AMERICA'S SIX WARS

A half dozen at a time.

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MARQUEE MATCHUPS

1. JOE BIDEN VERSUS THE PRESENT AND FUTURE

Essential reading:

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The Associated Press @AP

BREAKING: President Joe Biden says a tentative railway labor agreement has been reached, averting a strike that could've damaged the economy before the midterms.

apne.wsBiden: Tentative railway labor deal reached, averting strikeWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday a tentative railway labor agreement has been reached, averting a potentially devastating strike before the pivotal midterm elections. He said the tentative deal “will keep our critical rail system working and avoid disruption of our economy.”

* New Associated Press poll:

President Joe Biden’s popularity improved substantially from his lowest point this summer, but concerns about his handling of the economy persist, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Support for Biden recovered from a low of 36% in July to 45%, driven in large part by a rebound in support from Democrats just two months before the November midterm elections. During a few bleak summer months when gasoline prices peaked and lawmakers appeared deadlocked, the Democrats faced the possibility of blowout losses against Republicans.

Their outlook appears better after notching a string of legislative successes that left more Americans ready to judge the president on his preferred terms: “Don’t compare me to the Almighty. Compare me to the alternative.”

The president’s approval rating remains underwater, with 53% of U.S. adults disapproving of him, and the economy continues to be a weakness for Biden. Just 38% approve of his economic leadership as the country faces stubbornly high inflation and Republicans try to make household finances the axis of the upcoming vote.

Likely winner: The American people.

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2. JARED POLIS VERSUS RON DESANTIS

Essential reading:

* George Will touts the Colorado topper as a strong ’24 prospect, after the columnist writes off Biden and Vice President Harris.

* Henry Olsen says Ron DeSantis is the only Republican who could stop Donald Trump for the nomination.

Likely winner: Polis.

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3. RON DESANTIS VERSUS MARTHA’S VINEYARD

Essential reading:

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Vineyard Gazette

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Fox News

* The New York Times with some strong on-island interviews.

Likely winner: George Brennan.

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4. REPUBLICAN VERSUS REPUBLICANS (ON ABORTION)

Essential reading:

* The Washington Post on the continued division and chaos in the wake of Senator Graham’s surprise.

* Politico on Senator Rubio endorsing the Graham measure and serving as a case study for what happens when a smart Republican tries to overcome the media bias and push his Democratic opponent to the extremes on the issue.

Likely winner: Chuck Schumer.

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5. FETTERMAN VERSUS OZ

Essential reading:

* The New York Times got a long interview with Fetterman (by video) and seems to think he is doing pretty well.

Likely winner: Too soon to say.

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6. DONALD TRUMP VERSUS AMERICA

* Politico on the unease in Trump World as the subpoenas fly.

Likely winner: America.

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