BThis is Oncast, live from Washington, and we start with the passing of a legend. Patrick Stewart has died at 86.
BThe man who played Captain Picard and Professor Xavier. Eighty-six years old, and the news is still coming in.
BBNO News broke it about eight minutes ago. A second post from his family says he had Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia, but that detail isn't confirmed yet. Earlier reporting pointed to Parkinson's.
BEither way, an extraordinary career. Shakespeare on stage for decades, then Star Trek made him a household name, then a whole new generation knew him as Xavier.
BAnd he kept working into his eighties. The word "icon" gets overused. Not here.
BMeanwhile in politics, Fox News is reporting that VP Vance is firing back at former President Obama over a Cheesecake Factory jab.
BVance says Obama is "super elitist" and out of touch. I need to hear what the Cheesecake Factory jab actually was.
BWe don't have the exact quote confirmed yet, but the exchange is getting attention.
BThe optics: a guy who wrote a book about the white working class versus a former president accused of looking down on chain restaurants. It's a small story, but it's the exact fight both parties want right now.
BAnd Cheesecake Factory is somehow the battlefield. What a time.