Today’s edition of quick hits:
* The central banks have disappointed before: “Stocks rallied Friday on growing hopes of further stimulus from the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, as economic growth slowed in the second quarter.”
* In Syria, all eyes are on the embattled city of Aleppo.
* Nice timing: “On the eve of Mitt Romney’s visit to Israel, President Barack Obama signed into law a military aid bill for that staunch American ally at a much-publicized White House ceremony that highlighted the political advantages of incumbency.”
* You don’t say: “In a 630-page deposition, released to the press yesterday, former Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer described a systemic effort by Republicans to suppress the black vote.”
* A bigger-than-expected screw-up: “Mitt Romney struggled Friday to stem political fallout at home after insulting Britain’s handling of the London Games. The stumble at least briefly pitted the Republican presidential candidate against America’s strongest ally while limiting his ability to capitalize on more troubling U.S. economic news.”
* Rare public comments from Adm. Bill McRaven, head of the U.S. Special Operations command: “Republicans trying to play down President Barack Obama’s decision to launch the raid that led to the death of Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden are not getting much help from the military brass who oversaw the operation.” McRaven said, “The president of the United States is fantastic.” * Looking back, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has a remarkable track record of nearly always being wrong about nearly everything. * And my heart goes out to Ed and Wendy Schultz at this difficult time. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
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