Democrats' Soul-Searching Tour

What's Happening

Politics

Democrats' Soul-Searching Tour 

What's going on: Like any self-aware person knows, it’s healthy to ask what went wrong — but what if you can’t decide what’s right, who should say it, or where to even start? Enter: the Democrats. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has teamed up with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and is selling out arenas in red states with a simple message: Stand up against President Donald Trump and his allies. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (sporting a beard that sparked its own hashtag) made headlines last week after spending three hours in the “manosphere” with conservative-friendly podcasters, laying out three things Democrats need to fix. Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. (and billionaire) JB Pritzker (D) traveled to New Hampshire Sunday to deliver a fiery speech calling on Democrats to mobilize and disrupt. Altogether, it’s raising a big question: Are they out here trying to find themselves — or is this the very early start of the 2028 Democratic primary?

What it means: As Democratic leaders chart a path forward, many voters are growing restless about the party’s future. An NBC News/Stay Tuned poll found 77% of Americans think real change in Washington isn’t possible without new leadership. Some longtime Democrats are taking the hint (see: Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announcing his retirement last week). Others, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), are...not. (“I’m staying put,” Schumer told CNN.) Two of the party’s more popular Democratic governors — Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan and Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania — represent some newish blood that favors taking a bipartisan approach. Without a unifying cause or frontrunner, even Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson couldn’t resist weighing in, posting on X that “Democrats have no leader, no vision, and no message — other than profanity.”

Related: Mike Johnson Faces an Uphill Battle: Unite Republicans Around Trump’s Mega Bill (Politico)

International

Was Canada's Election Actually About Trump?

What's going on: Canada’s Liberal Party won yesterday’s national election, with Mark Carney keeping his role as prime minister, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The results mark a stunning loss for the Conservative Party — led by Pierre Poilievre — which gained momentum following former PM Justin Trudeau’s resignation earlier this year. But the US tariffs on Canadian goods and President Donald Trump’s remarks — including that Canada could be the 51st US state — left many looking for the right person to go up against the Trump administration. Now, Carney will be tasked with tackling Canada’s cost-of-living crisis, illegal immigration, and navigating a complicated relationship with the US. After his win, he said, “President Trump is trying to break us so he can own us. That will never happen.”

What it means: Election analysts had initially expected the election to be a referendum on the Liberal Party, which faced growing voter frustration over its policies. But it actually turned into a referendum against Trump, whose actions have had economic repercussions in Canada. Unlike Poilievre, Carney took a more defiant tone against Trump — appealing to voters. However, the PM now faces a delicate balance and a tough choice: make it work with America or reduce economic reliance on its southern neighbor. Meanwhile, some say that Canada’s approach could help shape how other world leaders handle the Trump administration (looking at you, Greenland).

Related: What We Know About the Victims of the Vancouver Festival Attack (AP)

Media

'60 Minutes' Airs Its Public Rebuke 

What's going on: You’ve probably watched 60 Minutes at some point in your life — the CBS news show known for its investigative journalism and viral moments, from the famous Stormy Daniels interview to the Big Tobacco whistleblower. But this week, 60 Minutes turned the cameras on itself. Veteran host Scott Pelley used Sunday night’s broadcast to call out the show’s corporate owner, Paramount, accusing the company of interfering with the show’s editorial independence. Pelley said Paramount’s push to complete a merger — which needs approval from the Trump administration — led executives to start supervising 60 Minutes’ content in new ways. He defended longtime executive producer Bill Owens, who resigned last week after 26 years, saying, “Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires.” CBS and Paramount have yet to comment on Pelley's remarks.

What it means: The drama at 60 Minutes isn’t just about corporate meddling or one journalist. It’s unfolding at a time when President Donald Trump has frequently clashed with major institutions — including media outlets, law firms, universities, and the judiciary — that he sees as critical or biased. Trump has called the press “the enemy of the people” and recently sued 60 Minutes (for $20 billion) over an election interview with former VP Kamala Harris, alleging it was deceptively edited. As Paramount seeks merger approval, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission threatened to block it over what he called “illegal DEI efforts.” Now, one of television's most iconic news shows finds itself at the center of a much larger fight over media independence — and that famous ticking clock may sound more like a time bomb.

Related: Bill Belichick’s Girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, Shut Down a CBS Journalist's Question About How They Met (USA Today)

Your Political Briefing

The week in political chaos.

Presidential report card: Today marks President Donald Trump’s 100th day in office — here's where he stands on his campaign promises. Plus, take our survey to share your thoughts on how things are going.

Hitting pause: Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine for next month, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned time is running out to end the war.

Doubling down: President Trump escalated his immigration crackdown Monday, signing executive orders targeting sanctuary cities and expanding federal enforcement power. 

Political football: The Eagles went to the White House, but Jalen Hurts took a different flight. 

Thing To Know

1.1 million

That’s how many people died from hepatitis B in 2022, according to World Health Organization estimates. Most of these deaths are a result of cirrhosis (a condition where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, causing permanent damage) and liver cancer. A vaccine can help protect you from these serious consequences, and since it’s difficult to predict who may be at risk for hepatitis B, the CDC recommends that all eligible adults get vaccinated.^† Head here to find a pharmacy and schedule your hepatitis B vaccine now.

Settle This

Nearly 8 million millennials moved in 2024, according to new Census data. Which state wasn't a top destination?

Extra Credit

Read

Katie Kitamura’s Audition opens with a Manhattan lunch between two strangers: a seasoned stage actress in rehearsals for a new play and a much younger, attractive man. But before you assume it’s Babygirl in book form, here’s the twist: He thinks he might be her son. Whether that’s true — or whether they’re something else entirely — only gets murkier as this “deftly crafted, slow-burn psychological thriller” unfolds in two acts (yes, like a play), each offering a competing version of the truth.

Game Time

Start your Tuesday off right with Typeshift, a fun new game that challenges you to create words from a set number of letters. Warning: It’s very addicting. Start playing.