The Presidential Daily Brief

Police Confirm Elliot Rodger as Suspect in Calif. Killings

Authorities are investigating written and videotaped materials that suggest that Friday’s stabbing and shooting rampage in Isla Vista, Calif., was a “premeditated mass murder.” Peter Rodger — the suspect’s father and assistant director of The Hunger Games film — had already issued a statement suggesting his 22-year-old son was responsible for killing six people and injuring 13 more near the University of California-Santa Barbara. Elliot — who reportedly took his own life — left behind a 140-page memoir entitled “My Twisted World,” which media outlets have begun analyzing.

Sources: NYT, BBC, LA Times, CNN, USA Today

Condoleezza Rice Curates OZY’s Presidential Daily Brief

OZY is pleased to welcome Dr. Condoleezza Rice as guest curator of today’s Presidential Daily Brief. Rice was Secretary of State from 2005-2009 and National Security Advisor from 2001-2005. She is currently professor of political economy at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, a fellow at the Hoover Institution and a new member of the College Football Playoff selection committee. Her next book, about democracy in the United States and abroad, is scheduled for publication in 2015.

Putinism Logically Culminates in Dictatorship

A sad look into the reality of Vladimir Putin and his views on leading Russia in the 21st century. 

Source: Politico

U.S. Criticizes Military Takeover in Thailand

The United States has denounced this coup, as we do not stand for such unnecessary takeovers. I hope that the military will work with leaders to restore government institutions, democracy and peace.

Source: Washington Post

Poll Shows Republican Voters Want Immigration Reform

I fully support immigration reform because it’s what makes our country great. America is made up of people who have immigrated here from all over the world to make a better life for themselves and their families. I hope others in my party will join the push to get comprehensive immigration reform passed.

Source: Politico

U.S. Rightly Challenges Alleged Chinese Cyberespionage

Cybersecurity is a real threat to our nation and to U.S. companies. I hope these charges will curb the Chinese tendency to hack into our systems.

Source: NYT

Top News From OZY

Drive-by shooting in Calif. kills seven. (NYT). Gun attack at Belgian Jewish museum kills three. (BBC). Former Thai prime minister remains in army detention. (CNN). Pope Francis begins Middle East tour. (Al Jazeera). Pakistan’s prime minister will attend Modi inauguration. (BBC). 

Senators Ask Obama to Take Action against Human Rights Abuses in Venezuela

Hopefully these new sanctions will help further the discussions with Maduro and the Venezuelan government.

Source: WSJ