| | | | An initially innocuous package left in the mailbox of George Soros on Monday started off a week that ended with a manhunt and an arrest, after at least 13 different, crudely constructed pipe bombs were addressed to prominent Democrats, to CNN and to high-profile critics of President Donald Trump.
Footage of a van associated with the bombing investigation -- and the anti-media, pro-Trump stickers covering some of the windows -- appears to confirm something Chris wrote about the entire bombing situation earlier this week: "This is the logical conclusion of our poisonous political environment."
The attempted bombings seized hold of the national consciousness and (at least for the time being) diverted attention from the thousands of central American migrants headed to the US-Mexico border. The caravan may be hundreds of miles from the border, but that hasn't stopped President Donald Trump from trying to steer the narrative back to the issue that arguably most engages his base: illegal immigration.
"Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this 'Bomb' stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows - news not talking politics," Trump tweeted this morning. "Very unfortunate, what is going on. Republicans, go out and vote!"
The Point: Amid the chaos surrounding more than a dozen mail bombs addressed to high-profile Democrats and Trump critics, the President seemed most concerned about the political implications for the coming midterms.
-- Lauren
Here's the week, in 28 headlines:
Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: | | "I think anyone who has in any way been a critic, publicly been a critic of President Trump, needs to be on an extra alert and take some precautions, particularly with respect to mail."
-- Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, the intended recipient of one of the bombs, speaking to CNN's Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto Friday. | | | On the heels of her vote against Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation, North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp has raked in the campaign cash in the first half of October.
Heitkamp raised an astounding $12.5 million -- more than three times the amount she had raised in her campaign up until that point.
As CNN's Fredreka Schouten notes, "The cash tsunami underscores how the contentious process surrounding Kavanaugh's confirmation has stirred activists. Republicans say they too have seen a donor outpouring in response to the drama of the Kavanaugh hearing and the razor-thin vote to send him to the nation's high court." | | | Happy new music Friday! Swedish dance track icon Robyn is out with a new, extra sweet album "Honey." | | | Today: The bomb mailing story seems to have inconvenienced the President. | | Several of the intended recipients of the mail bombs targeting prominent Trump critics also happen to be Democratic 2020 contenders. Here's a sampling of their responses:
Joe Biden: "We don't yet have all the facts about why we're doing this, but the country has to come together. This division, this hatred, this ugliness, it really has to end. And words matter. Words matter."
Cory Booker: "Grateful for law enforcement's work to bring those responsible to justice & for their vigilance to keep Americans safe. Cowardly acts of terror will never silence or intimidate Americans -- they will only strengthen our resolve to stand against fear & hatred."
Kamala Harris: "At this moment, it is incumbent upon leaders across the political spectrum to take seriously the power they hold. It is the responsibility of our leaders to use their role as public figures to elevate our discourse and bring people together."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, seen as a potential 2020 contender against Trump as a Democrat, has been a constant presence in the media talking about the suspicious packages after many of them were sent to locations in New York.
Andrew Cuomo: "You can have political debate without political violence. And that's what we have to remember. We're not asking for political unity -- civility, decorum and parameters on the debate. And it's never come to this level where there's violence, either as intimidation or violence to actually hurt people." | | Former Vice President Joe Biden continues to stoke questions around his presidential aspirations with his latest campaign travel.
Biden will travel to Iowa on Tuesday to campaign for congressional candidate Abby Finkenauer and gubernatorial candidate Fred Hubbell.
Iowa, conveniently home to competitive races this cycle, often plays host to would-be candidates eager to test the water on potential presidential runs. | | | From Brenna: "Let's put this week to bed. This is how POTUS greeted the MyPillow guy at the White House earlier this week. There's actually a lot going on here. The dude in the purple tie. The lady with the glasses. Everyone shuffling around. And you saw all of it because you're subscribed to The Point! Get your friends in on it too." | | | | | | |
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