The Presidential Daily Brief

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi Curates for OZY

We strive to ensure that OZY readers hear from a wide range of voices and perspectives — a particularly important mission given today’s polarized political climate. That’s why we reach out to interesting, impactful figures from around the globe and across the political spectrum. 

Today, Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi joins the ranks of OZY guest editors like Karl Rove, Speaker Paul Ryan and Jeff Bridges to share the news that’s most on her mind. A lifelong politico, the Trinity College alum became the first woman to serve as U.S. House Speaker — the highest political office to be held by an American woman. She’s represented San Francisco in the U.S. Congress for 30 years. When asked what the three most important issues facing Congress are, Pelosi says her answer is always: “Our children, our children, our children.” She wishes fellow moms everywhere a happy Mother’s Day.

Gambling on Iran Is a Losing Bet

The Iran nuclear agreement was a great diplomatic achievement, successfully preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensuring a safer future for our children and grandchildren. The president’s decision to destroy the successful Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action puts the catastrophic threat of a nuclear-armed Iran back on the table, leaving America isolated, instead of Iran, and eroding our international credibility. This recklessness endangers the security of Americans, our allies and the world. Democrats know that building a world at peace for our children to grow and thrive requires smart diplomacy.

Tax Cuts Could Hurt Our Health

As a member of Congress, I believe it’s our sacred duty to protect the health and safety of our children. While 83 percent of the tax cut benefits go to the wealthiest few, 86 million middle-class families will eventually see their taxes rise. Big Pharma is hoarding their billions in payouts while raising drug prices on seniors and families. Republicans are engaged in an all-out assault on the financial and health security of our children and their families. Democrats will continue to fight to ensure quality, affordable care for all.

Let’s Dream With Them on Mother’s Day

I recently spoke for a record eight hours in a bid to force a vote on behalf of America’s Dreamers. As a mother of five and grandmother of nine, I’m heartbroken and angered by the separation of immigrant children from their families. These patriotic young people make America more American. They are our friends and neighbors, our classmates and teachers, and they proudly protect and serve our nation in uniform. Please join me in standing up and pushing Congress to pass a bipartisan DREAM Act to ensure these young people can continue to stay and contribute to our nation.

We Should Fight to Protect Kids From Guns

Everyone can agree that school shootings are needless tragedies, but what we need is action on bipartisan solutions. Gun violence is stealing the lives of more than 93 people across the country every day. In Newtown, Aurora, Orlando, San Bernardino, Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, Parkland and on city streets and in homes nationwide, there has been too much violence and too much heartbreak. Courageous young people across the country are now standing up, speaking out and saying “Enough is enough!” Let’s join them to make a positive change for future generations. No one’s political survival is more important than that.

News Headlines by OZY: Iraqi Surprise, New Volcano Cracks and Winning Chicken Dance

Know This: Preliminary results from Iraq’s Saturday elections show a coalition controlled by anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is ahead of the ruling coalition. A week after the Kilauea volcano eruption, Hawaii’s Civil Defense Agency yesterday found new fissures with lava that is “actively sputtering.” And President Trump tweeted that his Commerce Department would help Chinese phone giant ZTE — crippled by new U.S. trade restrictions — get back on its feet. It’s not clear what he’s planning, but the tweet lamented, “too many jobs in China lost.”

High Note: Israel’s Netta Barzilai won the Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon last night with her dance tune Toy, featuring her unique chicken dance.

Making a Splash: The largest wave ever to be recorded in the Southern Hemisphere — at a whopping 78 feet high, twice the height of the average telephone pole — came crashing down last week off the coast of New Zealand.