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Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announces 2020 run

Steve Bullock, the 53-year-old governor of Montana, is running for president, making him the 23rd Democrat to enter the diverse field of candidates angling to take on President Trump in 2020.

The big picture: As another moderate white guy — the 4th male candidate with a last name starting with "B" — with little name recognition and a comparably late campaign start, Bullock faces an uphill battle to distinguish himself from the pack.

Themes from Bullock's 3-minute announcement video:

  • Bipartisanship: He emphasizes that "as a Democratic governor from a state Trump won by 20 points, I don't have the luxury of just talking to the people who agree with me."
  • Fighting corruption: "Today we see evidence of a corrupt system all across America, a government that serves campaign money, not the people," Bullock says, pointing to his fight to ban dark money in elections after the Citizens' United v. FEC ruling in 2010.
  • Humble beginnings: Bullock talks about being raised by a single mother in a family that struggled to get by.

What's next: Bullock will host a campaign launch rally on Tuesday at Helena High School in Montana. Then he'll begin an eight-stop swing to Iowa through this weekend.

Go deeper: Keep track of the 2020 candidates with our election graphic

Go deeper

Shawna Chen
1 hour ago - Health

CDC: It's time for "universal face mask use"

Photo: Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty

The CDC is urging “universal face mask use” for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, citing recent case spikes as the U.S. has entered a phase of “high-level transmission” before winter officially begins.

Why it matters: Daily COVID-related deaths across the U.S. hit a new record on Wednesday. Face coverings have been shown to increase protection of the wearer and those around them, despite some Americans' reluctance to use them.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Barak Ravid, author of from Tel Aviv
3 hours ago - World

Saudi Arabia and Qatar near deal to end standoff, sources say

Qatar's prime minister (R) attends the 2019 Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Fayez Nureldine/AFP via Getty

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are close to a deal to end the diplomatic crisis in the Gulf following U.S.-mediated reconciliation talks this week, sources familiar with the talks tell me.

Why it matters: Restoring relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar would bring a sense of stability back to the Gulf after a 3.5 year standoff. It could also notch a last-minute achievement for the Trump administration before Jan. 20.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Ursula Perano
3 hours ago - Politics & Policy

House passes bill to decriminalize marijuana

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), a longtime marijuana legalization advocate and co-sponsor of the bill. Photo: Pete Marovich For The Washington Post via Getty Images

The House on Friday voted 228-164 in favor of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, marking the first time a congressional chamber has voted in favor of decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level.

Why it matters: The Washington Post describes the bill as a "landmark retreat in the nation’s decades-long war on drugs," which has disproportionately affected people of color.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow

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