Political Roundup: Biden Out? - Trump No-Show

Trump's Debate No-Show 🎤: Despite leading the Republican primary polls, Trump has decided to give the first debate a miss 🚫 and has hinted at skipping the second one too, scheduled at the iconic Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California 🌴.

Christie, known for his frequent spats with Trump, didn't hold back. He challenged Trump to "step up, not hide" and join the debates if he has opinions to share. This came after Trump labeled Christie a "grifter" on Truth Social. Christie fired back in a chat with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, saying, "Trump can't handle being called out. If he had any courage, he'd be on that debate stage." 💪

Biden's Counter-Strategy 📣: As the Republican presidential primary debate approaches, President Biden's reelection campaign is dispatching California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, to lead the counter-narrative 🛡️.

Stationed in Simi Valley, California, Newsom will be on the frontlines, challenging Republican narratives and spotlighting any extreme rhetoric from the debate. Joining him in this mission are Biden-Harris campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez and Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison. The Biden campaign advisers emphasized their strategy: "We'll debunk Republican myths and spotlight their extreme views at every opportunity." 🌟

Clinton's Skepticism 🤨: In an upcoming Sunday interview, Hillary Clinton expresses her doubts about Trump's claim that he wouldn't pardon himself.

Clinton's candid response to MSNBC's Jen Psaki was, "Why would I believe him now?" 🤔 This came after Trump's statement on "Meet the Press" where he mentioned having the option to pardon himself.

Court's Decision on Drilling 🛢️: A federal court has directed the Biden administration to proceed with an offshore oil and gas drilling auction, sidelining concerns about endangered whales 🐋.

Judge James Cain Jr., appointed during Trump's tenure, halted the administration's move to exclude 6 million acres from the upcoming offshore lease sale.

Cruz's Bold Prediction 🔮: Texas Senator Ted Cruz has a theory: If President Biden drops out of the 2024 race, Democrats might bring in Michelle Obama as their presidential nominee.

On his podcast, "Verdict with Ted Cruz," he speculated about Biden's potential exit from the 2024 race and said, "Come August 2024, Democrats might ditch Biden and bring in Michelle Obama. It's a real threat in my view." ⚠️

• Joe Biden: 42 percent favorable, 54 percent unfavorable, 2 percent haven't heard enough about him;

• Donald Trump: 37 percent favorable, 59 percent unfavorable, 3 percent haven't heard enough about him;

• Ron DeSantis: 24 percent favorable, 58 percent unfavorable, 18 percent haven't heard enough about him;