| | | | How Trump is handling Harvey | | President Trump has a very clear way of dealing with Hurricane Harvey: He's tweeting about it.
Since Friday morning, Trump has sent 20 tweets and issued two retweets focused on Harvey and the flooding damage it continues to inflict on Houston and the surrounding area.
"Just arrived at Camp David where I am closely watching the path and doings of Hurricane Harvey, as it strengthens to a Category 3. BE SAFE!," Trump tweeted Friday.
"Many people are now saying that this is the worst storm/hurricane they have ever seen. Good news is that we have great talent on the ground," he offered on Sunday.
Trump announced Sunday that he would be heading to Texas on Tuesday to tour some of the affected areas. He also addressed the hurricane during a joint conference with Finland's President on Monday, during which he extended his "thoughts and prayers" to those affected by the hurricane in Texas.
"Times like these bring out the best in America's character," Trump said, before going on to predict "rapid action" on disaster relief funding from Congress for the Harvey aftermath.
While there are critics of Trump's approach -- he's not showing sympathy/empathy, Twitter isn't the ideal medium to communicate about a crisis -- he's clearly reacting to the criticism leveled at former President George W. Bush during Hurricane Katrina.
In that storm, Bush was blasted for looking out of touch -- the image of him peering out a window while looking at the flooding in New Orleans -- and for investing in people like FEMA director Mike Brown (of "Heck of a job, Brownie" fame) who didn't deserve that trust.
Trump wants to make sure anyone paying any attention to Hurricane Harvey and the flooding in Houston knows that he is also watching it very closely and is on top of things. Twenty tweets in three days about a single subject is a barrage even for Trump.
Simply sending out a series of tweets isn't a be-all-end-all to dealing with a national crisis. Trump's trip to Texas will likely be the defining image of his handling of the hurricane.
But, this is a rare occasion in which Trump appears to be using his Twitter feed for good -- to broadcast an image of him as on top of matters and vigilant.
-- Chris | | Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas -- but that doesn't mean it destroyed people's spirits. As L.A. Times reporter Matt Pearce wrote on Twitter Sunday: "What I saw in Houston today: Fortitude, bravery and mercy."
We rounded up a few uplifting stories from Texas: For ways you can help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, check out CNN's suggestions here. | | NO MORE MILITARY GEAR BAN | | We asked CNN's Laura Jarrett to explain Trump's decision to lift the military gear ban for local police. She wrote:
The Trump administration rolled back another Obama-era police reform measure Monday, paving the way for local police departments to now receive surplus military gear, including armored trucks, grenade launchers and high-caliber weapons, from the Defense Department. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the policy shift will help keep cops safe during violent confrontations, but the Obama administration found the "militarization" of police contributed to mistrust in communities of color. Read Laura's full story here. | | President Donald Trump pardoned Joe Arpaio on Friday -- and the former sheriff is already thinking ahead.
"I could run for mayor, I could run for legislator, I could run for Senate," the former Maricopa County sheriff told the Washington Examiner, adding he's "sure getting a lot of people around the state asking" him to challenge Republican Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake. Flake recently wrote a book in which he compared Trump's campaign to a "late-night infomercial."
As CNN reported last week, Trump's pardon "drew outcry from civil rights groups, which accuse Arpaio of violating the Constitution in his crackdown on illegal immigration."
Arpaio, a proponent of Trump's candidacy, was found guilty of criminal contempt last month for disregarding a court order in a racial-profiling case.
For more on Arpaio, check out Chris' story: The long and incredibly controversial career of 'America's Toughest Sheriff.' | | Trump Tower: Moscow by WaPo's Carol Leonnig, Tom Hamburger and Roz Helderman
And the WaPo trio on Michael Cohen and the Russians.
Timesman Matt Apuzzo and Timeswoman Maggie Haberman on the Russia deal that would make Trump president
Trump, the Russians and a man from West Virginia by CNN's Manu Raju
Javanka by Vanity Fair's Sarah Ellison
What Mayweather-McGregor wrought by Chuck Mindenhall | | | We can't stop listening to the "Game of Thrones" theme song dubbed over with Kanye West's voice, posted by The Ringer on Twitter. | | Speaking of "Game of Thrones" ... turns out former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci is a fan, too. He tweeted this Jon Snow line from last night's episode. Interesting quote, Mooch.
He clarified in a follow-up tweet Monday: "This is a comment on the Political Establishment. They are worried. The people are on to them and more change is coming." | |  | | Meghan McCain posted an Instagram photo on Sunday of her dad, Arizona Sen. John McCain, celebrating his birthday by blowing out some candles on his cake. The Republican lawmaker, who completed his first round of chemotherapy for brain cancer, turns 81 on Tuesday. HBD! | | Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is trying to broaden her appeal as a leader in the Democratic party.
CNN's Eric Bradner reported Monday:
"Warren has increasingly added a focus on racism and cultural issues to her signature economic populism over several major speeches -- while also developing new relationships with black leaders across the country.
Among them is Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. On Monday, Warren will meet King for a second time this month in Atlanta, where she'll participate in The King Center's "Beloved Community Talks" event, set for 6 p.m. ET at Ebenezer Baptist Church."
The appearance follows a series of speeches in recent months where Warren has emphasized issues of race and culture -- starting when the Rev. Wendell Anthony, the Detroit Branch NAACP president since 1993, saw Warren read King's letter and invited her to speak at an April dinner attended by thousands.
The speeches have stoked speculation that Warren is angling to run for president in 2020. And while the Massachusetts senator is careful not to even hint at a run herself, she paused only briefly and smiled as chants of 'Warren 2020' rose up during her speech at Netroots Nation." | | We're changing up our end-of-newsletter GIF! Tonight's is of Hillary Clinton, in honor of her book tour announcement, which CNN's Betsy Klein reported "includes some stops she's been accused of neglecting during her presidential campaign."
Anyway, hope you had a good Monday. Just a friendly reminder to tell people you know to subscribe to The Point. | | We'd love to share our other newsletters with you. Follow this link for daily coverage of the world's top stories, savvy market insights, an insider's look into the media, and more. Our authors for The Point are Chris Cillizza and Saba Hamedy. Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris or Saba. Follow on Twitter: Chris and Saba. | | | Get the Nightcap, a comprehensive summary of the most important political news, delivered to your inbox daily. | | | | | |
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