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Unlike the vast majority of their constituents, U.S. senators don’t have to worry about medical bills or food or their next paycheck. For them, politics really is just a game. Like any athlete, senators move based on two forces. They respond to their opponents, with whom they compete on the field of play. And they answer to their coaches, who decide whether they get to play at all. For some senators, their “coach” is their base—a mix of party officials, interest groups and donors that put them into office (and can take them out)....

The West Virginia Democrat said that his decision came after meeting with Jackson, considering her record and watching her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Because the Senate is split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, securing the vote of moderate Democrats like Manchin has been seen as crucial for Jackson’s confirmation. A tie vote on the nomination would be broken by Vice President Kamala Harris. Manchin said in a statement that the responsibility of considering and consenting to a Supreme Court nominee is one “I take very seriously” and that he has determined that he intends to vote in favor of Jackson....

Manchin, a moderate Democrat from a conservative state, told reporters he was undecided about whether he would support the massive spending plan after it was unveiled this week. However, he said that there were no “red lines” and that he would “look at everything,” suggesting he’s open to considering the merits of the proposed legislation. “We’ll look at the proposal, look at the priorities they have for our country and basically look at how we’re going to pay for it,” Manchin told reporters Wednesday....

In contrast, around two in 10 Democrats surveyed out of 1,308 adults through July 15-19 have a positive view of Manchin. He previously said he would not vote to “weaken or eliminate the filibuster” that permits Republicans to block bills that have not garnered 60 votes, the AP reported. Baron Walker, 43, from West Virginia, is critical of the senator, but said: “I don’t see any scenario where I’d vote anything other than Democrat....

The podcasting giant spoke about the president’s latest move on the most recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, where he questioned the authenticity of getting a jab on live TV, and what would happen if Biden had a bad reaction. “I think if they were going to give him a booster shot, the last thing they would do is give it to him live on television,” Rogan said. “What if he dies?...

Logano, the reigning Irwin Tools Night Race winner, led the final 65 laps but had to hold off an aggravated Harvick, who worked his way up through the field twice after being penalized on pit road. Harvick reached Logano’s bumper multiple times but was unable to get around the No. 22 as Harvick finished second for the 10th time this season. MORE: 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup winners | Who will be the next driver to slow JGR’s success?...

The Angelos family is involved in a number of internal disputes, with different members of the family suing each other as the control of their assets becomes a legal issue. Peter Angelos, John’s father, is the majority owner of the Orioles but is in failing health, and John’s younger brother, Louis, is suing John and their mother, Georgia Angelos, over ownership of the team. Louis has claimed that John could look to move the franchise to Tennessee and has alleged that John said he could do this “without having to answer to anyone....

He buzzes me in through the front door and I climb three silent flights of stairs. The silence tells me this is a childless establishment. Children do not figure in BB’s world except as victims, rejects, pawns in an appalling power-game. But immediately I have to make an adjustment: BB is not Quirke, the troubled and troubling hero of BB’s first novel, “Christine Falls.” For all I know BB may be a pipe-smoking family man in carpet slippers and a Fair Isle jumper....

Kim Myong Gil said Friday that he welcomed Trump’s suggestion that a “new method” of negotiation might reach a deal, which has remained elusive despite thawing ties between Washington and Pyongyang. Bolton’s hawkish outlook won him few friends among America’s rivals. From North Korea to Iran to Venezuela and further afield, the veteran diplomat’s propensity for tough negotiating and military might made him an obstacle to Trump’s deal-making instincts....

Take for example, today at the Daytona 500. Cena is in Florida to drive the pace car for “The Big One.” Prior to the race, Cena is taking in the action from pit road, when Fox Sports’ Jamie Little comes walking by. Cena is ready for an interview, as he always is. There is no interview. Cena is confused. MORE: What to know about 2016 Daytona 500 | Wrestlers turned actors...

A week before Election Day, Fetterman is ahead by 1.5 percentage points, an average of recent polls compiled by Real Clear Politics shows. However, recent polling also indicates that Fetterman’s chances in the closely watched race, which could decide control of the Senate, may have been hurt by his rocky debate performance against Oz, a Republican who shot to fame as a TV doctor. Fetterman, the state’s lieutenant governor, struggled to communicate effectively, jumbling words and speaking haltingly, as he took on Oz during the hourlong event on October 25, more than five months after he suffered a stroke....

Mark David Chapman, who pleaded guilty to the ex-Beatle’s December 1980 murder, is scheduled for a parole hearing in New York state, where he is held, within the next week, officials told Hawaii NewsNow. Chapman, who is originally from Hawaii, was denied parole after all 11 previous hearings since 2000, when he became eligible. He has been denied every two years. The latest denial occurred in August 2020 and he was given a hold for 24 months....

For the past thirty years, his name has been synonymous with the National Football League (NFL), given that it has been attached to all of their officially licenced games. For those who want a true simulation experience, with up-to-date playbooks and teams, authentic commentary, and the ability to play as real life athletes, there is simply no alternative to the Madden NFL franchise. The Electronic Arts (EA) series has been going strong ever since 1988, when John Madden Football was released for the Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS)....

The Camels were on the verge of leaving the Teddy Stadium with maximum points before Erik Sabo popped up with an equaliser at the death. Marcel Heister opened the scoring for the hosts in the 52nd minute and two minutes later, Nigeria striker Anthony Nwakaeme got the leveller for the visitors. Ben Sahar gave Barak Bakhar’s side the lead in the 63rd minute after Michael Seroshtan had received his marching orders moments earlier....

The HBO late-night host took particular issue with Carlson’s outburst about a Sesame Street educational special on race last week. Following the death of George Floyd and the subsequent mass protests across the country, the beloved children’s show aired a town hall in collaboration with CNN, to explain the events to children and to offer a kid-friendly explanation of racism. However, Carlson did not appreciate the sentiment, and said it was teaching children that, “America is a very bad place, and it’s all your fault so no matter what happens, no matter what they do to you when you grow up, you have no right to complain....

On “Last Week Tonight,” Oliver made the point that daily fantasy sports are indeed gambling, which would make them illegal. While making his case, the comedian pointed out all of the laughable ways DraftKings and FanDuel are defending themselves as this DFS saga continues on. MORE: Worst of NFL Week 10 | A daily fantasy sports protest? | DFS mess takes ugly turn Oliver isn’t actually against DFS companies, he’s just asking for a little more honesty....

Short story: Spano lied his way into owning the team for several months. He was praised by the league (and commissioner Gary Bettman) as the franchise's savior, then was exposed and wound up doing jail time. It was disgraceful, amazing and, in plenty of ways, impressive. He doesn't have many regrets—and his hilariously horrible relationship with then-coach/general manager Mike Milbury remains a particular point of pride. Spano actually managed, he said, to force Milbury to step down as coach during his "ownership....

Like team outings at the White House for a friendly game of bowling at the Harry S. Truman bowling alley in the basement of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. While the Wizards held a little tournament for the sake of team bonding, it was Paul Pierce who took home the top spot. MORE: Auctioning MJ’s game-worn shoes | Man stabbed at Celtics game | MJ smoking stogies Awesome. John Wall’s technique on the hardwood is undeniably awesome, but his bowling form is, well, different....

As told to Devin Gordon

Paul Manziel, who warned earlier this year that his partygoing son might not live to be 24 years old, told ESPN his son is a “druggie” and he hopes he “goes to jail” in order to stop using drugs and alcohol. MORE: Manziel’s troubled career “He’s a druggie. It’s not a secret that he’s a druggie,” Paul told ESPN’s Josina Anderson, which Adam Schefter posted to Facebook. “I don’t know what to say other than my son is a druggie and he needs help....