Today’s edition of quick hits:
* That’s unexpected: “The F.B.I. agents who raided the office and hotel of President Trump’s lawyer on Monday were seeking all records related to the ‘Access Hollywood’ tape in which Mr. Trump was heard making vulgar comments about women, according to three people who have been briefed on the contents of a federal search warrant.”
* Also unexpected: “Former House Speaker John Boehner says his stance on a popular substance has shifted — and it’s not merlot. The former Republican congressional leader — and famed wine-drinker — announced Wednesday he is joining the board of Acreage Holdings, a firm that cultivates, processes and dispenses marijuana in 11 U.S. states.”
* Medicaid expansion also created 19,000 new jobs in the state: “Louisiana’s decision to expand Medicaid in 2016 led to a $1.85 billion direct economic impact, according to an economic impact report released Tuesday.”
* Not helpful: “President Donald Trump’s tweet Wednesday morning threatening a potential U.S. strike against Syria broke with national security procedures — as well as his own admonishments about tipping off enemies about attack plans.”
* Good idea: “Senate Democrats are formally calling for Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt to resign or be fired, citing allegations of ethical lapses and questionable spending on travel and security. New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall said the mounting allegations against Pruitt mean ‘it is time for his imperial tenure to end.’”
* Bad idea: “President Donald Trump signed a broad executive order urging a revamp of federal government aid programs Tuesday, invigorating a contentious debate from which Republicans hope to gain momentum before the November elections.” * Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “promise to reduce auto tariffs is not the win for President Donald Trump that it appears to be.” * I’d like to see more data, but this seems easy to believe: “President Donald Trump’s attacks on the mainstream media may be rooted in statistical reality: An extensive review of subscription data and election results shows that Trump outperformed the previous Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, in counties with the lowest numbers of news subscribers, but didn’t do nearly as well in areas with heavier circulation.” Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MS NOW political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past." Recommended
