Party Lines

What's swaying voters? [For the best experience, read in browser.]( August 20, 2024 Good morning! We’ve got the highlights from the first day of the DNC, plus… - We’re analyzing Kamala Harris’s appeal with women voters — and [whether it’ll be enough to beat Donald Trump]( - A GOP strategist explains [what’s behind Trump’s powerful pull]( - We spill [Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner’s advice for Joan Vassos]( - [Al Roker shares his “healthy” spin on a classic bar food]( And a whole lot more where that came from. Let’s dive in!   In The News [Donald Trump and Kamala Harris]( KCM/Getty Images With less than 80 days until Election Day, the presidential campaign is heating up. Here's a closer look at the two candidates vying for the highest office in the land. Vice President Kamala Harris’s candidacy has seen a tidal wave of support ever since President Biden dropped out of the race. “I think we’re all experiencing something we haven’t for a while, and that’s joy,” says gun control activist Shannon Watts. But can Harris do what former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton couldn’t? [Here’s what politicos have to say](. Despite Harris’s shake-up, GOP strategist Matt Terrill believes Trump continues to have an enduring appeal with voters. “Few politicians in U.S. history have commanded such loyalty from so many,” Terrill writes in an op-ed. Here’s more on that, and [how]([Trump has garnered support beyond his MAGA base](.   DNC Dispatch [Joe Biden hugging Kamala Harris at the DNC]( Getty Images An impassioned President Biden passed the torch to Kamala Harris during the first night of the Democratic National Convention. After jogging on-stage to thunderous applause, he said that picking her as his running mate was the "best decision" of his political career. “She’ll be a president our children can look up to. She’d be a president respected by world leaders, because she already is... And she’d be a historic president who puts her stamp on America’s future,” he said. He closed with a song verse from his inaugural address, declaring: "America, I gave my best to you," then ad-libbing: "I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you." Harris herself made a surprise appearance, thanking Biden for his "lifetime of service to this nation." And Hillary Clinton gave a powerful speech underlining Harris's historic candidacy, saying: "On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris... Because when a barrier falls for one of us, it falls and clears the way for all of us.”   More Stories [Israeli protesters hold up signs with pictures of hostages held in Gaza]( Israeli protesters demand the return of hostages from Gaza. (Getty Images) The IDF says it's recovered the bodies of six hostages from Gaza. This comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reports a "very productive" meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who he says accepted a bridging proposal for a ceasefire deal. Blinken says it's now "incumbent on Hamas to do the same.” Trump told Reuters he'd offer Elon Musk a role in his second administration if he's reelected. Musk responded on X with an image of himself standing at a podium inscribed "Department of Government Efficiency," captioned: "I am willing to serve." Trump also reposted AI images of Taylor Swift and Swifties appearing to endorse him, captioned "I accept." (The singer is yet to officially endorse any candidate in the 2024 election.) Disney has reversed course in a wrongful death lawsuit, waiving its right to arbitration. Disney had claimed that the widower of a woman who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at a resort restaurant couldn't take the company to court, because of the agreement he signed when he subscribed to Disney+ in 2019.   Must-Reads [Joan Vassos]( Finding Mr. Right We've got a sneak peek into what Joan Vassos is looking for in a partner— and a preview of her first night in the Bachelor mansion. [Read More »]( [Pills on a tic-tac-toe board]( Rx Relief As a primary care doctor, Neda Frayha, MD, gets a lot of questions about prescription drugs. Here's what she wants you to know. [Read More »]( [Illustration of sad woman with her head on her knees]( Alarm Bells Domestic violence has been at the forefront of cultural conversation. An expert sheds light on the signs of abuse we don't always see. [Read More »](   The Doctor Is In Navigating the challenges that come with "the change" can be confusing. That's why I'll be sitting down with Dr. Mary Claire Haver today at 4:30 p.m. eastern on IG Live, to ask her all about her tips for surviving — and thriving — during this transition and to answer your questions about menopause and women's health. [Join us on Instagram!](   Extra Credit [Katie Couric and Al Roker]( KCM And many more: Can you believe my buddy Al Roker turns 70 today? It's no secret that he cooks up a storm on and off the TODAY show, so we're sharing a taste of [his killer baked chicken wings recipe](. Enjoy, and join me in wishing Al a very happy birthday! Seeing the positives: Journalist Frank Bruni woke up one morning and realized he'd lost vision in one eye — and was at risk of going blind. Molner interviewed him about [why he gained gratitude]( from the experience. Deal download: Tory Burch makes one of [our favorite Apple Watch bands](. The leather style is timeless, and it's [on sale right now]( for more than 30% off!   [A smiling tree frog next to text that says: Ripple Effect. Don't miss our ribbiting — uh, riveting — newsletter about what makes our planet special. and a button that says ''sign me up.''](   It's a Hit [Quince pickleball paddles]( Our favorite retailer meets our favorite sport? Say less. Quince's high-quality, budget-friendly goods are hitting the pickleball court. Play in style with [these cute paddles]( while you don [this stylish tennis dress]( — both under $60. [SHOP HERE](   Final Words [Phil Donahue] Getty Images I was so sad to hear that legendary talk show host Phil Donahue died on Sunday at 88. The Phil Donahue Show, which premiered in 1967, gained acclaim for tackling controversial topics like child abuse in the Catholic Church, feminism, and race relations, and it was the first show to allow audience members to ask questions to guests. Donahue won 20 Emmy Awards and paved the way for so many other daytime talk show hosts. He will be missed.   Thanks for reading! Want to stay connected? Subscribe right here: 💪 Wake up well: [Body and Soul]( 🍴 See what's cooking: [Good Taste]( 🌎 Explore the planet: [Ripple Effect]( 🛒 Bargain-hunt: [The Shop Edit]( 👔 Clock in: [Wake-Up Call at Work](   Have questions or comments? Drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2024 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.