Political News for August 7

Dear Everybody,

When the A Team is on a short break, the B Team is here. This is John Stith. I’ll be here all week. Thanks!

The Mitch is Back in Town. Mitch McConnell says he’s alive, but who are you going to believe? Reports say he says he’s returning to his DC home soon. https://nypost.com/2026/08/06/us-news/mitch-mcconnell-discharged-from-hospital-but-not-yet-returning-to-senate/

Baby’s Got a Brand New Wig. Trump’s hair is in the news again. “Either a chinchilla landed on Trump’s head or he’s workshopping a toupee to see if anyone will notice,” quipped one observer.   https://www.aol.com/articles/trump-accused-wearing-chinchilla-toupee-220526000.html

 

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general seems sadly likely. Three Republican holdouts would be enough to block it. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have said no, but Bill Cassidy (R-LA) announced he’s just peachy with it. The ever-eloquent Trump responded to Murkowski with, “I do more for Alaska than any any president in history. No president’s done for Alaska what I’ve done. She’s she’s not good.” I liked the Linda Ronstadt version of “You’re No Good” better.    https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/lisa-murkowski-vote-no-todd-blanche-attorney-general-rcna591326

No, You May Not Have a Ballroom. a federal appeals court panel ruled on Friday that President Trump cannot continue building the ballroom he planned as a replacement to the East Wing of the White House without explicit approval from Congress.  Sure, that’ll stop him. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyq80jqqleo

 

Missing You. The U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on Friday, a drop that economists describe as “downright concerning.” Yes. Yes it is. https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/8/7/800080962/business-and-economy/trumps-economy-is-in-the-dumps/

Get the *(&^ Out of that Manger. President Trump signed executive orders intended to restrict birthright citizenship for certain children born in the United States.  Now he’s attacking something he calls “birth tourism.”   https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trumps-new-attack-birthright-citizenship-faces-uphill-legal-battle-2026-08-07/

METO. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a mutual defense agreement intended to deepen military cooperation and regional security. Analysts note that the agreement reflects shifting strategic relationships in the region. The toothpaste just gets harder and harder to squeeze back into the tube. At this rate, we can look forward to the Non-USA Treaty Organization.  https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/saudi-arabia-turkey-pakistan-sign-joint-defence-deal-amid-regional-turmoil-2026-08-07/

You Can’t Quit. I’m Firing You. Trump Suggests Supporters Who Don’t Give Money Are No Longer Part of MAGA. A new Trump fundraising email suggests supporters who do not respond to a donation appeal are no longer part of his movement.  This is the political version of tithing.  https://meidasnews.com/news/trump-suggests-supporters-who-dont-give-money-are-no-longer-part-of-maga

Uncanny Valley. An Iranian politician is making fun of Trump by dressing up in a fat suit and orange makeup. In many ways, the Iranian version is more believable.    (see picture below) https://politizoom.com/iranian-pol-mocks-trump/

Feeling Down? Here are some inspirational Trump quotes about the Iran war. Play the fun new game with your Trumper cousin and take turns guessing who said, “Like I said, some people will die” or “It won’t be difficult.”  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-iran-war-quotes_n_69ab026ce4b03ae2f886557a

This is John Stith, filling in for Connie Willis through the 12th.

As Connie says, keep calm and carry on,