Jun 22, 2017

Pelosi fights back against criticism after Ossoff loss

J. Scott Applewhite / AP

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi told reporters, "I feel very confident in the support that I have in my caucus" when questioned about how she has been criticized for her leadership in the Democratic Party.

Why now: Many are blaming Pelosi after Dem. candidate Jon Ossoff lost the Georgia 6th special election earlier this week — despite millions of dollars the party pumped to back him.

Pelosi listed her qualifications as another form of defense. "I'm a master legislator. I'm a strategic, politically astute leader," she said. And she spoke on behalf of Dems by saying "we're very proud of the campaign that was run there" in spite of the loss. The kicker: "I think I'm worth the trouble."

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Axios

49 mins ago - Politics & Policy

American carnage

Protesters race up a hill to avoid tear gas in Philadelphia, June 1. Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images

The list of victims has swiftly grown since George Floyd died in police custody just eight days ago.

The big picture: Protests against police brutality have turned into a showcase of police brutality, with tear gas and rubber bullets deployed against crowds. The police have the arsenals at their disposal, but we're also seeing law enforcement officers becoming targets.

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Axios

53 mins ago - Politics & Policy

McConnell blocks resolution condemning Trump's actions against peaceful protesters

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) blocked a resolution introduced by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday that would have condemned the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against peaceful protesters outside the White House on Monday in order to allow President Trump to walk to St. John's Church.

What they're saying: "Justice for black Americans in the face of unjust violence, and peace for our country in the face of looting, riots, and domestic terror. Those are the two issues Americans want addressed," McConnell said on the Senate floor.

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Ursula Perano

1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

George W. Bush breaks silence on George Floyd

Goerge Bush in Michigan in 2009. Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Former President George W. Bush (R) wrote in a statement Tuesday that he and his wife, Laura, are "anguished" by the death of George Floyd, and said that "it is time for America to examine our tragic failures."

Why it matters: It's a stark juxtaposition when compared to fellow Republican President Trump's response to current civil unrest. While Trump has called for justice in Floyd's death, he's also condemned protestors and threatened to deploy military personnel if demonstrations continue.

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