- The economy is spinning its wheels: It grew at a sclerotic 1.3% annualized rate in the 2nd quarter while 1st quarter growth was revised down to 0.4%. This is bad.
- Jay explains how the House GOP coalition fell apart last night, what’s next, and why it’s all left John Boehner limping.
- One could argue the failed House vote can be traced back to Senator Jim DeMint. This kind of thing is his legacy.
- Erick Erickson despairs at Republican negotiating, says “Hold the freaking line.”
- Harry Reid enjoys one last jab at the Boehner bill.
- Horrifying fact of the day: Apple now has more cash on hand than the U.S. government.
- New, sharper-elbowed Huntsman lumps rest of GOP presidential field in with Obama on debt.
- Europe’s far right in light of the Norway massacre.
- AWOL soldier arrested for alleged plot to attack Fort Hood.
- And Stephen Colbert sets everyone straight on the whole Lord of the Rings metaphor.