9/28 WAKE-UP CALL: Candidates Go After Each Other, Trump

Seven of the Republican contenders for the presidential nomination spent two hours hammering each other, President Joe Biden and the absent frontrunner in a debate that often felt close to chaos. None of them managed to deliver a defining moment that could pull them decisively away from the pack, further establishing Donald Trump’s dominant position in the race. Though the hosts struggled to keep the candidates from talking over one other, the evening generated few of the memorable moments of the last debate a month ago. Those helped weaker candidates like Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy advance in the polls in recent weeks. The candidates — who even together get less support in national surveys than Trump does alone — had to convince voters and donors that the race isn’t already effectively over, with the former president all but certain to win the nomination.

Yet despite a few lively moments as rivals ganged up on Ramaswamy, the verbal jousting isn’t likely to shake the perception among many party insiders and voters that Trump will inevitably be the Republican nominee in next year’s election. “The winner tonight was Donald Trump, by not participating,” said Frank Luntz, a longtime Republican pollster who now opposes the former president and lamented the “chaos” onstage. “By disrespecting the process and the people, Trump actually emerges stronger.” 

➤REALITY FOR THE CANDIDATES: The seven Republicans who participated in Wednesday night's chaotic second GOP primary debate were given a brutal dose of reality by moderator Dana Perino. The Fox News host and former White House press secretary told the 2024 White House hopefuls it's 'now obvious' that if they all stayed in the race 'former President Donald Trump wins the nomination.' Trump has completely dominated GOP primary polling - with the current Real Clear Politics Polling average showing him 42.2 points ahead of the second-place contender, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. He skipped the showdown at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Thursday and left the rest of the field battling to emerge as the best alternative for Republican voters. At the end of a night dominated by bickering, personal attacks and jokes that fell flat, Perino used the elimination ceremony from the hit TV show Survivor to ask how they can unite to take down the frontrunner. 'So which one of you onstage tonight should be voted off the island?' Perino asked, instructing the Republican White House hopefuls to name the individual they most thought should drop out. The group refused, with DeSantis - standing center stage - leading the charge.

'NOTHING GETS FIXED': @NikkiHaley blasts Congress for spending like "drunken sailors." #DEMOCRACY24 pic.twitter.com/jUabGmBJYo

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 28, 2023

➤UAW DOUBLES-DOWN ON STRIKE: The United Auto Workers pledged to widen its strike tomorrow unless contract talks with Detroit carmakers make significant progress. The union plans to identify new strike targets at 10 a.m. ET. The limited strike against GM, Ford and Chrysler-parent Stellantis began Sept. 15 and last week expanded beyond three assembly plants—one at each company—to include 38 GM and Stellantis parts-distribution centers. The union spared Ford from more walkouts due to progress in those labor negotiations. The three automakers have taken steps to keep critical parts flowing to their dealerships, including devising plans for white-collar workers to staff the parts hubs if needed.

As many as 4 million workers could lose pay as a result of a government shutdown — about half of whom are military troops and personnel. https://t.co/SWOsBSFxlM pic.twitter.com/ppQHMCbIJo

— ABC News (@ABC) September 28, 2023

➤SENATOR MENENDEZ PLEADS NOT GUILTY: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of taking bribes from three New Jersey businessmen with ties to Egypt, but there are increasing calls from his fellow Democrats for him to resign. Federal prosecutors say they found gold bars and half a million dollars in cash during a search of the New Jersey senator’s home. Senator Cory Booker, also of New Jersey, is among those calling for his resignation.

➤DRESS DECORUM RETURNS TO U-S SENATE:  The Senate unanimously passed a formal dress code Wednesday, requiring business attire on the chamber floor, including a coat, tie and slacks for men.  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had quietly changed the dress code last week to allow casual dress, sparking backlash from both sides of the aisle. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was at the center of the clothing controversy, known for his more laid-back wardrobe of shorts and a hoodie. Led by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the new resolution reverses Schumer’s original decision.

"The United States Capitol is more than just a place of work — it serves as a symbol of freedom and democracy to the world," Romney said. "Hard work was done, and sacrifices made, to ensure that our legislative branch of government wasn’t just housed in some tent. As senators, we should demonstrate a high level of reverence for the institution in which we serve — and our attire is one of the most basic expressions of that respect."

➤LAUGHING LOOTER ARRESTED: A looter who livestreamed a mob-style looting spree in Philadelphia, and encouraged others to join in, appeared distraught as police took her mug shot. Tears poured down Dayjia Blackwell's face after she was charged with burglary, conspiracy, criminal trespass, riot, criminal mischief, criminal use of communication facility, receipt of stolen property and disorderly conduct. Blackwell's anguish has been plastered online, contrasting to the carefree joy she conveyed in videos posted to social media - as dozens ransacked stores in the city's downtown business district.

A Mexican mother bravely shielded her son after a bear leapt on a picnic table and devoured the tacos and enchiladas meant for the boy’s birthday dinner, inches from his face. https://t.co/Zpm9Z49PFo

— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 28, 2023

➤SOLDIER WHO DEFECTED RETURNS: Private Travis King, the U.S. soldier who ran into North Korea in July, is in U.S. custody and heading home after being expelled by North Korea into China, the United States said on Wednesday. While details about the diplomacy that led to King's transfer remained scarce, the development was a rare example of cooperation between the United States, North Korea and China. The State Department said King was expected to return to the United States later on Wednesday.

⛽PRICE OF OIL SURGES: US oil prices closed at their highest level in more than a year Wednesday on a mixed day for global equities as the dollar continued its upward climb. The US futures benchmark, West Texas Intermediate for delivery in November, jumped 3.6 percent to $93.68 per barrel as traders begin to eye $100 oil. The rise came on the heels of a surprising drop in US crude inventories. Oil prices have been trending higher following moves by Russia and Saudi Arabia to limit output. Analysts cited the rise in crude prices as a drag on US equities, which opened higher, but finished mixed as oil prices surged and bond yields reversed.

Bruce Springsteen postponed his remaining 2023 tour dates due to peptic ulcer disease. In a statement, Springsteen said he's "on the mend" and can't wait to see everyone next year. pic.twitter.com/1rQiT57CmY

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) September 27, 2023

⚾MLB  ASTROS 8 MARINERS 3: Yordan Alvarez, Mauricio Dubon and Martin Maldonado each hit home runs as the Houston Astros improved their chances of making the postseason for the seventh consecutive year by defeating the host Seattle Mariners 8-3 Wednesday night. The Astros (87-72) took two of three games in the series to move 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mariners (85-73) in the race for the American League's third and final wild-card playoff berth.

Marcus Semien extends the @Rangers lead with homer No. 29. pic.twitter.com/l1lo8Bl0Ie

— MLB (@MLB) September 28, 2023

⚾MLB  RANGERS 5 ANGELS 0: Dane Dunning pitched seven sharp innings, leading the Texas Rangers to a 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night at Anaheim, Calif. Adolis Garcia, Evan Carter and Marcus Semien homered for the Rangers, who won for the seventh time in eight games. Garcia added a run-scoring double. Dunning (12-6) struck out seven and gave up three hits and one walk while matching the longest scoreless start of his career. He is 3-0 over his past four turns. 

⚾MLB SCORES:

• Rays 5 Red Sox 0
• Phillies 7 Pirates 6
• Yankees 6 Blue Jays 0
• D-Backs 3 White Sox 0
• Mets 11 Marlins 2
• Marlins 4 Mets 2
• Guardians 4 Reds 3
• Orioles 5 Nationals 1
• Braves 6 Cubs 5
• Brewers 3 Cardinals 2
• Twins 6 Athletics 4
• Dodgers 8 Rockies 2
• Padres 5 Giants 2

⚾STANDING ‘O’ FOR CLEVELAND’S FRANCONA: Long-time Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona got a standing ovation from fans yesterday during his team’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. His decision to retire after 10 years in Cleveland has been all but confirmed, with a tribute video presented at the game. The Guardians defeated the Reds 4-3.

🏈TUCKER FIRED: Michigan State University fired head football coach Mel Tucker for inappropriate conduct on Wednesday, a stunning fall for one of the highest-paid coaches in college sports, who signed a record 10-year, $95 million contract less than two years ago. The action comes just over two weeks after a USA TODAY investigation revealed sexual harassment allegations against Tucker by Brenda Tracy, a prominent rape survivor and activist hired by Tucker to speak to his team about sexual violence and consent. Hours after the investigation, Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller suspended Tucker without pay pending completion of the case. One week later, Haller notified Tucker he intended to fire him, saying the sexual conduct he has admitted to alone violates his contract.

➤TROPICAL STORM PHILLIPPE STRENGTHENS: The storm strengthened slightly in the Atlantic Ocean Wednesday, forecasters from the National Hurricane Center said. They also warned that residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands could see heavy rain and potential flooding from the storm. Philippe, still some 600 miles east of the northern islands of the Caribbean, had winds of 50 mph as of 5 p.m. EDT Wednesday, the hurricane center said. This was up from 45 mph early in the day. In addition to Philippe, forecasters were also watching a tropical wave that was even further out in the Atlantic. That wave is likely to become Tropical Storm Rina over the next couple of days.

➤EL NINO IS HERE FOR THE WINTER: Weather forecasters say we can expect El Nino to disrupt normal weather conditions in much of the U.S. this winter, but it’s not all bad news. The band of warm waters moving off the Pacific is expected to increase chances of warmer than normal temperatures in the far northern parts of the country, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A wetter than normal winter is predicted across the Northwest, the South and much of the Atlantic Coast.