For the Record: Eight is Enough
Happy Friday, For the Record peeps! Ever since George Pataki put it into our heads, we've been contemplating what every candidate's "American Idol" audition song should be and which candidates would make the best "Survivor" alliances. We're pulling for the Donald to give us a rendition of "For the Love of Money," for obvious reasons.
Have any thoughts on the matter? Tweet us (@jmestepa, @joannaallhands, @RGJBrettMcG)! And to see more of our suggestions, be sure to subscribe and get For the Record goodness delivered to your inbox six days a week.
Now, onto the headlines.
THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN
At tribal council on Thursday, the national polls became the pieces of paper that allowed the top GOP candidates to participate in next week's Fox Business News and Wall Street Journal debate. Those who made the cut: Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and Rand Paul. Those who will have to drink their way through the happy hour debate: former prime timers Chris Christie and Mike Huckabee, along with Rick Santorum and Bobby Jindal. Those who are crying on the boat that's taking them to wherever Jim Gilmore's been hanging out: Lindsey Graham and George Pataki. Paste BN's David Jackson has the details.
ONE MORE YEAR! ONE MORE YEAR!
You guys. We only have a year left together. We have to live it up. Here's what may be in store:
1. FBI intrigue with Hillary Clinton
2. Trump blaring the theme song from the "Hercules" movie
3. The economy might implode
4. Syria might explode
5. The Wigg Party maybe makes a comeback
BEN CARSON HEARTS THE FIRST STATE
Who knew? The GOP front-runner vacationed with his family in Seaford, Del., for years. He secured $4.5 million in funding for that town's Boys and Girls Club. His youngest son went to the University of Delaware. And now, his candidate committee is leading in Republican donations in the state. Of course, the First State is the home of Veep Joe Biden and its congressional delegation and governor are all Democrats, but hey. Every little bit helps. Jon Offredo of the (Wilmington) News Journal has more.
MORE FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Hill says Bill would run again if he could (Paste BN OnPolitics)
So, how accurate are Jeb(!)'s criticisms of Cruz, Rubio and Paul? (FactCheck.org)
Humble and One Nation get Secret Service details (Paste BN OnPolitics)
Bernie gets real back home (Burlington Free Press)
Jeb(!)'s new motto: Chill, dude (Paste BN OnPolitics)
SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST
What rhymes with "Carson"? "Awesome." At least, that's what's going to happen in Ben Carson's new hip hop ad that drops today. Yes. Hip. Hop. Ad. It's called "Freedom." It targets minority voters. We. Cannot. Wait.
And finally, for the record, Martin O'Malley, we promise we know who you are.