"Massive" Twitter hack of Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and many others last night. Report alleges Twitter insider helped.

"Twitter was forced on Wednesday to put a temporary lock on most, if not all, verified user accounts – which are designated with a blue check mark – after the platform fell victim to a massive hack that targeted some of the largest and most prominent accounts on the platform." (Daily Wire)

• The Twitter accounts of national leaders in politics, tech, and business -- including Barack Obama and Joe Biden -- were hacked last night. All posted strange messages about the cryptocurrency Bitcoin; there's no word yet on what additional data (e.g. direct messages on the site) may have been accessed, too.   

In response, Twitter locked all verified accounts and blocked their ability to post to the site.

• Vice Magazine has said its staff has talked with the hackers -- and they said the hack was accomplished with paid help from a "Twitter insider."

From their news story: "'We used a rep that literally done all the work for us,' one of the sources told Motherboard. The second source added they paid the Twitter insider. [...] A Twitter spokesperson told Motherboard that the company is still investigating whether the employee hijacked the accounts themselves or gave hackers access to the tool."

• Sen. Josh Hawley (MO) has already sent a letter to Twitter (read it here) with pointed questions about the incident.

• Campaigns rely heavily on digital media, particularly during COVID-19 restrictions. That's why the widespread Twitter hack is disturbing. Expect to see more on this story soon.

New poll shows the 2020 election closer than ever.

"In the latest weekly White House Watch survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports, President Trump, who trailed former Vice President Joe Biden by 10 points in last week’s survey, has narrowed the deficit to just three points. Rasmussen reported, “The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds the likely Democratic presidential nominee earning 47% support among Likely U.S. Voters to Trump’s 44%." (Daily Wire)

• In just one week, President Trump has gained seven points in the polls, according to a new survey out from Rasmussen Reports.

• Remember: Trump campaign veterans have warned that the media is making the same mistake in 2020 as it did in 2016. In other words, the media is underestimating the massive enthusiasm for the President, enthusiasm that isn't matched in the split Democratic Party.

As Corey Lewandowski wrote in a piece on Real Clear Politics: "Just more than four months out from Election Day 2020, we are seeing a similar pattern. President Trump continues to draw huge ratings and massive enthusiasm, while Democratic presumptive nominee and 44-year career politician Joe Biden remains hidden away in his basement. "

Bill Stepien is now the Trump 2020 campaign manager. Brad Parscale will remain on as a senior advisor.

"Stepien is a longtime Trump adviser. After joining the president’s campaign in the summer of 2016, he went on to become White House political director. After the 2018 midterms, he left the White House to join the reelection effort as a consultant." (POLITICO)

• President Trump announced that Bill Stepien would now serve as campaign manager for his 2020 race.

In a statement on Facebook, the President wrote: "I am pleased to announce that Bill Stepien has been promoted to the role of Trump Campaign Manager. Brad Parscale, who has been with me for a very long time and has led our tremendous digital and data strategies, will remain in that role, while being a Senior Advisor to the campaign. Both were heavily involved in our historic 2016 win, and I look forward to having a big and very important second win together."

• The media wants to present this as a negative story for President Trump (like they always do!), but it's anything but. Brad Parscale will remain a senior advisor focused on his highly effective digital work.

RNC announces new convention plans: indoor and outdoor events plus limited attendance.

"The letter states that admittance to the convention in Jacksonville, Fla., will be limited only to regular delegates for the first three days, amounting to a crowd of about 2,500 people. Trump shifted the site of the celebration from North Carolina to Florida when it appeared the Jacksonville site might allow for large gatherings." (The Hill)

• The Republican National Committee announced updated plans for its August convention today. Though the Democrats have gone all-virtual, the GOP is committed to an in-person event in Jacksonville, Florida, starting on August 24.

• The convention will be closed to all but delegates for the first three days. It will then open to delegates, alternate delegates, and guests for President Trump's acceptance speech.