How a Democratic Super PAC is Hitting Donald Trump

In its opening salvo for the general election, Priorities USA, the former Barack Obama super PAC now backing Hillary Clinton, released its first television ads critical of presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump late Monday. The two spots feature some of Trump’s most controversial comments about women, aimed at increasing the already substantial gender gap between Clinton and Trump. The first, “Speak,” is reminiscent of a GOP super PAC’s anti-Trump spot, featuring women and men repeating Trump’s comments. The second, “Respect,” highlights Trump’s comments about Megyn Kelly and his call for criminal punishment for women who undergo abortions. They are part of a three-week initial $6 million buy airing in the swing states of Ohio, Florida, Virginia, and Nevada, and are gaining a significant boost in free airings on cable television. Trump responded in a tweet claiming a quote was taken out of context in one of the ads, but didn’t directly challenge the overall premise.

The Republican Party is making clear it won’t rush to Trump’s defense on these issues, with top party leaders making themselves scarce on television as Trump faces his worst stretch of media coverage in months. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus repeatedly declined on Sunday to defend his party’s nominee on taxes, women, and even the alleged impersonation of a public relations professional, instead arguing that voters don’t care about those issues. The GOP is seeking to carve out a middle path between a full embrace of Trump and outright rejection of his more controversial comments as they hope to protect vulnerable Republicans down ticket. Meanwhile, Trump will appear on Kelly’s new primetime special Tuesday evening in a much-anticipated interview.

Clinton may add to her string of primary and caucus defeats Tuesday in Oregon and Kentucky (her campaign has already all-but-conceded the former) but her delegate lead over Bernie Sanders remains stronger than ever and she is on pace to clinch the nomination by June 7—one week before the final contest. Pivoting to the general election, Clinton has brought back the notion of a 2-for-1 presidency, promising a significant role in her administration for her husband, former president Bill Clinton, dealing with revitalizing the economy.

Trump’s surprising appeal among the wealthy. Democratic convention drama in Nevada is omen for rest of the country. And Donald Trump hires a pollster.

Here are your must-reads:

Must Reads

Why Republicans Aren’t Rushing to Donald Trump’s Defense
As Donald Trump becomes the presumptive Republican nominee, the party’s head is making clear they won’t defend him on some issues [TIME]

Hillary Clinton and the 2-for-1 Presidency
The other Clinton will play a leading, but not Cabinet-level, role [Associated Press]

Why Donald Trump’s Surprising Wins in These Wealthy Suburbs Matter
TIME’s Tessa Berenson on Trump’s appeal to the moneyed elite

Inside Facebook’s GOP Charm Offensive
The social media giant contacted the RNC and other top party organizations to counter allegations of anti-conservative bias [Politico]

Rift Between Labor and Environmentalists Threatens Democratic Turnout Plan
Democratic divide threatens party’s November plans [New York Times]

Billionaires Lining Up for Trump Aren’t Sure Where to Send Their Money
Feel free to Venmo Zeke Miller [Washington Post]

Sound Off

“My husband, who I’m going to put in charge of revitalizing the economy, cause you know he knows how to do it…” — Hillary Clinton at a rally in Kentucky on her husband’s role in her potential administration

“I don’t have pollsters. I don’t want to waste money on pollsters. I don’t want to be unreal. I want to be me. I have to be me.” — Donald Trump in August 2015 on why he won’t hire pollsters

Bits and Bites

Hillary Clinton Says Bill Clinton Would Be in Charge of the Economy After Election [ABC]

Donald Trump Ex-Girlfriend Comes to His Defense: ‘He Was a Gentleman’ [TIME]

Sources: Trump Hires Pollster Tony Fabrizio [Politico]

Money Troubles Close College Once Headed by Sanders’ Wife [Associated Press]

John Kasich Says He Won’t Run As a Third-Party Candidate [TIME]

Priebus Calls for ‘Degree of Diversity’ on Trump Ticket [Politico]

Sanders Nevada revolt puts Democrats on notice [Politico]