Trump goes off-script, CNN wants a seat, and Alaska has a Dan Sullivan problem

Donald Trump went to Michigan to campaign for Mike Rogers and delivered a performance that had the media reaching for the smelling salts. There were explosive accusations against Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, some decidedly unexpected commentary about Nicki Minaj, and a reminder that Trump rallies rarely follow anybody’s carefully prepared script.

On Monday’s Rush Hour, I dug into the uproar, including the reaction to Trump’s allegations about El-Sayed’s family connections and a fascinating dispute over political loyalties in Detroit’s Black community.

Then came the latest battle between the White House and the press. CNN, Politico, and MSNBC were at the center of another legal fight over access. Does freedom of the press guarantee a particular news organization a seat aboard Air Force One? That’s a constitutional argument worth having.

We also revisited Brazil’s contentious election, while the NFL’s international ambitions sent Karolos, Lady Benedict, and me down a wonderfully ridiculous road. Paris? Tehran? Ukraine? Gaza? Apparently, once you start shopping the Super Bowl around the world, there’s no telling where the conversation will end up.

And wait until you hear about Alaska.

Two men named Dan Sullivan on the same Senate ballot. A Justice Department lawsuit. Ranked-choice voting. And Todd Blanche sparring with television interviewers over what the Constitution actually says.

Who knew one name could create so much trouble?

We also found time to celebrate Natalie Merchant, Bootsy Collins, and the B-52s. Because even when Washington goes completely off the rails, the music still matters.