Welcome to the morning brief. If this email was forwarded to you, be sure to sign up (free or paid), so you don't miss a beat.
We were at an undisclosed location with limited WiFi and cell service on Friday; you can find a belated Friday brief here.
Though remote, I was still busy writing. Here's an article I wrote for Texas Scorecard and another posted to Direct Action Texas.
Today's stories
THE BIDEN MIRACLE (a mirage?) is starting to show some cracks.
Convention
Trump got a bump coming out of the Republican convention. This is in part down to production quality and ticking the boxes but also based on substance. The incumbent has a policy track record and stated goals for this next term, a direct contrast with Biden, who is running a social desirability contest.
Independents
According to YouGov, Biden is trailing Trump with independents, a bad sign for a challenger.
In response to this, one liberal on Twitter suggested that Trump winning with Independents was something to worry about since Romney won with Independents in 2012.
There are several things wrong with the comparison.
Mittens did not have the support of the Republican base; he was universally seen as an empty suit and a cult member by many. Also, he was uniquely disqualified to run against Obama because he had ushered in Obamacare as governor of Massachusetts.
Trump's seen as authentic, and despite his status as wealthy, a man of the people. Biden has more in common with Romney than Trump (empty, bad matchup removes corruption angle).
Hiding ≠ Winner
Biden hiding till the election probably doesn't work. In addition to not being able to relay a vision, winners don't hide.
Even if he weren't hiding, this would be a problem for Biden because he's not a winner in the first place. Being in cognitive decline makes projecting winner status nearly impossible.
Biden's pitiful, always has been, something that is mistakenly (or cynically) being called empathy.
COVID19
One of the items Democrats may have taken for granted in the run-up to the election is COVID19.
This, like other fundamentals, may change in the final 63 days. One potential talking point that might move voters against Democrats touting draconian lockdowns was released at the end of the week.
More and new information about the virus may shift public opinion, like the fact that COVID alone (no comorbidities) is responsible for just 6% of reported deaths.
The wildcard, a treatment coming online, could also disrupt the Democrats perverse golden goose.
Rioting
Finally, as linked on Friday, ongoing rioting by the Biden militia (ANTIFA, BLM, Marxists) is upsetting his play for suburban voters.
The left, including his running mate, have encouraged rioting and suggested they are in favor of increased chaos by defunding law enforcement.
Related: Trump approval rising among black, Hispanic voters
PROGRESSIVES rightfully see Biden as weak. Assuming a Biden when Sanders had this to say:
This isn't the only place I heard this sentiment over the weekend. Militant Marxists are getting ready for a push to power if Biden wins, no longer content with policy wins. We'll see. Things could get ugly.
BIG PHARMA GREG is out peddling flu shots. He'll likely do the same with a COVID19 vaccine. Pay special attention to legislation in 2021 if his Chief of Staff is a lobbyist with longstanding ties to big drug companies.
Hit the links
CDC: 94% of COVID deaths attributable to underlying medical conditions
Feds: Cartel laundered $10 million at Dallas clothing store
Leak concerns halt in-person briefings on election security
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