and that she would participate in more than the scheduled six if the Democratic National Committee told her to. Clinton rivals immediately seized on the comments to try to force the DNC into adding more debates, a move it has thus far refused to take. While Clinton’s rivals say they were not consulted on the number of contests, Democrats say Clinton allies played a key role in setting up the system that is widely viewed as protecting the Democratic front-runner.

Fiorina had a breakout moment Wednesday night, but the scrutiny of her business record is only just beginning. The 2016 field is the richest ever, and not just because of Trump. And your guide to the buzzwords of the 2016 election.

Here are your must-reads:

Must Reads

Trump Takes Question From Man Calling Obama ‘Muslim’
A new firestorm begins [TIME]

Obama Administration Begins Carrying Out Iran Deal
After Congress fails to disapprove of the agreement, the White House moves forward [Associated Press]

Your Guide to the Buzzwords of the 2016 Election
TIME’s resident wordsmith Katy Steinmetz with the rundown of the campaign’s most notable language

The 2016 Field Is the Richest Ever
It’s not only because of the self-promoting billionaire. [Politico]

Carly Fiorina’s Post-Debate Moment Is Just a Start: She Needs Support But Faces More Scrutiny
A tumultuous business record is certain to draw scrutiny [Los Angeles Times]

Sound Off

“I can’t wait too much longer. I am putting the White House on notice. I am going to tell you what I think soon” — Hillary Clinton to a voter warning she will soon offer her opinion on the Keystone XL pipeline

“The Pope believes in global warming, do you know that?” — Donald Trump to supporters in New Hampshire, before weighing in that Pope Francis is a “good man”

Bits and Bites

Hillary Clinton on Democratic Debates: I’ll Go Where DNC Says [TIME]

Joe Klein: How to Make Donald Trump Disappear [TIME]

Fear of Debt Drove Clinton’s Dash for Cash [Politico]

Jeffrey Kluger: Politics and the Art of Made-Up Science [TIME]

Clinton Campaign Chairman Questions Whether Biden Can Catch Up Organizationally [New York Times]

Fiorina Planned Parenthood Comment Rated “Mostly False” [Politifact]

Scott Walker Campaign Puts on a Happy Face Despite Setbacks [Bloomberg]

First Cuban Envoy to U.S. Since 1961 Presents Credentials at the White House [New York Times]

Voters See Lack of Fire as Problem for Ben Carson [New York Times]