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The Elephants in the Room

The Story

Eight people who weren’t Donald Trump made their case for the White House.

Catch me up.

Last night, Americans tuned in to watch seven men and Nikki Haley compete for the Republican nomination in the first 2024 GOP debate. Here were their biggest moments:

Vivek Ramaswamy…wants to deliver a “Reagan 1980 revolution.” The apparent billionaire entrepreneur with an Obama-esque intro and an Andrew Yang-esque crowd came prepped with the one-liners. He called regulations and climate change a “wet blanket on the economy.” And accused the other candidates of being “bought and paid for.” Not everyone knew Ramaswamy’s name before last night. Many do now.

Ron DeSantis…the frontrunner to the frontrunner. Before last night’s debate, Palm Beach Ken was seen as the man to beat Trump, polling a distant second. But last night, Ramaswamy took the spotlight. Still, DeSantis reminded Americans that he “kept [Florida] free and open” despite the backlash. He said he’d declare a “national emergency” on the US border as president. And talked up his work to undermine critical race theory and gender identity in FL classrooms.

Nikki Haley…channeled her inner Margaret Thatcher. The former UN ambassador and South Carolina governor called out Republicans for their spending bills. As she put it, it’s time for an “accountant in the White House.” (And guess who has an accounting degree.) Haley wants China and India to bear the brunt of climate change policy — and for the US to give more to Ukraine. On gender issues, Haley made clear she’s not supportive of trans women in women’s locker rooms.

Everyone else…was there. Former VP Mike Pence went head-to-head with Ramaswamy. Former NJ Gov. Chris Christie got the UFO question. Sen. Tim Scott (SC) jumped on the national abortion ban bandwagon. Former AR Gov. Asa Hutchinson made his appearance. And Gov. Doug Burgum (ND) brought his pocket constitution.

What about Trump?

The frontrunner didn’t show. More than 80 million viewers followed the former president to Twitter-turned-X for his 46-minute interview with Tucker Carlson. He used the time to praise the Jan 6 crowd and talk up his lead in the polls. Today, Trump plans to turn himself into Georgia authorities and pay $200,000 in bail over the state’s election interference investigation. He hasn’t said whether he’ll show for debate 2 next month.

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Trump has a more than 20-point lead over his closest contender (aka DeSantis). If any wanted to claw their way up, last night was their first big opportunity. Some — like Ramaswamy — had their moments. But each may need a lot more where that came from to get close to a nomination.

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And Also...This

Why everyone is raising their eyebrows…

The Wagner boss’s reported death. Yesterday, Russian state media reported that Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private jet that crashed in Russia. All 10 passengers are reported to be dead. In late June, Prigozhin launched a short-lived armed rebellion against Russia’s military leaders — in what was considered one of the strongest challenges to Russian President Vladimir Putin. It ended with a deal that exiled Prigozhin and Wagner soldiers in neighboring Belarus. Still, there’ve been reports that Prigozhin popped into Russia from time to time. Now, social media channels are speculating that Russian air defenses shot down the plane. As the news of the crash broke, Putin was speaking at a commemorative event.

What crossed ‘moon landing’ off its bucket list…

India. Yesterday, it landed its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the unexplored south pole of the moon, becoming the first country to ever do so. India joins the ranks of US, Russia, and China to reach the moon’s surface. The southern pole is the same area Russia aimed for last week but failed to reach. Space agencies have been eyeing the moon’s south pole since it’s believed to hold water ice deposits — potentially opening the door to making long-term human settlements on the moon. India’s prime minister called it “a victory cry of a new India.” Now, India could claim its status as a global superpower in the space race.

What’s about bloody time...

Free period products. Yesterday, New Jersey passed a law requiring schools to give free menstrual products for grades six through 12. The law will ensure that at least half of the girls' and gender-neutral bathrooms have the products available. Now, the state is one of at least 10 that offer free menstrual products in schools. One lawmaker called the products “a necessity, not a luxury.” Period.

Core memory time: The school year just started and you’re doodling on the inside of your new notebook. The bell rings, and you pull out a fresh notebook for the next subject to start the process over again. Ah, youth.

There’s nothing like back-to-school season to get the nostalgia flowing, but sometimes newer is better. This year, skip the analog and snag the one supply that’ll certainly set up your student for success: an Intel Evo Certified HP Laptop from Best Buy®. It’s vibrant-screened and wide-angled to help them do it all — with a touchscreen to put inspiration at their literal fingertips. Endless doodling real estate included.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Fan-fave sneaker collabs so good, they’re bound to sell out.

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Don’t wait

2. A skincare must-have that’s finallyyy back in stock.

This viral, all-in-one ‘luminizer’ can be used as a primer, highlighter, and glow-booster. With a clean, lightweight formula that’ll leave your skin nourished, hydrated, and dewy. Our advice? Grab a few while you can.*

Go, go, glow

3. An immune-strengthening superfood that’ll have you glowing inside and out.

This sustainably sourced wonder has over 400 science-backed nutrients. It’ll give your metabolism, skin, hair, and gut health a boost. Psst…get 15% off your first order with code SKIMM.*

Try it

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Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Back at it…Kathryn W (CA). She recently went back to work at the Friendship Center, a non-profit adult day care center for those living with dementia. She’s taking on her new role after gaining more experience at the Alzheimer’s Association for a few years.

(Some) Birthdays…Matt Raborn (NC), Allison Dominguez (IL), Alley Robison (GA), Sarah Magen (PA), Bekah Sparks (MS), Mayura Iyer (TX), Kate Schiefelbein (VA), Chelsea Wheeler (MI), Prutha Desai (IL), Patti Van Horn (TX), Phylicia Manley (IL), Sheri Bodoh (WY), Michelle Krichilsky (PA), Lindsay Reynolds (NC)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.