"I Love My Country More"

President Biden addresses the nation. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] July 25, 2024 We’ll start in Washington, where President Biden addressed the nation, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took on Congress. Then, if you need help breaking out of an anxiety spiral, we’ll share [a psychiatrist’s tips to stop overthinking](. All that, plus [a first look at the Bob Dylan biopic]( and [my interview with inspiring entrepreneur]( (and my pal) Laurie Kittle. Here we go!   In the News [I Love My Country More]( Getty Images "I Revere This Office, but I Love My Country More" Joined in the Oval Office by First Lady Jill Biden, his son Hunter Biden, and his granddaughters, President Biden addressed the nation for the first time since his surprise exit from the presidential race. Here's how that went. Biden framed his decision to step down as a move to preserve core American values. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president," he said. "But in defense of democracy, which is at stake – and is more important than any title, I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people.” He refrained from mentioning Donald Trump by name, but made obvious references to him, saying "personal ambition" cannot get in the way of democracy. “The great thing about America is, here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands,” he said. He added that it was time for "younger voices," and that the "best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation." Of Vice President Kamala Harris, he said: "She's experienced, she's tough, she's capable."   Going Further [Netanyahu addresses Congress]( Getty Images Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country’s actions in Gaza before Congress yesterday, and called on the U.S. to fast-track aid. “As Israel fights on the frontline of civilization, I too appeal to America: Give us the tools faster, and we’ll finish the job faster,” he said. Republicans largely praised the address, but dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, didn't attend. Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib held up a sign that read “guilty of genocide,” and “war criminal.” At one point, Netanyahu claimed there had been "practically" no civilian fatalities in Rafah, with the exception of one strike — but CNN and other outlets have verified that multiple strikes have caused dozens of deaths.   More Stories [Kamala Harris smiles ]( Getty Images Kerstin Emhoff, the ex-wife of second gentleman Doug Emhoff, has defended Kamala Harris against sexist attacks about her not having children. She called Harris “nurturing," and said she'd been a "fiercely protective" co-parent of her children with Doug. Donald Trump fired up the crowd at his North Carolina rally yesterday, saying he was "supposed to be nice," but he wasn't going to be. He called Harris "crazy" and a "radical liberal," and claimed she'd covered up President Biden's poor health. U.S. infant mortality increased in 2022 for the first time in 20 years, the CDC says. There were 5.6 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births, a 3% rise from 2021, and more than 20,500 babies died before their first birthday. Experts say the figures are "far too high." The NBA has signed a new $76 billion, 11-year deal with Disney, Comcast and Amazon, rejecting a $1.8 billion per year offer from Warner Bros. Discovery to continue their relationship. WBD's sports division has vowed to "take appropriate action.”   Pop Cultured [Kamala Harris, Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Veep, and Lisa Simpson]( Getty Images / HBO / Disney+ / KCM The Simpsons made headlines earlier this week for "predicting" Kamala Harris's presidential bid. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that, in an episode from March 2000 where Lisa Simpson becomes POTUS, she wears a suit that's eerily similar to Harris's inauguration getup. But that's not the only political-pop culture crossover happening. [This all-too-prescient (and funny) clip from Veep]( — which first aired in 2013 — has gone viral, thanks to its on-the-nose parallels to our current political reality. Viewership for the HBO comedy is up 350% since Biden endorsed Harris, proving that sometimes real life is stranger than fiction.   Must-Reads [Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan]( Like a Rolling Stone We've got your first look at this year's anticipated Bob Dylan biopic. Can Timothée Chalamet capture that iconic voice? Let's find out... [Read More »]( [gloved hand scraping mold from a wall]( Hidden Hazard The average person spends 90% of their time inside, which can lead to a host of health problems from this unlikely source. [Read More »]( [Illustration of head deep in thought with a spiral]( In Your Feelings Caught in a spiral of negative emotions? Been there. Dr. Samantha Boardman has relief: Here are 6 tips to stop overthinking in its tracks. [Read More »](   Free Your Mind [Two women sitting in beach chairs and throwing their hands up with joy]( Getty Images This time of year is rife with opportunities for stress to get the best of us. Comparing your vacation (or your body) to what you see on friends' social media posts can be a recipe for feelings of inferiority. But it doesn't have to be that way: A therapist shares [three strategies for lessening your anxiety this summer]( — and a simple way to get help with your mental health when you need it. [LEARN MORE]( [ponsored by TalkspaceS](   Leading Ladies [Katie Couric, Laurie Kittle, Molly on the beach wearing blue dresses]( Kit Kittle It’s easy to be overwhelmed by what’s happening in the news, so I thought I’d tell you about some truly extraordinary women in my life in a new series called Leading Ladies. Today, it’s my friend Laurie Kittle, the creative force behind the clothing company [Walker & Wade]( — the resortwear brand Wake-Up Callers (and I, of course) love. I interviewed Laurie about what it was like to start a business at 60, how she uses social media for her brand, and more. [Check it out right here](, and take an exclusive discount at Walker & Wade next time you shop with code WAKEUP15. [TAKE THE LEAD](   [Ripple Effect by Katie Couric Media](   Trend Report Want to support indie designers over a huge retailer? [Nocca's fashions]( are impeccably tailored with luxurious fabrics. We're loving [this super chic polo]( that takes the tennis trend to the beach or out on the town. [tan mesh polo on background of ocean waves]( [SHOP HERE](   Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. 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