Trump Drops Spy Boss Nom; Parties’ Disarray Deepens

The Democratic debate in Detroit exposed political and personal divides between candidates [NPR Politics]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Joe Biden]( Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images The Big Picture: With Friends Like These ... The Democratic divide was on full display this week with two days of debates. [Moderates attacked]( progressive Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and then candidates more liberal than Joe Biden [piled on the former vice president](. The criticisms of Biden in particular seemingly became more personal than simply about policy. And if the values or motivations of the candidates become a flashpoint, that could hurt how the eventual nominee is viewed in the eyes of the broader electorate. It’s something for Democrats to watch. But, even as the Democratic divide comes into focus, Republicans’ own split is being highlighted as well. Texas Rep. Will Hurd, the only black Republican in the House and the only GOP border-district congressman, [is retiring](. That opens up his seat — in a district Hillary Clinton won in 2016 — to a Democratic challenge. It also hurts GOP chances of taking back the House. What’s more, half a dozen House Republicans announced their retirements in the past week. That’s an indication of the anti-Trump wing of the GOP jumping ship. What does that say about their confidence in Trump’s reelection chances next year? — Domenico Montanaro, NPR's lead political editor --------------------------------------------------------------- [Del. Ibraheem Samirah, D-Fairfax, holds up a sign as President Trump delivers remarks in Jamestown, Va.]( Zach Gibson/Getty Images ICYMI: Top Stories That was quick: Texas Republican Rep. [John Ratcliffe is withdrawing his name]( from consideration to become director of national intelligence. President Trump announced his intent to nominate Ratcliffe just last Sunday. Ratcliffe's qualifications had been in question and [key senators withheld comment]( after his name was announced. A tale of two Trumps: Hours after continuing his attacks on Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings and the city of Baltimore, President Trump [delivered a speech praising African American contributions]( to the United States. NPR’s Brian Naylor reports that Trump’s speech was also disrupted by a state lawmaker shouting, "Mr. President, you can't send us back, Virginia is our home” in protest of the president’s attacks on four congresswomen of color. Regulating “dirt”: The Federal Elections Commission is considering [proposed restrictions]( on foreign contributions to U.S. election campaigns, NPR's Philip Ewing reports. The rule would include the kind of "dirt" Russians offered the Trump campaign on Hillary Clinton in 2016. Canadian drug imports: The Trump administration proposed a new rule that would clear the way to [import some prescription drugs from Canada](. NPR’s Bill Chappell reports that it could take years to implement the plans — which could also be challenged in court. GOP operative charged: North Carolina Republican political operative Leslie McCrae Dowless has been [hit with new charges by a state grand jury]( including obstruction of justice, perjury and illegal possession of absentee ballots. The charges stem from the tainted election in the state’s 9th congressional district last year. — Brandon Carter, NPR Politics social media producer --------------------------------------------------------------- [Asma Khalid and Domenico Montanaro]( Asma Khalid/NPR via Instagram The Shot: Live From Detroit NPR's Asma Khalid and Domenico Montanaro traveled to Detroit this week to cover the second Democratic presidential debate. We promise there was work between selfies. [Watch their recap of Night 2 here](. [Follow NPR Politics on Instagram]( --------------------------------------------------------------- What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [nprpolitics@npr.org](mailto:nprpolitics@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( You received this message because you're subscribed to our Politics emails. | [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002 [NPR]