This is the August 7, 2026, edition of “The Tea, Spilled by Morning Joe” newsletter.Subscribe hereto get it delivered straight to your inbox every Monday through Friday.
Fifty-seven years ago tomorrow, the Beatles created one of the most famous album covers in music history. It was supposed to be called Everest, but the band couldn’t be bothered making the trip to Nepal. So they walked outside of EMI Studios instead, crossed the street, and gave the world Abbey Road.
I’ll be listening to the second side of my favorite album this weekend. But you should probably aim higher and get outside in the sunshine 
Here’s what else is going on:
In Queens, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival takes over Flushing Meadows all weekend — custom-made teak and fiberglass boats packed with paddlers and drummers, and some of the best food you’ll find on any shoreline in the five boroughs.
In D.C., the East Coast’s largest multistyle mah-jongg tournament is in town. Mega Mahj has competitive and recreational tracks. Bring your tiles — and your poker face.
In Philly, the Annual Port Richmond Pierogi Fest has everything you need: classic potato and cheese, kielbasa, sweet treats, and drinks to match. Go get stuffed.
On Chicago’s South Side, the Bud Billiken Parade — the country’s largest African American parade and back-to-school celebration — returns for its 97th year. Marching bands, tumblers, dance teams, and food, all centered around the beloved fictional Bud.
In Houston, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey are bringing the circus to the Space City. Yes your circus, yes your monkeys.
Miami’s Balloon Museum is hosting “Pop Air”, an interactive, immersive exhibit with one distinctive element: air. We can’t promise you’ll come out dry.
And in San Francisco, Outside Lands takes over Golden Gate Park for three days of the Strokes, Charli XCX, PinkPantheress, Empire of the Sun, Rufus Du Sol, and more, all nestled into the best grounds by the Pacific.
Now, let’s get to your letters.
MAILBAG
About the infamous weaponization fund, so Blanche says in writing that it won’t be activated, but what’s to stop him from going back on that when/if he becomes AG? It’s not like people haven’t lied during confirmation hearings before.
— Fiona S.
I have no confidence in Todd Blanche’s vague assurances. Lisa Rubin told the “Morning Joe” roundtable this week that there are holes in that language big enough to drive a gold-plated Mack truck through.
This administration remains the most corrupt in U.S. history, and this “weaponization” fund may be used to help cop-beaters, but I suspect some of that money will end up in President Donald Trump’s pockets.
It’s an American tragedy that he’s focused his presidency on graft, vanity projects, and retribution campaigns. There’s a reason he remains one of the most unpopular presidents in the history of polling.
I am concerned about the decline in America’s image overseas. Trump seems intent on alienating allies while cozying up to dictators. What can ordinary Americans, Congress, and future leaders do to stem this decline and bolster America’s standing?
— Chad W.
Chad, thanks for your important question.
We can vote this fall for candidates who respect U.S. alliances, will rebuild NATO, and understand that America’s role across the world involves lending a helping hand to those in countries less fortunate. The gutting of USAID is causing the deaths of countless children and families across the world.
Just as George W. Bush’s investments in Pepfar saved 25 million lives in Africa, this administration’s cruelty will have a lasting impact across the world — and limit America’s ability to build lasting alliances and intelligence assets.
These cuts are not only immoral; they undermine our own national interests.
I often listen to the music you play. I appreciate that you are able to play King For A Day by XTC and other rarities. Who does the selecting?
—Gustav T.
Hey Gustav. Many of the songs come straight from my playlists. That’s why the music is as varied as it is, stretching across different genres and several decades. We also get help from our sound engineer, Q. He’s always there to find the right song for the moment.
Here’s a playlist Mika and I listen to while we’re winding down:
And here’s what I listen to the few times I actually work out 
Thanks for the question. Now on with the countdown!
How do you feel, age-wise? Do you feel different physically, mentally, emotionally, that much differently than you did when you were in your 20s, your 30s or 40s?
— Harry H.
Thanks for the question.
Physically, I feel the same because I usually get the 7 hours of sleep I need, have a decent diet, and follow Mika to her workouts. (She does Pilates and I go off on my own, mainly doing core exercises).
I also seem to be allergic to drinking more than a drink or two occasionally. The Baptist in me never built up a resistance.
That all may sound boring but as Ben Franklin said, early to bed …
Mentally, I have gained from the benefit of decades of reading. Hopefully, that gives me added perspective I may not have had in my 20s or 30s.
Time also has its benefits for emotional growth.
I try to avoid repeating the same emotional mistakes I made in my younger days.
My goal is to keep it simple:
Work hard, be nice, and keep things in perspective.
Never get too high or too low, understanding that it does no good to suffer twice. Most importantly, keep calm and carry on — even if most politicians and the Boston Red Sox will usually let you down in the end.
Harry, that’s what you call stoicism at its most refined state!
CATCH UP ON MORNING JOE
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