Opinion - Leland Vittert's War Notes: Colliding Forces
NewsNation Chief Washington Anchor and On Balance host Leland Vittert was a foreign correspondent for four years in Jerusalem. He gives you an early look at tonight's 9 pm ET show. Subscribe to War Notes here.
1 in 7: I am thoroughly convinced Rachel is among the 1 in 7 who would dump their partner to save their dog, according to a new study.
It's an interesting question — staying with your partner vs. your dog dying?
And are you among the 1 in 7? If so, why? If not, why not? We'll share some of the best responses on air Thursday!
Hottest take: From our buddy Erick Erickson, who writes on X, 'I'm still not convinced this is anything other than a hostage situation with Stockholm Syndrome.'
The news: Bill Belichick and his 24-year-old CAPTOR girlfriend are now engaged
Once again, we're saying that the only people allowed for public shaming are old men dating young women.
Why can't we all be happy for love?!
Politics is pretty simple: What's bad for your enemy is good for you.
The growing scandal around former President Biden's health is bad for Democrats and great for Trump — oh, the irony.
The more the media focuses on Biden lying and those covering for him, the more maneuvering room Trump gets to pass his 'Big, Beautiful Bill.'
The more Democrats answer for their constant assurances about Biden's health when he was president, the less credibility they have on anything.
Let's start with the Biden cover-up and media redemption attempt.
First off — many in the media haven't learned from their mistakes
For example, a 'CBS Mornings' guest (and Biden lackey) explained without any anchor pushback that the White House doctors wouldn't have tested Biden's PSA numbers to save money.
It was equally laughable when White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre answered age questions by saying the staff can't keep up with him
Oh yes, like the time she was on with Jake Tapper.
Wait – isn't Jake Tapper the guy who just wrote a book about the cover-up?! Right, now you are understanding.
Watch tonight: We'll talk to Alex Thompson, the reporter who actually dug into Biden's health — and paid a real price — in his first NewsNation interview about his book with Jake Tapper, 'Original Sin.'
Was it really a cover-up if nobody was questioning it?
What else is Biden covering up with his cancer diagnosis?
A Biden spokesperson tells NewsNation, 'President Biden's last known PSA was in 2014. Prior to Friday, President Biden had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer.'
Why on Earth should we believe them?
How many of their interviews are with public officials (now spilling beans on Biden's mental lapses) who openly lied to the American public during their time in office?
Do they deserve protection?
The Biden legacy issue could determine Trump's presidency.
Here is how:
Trump knows his 'Big, Beautiful Bill' is his first, last and best chance to enshrine his legacy in law.
Because of the 60-vote supermajority in the Senate required for most bills, Republicans must pass everything in a bill through 'reconciliation.'
Personal privilege: Much like the body positivity movement demanding acceptance of fat people as healthy and beautiful, MAGA wants us to believe massive spending bills and big (fat) government are beautiful.
Neither is true.
When it comes to the government, big is not beautiful — I am an unapologetic fiscal conservative — the old-fashioned kind.
Precious few of us are left.
Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' is high risk, high reward — as are most things with Trump.
He can afford to lose a couple of Republican votes … but that's it.
Trump destroyed one of Democrats' biggest talking points by reportedly telling Republican congressmen don't 'f**k with Medicaid.'
So now what? — Trump's political genius strikes again
For moderate Democrats, it will be difficult to vote against the bill.
They love big government.
They think it's beautiful.
There's no cuts to Medicare — and it includes a continuation of Trump tax cuts.
The next three weeks combine the explosive (Biden's health) with the mundane (tax legislation on Capitol Hill).
Who said summer in Washington can't be fun?
Tune into 'On Balance with Leland Vittert' weeknights at 9/8 CT on NewsNation. Find your channel here.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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