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Who is happy with the current state of the Iran War?

“Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she had told Swalwell to end his bid, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called on him to drop out. California Sen. Adam Schiff and Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, both longtime allies, said they were withdrawing their endorsements.”

Swalwell denied the allegations in a video: “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have.”

Mark Barabak: Rumors, denials, then a pair of bombshells. And Eric Swalwell is suddenly on the ropes.

“The Strait of Hormuz long functioned as an artery for the world’s maritime economy. But that 30-mile-wide waterway is now a monument to a new global disorder. As some 20,000 sailors effectively held hostage at sea digested President Trump’s cease-fire announcement this week—contingent on the complete opening of the strait—Iranian officials stressed they would determine which ships could leave and at what price.”

“The ‘Tehran toll booth’ was taking effect, as the U.S. Navy watched on, an admission that, at least here and now in the world’s oil corridor, America no longer rules the waves.”

“The assessments come as the U.S. is working to cement a cease-fire that would fully open the Strait of Hormuz and also insulate Iran, American troops and states in the region from further attacks.”

“Those questions have mounted in recent months, as Mr. Trump’s political fortunes have waned and the chance that Democrats might win the Senate in November has grown.”

“The successful conclusion of Artemis II sets NASA on a path to extend the agency’s achievements in space exploration, and, for now at least, the United States is ahead of China in a 21st century space race.”

Wired: “After traveling a greater distance from Earth than any humans before them, the astronauts of Artemis II have safely returned home.”

Wall Street Journal: “It is the latest test for a politician who many believe hopes to succeed Trump in the White House and presents acute risks. Vance, an anti-interventionist who attempted to distance himself from the war in its early days, is now more closely tied to its outcome.”

Financial Times: Peace talks present big test on global stage for JD Vance.

“Instead, aides on Friday pointed to pockets of improvement — lower prices for some goods, tax cuts and falling drug costs — as evidence the broader picture was being missed.”

“The argument that the administration’s record is stronger than the public recognizes has become a familiar one. Former president Joe Biden made a similar case at the end of his term — a rare point of overlap between two leaders who have spent over a decade attacking each other’s policies and fitness for office.”

CNN: Former staffer alleges in interview that Swalwell raped her.

Politico: “Swalwell’s campaign for governor was reeling Friday after two news reports detailed accusations of sexual assault and misconduct, with multiple staffers resigning and both prominent allies and rival candidates calling on the California Democrat to exit the race.”

Said Raskin: “His apparently deteriorating condition has caused tremendous alarm across the nation (and political spectrum) about the President’s cognitive function and continuing mental fitness for the office of President, and prompted concerns about the President’s wellbeing.”

Said Trump: “It doesn’t bother me.”

He added: “I didn’t know what the statement was, but I knew she was going to make a statement.”

Said Leo: “God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.”

First lady Melania Trump on Thursday said Congress should give “women who have been victimized by Epstein … a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors.”

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“It is ending with Trump looking like he’s losing leverage, out of ideas — and increasingly anxious for an offramp.”

“The economic news Friday was especially grim for Trump’s ability to keep prosecuting this war and drive a hard bargain with Iran in upcoming negotiations.”

Said Trump, in a recent meeting: “I’ll pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval.”

“That radius appears to be expanding as the president repeats the line. Another person who met with Trump earlier this year said the president quipped about pardoning anyone who had come within 10 feet.”

“In one conversation with advisers in the dining room next to the Oval Office last year, Trump said he would host a news conference and announce mass pardons before he left office.”

“It is the culmination of a year’s worth of liberal grassroots fury over what they see as President Trump’s many transgressions and the Democratic establishment’s lackluster response.”

“Even as his approval rating droops amid rising gas prices and a sluggish economy, the president is still one of the most potent forces in Republican politics.”

“The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!”