POLITICSDEVELOPING08/11/26

Todd Blanche Senate Confirmation

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general 50-49 before leaving for recess.

Photo: Fox News Politics

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

Aug 11: Blanche confirmation finally passes Senate

FRAMING Mother Jones emphasized Cassidy Capitulation, Narrow Confirmation; Fox News Politics emphasized SAVE Act Shelved, Chaotic Night.

WHAT BOTH SIDES REPORT

▸The Senate passed a spending bill and then left for recess. — Washington Post, Fox News Politics

LEFT / CENTER-LEFT

▸Mother Jones reported that Sen. Cassidy publicly backed Blanche the day before the vote after initially wavering. — Mother Jones
▸Mother Jones reported nearly all Republicans voted with Trump, with only two exceptions. — Mother Jones

RIGHT / CENTER-RIGHT

▸Fox News detailed an overnight Senate session marked by brokered deals and punted legislation. — Fox News Politics
▸Fox News reported the SAVE America Act failed to pass despite proponents' promises to force a vote. — Fox News Politics
▸Fox News reported Sen. Scott called on newly confirmed AG Blanche to prosecute Dr. Anthony Fauci. — Fox News Politics

HOW COVERAGE DIFFERSCOVERAGE SPLIT

10/17/26

POLITICSDIFFERENT FOCUS

Suspicious Substance Letters Probe Widens

Federal authorities investigate suspicious substance letters mailed to congressional and election offices nationwide.

Left: 100+ letters threaten election officials nationwide.

Right: Schumer, Dem senators named as letter targets.

REPORTS DISAGREECOMPETING CLAIMS

Yesterday

POLITICSCONFLICTING REPORTSDEV.

DOJ California Voter Fraud Sweep

DOJ charged 28 noncitizens and arrested 11 in California under 'Operation Protect the Vote.'

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Thursday: The Justice Department gave California 48 hours to review flagged noncitizen voters or face emergency legal action.

Sunday: DOJ threatens criminal prosecution for processing noncitizen ballots

Tuesday: DOJ charges 28 noncitizens, arrests 11 in California

Left: Defendants say they never registered to vote.

Right: DOJ arrests 11, charges 28 noncitizen voters.

DEVELOPING STORYWHAT CHANGED

Yesterday

POLITICSSHARED FOCUSDEV.

Vance Declines Netanyahu Endorsement

VP Vance declined to endorse Netanyahu for reelection, one day after Trump backed him.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Monday: Trump endorses Netanyahu for Israel's Oct. 27 election, says U.S. may have to fight Iran alone without him

Tuesday: Vance declines Netanyahu endorsement one day after Trump backs him

Left: Vance breaks from Trump on Netanyahu endorsement.

Right: Vance: neither for nor against Netanyahu.

DEVELOPING STORYWHAT CHANGED

10/18/26

POLITICSDIFFERENT FOCUSDEV.

Trump Waives Russia Sanctions

Trump signed an executive order Friday waiving Russia sanctions under the Lindsey Graham-named law, drawing bipartisan criticism.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Saturday: Trump signs executive order waiving Russia sanctions and tariffs mandated by the Graham Act.

Sunday: Executive order signed two days before sanctions took effect

Left: A gift to Putin, a slap at Graham's legacy

Right: Energy relief, acting in national interest