Between now and Election Day, who will make fewer big mistakes, Kamala Harris or Donald Trump?

Selection of Smerconish daily headlines

Markets Have Best Week of 2024, CNBC
The S&P 500 is now just 2% away from its mid-July record high. Retail sales data released Thursday came in much stronger than economists expected, while weekly jobless claims fell.

Philadelphia Will Host First Debate, ABC6
The ABC News Presidential Debate, between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. EDT at the National Constitution Center.

Historic Election Gender Divide, Mediaite
Harry Enten found that if the polls continued trending the way they did, there could be a “historic” gender gap this November, with women favoring Harris at a larger rate than past Democratic candidates.

10 Ways Trump Is Blowing It, The Hill
Given the issue environment and national mood, Trump should be the favorite to win back the White House. Instead, he is running the most incompetent campaign since George McGovern

This morning, economists got something they’ve been waiting three years for: an absolute snooze-fest of an inflation report.

“To be honest, this was probably the dullest CPI we’ve had in a long while,” wrote Bloomberg senior editor Chris Anstey. “Which of course is what the Fed wants.”

“Tame.” “Benign.” Those are some of the adjectives that analysts used to describe the Consumer Price Index reading for July. “It is the ultimate ‘no news is good news’ report,” wrote Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Independent Advisor Alliance.

To be clear: This is high praise from the wonks. The consumer inflation reading is finally looking normal and healthy, and not so hideously distorted by the pandemic.

For all of us non-economists, it’s worth taking a moment to pump our fists in the air. And if any of you greater DC-area residents see Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the coffee shop, go ahead and high five him

Should newspapers make political endorsements?

Selection of Smerconish daily headlines

Trump Increasingly Driven By Fury, CNN
Trump’s growing anger over Kamala Harris’ entry into the race is fueling erratic behavior in his campaign, raising concerns about his ability to effectively challenge her.

Harris on Weed, Fracking, and Death Penalty, Associated Press
Kamala Harris has shifted her positions on issues like the death penalty, fracking, and marijuana over her political career, leading to criticism of her as inconsistent and opportunistic.

Fetterman and Shapiro Rift Explained, NBC News
A public rift between John Fetterman and Josh Shapiro, driven by differences in style and ambitions, could significantly impact the future of PA politics and the Democratic Party.

Emerson: Harris 50, Trump 46, Emerson College Polling
An August national poll shows Harris leading Trump 50% to 46%, with gains among independents and younger voters, maintaining a four-point lead with undecided voters included.

Lewandowski Rejoins the Band, Politico
Trump has brought former 2016 campaign manager Corey Lewandowski back to his team as part of an effort to strengthen his campaign’s leadership ahead of the election

October Surprise? A Biden Resignation, The Hill
There is growing speculation that Biden might resign before the election, pressured by Democrats, allowing Harris to assume the presidency and run as an incumbent.