Day 14
Crowley’s narrow upset over Hong sets up Wisconsin’s race against the GOP nominee.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor by less than one percentage point, defeating state Rep. Francesca Hong by roughly 3,000 votes after nearly all ballots were counted. Hong, a Democratic Socialists of America affiliate, had led most late polls by double digits, with several surveys showing margins from 11 to 22 points. Crowley’s win followed a volatile campaign in which he suspended his bid on July 8 and re-entered 10 days later. Hong endorsed Crowley after the result; he will face the Republican nominee, a Trump-backed congressman, in November.
The angles
Leftist limits
BalancedWisconsin’s result shows that Democratic voters are not ready to fully embrace socialist or far-left candidates in crucial races. Even voters open to progressive ideas remain cautious about ideological labels, 2020-era political baggage, and general-election electability.
Suspect result
Leans RightThe primary result was so far from expectations that the polling, tabulation, or even the legitimacy of the outcome deserves serious scrutiny. Midwestern primary polling and the reported voting-system problems exposed failures that cannot simply be brushed aside.
Left still viable
Leans LeftFrancesca Hong’s defeat was not proof that the progressive or socialist electoral project is collapsing. Her campaign still showed real potential for the left in purple states, provided it learns strategic lessons and builds on its support.
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Trump announced his press secretary will step down at the end of the month.
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her role at the end of August, less than a month after returning from maternity leave. Leavitt, 28, the youngest person to hold the post, said she made the decision to spend more time with her two young children. She gave birth to her daughter in May and returned to the White House in July. Trump said Leavitt will continue working with him as a top outside adviser; no replacement has been named.
The angles
Dishonest legacy
Leans LeftKaroline Leavitt’s White House tenure was defined by dishonesty in service of Donald Trump. Her legacy is one of defending lies, spreading fabrications, and acting as a morally indefensible mouthpiece for Trump’s agenda.
AI farewell
Leans LeftKaroline Leavitt used artificial intelligence to produce her resignation or farewell statement. The sentimental tone of her exit message was therefore inauthentic and deserves criticism.
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Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine, was freed from Russian prison after over four years.
Russia released Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former U.S. Marine, on Tuesday after more than four years in custody, with U.S. officials saying Vladimir Putin approved a humanitarian pardon amid concerns about his health. Gilman was arrested in Voronezh on Jan. 17, 2022, accused of drunkenly kicking a police officer, and later received prison sentences totaling 10 years on disputed charges. President Donald Trump said he raised the case with Putin and that no prisoner swap was involved. Gilman was being flown back to the United States for medical treatment.
The angles
Trump release credit
Leans RightThe Trump administration deserves credit for getting Robert Gilman released from Russian imprisonment. Its supporters argue that Trump succeeded in bringing home an American veteran after the case went unresolved during Biden’s presidency.
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