The Presidential Daily Brief

Congressman Paul Ryan Curates OZY’s PDB

He’s feeling presidential … at least today. Congressman Paul Ryan didn’t throw his hat into the White House ring this time, but he’s still a terrific candidate to curate OZY’s Presidential Daily Brief. Ryan, the 2012 Republican vice-presidential nominee, is serving his ninth term in the House, where he chairs the all-powerful Ways and Means Committee. The Wisconsin native and father of three is bullish on strengthening Medicare and Social Security, and today he joins the ranks of past curators like Susan Wojcicki, Michelle Peluso, Satya Nadella and Jeb Bush to share his take on today’s must-know news and trends. 

Candidates Dig Deep on Policy in Second Debate

What’s in a debate? Underneath all the swinging and jab-taking of the GOP’s second debate this week, there was something surprising: a significantly clearer focus on policy and the issues. Candidates went beyond the rhetoric and the cults of personality — as former Texas Gov. Rick Perry advised when he withdrew from the race — and addressed everything from Syria and ISIS to religious freedom, the economy and criminal justice reform. This is just what our party needs, and it bodes well for a substantive third round in Boulder next month.

Pope Francis Goes to Washington

Many prayers have been answered. Ahead of the first-ever papal address to the U.S. Congress next Thursday, a bipartisan group of staffers have come together to volunteer with preparation and assist with the large crowds. Pundits have been busy prognosticating what Pope Francis will say, but as a practicing Catholic, I’m just excited to hear His Holiness speak — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I hope everyone will take the time to tune in and hear what he has to say.

Iran Finds Unexpectedly High Uranium Reserve

What a difference a day makes. Within 24 hours of the U.S. House of Representatives voting to reject the controversial nuclear deal, the Islamic Republic claimed to have found an “unexpectedly” large cache of uranium. This contradicts numerous reports and testimonies from administration officials that Tehran was close to exhausting its domestic supply, and highlights well-founded concerns about the agreement. As our world grows less stable each month, trusting a violent regime that has been nothing but hostile to America is a mistake we cannot afford to make.

Greek Conservatives Concede Defeat, U.S. To Take in 30,000 More Refugees by 2017

Greek conservatives admit defeat to Tsipras’s Syriza Party. (BBC)

Kerry says U.S. will welcome 100,000 refugees by 2017. (The Guardian)

U.N. nuclear agency says its chief visited Iranian military site. (Reuters)

Pope Francis implores Columbian factions to end conflict. (AP)

British best-selling author Jackie Collins dies at age 77. (NYT)