Morning Must Reads June 2
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is taking the fight over government entitlements to Florida Tuesday, using a cattle-call to draw a contrast with his Republican presidential opponents. A staunch defender of Social Security benefits, Huckabee will criticize calls from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to raise the retirement age and means-test benefits. After more than a year of denials, progressive groups are finally throwing in the towel on convincing Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren to run for president. Democracy for America and MoveOn.org Political Action pledged to spend 1.25 million on the ill-fated effort, but, of course, are claiming victory in changing the national conversation. Here are your must reads, Must Reads, Attorney General Loretta Lynch Makes a Big Splash in Her First Month, She's hit the ground running, TIME's Maya Rhodan writes, Run Warren Run' to Disband The liberal groups behind it claim success at changing the conversation TIME, Bernie Sanders Calls For More Democratic Debates The Democratic debate process may fall apart under criticism from Sanders and O'Malley TIME, Why Lindsey Graham Matters in the 2016 Race He won't win, but he can still change the race TIME, Hillary Clinton Camp Seeks to Both Raise and Lower Expectations Politics is a funny thing Washington Post, Iran's Nuclear Stockpile Grows, Complicating Negotiations Deadline on talks is at the end of the month New York Times, Sound Off, "Because I coughed a lot, I don't know  I smoked marijuana twice  didn't quite work for me." Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on trying the drug, "Unlike some in Washington who want to cut benefits for seniors, I will protect Social Security and Medicare, period. These programs are not entitlements they are earned benefits."  Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, in prepared remarks to be given in Orlando Tuesday. Bits and Bites, Jeb Bush faces challenge in winning over brother's team New York Times, Tobey Maguire among Hollywood players hosting Hillary Clinton in June L.A. swing Washington Post, The secret effort to sell Hillary Clinton to rich liberals Politico, Donald Trump's Des Moines Register interview, annotated Washington Post