May 20, 2026
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Michael's Daily Notes
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Call it a clean sweep for loyalty - and a troubling omen for the GOP (and all of us) in November.
Tuesday’s primaries delivered President Trump another round of scalps, most notably in Kentucky, where Rep. Thomas Massie lost to Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein in the most expensive U.S. House primary on record, with more than $32 million in ad spending. Massie’s sin? Thinking for himself.
In Georgia, Brad Raffensperger - the Republican secretary of state who famously refused Trump’s demand to “find 11,780 votes” - ran for governor and was eliminated entirely, failing to secure even a runoff spot. In today’s GOP, telling a president “no” has a very long shelf life.
Then there’s Texas. Trump endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn, citing Cornyn’s lack of support “when times were tough.” Never mind that Cornyn voted with Trump more than 99 percent of the time. Senate Republicans warned Paxton could be a more difficult general election candidate, with Sen. Lindsey Graham saying Trump’s move could make the race “three times more expensive.” Paxton, meanwhile, has faced securities fraud charges, an FBI investigation, and a 2023 impeachment by the Texas House.
That’s the pattern. Massie, Raffensperger, Cornyn - three Republicans more electable in a general election for precisely the reasons Trump opposes them. They showed independence. They occasionally said no. And for that, they must be punished.
Democrats aren’t running a diversity-of-thought festival either. But when both parties reward base purity over broad appeal, everyone loses - which is exactly why open primaries deserve a serious look. When voters beyond the base have a say in who advances, candidates have to earn a wider coalition. Tuesday was a reminder of what happens when they don’t.
The loser last night was independence. The bill comes due in November.
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DAILY POLL
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When you vote, which matters more: character or policy?
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TOP STORY
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Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie’s fiercely independent political career came to an end after losing his GOP primary to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein, underscoring President Trump’s continued influence over Republican dissenters.
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TODAY'S YOUTUBE
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SPONSORED BY PARX CASINO
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IN OTHER NEWS
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A newly announced $1.776 billion Justice Department compensation fund is drawing scrutiny after allies of Jan. 6 defendants say payouts were anticipated long before its creation, with former DOJ official Ed Martin allegedly predicting financial awards for Capitol riot participants.
Four Republican senators, including departing Sen. Bill Cassidy, joined Democrats to advance a war powers resolution limiting President Trump’s military authority over Iran, setting up a Senate floor debate despite an expected presidential veto.
President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the GOP Senate runoff against John Cornyn, delivering a major boost to Paxton’s campaign as Republicans battle over the future direction of the party in Texas.
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A MESSAGE FROM INCOGNI
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The newly disclosed Justice Department agreement would permanently shield President Trump, his family and businesses from IRS tax audits while establishing a $1.776 billion fund for alleged victims of “lawfare,” prompting fierce criticism and legal concerns from Democrats and tax experts.
Boston Logan International Airport’s new remote TSA checkpoint in Framingham, Massachusetts will let eligible Delta and JetBlue passengers bypass crowded terminals by screening off-site and riding a secure bus directly to their gates starting June 1.
Trial lawyers and jury consultants say an erosion of trust in the justice system, more rigid viewpoints and starker political divides have made pitched juror battles more common.
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CARTOONS
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by Rob Rogers
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MORE NEWS
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Federal investigators say the two teens behind the deadly San Diego mosque shooting met online, shared hateful writings targeting religions and races, and amassed dozens of weapons before carrying out the attack that killed three people.
After 177 years and a legacy as “the beer that made Milwaukee famous,” iconic brewer Schlitz Premium is being put on hiatus as rising production and shipping costs forced parent company Pabst Brewing Company to discontinue the once-dominant American beer brand.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he is open to signing legislation that would allow independent voters to participate in the state’s closed primary elections, as bipartisan lawmakers and advocacy groups push for reforms amid growing support for open primaries.
For the Left
Harvard University has asked a federal judge to dismiss the Trump administration’s antisemitism lawsuit, arguing the government failed to prove ongoing Title VI violations and is rehashing claims the university has already successfully challenged in court.
For the Right
Oregon voters overwhelmingly rejected a Democratic-backed gas tax increase amid soaring fuel prices linked to the Iran war, leaving state officials scrambling to address transportation funding shortfalls for roads and bridges ahead of the next legislative session.
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