Good morning, and welcome to RedState's "Morning Minute" — a brief glimpse at which stories are trending at the moment and a look ahead at what the day may bring. Consider this your one-stop shop for news to kickstart your day. 

TOP O' THE MORNIN'

NEW: In 2021 9/11 Speech, Tim Walz References 'Being on the Tarmac at Bagram' During a Ramp Ceremony

If listeners knew nothing else about Walz, they'd believe that he missed a year of his daughter's life because he deployed for combat and saw some hard things. But, as we all know now, that's not the case.

WATCH: The Two Moments JD Vance Wrecked Left-Wing Interviewers on Sunday

Vance nailed it on Sunday. When it comes time to debate Tim Walz, I have no doubt he'll wipe the floor with the Minnesota governor.

Tim Walz's National Guard Unit Chaplain Puts the Retirement Controversy to Rest With Just One Word

So far, we have the perceptions of Walz's peers, his brigade sergeant major, and the battalion chaplain. They are unanimous.

WHAT'S ON TAP?

Today on Capitol Hill...

Summer Snoozefest continues. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is vowing to protect the CDC's funding as the House's 2025 budget proposal includes a 22 percent reduction of the department's budget. 

White House What's Up

The only thing on President Joe Biden's schedule today, aside from his Daily Brief, is returning to the White House from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will give a press briefing in the early afternoon. 

The Homestretch

Vice President Kamala Harris doesn't appear to be out campaigning on Monday. She's set to conduct internal staff meetings and receive some briefings. Later in the day, she'll record video remarks for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees' 46th International Convention.

Monday evening, former President Donald Trump will sit for an X interview with Elon Musk — grab the popcorn for that.

Live conversation on 𝕏 with @realDonaldTrump & me at 8pm ET tomorrow

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 12, 2024

Full Court Press...

For those who've been following the endless gang and racketeering trial of "Young Thug" in Atlanta, the trial is resuming Monday after an eight-week hiatus and a judge swap. 

MORNING MUSING

For all the sound and fury those of us who spend much of our time online are regularly subjected to, it's easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees when it comes to how the November election will play out. Every day, there's an outrage here or a scandal there, and a new poll here or a media take there. And yes, most Americans at this point are starting to dial in on November — or at least think about dialing in on November. But the likelihood is that it will be close and may come down to those moderate-persuadables in a few swing states. Those are the ones to keep an eye on over the next couple of months. What's registering with them? What might move the needle for them? 

LIGHTER FARE 

Funky Town bound and down...

Best thing I've seen all day pic.twitter.com/Iqovm675cm

— NO CONTEXT HUMANS (@HumansNoContext) August 11, 2024