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Gretchen Whitmer wins governor's primary in Michigan

Gretchen Whitmer. Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Gretchen Whitmer has won the Democratic primary for governor of Michigan.

Why it matters: This primary was a perfect example of the progressive left’s fight to shake up the Democratic Party. But Whitmer's victory shows Michiganders aren’t yet ready for a hard-left turn.

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The progressive momentum behind Abdul El-Sayed was undeniable and we witnessed that when we visited Michigan 10 days before the primary. But it didn't capture a critical mass of voters in the state to move the needle in his direction.

Be smart: Women have been crushing in Democratic primaries this year and Whitmer is no exception. She was backed by EMILY's List, a group that has proven to rival Trump's power in the primaries.

  • She’s viewed as more moderate than El-Sayed in that she has shown a willingness to work with Republicans and made an appeal to independent voters.
  • But she was one of the more progressive members of the Michigan state legislature, and was an outspoken supporter of reproductive rights.
  • The bottom line: She's probably the strongest Democratic candidate to face Republican Bill Schuette in the fall, but it's still expected to be an uphill battle for Democrats.

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America on borrowed time

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Economic recovery will not be linear as the world continues to grapple with the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Why it matters: Despite being propped up by an extraordinary amount of fiscal stimulus and support from central banks, the state of the global economy remains fragile.

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Jonathan Swan
12 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Scoop: Gina Haspel threatened to resign over plan to install Kash Patel as CIA deputy

CIA Director Gina Haspel. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

CIA Director Gina Haspel threatened to resign in early December after President Trump cooked up a hasty plan to install loyalist Kash Patel, a former aide to Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), as her deputy, according to three senior administration officials with direct knowledge of the matter.

Why it matters: The revelation stunned national security officials and almost blew up the leadership of the world's most powerful spy agency. Only a series of coincidences — and last minute interventions from Vice President Mike Pence and White House counsel Pat Cipollone — stopped it.

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Axios
Updated 13 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Health: Coronavirus deaths reach 4,000 per day as hospitals remain in crisis mode — CDC warns highly transmissible coronavirus variant could become dominant in U.S. in March.
  2. Politics: Biden says, "We will manage the hell out of" vaccine distribution — Biden taps ex-FDA chief to lead Operation Warp Speed amid rollout of COVID plan — Widow of GOP congressman-elect who died of COVID-19 will run to fill his seat.
  3. Vaccine: Battling Black mistrust of the vaccines — "Pharmacy deserts" could become vaccine deserts — Instacart to give $25 to shoppers who get vaccine.
  4. Economy: Unemployment filings explode again — Fed chair: No interest rate hike coming any time soon —  Inflation rose more than expected in December.
  5. World: WHO team arrives in China to investigate pandemic origins.
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