From explosive devices sent to the president’s critics to an increasingly partisan divide ahead of the midterm elections, it’s been a busy week in American politics. Here are some of the biggest stories you might have missed (and some links if you want to read further).
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A man was arrested in the mail bomb campaign targeting critics of the president.
After a tense week in which at least 12 crude explosive devices were sent through the mail to prominent critics of President Trump, fingerprint and DNA evidence led the authorities to a suspect: Cesar Sayoc Jr., 56, of Aventura, Fla. [Read the story]
Mr. Sayoc has a criminal history in Florida dating back to 1991, and he appeared to be living in a van plastered with stickers expressing support for Mr. Trump and animosity toward those who clashed with him. [Read the story]
Mr. Trump vowed on Friday that those responsible for the bombing campaign would be brought to “swift and certain justice.” In a Twitter post before his update on the case, the president characterized the crimes as an obstacle for Republicans ahead of the midterms. [Read the story]
Additional Reading
• What We Know About the Mail Bombs Sent to Trump Critics
• Before Cesar Sayoc Was a Bombing Suspect, He Was a Trump Superfan
• ‘False Flag’ Theory on Pipe Bombs Zooms From Right-Wing Fringe to Mainstream
The midterm elections are just 10 days away.
The potential for a “blue wave” remains an open question:
• Republican leaders worry that candidates for governorships and the Senate are in trouble in several key battleground states, and that difficulties could spill into House races.
• “Overconfidence will result in disaster.” As Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont made his way across nine states to stump for the Democrats, he warned that the so-called blue wave is not guaranteed.
• In battleground districts across the nation, a feeling that “life is good” may make swing voters harder to persuade than some Democrats anticipate.
• Propelled by the “blue wave” hopes and the #MeToo movement, four women in New York are aiming to unseat House incumbents in the November elections. They have raised millions.
• Stacey Abrams, the Democratic candidate for…
