Personalities and Perceptions

Expert analysis of the presidential tickets. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] August 8, 2024 Good morning! Here’s a preview of what we’re waking up with: - The flippin' fantastic moment from yesterday's Games - Political commentator [Charlie Sykes gets real about the state of the presidential race]( - A pro pickleballer serves up [the stretches you can’t skip]( - We’ll dish out [a cake that’s high in flavor]( and low in effort And more. Read on…   In the News [Katie Couric and Charlie Sykes]( Getty Images / KCM Kamala Harris has been hitting the campaign trail with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The former schoolteacher and Army National Guardsman has delighted social media with his folksy energy and harsh words for Donald Trump and J.D. Vance — and Harris’s campaign has raised $36 million in the 24 hours since picking him. But Charlie Sykes, who’s one of my favorite political commentators, warns that it may not be smooth sailing from here on out. As the race heats up even further, I sat down with Sykes to pick his brain about why Republicans were pleased with Harris’s VP pick, the Democrats’ big test, why he said Donald Trump is “not well,” and more. Tune into [our fascinating conversation right here](. [CHECK IT OUT](   More Stories [Kamala Harris looks serious against a blue background]( Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams head out to fly to the International Space Station. (Getty Images) The Boeing Starliner astronauts, who were meant to stay in space for about a week, have now been in space for more than 60 days due to issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule. Now, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams may have to wait six months to return to Earth — and may have to hitch a ride on a SpaceX craft. Hezbollah is poised to strike Israel independently of Iran, sources tell CNN. Iran seems to be working out its next move, but one U.S. military official told CNN that it's made some (not all) of the preparations that would be expected before an attack on Israel. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts in Vienna were canceled after Austrian police said they foiled a terrorist plot targeting the shows. Two men were reportedly arrested yesterday, one of whom is a 19-year-old who's alleged to have pledged his allegiance to ISIS. Special Counsel David Weiss has alleged in a new filing that Hunter Biden agreed to lobby U.S. officials on behalf of a Romanian businessman trying to end an investigation against himself in Romania. Weiss is already prosecuting Biden for alleged tax evasion.   Olympics Photo of the Day [Team USA compete in the team acrobatic routine of the artistic swimming ] Getty Images With this phenomenal acrobatic routine, Team USA won silver in artistic swimming (formerly called synchronized swimming), ending its 20-year medal drought. Here, the squad launches its flyer, Audrey Kwon, into the air during Wednesday’s competition.   Blast Off [Hurricane Tyra Black backhanding a ball in pickleball]( Photo courtesy of Reebok It's one of the best days of the year — National Pickleball Day! We're here to help you serve (in more ways than one) with [pro player Hurricane Tyra Black's tips for a proper warm-up]( and her favorite gear. Then, join me this Saturday at Hampton Racquet Club in East Hampton for Stand Up To Cancer's pickleball and tennis tournament, where we'll be playing to benefit cancer research. [Sign up right here](, and I'll see you on the court!   The Cat's Pajamas Few things are cozier than cuddling up with a warm kitty — but if you're allergic, that's a recipe for sneezes, scratchy eyes, and a runny nose. Or, at least, it used to be. We've got the scoop on [three ways to soothe your cat allergies](, including this [game-changing allergy spray]( from our partners at Pacagen. And here's the best part: We scored you a 15% discount with our exclusive code, KCM15. [LEARN MORE](   Extra Credit [Lemon cake]( Eva Kolenko Slice of sweetness: We can deeply relate to Caroline Chambers's new cookbook, which is called What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. She shared [her quick-and-easy lemon cake](, which you can whip up on the fly. Podium-worthy podcasts: What a whirlwind the Paris Games have been! But it's not over yet, and we're making the most of the sprint toward the Olympics' thrilling conclusion with [these highly recommended shows any fan will love](, courtesy of our partners at iHeart Podcasts. Jeepers peepers: [Prescription eyeglasses for $25](? You read that right. Zenni's hosting a limited sale right now where you can get frames for just $1 when you purchase $24 lenses.   On the Go [Kinfield orange Golden Hour wipes, tan packig cubes, hot pink mini razor]( KCM Summer vacations are in full swing, so make sure you pack smart. These genius minis will change your life — guess it's true that big things come in small packages. - [This adorable mini razor]( promises the same close shave as its full-size version, with five blades and a smoothing shea butter strip. - Since you can't always pack a bottle of bug spray in your carry-on, we swear by Kinfield's [convenient repellent wipes](. Just stash, swipe, and go! - Are you an over-packer? These [compression packing cubes]( will mean you never have to sit on your suitcase again.   Thanks for reading! Want to stay connected? Subscribe right here: 💪 Wake up well: [Body and Soul]( 🍴 See what's cooking: [Good Taste]( 🌎 Explore the planet: [Ripple Effect]( 🛒 Bargain-hunt: [The Shop Edit]( 👔 Clock in: [Wake-Up Call at Work](   Have questions or comments? Drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. 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