Friendly Fire

“The FDA made a disturbing but not at all surprising announcement just a few days ago about children’s health. Now, if you haven’t heard about it or if you missed it, it’s because the mainstream media and the Biden-Harris administration have been completely silent on it. This warning that the FDA issued is basically saying that puberty blockers can cause serious health risks for our kids. Unfortunately, at almost the exact same time the FDA issued this warning, Biden-Harris administration officials were making public statements actively promoting the use of puberty blockers and irreversible surgeries for kids. Now let’s be clear: This administration is dangerously promoting child abuse.” —Democrat ex-Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard

Editorial Exegesis

“Joe Manchin’s surprise climate bill made chumps out of GOP Senate leaders, but don’t forget the House Democrats who pledged to oppose any tax deal unless it uncapped the deduction for state and local taxes (SALT). The Democrats drew a red line. Will Speaker Nancy Pelosi now herd them across it like a docile flock of lambs? … The Manchin climate bill includes serious tax changes, including a new 15% minimum tax on corporations, tax increases on carried interest, and tax breaks for rooftop solar panels and electric vehicles. But no SALT. So no deal? … Over to you, SALT Democrats. Will they stay true to their principles and constituents? Or will they choose loyalty to Mrs. Pelosi?” —The Wall Street Journal

Credit Where It’s Due

“We must stand by Taiwan, which is an island of resilience. … In recent years, Beijing has dramatically intensified tensions with Taiwan. … In the face of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) accelerating aggression, our congressional delegation’s visit should be seen as an unequivocal statement that America stands with Taiwan, our democratic partner, as it defends itself and its freedom. … Beijing’s abysmal human rights record and disregard for the rule of law continue, as President Xi Jinping tightens his grip on power. … We cannot stand by as the CCP proceeds to threaten Taiwan — and democracy itself. Indeed, we take this trip at a time when the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy. As Russia wages its premeditated, illegal war against Ukraine, killing thousands of innocents — even children — it is essential that America and our allies make clear that we never give in to autocrats. … By traveling to Taiwan, we honor our commitment to democracy: reaffirming that the freedoms of Taiwan — and all democracies — must be respected.” —House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

The BIG Lie

“It is quite ironic that congressional Republicans are complaining or have a false outrage on this Inflation Reduction Act that is actually going to do something and help the American people lower costs when they have offered really nothing to do that. What they have offered is to increase taxes on Americans making less than $100,000 a year.” —White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre

Veep Thoughts With Kamala

“Our nation will cut our greenhouse gas emissions in half by no later than 2030, and by no later than 2050 we will reach net zero emissions. Some say that is an ambitious goal. I say it is doable.” —Vice President Kamala Harris (“Some also say it would be suicide.” —David Harsanyi)

“Heat waves pose a greater threat to people who don’t have air conditioning or who work in high-heat workplaces.” —Kamala Harris

“While we send our prayers, and our love, we also, with each day, renew our commitment to the urgency of now and the ability that we have collectively, all of us in it together, to do something about it.” —Kamala Harris

“We can move clean energy from where it is created to where it is needed. It is literally about the transportation of energy. … How exciting is that?” —Kamala Harris

And Last…

“Are we just going to ignore the fact that one year after Biden surrendered Afghanistan to the Taliban, Al Qaeda’s top terrorist Ayman al-Zawahiri was back in Kabul?” —Liz Wheeler