With offensive against Tom Cotton, Trump picks the wrong fight at the wrong time

President Donald Trump has escalated a dispute with fellow Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas by posting what appeared to be the senator's personal cell phone number on social media. The clash centers on the Sunshine Protection Act, which would lock in daylight saving time year-round. The measure cleared the House in July but has stalled in the Senate, largely because Cotton has blocked an attempt to speed it along. Trump backs the idea and has said golfers, tennis players, farmers and sports interests would benefit, while Cotton has argued that earlier attempts like it failed and had to be undone, according to MS NOW.

A few hours after the phone number post, Trump put up another message accusing Cotton of caring about his "ego" instead of putting Arkansas first. Asked by reporters why he did it, Trump spoke about ending the clock changes and said Cotton was holding up something people want.

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," said he did not think releasing the number would help persuade Cotton. MS NOW contributor Steve Benen argues the tactic reflects Trump's continuing inability to work with Congress, noting that Cotton faces voters in one month.

Summarized by PolitiKool from MS NOW’s reporting. Read the full story at MS NOW →