thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Searing George Conway Column Shows Trump's Supporters What They Really Believe In

“ I believe it ’ s normal for the president to say ‘ Yo Semites ’ and ‘ Yo Seminites , ’ ‘ Thigh Land , ’ ‘ Minne-a-napolis , ’ ‘ toe-tally-taria-tism , ’ ‘ Thomas Jeffers ’ and ‘ Ulyss-eus S. Grant.
’ I believe it ’ s Biden who ’ s cognitively impaired , ” Conway wrote .
“ I believed the president in January and February when he said covid-19 was ‘ totally under control , ’ that it was Democrats ’ ‘ new hoax , ’ and that he was ‘ not at all ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in March when he said he ‘ felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic , ’ ” Conway continued .
“ I believe it isn ’ t racist to call the coronavirus ‘ kung flu ’ or ‘ the China Virus.
’ It isn ’ t racially divisive to say Black Lives Matter is a ‘ symbol of hate , ’ to celebrate Confederate generals as part of our ‘ Great American Heritage , ’ or to share video of someone shouting ‘ white power , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is ‘ freedom of speech.
’ ” Conway ’ s list goes on , referencing Trump ’ s incendiary comments during protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis ; his attempts to frame a 75-year-old Buffalo , New York , protester injured by police as an anti-fascist operative ; his complaints about late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis ; his well wishes for Ghislaine Maxwell , the socialite accused of aiding Jeffrey Epstein ’ s sexual abuse of underage girls ; his attempts distract from the pandemic with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; his untrue attacks against the legitimacy of mail-in voting ; and more .
He concluded with a punch : “ I believe the president won the popular vote in 2016 “ if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.
” I believe he shouldn ’ t accept the election results if he loses in November.
” Read the full column at The Washington Post .

“I believe it’s normal for the president to say ‘Yo Semites’ and ‘Yo Seminites,’ ‘Thigh Land,’ ‘Minne-a-napolis,’ ‘toe-tally-taria-tism,’ ‘Thomas Jeffers’ and ‘Ulyss-eus S. Grant.’ I believe it’s Biden who’s cognitively impaired,” Conway wrote.
“I believed the president in January and February when he said covid-19 was ‘totally under control,’ that it was Democrats’ ‘new hoax,’ and that he was ‘not at all’ worried about a pandemic. I believed him in March when he said he ‘felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic,’” Conway continued.
“I believe it isn’t racist to call the coronavirus ‘kung flu’ or ‘the China Virus.’ It isn’t racially divisive to say Black Lives Matter is a ‘symbol of hate,’ to celebrate Confederate generals as part of our ‘Great American Heritage,’ or to share video of someone shouting ‘white power,’ which, like displaying the Confederate flag, is ‘freedom of speech.’”
Conway’s list goes on, referencing Trump’s incendiary comments during protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis; his attempts to frame a 75-year-old Buffalo, New York, protester injured by police as an anti-fascist operative; his complaints about late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis; his well wishes for Ghislaine Maxwell, the socialite accused of aiding Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of underage girls; his attempts distract from the pandemic with the baseless “Obamagate” conspiracy theory; his untrue attacks against the legitimacy of mail-in voting; and more.
He concluded with a punch: “I believe the president won the popular vote in 2016 “if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.” I believe he shouldn’t accept the election results if he loses in November.”
Read the full column at The Washington Post.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Infectious Disease Expert Predicts When U.S. Coronavirus Cases Will Again Explode

Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm on Monday contradicted President Donald Trump ’ s fanciful claim that the U.S. will soon be in “ very good shape ” with the coronavirus pandemic , instead predicting “ an explosion ” in new cases starting next month .
Osterholm , director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota , told CNN ’ s Don Lemon that the U.S. is “ just really beginning to get to the really large part of the problem ” with an average of 45,000 to 50,000 new confirmed cases of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts both at the high school level and in college and universities , we think we ’ re going to see an explosion of cases in September that will far surpass what we saw after Memorial Day , ” Osterholm said .
“ And that this is just going to continue increasing , getting higher and higher , in terms of numbers.
” Osterholm elaborated in an op-ed he wrote with Neel Kashkari , president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis , that was published in The New York Times on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another lockdown to slow the spread of the virus .
“ We believe the choice is clear , ” Osterholm and Kashkari wrote .
“ We can continue to allow the coronavirus to spread rapidly throughout the country or we can commit to a more restrictive lockdown , state by state , for up to six weeks to crush the spread of the virus to less than one new case per 100,000 people per day.
” “ That ’ s the point at which we will be able to limit the increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just as other countries have done .
But we ’ re a long way from there right now , ” Osterholm and Kashkari acknowledged .
“ The imperative for this is clear because as a nation what we have done so far hasn ’ t worked.
” Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm says the US needs another lockdown to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19 .
“ We think we will see an explosion of cases in September that will far surpass what we saw after Memorial Day , ” he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tonight ( @ CNNTonight ) August 11 , 2020

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Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm on Monday contradicted President Donald Trump’s fanciful claim that the U.S. will soon be in “very good shape” with the coronavirus pandemic, instead predicting “an explosion” in new cases starting next month.
Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, told CNN’s Don Lemon that the U.S. is “just really beginning to get to the really large part of the problem” with an average of 45,000 to 50,000 new confirmed cases of the virus per day.
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“When school starts both at the high school level and in college and universities, we think we’re going to see an explosion of cases in September that will far surpass what we saw after Memorial Day,” Osterholm said. “And that this is just going to continue increasing, getting higher and higher, in terms of numbers.”
Osterholm elaborated in an op-ed he wrote with Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, that was published in The New York Times on Friday. The column argued the U.S. needs another lockdown to slow the spread of the virus.
“We believe the choice is clear,” Osterholm and Kashkari wrote. “We can continue to allow the coronavirus to spread rapidly throughout the country or we can commit to a more restrictive lockdown, state by state, for up to six weeks to crush the spread of the virus to less than one new case per 100,000 people per day.”
“That’s the point at which we will be able to limit the increase in new cases through aggressive public health measures, just as other countries have done. But we’re a long way from there right now,” Osterholm and Kashkari acknowledged. “The imperative for this is clear because as a nation what we have done so far hasn’t worked.”
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Check out Osterholm and Kashkari’s op-ed here. See Osterholm’s interview below:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Biden Reportedly Expected To Announce Running Mate This Week

( Reuters ) - Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has interviewed the finalists to be his running mate and his campaign is readying to announce his choice as soon as this week , a person familiar with the process told Reuters .
Biden and his potential vice president will formally accept the party ’ s nomination at the Democratic National Convention , scheduled for Aug. 17-20 , and he is expected to announce his pick before it begins .
The New York Times reported earlier on Monday that Biden ’ s campaign plans to announce a decision as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , citing people briefed on the selection process .
The newspaper said the committee that screened the candidates had “ effectively disbanded ” after completing its work .
It noted that Biden has missed previous deadlines to announce his pick , and that the timeline could “ slip again.
” Biden , the former vice president under Barack Obama , has committed to picking a woman as his running mate and has come under increasing pressure from some Democratic leaders and activists for her to be Black .
They argue Biden otherwise risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so crucial to the Democratic base and his hopes of unseating Republican President Donald Trump in November ’ s election , particularly as the country has been gripped with protests against racial injustice .
Aimee Allison , founder of She the People , a group that promotes women of color in politics , told Reuters she thought it would be politically “ reckless ” if Biden did not choose a woman of color .
“ It ’ s the most important decision the Biden camp can make to set the tone for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ Picking a Black woman for the ticket is affirmation that we are included in the vision of governance.
” U.S .
Senator Kamala Harris of California and former national security adviser Susan Rice , both Black , are among the top contenders .
According to Democratic officials and Biden allies , U.S. Representative Karen Bass , a Black lawmaker from California , and a half dozen other women were under serious consideration .
They include senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth , U.S. Representative Val Demings , New Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gretchen Whitmer .
Biden ’ s choice , the most weighty of his political career , has drawn an unusual amount of attention given his age .
If he defeats Trump , he would be 78 on inauguration day next January , the oldest U.S. president in history , and it is possible he may only seek one four-year term .

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(Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has interviewed the finalists to be his running mate and his campaign is readying to announce his choice as soon as this week, a person familiar with the process told Reuters.
Biden and his potential vice president will formally accept the party’s nomination at the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 17-20, and he is expected to announce his pick before it begins.
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The New York Times reported earlier on Monday that Biden’s campaign plans to announce a decision as soon as Tuesday, but more likely on Wednesday, citing people briefed on the selection process.
The newspaper said the committee that screened the candidates had “effectively disbanded” after completing its work. It noted that Biden has missed previous deadlines to announce his pick, and that the timeline could “slip again.”
A Biden campaign spokesman declined to comment.
Biden, the former vice president under Barack Obama, has committed to picking a woman as his running mate and has come under increasing pressure from some Democratic leaders and activists for her to be Black.
They argue Biden otherwise risks dampening enthusiasm among Black voters who are so crucial to the Democratic base and his hopes of unseating Republican President Donald Trump in November’s election, particularly as the country has been gripped with protests against racial injustice.
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Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, a group that promotes women of color in politics, told Reuters she thought it would be politically “reckless” if Biden did not choose a woman of color.
“It’s the most important decision the Biden camp can make to set the tone for the last 80 or so days,” she said. “Picking a Black woman for the ticket is affirmation that we are included in the vision of governance.”
U.S. Senator Kamala Harris of California and former national security adviser Susan Rice, both Black, are among the top contenders.
According to Democratic officials and Biden allies, U.S. Representative Karen Bass, a Black lawmaker from California, and a half dozen other women were under serious consideration. They include senators Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative Val Demings, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Biden’s choice, the most weighty of his political career, has drawn an unusual amount of attention given his age. If he defeats Trump, he would be 78 on inauguration day next January, the oldest U.S. president in history, and it is possible he may only seek one four-year term.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Bestselling Author: White House Press Should Try This Next Time Trump Lies

Bestselling author Don Winslow , a persistent critic of President Donald Trump , has a suggestion for the White House press corps .
The next time Trump lies , interrupt him and demand the truth .
If Trump tries to move on to someone else to duck the question , the next person should take up the same line of questioning .
And that ’ s not the only recommendation Winslow has for the media : Dear White House Press Correspondents , ( @ whca ) Thank you for the very difficult job you do every day .
I understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here 's my new short video to prepare .
# InterruptTrump # InterruptTrump pic.twitter.com/EZbvSqiYi1 — Don Winslow ( @ donwinslow ) August 10 , 2020 On Monday , Winslow called out reporters for not responding during a news conference when Trump accused “ the Obama campaign ” of “ probably treason ” : What did Donald Trump learn today during his WH press conference ?
He learned that he can DEGRADE and LIE about America 's first Black President **AND** accuse him of TREASON and the White House Press Corps will NOT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ANY EVIDENCE .
It 's horrific .
https : //t.co/Xsn7Xc0ib8 — Don Winslow ( @ donwinslow ) August 11 , 2020 Winslow is a former private investigator-turned-crime novelist .
His books often cross over into current events , including last year ’ s The Border , the final chapter in a trilogy centered on the war on drugs .
After the book ’ s release , Winslow challenged Trump to a debate on a border wall .
The president did not respond .
Winslow has since turned his talents from the page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos attacking Trump ahead of the election .
Important conversations are happening now .
Add your voice !
Join HuffPost Today !

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Bestselling author Don Winslow, a persistent critic of President Donald Trump, has a suggestion for the White House press corps. The next time Trump lies, interrupt him and demand the truth.
If Trump tries to move on to someone else to duck the question, the next person should take up the same line of questioning.
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And that’s not the only recommendation Winslow has for the media:
Dear White House Press Correspondents, (@whca)
Thank you for the very difficult job you do every day.
I understand Trump is having another press conference today.
Here's my new short video to prepare. #InterruptTrump#InterruptTrump pic.twitter.com/EZbvSqiYi1 — Don Winslow (@donwinslow) August 10, 2020
On Monday, Winslow called out reporters for not responding during a news conference when Trump accused “the Obama campaign” of “probably treason”:
What did Donald Trump learn today during his WH press conference?
He learned that he can DEGRADE and LIE about America's first Black President **AND** accuse him of TREASON and the White House Press Corps will NOT challenge him AT ALL or ask him for ANY EVIDENCE.
It's horrific. https://t.co/Xsn7Xc0ib8 — Don Winslow (@donwinslow) August 11, 2020
Winslow is a former private investigator-turned-crime novelist. His books often cross over into current events, including last year’s The Border, the final chapter in a trilogy centered on the war on drugs. After the book’s release, Winslow challenged Trump to a debate on a border wall.
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The president did not respond.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Barbra Streisand Turns One Of Her Biggest Hits Into An Anti-Trump Anthem

Barbra Streisand ’ s 1979 hit “ Enough Is Enough ” has been used in a super PAC-sponsored music video that blasts Donald Trump for the president ’ s record on failing the LGBTQ+ community .
“ Enough Is Enough ” plays repeatedly as the video arcs to its conclusion , ending with a message from Streisand herself .
“ Vote proud , ” said the 78-year-old hitmaker , long an ally of the LGBTQ+ community .
“ I wrote Enough Is Enough many years ago , ” Roberts said in a statement .
“ Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 record , selling millions .
And all these years later it has become an anthem for change and equality in America today .
I am proud to be working with MeidasTouch on this initiative to spread the message using my song.
” “ We got the rights to the song , with Bruce ’ s total support ― unlike the methods that Trump uses , where he does not even ask permission from the songwriters , ” MeidasTouch co-founder Brett Meiselas added , referencing the Trump campaign ’ s repeated unauthorized usage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park and R.E.M .
The original version of “ Enough Is Enough ” with Donna Summer , recorded for Streisand ’ s 21st album , “ Wet , ” spent 17 weeks on the Billboard charts in 1979 .

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Barbra Streisand’s 1979 hit “Enough Is Enough” has been used in a super PAC-sponsored music video that blasts Donald Trump for the president’s record on failing the LGBTQ+ community.
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“Enough Is Enough” plays repeatedly as the video arcs to its conclusion, ending with a message from Streisand herself.
“Vote proud,” said the 78-year-old hitmaker, long an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
“I wrote Enough Is Enough many years ago,” Roberts said in a statement. “Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer recorded it and had a global #1 record, selling millions. And all these years later it has become an anthem for change and equality in America today. I am proud to be working with MeidasTouch on this initiative to spread the message using my song.”
“We got the rights to the song, with Bruce’s total support ― unlike the methods that Trump uses, where he does not even ask permission from the songwriters,” MeidasTouch co-founder Brett Meiselas added, referencing the Trump campaign’s repeated unauthorized usage of music from the likes of Linkin Park and R.E.M.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--'America Doesn't Have Kings': GOP Senator Slams Back At Trump Attack

Sen. Ben Sasse ( R-Neb . )
snapped back at an imperious attack by President Donald Trump on Monday , angrily reminding him that “ America doesn ’ t have kings.
” Trump accused Sasse earlier Monday of going “ rogue ” after the Republican senator harshly criticized the president for signing four new executive actions Saturday that the senator said overstepped Trump ’ s authority .
Sasse called them “ unconstitutional slop.
” Trump gloated that Sasse “ needed my support and endorsement in order to get the Republican nomination ” in his state .
“ I understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politely began in a statement on his campaign Twitter account .
But then he unleashed this : “ No president — whether named Obama or Trump or Biden or AOC — has unilateral power to rewrite immigration law or to cut taxes or to raise taxes .
This is because America doesn ’ t have kings.
” He also snapped that he “ never asked ” for Trump ’ s endorsement — “ nor did I use it in the campaign.
” Mr. President- I understand that you ’ re mad .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) As we ’ ve discussed before , I don ’ t think Twitter is the best place to do this .
But , since you moved our conversation from private to public , here we are .
( 2 ) ... https : //t.co/AYF2ApdRR2 pic.twitter.com/2rtiPuhJJB — Team Sasse ( @ TeamSasse ) August 10 , 2020 Trump ’ s executive actions included deferring the payroll tax that exclusively funds Social Security and Medicare , and cutting the enhanced unemployment benefit from $ 600 to $ 400 a week ( provided states pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slammed the move in a statement as “ unconstitutional , ” adding that Trump “ does not have the power to unilaterally rewrite the payroll tax law.
” Trump threatened to “ terminate ” the payroll tax if he is reelected , which would eliminate funding for Social Security and Medicare , America ’ s bedrock safety-net programs .
Only Congress can cut taxes .
Trump ’ s executive actions appear to be frozen in legal limbo and ambiguous language .
Governors are also complaining that their cash-strapped states can ’ t afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment benefits that Trump promised on their behalf .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) compared the extra burden to “ handing a drowning man an anchor.
” Trump ’ s measures are partly a gambit to get the Democrats and Republicans back to the table to negotiate a larger COVID-19 package .
But that hasn ’ t yet worked .
In fact , Nobel-winning economist Paul Krugman speculated that Trump “ blew up ” that possibility with the executive actions he signed during his golf weekend .

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Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) snapped back at an imperious attack by President Donald Trump on Monday, angrily reminding him that “America doesn’t have kings.”
Trump accused Sasse earlier Monday of going “rogue” after the Republican senator harshly criticized the president for signing four new executive actions Saturday that the senator said overstepped Trump’s authority. Sasse called them “unconstitutional slop.”
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Trump gloated that Sasse “needed my support and endorsement in order to get the Republican nomination” in his state.
“I understand that you’re mad,” Sasse politely began in a statement on his campaign Twitter account. But then he unleashed this: “No president — whether named Obama or Trump or Biden or AOC — has unilateral power to rewrite immigration law or to cut taxes or to raise taxes. This is because America doesn’t have kings.”
He also snapped that he “never asked” for Trump’s endorsement — “nor did I use it in the campaign.”
Mr. President-
I understand that you’re mad. A few thoughts....
⁰⁰(1) As we’ve discussed before, I don’t think Twitter is the best place to do this. But, since you moved our conversation from private to public, here we are.
(2)...https://t.co/AYF2ApdRR2 pic.twitter.com/2rtiPuhJJB — Team Sasse (@TeamSasse) August 10, 2020
Trump’s executive actions included deferring the payroll tax that exclusively funds Social Security and Medicare, and cutting the enhanced unemployment benefit from $600 to $400 a week (provided states pay $100 of that). Sasse slammed the move in a statement as “unconstitutional,” adding that Trump “does not have the power to unilaterally rewrite the payroll tax law.”
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Trump threatened to “terminate” the payroll tax if he is reelected, which would eliminate funding for Social Security and Medicare, America’s bedrock safety-net programs. Only Congress can cut taxes.
Trump’s executive actions appear to be frozen in legal limbo and ambiguous language.
Governors are also complaining that their cash-strapped states can’t afford the extra $100 a week in unemployment benefits that Trump promised on their behalf. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) compared the extra burden to “handing a drowning man an anchor.”
Trump’s measures are partly a gambit to get the Democrats and Republicans back to the table to negotiate a larger COVID-19 package. But that hasn’t yet worked.
In fact, Nobel-winning economist Paul Krugman speculated that Trump “blew up” that possibility with the executive actions he signed during his golf weekend.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Conservative Columnist Explains Why GOP May Not Deserve To Have A Future

Conservative columnist Max Boot explained in his latest column in The Washington Post why the GOP “ doesn ’ t deserve to have a future ” if its best alternative to Donald Trump is four senators who ’ ve enabled the president every step of the way .
“ But I ’ m sorry , I can ’ t take any of their high-minded blather seriously , ” Boot wrote in his op-ed Monday .
“ Not when they have spent the past four years acting as enablers for the worst president in U.S. history — or at least the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boot asked “ what is conservative about ” multiple Trump scandals , policies and controversies that the four senators either endorsed or remained silent about .
“ Trump ’ s entire presidency has been an affront to what conservatives used to think their movement was all about , ” Boot wrote .
“ And yet at every step of the way , Rubio , Hawley , Cotton and Sasse have been Trump ’ s willing accomplices.
” Boot concluded : “ I can not take seriously anything Rubio , Hawley , Cotton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Republican Party because they have shown that , like Trump , they are in office to serve themselves rather than the American people .
If they are the leaders who will define the future of the Republican Party , the party doesn ’ t deserve to have a future .
”

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Conservative columnist Max Boot explained in his latest column in The Washington Post why the GOP “doesn’t deserve to have a future” if its best alternative to Donald Trump is four senators who’ve enabled the president every step of the way.
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“But I’m sorry, I can’t take any of their high-minded blather seriously,” Boot wrote in his op-ed Monday. “Not when they have spent the past four years acting as enablers for the worst president in U.S. history — or at least the worst in the past 151 years.”
Boot asked “what is conservative about” multiple Trump scandals, policies and controversies that the four senators either endorsed or remained silent about.
“Trump’s entire presidency has been an affront to what conservatives used to think their movement was all about,” Boot wrote. “And yet at every step of the way, Rubio, Hawley, Cotton and Sasse have been Trump’s willing accomplices.”
Boot concluded: “I cannot take seriously anything Rubio, Hawley, Cotton and Sasse have to say about the future of the Republican Party because they have shown that, like Trump, they are in office to serve themselves rather than the American people. If they are the leaders who will define the future of the Republican Party, the party doesn’t deserve to have a future.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Trump White House Mulls Entry Ban For U.S. Citizens Thought To Have COVID-19

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a proposal that would allow border officials to temporarily block U.S. citizens or legal residents from entering the country if authorities believe they may be infected with the coronavirus , an extraordinary step as the county grapples with the ongoing pandemic .
The New York Times first reported Monday evening that the White House had been circulating a draft regulation that would expand the government ’ s authority to prevent entry by Americans and legal residents in limited circumstances .
The news comes as confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. topped 5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have now died due to the virus and infections are still rising in some states .
The proposal relies on the authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect the country , the Times reports , noting border officials could block anyone from entering the U.S. if they reasonably believed “ that the individual either may have been exposed to or is infected with the communicable disease.
” The Washington Post added later Monday that medical officials say increased border restrictions would do little to curb the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions are already seeing widespread community transmission .
It ’ s unclear if the White House has the legal standing to bar Americans or legal residents from coming back to their own country , and the Times notes a draft copy of the order says any potential regulation must “ include appropriate protections to ensure that no constitutional rights are infringed.
” But it would be the latest effort by the Trump administration to use the coronavirus pandemic to rein in immigration and border entry procedures .
During the course of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entry from China and most of Europe , blocked entry to foreigners on skilled worker visas and tried to mandate overseas students leave the country if their universities only held online classes due to the virus ( that change was rescinded under fierce opposition ) .
The Times , which obtained a copy of the proposal , said it appears to impact all ports of entry into the United States and could home in on the U.S. border with Mexico , where many Americans and legal residents regularly cross back and forth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 has placed on the Mexican health care system has driven U.S. citizens , L.P.R.s and others from Mexico into the United States to seek care , ” the draft reads .
“ Barring American citizens from the United States is unconstitutional , ” the ACLU wrote on Twitter .
“ The Trump administration has rolled out one border ban after another using COVID-19 as an excuse , while failing abysmally to get the virus under control.
” The U.S. has continued to struggle with surges of the coronavirus after an economically devastating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Trump has continued to urge states to reopen their economies , told schools to let students attend in-person classes and called for college football games to go ahead as planned .
But such efforts have been difficult .
A report released on Sunday found nearly 100,000 children in the U.S. tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks of July alone , underscoring the difficulty schools face as they consider how they can reopen in the fall .

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President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a proposal that would allow border officials to temporarily block U.S. citizens or legal residents from entering the country if authorities believe they may be infected with the coronavirus, an extraordinary step as the county grapples with the ongoing pandemic.
The New York Times first reported Monday evening that the White House had been circulating a draft regulation that would expand the government’s authority to prevent entry by Americans and legal residents in limited circumstances. The news comes as confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. topped 5 million on Sunday. More than 163,000 people have now died due to the virus and infections are still rising in some states.
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The proposal relies on the authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect the country, the Times reports, noting border officials could block anyone from entering the U.S. if they reasonably believed “that the individual either may have been exposed to or is infected with the communicable disease.”
The Washington Post added later Monday that medical officials say increased border restrictions would do little to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S., as many regions are already seeing widespread community transmission.
It’s unclear if the White House has the legal standing to bar Americans or legal residents from coming back to their own country, and the Times notes a draft copy of the order says any potential regulation must “include appropriate protections to ensure that no constitutional rights are infringed.”
But it would be the latest effort by the Trump administration to use the coronavirus pandemic to rein in immigration and border entry procedures. During the course of the outbreak, the president has moved to limit entry from China and most of Europe, blocked entry to foreigners on skilled worker visas and tried to mandate overseas students leave the country if their universities only held online classes due to the virus (that change was rescinded under fierce opposition).
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The Times, which obtained a copy of the proposal, said it appears to impact all ports of entry into the United States and could home in on the U.S. border with Mexico, where many Americans and legal residents regularly cross back and forth.
“As noted, the stress that COVID-19 has placed on the Mexican health care system has driven U.S. citizens, L.P.R.s and others from Mexico into the United States to seek care,” the draft reads.
The news has already prompted a swift rebuke from civil rights groups.
“Barring American citizens from the United States is unconstitutional,” the ACLU wrote on Twitter. “The Trump administration has rolled out one border ban after another using COVID-19 as an excuse, while failing abysmally to get the virus under control.”
Barring American citizens from the United States is unconstitutional.
The Trump administration has rolled out one border ban after another using COVID-19 as an excuse, while failing abysmally to get the virus under control. https://t.co/1Ifjyyxwsn — ACLU (@ACLU) August 11, 2020
The U.S. has continued to struggle with surges of the coronavirus after an economically devastating lockdown across many states earlier in the pandemic. Trump has continued to urge states to reopen their economies, told schools to let students attend in-person classes and called for college football games to go ahead as planned.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Seattle Police Chief Abruptly Retires After City Partially Defunds Department

Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best abruptly announced her retirement on Monday evening after the city council voted to partially defund her department amid ongoing protests over police brutality and systemic racism .
“ This was a difficult decision for me , but when it ’ s time , it ’ s time , ” Best wrote in a letter to Seattle Police Department staff .
“ I am confident the department will make it through these difficult times .
You truly are the best police department in the country , and please trust me when I say , the vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and appreciate you.
” Best had served as the city ’ s police chief since 2018 and was a 28-year veteran of the force .
Her resignation came after the Seattle City Council voted to cut the police force budget by about $ 3.5 million — which could result in the loss of up to 100 officers — and reduce the wages of senior staff , including the chief , for the rest of the year .
The vote came amid ongoing calls to cut the police budget by up to 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparked by the death of George Floyd .
Those demonstrations continued in Seattle for weeks longer than other cities .
Mayor Jenny Durkan , who has faced fierce criticism for her handling of the protests as well , thanked Best and said she was “ deeply ” regretful the chief decided to leave .
“ While I understand the Chief ’ s reasons , I accepted her decision with a very heavy heart , ” Durkan said in a statement obtained by The Seattle Times .
“ I have had the privilege to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many situations : with her family , at roll calls , in community meetings , and in nearly weekly meetings addressing public safety in Seattle .
Her grit , grace and integrity have inspired me and made our city better.
” In her letter on Monday , Best said that despite her opposition to the budget cuts , she was “ grateful for the opportunity ” to serve as the chief .
“ You are my family , ” she wrote .
“ You will always be in my heart .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better on the other side .
I am glad I pushed through each of those tough times with you .
”

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Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best abruptly announced her retirement on Monday evening after the city council voted to partially defund her department amid ongoing protests over police brutality and systemic racism.
“This was a difficult decision for me, but when it’s time, it’s time,” Best wrote in a letter to Seattle Police Department staff. “I am confident the department will make it through these difficult times. You truly are the best police department in the country, and please trust me when I say, the vast majority of people in Seattle support you and appreciate you.”
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Best had served as the city’s police chief since 2018 and was a 28-year veteran of the force. Her resignation came after the Seattle City Council voted to cut the police force budget by about $3.5 million — which could result in the loss of up to 100 officers — and reduce the wages of senior staff, including the chief, for the rest of the year.
The vote came amid ongoing calls to cut the police budget by up to 50% in the wake of racial justice protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Those demonstrations continued in Seattle for weeks longer than other cities.
Mayor Jenny Durkan, who has faced fierce criticism for her handling of the protests as well, thanked Best and said she was “deeply” regretful the chief decided to leave.
“While I understand the Chief’s reasons, I accepted her decision with a very heavy heart,” Durkan said in a statement obtained by The Seattle Times. “I have had the privilege to be with Chief Carmen Best in so many situations: with her family, at roll calls, in community meetings, and in nearly weekly meetings addressing public safety in Seattle. Her grit, grace and integrity have inspired me and made our city better.”
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In her letter on Monday, Best said that despite her opposition to the budget cuts, she was “grateful for the opportunity” to serve as the chief.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--If Donald Trump Controls The Mail, He Controls Democracy

Late Friday , Trump ’ s handpicked new postmaster general , Louis DeJoy , announced sweeping organizational changes that promise to further undercut the U.S .
Postal Service ’ s ability to perform a vital democratic function : the timely delivery of mail-in ballots .
This comes during an election when as many as 80 million Americans are expected to vote by mail because of the risk of contracting COVID-19 .
Enfeebling the Postal Service would be among the most concerning attempts to subvert the institutions of democracy by a far-right administration that has turned the executive branch into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president in modern times .
Trump has never made a secret of his distaste for democracy .
After his election , his then-senior strategist , Steve Bannon , described the objective of the new administration as the “ deconstruction of the administrative state.
” Coming from Bannon , an extremist who works with authoritarians around the world , these were baleful tidings .
Indeed , the effort to cripple the federal government ― though a longtime goal of a Republican Party purportedly opposed to regulation and overspending ― has taken on a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starved agencies of necessary resources and prevented them from carrying out their duties .
The tragic consequences have been on full display during a pandemic that the government was unable ― or not allowed ― to control and that has killed more than 163,000 Americans .
But Trump has also worked to corrupt the government , often at the highest levels by installing yes-men in what more closely resembles the operation of a Mafia organization .
From the start , Trump ’ s lawlessness has been clear .
During the 2016 campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election he falsely claimed Hillary Clinton had rigged .
This year , he was impeached after allegedly soliciting the president of Ukraine to interfere on his behalf in the 2020 election by smearing former Vice President Joe Biden .
Since he took office , Trump has badly abused the Federal Vacancies Reform Act to install cronies at dozens of high-level Cabinet and sub-Cabinet positions — cutting out the constitutional role of the Senate to give advice and consent on presidential nominees .
Critical roles at the departments of justice , state , defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have all had “ acting ” appointees put in place by Trump without the usual Senate confirmations .
( The Senate has been controlled by Republicans for the entirety of Trump ’ s administration , but evidently even a modest level of scrutiny was unacceptable . )
For example , as the Department of Homeland Security has abused its legal authority this summer to launch violent suppression of largely peaceful protests , it has been led by Chad Wolf , who was never confirmed by the Senate for this role .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of internal changes to DHS ’ s succession rules that many scholars argue were unconstitutional .
“ Wolf ’ s unlawful service is far from an arcane constitutional question , ” as a recent Lawfare op-ed noted .
“ This scenario — high-ranking officials wielding the immense power of the U.S. government without being subject to the advice and consent of the Senate — is exactly what the Founders sought to avoid when they included the Appointments Clause in the Constitution.
” Now trailing Biden in the polls , Trump has apparently decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspects of the election — including the delivery of mail-in ballots .
He is again claiming the contest will be rigged , asserting repeatedly and despite all evidence to the contrary that mail-in ballots are ripe for abuse .
He has called mail-in voting “ fraudulent ” and “ corrupt ” and even suggested it might be a reason to postpone the election .
This has put the mail service squarely in Trump ’ s crosshairs .
The most popular government agency in the country , with a 91 % favorability rating , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USPS is made up of essential workers toiling on the frontline during the pandemic , 40,000 of whom have had to quarantine .
At least 75 have died .
DeJoy , a union-busting former logistics executive who with , his wife , has up to $ 75.3 million invested in USPS competitors and contractors , took over the agency in June .
He soon started making changes that have concerned Democrats , democracy watchdogs and postal workers themselves .
In July , he eliminated overtime , reduced hours and cut back other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processing stations to post offices that keep mail flowing on time .
There has even been an indication that he might close some offices .
“ Let me be clear that with regard to election mail , the Postal Service and I are fully committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process , ” DeJoy said on Friday .
“ Despite any assertions to the contrary , we are not slowing down election mail or any other mail.
” Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
and other top Democrats on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recent operational changes .
And before last week ’ s USPS slashing , what Democrats are referring to as the “ Friday night massacre , ” Sen. Gary Peters ( D-Mich ) , the ranking member on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , which oversees the Postal Service , opened an investigation into its policy changes .
Congressional investigations , however , have done little to check the turpitude and authoritarianism of the Trump administration or change the minds of compliant Republicans as the country hurtles toward one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And Democrats have so far unsuccessfully pushed for billions in additional funding for the USPS as part of COVID-19 relief packages as they come up against years of ingrained resistance in a Republican Party that has long sought to privatize mail delivery .
The Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign , for example , have already spent $ 20 million in an effort to limit voting by mail in several battleground states .
[ In June ] , the Office of Management Budget of the White House put out , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ i.e .
break up — the Postal Service and sell it to private corporations , where they can then make private profit .
And , of course , whether people get postal services at all will then depend on who they are , where they live , and how much it would cost , if they can even get services at all , because somebody would have to then be able to make or want to make a quick buck .
So , it ’ s in writing .
It is their plan @

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Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night can slow the mail. But President Donald Trump can.
Late Friday, Trump’s handpicked new postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, announced sweeping organizational changes that promise to further undercut the U.S. Postal Service’s ability to perform a vital democratic function: the timely delivery of mail-in ballots. This comes during an election when as many as 80 million Americans are expected to vote by mail because of the risk of contracting COVID-19.
DeJoy, a major Republican fundraiser and Trump donor, reassigned or sidelined almost two dozen high-ranking USPS officials in a move to centralize his control of the agency, also instituting a hiring freeze and voluntary early retirements.
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Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), chair of the House subcommittee responsible for oversight of the Postal Service, called the reorganization “deliberate sabotage” and an obvious attempt to interfere in the election.
“One way to suppress the vote ― and they’re experts in vote suppression — is to slow down the delivery of mail,” Connolly told CNN on Monday.
Enfeebling the Postal Service would be among the most concerning attempts to subvert the institutions of democracy by a far-right administration that has turned the executive branch into a political cudgel unlike any wielded by a president in modern times. Trump has never made a secret of his distaste for democracy. After his election, his then-senior strategist, Steve Bannon, described the objective of the new administration as the “deconstruction of the administrative state.” Coming from Bannon, an extremist who works with authoritarians around the world, these were baleful tidings.
Indeed, the effort to cripple the federal government ― though a longtime goal of a Republican Party purportedly opposed to regulation and overspending ― has taken on a more sinister hue under Trump, who has starved agencies of necessary resources and prevented them from carrying out their duties. The tragic consequences have been on full display during a pandemic that the government was unable ― or not allowed ― to control and that has killed more than 163,000 Americans.
Advertisement
But Trump has also worked to corrupt the government, often at the highest levels by installing yes-men in what more closely resembles the operation of a Mafia organization. From the start, Trump’s lawlessness has been clear. During the 2016 campaign, he invited Russia to interfere in an election he falsely claimed Hillary Clinton had rigged. This year, he was impeached after allegedly soliciting the president of Ukraine to interfere on his behalf in the 2020 election by smearing former Vice President Joe Biden.
Customers walk into a Brooklyn post office last week in New York City. The U.S. Postal Service is under scrutiny over whether it can handle millions of mail-in ballots. Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Since he took office, Trump has badly abused the Federal Vacancies Reform Act to install cronies at dozens of high-level Cabinet and sub-Cabinet positions — cutting out the constitutional role of the Senate to give advice and consent on presidential nominees. Critical roles at the departments of justice, state, defense and homeland security, among others, have all had “acting” appointees put in place by Trump without the usual Senate confirmations. (The Senate has been controlled by Republicans for the entirety of Trump’s administration, but evidently even a modest level of scrutiny was unacceptable.)
For example, as the Department of Homeland Security has abused its legal authority this summer to launch violent suppression of largely peaceful protests, it has been led by Chad Wolf, who was never confirmed by the Senate for this role. He was installed last fall after a dizzying series of internal changes to DHS’s succession rules that many scholars argue were unconstitutional.
“Wolf’s unlawful service is far from an arcane constitutional question,” as a recent Lawfare op-ed noted. “This scenario — high-ranking officials wielding the immense power of the U.S. government without being subject to the advice and consent of the Senate — is exactly what the Founders sought to avoid when they included the Appointments Clause in the Constitution.”
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And in a span of six weeks earlier this year, Trump removed five inspectors general from their oversight roles, including those at the departments of defense, health and human services, and state, and for the intelligence community.
Now trailing Biden in the polls, Trump has apparently decided to tamper with the federal machinery overseeing aspects of the election — including the delivery of mail-in ballots. He is again claiming the contest will be rigged, asserting repeatedly and despite all evidence to the contrary that mail-in ballots are ripe for abuse. He has called mail-in voting “fraudulent” and “corrupt” and even suggested it might be a reason to postpone the election.
This has put the mail service squarely in Trump’s crosshairs. The most popular government agency in the country, with a 91% favorability rating, according to a recent Pew poll, the USPS is made up of essential workers toiling on the frontline during the pandemic, 40,000 of whom have had to quarantine. At least 75 have died.
U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy arrives at a meeting at the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) last week in Washington. Alex Wong via Getty Images
DeJoy, a union-busting former logistics executive who with, his wife, has up to $75.3 million invested in USPS competitors and contractors, took over the agency in June. He soon started making changes that have concerned Democrats, democracy watchdogs and postal workers themselves. In July, he eliminated overtime, reduced hours and cut back other services, including the late-delivery trips from processing stations to post offices that keep mail flowing on time. There has even been an indication that he might close some offices.
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DeJoy’s explanation for these decisions: cost-cutting measures to increase efficiency.
“Let me be clear that with regard to election mail, the Postal Service and I are fully committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process,” DeJoy said on Friday. “Despite any assertions to the contrary, we are not slowing down election mail or any other mail.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and other top Democrats on Friday asked the USPS inspector general to investigate the recent operational changes. And before last week’s USPS slashing, what Democrats are referring to as the “Friday night massacre,” Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich), the ranking member on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversees the Postal Service, opened an investigation into its policy changes.
“We’re trying to find out exactly what were the policies put in place, over the last few weeks, by the new postmaster general that appears to be slowing down the mail,” Peters said.
Congressional investigations, however, have done little to check the turpitude and authoritarianism of the Trump administration or change the minds of compliant Republicans as the country hurtles toward one of the most important elections in its history. And Democrats have so far unsuccessfully pushed for billions in additional funding for the USPS as part of COVID-19 relief packages as they come up against years of ingrained resistance in a Republican Party that has long sought to privatize mail delivery. The Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign, for example, have already spent $20 million in an effort to limit voting by mail in several battleground states.
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When asked by Democracy Now on Monday if he thought Trump was trying to sabotage the Postal Service in the lead-up to the election, Mark Dimondstein, the president of the American Postal Workers Union, didn’t mince words:
[In June], the Office of Management Budget of the White House put out, in writing, a proposal to privatize — i.e. break up — the Postal Service and sell it to private corporations, where they can then make private profit. And, of course, whether people get postal services at all will then depend on who they are, where they live, and how much it would cost, if they can even get services at all, because somebody would have to then be able to make or want to make a quick buck. So, it’s in writing. It is their plan.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Tucker Carlson: Protesters Will Leave America's Cities 'Broke, Dirty And Dangerous'

Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson went on a rant about Black Lives Matter protesters on Monday night , warning that they were going to usher in a demographic shift that would end with America ’ s cities “ broke , dirty and dangerous.
” Tucker focused his ire on weekend demonstrations that awakened sleeping residents of Georgetown , protesters splashing paint on locals in Portland , Oregon and incidents of looting in Chicago , and predicted how Americans will respond .
“ There ’ s no question people will flee Georgetown , ” Carlson said .
” [ Georgetown ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; it doesn ’ t mean they want screaming BLM lunatics on their streets .
They don ’ t , nobody does actually , no matter what they tell you .
No matter what color they are , no one likes that .
That ’ s true for people in Georgetown , in Portland , Oregon , in San Francisco , in Chicago , in New York , any other place where order and decency have disappeared.
” Carlson then suggested that protesters were about to usher in “ one of the great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unless the insanity stops and soon , our biggest cities will revert to what they were 50 years ago ― broke , dirty and dangerous , ” Carlson said .
“ On the bright side , we ’ ll have resolved the gentrification problem so a lot of college professors will pat themselves on the back.
” Carlson has used similar language when railing against protests in the past , describing Minneapolis demonstrations over the death of George Floyd as “ a threat to every American ” and calling activists who toppled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ militia of the Democratic Party.
” He has also frequently lamented America ’ s changing demographics and used anti-immigrant rhetoric .

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Fox News’ Tucker Carlson went on a rant about Black Lives Matter protesters on Monday night, warning that they were going to usher in a demographic shift that would end with America’s cities “broke, dirty and dangerous.”
Tucker focused his ire on weekend demonstrations that awakened sleeping residents of Georgetown, protesters splashing paint on locals in Portland, Oregon and incidents of looting in Chicago, and predicted how Americans will respond.
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“There’s no question people will flee Georgetown,” Carlson said. ”[Georgetown] may have BLM signs in their driveways; it doesn’t mean they want screaming BLM lunatics on their streets. They don’t, nobody does actually, no matter what they tell you. No matter what color they are, no one likes that. That’s true for people in Georgetown, in Portland, Oregon, in San Francisco, in Chicago, in New York, any other place where order and decency have disappeared.”
Carlson then suggested that protesters were about to usher in “one of the great demographic shifts in American history.”
“Unless the insanity stops and soon, our biggest cities will revert to what they were 50 years ago ― broke, dirty and dangerous,” Carlson said. “On the bright side, we’ll have resolved the gentrification problem so a lot of college professors will pat themselves on the back.”
Carlson has used similar language when railing against protests in the past, describing Minneapolis demonstrations over the death of George Floyd as “a threat to every American” and calling activists who toppled the monuments of historical figures “the armed militia of the Democratic Party.” He has also frequently lamented America’s changing demographics and used anti-immigrant rhetoric.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--What Do 'Never Trump' Republicans Want From Joe Biden?

Andrew Harnik/Associated Press Former Vice President Joe Biden has received the support of a number of Republicans who are disillusioned with President Donald Trump .
With Biden solidly ahead of Trump in the polls , Wilson said he ’ s increasingly getting the question of what he wants if Biden becomes president .
But he insists that a Biden victory , as well as a loss of Trump ’ s Republican enablers in the Senate , is necessary both for the good of his party and the good of the country .
“ We can talk about research , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make us all better .
And obviously Rick and I have this Florida relationship , ” said Schale , who guided former President Barack Obama ’ s successful campaigns in that state in 2008 and 2012 .
“ We certainly talk to those guys.
” The Lincoln Project isn ’ t the only group of Republicans trying to defeat Trump .
There are at least two groups started by officials who worked for GOP presidents , as well as Republican Voters Against Trump , which shares first-person testimonials of people who voted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ While we don ’ t ever believe we ’ re going win back this segment of the electorate 51 % or higher , we do recognize that if we can cut into Trump ’ s margins , it will have an outsized impact on the Electoral College , ” said Shripal Shah , vice president of American Bridge .
Bridge did polling before it started spending on radio , TV and digital ads last November , finding that there was an opportunity to reach voters on the issues of health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March this year , the focus has , not surprisingly , shifted the coronavirus pandemic .
Nearly every ad has featured a testimonial from a voter who regrets backing Trump in 2016 .
And on Monday , the Democratic National Convention announced that there would be at least two Republicans speaking at the event .
One is a farmer from Pennsylvania who decided to switch from Trump to Biden after seeing the effect of the president ’ s trade war on his family farm , and the other is a lifelong Republican from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing the benefits of the Affordable Care Act .
The Kasich news , in particular , was greeted with significant skepticism and disappointment by some on the left .
Not only did they wonder why someone like Kasich ― who put into place anti-union and anti-abortion policies as governor ― should get a prominent spot at the Democratic convention , but they questioned whether he and Never Trumpers actually bring any real voters along with them .
It ’ s a doubt that The Lincoln Project has already had to face .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group ’ s effectiveness , noting that many of its lines of attack were tested by the party in the past and found to be less than effective .
Their ads also aren ’ t running in many places .
“ I ’ m starting to feel that all of this crowding of the airspace and fundraising space by Never Trump Republicans is by design , ” wrote Elie Mystal , a writer for The Nation .
“ The best outcome for lifelong Republicans who hate Trump is that Biden wins but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get anything done .
Republicans , even ‘ former ’ Republicans , always play to win.
” But they certainly have taken up a fair amount of airspace , and that might be what they want .
After all , exposure like that leads to more money ― both in donations and lucrative TV contracts .
Cable networks can ’ t resist moderate Republicans , and they were given plenty of time in the primary to warn against Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) with the perspective of what could and could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden may end up governing in ways that are more moderate ― or revert to cutting deals with Republicans to pass big pieces of legislation ― but at the very least , Democrats say they doubt Biden will feel so indebted to Republicans that he ’ ll try to put some in his Cabinet .
( Obama initially tried to put three in the top tiers of his administration .
Former Sen. Judd Gregg , however , withdrew from consideration as commerce secretary before being confirmed because he admitted that he really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic economic ideas . )

Former Vice President Joe Biden has received the support of a number of Republicans who are disillusioned with President Donald Trump. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press
A small but vocal group of Republicans has been stepping up its efforts to help Joe Biden defeat President Donald Trump in November, leading some on the left to wonder what it is that they want, exactly.
“I want to be unequivocal,” Florida Republican consultant Rick Wilson said. “I don’t have a policy objective. I don’t have people I want hired in the Biden administration. I just want Trump gone.”
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“Throw me some good seats at the inauguration,” he added. “That’s all I want.”
Wilson is the president and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, a super PAC of “Never Trump” Republicans that creates videos going after the president that are extremely popular on social media and have gotten under Trump’s skin.
With Biden solidly ahead of Trump in the polls, Wilson said he’s increasingly getting the question of what he wants if Biden becomes president. But he insists that a Biden victory, as well as a loss of Trump’s Republican enablers in the Senate, is necessary both for the good of his party and the good of the country.
Fellow Lincoln Project founder George Conway, a courtroom litigator currently better known for being the husband of top Trump aide Kellyanne Conway, had a three-word answer for what he wants.
“Trump gone. Period,” he said. “And I’m obviously not trying to lower my marginal tax rates.”
As a super PAC, The Lincoln Project cannot legally coordinate with former Vice President Biden or his campaign. But coordinating with other super PACs opposing Trump is allowed and has been happening already.
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Steve Schale, with the pro-Biden Unite the Country super PAC and a longtime Democratic consultant, said he has been speaking with Wilson about the presidential race and their strategies.
“We can talk about research, we can share ad testing, things that make us all better. And obviously Rick and I have this Florida relationship,” said Schale, who guided former President Barack Obama’s successful campaigns in that state in 2008 and 2012. “We certainly talk to those guys.”
The Lincoln Project isn’t the only group of Republicans trying to defeat Trump. There are at least two groups started by officials who worked for GOP presidents, as well as Republican Voters Against Trump, which shares first-person testimonials of people who voted for Trump but now plan to back Biden.
Reaching disaffected Republicans is also a central part of the work of American Bridge 21st Century, a Democratic super PAC that focuses on opposition research. Its paid media program is focused on identifying and persuading the small number of voters in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania who voted for Barack Obama in 2012 but then flipped to Trump in 2016.
“While we don’t ever believe we’re going win back this segment of the electorate 51% or higher, we do recognize that if we can cut into Trump’s margins, it will have an outsized impact on the Electoral College,” said Shripal Shah, vice president of American Bridge.
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Bridge did polling before it started spending on radio, TV and digital ads last November, finding that there was an opportunity to reach voters on the issues of health care and the economy. But starting in March this year, the focus has, not surprisingly, shifted the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly every ad has featured a testimonial from a voter who regrets backing Trump in 2016.
The Biden campaign has also highlighted its support from Republicans.
On Thursday, it hosted a Hispanic-focused virtual event in Florida featuring Ana Navarro, the GOP commentator and frequent Trump critic. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, is expected to get a coveted speaking spot at the Democratic National Convention next week.
And on Monday, the Democratic National Convention announced that there would be at least two Republicans speaking at the event. One is a farmer from Pennsylvania who decided to switch from Trump to Biden after seeing the effect of the president’s trade war on his family farm, and the other is a lifelong Republican from Arizona who decided to support Biden after experiencing the benefits of the Affordable Care Act.
A Biden aide said the campaign will be rolling out more formal initiatives reaching out to Republicans in the coming weeks.
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The Kasich news, in particular, was greeted with significant skepticism and disappointment by some on the left. Not only did they wonder why someone like Kasich ― who put into place anti-union and anti-abortion policies as governor ― should get a prominent spot at the Democratic convention, but they questioned whether he and Never Trumpers actually bring any real voters along with them.
It’s a doubt that The Lincoln Project has already had to face. Some Democratic strategists and ad-makers are skeptical of the group’s effectiveness, noting that many of its lines of attack were tested by the party in the past and found to be less than effective. Their ads also aren’t running in many places.
Democratic strategists concede that the group gets media attention (and money) and ruffles Trump’s feathers, but it may not necessarily move voters. And once again, there is the nagging question of what it is that they want post-Trump.
“I’m starting to feel that all of this crowding of the airspace and fundraising space by Never Trump Republicans is by design,” wrote Elie Mystal, a writer for The Nation. “The best outcome for lifelong Republicans who hate Trump is that Biden wins but is too hobbled by a GOP-controlled Senate to get anything done. Republicans, even ‘former’ Republicans, always play to win.”
To be fair, The Lincoln Project is also spending money to defeat Republican senators, including going after Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), who is known as one of the most moderate GOP members of the chamber.
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But they certainly have taken up a fair amount of airspace, and that might be what they want. After all, exposure like that leads to more money ― both in donations and lucrative TV contracts. Cable networks can’t resist moderate Republicans, and they were given plenty of time in the primary to warn against Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) with the perspective of what could and could not appeal to Republicans who dislike Trump.
It seems likely that they’ll also get a similar platform in a Biden administration, but with Trump gone, the question will be what they would use it for.
Former Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer half-jokingly predicted that The Lincoln Project will start “running ads attacking President Biden for raising taxes on oil companies in early 2021.”
John Weaver, a co-founder of the group, insisted to The Washington Post that they won’t do that.
“He will have a mandate to clean up the mess that Trump has created with the help of his enablers,” Weaver said. “That shouldn’t be held up. We intend to do all we can to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
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As one of the most moderate candidates in the field, Biden was not the choice of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing. He has a long reputation of being proud of his work reaching across the aisle and making deals with Republicans and conservatives.
But he has taken steps to bring progressive voters on board since locking up the nomination. He worked with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) in crafting his economic plan, rolled out an ambitious climate change plan and set up task forces with allies of Sanders to come up with policies meant to unite the ideological factions of the party.
Biden may end up governing in ways that are more moderate ― or revert to cutting deals with Republicans to pass big pieces of legislation ― but at the very least, Democrats say they doubt Biden will feel so indebted to Republicans that he’ll try to put some in his Cabinet. (Obama initially tried to put three in the top tiers of his administration. Former Sen. Judd Gregg, however, withdrew from consideration as commerce secretary before being confirmed because he admitted that he really didn’t like some of the Democratic economic ideas.)


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--White House Forced Changes In Intel Warning That Russia Wants Trump To Win: Report

The White House last year forced changes in a pointed intelligence conclusion that the Kremlin wanted President Donald Trump reelected , according to The New York Times Magazine .
Wording was dramatically watered down concerning Russia ’ s strong backing for Trump shortly after then-Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats was forced into early retirement when he refused to make the changes , the Times reported .
The classified document reportedly also discussed Russia ’ s ongoing efforts to influence U.S. elections in 2020 and 2024 .
“ I can affirm that one of my staffers who was aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessment , ” Coats told the Times .
“ But I said , ‘ No , we need to stick to what the analysts have said.
’ ” A short time later , Coats was surprised to learn in a tweet by Trump that he was being forced into early retirement , several weeks before he planned to leave his position , the magazine reported .
The language was changed after Coats left , according to the Times .
I am pleased to announce that highly respected Congressman John Ratcliffe of Texas will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director of National Intelligence .
A former U.S. Attorney , John will lead and inspire greatness for the Country he loves .
Dan Coats , the current Director , will ... .
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) July 28 , 2019 The report , known as a National Intelligence Estimate , was compiled by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in July 2019 , and made several “ key judgments ” about national security issues .
“ Key Judgement 2 ” concluded that Russia favored Trump to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia favored Trump invited the president ’ s wrath , the magazine reported , and top aides “ went to considerable lengths to keep the topic of Russian election interference off the president ’ s agenda.
” After Coats left , the intelligence report was modified to say that “ Russian leaders probably assess that chances to improve relations with the U.S. will diminish under a different U.S. president , ” the Times reported .
The new language was far less pointed and made it sound like the Kremlin ’ s preference for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But a new U.S. intelligence assessment revealed last week that Russia not only favors Trump , but is still actively working to influence the election .
The Kremlin is using a “ range of measures ” to “ denigrate ” and “ undermine ” presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , William Evanina , director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , said in a statement released Friday .
“ Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost President Trump ’ s candidacy on social media and Russian television , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t care what anybody says , ” Trump told reporters when asked about the latest assessment .
“ I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody ’ s been tougher on Russia — ever.
” In fact , Trump ’ s refusal to complain to or punish Russia for anti-American actions continues to confound observers .
Trump has said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s denials that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election , even though the U.S. intelligence community has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ sweeping and systematic fashion ” in a bid to sway the vote in Trump ’ s favor .
The president has also recently failed to take any action to punish Russia following revelations that the country was paying bounties to Taliban-linked militia members to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan .
He failed to even raise the issue in a recent conversation with Putin .

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The White House last year forced changes in a pointed intelligence conclusion that the Kremlin wanted President Donald Trump reelected, according to The New York Times Magazine.
Wording was dramatically watered down concerning Russia’s strong backing for Trump shortly after then-Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats was forced into early retirement when he refused to make the changes, the Times reported. The classified document reportedly also discussed Russia’s ongoing efforts to influence U.S. elections in 2020 and 2024.
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“I can affirm that one of my staffers who was aware of the controversy requested that I modify that assessment,” Coats told the Times. “But I said, ‘No, we need to stick to what the analysts have said.’”
A short time later, Coats was surprised to learn in a tweet by Trump that he was being forced into early retirement, several weeks before he planned to leave his position, the magazine reported. The language was changed after Coats left, according to the Times.
I am pleased to announce that highly respected Congressman John Ratcliffe of Texas will be nominated by me to be the Director of National Intelligence. A former U.S. Attorney, John will lead and inspire greatness for the Country he loves. Dan Coats, the current Director, will.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2019
....be leaving office on August 15th. I would like to thank Dan for his great service to our Country. The Acting Director will be named shortly. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2019
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The report, known as a National Intelligence Estimate, was compiled by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in July 2019, and made several “key judgments” about national security issues. “Key Judgement 2” concluded that Russia favored Trump to win in 2020.
But any suggestion that Russia favored Trump invited the president’s wrath, the magazine reported, and top aides “went to considerable lengths to keep the topic of Russian election interference off the president’s agenda.”
After Coats left, the intelligence report was modified to say that “Russian leaders probably assess that chances to improve relations with the U.S. will diminish under a different U.S. president,” the Times reported. The new language was far less pointed and made it sound like the Kremlin’s preference for Trump was a good thing for America.
But a new U.S. intelligence assessment revealed last week that Russia not only favors Trump, but is still actively working to influence the election.
The Kremlin is using a “range of measures” to “denigrate” and “undermine” presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, said in a statement released Friday. “Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost President Trump’s candidacy on social media and Russian television,” the statement added.
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Trump dismissed the report.
“I don’t care what anybody says,” Trump told reporters when asked about the latest assessment. “I think that the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody’s been tougher on Russia — ever.”
In fact, Trump’s refusal to complain to or punish Russia for anti-American actions continues to confound observers. Trump has said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s denials that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, even though the U.S. intelligence community has concluded that it did so in a “sweeping and systematic fashion” in a bid to sway the vote in Trump’s favor.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Julia Garner Impersonates Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani To A Tee

Actor Julia Garner left no doubt as to who she was impersonating on Monday ’ s episode of “ The @ @ @ @ @ Award-winning “ Ozark ” star nailed her impression of pop star Britney Spears .
Then @ @ @ @ @ did it again by mimicking Gwen Stefani .
“ Dude , you can do an @ @ @ @ @ , ” host Jimmy Fallon said .
“ You ’ re amazing.
” Check out @ @ @ @ @ at the 3:30 mark here : Important conversations are happening now .
Add your voice @ @ @ @ @

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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Experts Warn Of Major Coronavirus Resurgence

Experts say that the fall could bring with it a resurgence of the coronavirus and warned that the virus could @ @ @ @ @

Experts Warn Of Major Coronavirus Resurgence
Experts say that the fall could bring with it a resurgence of the coronavirus and warned that the virus could intersect with flu season.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Formerly Homeless Candidate Could Be America’s First Afro-Latina In Congress

Candace Valenzuela knows what it ’ s like not to know if your family members will have a roof over their heads , or if they ’ ll be able to pay the bills .
That ’ s why , she says , she would make a great member of Congress .
“ A lot of people in this country respect the ‘ pull yourself up by your bootstraps ’ story .
But a lot of folks miss the point .
We have a lot of people in Congress who can talk about all this in the theoretical sense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiety of not being able to pay the bills , of the pit in your stomach of not knowing if you have a home tomorrow and going through that repeatedly , ” Valenzuela said .
If Valenzuela wins , she will be the first Afro-Latina congresswoman in the nation ’ s history .
She said she ’ s running to give children the opportunities she had — to go from living through a stint of homelessness as a child to being the first person in her family to go to college .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a system that is life or death for many Americans , somebody has to have experience with it , ” said the former educator and mother of two who has lived in federally subsidized housing , used food stamps and attended public schools .
Democrats are hoping Valenzuela will flip the seat blue .
The district , currently represented by retiring Rep. Kenny Marchant ( R-Texas ) , is a “ toss-up , ” according to political analysts .
While Trump won it in 2016 , Democratic former Rep. Beto O ’ Rourke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the 2018 Democratic challenger for the House seat lost against Marchant by just 3 percentage points .
Her family is in many ways quintessentially American : Her great-grandfather was an immigrant from Durango , Mexico , and fought in the U.S. military in World War I .
Both her parents were also in the military .
“ My dad used to jump out of planes , my mom used to fix them , ” she said .
Despite all this , Valenzuela says the people in her family have , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her grandparents , American citizens whose first language was Spanish , were beaten in school for speaking Spanish , as was her mother .
“ I say this as a Latina , as an African-American woman : I have a visceral sense of how my family has built and defended this country , ” Valenzuela said .
She noted that her family has been in the U.S. longer than her white husband ’ s — “ but nobody questions my husband ’ s citizenship or his right to be here , or be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly facing that question.
” Valenzuela ’ s parents split when she was young .
She , her mother and her younger brother ended up with relatives in what Valenzuela called “ an abusive situation.
” Fleeing violence , they ended up living on the street for a few nights when she was 3 or 4 years old , her brother still in diapers .
Valenzuela credits government-subsidized housing and food stamps , as well as a public school education , with providing the stability she needed .
She remained in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a full scholarship to attend Claremont McKenna College near Los Angeles , and later worked in education .
She got her first taste of electoral politics when she ran for school board in Texas in 2017 and won , serving two and a half years before deciding to run for Congress .
Valenzuela considers herself a progressive but isn ’ t running as far left as some other young progressive candidates — a route that makes sense politically in a district with significant Republican support .
When it comes to health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a survivor of a car accident in high school that left her with chronic back pain and steep medical bills — she doesn ’ t push for “ Medicare for All , ” but rather a public option , with people making less than $ 50,000 fully covered and others getting 90 % of costs covered .
“ If we want equity and justice , we can ’ t just fight for ourselves , we have to fight for it for our brothers and sisters , ” Valenzuela said , cheering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ For someone like me , straddling these worlds for a long time , seeing where things fall through the cracks when you ’ re talking about immigration , but not Black immigration , or talking about police brutality , but not Latinos who experience police brutality — these issues are not in silos.
” Like many parents working from home during the coronavirus pandemic , she and her husband swap shifts to watch the kids .
Valenzuela often finds herself working from the bathroom , which has a door lock , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace ” to make phone calls .
She hangs a makeshift background from the ceiling using a broom to hide the toilet during virtual interviews .
“ I know other families are putting their lives at risk , doing everything they can , ” she said , noting many have no choice but to put their health in jeopardy to go to work .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s fair we ’ re putting families in this position .
”

Candace Valenzuela knows what it’s like not to know if your family members will have a roof over their heads, or if they’ll be able to pay the bills. That’s why, she says, she would make a great member of Congress.
“A lot of people in this country respect the ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ story. But a lot of folks miss the point. We have a lot of people in Congress who can talk about all this in the theoretical sense, but they don’t know the anxiety of not being able to pay the bills, of the pit in your stomach of not knowing if you have a home tomorrow and going through that repeatedly,” Valenzuela said.
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Valenzuela, 36, won her Democratic primary runoff in Texas’ 24th Congressional District, stretching between Dallas and Fort Worth, in July. She will face Republican candidate Beth Van Duyne in November’s election for the open congressional seat.
If Valenzuela wins, she will be the first Afro-Latina congresswoman in the nation’s history. She said she’s running to give children the opportunities she had — to go from living through a stint of homelessness as a child to being the first person in her family to go to college.
“If you have so much say over a system that is life or death for many Americans, somebody has to have experience with it,” said the former educator and mother of two who has lived in federally subsidized housing, used food stamps and attended public schools.
Democrats are hoping Valenzuela will flip the seat blue. The district, currently represented by retiring Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-Texas), is a “toss-up,” according to political analysts. While Trump won it in 2016, Democratic former Rep. Beto O’Rourke won it in his 2018 Senate race. And the 2018 Democratic challenger for the House seat lost against Marchant by just 3 percentage points.
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Candace Valenzuela with her husband Andy and two children door-knocking for her campaign in February. Candace Valenzuela
The 24th District’s population is more than half people of color, including one-quarter Latinx and 13% Black. Valenzuela herself was born in El Paso to an African American father and a Mexican American mother.
Her family is in many ways quintessentially American: Her great-grandfather was an immigrant from Durango, Mexico, and fought in the U.S. military in World War I. Both her parents were also in the military. “My dad used to jump out of planes, my mom used to fix them,” she said.
Despite all this, Valenzuela says the people in her family have, at times, been treated like outsiders. Her grandparents, American citizens whose first language was Spanish, were beaten in school for speaking Spanish, as was her mother.
“I say this as a Latina, as an African-American woman: I have a visceral sense of how my family has built and defended this country,” Valenzuela said. She noted that her family has been in the U.S. longer than her white husband’s — “but nobody questions my husband’s citizenship or his right to be here, or be in charge, but I’m constantly facing that question.”
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Valenzuela’s parents split when she was young. She, her mother and her younger brother ended up with relatives in what Valenzuela called “an abusive situation.” Fleeing violence, they ended up living on the street for a few nights when she was 3 or 4 years old, her brother still in diapers.
Valenzuela credits government-subsidized housing and food stamps, as well as a public school education, with providing the stability she needed. She remained in the same school district from second grade on, got a full scholarship to attend Claremont McKenna College near Los Angeles, and later worked in education. She got her first taste of electoral politics when she ran for school board in Texas in 2017 and won, serving two and a half years before deciding to run for Congress.
Baby Candace and her mom in El Paso, Texas, circa 1984. Candace Valenzuela
Valenzuela considers herself a progressive but isn’t running as far left as some other young progressive candidates — a route that makes sense politically in a district with significant Republican support. When it comes to health care — an issue she cares deeply about as a survivor of a car accident in high school that left her with chronic back pain and steep medical bills — she doesn’t push for “Medicare for All,” but rather a public option, with people making less than $50,000 fully covered and others getting 90% of costs covered.
Similarly, you won’t hear her calling for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but instead pushing for a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants.
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“If we want equity and justice, we can’t just fight for ourselves, we have to fight for it for our brothers and sisters,” Valenzuela said, cheering the recent protesters calling for racial justice. “For someone like me, straddling these worlds for a long time, seeing where things fall through the cracks when you’re talking about immigration, but not Black immigration, or talking about police brutality, but not Latinos who experience police brutality — these issues are not in silos.”
“I say this as a Latina, as an African-American woman: I have a visceral sense of how my family has built and defended this country.” - Candace Valenzuela
As she juggles parenting a five-year-old and one-year-old with reaching out to potential supporters, Valenzuela said it’s “not lost on me how vulnerable other families are” without adequate government support amid the pandemic.
Like many parents working from home during the coronavirus pandemic, she and her husband swap shifts to watch the kids. Valenzuela often finds herself working from the bathroom, which has a door lock, so she can “get a moment of peace” to make phone calls. She hangs a makeshift background from the ceiling using a broom to hide the toilet during virtual interviews.
Without her mother-in-law’s support with child care, she isn’t sure she’d still be running.
“I know other families are putting their lives at risk, doing everything they can,” she said, noting many have no choice but to put their health in jeopardy to go to work. “I don’t think it’s fair we’re putting families in this position.”
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Candace Valenzuela working out of her bathroom with one of her children in April. Candace Valenzuela
As of the latest June fundraising figures, Van Duyne is outpacing Valenzuela with about $1.4 million raised to the Democrat’s $1.1 million. Valenzuela’s campaign doesn’t accept corporate PAC money. (Two other candidates — Darren Hamilton, a libertarian, and Stephen Kuzmich, an independent — are also running.)


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Stephen Colbert Trolls Trump’s Latest Brain Fart: 'Did He Just Forget The Word ’Virus?''

Stephen Colbert is back at work and he ’ s picked up right where he left off : trolling President Donald Trump .
The “ Late Show ” host mocked Trump on Monday for signing a series of executive actions over the weekend , including one intended to extend unemployment benefits .
“ I can understand why he ’ s in favor of providing that , ” Colbert said .
“ Because come January , everyone in his family might need it.
” Another executive order is intended to extend a moratorium on evictions .
“ Of course he wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his family might need it , ” Colbert cracked , then launched into a dance for making the same joke twice : Colbert also discussed a moment when the president seemed to forget the word “ virus ” in the middle of a sentence .
Watch his full monologue below : Colbert just returned from a two-week vacation and he is no longer working from home .
However , the “ Late Show ” isn ’ t back in its studio in the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York just yet ; it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building and there ’ s still no audience .
Colbert and a number of other late shows , including Jimmy Fallon ’ s “ Tonight Show ” and James Corden ’ s “ Late Late Show , ” have left their homes recently for something a little bit closer to their normal broadcasts .
All of them departed from their studios in March as the pandemic spread across the United States .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Stephen Colbert is back at work and he’s picked up right where he left off: trolling President Donald Trump.
The “Late Show” host mocked Trump on Monday for signing a series of executive actions over the weekend, including one intended to extend unemployment benefits.
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“I can understand why he’s in favor of providing that,” Colbert said. “Because come January, everyone in his family might need it.”
Another executive order is intended to extend a moratorium on evictions.
“Of course he wants that: Come January, everyone in his family might need it,” Colbert cracked, then launched into a dance for making the same joke twice:
Colbert also discussed a moment when the president seemed to forget the word “virus” in the middle of a sentence. Watch his full monologue below:
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Colbert just returned from a two-week vacation and he is no longer working from home. However, the “Late Show” isn’t back in its studio in the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York just yet; it’s recorded in an attached office building and there’s still no audience.
Colbert and a number of other late shows, including Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show” and James Corden’s “Late Late Show,” have left their homes recently for something a little bit closer to their normal broadcasts. All of them departed from their studios in March as the pandemic spread across the United States.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Bryan Cranston Says Filming ‘Contagion’ Gave Him False Hope About Real Pandemic

Actor Bryan Cranston admitted his experience filming the pandemic movie “ Contagion ” gave him false security that the U.S. government would step up and competently manage the spread of a real virus .
On Monday ’ s broadcast of “ The Tonight Show , ” Cranston told host Jimmy Fallon that he ’ d never imagined — while filming his role of Rear Adm. Lyle Haggerty in the 2011 film — that he ’ d one day live through a real pandemic .
“ I didn ’ t .
I thought that , if Scott Burns who wrote it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were so on top of it and we had consultants from the CDC , it was really well covered , ” Cranston explained .
“ And I thought , with this much attention on a Hollywood movie script , the government ’ s got this .
I wouldn ’ t worry about a thing .
They ’ re gon na take care of it , we ’ re fine .
No.
” “ We ’ re actually living in it now and the way in the movie that the virus became a contagion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in COVID-19 , ” added Cranston , who tested positive for the coronavirus in early March and has since donated his plasma for scientific research .
Check out the full interview above and the trailer for “ Contagion ” below :

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Actor Bryan Cranston admitted his experience filming the pandemic movie “Contagion” gave him false security that the U.S. government would step up and competently manage the spread of a real virus.
On Monday’s broadcast of “The Tonight Show,” Cranston told host Jimmy Fallon that he’d never imagined — while filming his role of Rear Adm. Lyle Haggerty in the 2011 film — that he’d one day live through a real pandemic.
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“I didn’t. I thought that, if Scott Burns who wrote it and Steve Soderbergh who directed it, were so on top of it and we had consultants from the CDC, it was really well covered,” Cranston explained. “And I thought, with this much attention on a Hollywood movie script, the government’s got this. I wouldn’t worry about a thing. They’re gonna take care of it, we’re fine. No.”
“We’re actually living in it now and the way in the movie that the virus became a contagion is very similar to what actually happened in COVID-19,” added Cranston, who tested positive for the coronavirus in early March and has since donated his plasma for scientific research.
Check out the full interview above and the trailer for “Contagion” below:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-11--Trump Loses Face On Late-Night TV For His Apparent Mount Rushmore Aspirations

The comedians of late-night television spent Monday night mocking President Donald Trump ’ s reported aspirations to get his face on Mount Rushmore .
Trevor Noah , Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon roasted the president after The New York Times reported over the weekend that a White House aide had reached out to South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem ( R ) and inquired about the process to add presidents to the national monument .
The story also noted that in 2018 , then-congresswoman Noem told the Argus Leader that Trump said it was his dream to have his face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Times article was “ fake news ” but then declared it “ sounds like a good idea to me.
” Noah agreed that it was a good idea , but only if someone quite literally puts Trump there ( without his phone or internet ) .
Meyers said adding your face on the monument was “ not a thing.
” “ That ’ s like going up to a priest after a mass and asking him , ‘ So what ’ s the process for adding someone to the Trinity ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Night ” below : And Fallon suggested the Grand Canyon might offer a more suitable hue for the president ’ s face .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The comedians of late-night television spent Monday night mocking President Donald Trump’s reported aspirations to get his face on Mount Rushmore.
Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon roasted the president after The New York Times reported over the weekend that a White House aide had reached out to South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) and inquired about the process to add presidents to the national monument. The story also noted that in 2018, then-congresswoman Noem told the Argus Leader that Trump said it was his dream to have his face on Mount Rushmore.
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Trump tweeted Sunday that the Times article was “fake news” but then declared it “sounds like a good idea to me.”
Noah agreed that it was a good idea, but only if someone quite literally puts Trump there (without his phone or internet).
Watch his bit on “The Daily Show” below:
Meyers said adding your face on the monument was “not a thing.”
“That’s like going up to a priest after a mass and asking him, ‘So what’s the process for adding someone to the Trinity?’”
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See more on “Late Night” below:
And Fallon suggested the Grand Canyon might offer a more suitable hue for the president’s face.