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Plus: The latest on debt limit talks, a warning for Trump and new poll data [View this email online]( [NPR Politics]( May 27, 2023 --------------------------------------------------------------- The Big Picture: DeSavior or DeShambles? Phil Sears/AP With the entry of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the 2024 GOP primary campaign is finally kicked off in earnest. There are already half a dozen candidates running and potentially half a dozen more who could get in, but for months former President Trump has been bludgeoning DeSantis. Trump, who is the frontrunner for the nomination, has gone after DeSantis on everything from his record on taxes, Social Security and Medicare to how he reportedly eats pudding. So far, it’s paid off for Trump. Some months ago, he appeared vulnerable with mounting legal problems and a spate of candidates he backed who lost in the midterms last year. DeSantis was gaining in the polls, but the millions of dollars spent from Trump and a super PAC supporting him have put DeSantis in a deep hole. It doesn’t mean that DeSantis is dead in the water. His team equatesTrump’s lead to an ice cube that will melt, but DeSantis has a lot of work to do to turn the tide in his favor. And it starts with his approach to Trump. DeSantis is staking out a position to the [right of Trump on abortion]( and matching [him on Jan. 6]( saying he would consider pardons for some of those convicted (maybe even Trump himself). He has been reluctant to take on Trump directly, except in recent days when he criticized the former president on [spending and immigration.]( But Trump has shown he’s willing to do and say pretty much anything to win, especially when it comes to DeSantis. The question is whether DeSantis will show the same ruthlessness to beat Trump, which, so far, he hasn’t. — [Domenico Montanaro]( NPR’s senior political editor/correspondent [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- ICYMI: Top Stories Win McNamee/Getty Images Debt limit latest: Negotiators on Friday hashed out some details of a deal to prevent the country from defaulting on its debt as soon as next, according to a source familiar with the talks. [Learn the details of those talks here.]( Meet 2 debt ceiling negotiators: [Louisiana Rep. Garret Graves]( helped California’s Kevin McCarthy secure the House Speaker seat in January. Now he’s helping McCarthy negotiate with the White House over the nation’s budget and raising the debt ceiling. And Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young [is one of a small group of people whom Biden asked to lead White House negotiations]( with Republicans. NY judge warns Trump: A state judge in New York [cautioned Trump to obey a protective order]( dictating how he can talk about discovery materials in an upcoming case involving hush money payments paid to a former adult movie actress. Latest poll findings: A new set of polls reflect how Americans feel on issues like [President Biden’s mental fitness]( gun [violence and gun rights]( and linking the [debt ceiling increase to spending cuts](. Census stats: The Census Bureau has released the most comprehensive national statistics to date about same-sex couples living together in the U.S. But many other [LGBTQ people remain invisible in the census data.]( Vets and extremism: A RAND Corporation survey found that Americans who served in the [military support extremist views at rates lower than nonveterans.]( -- [Dustin Jones]( NPR Politics reporter --------------------------------------------------------------- It all comes down to you Your financial support is the NPR Network's greatest strength. You keep the facts flowing. You bring more stories to more ears. You make a real difference when you contribute to independent, trustworthy media. [Please donate today](. --------------------------------------------------------------- The Shot: Rumbling in Mexico Cristopher Rogel Blanquet/Getty Images A volcano capable of catastrophic eruptions has been rumbling just outside Mexico city. [Popocatépetl]( has been spewing smoke and ash into the air, blanketing nearby cities occupied by some 25 million of residents who are on high alert. Mexico has deployed 7,000 troops to help with evacuations if needed with more on standby. The volcano has had occasional eruptions since 1994, but the last devastating event took place around the year 800. -- [Dustin Jones]( NPR Politics reporter --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Listen Live]( [Footer]( [Footer]( 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! 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