Democratic infighting was on full display Thursday after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opted to "reluctantly pass" the Senate version of a $4.6 billion emergency aid bill for migrants at the border, with progressives accusing moderates and Senate Democrats of capitulating to the demands of Mitch McConnell and President Trump.
The House voted 305-102 on Thursday to pass the Senate's $4.6 billion emergency bill appropriating humanitarian aid for migrants and providing funding for additional security measures at the southern border. Earlier Thursday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote in a letter to her caucus:
"The children come first. At the end of the day, we have to make sure that the resources needed to protect the children are available. Therefore, we will not engage in the same disrespectful behavior that the Senate did in ignoring our priorities. In order to get resources to the children fastest, we will reluctantly pass the Senate bill. As we pass the Senate bill, we will do so with a Battle Cry as to how we go forward to protect children in a way that truly honors their dignity and worth."
This crowded Democratic primary field is the largest ever, featuring candidates that are jockeying for position to win over an increasingly divided left. Here’s a look at where candidates stand on key issues facing the country.
Data: Axios research; Chart: Rebecca Zisser. Note: Joe Sestak did not respond to our questions.
Several hours before last night's Democratic presidential debate in Miami, Sen. Elizabeth Warren tried visiting a child detention shelter in neighboring Homestead, Fla. She wasn't allowed in the door, despite having previously requested admission, and instead settled for making a short speech outside and waving to some kids through the chain-link fence.
Why it matters: Homestead is not the El Paso facility from which we recently heard horror stories about disease and lack of sanitation. But it is arguably even more controversial, in that it is the country's only for-profit detention center for migrant children.
She's too young to run in 2020, but Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez got a welcome worthy of a winning presidential candidate on '"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," coming on to a standing ovation Wednesday night.
Details: Once the chants of "AOC" died down, she told host Stephen Colbert who she thought triumphed in the first Democratic debate of the 2020 cycle that had just finished. "I really do think this was a breakaway night," she said. "I think Elizabeth Warren really distinguished herself, I think Julian Castro really distinguished himself. I think Cory Booker did a great job in talking about criminal justice."
From the Trump War Room on the president's record on gun control:
“FACT: President Trump signed bipartisan legislation to improve the federal firearm background check system and keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals. #DemDebate.”
Details: Trump signed a bill into law in 2017 that rolled back an Obama-era regulation that made it harder for people with mental illnesses to purchase a gun.
The Justice Department issued a ban in March on bump stocks, which enabled the Las Vegas shooter to create a semi-automatic firearm. However, Trump has threatened to veto two bills pending in Congress. The House passed separate measures, one to strengthen background checks and the other lengthening the background check review from three to 10 days.
Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro and Mayor Bill de Blasio both took aim at former Rep. Beto O'Rourke in Wednesday's Democratic presidential debate, punching above their weight in polling and garnering head-turning exchanges.
Details: Castro, who shares the state of Texas with O'Rourke, took aim at him over decriminalizing undocumented immigration, while de Blasio targeted health care.
Each of the Democratic presidential candidates on stage Wednesday night was asked what they'd do on immigration on Day 1 as president.
Why it matters: The U.S. is currently facing a crisis on its southern border, with President Trump's handling of refugees and children drawing widespread criticism.
Candidates in the first 30 minutes of the first Democratic debate on Wednesday spent more time attacking big business than attacking President Trump.
Why it matters: Corporations such as pharmaceutical companies and Amazon are huge targets for progressives this campaign cycle. Candidates like Sen. Elizabeth Warren have proposed plans to hike tax rates on large corporations, while the Republican tax overhaul of 2017 looms over a potential Democratic administration.
