What's Happening

Politics

America Meets JD Vance

What's going on: Last night, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) accepted the Republican nomination for vice president at the RNC. The moment put a spotlight on the 39-year-old junior senator, who entered politics less than two years ago after the success of his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. In his speech, Vance introduced himself as a millennial and highlighted his Midwestern upbringing. He championed Trump’s vision for America. It was a stark contrast to when he called the former president a “moral disaster.” On the issues: Vance, who previously said abortion shouldn’t be allowed in cases of rape or incest, has taken a softer approach to the procedure that’s in line with Trump’s. He’s also one of the leading dissident voices against aid for Ukraine and has said he would not have immediately certified the 2020 election results.

What it means: Since Trump entered politics in 2016, he has shaped the modern Republican Party (see: Trumpism) and has become its leading voice. Now, many political analysts believe the former president chose a young and fiercely loyal VP candidate who could carry Trumpism far into the future. If you needed a clear indicator that the GOP is already looking at the next election, take this: Vance has already become a frontrunner in many circles as a presidential candidate for 2028. (Can we get through this election first?) But whether Vance fulfills Trump’s vision for the next generation of Republicans remains to be seen.

Related: Who is Usha Vance? The Yale Law Graduate Who Is Married to JD Vance (AP)

Politics

Meanwhile, the Cracks in the Democratic Party Are on Display

What's going on: There are growing doubts about President Biden’s reelection bid, especially among leading congressional Democrats. News outlets reported yesterday that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) privately told the president that his candidacy for reelection could affect the Democrats’ chances of winning control of the House and Senate. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) had a similar private conversation with Biden, according to news outlets. Those reports came after Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) publicly called on the president to drop out of the presidential race. As if that were not enough, last night, the White House said President Biden tested positive for Covid and that he had mild symptoms.

What it means: Democrats’ image is in stark contrast to the united front the GOP has put forth at the RNC. The party has failed to rally its members behind Biden in the more than two weeks since his shaky debate performance. They have just over a month to get everyone in line or find a new candidate before the Democratic National Convention takes place. It has many taking a closer look at VP Kamala Harris and her potential as a presidential candidate. Voters feel a bit better about her than Biden, but she still holds low favorability among voters.

Related: More Details Are Emerging About the Security Failures Following the Attempt to Assassinate Trump (WaPo Gift Link)

Sports

LA To Be Home to the World’s Most Valuable Women’s Sports Team

What's going on: Angel City is on track to become the most expensive professional women’s sports team. It comes after the club said it scored a new ownership agreement with Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife Willow Bay. The team’s board of directors gave the $250 million deal their blessing in a vote, but the NWSL (the top women’s soccer league in the US) still has to give its stamp of approval. As an owner, Bay will take full control of the club’s board of directors, which will still consist of the previous owner and Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, Natalie Portman, Gillian Berry, and Julie Uhrman.

What it means: Interest in women’s sports has seen immense growth in recent years. Now, many are looking for ways to invest in the industry’s success and growth. Once finalized, the Angel City deal will surpass the $120 million San Diego Wave sale in March. The agreement will also include an undisclosed investment from Iger and Bay, with $50 million set aside to help fund the future growth of the club. Still, Angel City’s valuation doesn’t come close to the most valuable men’s sports team, which is a whopping $9.2 billion for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

Related: Could the USWNT’s Olympic Match Send-Off Be a Preview of What’s to Come? (WaPo)