Bottom line: "clear and present danger"

Plus: DeSantis taps an ally as new elections chief

View this email online June 18, 2022 This week, we looked at the narrative unfolding at the Jan. 6 committee hearings. Plus: DeSantis taps an ally as his new secretary of state and Asian American Pacific Islander voters in Nevada talk about the economy, guns and race. Bottom line: "clear and present danger" Susan Walsh/AP The Jan. 6 committee has made some stunning revelations about former President Donald Trump's conduct during the attack on the Capitol and the weeks leading up to it. Republican witnesses on his campaign and in his White House testified that he was not listening to the truth and those around him who were telling it and was plotting to stay in power regardless of the costs to his vice president, society or democracy. And it's all ironically coming at a time when his influence is still at a high in the Republican primaries. He scored big victories, for example, in Nevada this week with candidates aligned with him winning up and down the ballot. Since Jan. 6, Trump has not backed down from his false allegations of election fraud. In fact, he has only ramped up. All indications are that he is looking to run again in 2024, especially with President Joe Biden appearing weakened by high gas prices and inflation. The potential that Trump could run again, that he's the far-and-away front runner for that nomination as well as his strong influence in these midterms and his continued undermining of the American electoral process are all reasons why, in testimony before the Jan. 6 committee, conservative retired Judge J. Michael Luttig described Trump, his allies and supporters as "clear and present" dangers to democracy. — Domenico Montanaro, NPR’s senior political editor/correspondent Read More Newsletter continues after sponsor message ICYMI: Top Stories Mario Tama/Getty Images Biden on gas prices: In a letter to major oil companies this week, President Biden slammed oil refiners for their record-high profits and accused them of taking advantage of current crises while calling on the companies to boost production. Biden said he directed his energy secretary to convene an emergency meeting with oil companies and said his administration “is prepared to use all reasonable and appropriate federal government tools and emergency authorities to increase refinery capacity and output in the near term.” Biden’s Middle East trip: President Biden is set to visit Saudi Arabia next month, a nation he called a "pariah" after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi — something U.S. intelligence has determined was approved by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His visit will also take him to Israel, where he will talk about defense and economic issues, as well as to the West Bank, to meet with Palestinian leaders. Florida secretary of state: Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis recently named one of his allies in the state House to become the new secretary of state. Cord Byrd has a history of sparring with Democrats and, when asked, has refused to say President Biden won the 2020 election. New AFL-CIO president: Elizabeth Shuler is the first woman ever elected president of the AFL-CIO. She's pledging a massive grassroots organizing drive over the next decade, with a goal of adding 1 million new union members. — Brandon Carter, NPR Politics social media producer Become a NPR Politics+ Subscriber Hey y'all. Want to show your support for our podcast and even listen to sponsor-free episodes? Try subscribing to The NPR Politics Podcast+ and get your political insights, news and analysis without the distraction. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics or at the link below. Subscribe Today The Shot: Spotlight on AAPI voters Saeed Rahbaran for NPR The Asian American Pacific Islander population is the fastest-growing demographic in Nevada and a rising political force in the state. The AAPI community comprises about 12% of the state's population and about 8% of its electorate. "2020, 2018 and 2016 proved that the Asian vote, a lot of time, ended up deciding the election," said Eric Jeng, the director of outreach for the Asian Community Development Council,. "I don't believe a candidate can win without winning the Asian vote." NPR recently met with five AAPI voters talk about politics, voting and culture. One of the voters, Tina Kwan, who's Chinese American and a registered Democrat, cautioned against stereotyping the AAPI vote. "I think there is a comparison between the two non-monolithic demographics of Latinx voters and AAPI voters, because within those communities is its own diversity," she said. Meet the voters and where they stand on election-year issues like guns and the economy. — Heidi Glenn, NPR digital editor Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WMFE (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: nprpolitics@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Politics emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy