{
  "id": 395593,
  "title": "Bill Cassidy Explains Why He Backed Todd Blanche After Near 'No' Vote",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/bill-cassidy-explains-why-he-backed-todd-blanche-after-near-no-vote",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T17:57:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/bill-cassidy-explains-why-he-backed-todd-blanche-after-near-no-vote-12301898"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy weighed the decision to vote against Todd Blanche's confirmation as attorney general, citing concerns over special IRS protections for President Donald Trump and his family. However, after a thorough review process, Cassidy ultimately supported Blanche, Trump's former defense attorney. The Louisiana Republican faced intense criticism for his stance, but he maintained that he had done his due diligence in understanding the issue. Cassidy's vote proved pivotal in breaking a 50-49 Senate deadlock, as GOP Senator Mitch McConnell was absent due to medical recovery. Despite concerns about the tax provisions, Cassidy expressed confidence in Blanche's ability to lead the Justice Department, citing positive feedback from federal prosecutors in Louisiana regarding accountability and focus on various crimes. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt praised Blanche's confirmation as a \"huge win\" for President Trump and the American people.",
  "summary": "Sen. Bill Cassidy revealed that he nearly voted against Todd Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General due to concerns over special IRS protections for President Trump and his family. Cassidy acknowledged that he \"almost weighed to vote no\" but ultimately supported Blanche after an intensive review process. Blanche's confirmation was crucial as it broke a 50-49 Senate deadlock, and Cassidy's vote was particularly important given the absence of GOP Senator Mitch McConnell.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TheWrap",
        "title": "John Oliver Mocks Bill Cassidy’s ‘Over the Top’ Todd Blanche Confirmation Speech: And I’ve ‘Been on Multiple Soap Operas!’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/john-oliver-mocks-bill-cassidys-over-the-top-todd-blanche",
        "published": "2026-08-10T16:27:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}