Morning Must Reads: November 6

November 6, 2015 8:26 AM EST

In the most significant attempt yet to narrow the massive Republican presidential field, Fox Business Network rules will keep New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee off the main stage for next week’s debate in Milwaukee. The pair failed to score an average of 2.5% in the four most recent national polls. Additionally, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and former New York Gov. George Pataki will be kicked off the undercard debate stage for failing to secure at least 1% in those four surveys. The move is particularly devastating to Christie, whose campaign has seen renewed interest, particularly in New Hampshire, as Jeb Bush has run into trouble and a video of Christie passionately discussing drug policy went viral. Aides to the outspoken Governor are doing their best to spin a disappointing situation, saying he could stand out more among the lesser competitors, much like Carly Fiorina did at the first debate. For Pataki, the move ends his relevance in the presidential contest, while Graham’s exclusion is drawing condemnation from Bush and other candidates, who value his foreign policy hawkishness on stage.

Ben Carson is facing additional scrutiny for several controversial positions and campaign misstatements as he has risen to the top of polls. The soft-spoken retired neurosurgeon got “four Pinnochios” for claiming that none of the nation’s founders had elected political experience, has been stumped by routine domestic and foreign policy questions, and claimed that half of spending on Medicare and Medicaid is fraudulent. But those issues won’t end Carson’s climb anytime soon, as his supporters are more drawn to his reserved personality than his unformed positions as they rebel against traditional political figures. Carson, meanwhile, is taking steps to broaden his outreach with a new rap song.

Hillary Clinton is betting that the turbulent waters of gun control politics will be a winner for her not just in the Democratic primary—where she is using her support of tougher gun laws to clobber Sen. Bernie Sanders—but also in the general election, where she is drawing contrast with Republicans for their opposition to new efforts to constrain the sale of firearms. The adjustment in tone, and policy, reflects the shifting politics on the issue following years of high-profile mass shootings, as Clinton hopes to use her position to appeal to voters in violence-plagued urban centers.

What Donald Trump sent Sheldon Adelson. President Obama‘s role in 2016. And Bush opens up about his daughter’s personal struggles.

Here are your must-reads:

Must Reads

Why Hillary Clinton Thinks Gun Control Can Win in 2016
Even though her approach alienates many gun owners, TIME’s Sam Frizell writes.

Christie, Huckabee Cut From Fox Business Debate Main Stage
Graham, Pataki cut from undercard [TIME]

Obama’s 2016 Role: Brutal Attack Comic
As the presidential campaign heats up, the incumbent is unleashing his biting humor on the GOP [Politico]

First President George Bush Swings at Son’s Aides, Rattling Clan
Rumsfeld fires back, as George W. and Jeb distance themselves from father’s comments [New York Times]

Rubio Says He Would Be Better Commander in Chief Than ‘Outdated Leaders’
Seeks to take generational message to foreign affairs [Washington Post]

Sound Off

“Look, this was not a job I was looking for or seeking; it kind of sought me. I realized that it was a duty and obligation. Now I realize it’s an honor. And it’s an honor that I have this responsibility and this opportunity to serve.” — Speaker of the House Paul Ryan in his first press conference Thursday

“What we have to do is recognize that this is a nation that is of the people, for the people, and by the people. And I believe that the policies that are reflected in the nation should be those policies that are the ones that are wanted by the American people. So I would spend time figuring out what it is the American people want.” — Ben Carson when asked by Jorge Ramos if he would revoke the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program

Bits and Bites

Jeb Bush Opens Up About Daughter’s Drug Addiction: ‘She Went Through Hell’ [Huffington Post]

Lawrence Lessig Would Not Have Qualified for CBS Debate [TIME]

Cuba Policy Questions Stump Ben Carson Ahead of Miami Book Stop [Miami Herald]

Marco Rubio Lashes Back at Donald Trump Over Credit Card Flap [New York Times]

Donald Trump, Ben Carson Getting Secret Service Protection [CNN]

Ben Carson’s Absurd Notion That the Founding Fathers Had ‘No Elected Office Experience’ [Washington Post]

Listen to Ben Carson’s Rapping Radio Ad [TIME]

Taking a Break, John Kasich Practices His Golf Swing [New York Times]

5 of the Politically Stupidest Things Said This Campaign Season [Politico]

Clinton Sympathizes With Bush on Kimmel: ‘Running for President is Really Hard’ [NBC]

Donald Trump Sent Sheldon Adelson a Glossy Booklet of Photos [New York Times]