Topic: Nomination

Monica Crowley reports that Kamala Harris and her team successfully outmaneuvered Barack Obama to secure the Democratic nomination. While Obama reportedly preferred an alternative candidate and a mini-primary, Harris moved quickly to lock up delegate support, presenting the Obamas with a fait accompli. Crowley suggests Obama's eventual endorsement was reluctant and that he remains an unenthusiastic supporter of the Vice President.

Concerns are raised regarding a nuclear reactor in Missouri facing potential flooding and an electrical fire, with comparisons drawn to the Fukushima Daiichi disaster. Separately, a prediction is entered into the Red Book regarding Rick Perry's chances for the Republican nomination; while one host believes he has significant financial backing, the other predicts he will fail to secure the nomination.

Joe Biden officially nominated California Attorney General Javier Becerra to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. During the announcement, Biden appeared to struggle with the pronunciation of Becerra's name and misstated the department he would lead. Becerra's nomination is seen as a key part of Biden's strategy to defend the Affordable Care Act.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez officially seconded the nomination of Senator Bernie Sanders during the Democratic National Convention. Some media outlets incorrectly reported that she failed to endorse Joe Biden, ignoring the procedural nature of the convention where she was tasked specifically with the Sanders seconding.

A review of top trending stories on Google News reveals a heavy emphasis on entertainment, such as the 2014 Emmy nominations and celebrity gossip, over significant geopolitical events. The hosts contrast the coverage of Matthew McConaughey and Netflix with the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

John "Chris" Inglis, the Deputy Director of the NSA, is rumored to be a top candidate for the next Secretary of Homeland Security. While New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly has been publicly discussed, intelligence sources suggest Inglis is the more likely pick. His background as a Brigadier General and his deep ties to the NSA are highlighted as factors that would make his nomination powerful and difficult to oppose.

Investor Kyle Bass reports that a senior Obama administration official admitted the plan to grow U.S. exports involves "killing the dollar." Since the administration will not allow nominal wage deflation, currency devaluation is seen as the only remaining lever to make American goods competitive. The hosts analyze the implications of this policy on domestic savings and global trade.

Ron Paul faces significant media scrutiny and dismissal from networks like Fox News despite strong polling in the Iowa Caucus. A comparison is drawn to the 2002 assassination of Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn, expressing concern for Paul's safety as an anti-establishment candidate. Media pundits continue to claim Paul's foreign policy makes him an unsustainable candidate for the Republican nomination.

Former President Bill Clinton praised Newt Gingrich's debate performance and intellectual approach to policy, fueling speculation of a bipartisan alliance. Gingrich's resurgence in the GOP polls is attributed to his "thoughtful" stances on immigration and his ability to secure media attention. Some analysts suggest Gingrich has struck a deal with the Clinton camp to maintain the political status quo.