The Biden campaign is officially underway – with Gretchen Whitmer the only Governor among the campaign’s 7 co-chairs. A signal of things to come? There are media reports of a special grand jury on election machine tampering add to state Republicans’ unenviable list of criminal investigations, even as one scandal brings a guilty plea from a former Republican House Speaker whose cooperation may bring still more indictments.

Mark and Jeff discuss the latest turmoil (criminal and otherwise) in the GOP, the spiraling culture wars targeting just about anyone who isn't a straight white male, the futility of attacking Mickey Mouse, and another Republican-controlled state legislature officially silencing differing points of view.

President Biden's reelection announcement (via YouTube)

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Stories We’re Following This Week

Campaigns

Biden Re-election Announcement - Twitter

Joe Biden’s 2024 Message Is ‘Old Beats Crazy’ - Intelligencer

Opinion | DeSantis’s Puddin’ Head Campaign - The New York Times

The Lincoln Project: RIP Tucker - Twitter

Top Dem super PAC starts Biden ad blitz, pledges $75 million campaign effort - POLITICO

Slotkin's Senate run may complicate Dems bid to retake House | AP News

Elissa Slotkin gets a US Senate challenger in Dearborn businessman - Detroit Free Press

Michigan Headlines

Former MI House Speaker Rick Johnson pleads guilty to bribery - WPBN

Secret grand jury has probed post-2020 examination of voting machines in Michigan

Proposal would add sexual orientation to Michigan hate crime laws - Lansing State Journal

After passing three gun bills, Michigan Democrats say they’re not done - Bridge Michigan

Governors, Led by Whitmer, Fight GOP's Budget Machete

GOP Culture Wars

Nessel, sheriff, clash over enforcement of red flag law - WLNS 6 News

Kalamazoo YWCA seeks tax dollars to support gender affirming, abortion care - Bridge Michigan

Indiana's best, brightest flee state to live in more progressive areas - Indianapolis Star

Transgender lawmaker banned from Montana House floor for rest of 2023 session - PBS NewsHour

Many States Are Trying to Restrict Gender Treatments for Adults, Too - The New York Times

In a thriving Michigan county, a community goes to war with itself - The Washington Post

North Dakota governor signs law banning nearly all abortions - AP News

7 arrested for protesting in support of Montana transgender lawmaker - AP News