| | | | |  | | By Eli Okun | | | AMERICAN TRAGEDY — A shooter killed four and injured eight more this morning at a bank in Louisville, Ky. An emotional Gov. ANDY BESHEAR said he’d lost two close friends in the attack, and two police officers who responded were among the wounded. Police said the suspected shooter, a current or former employee of the bank, was dead. Latest updates from the Louisville Courier Journal MUSICAL PODIUMS — MATTHEW MILLER is the leading choice to be the next State Department spokesperson, Daniel Lippman scooped. He’s a partner at Vianovo, an MSNBC analyst and a longtime Democratic comms hand. If tapped, he’d succeed NED PRICE, who is moving into a policy role.
|  Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) plans to run on the record of recent Democratic legislative achievements ranging from infrastructure to drug prices. | Matt Rourke, File/AP Photo | DEMS’ 2024 KEYSTONE — Sen. BOB CASEY (D-Pa.) announced this morning that he’ll run for reelection, putting a critical swing-state incumbent in place for Democrats as they ready for an uphill battle to retain control of the Senate. The 62-year-old moderate Scranton native kicked things off with a lo-fi rendition of his famous county map, a plea for donations, and a pretty generic Democratic message: “There’s still more work to do to cut through the gridlock, stand up to powerful special interests, and make the lives of hardworking Pennsylvanians easier.” Running in a similar lane as President JOE BIDEN, Casey got into more specifics in an interview with AP’s Marc Levy: He plans to run on the record of recent Democratic legislative achievements ranging from infrastructure to drug prices. He’ll strike a populist economic note on taking the fight to corporations. And in a statement, he also talks tough on China. Casey’s decision is a boost for Democrats, who will be playing almost exclusively defense and would like as much name recognition/incumbency advantage as possible across the map. On the heels of similar announcements from Sens. JON TESTER (D-Mont.), JACKY ROSEN (D-Nev.) and SHERROD BROWN (D-Ohio), Casey’s move leaves Sens. JOE MANCHIN (D-W.Va.) and KYRSTEN SINEMA (I-Ariz.) as the biggest remaining question marks in contested terrain. It could be tough for Republicans to dislodge Casey — some in Pennsylvania privately tell the AP that it’s impossible, and he won his last race (albeit in a banner Democratic year) by 13 points. But the NRSC is already going after him on issues like inflation. Holly Otterbein reported in a detailed preview last week that Republicans also hope to paint Casey as corrupt over professional ties to his siblings. Much could hinge on the outcome of the GOP primary. Establishment favorite DAVID McCORMICK, who’s weighing another run after narrowly losing the primary to MEHMET OZ last year, put out a statement that offered a glimpse at how he’d campaign: McCormick hammered Casey on fentanyl, natural gas, crime and being “a Washington insider.” But MAGA icon DOUG MASTRIANO, who got smoked by Democrat JOSH SHAPIRO in the gubernatorial race, could give McCormick a run for his money. (Dems would love another faceoff with the state senator.) Neither has decided on a run yet, but the NRSC is planning to back McCormick, CNN’s Manu Raju and Alayna Treene report in a broader look at the GOP’s Senate plans. The committee is trying to coordinate better with DONALD TRUMP to avoid nasty primary fights this cycle. And as the NRSC seeks out electable nominees, officials are encouraging Arizona’s KARI LAKE to go easy on the false election fraud claims. Good Monday afternoon. Thanks for reading Playbook PM. No “Succession” spoilers here! I’ve never watched. But drop me a line with your “Top Chef” takes at eokun@politico.com.
| | | | A message from Airlines for America: Did you know? 90 percent of Americans have flown at least once. More than half of Americans have flown before their 16th birthday. Two million people choose to fly each day in the U.S. This is possible because robust competition among U.S. airlines generates enormous options for consumers, which is why Americans from a range of economic, cultural and racial backgrounds have flown. In 2021, one-third of Americans who flew had family incomes under $75,000. Learn more: www.airlines.org. | | | CONGRESS TRUMP’S HILL DEFENDERS — As House Republicans continue to attack Manhattan DA ALVIN BRAGG for indicting Trump, the Judiciary Committee is stepping up its offense with a field hearing in Manhattan next week on “New York’s rampant crime and victims of Alvin Bragg,” the N.Y. Post’s Steven Nelson scooped. The panel hasn’t ruled out inviting Bragg himself. ABORTION PILL FALLOUT — Reps. PAT RYAN (D-N.Y.) and LIZZIE FLETCHER (D-Texas) are introducing a bill today to try to protect access to abortion pills in the wake of a federal judge’s Friday ruling, NBC’s Ali Vitali reports. The legislation would “reaffirm the Food and Drug Administration’s final approval authority on medication abortion and continue to allow providers to prescribe the abortion pill via telehealth,” though it’s not expected to succeed with Republicans in charge. Meanwhile, the idea that the FDA should just ignore the ruling — heretofore floated only by progressive Democrats — got some bipartisan backing this morning. Rep. NANCY MACE (R-S.C.), who’s been willing to break with her party on abortion sometimes, told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins that she agreed: “This thing should just be thrown out, quite frankly.” JUDGE FOR YOURSELF — Senate Democrats’ rapid pace of confirming judges is stumbling lately, thanks to both Republican blue slips and Democratic absences, CNN’s Tierney Sneed and Lauren Fox report. With Senate Judiciary member DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D-Calif.) out indefinitely with shingles, the panel’s partisan breakdown is an even split — so Democrats can’t muscle any nominations through without GOP backing. And in addition to Sen. CINDY HYDE-SMITH’s (R-Miss.) controversial refusal to sign off on district court nominee SCOTT COLOM, CNN flags that “[a]nother fight may be brewing” over a Kansas nominee. 2024 WATCH ENDORSEMENT WATCH — Rep. CORY MILLS (R-Fla.) is the latest member of Congress to back Trump’s presidential candidacy in the wake of his criminal indictment, Time’s Eric Cortellessa scooped. What’s more, fellow Florida Republicans VERN BUCHANAN, KAT CAMMACK, BRIAN MAST and GREG STEUBE are expected to join Mills in a matter of days or weeks — a collective shot in the arm for Trump’s campaign, especially coming from Florida Gov. RON DeSANTIS’ own backyard. “What’s happening in New York is a very unifying event,” says Mills, who adds that he hopes the swell of Trump support will encourage DeSantis to wait until 2028. HE’S RUNNING — Biden’s inner circle is getting closer to making big decisions on his reelection campaign, even as he holds off a formal launch, NBC’s Mike Memoli, Peter Nicholas, Carol Lee and Monica Alba report. Biden world is now leaning toward Wilmington, Del., as the headquarters for the campaign, with some staffers based in D.C. They’re looking at KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS and CEDRIC RICHMOND as possible national co-chairs. Candidates for major campaign roles have already been interviewed, with JENNIFER RIDDER seen as a top contender. And a decision on where to site the Democratic National Convention could come this week. Though Biden is content to let internal GOP squabbles roil the field of challengers for now, aides also acknowledge that fundraising pressures could incentivize an earlier announcement — since he can’t raise money until he declares. Biden told the “Today” show’s Al Roker at the Easter Egg Roll that he’s planning to run for reelection, though not announcing it officially yet. As 30,000 kids arrived at the White House today, Biden also shared his holiday message for the country: “Reach out to somebody. Do something nice, just a simple act of kindness. I mean, it’s not complicated. … We’ve gotten much too tense as a nation. I just think we have to be a little more open.”
| | | | GO INSIDE THE 2023 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is proud to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage, insider nuggets and unparalleled insights from the 2023 Global Conference, which will convene leaders in health, finance, politics, philanthropy and entertainment from April 30-May 3. This year’s theme, Advancing a Thriving World, will challenge and inspire attendees to lean into building an optimistic coalition capable of tackling the issues and inequities we collectively face. Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today for a front row seat. | | | | | TRUMP CARDS LATEST LEGAL MANEUVERING — “Trump lawyers appeal order for Pence to testify in special counsel's Jan. 6 probe,” by ABC’s Katherine Faulders and Alex Mallin THE WHITE HOUSE POTUS ABROAD — Biden’s visit to Northern Ireland this week will take him to politically complicated terrain with a personal and emotional resonance for the president, NYT’s Mark Landler previews from London. In particular, there are questions around whether Biden may be able to persuade the Democratic Unionist party to back the U.K.’s Windsor Framework trade deal with the EU and to return to Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government. MORE POLITICS CRUZ CONTROL — Sen. TED CRUZ (R-Texas) has often been one of the Senate’s most provocative conservatives, but as he runs for reelection next year, he’s trying to play up his bipartisan credentials more, NBC’s Scott Wong and Sahil Kapur report. In an interview, Cruz runs through work he’s done with Democratic Sens. MARIA CANTWELL (Wash.), Manchin, BEN RAY LUJÁN (N.M.) and RAPHAEL WARNOCK (Ga.), as well as the importance for Texans of his role as Senate Commerce ranking member. “It gives me the ability to fight for 30 million Texans in a way that has real, meaningful impact,” Cruz says. Not everyone is buying it: “Asked about Cruz’s bipartisan work on the refrigerator and appliance privacy bill, Sen. BRIAN SCHATZ, D-Hawaii, literally rolled his eyes. ‘I just haven’t seen any evidence that Ted has changed,’ Schatz said.” JAN. 6 AND ITS AFTERMATH INSURRECTION FALLOUT — “Proud Boys leaders’ Jan. 6 sedition trial inches to a close,” by AP’s Michael Kunzelman, Alanna Durkin Richer and Lindsay Whitehurst: “In a trial that has lasted over twice as long as expected, little new information has emerged about the Jan. 6 attack that halted Congress’ certification of Biden’s victory or the far-right extremist group’s role in the Capitol riot. But a guilty verdict against [ENRIQUE] TARRIO, who wasn’t even in Washington, D.C., when the riot erupted, would affirm that those accused of planning and inciting the violence could be held responsible even if they didn’t join in it.” AMERICA AND THE WORLD UP IN THE AIR — Boeing’s massive $37 billion deal to sell jets to Saudi Arabia almost came undone by U.S.-Saudi tensions last fall, Semafor’s Jay Solomon reports. When Biden threatened consequences for OPEC+’s move to slash oil production and diplomatic ties frayed, Saudi Arabia temporarily halted talks with Boeing. Saudi Ambassador Princess REEMA BINT BANDAR AL SAUD, BRETT McGURK and AMOS HOCHSTEIN helped get them back on track. POLICY CORNER BIG INVESTIGATION — “The Army increasingly allows soldiers charged with violent crimes to leave the military rather than face trial,” by The Texas Tribune and ProPublica’s Vianna Davila, Lexi Churchill and Ren Larson and Military Times’ Davis Winkie: “A federal watchdog agency in 1978 called for abolishing the practice, known as administrative separations in lieu of court-martial … Nearly 50 years later, however, the practice remains. And, in the Army, it is increasingly being used for cases in which soldiers are charged with serious crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence or child abuse.”
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | BEYOND THE BELTWAY DeSANTIS’ REMAKING OF FLORIDA — In Tallahassee, NYT’s Miriam Jordan examines the sweeping package of immigration bills that Florida Republicans are set to pass, which amount to the most extensive crackdown on undocumented immigrants anywhere in the country since Arizona in 2010. THE PANDEMIC DEEP DIVE — “Research with exotic viruses risks a deadly outbreak, scientists warn,” by WaPo’s David Willman and Joby Warrick in Bangkok: “A Post examination found that a two-decade, global expansion of risky research has outpaced measures to ensure the safety of the work and that the exact number of biocontainment labs handling dangerous pathogens worldwide, while unknown, is believed by experts to be in the thousands.” MEDIAWATCH BAIER MARKET — “The loneliness of Fox News’ Bret Baier,” by NPR’s David Folkenflik: “According to [BRET] BAIER’s current and former colleagues, he stands very much alone at Fox News … Even so, some colleagues in the Washington bureau say he too readily bends to pressure from the Trump circle or Fox headquarters in New York City. … In one sign of his isolation, Baier repeatedly sought to devote an hour-long Sunday evening special following the 2020 elections to set out and debunk the leading myths bolstering Trump’s baseless claims of fraud. … Network executives never even gave Baier - their chief political anchor - a direct verdict on his pitch.” PLAYBOOKERS SPOTTED: California Gov. Gavin Newsom having dinner with his family last night at the Beach Club at Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club in the Bahamas. … Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrangling youngsters at Sea Island Resort’s Easter egg hunt. FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — Nolan McCaskill is now a congressional reporter at The Messenger. He previously was a congressional reporter at the L.A. Times, and is a POLITICO alum. — Gillum Ferguson is now a director of political strategy with the American Federation for Children. He previously was director of comms and media at Baker Group Strategies. TRANSITIONS — Linnaea Honl-Stuenkel is now digital director at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. She most recently was digital director for the D.C. AG’s office. … Spencer Knoll is now director of U.S. policy and advocacy at Malaria No More. He previously was a legislative assistant for defense and foreign policy for Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). … Ryan Zamarripa is now a management and program analyst at the U.S. Economic Development Administration. He previously was a senior professional staffer for the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. Did someone forward this email to you? Sign up here. Send Playbookers tips to playbook@politico.com or text us at 202-556-3307. Playbook couldn’t happen without our editor Mike DeBonis, deputy editor Zack Stanton and producers Setota Hailemariam and Bethany Irvine.
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