NEWSMAKER
Inside Texas Politics began with Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams in studio to weigh in on the push for term limits for the Arlington mayor and city council. Arlington was named the best run city in Texas. And has added more jobs in the last two years than any other time in the city’s history. Mayor Williams joined host Jason Whitely and Bud Kennedy of the Star-Telegram.
STATEWIDE
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has agreed to debate his Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez. The debate will happen on a Friday night at the end of September, about the time many high school football games kick-off. Aman Batheja, in for Ross Ramsey, is the political editor of the Texas Tribune. Aman joined host Jason Whitely to discuss the timing and why Governor Abbott would agree to debate Valdez. They also talk about the effect President Donald Trump’s trade war is having on Texas.
MY VOICE, MY OPINION
Conservatives are split on whether President Donald Trump made the right choice in nominating Brett Kavanaugh to the supreme court. However, they are confident that this president might get another pick on the supreme court before it's all over. Chris Krok, from WBAP 820 AM, laid it out with this week’s My Voice, My Opinion.
NEWSMAKER 2
On Wednesday, July 18, Nelson Mandela would have turned 100. He died almost five years ago after a life of principle and public service. In September, the United Nations will honor the former president of South Africa. This week State Representative Helen Giddings (D-Dist. 109) joined host Jason Whitely to discuss how Dallas will commemorate Mandela this week.
FLASHPOINT
More encouraging news for Texas Democrats. Again, Congressman Beto O'Rourke raised more money than Senator Ted Cruz in the second quarter. O’Rourke brought in more than double this reporting period. So, why aren't Republicans rattled by this? From the right, Mark Davis of 660AM The Answer. And from the left, former Democratic state rep. Domingo Garcia.
ROUNDTABLE
Reporters Roundtable puts the headlines in perspective each week. Host Jason, Bud and Aman returned along with Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA's political producer. The three discussed whether it was a good idea for Republican U.S. Rep. Kay Granger to spend Fourth of July in Russia. They also analyzed Congressman Beto O’Rourke’s huge fundraising numbers. Beto’s raised more than double the amount of money Senator Ted Cruz got in the second quarter.
