thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Andrew Yang Reportedly Weighing Bid For New York City Mayor

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang is weighing a potential bid for New York City mayor by calling elected officials to measure support for his run , Politico reported Tuesday .
Yang is also reportedly talking with Tusk Strategies , the firm that worked with former Mayor Mike Bloomberg during his successful 2009 mayoral campaign , according to Politico .
A person familiar with Yang ’ s plans told Politico he would join other Democrats in the 2021 primary .
Yang ’ s team , according to Politico , previously conducted polling to gauge his chances as a third-party candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was conducted from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 by Slingshot Strategies , found Yang to be the top pick with 20 % of respondents , The New York Post reported .
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams came in second with 14 % and Comptroller Scott Stringer garnered 11 % .
( RELATED : ‘ Trumpism Is Going To Be Here For Quite Some Time ’ : Andrew Yang Says Dems Need To Work On Appeal To Working Class ) Stringer ’ s spokesman , Cameron Hellerman , questioned the value of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially join the race , The Post reported .
“ Scott Stringer is the only candidate who has actually run and won citywide , and it ’ s hard to put much stock in a poll that includes at least three candidates who aren ’ t even in the race , ” Hellerman said .
Yang went door-to-door after a speech in Columbus , Georgia , Dec. 6 for Democratic Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock , WTVM9 reported .
Yang urged voters to recognize the importance of the Georgia races .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out here today is that your vote matters , and here in Georgia your votes on January 5th are of historic weight and so the country has its eyes on you , so please get out and vote , ” Yang said .
“ If you vote and make your voices heard , you can help push our country in a better direction .
”

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang is weighing a potential bid for New York City mayor by calling elected officials to measure support for his run, Politico reported Tuesday.
Yang is also reportedly talking with Tusk Strategies, the firm that worked with former Mayor Mike Bloomberg during his successful 2009 mayoral campaign, according to Politico. A person familiar with Yang’s plans told Politico he would join other Democrats in the 2021 primary. Yang’s team, according to Politico, previously conducted polling to gauge his chances as a third-party candidate.
A survey of 1,000 Democratic voters, which was conducted from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 by Slingshot Strategies, found Yang to be the top pick with 20% of respondents, The New York Post reported. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams came in second with 14% and Comptroller Scott Stringer garnered 11%. (RELATED: ‘Trumpism Is Going To Be Here For Quite Some Time’: Andrew Yang Says Dems Need To Work On Appeal To Working Class)
I think @AndrewYang would make a fantastic mayor. https://t.co/DIMbTIus64 — Krystal Ball (@krystalball) December 9, 2020
Stringer’s spokesman, Cameron Hellerman, questioned the value of a poll that included people yet to officially join the race, The Post reported.
“Scott Stringer is the only candidate who has actually run and won citywide, and it’s hard to put much stock in a poll that includes at least three candidates who aren’t even in the race,” Hellerman said.
Yang went door-to-door after a speech in Columbus, Georgia, Dec. 6 for Democratic Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, WTVM9 reported. Yang urged voters to recognize the importance of the Georgia races.
“My message for people who came out here today is that your vote matters, and here in Georgia your votes on January 5th are of historic weight and so the country has its eyes on you, so please get out and vote,” Yang said. “If you vote and make your voices heard, you can help push our country in a better direction.”


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Chris Pratt, Tom Hanks And More Participate In Gary Sinise’s Virtual Ceremony For Gold Star Families

Chris Pratt , Tom Hanks , Angelina Jolie and a host of other stars joined in Gary Sinise ’ s Snowball Express ceremony for Gold Star Families held this year virtually due to the pandemic .
“ We owe so much to military families , ” Jolie explained in a clip posted on YouTube of highlights from Gary Sinise Foundation ’ s 2020 Virtual Snowball Express .
The event was noted by ABC 7 Chicago in a piece published Tuesday .
“ More than we even know , ” she added .
“ So I am deeply grateful and thankful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Actor Gary Sinise honors the troops [ VIDEO ] ) “ I ’ m sending this from a very special place , ” Pratt the “ Guardians of the Galaxy ” star explained .
“ I ’ m on the set of ‘ Jurassic World Dominion.
’ I have some friends here who want to say hi .
Say hi , everyone.
” He then panned the camera over to his co-star Bryce Dallas Howard who waved and cheered .
( RELATED : REPORT : Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Get Married In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message to the thousands of family members who lost a loved one in combat , according to Entertainment Tonight .
“ Hey , Tom Hanks here helping out my old buddy Lt. Dan [ Sinise ’ s character in “ Forrest Gump.
” ] I hope everybody has a really , really , great time , ” Hanks shared .
“ Disney World we ’ ll be there in the future .
Have a great time .
Throw some snowballs around.
” At one point in the clip , Garth Brooks and Trishia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorry ” that they couldn ’ t all be at Disney World this year .
“ We ’ re sorry we can ’ t be with you , sorry we ’ re not all going to Disney World this year , ” Yearwood said .
“ [ But ] just wanted to let you know we ’ re thinking about you.
” “ Make sure you take care of you during this time , ” Brooks added .
The annual celebration by Sinise ‘ s foundation for military families typically takes place at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , this year due to coronavirus outbreak , the celebration moved to a virtual event held over the weekend .

Chris Pratt, Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie and a host of other stars joined in Gary Sinise’s Snowball Express ceremony for Gold Star Families held this year virtually due to the pandemic.
“We owe so much to military families,” Jolie explained in a clip posted on YouTube of highlights from Gary Sinise Foundation’s 2020 Virtual Snowball Express. The event was noted by ABC 7 Chicago in a piece published Tuesday.
“More than we even know,” she added. “So I am deeply grateful and thankful to all you.”(RELATED: Actor Gary Sinise honors the troops [VIDEO])
WATCH:
“I’m sending this from a very special place,” Pratt the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star explained. “I’m on the set of ‘Jurassic World Dominion.’ I have some friends here who want to say hi. Say hi, everyone.”
He then panned the camera over to his co-star Bryce Dallas Howard who waved and cheered. (RELATED: REPORT: Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Get Married In California)
Tom Hanks sent a video message to the thousands of family members who lost a loved one in combat, according to Entertainment Tonight.
“Hey, Tom Hanks here helping out my old buddy Lt. Dan [Sinise’s character in “Forrest Gump.”] I hope everybody has a really, really, great time,” Hanks shared. “Disney World we’ll be there in the future. Have a great time. Throw some snowballs around.”
At one point in the clip, Garth Brooks and Trishia Yearwood appeared and said they were “sorry” that they couldn’t all be at Disney World this year.
“We’re sorry we can’t be with you, sorry we’re not all going to Disney World this year,” Yearwood said. “[But] just wanted to let you know we’re thinking about you.”
“Make sure you take care of you during this time,” Brooks added.
The annual celebration by Sinise‘s foundation for military families typically takes place at Disney World over a 5-day period. However, this year due to coronavirus outbreak, the celebration moved to a virtual event held over the weekend.


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Former Student Sues School, Teacher For Sexual Abuse

An ex-student at a private Catholic school in Rhode Island has sued her former school and a former teacher because the teacher allegedly sexually abused her while the school failed to protect her , the Associated Press ( AP ) reported .
The student , listed as Jane Doe in court documents , says the teacher , Michael Bowen Smith , sexually abused her when she was as young as 15 .
The abuse allegedly took place between 2012 and 2014 , according to AP .
During this time period , the teacher in question was in his 40s .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverup to avoid scandal , ” the student ’ s attorneys said in a statement .
“ And , to top things off , the school steered the victim to a law firm that represented the Catholic Church , in a scheme designed to prevent the victim from filing a timely lawsuit against the school.
” The school paid for her to be represented by a New Mexico law firm that failed to inform her that the statute of limitations to bring action against Portsmouth Abbey would soon expire , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an effort to keep the scandal contained .
“ I trusted the school and the people they were connecting me with wanted to help me , ” the student said .
“ I wanted to be able to move on with my life.
” Hundreds of emails were sent between the student and the teacher , the Boston Globe reported .
Some of the emails between the two parties were sexually explicit .
“ [ She ] and I were lovers , ” Smith said in an email explaining his relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ married man with children and an award-winning career .
She was a superstar academic yearning for some kind of freedom from her painfully constricted life .
We were drawn together as rebel intellectuals … ” Even after the student broke things off with Smith and she reached adulthood , he continued to pursue her , according to the Boston Globe .
( RELATED : SCOTUS Tosses Employment Discrimination Suits From Ex-Catholic School Teachers ) At the conclusion of the school year , Smith had her come to his campus apartment where he took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and did sexual acts with her , the Boston Globe reported .
At this time , she was only 15 , which is under the age of consent in Rhode Island .
The following year , they continued to meet up and Smith continued to perform sexual acts .
They also continued exchanging sexually explicit emails .
Rumors of their relationship were spread throughout the campus of about 350 students , but the school did not investigate the rumors , the lawsuit said .
“ There was not a lot of desire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ People did not want to deal with it.
” This was not the first time the Rhode Island school was involved in a case of sexual abuse as another incident had occurred over 30 years ago , the Boston Globe reported .

An ex-student at a private Catholic school in Rhode Island has sued her former school and a former teacher because the teacher allegedly sexually abused her while the school failed to protect her, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
The student, listed as Jane Doe in court documents, says the teacher, Michael Bowen Smith, sexually abused her when she was as young as 15. The abuse allegedly took place between 2012 and 2014, according to AP. During this time period, the teacher in question was in his 40s.
“The school then engaged in a coverup to avoid scandal,” the student’s attorneys said in a statement. “And, to top things off, the school steered the victim to a law firm that represented the Catholic Church, in a scheme designed to prevent the victim from filing a timely lawsuit against the school.”
The school paid for her to be represented by a New Mexico law firm that failed to inform her that the statute of limitations to bring action against Portsmouth Abbey would soon expire, according to the AP. The lawsuit claims that this was an effort to keep the scandal contained.
“I trusted the school.” A former student is suing a prestigious Catholic boarding school in Rhode Island, claiming she was abused by a teacher and then duped by the school. https://t.co/PQldhVkvnN — The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) December 8, 2020
“I trusted the school and the people they were connecting me with wanted to help me,” the student said. “I wanted to be able to move on with my life.”
Hundreds of emails were sent between the student and the teacher, the Boston Globe reported. Some of the emails between the two parties were sexually explicit.
“[She] and I were lovers,” Smith said in an email explaining his relationship with the student. “I was a married man with children and an award-winning career. She was a superstar academic yearning for some kind of freedom from her painfully constricted life. We were drawn together as rebel intellectuals …”
Even after the student broke things off with Smith and she reached adulthood, he continued to pursue her, according to the Boston Globe. (RELATED: SCOTUS Tosses Employment Discrimination Suits From Ex-Catholic School Teachers)
At the conclusion of the school year, Smith had her come to his campus apartment where he took her to a bedroom, kissed her, and did sexual acts with her, the Boston Globe reported. At this time, she was only 15, which is under the age of consent in Rhode Island. The following year, they continued to meet up and Smith continued to perform sexual acts. They also continued exchanging sexually explicit emails.
Rumors of their relationship were spread throughout the campus of about 350 students, but the school did not investigate the rumors, the lawsuit said.
“There was not a lot of desire to follow up,” the student said. “People did not want to deal with it.”
This was not the first time the Rhode Island school was involved in a case of sexual abuse as another incident had occurred over 30 years ago, the Boston Globe reported.


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Alabama Remains Number 1 In The Latest College Football Playoff Rankings, Notre Dame Is 2

Alabama is still the top team in the College Football Playoff rankings .
The latest playoff rankings were released Tuesday night , and the Crimson Tide are holding steady at number one .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Notre Dame , Clemson and Ohio State rounded out the top four and remained in the same spots .
Naturally , Alabama holding onto the top spot doesn ’ t surprise anyone .
The Crimson Tide have looked insanely impressive this season .
In the past two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LSU .
Nobody in the SEC , including Florida , is a real threat to Nick Saban .
The biggest question now is what happens with Clemson , Notre Dame and Ohio State .
All three are title contenders , and it would appear like all three control their own fates .
Can Notre Dame still get in if they lose the ACC title game to Clemson ?
It ’ s not only possible , but I think there ’ s a great chance it happens if the game is close .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything you have that the B1G will do whatever is necessary to get the Buckeyes in the playoff after the Michigan game was canceled .
Some pundits might pretend like they ’ re not going to get in , but I ’ d be shocked if they don ’ t .
Let us know who you ’ re taking in the comments !

Alabama is still the top team in the College Football Playoff rankings.
The latest playoff rankings were released Tuesday night, and the Crimson Tide are holding steady at number one. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Notre Dame, Clemson and Ohio State rounded out the top four and remained in the same spots.
New @CFBPlayoff ranking 1-Bama
2-Notre Dame
3-Clemson
4-Ohio St
5-A&M
6-Florida
7-Iowa State
8-Cincinnati
9-Georgia
10-Miami
11-OU
12-Indiana
13-Coastal
14-Northwestern
15-USC
16-Iowa
17-UNC
18-BYU
19-Louisiana
20-Texas
21-Colorado
22-Okla State
23-NC State
24-Tulsa
25-Missouri — Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 9, 2020
Naturally, Alabama holding onto the top spot doesn’t surprise anyone. The Crimson Tide have looked insanely impressive this season.
In the past two weeks, they’ve smashed Auburn and LSU. Nobody in the SEC, including Florida, is a real threat to Nick Saban.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alabama Football (@alabamafbl)
The biggest question now is what happens with Clemson, Notre Dame and Ohio State. All three are title contenders, and it would appear like all three control their own fates.
Can Notre Dame still get in if they lose the ACC title game to Clemson? It’s not only possible, but I think there’s a great chance it happens if the game is close.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clemson Football (@clemsonfb)
As for Ohio State, you can bet everything you have that the B1G will do whatever is necessary to get the Buckeyes in the playoff after the Michigan game was canceled.
Some pundits might pretend like they’re not going to get in, but I’d be shocked if they don’t.
Let us know who you’re taking in the comments!


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Gwen Stefani Says She’d Rather Her Wedding To Blake Shelton ‘Not Be A COVID Situation’

Gwen Stefani opened up about her engagement to Blake Shelton and admitted she ’ d rather it “ not be a COVID situation.
” “ It ’ s so funny to even say ‘ engaged , ' ” the 51-year-old singer shared during her appearance on “ On Air with Ryan Seacrest.
” The comments were noted by People magazine in a piece published Monday .
( RELATED : Blake Shelton Tweets About ‘ Karma ’ Following Reports His Ex Is Dating A Married Guy ) “ It feels so weird , ” she added .
“ People have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years , ‘ Are you getting married ?
Are you engaged ?
’ And now we actually are and it feels like I ’ m in a cartoon or something.
” ( RELATED : Blake Shelton And Gwen Stefani Are One Step Closer To Getting Married ) But as far as when the superstar couple plans to walk down the aisle , “ The Voice ” coach said it is going to depend on the pandemic , because she wants her parents to be a part of their day .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there at this point , ” Gwen explained .
“ My parents wouldn ’ t come to Thanksgiving because they ’ re so scared so really would rather it not be a COVID situation .
Like , I would rather not have masks and that kind of thing.
” Stefani went on to explain , that the two are going to “ see what happens in the next few months ” before making any plans related to walking down the aisle , because “ even when you cut it down to just family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID.
” Gwen shared the happy news in October that Shelton had proposed and she said yes with a sweet picture on Instagram .
The caption next to her post read , “ @ blakeshelton yes please !
” As previously reported , the pair met as judges on the popular reality competition show “ The Voice ” following divorces from their spouses and have been seeing each other for the last five years .

Gwen Stefani opened up about her engagement to Blake Shelton and admitted she’d rather it “not be a COVID situation.”
“It’s so funny to even say ‘engaged,'” the 51-year-old singer shared during her appearance on “On Air with Ryan Seacrest.” The comments were noted by People magazine in a piece published Monday. (RELATED: Blake Shelton Tweets About ‘Karma’ Following Reports His Ex Is Dating A Married Guy)
“It feels so weird,” she added. “People have been saying it for so long, like five years, ‘Are you getting married? Are you engaged?’ And now we actually are and it feels like I’m in a cartoon or something.”(RELATED: Blake Shelton And Gwen Stefani Are One Step Closer To Getting Married)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani)
But as far as when the superstar couple plans to walk down the aisle, “The Voice” coach said it is going to depend on the pandemic, because she wants her parents to be a part of their day.
“I would say I just want my parents there at this point,” Gwen explained. “My parents wouldn’t come to Thanksgiving because they’re so scared so really would rather it not be a COVID situation. Like, I would rather not have masks and that kind of thing.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani)
Stefani went on to explain, that the two are going to “see what happens in the next few months” before making any plans related to walking down the aisle, because “even when you cut it down to just family, it’s too many people for COVID.”
Gwen shared the happy news in October that Shelton had proposed and she said yes with a sweet picture on Instagram. The caption next to her post read, “@blakeshelton yes please!”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani)
As previously reported, the pair met as judges on the popular reality competition show “The Voice” following divorces from their spouses and have been seeing each other for the last five years.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--FACT CHECK: Did Kelly Loeffler Wear A Wire During A Recent Debate?

Social media posts claim to show Republican Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler wearing a wire during a recent debate with Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock .
The “ wire ” appears to be a strand of Loeffler ’ s hair .
The Atlanta Press Club said neither candidate had “ audio assistance ” during the debate .
Since the Dec. 6 debate between Loeffler and Warnock , Facebook users have been sharing screen grabs of a tweet that features a red circle indicating where Loeffler is allegedly wearing a wire .
Twitter users also posted similar images .
( RELATED : Did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An Instagram Post Removed After It Alleged He Wore A Wire ? )
Check Your Fact reviewed footage of the debate and found no visual evidence that Loeffler was wearing a wire .
Photos of the Georgia senator participating in the debate from Reuters also do not show a wire .
The alleged wire circled in the images being shared online appears to actually be a strand of Loeffler ’ s hair .
Several journalists such as BuzzFeed News ’ Craig Silverman and CNN ’ s Donie O ’ Sullivan pointed out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business Insider senior politics reporter Grace Panetta noted in a tweet that Loeffler “ pretty clearly has highlights.
” The Atlanta Press Club , which hosted the debate , denied any candidate had “ audio assistance.
” “ The candidates in last night ’ s @ atlpressclub debates had no audio assistance from their campaigns , ” the Atlanta Press Club tweeted .
This isn ’ t the first time social media users have falsely claimed photos showed a political candidate wearing a wire during a debate .
Check Your Fact previously found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed a crease in President-elect Joe Biden ’ s shirt and a set of rosary beads that he has been known to wear , not a wire .
Loeffler ’ s campaign did not respond to requests for comment .

Social media posts claim to show Republican Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler wearing a wire during a recent debate with Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock.
Kelly Loeffler is wearing a wire!!! pic.twitter.com/zn98HaUCq7 — Mystery Solvent (@MysterySolvent) December 7, 2020
Verdict: False
The “wire” appears to be a strand of Loeffler’s hair. The Atlanta Press Club said neither candidate had “audio assistance” during the debate.
Fact Check:
Since the Dec. 6 debate between Loeffler and Warnock, Facebook users have been sharing screen grabs of a tweet that features a red circle indicating where Loeffler is allegedly wearing a wire. Twitter users also posted similar images. (RELATED: Did Joe Biden Tweet About Trying To Get An Instagram Post Removed After It Alleged He Wore A Wire?)
Check Your Fact reviewed footage of the debate and found no visual evidence that Loeffler was wearing a wire. Photos of the Georgia senator participating in the debate from Reuters also do not show a wire. The alleged wire circled in the images being shared online appears to actually be a strand of Loeffler’s hair.
Several journalists such as BuzzFeed News’ Craig Silverman and CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan pointed out that the claim was inaccurate on Twitter. Business Insider senior politics reporter Grace Panetta noted in a tweet that Loeffler “pretty clearly has highlights.”
The Atlanta Press Club, which hosted the debate, denied any candidate had “audio assistance.”
The candidates in last night’s @atlpressclub debates had no audio assistance from their campaigns. — Atlanta Press Club (@atlpressclub) December 7, 2020
“The candidates in last night’s @atlpressclub debates had no audio assistance from their campaigns,” the Atlanta Press Club tweeted.
This isn’t the first time social media users have falsely claimed photos showed a political candidate wearing a wire during a debate. Check Your Fact previously found that photos from the first presidential debate showed a crease in President-elect Joe Biden’s shirt and a set of rosary beads that he has been known to wear, not a wire.
Loeffler’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--‘Language Evolves, So Do We,’ Says Dictionary.com In Response To Court-Packing Definition Change

Dictionary.com changed its definition of “ court packing , ” and , in response to a Twitter user ’ s acknowledgment of the change , said that “ language evolves.
” J.D .
Graham , the Twitter user that pointed out the redefinition , was responding to a tweet criticizing a Playboy reporter for implying that Republicans packed the courts , presumably by filling the Supreme Court vacancy left by former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with President Donald Trump ’ s nominee , Amy Coney Barrett .
“ Language evolves .
So do we , ” Dictionary.com ’ s official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Nov. 1 archive shows a definition of court packing that is based off of U.S. history , specifically Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt ’ s “ unsuccessful attempt … in 1937 to appoint up to six additional justices to the Supreme Court , which had invalidated a number of his New Deal laws.
” A month later , the primary definition changed .
As of Dec. 1 , the definition of the term was “ the practice of changing the number or composition of judges on a court , making it more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and typically involving an increase in the number of seats on the court.
” “ Why won ’ t Democrats admit that they want to pack the Supreme Court ?
” Republican Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted .
“ Why won ’ t the GOP admit they DID ?
” Brian J. Karem tweeted in response .
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden received backlash in the weeks leading up to the election after refusing to give a firm answer to questions of whether he would pack the Supreme Court .
Following Ginsburg ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanding the number of justices on the court to counter a conservative majority .
Roosevelt had attempted to add up to 6 justices after the Supreme Court struck down his New Deal legislation , but failed .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized Democrats in October for their alleged attempts to redefine court packing “ to mean any judicial confirmation that disappoints ” them .
( RELATED : ‘ Abuse of Power ’ — McConnell Slams Democrats Over Court Packing , Says They ‘ Refuse To Give A Straight Answer ’ ) “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse language , it is because they seek to abuse power .
Anyone who studied U.S. history in high school knows that ‘ court-packing ’ has a clear definition : A partisan attempt to expand the Supreme Court beyond nine seats , so new Justices can be added despite the Court having no vacancies , ” McConnell said in a statement .
“ It is not ‘ court-packing ’ when the Senate confirms nominees to fill actual vacancies.
” Biden said that he wouldn ’ t give an answer about court packing until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Dictionary.com changed its definition of “court packing,” and, in response to a Twitter user’s acknowledgment of the change, said that “language evolves.”
J.D. Graham, the Twitter user that pointed out the redefinition, was responding to a tweet criticizing a Playboy reporter for implying that Republicans packed the courts, presumably by filling the Supreme Court vacancy left by former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with President Donald Trump’s nominee, Amy Coney Barrett.
“Language evolves. So do we,” Dictionary.com’s official Twitter account responded to the tweet.
Language evolves. So do we. — Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) December 8, 2020
A Nov. 1 archive shows a definition of court packing that is based off of U.S. history, specifically Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “unsuccessful attempt … in 1937 to appoint up to six additional justices to the Supreme Court, which had invalidated a number of his New Deal laws.”
A month later, the primary definition changed. As of Dec. 1, the definition of the term was “the practice of changing the number or composition of judges on a court, making it more favorable to particular goals or ideologies, and typically involving an increase in the number of seats on the court.”
Why won’t the GOP admit they DID? https://t.co/pye2TVIqxY — Brian J. Karem (@BrianKarem) December 8, 2020
They’re still pretending that “packed the courts” means something totally different than what it actually means. https://t.co/JRvFFQL4EB — Noam Blum (@neontaster) December 8, 2020
“Why won’t Democrats admit that they want to pack the Supreme Court?” Republican Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted.
“Why won’t the GOP admit they DID?” Brian J. Karem tweeted in response.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden received backlash in the weeks leading up to the election after refusing to give a firm answer to questions of whether he would pack the Supreme Court.
Following Ginsburg’s death, some Democrats talked of expanding the number of justices on the court to counter a conservative majority. Roosevelt had attempted to add up to 6 justices after the Supreme Court struck down his New Deal legislation, but failed.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized Democrats in October for their alleged attempts to redefine court packing “to mean any judicial confirmation that disappoints” them. (RELATED: ‘Abuse of Power’ — McConnell Slams Democrats Over Court Packing, Says They ‘Refuse To Give A Straight Answer’)
“A prominent philosopher wrote that when leaders abuse language, it is because they seek to abuse power. Anyone who studied U.S. history in high school knows that ‘court-packing’ has a clear definition: A partisan attempt to expand the Supreme Court beyond nine seats, so new Justices can be added despite the Court having no vacancies,” McConnell said in a statement.
“It is not ‘court-packing’ when the Senate confirms nominees to fill actual vacancies.”
Biden said that he wouldn’t give an answer about court packing until at least 180 days after becoming president.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--Kate Middleton Looks Festive In Jaw-Dropping Red Coat And Plaid Skirt Combo During Royal Tour

Kate Middleton definitely looked festive when she stepped out in a jaw-dropping coat and skirt combo during the final day of her royal train tour in the United Kingdom .
The Duchess of Cambridge looked just as stunning as ever in the long-sleeve bright red coat and red plaid skirt that went down past her knees as she joined Prince William on the final day of their three-day tour through England , Scotland and Wales .
( RELATED : Report : Meghan Markle And Kate Middleton ’ s Alleged Feud Really Between Prince Harry And Prince William ) She completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partly pulled back , a black top , matching red plaid scarf and black high heel boots .
To say she looked ready for the Christmas season would be a serious understatement .
During the trip , the two royals meet with various community members and paid tribute to individuals , organizations and initiatives across the country who have provided support to their communities during the global pandemic .
( RELATED : Celebrate Melania ’ s Birthday With Her Greatest Looks As First Lady [ SLIDESHOW ] ) Later in the day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green coat at Windsor Castle , the final stop of their three-day tour .
In the photos , the duke , duchess and Queen Elizabeth II could be seen talking and smiling at each other while socially distancing .
Middleton ’ s fashion sense is always on point .
Check out some of her other unforgettable looks throughout the years here .

Kate Middleton definitely looked festive when she stepped out in a jaw-dropping coat and skirt combo during the final day of her royal train tour in the United Kingdom.
The Duchess of Cambridge looked just as stunning as ever in the long-sleeve bright red coat and red plaid skirt that went down past her knees as she joined Prince William on the final day of their three-day tour through England, Scotland and Wales. (RELATED: Report: Meghan Markle And Kate Middleton’s Alleged Feud Really Between Prince Harry And Prince William)
She completed the terrific winter look with her hair partly pulled back, a black top, matching red plaid scarf and black high heel boots.
To say she looked ready for the Christmas season would be a serious understatement.
During the trip, the two royals meet with various community members and paid tribute to individuals, organizations and initiatives across the country who have provided support to their communities during the global pandemic. (RELATED: Celebrate Melania’s Birthday With Her Greatest Looks As First Lady [SLIDESHOW])
At Cleeve Court Care Home The Duke and Duchess paid tribute to the efforts of care staff across the country, hearing from staff about their experiences of providing care and helping residents stay connected to their loved ones throughout the pandemic. #RoyalTrainTour pic.twitter.com/6ibQxfH5MB — The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) December 8, 2020
Later in the day, the duchess wowed in a striking emerald green coat at Windsor Castle, the final stop of their three-day tour.
In the photos, the duke, duchess and Queen Elizabeth II could be seen talking and smiling at each other while socially distancing.
Middleton’s fashion sense is always on point. Check out some of her other unforgettable looks throughout the years here.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--Sasse Demands Full Investigation After Pornhub Rapidly Changes Policies Over Allegations Of Child Se

Sasse Demands Full Investigation After Pornhub Rapidly Changes Policies Over Allegations Of Child Sexual Exploitation

Republican Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse repeated his demands for a full investigation into Pornhub after the pornography website rapidly changed its policies over allegations of child sexual exploitation .
“ Just the other day Pornhub was insisting that it didn ’ t have a problem with rape and assault videos , and that its ‘ vast team of human moderators ’ was magically capable of working around the clock to review the 2.8 hours of video that were uploaded to the site every minute , ” Sasse said in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 180 by changing their policies , ” Sasse added .
“ These new changes underscore the need for a full DOJ investigation.
” ( RELATED : EXCLUSIVE : Pornhub May Be Protected From Legal Repercussions By Section 230 , Rep. Banks Warns ) Pornhub announced changes to their website ’ s safety measures Tuesday following a New York Times column alleging that the site is “ infested with rape videos.
” “ Going forward , we will only allow properly identified users to upload content , ” Pornhub said in a Tuesday statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have made some key expansions to our moderation process , and we recently launched a Trusted Flagger Program with dozens of non-profit organizations.
” Pulitzer prize-winning opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof had accused Pornhub of monetizing “ child rapes , revenge pornography , spy cam videos of women showering , racist and misogynist content , and footage of women being asphyxiated in plastic bags , ” in a Friday New York Times op-ed .
The popular pornography website has been listed as the 10th-most-visited website in the world , with 3.5 billion visits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion ad impressions every day , according to Kristof .
Kristof ’ s story sparked backlash against Pornhub , prompting lawmakers to call for investigations into the pornography website .
Major credit card companies also began reviewing their relationship with Pornhub .
“ The Department of Justice needs to open an investigation into the scumbags who run Mindgeek , ” Sasse told the DCNF Friday following the report ’ s release .
“ Sexual exploitation and human trafficking are abhorrent , period .
A decent society should be working to end this.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its parent company Mindgeek make money from rape , sexual abuse , and the exploitation of minors , ” the senator , who also called on the DOJ to investigate Pornhub in March , added .
“ They need to be investigated , and the DOJ needs more urgency about building cases against creeps.
” The DOJ has not responded to requests for comment from the DCNF .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Republican Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse repeated his demands for a full investigation into Pornhub after the pornography website rapidly changed its policies over allegations of child sexual exploitation.
“Just the other day Pornhub was insisting that it didn’t have a problem with rape and assault videos, and that its ‘vast team of human moderators’ was magically capable of working around the clock to review the 2.8 hours of video that were uploaded to the site every minute,” Sasse said in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation.
“Today, they’re doing a complete 180 by changing their policies,” Sasse added. “These new changes underscore the need for a full DOJ investigation.” (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Pornhub May Be Protected From Legal Repercussions By Section 230, Rep. Banks Warns)
Pornhub announced changes to their website’s safety measures Tuesday following a New York Times column alleging that the site is “infested with rape videos.”
“Going forward, we will only allow properly identified users to upload content,” Pornhub said in a Tuesday statement. “We have banned downloads. We have made some key expansions to our moderation process, and we recently launched a Trusted Flagger Program with dozens of non-profit organizations.”
Pornhub just announced huge changes: a.) allow uploads only from verified users; b.) no downloads; c.) improvements in moderation. Initial take: A great deal depends on how responsibly Pornhub implements these, and it hasn’t earned my trust at all, but these seem significant. — Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) December 8, 2020
Pulitzer prize-winning opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof had accused Pornhub of monetizing “child rapes, revenge pornography, spy cam videos of women showering, racist and misogynist content, and footage of women being asphyxiated in plastic bags,” in a Friday New York Times op-ed.
The popular pornography website has been listed as the 10th-most-visited website in the world, with 3.5 billion visits a month and profits from almost three billion ad impressions every day, according to Kristof.
Kristof’s story sparked backlash against Pornhub, prompting lawmakers to call for investigations into the pornography website. Major credit card companies also began reviewing their relationship with Pornhub.
“The Department of Justice needs to open an investigation into the scumbags who run Mindgeek,” Sasse told the DCNF Friday following the report’s release. “Sexual exploitation and human trafficking are abhorrent, period. A decent society should be working to end this.”
“It is completely unacceptable that Pornhub and its parent company Mindgeek make money from rape, sexual abuse, and the exploitation of minors,” the senator, who also called on the DOJ to investigate Pornhub in March, added. “They need to be investigated, and the DOJ needs more urgency about building cases against creeps.”
The DOJ has not responded to requests for comment from the DCNF.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--Inside The Battle Over Pandemic Policy — What Exactly Does The Science Support?

As COVID-19 deaths rise across the U.S. , leaders face critical decisions about how to control the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ theory suggests the pandemic should be viewed as something to manage , rather than to @ @

As COVID-19 deaths rise across the U.S., leaders face critical decisions about how to control the spread of the virus — but one competing theory suggests the pandemic should be viewed as something to manage, rather than to control.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--‘Yellow Privilege’: College Residence Advisor Anonymously Distributes Document On Asians As Oppresso

‘Yellow Privilege’: College Residence Advisor Anonymously Distributes Document On Asians As Oppressors

A document explaining “ yellow privilege ” was distributed to students by an anonymous residential advisor at the University of British Columbia ( UBC ) , according to the Montreal Gazette .
The six-page document defines “ yellow privilege ” as the advantages East Asians are granted , including protections under criminal law , the Montreal Gazette reported .
A disclaimer is included , stating that the document is not to “ perpetuate and enforce an idea but to stimulate much needed healthy discussions on racial issues in society today , ” according to the Montreal Gazette .
To support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the model minority , which it defines as an East-Asian stereotype that is furthered by the idea that Asians are successful due to their innate talents , the Montreal Gazette reported .
The author of the document argues this has led to East Asians acting as both the oppressors and the oppressed , per the Montreal Gazette .
East Asians face oppression because they keep quiet to avoid losing their status as a model minority , according to the document , per the Montreal Gazette .
However , East Asians act as oppressors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the document argues , according to the Montreal Gazette .
Georgia Yee , vice president of academic and university affairs for the UBC Alma Mater Society , said , “ This is completely unacceptable to see .
I ’ m a little horrified to see this , both as a former RA and in my current role .
Glad to see actions are being taken to report this incident , ” in a post on Reddit , according to the Montreal Gazette .
The document urges the students to contemplate which privileges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or may not be aware of , the Montreal Gazette reported .
“ We sincerely apologize for this communication and its impact , in particular to members of our Asian communities .
We recognize the email and its content have even greater implications in the midst of a pandemic that has spurred a climate of increased negativity towards Asian communities , ” Sean Ryan , associate director of student housing , said in an email to students , per the Montreal Gazette .

A document explaining “yellow privilege” was distributed to students by an anonymous residential adviser at the University of British Columbia (UBC), according to the Montreal Gazette.
The six-page document defines “yellow privilege” as the advantages East Asians are granted, including protections under criminal law, the Montreal Gazette reported.
A disclaimer is included, stating that the document is not to “perpetuate and enforce an idea but to stimulate much needed healthy discussions on racial issues in society today,” according to the Montreal Gazette.
The University of British Columbia’s student housing department has apologized after a document about “yellow privilege” was sent to some students https://t.co/W6d1id3fSK — Tyler Dawson (@tylerrdawson) December 7, 2020
To support its claims, the document points to the model minority, which it defines as an East-Asian stereotype that is furthered by the idea that Asians are successful due to their innate talents, the Montreal Gazette reported.
The author of the document argues this has led to East Asians acting as both the oppressors and the oppressed, per the Montreal Gazette. East Asians face oppression because they keep quiet to avoid losing their status as a model minority, according to the document, per the Montreal Gazette. However, East Asians act as oppressors by separating themselves from poor Southeast Asians, the document argues, according to the Montreal Gazette.
Georgia Yee, vice president of academic and university affairs for the UBC Alma Mater Society, said, “This is completely unacceptable to see. I’m a little horrified to see this, both as a former RA and in my current role. Glad to see actions are being taken to report this incident,” in a post on Reddit, according to the Montreal Gazette.
The document urges the students to contemplate which privileges they’re afforded that they may or may not be aware of, the Montreal Gazette reported.
“We sincerely apologize for this communication and its impact, in particular to members of our Asian communities. We recognize the email and its content have even greater implications in the midst of a pandemic that has spurred a climate of increased negativity towards Asian communities,” Sean Ryan, associate director of student housing, said in an email to students, per the Montreal Gazette.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--FACT CHECK: Viral Post Claims A Vaccine Stored At -80 Degrees ‘Isn’t A Vaccine’ And Is Meant For ‘Ge

FACT CHECK: Viral Post Claims A Vaccine Stored At -80 Degrees ‘Isn’t A Vaccine’ And Is Meant For ‘Genetic Manipulation’

An image shared on Facebook claims “ any vaccine that needs to be shipped and stored at -80 degrees isn ’ t a vaccine , ” but rather a transfection agent used for “ genetic manipulation.
” Vaccines are routinely stored at sub-zero temperatures , according to experts .
There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine can infect or manipulate a person ’ s DNA .
The image shows a screen grab of a Nov. 15 tweet that reads , “ Any vaccine that needs to be shipped and stored at -80 degrees isn ’ t a vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept alive so it can infect your cells and transfer genetic material.
” The tweet goes on to claim that the vaccine will aid in the “ genetic manipulation of humans on a massive scale.
” The tweet appears to be in reference to the pharmaceutical company Pfizer ’ s COVID-19 vaccine , which needs to be stored at minus 70 degrees Celsius , according to NPR .
The vaccine developed by Moderna is also stored at a frozen temperature , minus 20 degrees Celsius , but can also keep for a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post .
Many vaccines are stored at just above freezing , while some require much colder temperatures , a vaccine storage chart published by the American Academy of Pediatrics reports .
For instance , the Ebola vaccine was stored at about minus 80 degrees Celsius , according to the World Health Organization .
Dr. Warner Greene , a professor of medicine , microbiology and immunology at the University of California , San Francisco , told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines must be stored at “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are “ fragile and sensitive to degradation.
” “ The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are RNA based ( a new type of vaccine platform never used to fight infectious disease before ) , ” Greene said in an email .
“ Because the RNA component is fragile and sensitive to degradation , the vaccines must be stored at ultra- low temperatures ( especially true for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine ) .
” Transfection is a biological term that refers to a technique used to “ insert foreign nucleic acid ( DNA or RNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the intention of altering the properties of the cell , ” according to Encyclopedia Britannica .
While Greene explained that the vaccine could be considered a transfection agent in the “ broadest sense , ” it is inaccurate to suggest that the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are designed for “ genetic manipulation of humans on a massive scale.
” “ An individual ’ s DNA is completely unaffected by this type of vaccine , ” he told the DCNF .
“ The vaccine introduces an RNA not a DNA .
The RNA is never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ribosomes and is quickly translated into protein .
The RNA actually doesn ’ t survive for long but just long enough to produce enough protein to direct the immune response to begin making antibodies and T cells reactive with SARS-CoV-2 Spike.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has likewise stated that the COVID-19 vaccines will not affect the recipient ’ s DNA .
( RELATED : Does The WHO No Longer Recommend Isolation , Quarantine Or Social Distancing For COVID-19 ? )
“ mRNA vaccines do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry a risk of causing disease in the vaccinated person , ” reads a statement on a section of the CDC website dedicated to information about the new COVID-19 vaccines .
“ mRNA from the vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell and does not affect or interact with a person ’ s DNA.
” The CDC website also states that “ COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC ’ s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.
” Other measures the CDC recommends include wearing face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact [ email protected ] .

An image shared on Facebook claims “any vaccine that needs to be shipped and stored at -80 degrees isn’t a vaccine,” but rather a transfection agent used for “genetic manipulation.”
Verdict: False
Vaccines are routinely stored at sub-zero temperatures, according to experts. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine can infect or manipulate a person’s DNA.
Fact Check:
The image shows a screen grab of a Nov. 15 tweet that reads, “Any vaccine that needs to be shipped and stored at -80 degrees isn’t a vaccine. It’s a transfection agent, kept alive so it can infect your cells and transfer genetic material.” The tweet goes on to claim that the vaccine will aid in the “genetic manipulation of humans on a massive scale.”
The tweet appears to be in reference to the pharmaceutical company Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, which needs to be stored at minus 70 degrees Celsius, according to NPR. The vaccine developed by Moderna is also stored at a frozen temperature, minus 20 degrees Celsius, but can also keep for a month at refrigerator temperatures, according to The Washington Post.
Many vaccines are stored at just above freezing, while some require much colder temperatures, a vaccine storage chart published by the American Academy of Pediatrics reports. For instance, the Ebola vaccine was stored at about minus 80 degrees Celsius, according to the World Health Organization.
Dr. Warner Greene, a professor of medicine, microbiology and immunology at the University of California, San Francisco, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines must be stored at “ultra-low temperatures” because they have components that are “fragile and sensitive to degradation.”
“The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are RNA based (a new type of vaccine platform never used to fight infectious disease before),” Greene said in an email. “Because the RNA component is fragile and sensitive to degradation, the vaccines must be stored at ultra- low temperatures (especially true for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine).”
Transfection is a biological term that refers to a technique used to “insert foreign nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) into a cell, typically with the intention of altering the properties of the cell,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica. While Greene explained that the vaccine could be considered a transfection agent in the “broadest sense,” it is inaccurate to suggest that the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are designed for “genetic manipulation of humans on a massive scale.”
“An individual’s DNA is completely unaffected by this type of vaccine,” he told the DCNF. “The vaccine introduces an RNA not a DNA. The RNA is never converted into DNA, rather it binds to ribosomes and is quickly translated into protein. The RNA actually doesn’t survive for long but just long enough to produce enough protein to direct the immune response to begin making antibodies and T cells reactive with SARS-CoV-2 Spike.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has likewise stated that the COVID-19 vaccines will not affect the recipient’s DNA. (RELATED: Does The WHO No Longer Recommend Isolation, Quarantine Or Social Distancing For COVID-19?)
“mRNA vaccines do not contain a live virus and do not carry a risk of causing disease in the vaccinated person,” reads a statement on a section of the CDC website dedicated to information about the new COVID-19 vaccines. “mRNA from the vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell and does not affect or interact with a person’s DNA.”
The CDC website also states that “COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.” Other measures the CDC recommends include wearing face coverings in certain settings and social distancing.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--Police Searching For Masked Men Who Tortured, Executed Two Truckers

Osmar Olivia and Johan Gonzalez Quesada , along with another man , were kidnapped , beaten , shot and dumped in Opa-Locka , Florida , Tampa Bay Times reported .
Olivia and Quesada reportedly died from the incident while the third man remains in critical condition .
Olivia was reportedly the father of three and owned Olivia Delivery Corporation in Opa-Locka .
“ He was a very good person , ” his widow said in an interview Monday .
“ I don ’ t know why this happened to him , ” reports Tampa Bay Times .
Masked men allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by their hands , and tortured them for hours in the back of a truck .
( RELATED : Police Identify Suspect In Attack On Portland Pick-Up Truck Driver ) “ He was a marvelous person , ” Quesada ’ s father reportedly said of his son .
“ He had a huge heart .
Very family-oriented.
” Both Olivia and Quesada had prior run-ins with police , according to The Tampa Bay Times .
Olivia was arrested in 2007 by Miami-Dade police after allegedly unloading cargo off a stolen semi-truck .
Prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quesada was arrested in 2019 for reportedly possessing two loads of pilfered cargo .
He was awaiting trial before his death .

Osmar Olivia and Johan Gonzalez Quesada, along with another man, were kidnapped, beaten, shot and dumped in Opa-Locka, Florida, Tampa Bay Times reported.
Olivia and Quesada reportedly died from the incident while the third man remains in critical condition.
A third man also was tortured and shot, but he was able to escape.https://t.co/A8xwdTfEL5 — Tampa Bay Times (@TB_Times) December 8, 2020
Olivia was reportedly the father of three and owned Olivia Delivery Corporation in Opa-Locka.
“He was a very good person,” his widow said in an interview Monday. “I don’t know why this happened to him,” reports Tampa Bay Times.
Masked men allegedly kidnapped the three men, bound them by their hands, and tortured them for hours in the back of a truck. (RELATED: Police Identify Suspect In Attack On Portland Pick-Up Truck Driver)
“He was a marvelous person,” Quesada’s father reportedly said of his son. “He had a huge heart. Very family-oriented.”
Both Olivia and Quesada had prior run-ins with police, according to The Tampa Bay Times.
Olivia was arrested in 2007 by Miami-Dade police after allegedly unloading cargo off a stolen semi-truck. Prosecutors dropped the charges the following year.
Quesada was arrested in 2019 for reportedly possessing two loads of pilfered cargo. He was awaiting trial before his death.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--Rep. Gohmert’s Tooth Falls Out Mid-Press Conference

Republican Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert ’ s crown tooth fell out during a press conference on Tuesday .
The incident occurred during the House Freedom Caucus press conference while Gohmert was speaking .
About a minute into his speech , something fell from the top part of the inside of his mouth .
The Texas congressman briefly stopped speaking as it happened before moving the item – a crown tooth , according to a spokeswoman from Gohmert ’ s office – towards the back of his mouth .
“ The Congressman is fine .
A temporary crown that he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McLaughlin , a spokeswoman for Gohmert , told the Daily Caller .
Gohmert resumed speaking soon afterwards .
At first some reports alleged that the item in his mouth was a piece of gum .
Upon further inspection , however , many declared that it seemed to be his tooth .
The congressman tested positive for COVID-19 in July prior to a scheduled flight with President Donald Trump .
He made a full recovery and said afterwards that he felt “ better than before [ he ] had it , ” according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ‘ No Rules About When You Can Make Noise ’ : Congressional Hearing Goes Off The Rails As Louie Gohmert Refuses To Stop Banging His Desk )

Republican Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert’s crown tooth fell out during a press conference on Tuesday.
The incident occurred during the House Freedom Caucus press conference while Gohmert was speaking. About a minute into his speech, something fell from the top part of the inside of his mouth. The Texas congressman briefly stopped speaking as it happened before moving the item – a crown tooth, according to a spokeswoman from Gohmert’s office – towards the back of his mouth.
“The Congressman is fine. A temporary crown that he is having replaced came loose,” Lauren McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for Gohmert, told the Daily Caller.
WATCH:
Rep. Louie Gohmert’s tooth just fell out at his press conference. pic.twitter.com/ieeEeBtcXp — The Recount (@therecount) December 8, 2020
Gohmert resumed speaking soon afterwards. At first some reports alleged that the item in his mouth was a piece of gum. Upon further inspection, however, many declared that it seemed to be his tooth.
The congressman tested positive for COVID-19 in July prior to a scheduled flight with President Donald Trump. He made a full recovery and said afterwards that he felt “better than before [he] had it,” according to the Longview News Journal. (RELATED: ‘No Rules About When You Can Make Noise’: Congressional Hearing Goes Off The Rails As Louie Gohmert Refuses To Stop Banging His Desk)


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--CPAC 2021 To Be Held In Person In Orlando, Florida

The Conservative Political Action Conference ( CPAC ) , hosted by the American Conservative Union , will be held in person in Orlando , Florida , according to Fox News .
CPAC will be a four-day in-person event at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando , Florida , Fox News reported .
The in-person conference will span from Feb. 25 to 28 , but it will have several virtual components as well , according to Fox News .
( RELATED : Trump Imposter Who Crashed CPAC Was Sacha Baron Cohen Filming For New ‘ Borat ’ Movie ) “ For the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting is moving outside of DC to Orlando , Florida , ” American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp said in a statement , according to Fox News .
For the last eight years , CPAC was held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center just outside of Washington , D.C. , in Maryland , Fox News reported .
CPAC attracted nearly 20,000 attendees in February of 2020 before lockdowns and other public health measures were put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The annual conference for conservatives has been held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Washington , D.C. area , Fox News reported .
Coronavirus lockdowns in the area have kept the Gaylord National Resort and other hotels in the area closed to conferences .
In Florida , public health policies regarding coronavirus are different .
The state , while recommending face masks , is one of around a dozen states to not have a mask mandate , according to Fox News .
Orange County , Florida , where the conference is to be held , does require masks to be worn in public places .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed local enforcement of mask mandates .

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), hosted by the American Conservative Union, will be held in person in Orlando, Florida, according to Fox News.
CPAC will be a four-day in-person event at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida, Fox News reported. The in-person conference will span from Feb. 25 to 28, but it will have several virtual components as well, according to Fox News. (RELATED: Trump Imposter Who Crashed CPAC Was Sacha Baron Cohen Filming For New ‘Borat’ Movie)
CPAC is moving from Maryland to Florida this year, per Fox News https://t.co/riWtC8mFGu pic.twitter.com/OkEBAV3fXA — Eli Yokley (@eyokley) December 8, 2020
“For the first time ever, our annual CPAC meeting is moving outside of DC to Orlando, Florida,” American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp said in a statement, according to Fox News.
For the last eight years, CPAC was held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center just outside of Washington, D.C., in Maryland, Fox News reported. CPAC attracted nearly 20,000 attendees in February of 2020 before lockdowns and other public health measures were put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual conference for conservatives has been held since 1974, and has always been in the Washington, D.C. area, Fox News reported. Coronavirus lockdowns in the area have kept the Gaylord National Resort and other hotels in the area closed to conferences.
In Florida, public health policies regarding coronavirus are different. The state, while recommending face masks, is one of around a dozen states to not have a mask mandate, according to Fox News. Orange County, Florida, where the conference is to be held, does require masks to be worn in public places. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has opposed local enforcement of mask mandates.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Republican-Led Bid To Overturn Pennsylvania Election Results

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Republicans ’ attempt to reverse Pennsylvania ’ s certification of its election results , which showed a victory for President-elect Joe Biden .
The unanimous ruling , issued without comment , means the court declined to question the state ’ s certification process .
Democratic Gov .
Tom Wolf certified Biden ’ s victory on Nov. 24 , and the state ’ s 20 electors are set to cast their votes for Biden when the Electoral College meets on Dec. 14 .
The emergency request was filed by Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Mike Kelly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s suit sought to overturn Pennsylvania ’ s results on the grounds that legislation the state adopted allowing for no-excuse absentee voting violates the state constitution , according to Politico .
As a result , he argued that the state ’ s results should be invalidated .
The 2019 legislation was passed by Pennsylvania ’ s GOP-led legislature , and Kelly ’ s suit had already been thrown out by lower courts .
Since the election was called for Biden on Nov. 7 , the Trump administration has filed numerous lawsuits in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost , including Nevada , Arizona , Georgia , Wisconsin , Michigan and Pennsylvania .
The Trump team ’ s dozens of lawsuits have not been successful , and all the states have already certified their election results .
( RELATED : Trump ’ s Allegations Of Widespread Fraud Are Not Supported By His Own Lawsuits ) Biden won November ’ s election with 306 electoral votes to Trump ’ s 232 , mirroring Trump ’ s total from four years ago .
Biden also beat Trump by over seven million votes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest for any presidential candidate in American history .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Republicans’ attempt to reverse Pennsylvania’s certification of its election results, which showed a victory for President-elect Joe Biden.
The unanimous ruling, issued without comment, means the court declined to question the state’s certification process. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf certified Biden’s victory on Nov. 24, and the state’s 20 electors are set to cast their votes for Biden when the Electoral College meets on Dec. 14.
The emergency request was filed by Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Mike Kelly and two other GOP House candidates.
Supreme Court order in full: pic.twitter.com/uZ17mTTSlG — Lawrence Hurley (@lawrencehurley) December 8, 2020
Kelly’s suit sought to overturn Pennsylvania’s results on the grounds that legislation the state adopted allowing for no-excuse absentee voting violates the state constitution, according to Politico. As a result, he argued that the state’s results should be invalidated.
The 2019 legislation was passed by Pennsylvania’s GOP-led legislature, and Kelly’s suit had already been thrown out by lower courts.
Since the election was called for Biden on Nov. 7, the Trump administration has filed numerous lawsuits in multiple battleground states that President Donald Trump lost, including Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The Trump team’s dozens of lawsuits have not been successful, and all the states have already certified their election results. (RELATED: Trump’s Allegations Of Widespread Fraud Are Not Supported By His Own Lawsuits)
Biden won November’s election with 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232, mirroring Trump’s total from four years ago. Biden also beat Trump by over seven million votes, though their respective totals were the two highest for any presidential candidate in American history.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-08--POLL: 85% Of Small Businesses Need Federal Funds To Survive The Pandemic

A poll released Tuesday found that 85 % of small businesses will need federal funds to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic .
Alignable , an online referral network for small businesses , conducted the poll , which asked small businesses how important additional federal relief funds were to their ability to stay open through June 2021 .
48 % of small businesses said federal funds are “ critical ” to their survival , 37 % said they are significantly important , 12 % said they are somewhat important , and just 3 % said that federal funds are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 110,000 per business in order to survive through June of 2021 , according to the poll .
( RELATED : ‘ Catastrophic ’ Consequences For Small Businesses If There Is No Relief Bill , CEOs Tell Congress ) Business owners were also asked what they would spend the money on if they received another loan .
The most common response was paying rent or employee salaries .
Business owners also said that they would pay for additional bills , pay themselves , pay off other loans , invest in expansion plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become more virtual .
The poll was conducted between Dec. 5 and 7 .
A total of 5,500 business owners were surveyed .
Loans from the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) were given to businesses beginning in April .
The $ 670 billion program had supported more than 51 million small business jobs as of July , the Trump administration said .
Congress is currently debating on another round of relief funds , but talks of more federal relief funding has stalled due to partisan gridlock .
“ Dueling members of Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurdles to ensure that more small businesses weather the rest of this catastrophic COVID storm , ” Eric Groves , the Co-Founder of Alignable , said in a blog post .
“ Our latest poll clearly demonstrates that more aid is desperately needed to keep hard-working small business leaders afloat – and to continue fueling the recovery .
”

A poll released Tuesday found that 85% of small businesses will need federal funds to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.
Alignable, an online referral network for small businesses, conducted the poll, which asked small businesses how important additional federal relief funds were to their ability to stay open through June 2021. 48% of small businesses said federal funds are “critical” to their survival, 37% said they are significantly important, 12% said they are somewhat important, and just 3% said that federal funds are not important.
Small businesses need an average of $110,000 per business in order to survive through June of 2021, according to the poll. (RELATED: ‘Catastrophic’ Consequences For Small Businesses If There Is No Relief Bill, CEOs Tell Congress)
Business owners were also asked what they would spend the money on if they received another loan. The most common response was paying rent or employee salaries. Business owners also said that they would pay for additional bills, pay themselves, pay off other loans, invest in expansion plans, or participate in online education to become more virtual.
The poll was conducted between Dec. 5 and 7. A total of 5,500 business owners were surveyed.
Loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were given to businesses beginning in April. The $670 billion program had supported more than 51 million small business jobs as of July, the Trump administration said. Congress is currently debating on another round of relief funds, but talks of more federal relief funding has stalled due to partisan gridlock.
“Dueling members of Congress need to compromise and jump over political hurdles to ensure that more small businesses weather the rest of this catastrophic COVID storm,” Eric Groves, the Co-Founder of Alignable, said in a blog post. “Our latest poll clearly demonstrates that more aid is desperately needed to keep hard-working small business leaders afloat – and to continue fueling the recovery.”


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Nicolas Cage Will Star In A Netflix Show About The History Of Curse Words

Nicolas Cage has a new Netflix show in the works , and it sounds absolutely incredible .
According to The Hollywood Reporter , Cage will star in “ History of Swear Words , ” which takes a look at the history of swearing and curse words .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Specifically , Cage will dive into the origins of “ f**k , ” “ sh*t , ” “ b*tch , ” “ d*ck , ” “ pu**y ” and “ damn.
” Of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to be insanely successful , you can put this one right at the top of the list .
I have no idea what to expect out of this series , but I can already tell that I ’ m going to love it with Cage leading the way .
Some people might say that Cage has fallen off a bit .
I dare you to say that now .
Whether it ’ s the “ National Treasure ” series or a Netflix show about swearing , I think it ’ s safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever .
Also , let ’ s take a moment to remember the greatest Nicolas Cage line ever spoken about his acting career .
Take it away !
You can catch “ History of Swear Words ” starting January 5 .
Sounds like a great time !

Nicolas Cage has a new Netflix show in the works, and it sounds absolutely incredible.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cage will star in “History of Swear Words,” which takes a look at the history of swearing and curse words. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Specifically, Cage will dive into the origins of “f**k,” “sh*t,” “b*tch,” “d*ck,” “pu**y” and “damn.”
Of all the half-cocked ideas that might have a chance to be insanely successful, you can put this one right at the top of the list.
I have no idea what to expect out of this series, but I can already tell that I’m going to love it with Cage leading the way.
Some people might say that Cage has fallen off a bit. I dare you to say that now. Whether it’s the “National Treasure” series or a Netflix show about swearing, I think it’s safe to say Cage is as great as ever.
Ignore the critics and haters. He’s flying high!
Also, let’s take a moment to remember the greatest Nicolas Cage line ever spoken about his acting career. Take it away!
You can catch “History of Swear Words” starting January 5. Sounds like a great time!


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Trump Administration Pushing New $916 Billion Stimulus Offer Including Another Round Of $600 Direct

Trump Administration Pushing New $916 Billion Stimulus Offer Including Another Round Of $600 Direct Payments And State Aid

The Trump administration offered Congressional leaders a new coronavirus stimulus proposal Tuesday which includes both some aid for states and another round of direct payments to taxpayers .
The proposal marks a significantly smaller price tag than the $ 2.2 billion package pushed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats in recent months , but at $ 916 billion is slightly larger than the packages offered by both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and a bi-partisan group of lawmakers following the 2020 election .
The new bill does not , however , offer any additional aid for weekly unemployment benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin confirmed in a statement that the administration intends on funding the package in part with the “ $ 140 billion from the Paycheck Protection Program and $ 429 billion in Treasury funds.
” ( EXCLUSIVE : Trump Officials Maintain He ’ d Sign A Lame Duck Coronavirus Stimulus But Think It ’ s Unlikely He ’ ll Get The Chance ) He previously suggested that unused funds in the Federal Reserve ’ s coronavirus relief — set to expire December 31 — could be reallocated by Congress for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House officials have told Daily Caller that President Donald Trump will sign any coronavirus stimulus package that comes across his desk before leaving office , as he views the issue as critical to bolstering his chances in a potential 2024 presidential run .
Still , multiple White House officials also told the Caller that they doubted a coronavirus aid bill would come across Trump ’ s desk before January 20 and noted that Biden ’ s team shot down recent reports that the president-elect was pressuring Democratic leadership to work with Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Minority Chuck Schumer have maintained criticism of McConnell and Republicans ’ negotiating efforts in recent days .
“ He ’ s sabotaging good-faith bipartisan negotiations because his partisan ideological effort is not getting a good reception , ” Mr. Schumer said in a statement on Tuesday , while Pelosi added that “ Leader McConnell ’ s efforts to undermine good-faith , bipartisan negotiations are appalling .
”

The Trump administration offered Congressional leaders a new coronavirus stimulus proposal Tuesday which includes both some aid for states and another round of direct payments to taxpayers.
The proposal marks a significantly smaller price tag than the $2.2 billion package pushed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats in recent months, but at $916 billion is slightly larger than the packages offered by both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and a bi-partisan group of lawmakers following the 2020 election. The new bill does not, however, offer any additional aid for weekly unemployment benefits, according to the New York Times.
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin confirmed in a statement that the administration intends on funding the package in part with the “$140 billion from the Paycheck Protection Program and $429 billion in Treasury funds.” (EXCLUSIVE: Trump Officials Maintain He’d Sign A Lame Duck Coronavirus Stimulus But Think It’s Unlikely He’ll Get The Chance)
He previously suggested that unused funds in the Federal Reserve’s coronavirus relief — set to expire December 31 — could be reallocated by Congress for any future coronavirus stimulus plans.
Senior White House officials have told Daily Caller that President Donald Trump will sign any coronavirus stimulus package that comes across his desk before leaving office, as he views the issue as critical to bolstering his chances in a potential 2024 presidential run. Still, multiple White House officials also told the Caller that they doubted a coronavirus aid bill would come across Trump’s desk before January 20 and noted that Biden’s team shot down recent reports that the president-elect was pressuring Democratic leadership to work with Republicans and pass a bill.
Pelosi and Senate Minority Chuck Schumer have maintained criticism of McConnell and Republicans’ negotiating efforts in recent days.
“He’s sabotaging good-faith bipartisan negotiations because his partisan ideological effort is not getting a good reception,” Mr. Schumer said in a statement on Tuesday, while Pelosi added that “Leader McConnell’s efforts to undermine good-faith, bipartisan negotiations are appalling.”


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Russians Who Get The Coronavirus Vaccination Are Being Told Not To Drink Alcohol For 42 Days

Russians who take the coronavirus vaccination will have to avoid consuming booze for several weeks .
According to the TASS News Agency , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova recently warned people that it will take about 42 days to do its job , and Russians who receive it should avoid alcohol during that time .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Yes , you read that correctly .
Russians are being told not to consume alcohol for six weeks after receiving the vaccination !
Is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not take the coronavirus vaccination than telling them they can ’ t drink afterwards ?
I think the answer to that is a firm no .
I don ’ t know if you guys realize this , but Russians love to drink .
I mean , they love their alcohol .
Every Russian I ’ ve ever spent time with throws back booze like it ’ s going out of style .
There are hardcore drinkers and then there ’ s Russians .
Now , the Russian government is informing its citizens that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nicest vodka bottles to celebrate getting the vaccination .
Yeah , that ’ s going to be a problem for all the good old boys in Moscow and Vladivostok .
I ’ m not against vaccinations at all , but if you tell me that I ’ m not allowed to crack open a few Busch Lights after the fact , then you better be able to provide mountains of evidence as to why .
Stay strong , Russia !
All of us booze hounds in America are standing with you in solidarity @ @ @ @ @

Russians who take the coronavirus vaccination will have to avoid consuming booze for several weeks.
According to the TASS News Agency, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova recently warned people that it will take about 42 days to do its job, and Russians who receive it should avoid alcohol during that time. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Yes, you read that correctly. Russians are being told not to consume alcohol for six weeks after receiving the vaccination!
Is there any better way to convince people to not take the coronavirus vaccination than telling them they can’t drink afterwards?
I think the answer to that is a firm no.
I don’t know if you guys realize this, but Russians love to drink. I mean, they love their alcohol. Every Russian I’ve ever spent time with throws back booze like it’s going out of style.
There are hardcore drinkers and then there are Russians.
Now, the Russian government is informing its citizens that they can’t crack open their nicest vodka bottles to celebrate getting the vaccination.
Yeah, that’s going to be a problem for all the good old boys in Moscow and Vladivostok.
I’m not against vaccinations at all, but if you tell me that I’m not allowed to crack open a few Busch Lights after the fact, then you better be able to provide mountains of evidence as to why.
Stay strong, Russia! All of us booze hounds in America are standing with you in solidarity during this difficult time.


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--‘Elections Results’ And ‘Coronavirus’ Were The Most Searched Terms On Google In 2020

Google has released its search data for 2020 , and the results weren ’ t very surprising .
The tech giant revealed that “ Election Results ” and “ Coronavirus ” were the most searched terms .
In fact , coronavirus related searches dominated the top five .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) “ Coronavirus update ” and “ Coronavirus symptoms ” came in at fourth and fifth .
Searches about Kobe Bryant came in third .
All things considered , I ’ d say the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most searched people on the planet ?
That ’ d be Joe Biden and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un came in second .
We ’ re not done yet !
The most searched definition of 2020 was “ WAP.
” I ’ ll go ahead and let you guys Google that one on your own in case you don ’ t already know what it is .
I don ’ t want to spoil the surprise/music for you .
“ Tiger King ” was the most searched TV show and “ Parasite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While I haven ’ t seen the latter , I can ’ t recommend the former enough .
Overall , I ’ d say the results were more or less what we expected .
All the things mentioned above dominated the headlines this year , and it ’ s not shocking at all that they were the most searched terms .
Let us know what you think of the results in the comments below !

Google has released its search data for 2020, and the results weren’t very surprising.
The tech giant revealed that “Election Results” and “Coronavirus” were the most searched terms. In fact, coronavirus related searches dominated the top five. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
“Coronavirus update” and “Coronavirus symptoms” came in at fourth and fifth. Searches about Kobe Bryant came in third. All things considered, I’d say the top five make perfect sense.
The most searched people on the planet? That’d be Joe Biden and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un came in second.
We’re not done yet! The most searched definition of 2020 was “WAP.” I’ll go ahead and let you guys Google that one on your own in case you don’t already know what it is.
I don’t want to spoil the surprise/music for you.
“Tiger King” was the most searched TV show and “Parasite” was the most searched movie. While I haven’t seen the latter, I can’t recommend the former enough.
It’s outstanding.
Overall, I’d say the results were more or less what we expected. All the things mentioned above dominated the headlines this year, and it’s not shocking at all that they were the most searched terms.
Let us know what you think of the results in the comments below!


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Biden Reportedly Picks Obama’s Agriculture Secretary To Lead USDA

President-elect Joe Biden picked Tom Vilsack to run the United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) , Politico reported Tuesday .
Vilsack , the former governor of Iowa , served as former President Barack Obama ’ s USDA head for eight years .
Vilsack has led the U.S .
Dairy Export Council , an overseas industry advocacy group , since the end of the Obama administration , according to Politico .
Republican Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley said Tuesday he will support Biden ’ s pick and will speak on Vilsack ’ s behalf before the Senate if called upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the secretary of agriculture for eight years , and if he was in for another four years , it would be OK with me , ” Grassley said , according to the Des Moines Register .
“ I would be glad , if he wants me to , to speak for him before the Agriculture Committee.
” If confirmed , Vilsack will take over the department after the Trump administration funneled millions in aid to farmers dealing with pandemic fallout .
Direct payments to farmers could reach $ 46 billion in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp and Democratic Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge were under consideration for the post , The New York Times reported .
Biden tapped Fudge to run the Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD ) .
( RELATED : REPORT : Biden To Select Rep. Marcia Fudge To Lead HUD ) Democratic South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn advocated for Fudge , prior to her nomination to HUD .
Clyburn told The Times the USDA should serve as a department that “ deals with consumer issues and nutrition and things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Clyburn reportedly said that Vilsack did not properly represent Black farmers in his previous stint at the USDA .
“ I don ’ t know why we ’ ve got to be recycling , ” Clyburn told the Times in reference to a number of Obama era appointments .
“ There ’ s a strong feeling that Black farmers didn ’ t get a fair shake.
” Biden could formally announce his USDA pick within the week , according to Politico .

President-elect Joe Biden picked Tom Vilsack to run the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Politico reported Tuesday.
Vilsack, the former governor of Iowa, served as former President Barack Obama’s USDA head for eight years. Vilsack has led the U.S. Dairy Export Council, an overseas industry advocacy group, since the end of the Obama administration, according to Politico.
Republican Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley said Tuesday he will support Biden’s pick and will speak on Vilsack’s behalf before the Senate if called upon.
“I liked what Vilsack did as the secretary of agriculture for eight years, and if he was in for another four years, it would be OK with me,” Grassley said, according to the Des Moines Register. “I would be glad, if he wants me to, to speak for him before the Agriculture Committee.”
President-elect Joe Biden has selected Tom Vilsack as Agriculture secretary https://t.co/LV65P370FN — POLITICO (@politico) December 9, 2020
If confirmed, Vilsack will take over the department after the Trump administration funneled millions in aid to farmers dealing with pandemic fallout. Direct payments to farmers could reach $46 billion in 2020 alone, NPR reported.
Both Democratic North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp and Democratic Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge were under consideration for the post, The New York Times reported. Biden tapped Fudge to run the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (RELATED: REPORT: Biden To Select Rep. Marcia Fudge To Lead HUD)
Democratic South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn advocated for Fudge, prior to her nomination to HUD. Clyburn told The Times the USDA should serve as a department that “deals with consumer issues and nutrition and things that affect people’s day-to-day lives.” Clyburn reportedly said that Vilsack did not properly represent Black farmers in his previous stint at the USDA.
“I don’t know why we’ve got to be recycling,” Clyburn told the Times in reference to a number of Obama era appointments. “There’s a strong feeling that Black farmers didn’t get a fair shake.”
Biden could formally announce his USDA pick within the week, according to Politico.


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Editor Daily Rundown: Biden Appointments Continue — Doug Jones Considered ‘Leading Contender’ For AG

LOCKDOWNS FATTEN AMERICANS UP & BRING THEM DOWN… Data Shows Lockdowns Have Made Americans Significantly Less Healthy


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--LaMelo Ball Buys Diamond Grill After Being Drafted By The Hornets

Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball is the proud new owner of a diamond grill .
According to TMZ , the grill was made by AP The Jeweler and features 14k white gold and diamonds for the hyped NBA rookie .
You can see the grill in the video below .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Look , I ’ m not a hater of LaMelo Ball at all .
I think the fact that all three Ball brothers made the NBA is pretty damn cool .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ young men in the NBA ?
It ’ s a borderline impossible task .
So , this criticism isn ’ t coming because I ’ m a hater .
Not at all .
Having made that clear , I ’ d like to go on record stating that LaMelo ’ s grill is one of the dumbest purchases I ’ ve ever seen .
Who the hell told him that buying a gold and diamond grill was a good idea ?
Whoever it was should be ignored for the rest of LaMelo ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stupid purchases , jewelry is right near the top of the list , if not at the very top .
It ’ s his money and he ’ s welcome to do what he wants with it , but this is without a doubt one of the all-time dumbest things I ’ ve ever seen an athlete buy .

Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball is the proud new owner of a diamond grill.
According to TMZ, the grill was made by AP The Jeweler and features 14k white gold and diamonds for the hyped NBA rookie. You can see the grill in the video below. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
LaMelo’s new custom grill ???????? (via apjeweler_/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/oycM0GgeBA — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2020
Look, I’m not a hater of LaMelo Ball at all. I think the fact that all three Ball brothers made the NBA is pretty damn cool.
How many other families have put three young men in the NBA? It’s a borderline impossible task.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by LaMelo Ball (@melo)
So, this criticism isn’t coming because I’m a hater. Not at all. Having made that clear, I’d like to go on record stating that LaMelo’s grill is one of the dumbest purchases I’ve ever seen.
Who the hell told him that buying a gold and diamond grill was a good idea? Whoever it was should be ignored for the rest of LaMelo’s life.
When it comes to stupid purchases, jewelry is right near the top of the list, if not at the very top.
It’s his money and he’s welcome to do what he wants with it, but this is without a doubt one of the all-time dumbest things I’ve ever seen an athlete buy.


thedailycaller--2020-12-09--Swalwell Refuses To Discuss Relationship With Chinese Spy Who Had Affairs With Two US Mayors

California Rep. Eric Swalwell is refusing to discuss his relationship with Christine Fang , an alleged Chinese spy who cozied up to multiple California politicos and reportedly had romantic relationships with two U.S. mayors before skipping the country in 2015 .
Instead , Swalwell is diverting attention from his role in a story about Fang , reported by Axios on Monday , by claiming he is the victim of a political hit job because of his open criticism of President Donald Trump .
“ I ’ ve been a critic of the president .
I ’ ve spoken out against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that worked to impeach him , ” Swalwell , a Democrat who serves on the House Intelligence Committee , told Politico in an interview on Tuesday .
“ The timing feels like that should be looked at.
” Axios reported that U.S. counterintelligence authorities suspected Christine Fang of working covertly in the U.S. from 2011 to 2015 on behalf of China ’ s Ministry of State Security , which serves as Beijing ’ s primary spy service .
Fang , according to Axios , developed ties with several California Democrats , including Swalwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served as city councilman in Dublin , California .
Fang maintained ties to Swalwell after he was elected to Congress in 2012 and raised money for his 2014 reelection to Congress , according to Axios .
U.S. intelligence officials told Axios that Fang planted an intern in Swalwell ’ s congressional office .
She developed close ties to other California lawmakers and also had romantic relationships with two mayors of cities in the Midwest , according to Axios .
She hooked up with an Ohio mayor in the back of a car , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ defensive briefing ” to Swalwell in 2015 , after he was appointed to the House Intelligence Committee , to inform him about Fang ’ s spy activity .
Fang fled the U.S. in mid-2015 , according to Axios .
Swalwell avoided Politico ’ s questions about his relationship with Fang , saying only that congressional leadership was aware of his previous contacts with her .
“ What it appears though that this person — as the story reports — was unsuccessful in whatever they were trying to do , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to weaponize someone ’ s cooperation , they are essentially seeking to do what this person was not able to do , which is to try and discredit someone.
” ( RELATED : Alleged Chinese Spy Raised Money For Eric Swalwell , Planted Intern In His Office ) “ As the story referenced , this goes back to the beginning of the last decade , and it ’ s something that congressional leadership knew about it , ” Swalwell added .
Conservatives seized on the story about Swalwell , pointing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the since-debunked allegation that the Trump campaign conspired with Russia to influence the 2016 election .
“ Rep .
Swalwell has long been disqualified from serving on the Intel Committee , ” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy wrote on Twitter .
“ For years he peddled Russian disinformation for political gain , ” McCarthy added , also referring to Swalwell as a “ national security liability.
” Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

California Rep. Eric Swalwell is refusing to discuss his relationship with Christine Fang, an alleged Chinese spy who cozied up to multiple California politicos and reportedly had romantic relationships with two U.S. mayors before skipping the country in 2015.
Instead, Swalwell is diverting attention from his role in a story about Fang, reported by Axios on Monday, by claiming he is the victim of a political hit job because of his open criticism of President Donald Trump.
“I’ve been a critic of the president. I’ve spoken out against him. I was on both committees that worked to impeach him,” Swalwell, a Democrat who serves on the House Intelligence Committee, told Politico in an interview on Tuesday.
“The timing feels like that should be looked at.”
Axios reported that U.S. counterintelligence authorities suspected Christine Fang of working covertly in the U.S. from 2011 to 2015 on behalf of China’s Ministry of State Security, which serves as Beijing’s primary spy service.
Fang, according to Axios, developed ties with several California Democrats, including Swalwell, who she first met when he served as city councilman in Dublin, California.
Fang maintained ties to Swalwell after he was elected to Congress in 2012 and raised money for his 2014 reelection to Congress, according to Axios. U.S. intelligence officials told Axios that Fang planted an intern in Swalwell’s congressional office.
She developed close ties to other California lawmakers and also had romantic relationships with two mayors of cities in the Midwest, according to Axios. She hooked up with an Ohio mayor in the back of a car, the website reported.
The FBI provided a “defensive briefing” to Swalwell in 2015, after he was appointed to the House Intelligence Committee, to inform him about Fang’s spy activity. Fang fled the U.S. in mid-2015, according to Axios.
Swalwell avoided Politico’s questions about his relationship with Fang, saying only that congressional leadership was aware of his previous contacts with her.
“What it appears though that this person — as the story reports — was unsuccessful in whatever they were trying to do,” he said. “But if intelligence officials are trying to weaponize someone’s cooperation, they are essentially seeking to do what this person was not able to do, which is to try and discredit someone.” (RELATED: Alleged Chinese Spy Raised Money For Eric Swalwell, Planted Intern In His Office)
“As the story referenced, this goes back to the beginning of the last decade, and it’s something that congressional leadership knew about it,” Swalwell added.
Conservatives seized on the story about Swalwell, pointing to the Democrat’s role in pushing the since-debunked allegation that the Trump campaign conspired with Russia to influence the 2016 election.
“Rep. Swalwell has long been disqualified from serving on the Intel Committee,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy wrote on Twitter.
“For years he peddled Russian disinformation for political gain,” McCarthy added, also referring to Swalwell as a “national security liability.”
Rep. Swalwell has long been disqualified from serving on the Intel Committee. For years he peddled Russian disinformation for political gain. Now we find out he was involved in an effort by a reported spy to gather info for China. Swalwell is a national security liability. — Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) December 8, 2020
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