Happy Wednesday and welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news.
Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized but says he’s staying engaged….Former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized nearly three weeks after being admitted for an undisclosed medical condition. While his office has released few details about his health, Senate Republican leaders say they’ve spoken with McConnell by phone and describe him as engaged in discussions about national security, Senate business, and the upcoming legislative agenda. McConnell, 84, has not appeared on Capitol Hill since June 11 and is expected to retire when his term ends in January, though there is still no timeline for his return.
Common Sense Takeaway: What are the odds that multiple members of Congress all describe having “20 minute phone calls” with him to discuss the same foreign policy topics? Does this make sense to any of you? I’m not buiying it, and I think there is something very, very weird going on.
Democrats abandon Maine Senate nominee after assault allegation…Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing mounting pressure to withdraw after a former girlfriend alleged he sexually assaulted her during their relationship—an allegation he strongly denies. In response, top Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Ro Khanna, have all called on Platner to exit the race and rescinded or withheld their support. Under Maine law, Democrats have until July 13 to replace him on the ballot. If Platner stays in the race past that deadline and later withdraws, the party would be unable to nominate a replacement, potentially leaving Republican Sen. Susan Collins without a major-party challenger.
Common Sense Takeaway: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I got called many names—including a Zionist and a traitor—for flagging that we should not support him after allegations of domestic violence. I knew that there were likely other stories that hadn’t been told yet, given that men like this rarely ever have one victim. Now we are in a very bad situation where Platner is refusing to drop out, and we only have 5 days to select a new candidate and rally around them.
Judge blocks DOJ subpoena for Georgia election workers’ personal information….A federal judge has blocked the Justice Department from obtaining the names, addresses, and other personal information of Fulton County election workers as part of its investigation into the 2020 election. The Trump-appointed judge called the subpoena an “arbitrary fishing expedition,” questioned whether any prosecutable crimes remain due to expired statutes of limitations, and warned that targeting election workers could discourage people from serving in future elections. The Justice Department said it is considering an appeal.
Common Sense Takeaway: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Why are they STILL focused on the 2020 election? What a colossal waste of time. This Trump-appointed judge is absolutely correct here. The Trump Administration is trying to track and intimidate election workers in one county from SIX years ago. I was an election worker in 2021, and this is a great reason to NOT be one again during the Trump era.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.
Doesn’t Governor Bershear have the right, even the duty to ask about McConnell’s condition?
Elaine Chao is out of the country?? Not at all suspicious.
Mitch McConnell may very well have passed away or is neurologically incapacitated and unable to carry out his duties as a "public servant." I have no doubt his office staff is covering up the gravity of his condition to prevent his replacement. Sick and twisted GOP reality that is no surprise.