Power moves

Plus: Pence's classified docs discovery and the Senate's Ticketmaster hearing

View this email online Jan. 28, 2023 This week, we looked at the RNC leadership vote and Pence's classified docs discovery. Plus: the Senate's Ticketmaster hearing. The Big Picture: Power moves Patrick T. Fallon/Getty Images Republicans right now really aren’t quite sure what their party is. For the last several years, it has been dominated by Donald Trump. Free trade has been undercut by nationalistic populism and the hawkishness and moral interventionism that defined the party for decades has been threatened by a war-weary creeping isolationism. The tie that seems to bind the new GOP flag is culture — anti-elitism, a walls-up immigration stance and an anti-“woke” political incorrectness shrouded in the First Amendment. The Republican National Committee chose Friday to stick with its current chair, Ronna McDaniel, Trump’s handpicked choice. But the movement against her — and her rival getting more votes than expected with a boost from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — is emblematic of the rift within the party and a sign of the coming 2024 presidential primary divide. To Trump or not to Trump is the question. Everyday it seems more potential challengers are coming forward and more criticism of the former president is aired from within. So while he’s still the front runner for the nomination in a multi-candidate field, Trump is also more vulnerable to an insurgent effort to dethrone him. — Domenico Montanaro, NPR’s senior political editor/correspondent Newsletter continues after sponsor message ICYMI: Top Stories Drew Angerer/Getty Images Pence classified docs: A "small number of documents bearing classified markings” were found at former Vice President Pence’s Indiana home this week. Pence’s representatives informed the National Archives, and the Justice Department took possession of the documents.  Dem committee assignments: Speaker Kevin McCarthy blocked two Democrats from serving on the House Intelligence Committee. Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell both previously served on the committee, and both were involved in the investigations and impeachments of former President Trump. Senate Ticketmaster hearing: The Senate Judiciary Committee held its much-anticipated hearing into Live Nation and the lack of competition in the ticketing industry this week. While lawmakers grilled entertainment executives and antitrust experts, Taylor Swift fans protested outside. Census and survey changes: The Biden administration is proposing major changes to the 2030 census and federal surveys. The move would change how Latinos are asked about their race and ethnicity and add a checkbox for "Middle Eastern or North African” on those surveys and forms. Meta reinstates Trump: Meta says it’s giving former President Trump access to his Facebook and Instagram accounts. Trump was suspended from the platforms for two years following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. — Brandon Carter, NPR Politics social media producer It all comes down to you Your financial support is the NPR Network's greatest strength. You keep the facts flowing. You bring more stories to more ears. You make a real difference when you contribute to independent, trustworthy media. Please donate today.    The Shot: Zero proof boom Keren Carrión/NPR Nonalcoholic drinks are enjoying a moment.  A recent sold-out festival in Washington, D.C., was proof of that.  NPR's Bill Chappell attended the Mindful Drinking Fest earlier this month, writing: From a ginger old fashioned to espresso martinis and spritzes, hop water to pink rosé, the rich complexity of today's alcohol-free drinks was on full display. He notes that some popular nonalcoholic spirits strive to recreate the taste of whiskey, gin or tequila while others are new -- and some include herbal and plant ingredients that promise to boost health rather than impair it. "I think that's going to really explode," says Maria Bastasch, the festival's creative director and coordinator. "I think where it's really going to take off is when people see that they can wake up in the morning" and feel amazing. More on the festival -- and why there's a rising tide of popularity for nonalcoholic drinks -- here. — Heidi Glenn, NPR digital editor Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (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