Aug 24, 2017

Flake: Trump is "inviting" a 2020 primary challenge

AP

Sen. Jeff Flake told Georgia Public Broadcasting on Wednesday that President Trump is "inviting" a 2020 primary challenge because of "the direction he's headed right now," per CNN.

  • His quote: "I think he could govern in a way that he wouldn't. But, I think that the way that — the direction he's headed right now, just kinda drilling down on the base rather than trying to expand the base — I think he's inviting one."
  • Why it matters: Flake is up for re-election in 2018, and has been one of Trump's most vocal critics from within the party. Trump has gone after the Arizona senator, calling him "weak" and "toxic" on Twitter, and tweeting out support for one of Flake's 2018 challengers, Kelli Ward.
  • One more thing: Politico reported that before Trump's Phoenix rally, he met privately with two potential Flake challengers, Arizona Treasurer Jeff DeWit and former state GOP Chairman Robert Graham.

Go deeper

World coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Axios Visuals

Japan is preparing a second coronavirus stimulus package worth $1.1 trillion, or about 40% of the country's gross domestic product, Reuters first reported Tuesday night.

Zoom in: The new measure will be funded by government bonds and will include "a raft of loan guarantees and private sector contributions," per Bloomberg.

Go deeper (2 min. read)ArrowUpdated 21 mins ago - Health

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 1:00 a.m. ET: 5,591,067 — Total deaths: 350,458 — Total recoveries — 2,287,152 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 1:00 a.m. ET: 1,681,212 — Total deaths: 98,916 — Total recoveries: 384,902 — Total tested: 14,907,041 — Map.
  3. Federal response: DOJ investigates meatpacking industry over soaring beef prices — Mike Pence's press secretary returns to work.
  4. Congress: House Republicans to sue Nancy Pelosi in effort to block proxy voting.
  5. Business: How the new workplace could leave parents behind.
  6. Tech: Twitter fact-checks Trump's tweets about mail-in voting for first time — Google to open offices July 6 for 10% of workers.
  7. Public health: Coronavirus antibodies could give "short-term immunity," CDC says, but more data is needed— CDC releases guidance on when you can be around others after contracting the virus.
  8. What should I do? When you can be around others after contracting the coronavirus — Traveling, asthma, dishes, disinfectants and being contagious — Masks, lending books and self-isolating — Exercise, laundry, what counts as soap — Pets, moving and personal health — Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — How to minimize your risk.
  9. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it, the right mask to wear.

Subscribe to Mike Allen's Axios AM to follow our coronavirus coverage each morning from your inbox.

Updated 31 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Minneapolis unrest as hundreds protest death of George Floyd

Tear gas is fired as police clash with protesters demonstrating against the death of George Floyd outside the 3rd Precinct Police Precinct in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Minneapolis police used tear gas during clashes with protesters demanding justice Tuesday night for George Floyd, an African American who died in police custody, according to multiple news reports.

Driving the news: The FBI is investigating Floyd's death after video emerged of a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck for several minutes, ignoring protests that he couldn't breathe. Hundreds of protesters attended the demonstration at the intersection where Floyd died, per the Guardian.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)ArrowUpdated 40 mins ago - Politics & Policy