thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-11--5 Things To Watch For In The New Hampshire Primary

Meanwhile , former Vice President Joe Biden is already playing down expectations , publicly saying he doesn ’ t expect to do well in the state .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( Mass . )
is hoping to place near the top in order to stay in the top tier , and Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( Minn. ) is rising in the polls after a strong debate performance .
Biden came in fourth place in the Iowa caucuses , a disappointing showing for the man considered the frontrunner in the race .
And then at the Democratic debate a few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire , saying , “ I took a hit in Iowa , and I ’ ll probably take a hit here.
” Traditionally , Bernie won by 20 points last time .
And usually it ’ s the neighboring senators that do well .
“ I was kind of discouraged when I saw him writing off New Hampshire , ” said Alexandra Argasinsky , a Windham resident leaning toward Biden .
“ He needs to keep campaigning , keep meeting voters and keep trying to get his message out .
So I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire yet.
” Biden ’ s team worked to clean up the remarks , insisting that it was competing heavily in the state and not giving up yet .
But it was a clear sign that it ’ s not expecting to come out on top in New Hampshire .
His team has stressed that it sees the first four states as a package and believes he will do better in Nevada and South Carolina , which are more racially diverse .
Buttigieg is currently leading in delegates in the Iowa caucuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would solidify his position in the race and help sustain his campaign as the race shifts to the contests in Nevada and South Carolina , which boast more racially diverse communities where he has struggled to gain traction .
Buttigieg has been taking fire from all sides ― mostly over his experience and wealthy donors ― but that hasn ’ t deterred curious voters of all ages from packing his events in record numbers to hear his pitch about “ turning the page ” and unifying the country to oust Trump in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 38-year-old former mayor impressive regardless of the fact that he lacked the accomplishments of the other candidates in the race .
The Race For Third Place Sanders is expected to do well in New Hampshire , just as he did in Iowa .
But beyond that , the candidates are fighting to remain in the top three .
Buttigieg has momentum and renewed interest after his strong showing in Iowa , Biden is fighting to show that he ’ s still the most electable and Warren is looking for a path to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawing larger crowds and attracted positive press after her strong debate performance last week .
Polls show her closing in on the top tier .
Independent voters make up a sizable share ― 42 % ― of the New Hampshire electorate , and where they go could be key to who wins here .
There ’ s no competitive GOP primary on Tuesday , meaning more independents will be voting in the Democratic primary .
A Monmouth University poll of likely New Hampshire primary voters released last week put Warren in fourth place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Warren earned the support of 21 % of registered Democrats , trailing only Sanders .
Her standing was hurt because just 5 % of independents said they planned to back her .
( Other polls in New Hampshire , including ones by Marist College , WBUR and Suffolk University , find similar gaps . )
Warren gets significant support from Democratic women , and her progressive policies may not play as well with more moderate or conservative voters .
While Sanders is also obviously progressive , his refusal to officially join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he often highlights his disagreements with the party make him less of a partisan figure to some .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
MANCHESTER, N.H. ― After the disappointingly messy Iowa caucuses, the Democratic Party is hoping for a straightforward and clean election Tuesday in New Hampshire, the second state to vote in the presidential primary.
The candidates have largely spent the past week up here, with a cluster of candidates hoping to make it into the top three vote-getters.
Advertisement
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is widely expected to do well, and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg has seen a burst of attention after coming in strong in Iowa.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Joe Biden is already playing down expectations, publicly saying he doesn’t expect to do well in the state. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) is hoping to place near the top in order to stay in the top tier, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) is rising in the polls after a strong debate performance.
Here are some things to watch for in the New Hampshire primary:
Biden Playing Down New Hampshire
Former Vice President Joe Biden has been lowering expectations about New Hampshire, saying publicly he doesn't think he'll win. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press
Biden came in fourth place in the Iowa caucuses, a disappointing showing for the man considered the front-runner in the race. And then at the Democratic debate a few days later, Biden essentially wrote off New Hampshire, saying, “I took a hit in Iowa, and I’ll probably take a hit here.” Traditionally, Sanders won by 20 points last time. And usually it’s the neighboring senators that do well.
Advertisement
His comment at the debate was an attempt to lower expectations, but it also could have the effect of dampening enthusiasm.
“I was kind of discouraged when I saw him writing off New Hampshire,” said Alexandra Argasinsky, a Windham resident leaning toward Biden. “He needs to keep campaigning, keep meeting voters and keep trying to get his message out. So I would encourage him not to give up on New Hampshire yet.”
Biden’s team worked to clean up the remarks, insisting that it was competing heavily in the state and not giving up yet. But it was a clear sign that it’s not expecting to come out on top in New Hampshire. His team has stressed that it sees the first four states as a package and believes he will do better in Nevada and South Carolina, which are more racially diverse.
Still, a heavy loss in New Hampshire will deepen questions about his electability that are already starting to rise.
Buttigieg Benefiting From Iowa Win
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg came out with the most delegates in Iowa and has been seeing a boost of attention since then. Mary Altaffer/Associated Press
Advertisement
Buttigieg is currently leading in delegates in the Iowa caucuses, but a win in New Hampshire would solidify his position in the race and help sustain his campaign as the race shifts to the contests in Nevada and South Carolina, which boast more racially diverse communities where he has struggled to gain traction.
Buttigieg has been taking fire from all sides ― mostly over his experience and wealthy donors ― but that hasn’t deterred curious voters of all ages from packing his events in record numbers to hear his pitch about “turning the page” and unifying the country to oust Trump in November. Many of them said they found the 38-year-old former mayor impressive regardless of the fact that he lacked the accomplishments of the other candidates in the race.
“How about all the experience Trump had? None. Zero. Less than zero,” said one New Hampshire voter who turned out to see him in Keene over the weekend.
The Race For Third Place
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and others are hoping that they make the top three in New Hampshire in order to stay viable going forward. Elise Amendola/Associated Press
Sanders is expected to do well in New Hampshire, just as he did in Iowa. But beyond that, the candidates are fighting to remain in the top three. Buttigieg has momentum and renewed interest after his strong showing in Iowa, Biden is fighting to show that he’s still the most electable and Warren is looking for a path to break out. Klobuchar has also been drawing larger crowds and attracted positive press after her strong debate performance last week. Polls show her closing in on the top tier.
Advertisement
Where Independents Go
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) does not do as well with independent voters, who make up 42% of New Hampshire's electorate. Matt Rourke/Associated Press
Independent voters make up a sizable share ― 42% ― of the New Hampshire electorate, and where they go could be key to who wins here. There’s no competitive GOP primary on Tuesday, meaning more independents will be voting in the Democratic primary.
More independents could be a problem with Warren, who runs strong with Democratic voters but behind with independents.
A Monmouth University poll of likely New Hampshire primary voters released last week put Warren in fourth place with 13% of the vote overall. But Warren earned the support of 21% of registered Democrats, trailing only Sanders. Her standing was hurt because just 5% of independents said they planned to back her. (Other polls in New Hampshire, including ones by Marist College, WBUR and Suffolk University, find similar gaps.)
Warren gets significant support from Democratic women, and her progressive policies may not play as well with more moderate or conservative voters. While Sanders is also obviously progressive, his refusal to officially join the Democratic Party and the fact that he often highlights his disagreements with the party make him less of a partisan figure to some.
Advertisement
No Problems Like Iowa
New Hampshire has a primary election, not a caucus system, so officials expect to not have as many issues as Iowa did. Niyazz via Getty Images
New Hampshire is not a caucus system. It’s just a regular old election where people go to the polls and vote. They don’t have to use an app, and they don’t have to commit to an hourslong process that involves convincing people to switch sides.
It’s run by professional election officials, rather than the Democratic Party, and the person who gets the most votes will win the state.
Of course, there have been plenty of elections beset by problems in this country, but New Hampshire officials say they feel confident that their primary will be less chaotic than the Iowa caucuses.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-10--Trump Rallygoers Confident He Can Beat Any Democrat This November

“ It ’ s going to be a landslide .
I ’ m not worried by anybody , ” Dale Lemelin , 59 , said as she waited to hear Trump speak at a rally here Monday evening in a state that launched his political rise in the 2016 GOP presidential race .
Democrats vying to take on Trump in 2020 barnstormed the Granite State over the weekend and on Monday , making their closing pitch to voters amid hopes for an efficiently run primary on Tuesday after the bungled Iowa caucuses that left party officials feeling dispirited and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in flux , with a cluster of candidates vying to get a boost from New Hampshire as the once-seemingly formidable Joe Biden , the former vice president who had led for months in national polling on the race , struggles to gain traction .
“ It ’ s kind of sad .
They ’ ve got nothing to offer .
It ’ s too bad , ” said a woman named Jay , who made the 40-mile trip from Wilmington , Massachusetts , to see Trump speak for the first time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Eric Kessler , 58 , a property maintenance technician from Manchester , supported Bernie Sanders in the 2016 race for the Democratic presidential nomination .
But that November , he ended up voting for Trump after Hillary Clinton emerged as the party ’ s choice .
He said he believes Sanders wouldn ’ t be a problem this time around for Trump if the Vermont senator snags the Democratic nomination .
“ She seems like a bitch .
She ’ s got that bitch face on her all the time , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use for her .
I think she ’ s crazy.
” Several Trump supporters showing up to the rally said they liked Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii , who for the most part has been an afterthought in the Democratic race but has occasionally gained attention for breaking with party leaders on some matters .
She and Clinton have traded barbs during the campaign ― Gabbard recently filed a defamation suit against the former secretary of state .
And Gabbard notably voted “ present ” on the two articles of impeachment the Democratic-controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t think Democrats have anybody worth watching except for Gabbard , but she ’ s at 1 % ” in polls of the primary race , said Rachel Crosscup , a school lunch worker from Massachusetts ( a state Democrats have easily carried in presidential elections for decades ) .
“ She ’ s the only one I like because she ’ s the same way [ as Trump ] .
She tells it how it is .
We ’ re just regular people , we just tell it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t do it anymore , it ’ s obvious to everybody , ” Laruso said .
“ I ’ m not a big fan of his , but I don ’ t like anybody at the end of their life to lose their dignity .
He seems to be doing that.
” Not even the possibility of billionaire Michael Bloomberg winning the Democratic nomination seemed to worry Trump supporters .
The former New York City mayor is skipping the first four states that vote in the race and making a play for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , March 3 .
He ’ s spent hundreds of millions of dollars on his campaign so far , much of it on slickly produced anti-Trump ads he has promised to maintain even if he loses the Democratic contest .
But on Monday , as the crowd poured into Southern New Hampshire University Arena for the Trump rally , Bloomberg was an afterthought .
Trump and his son , Don Jr. , focused instead on attacking Biden , Sanders , Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and a Democratic not in the presidential race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who presided over Trump ’ s impeachment .
“ I don ’ t think the money matters right now .
We need to see more than money , ” Kessler said when asked about Bloomberg ’ s wealth .
He added that if Bloomberg were to prevail “ because of his money , then that just shows how much more corrupt ( the political process ) is .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
MANCHESTER, N.H. ― President Donald Trump’s more rabid supporters aren’t concerned about any of the candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, predicting he’ll be easily reelected to a second term this year.
“It’s going to be a landslide. I’m not worried by anybody,” Dale Lemelin, 59, said as she waited to hear Trump speak at a rally here Monday evening in a state that launched his political rise in the 2016 GOP presidential race.
Advertisement
Democrats vying to take on Trump in 2020 barnstormed the Granite State over the weekend and on Monday, making their closing pitch to voters amid hopes for an efficiently run primary on Tuesday after the bungled Iowa caucuses that left party officials feeling dispirited and in disarray. The field remains unusually large and in flux, with a cluster of candidates vying to get a boost from New Hampshire as the once-seemingly formidable Joe Biden, the former vice president who had led for months in national polling on the race, struggles to gain traction.
“It’s kind of sad. They’ve got nothing to offer. It’s too bad,” said a woman named Jay, who made the 40-mile trip from Wilmington, Massachusetts, to see Trump speak for the first time. She declined to give her last name.
Eric Kessler, 58, a property maintenance technician from Manchester, supported Bernie Sanders in the 2016 race for the Democratic presidential nomination. But that November, he ended up voting for Trump after Hillary Clinton emerged as the party’s choice. He said he believes Sanders wouldn’t be a problem this time around for Trump if the Vermont senator snags the Democratic nomination.
He also ticked off businessman Andrew Yang, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) as the only Democratic contenders he found likable.
Advertisement
“Yang is the only one that’s not a politician,” Kessler added approvingly.
Lemelin, a retiree from Alton Bay, New Hampshire, didn’t share Kessler’s attitude toward Klobuchar, who has stressed her middle-of-the-country roots and made appeals to moderate Republicans on the stump.
“She seems like a bitch. She’s got that bitch face on her all the time,” Lemelin said. “I have no use for her. I think she’s crazy.”
Lemelin conceded that Sanders has her feeling “a little nervous” because “he’s got all the young kids in colleges believing in all the socialist stuff.”
As has become the norm, an enthusiastic crowd greeted President Donald Trump as he arrived for a "Keep America Great" campaign rally at a college in Manchester, New Hampshire, Monday night. Drew Angerer via Getty Images
Several Trump supporters showing up to the rally said they liked Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, who for the most part has been an afterthought in the Democratic race but has occasionally gained attention for breaking with party leaders on some matters. She and Clinton have traded barbs during the campaign ― Gabbard recently filed a defamation suit against the former secretary of state. And Gabbard notably voted “present” on the two articles of impeachment the Democratic-controlled House approved against Trump last year.
Advertisement
The congresswoman is bidding to exceed expectations in Tuesday’s vote, an effort that has included paying for huge billboards touting her that are posted throughout downtown Manchester.
“I don’t think Democrats have anybody worth watching except for Gabbard, but she’s at 1%” in polls of the primary race, said Rachel Crosscup, a school lunch worker from Massachusetts (a state Democrats have easily carried in presidential elections for decades). “She’s the only one I like because she’s the same way [as Trump]. She tells it how it is. We’re just regular people, we just tell it like it is.”
Gary Laruso, a businessman from Manchester, said he wasn’t worried about the prospect of Trump facing Biden in the general election ― even as most national polls have shown Biden ahead of the president.
Biden “can’t do it anymore, it’s obvious to everybody,” Laruso said. “I’m not a big fan of his, but I don’t like anybody at the end of their life to lose their dignity. He seems to be doing that.”
Not even the possibility of billionaire Michael Bloomberg winning the Democratic nomination seemed to worry Trump supporters. The former New York City mayor is skipping the first four states that vote in the race and making a play for the delegate-rich electoral contests on Super Tuesday, March 3. He’s spent hundreds of millions of dollars on his campaign so far, much of it on slickly produced anti-Trump ads he has promised to maintain even if he loses the Democratic contest.
Advertisement
But on Monday, as the crowd poured into Southern New Hampshire University Arena for the Trump rally, Bloomberg was an afterthought. Trump and his son, Don Jr., focused instead on attacking Biden, Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and a Democratic not in the presidential race ― House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, who presided over Trump’s impeachment.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-11--Mike Bloomberg Wins Both Democratic And Republican Vote In America’s Weirdest Primary

There was a surprise winner in one New Hampshire town ’ s primary on Tuesday : Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg captured both the Democratic and Republican sides in Dixville Notch .
In New Hampshire , towns with less than 100 voters are allowed to hold midnight votes , then close the polls after all of the ballots have been cast and tally the results .
Dixville Notch is one of several small communities to take advantage of this legal quirk in what is as much a media stunt as an election .
Just after 12 a.m. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community located about 14 miles from the Canadian border .
Bloomberg wasn ’ t even running in New Hampshire and yet he won via write-in , garnering the single GOP vote cast and two of the four Democratic votes .
Former South Bend , Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) each received a single vote .
Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D-Minn. ) won the Democratic primary in Hart ’ s Location , a central New Hampshire town that is crossed by the Appalachian Trail , with six votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) received four votes , businessman Andrew Yang got three and Sanders took two .
Former Vice President Joe Biden , Rep. Tulsi Gabbard ( D-Hawaii ) and billionaire investor Tom Steyer each won a single vote .
On the GOP side , President Donald Trump won 15 votes , with former Massachusetts Gov .
Bill Weld taking four and Mary Maxwell taking a single vote .
Klobuchar also won in the early-voting town of Millsfield , a small town in the northern part of the state , with two votes .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2016 , Sanders won Dixville Notch and Hart ’ s Location while Hillary Clinton took Millsfield .
On the GOP side , then-Ohio Gov .
John Kasich won GOP primaries in both Dixville Notch and Hart ’ s Location while Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-Texas ) won in Millsfield .
Sanders ultimately won the state in a landslide on the Democratic side with 60 percent of the vote .
Trump won in a plurality on the GOP side with 35 percent .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
There was a surprise winner in one New Hampshire town’s primary on Tuesday: Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg captured both the Democratic and Republican sides in Dixville Notch.
In New Hampshire, towns with less than 100 voters are allowed to hold midnight votes, then close the polls after all of the ballots have been cast and tally the results. Dixville Notch is one of several small communities to take advantage of this legal quirk in what is as much a media stunt as an election.
Advertisement
Just after 12 a.m., five votes were cast in the remote community located about 14 miles from the Canadian border. Bloomberg wasn’t even running in New Hampshire and yet he won via write-in, garnering the single GOP vote cast and two of the four Democratic votes. Former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) each received a single vote.
WOMEN CANDIDATES SURGE
On the GOP side, President Donald Trump won 15 votes, with former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld taking four and Mary Maxwell taking a single vote.
Klobuchar also won in the early-voting town of Millsfield, a small town in the northern part of the state, with two votes. Biden, Buttigieg and Sanders each took one.
Advertisement
Trump won in that community with 15 votes versus four for Weld.
In 2016, Sanders won Dixville Notch and Hart’s Location while Hillary Clinton took Millsfield. On the GOP side, then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich won GOP primaries in both Dixville Notch and Hart’s Location while Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) won in Millsfield.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-10--Trump Says Coronavirus Will Subside In Spring, But Doctors Aren't So Sure

President Donald Trump said Monday that he expected the coronavirus epidemic to disappear with the end of winter ― a remark at odds with warnings from infectious disease experts .
Trump ’ s comments on the virus known as 2019-nCoV , which has infected more than 42,000 people globally and claimed more than 1,000 lives , came during a White House business session with state governors .
“ A lot of people think that goes away in April as the heat comes in , ” he said of the outbreak that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ re in great shape though .
We have 12 cases , 11 cases , and many of them are in good shape.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed 12 coronavirus infections in the U.S. , and testing is pending on 68 other potential cases .
“ This statement minimizes the many critical factors needed for the containment of the outbreak and the prevention of further disease spread , such as adequate infection control measures and contact tracing , ” Dr. Britta Lassmann , program director for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told HuffPost .
“ Data on the role of temperature and climate on the transmissibility of 2019-nCoV are currently lacking , ” she added .
Trump ’ s suggestion that the coronavirus outbreak will subside with the onset of warmer temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere is likely based on general trends with viral infections : They often thrive in the colder months because people are spending more time indoors in close proximity to others and because lower humidity in winter allows a virus to remain in the air for longer periods of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also risky because not all outbreaks subside as the weather warms , and this one remains shrouded in mystery on several fronts .
So far , there ’ s no vaccine and no conclusions on how it spreads , how to cure it or how long it takes for an infected person to show symptoms .
It ’ s already surpassed milestones set by other disease outbreaks , including the death toll of the SARS outbreak 17 years ago .
“ Although some coronavirus infections are seasonal , only time will tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this way .
Some coronavirus species have peaks in the winter and summer , ” said Dr. Tom Frieden , former director of the CDC and now president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives , an initiative focused on preventing epidemics .
“ If nCov behaves as influenza behaves , the seasonality seen in temporal climates may not mean seasonality in tropical climates , where influenza can circulate at high levels all year long , ” Frieden explained .
Dr. William Schaffner , a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus ’ s unpredictability .
Before Trump even made his comments , Schaffner cautioned against relying on the expectation that new infections will slow with spring .
“ Could it be that the change of seasons has an impact on the virus ?
Lord knows , we hope so , ” he told USA Today last week .
“ It happens with human coronaviruses , we know that .
But this is a rogue virus .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
President Donald Trump said Monday that he expected the coronavirus epidemic to disappear with the end of winter ― a remark at odds with warnings from infectious disease experts.
Trump’s comments on the virus known as 2019-nCoV, which has infected more than 42,000 people globally and claimed more than 1,000 lives, came during a White House business session with state governors.
Advertisement
“A lot of people think that goes away in April as the heat comes in,” Trump said of the outbreak that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan. “Typically that will go away in April. We’re in great shape though. We have 12 cases, 11 cases, and many of them are in good shape.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 13 coronavirus infections in the U.S. and said tests are pending on at least 68 other potential cases. The last confirmed American case was Feb. 5 in Wisconsin, officials said.
The president’s remarks set off some concern that he didn’t have a solid understanding of the threat at hand.
“This statement minimizes the many critical factors needed for the containment of the outbreak and the prevention of further disease spread, such as adequate infection control measures and contact tracing,” Dr. Britta Lassmann, program director for the International Society for Infectious Diseases, told HuffPost.
Advertisement
“Data on the role of temperature and climate on the transmissibility of 2019-nCoV are currently lacking,” Lassmann added.
Medical workers in protective suits move a patient in an isolated ward of a Wuhan, China, hospital on Feb. 6, 2020. China Daily CDIC / Reuters
Trump’s suggestion that the coronavirus outbreak will subside with the onset of warmer temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere is likely based on general trends with viral infections: They often thrive in the colder months because people are spending more time indoors in close proximity to others and because lower humidity in winter allows a virus to remain in the air for longer periods of time.
But Trump’s rosy outlook is also risky because not all outbreaks subside as the weather warms, and this one remains mysterious on several fronts. So far, there’s no vaccine and no conclusions on how it spreads, how to cure it or how long it takes for an infected person to show symptoms. It’s already surpassed milestones set by other disease outbreaks, including the death toll of the SARS outbreak 17 years ago. This week, for the first time, the daily death toll in China has topped 100.
“Although some coronavirus infections are seasonal, only time will tell if the 2019 novel coronavirus will behave this way. Some coronavirus species have peaks in the winter and summer,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the CDC and now president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative focused on preventing epidemics.
Advertisement
Weather’s impact on a disease’s spread, Frieden added, can vary by climate.
“If nCov behaves as influenza behaves, the seasonality seen in temporal climates may not mean seasonality in tropical climates, where influenza can circulate at high levels all year long,” Frieden explained.
Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has also warned about this virus’s unpredictability. Before Trump even made his comments, Schaffner cautioned against relying on the expectation that new infections will slow with spring.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-10--DOJ Grant To 'Hookers For Jesus' Triggers Whistleblower Complaint: Report

An internal department memo seen by Reuters shows that as of Sept. 12 , two long-established nonprofits — the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach and Chicanos Por La Causa of Phoenix — were originally on the list of recommended grant winners after receiving high marks from outside contractors hired to review applications .
The annual grants help nonprofits and local governments aid human-trafficking victims .
Later that month , those two organizations were replaced as recommended recipients by Hookers for Jesus and the Lincoln Tubman Foundation , which both received lower rankings from the outside reviewers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , was an effort to “ distribute funding across as many states as possible.
” Each , Reuters found , was ranked as a Tier 1 applicant , the highest level , after scrutiny by outside reviewers .
Hookers for Jesus and the Lincoln Tubman Foundation were ranked in Tier 2 , one level lower .
To help select grant recipients , the Justice Department contracts with outside experts called “ peer reviewers ” who evaluate and score applicants .
The reviewers ’ identities were not listed next to their comments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The safe house ’ s manuals had rules that included a ban on reading “ secular magazines with articles , pictures , etc .
that portray worldly views/advice on living , sex , clothing , makeup tips.
” Other rules limited everything from who victims could call to banning them from bringing their purses with them on weekly shopping trips .
Rule-breakers could be penalized by being assigned chores such as washing windows .
Hookers for Jesus founder Annie Lobert denied that her organization requires safe house residents to attend services at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to discriminate towards anyone , ” she said .
“ But , ” she added , “ we are Christian .
And there is an understanding before they come in here that we are Christian.
” Sullivan , the OJP ’ s principal deputy assistant attorney general , said the policies described to her by Reuters from the manuals are “ inappropriate.
” She added : “ This might be something that may be appropriate for our civil rights department to look at .
Those are not facts or things that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , OJP offices collectively awarded more than $ 100 million in grants to help human trafficking victims , with much of the funding to be paid out over three years .
Of that , $ 53 million went to 77 groups , including Hookers for Jesus and the Lincoln Tubman Foundation , that provide direct services to trafficking victims .
“ I knew those were some of our weakest points , ” Burris said .
Formed in 2018 , the foundation is headquartered in a mansion owned by her parents , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office space .
Meantime , she said she has been fielding calls at all hours to help adult trafficking victims find hotels .
In an interview , Lobert questioned the expertise of the reviewers .
“ I really caution when someone says they are an expert , ” she said .
Unless they run a safe house or have survived trafficking themselves , “ they don ’ t have true expertise .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - A U.S. Justice Department anti-human trafficking grant program is facing internal complaints after two nonprofits were denied funding in favor of two less-established groups whose applications were not recommended by career DOJ officials.
The awarding of more than $1 million total to the two groups — Hookers for Jesus in Nevada and the Lincoln Tubman Foundation in South Carolina — has triggered a whistleblower complaint filed by the Justice Department’s employee union to the department’s inspector general.
Advertisement
An internal department memo seen by Reuters shows that as of Sept. 12, two long-established nonprofits — the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach and Chicanos Por La Causa of Phoenix — were originally on the list of recommended grant winners after receiving high marks from outside contractors hired to review applications. The annual grants help nonprofits and local governments aid human-trafficking victims.
Later that month, those two organizations were replaced as recommended recipients by Hookers for Jesus and the Lincoln Tubman Foundation, which both received lower rankings from the outside reviewers. The reason, a Sept. 23 memo says, was an effort to “distribute funding across as many states as possible.”
The change was ultimately approved by Katharine Sullivan, head of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which awards the grants. Sullivan defended the process as proper. “Our funding decisions are based on a merit-based review system,” she said.
In December, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees local 2830 filed a complaint in which it asked the inspector general to investigate whether politics factored in the two grant awards. An inspector general’s office spokeswoman declined comment.
Advertisement
In a statement, union president Marilyn Moses said the grants call into question the department’s mission to serve the public. “Our employees take their … responsibility to the taxpayer very seriously,” she said.
This is the second time recently the union has challenged the grants review process.
Chicanos Por La Causa has opposed the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The head of Catholic Charities in Palm Beach has participated in past Democratic National Committees as a delegate or standing committee member. Both groups said they filed strong applications and intended to continue competing for grants.
Each, Reuters found, was ranked as a Tier 1 applicant, the highest level, after scrutiny by outside reviewers. Hookers for Jesus and the Lincoln Tubman Foundation were ranked in Tier 2, one level lower. To help select grant recipients, the Justice Department contracts with outside experts called “peer reviewers” who evaluate and score applicants. The reviewers’ identities were not listed next to their comments, so Reuters couldn’t contact them.
Career department officials then receive a blind copy of the average weighted scores and divide them into tiers, with the top scores being closer to 100. They review the applications, scores and reviewers’ comments to help inform their recommendations, which get the final sign-off from OJP leadership. DOJ staffers recommended the two Tier 1 groups.
The subsequent decision to bypass two higher-scoring groups in favor of those with lower scores deviates from past practices, said several Department of Justice veterans.
Advertisement
“Tier 1 generally is your default. They all get funded unless there is some kind of legitimate reason not to fund them,” said Jean Bruggeman, a former DOJ Office for the Victims of Crime fellow who is now executive director of the Freedom Network USA, a coalition aiding trafficking victims.
Hookers for Jesus, which received $530,190 over three years, is run by a born-again Christian trafficking survivor who has lobbied against decriminalizing prostitution, a policy position aligning with many in the Republican Party.
Hookers for Jesus operates a safe house for female adult trafficking victims that, in 2010 and in 2018, maintained a policy of requiring guests to participate in religious activities, internal program manuals obtained by Reuters through public records requests show.
The safe house’s manuals had rules that included a ban on reading “secular magazines with articles, pictures, etc. that portray worldly views/advice on living, sex, clothing, makeup tips.” Other rules limited everything from who victims could call to banning them from bringing their purses with them on weekly shopping trips. Rule-breakers could be penalized by being assigned chores such as washing windows.
Hookers for Jesus founder Annie Lobert denied that her organization requires safe house residents to attend services at her church. “We are not going to discriminate towards anyone,” she said. “But,” she added, “we are Christian. And there is an understanding before they come in here that we are Christian.”
Advertisement
If the policies described in the 2018 manuals continue after the federal grant money is dispersed, they would likely violate anti-discrimination laws that prohibit using federal funding to engage in explicitly religious activities, some lawyers said.
“The fact the federal government is funding this is problematic,” said Dallas Hammer, an attorney specializing indiscrimination law. “The decision-makers here could be walking the federal government right into a clear violation of the First Amendment,” which protects freedom of religion.
Sullivan, the OJP’s principal deputy assistant attorney general, said the policies described to her by Reuters from the manuals are “inappropriate.” She added: “This might be something that may be appropriate for our civil rights department to look at. Those are not facts or things that we would know ahead of time.”
In its grant application, Hookers for Jesus did not discuss its religious focus in detail, and the department did not have access to its program manuals before the award was announced.
But Sullivan disputed the notion that Tier 2 scores are significantly inferior and said the department was justified in awarding the two grants because there were no other Tier1-scored applications in Nevada or South Carolina for that grant category.
Advertisement
Geography is among factors that can be considered, but experts said it typically comes into play when deciding between two groups rated at the same level.
In 2019, OJP offices collectively awarded more than $100 million in grants to help human trafficking victims, with much of the funding to be paid out over three years. Of that, $53 million went to 77 groups, including Hookers for Jesus and the Lincoln Tubman Foundation, that provide direct services to trafficking victims.
The Lincoln Tubman Foundation, awarded $549,345 over three years, was launched by the daughter of a prominent local Republican who supported President Donald Trump as a delegate at the 2016 convention and is close to South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott.
Its founder, Brooke Burris, told Reuters that services for adult trafficking victims in the Charleston area are severely lacking. She said the foundation will fund her Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force project to offer more direct services and train law enforcement to better spot victims.
“We have almost no resources,” she said, noting that South Carolina’s state laws did not outlaw human trafficking until 2012.
Advertisement
The need for more awareness was apparent during a recent training session her task force hosted with law enforcement: Few officers raised their hands when a former FBI agent asked if they had ever dealt with human trafficking.
In September, South Carolina’s Sen. Scott wrote a letter calling on OJP to do a “prompt review” of the application. A Scott spokesman said such letters are standard for grant requests and that he “didn’t endorse” the project.
OJP’s Sullivan said the grant review process was the same for all recipients and a letter from a senator “would not influence a funding decision.”
Reviewers cited the Lincoln Tubman Foundation’s lack of experience. The task force is still in its “infancy” with “little to no experience,” they wrote.
“I knew those were some of our weakest points,” Burris said. Formed in 2018, the foundation is headquartered in a mansion owned by her parents, but she said she is looking for new office space. Meantime, she said she has been fielding calls at all hours to help adult trafficking victims find hotels.
Advertisement
This is not the first time Hookers for Jesus has received federal grant money. In 2017, Nevada announced it was giving Lobert’s group nearly $300,000 through the federal Victims ofCrime Act. In her grant application at the time, Lobert said church participation was voluntary.
The funding was not renewed in 2018 after the state obtained Hookers for Jesus program manuals saying it was “mandatory” for guests of the group’s shelter, Destiny House, to attend services and volunteer at a specific church. Its staff training manual said homosexuality is immoral and abusing drugs for pleasure is “witchcraft.” Reuters obtained the manuals through a public records request.
One Nevada grant reviewer in 2018 questioned whether Hookers for Jesus treated victims like “prisoners,” while another observed the program seemed too controlling and expressed concern it forced victims to attend Bible study, the grant review documents show.
“We felt their policies were not victim-focused or evidence based,” said Kelsey McCann-Navarro, whose office in Nevada’sDivision of Child and Family Services decided not to renew the funding.
Lobert denied having policies requiring religious participation. She declined to provide Reuters a copy of her updated manuals. She added that she did not recall that the 2018 versions denounced homosexuality. “That is probably something we don’t have anymore,” she said.
Advertisement
Reviewers evaluating its 2019 federal application said Hookers for Jesus staff had little experience handling forms of human trafficking involving minors, men and foreign nationals.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-10--House Judiciary Goes After AG Barr Over Back Channel For Giuliani To Give Info On Ukraine

The House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr on Monday demanding answers regarding the Justice Department ’ s new so-called “ intake process ” to receive information from Rudy Giuliani about Ukraine and the Bidens .
Rep. Jerry Nadler ’ s ( D-N.Y. ) letter comes hours after Barr admitted that the department would evaluate material that Giuliani , President Donald Trump ’ s personal attorney , had collected from Ukrainian sources claiming to have damaging information about 2020 candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden .
Giuliani ’ s gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s attempt to get Ukraine to announce an investigation into the Bidens ahead of the 2020 U.S. presidential election , which led to the president ’ s impeachment ( and eventual acquittal ) .
Much of what the former New York City mayor has said to media outlets so far has consisted of conspiracy theories and misinformation .
“ As you know , the Department has formal , established channels by which to receive information and begin investigations , ” Nadler wrote in the letter .
“ This new channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant departure from those traditional channels.
” Nadler cited Sen. Lindsey Graham ’ s interview on Sunday with Face the Nation where the South Carolina Republican said Barr told him about a so-called “ intake process ” in which Giuliani “ could give information ” and that the Justice Department would “ see if it ’ s verified.
” Barr later confirmed at a press conference on Monday morning that the Justice Department does in fact have such a process to receive information relating to Ukraine and the Bidens , including “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney general and other Justice Department officials tried to hedge the answer by alleging that Giuliani was being treated the same as any other tipster .
“ Your announcement also represents a significant departure from your past statements about Mr. Giuliani , ” Nadler wrote .
“ On September 25 , the Department confirmed it had not been asked by the President to ‘ contact Ukraine ― on this or any other matter .
The attorney general has not communicated with Ukraine ― on this or any other subject .
Nor has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relating to Ukraine , with Rudy Giuliani.
’ ” “ To the extent that statement is no longer accurate , any official relationship between Mr. Giuliani and the Department raises serious questions about conflicts of interest ― both for the Department , generally , and for you , specifically , ” Nadler continued , citing Giuliani associate Lev Parnas ’ allegation that Barr knew virtually everything about communications with Ukraine .
“ Whether or not you are in league with Mr. Giuliani and his associates , DOJ guidelines and regulations exist to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance of a conflict of interest or any impropriety.
” A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to HuffPost ’ s request for comment , though a department official told The Washington Post that Giuliani had “ recently ” shared information through the process described by Barr .
The information is reportedly being vetted through the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , according to the Post .
Nadler asked Barr to answer a series of questions regarding the so-called “ intake process ” for Giuliani and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s personal attorney .
Barr has until Feb. 25 to respond to the questions .
Giuliani is currently being investigated himself by the Justice Department , a case that has so far led to campaign finance charges against Parnas and fellow associate Igor Fruman .
Both Parnas and Fruman helped Giuliani in his pursuits related to Ukraine .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr on Monday demanding answers regarding the Justice Department’s new so-called “intake process” to receive information from Rudy Giuliani about Ukraine and the Bidens.
Rep. Jerry Nadler’s (D-N.Y.) letter comes hours after Barr admitted that the department would evaluate material that Giuliani, President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, had collected from Ukrainian sources claiming to have damaging information about 2020 candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.
Advertisement
Giuliani’s gathering of such information was a huge part of Trump’s attempt to get Ukraine to announce an investigation into the Bidens ahead of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, which led to the president’s impeachment (and eventual acquittal). Much of what the former New York City mayor has said to media outlets so far has consisted of conspiracy theories and misinformation.
“As you know, the Department has formal, established channels by which to receive information and begin investigations,” Nadler wrote in the letter. “This new channel to Mr. Giuliani would seem to be a significant departure from those traditional channels.”
NEW: @RepJerryNadler sent a letter to AG Barr to demand answers after @LindseyGrahamSC and Barr admit that Rudy Giuliani is sending information concerning Ukraine to the Department of Justice through a special intake process. pic.twitter.com/Yg6rPZ5zOt — House Judiciary Dems (@HouseJudiciary) February 10, 2020
Nadler cited Sen. Lindsey Graham’s interview on Sunday with Face the Nation where the South Carolina Republican said Barr told him about a so-called “intake process” in which Giuliani “could give information” and that the Justice Department would “see if it’s verified.”
Advertisement
Barr later confirmed at a press conference on Monday morning that the Justice Department does in fact have such a process to receive information relating to Ukraine and the Bidens, including “anything Mr. Giuliani might provide.” The attorney general and other Justice Department officials tried to hedge the answer by alleging that Giuliani was being treated the same as any other tipster.
ICYMI: AG Barr responds to comments made by @LindseyGrahamSC on @FacetheNation Sunday where he said @TheJusticeDept "process" would let @RudyGiuliani turn over info from Ukraine. Barr says he has an open door policy to “anybody.” WATCH--> https://t.co/KMcgon0Pyo pic.twitter.com/5V0RYRoSJw — Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) February 10, 2020
“Your announcement also represents a significant departure from your past statements about Mr. Giuliani,” Nadler wrote. “On September 25, the Department confirmed it had not been asked by the President to ‘contact Ukraine ― on this or any other matter. The attorney general has not communicated with Ukraine ― on this or any other subject. Nor has the attorney general discussed this matter or anything relating to Ukraine, with Rudy Giuliani.’”
“To the extent that statement is no longer accurate, any official relationship between Mr. Giuliani and the Department raises serious questions about conflicts of interest ― both for the Department, generally, and for you, specifically,” Nadler continued, citing Giuliani associate Lev Parnas’ allegation that Barr knew virtually everything about communications with Ukraine. “Whether or not you are in league with Mr. Giuliani and his associates, DOJ guidelines and regulations exist to protect you and the Department from even the appearance of a conflict of interest or any impropriety.”
A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment, though a department official told The Washington Post that Giuliani had “recently” shared information through the process described by Barr. The information is reportedly being vetted through the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, according to the Post.
Advertisement
Nadler asked Barr to answer a series of questions regarding the so-called “intake process” for Giuliani and the attorney general’s relationship with the president’s personal attorney. Barr has until Feb. 25 to respond to the questions.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-11--Bernie Sanders' Supporters Booed Hillary Clinton's Name And Cynthia Nixon Wasn't Having It

Cynthia Nixon took a stand during Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ ( I-Vt. ) rally in Durham , New Hampshire , on Monday night after the audience booed the mention of 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton ’ s name .
“ Sex and the City ” star Nixon elicited boos from Sanders ’ supporters , on the eve of Tuesday ’ s primary in the Granite State , after acknowledging supporting Clinton in 2016 .
“ Oh no .
Oh no .
We are not going to do that here , ” Nixon responded to the boos , in stark contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his supporters to join him in disparaging his former rival .
“ I supported her because I wanted a woman president and I thought she was incredibly qualified , ” explained the actor , who made an unsuccessful run for governor of New York in 2018 .
Nixon endorsed Sanders in a video she posted on social media last week .
“ It seems to me is what you need in a politician is you need someone with a vision .
You need somebody who can galvanize people .
And you need someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said in the clip , below .
“ And there is nobody that has those three qualities in greater abundance than Bernie Sanders.
” In 2016 I supported Hillary for President .
But this year , I ’ m all in for Bernie .
His ideas are wildly popular , and he ’ s our best chance to beat Trump .
We can ’ t afford to nominate a candidate who will leave voters sitting at home , uninspired .
pic.twitter.com/a2DWKxgsJI — Cynthia Nixon ( @ CynthiaNixon ) February 7 , @

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Cynthia Nixon took a stand during Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) rally in Durham, New Hampshire, on Monday night after the audience booed the mention of 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s name.
“Sex and the City” star Nixon elicited boos from Sanders’ supporters, on the eve of Tuesday’s primary in the Granite State, after acknowledging supporting Clinton in 2016.
Advertisement
“Oh no. Oh no. We are not going to do that here,” Nixon responded to the boos, in stark contrast to how President Donald Trump often encourages his supporters to join him in disparaging his former rival.
“I supported her because I wanted a woman president and I thought she was incredibly qualified,” explained the actor, who made an unsuccessful run for governor of New York in 2018.
“And I thought she was unbeatable,” Nixon added. “But it’s four years later.”
Check out the clip here:
LIVE: Cynthia Nixon showed up!! Funny when she mentions Hillary Clinton everyone boos pic.twitter.com/AlkLpF2Zvq — Alex Karabakakis (@alexscholzk) February 11, 2020
Nixon endorsed Sanders in a video she posted on social media last week.
“It seems to me is what you need in a politician is you need someone with a vision. You need somebody who can galvanize people. And you need someone who can’t be bought,” she said in the clip, below. “And there is nobody that has those three qualities in greater abundance than Bernie Sanders.”
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-11--Sen. Joe Manchin Slams Trump's 'Munchkin' Dig: I'm Taller, He's Heavier

Size clearly matters to Donald Trump .
On Sunday , the president described Sen. Joe Manchin ( D-W.Va. ) as “ Joe Munchkin , ” and it was just one of many similar digs he ’ s made about his foes ’ stature .
But Manchin gave as good as he got on Monday , telling CNN ’ s Jake Tapper that Trump was confused .
“ I am a little taller than him , ” Manchin said .
“ He ’ s got me about 30 pounds on weight.
” Manchin drew Trump ’ s ire when he voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
The president had hoped the conservative Democrat would side with him so he could have crowed about a bipartisan vote to acquit .
As it turned out , the only bipartisan vote was the one to convict , with Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney joining with the Democrats .
Trump also tweeted that Manchin was incapable of understanding the partial transcript of a phone call to Ukraine last year that revealed him pressing for an investigation into political rival Joe Biden .
“ The people of America and the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the room , ” but Trump is not behaving like one , Manchin told The New York Times .
The days when the many targets of Trump ’ s insults remain silent appears to be over .
After Trump mocked Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg ’ s height last week , Bloomberg ’ s campaign spokeswoman responded that Trump was a “ pathological liar who lies about everything : his fake hair , his obesity and his spray-on tan .
”

Size clearly matters to Donald Trump. On Sunday, the president described Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) as “Joe Munchkin,” and it was just one of many similar digs he’s made about his foes’ stature.
But Manchin gave as good as he got on Monday, telling CNN’s Jake Tapper that Trump was confused.
“I am a little taller than him,” Manchin said. “He’s got me about 30 pounds on weight.”
Watch the interview in the video above.
Manchin drew Trump’s ire when he voted to convict in the Senate impeachment trial last week. The president had hoped the conservative Democrat would side with him so he could have crowed about a bipartisan vote to acquit. As it turned out, the only bipartisan vote was the one to convict, with Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney joining with the Democrats.
Advertisement
Trump also tweeted that Manchin was incapable of understanding the partial transcript of a phone call to Ukraine last year that revealed him pressing for an investigation into political rival Joe Biden.
“The people of America and the people of West Virginia want some adults in the room,” but Trump is not behaving like one, Manchin told The New York Times.
The days when the many targets of Trump’s insults remain silent appears to be over. After Trump mocked Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg’s height last week, Bloomberg’s campaign spokeswoman responded that Trump was a “pathological liar who lies about everything: his fake hair, his obesity and his spray-on tan.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-10--Ex-FBI Official Suggests DOJ Hotline For Rudy Giuliani: '1-800-Utter-BS'

MSNBC ’ s Nicolle Wallace expressed astonishment Monday that the Department of Justice has established a “ process ” to evaluate Ukraine information from Donald Trump ’ s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani — who has yet to publicly reveal any substantiation for any of his claims .
That ’ s when Wallace ’ s guest , former FBI assistant director for counterintelligence Frank Figliuzzi , quipped : “ If you have a concocted conspiracy theory — that ’ s proven wrong by our entire intelligence community — and proven to be Russian propaganda , please call 1-800-Utter-BS.
” Far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re heading into a direction where the attorney general no longer stands for justice.
” Wallace was reacting to news Sunday from Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) — confirmed by Attorney General William Barr Monday — that the DOJ would consider information from Giuliani , who claims to have yet-to-be-shared negative specifics about Trump ’ s political rival Joe Biden in Ukraine .
Wallace imagined a taxpayer-funded investigation wasting time delving into situations such as : “ Rudy writes crap on napkins and , like , hands it to Lev Parnas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Ukrainian-American business associate Lev Parnas was allegedly his man-on-the-ground in Ukraine aiming to dig up dirt on Biden , but hasn ’ t indicated he found anything .
Joseph Bondy , the attorney for Parnas , who has been indicted for alleged campaign finance violations , reminded Graham in a tweet Sunday that Parnas is eager to share what he knows about Ukraine and Biden .
“ Why not just let Lev speak ?
” — instead of going to a DOJ “ back channel , ” Bondy asked .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have to meet Lev Parnas to be in the loop , @ LindseyGrahamSC .
Incredible how you voted to hide witnesses and evidence to protect the President at trial , and now endorse a back channel to continue the same political smear campaign .
Why not just # LetLevSpeak ?
We ’ re here .
https : //t.co/aAI17i3nYh — Joseph A. Bondy ( @ josephabondy ) February 10 , 2020 News that the DOJ would be vetting information from Trump ’ s own attorney to smear a political rival drew a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly be one person on Earth who doesn ’ t get how crazy it is that Trump ’ s attorney general has set up a mechanism for Trump ’ s personal attorney to provide the Justice Department with dirt on Trump ’ s political rival ?
” Walter Shaub , former head of the federal Office of Government Ethics , asked on Twitter .
House Judiciary Chair Jerrold Nadler ( D-N.Y. ) attacked the apparent special arrangement for Giuliani in a letter to Barr on Monday .
He also suggested the attorney general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani because Parnas has said Barr was “ on the team ” in the scheme to use the power of the U.S. to attack Biden with any information they could squeeze out of Ukraine officials .
Though Barr confirmed that the DOJ would evaluate Giuliani ’ s information , he also warned that officials “ can ’ t take anything we receive from the Ukraine at face value.
” Barr talks of the Giuliani channel to the DOJ at 6:48 on the video posted here :

MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace expressed astonishment Monday that the Department of Justice has established a “process” to evaluate Ukraine information from Donald Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani — who has yet to publicly reveal any substantiation for any of his claims.
That’s when Wallace’s guest, former FBI assistant director for counterintelligence Frank Figliuzzi, quipped: “If you have a concocted conspiracy theory — that’s proven wrong by our entire intelligence community — and proven to be Russian propaganda, please call 1-800-Utter-BS.”
Advertisement
Far more seriously, Figliuzzi warned: “We’re heading into a direction where the attorney general no longer stands for justice.”
Wallace was reacting to news Sunday from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) — confirmed by Attorney General William Barr Monday — that the DOJ would consider information from Giuliani, who claims to have yet-to-be-shared negative specifics about Trump’s political rival Joe Biden in Ukraine.
Wallace imagined a taxpayer-funded investigation wasting time delving into situations such as: “Rudy writes crap on napkins and, like, hands it to Lev Parnas? ... This is bananas.”
Giuliani’s Ukrainian-American business associate Lev Parnas was allegedly his man-on-the-ground in Ukraine aiming to dig up dirt on Biden, but hasn’t indicated he found anything. Joseph Bondy, the attorney for Parnas, who has been indicted for alleged campaign finance violations, reminded Graham in a tweet Sunday that Parnas is eager to share what he knows about Ukraine and Biden. “Why not just let Lev speak?” — instead of going to a DOJ “back channel,” Bondy asked. “We’re here.”
Advertisement
You didn’t have to meet Lev Parnas to be in the loop, @LindseyGrahamSC. Incredible how you voted to hide witnesses and evidence to protect the President at trial, and now endorse a back channel to continue the same political smear campaign. Why not just #LetLevSpeak? We’re here. https://t.co/aAI17i3nYh — Joseph A. Bondy (@josephabondy) February 10, 2020
News that the DOJ would be vetting information from Trump’s own attorney to smear a political rival drew a cascade of criticism.
“Can there possibly be one person on Earth who doesn’t get how crazy it is that Trump’s attorney general has set up a mechanism for Trump’s personal attorney to provide the Justice Department with dirt on Trump’s political rival?” Walter Shaub, former head of the federal Office of Government Ethics, asked on Twitter.
House Judiciary Chair Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) attacked the apparent special arrangement for Giuliani in a letter to Barr on Monday. He also suggested the attorney general recuse himself from any investigation linked to Giuliani because Parnas has said Barr was “on the team” in the scheme to use the power of the U.S. to attack Biden with any information they could squeeze out of Ukraine officials.
NEW: @RepJerryNadler sent a letter to AG Barr to demand answers after @LindseyGrahamSC and Barr admit that Rudy Giuliani is sending information concerning Ukraine to the Department of Justice through a special intake process. pic.twitter.com/Yg6rPZ5zOt — House Judiciary Dems (@HouseJudiciary) February 10, 2020
Advertisement
Though Barr confirmed that the DOJ would evaluate Giuliani’s information, he also warned that officials “can’t take anything we receive from the Ukraine at face value.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-10--Prosecutors Seek Seven To Nine Years In Prison For Trump Ally Roger Stone

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to sentence President Donald Trump ’ s confidant Roger Stone to serve between 7 and 9 years in prison after his conviction on witness tampering and obstruction charges .
Stone , who is scheduled to be sentenced next week , was convicted in November of a seven-count indictment that accused him of lying to Congress , tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election .
In a sentencing memorandum filed Monday evening , prosecutors asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 108 months in federal prison , in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines .
Such a sentence would send a message to deter others who might consider lying or obstructing a congressional probe or tampering with witnesses .
They charged in the filing that Stone “ decided to double – and triple – down on his criminal conduct by tampering with a witness for months in order to make sure his obstruction would be successful.
” “ Stone ’ s actions were not a one-off mistake in judgment .
Nor were his false statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They were nowhere close to that , ” prosecutors wrote in the court papers .
Stone has denied wrongdoing and consistently criticized the case against him as politically motivated .
He did not take the stand during his trial and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in his defense .
The evidence presented in the trial didn ’ t directly address Mueller ’ s conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to tip the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided new insight into the scramble inside the Trump campaign when it was revealed in July 2016 that the anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks was in possession of more than 19,000 emails hacked from the servers of the Democratic National Committee .
Witnesses in the case testified that Trump ’ s campaign viewed Stone as an “ access point ” to WikiLeaks and tried to use him to get advance word about hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton .
Prosecutors alleged Stone lied to Congress about his conversations about WikiLeaks with New York radio host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in 2016 , when he was avoiding prosecution by sheltering in the Ecuadoran embassy in London — and conservative writer and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi .
During the 2016 campaign , Stone had mentioned in interviews and public appearances that he was in contact with Assange through a trusted intermediary and hinted at inside knowledge of WikiLeaks ’ plans .
But he started pressing Credico to broker a contact , and Credico testified that he told Stone to work through his own intermediary .
Earlier testimony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House Intelligence Committee , named Credico as his intermediary to Assange and pressured Credico not to contradict him .
After Credico was contacted by Congress , he reached out to Stone , who told him he should “ stonewall it ” and “ plead the fifth , ” he testified .
Credico also testified during Stone ’ s trial that Stone repeatedly told him to “ do a ‘ Frank Pentangeli , ’ ” a reference to a character in “ The Godfather : Part II ” who lies before Congress .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to sentence President Donald Trump’s confidant Roger Stone to serve between 7 and 9 years in prison after his conviction on witness tampering and obstruction charges.
Stone, who is scheduled to be sentenced next week, was convicted in November of a seven-count indictment that accused him of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election.
Advertisement
He was the sixth Trump aide or adviser to be convicted of charges brought as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
In a sentencing memorandum filed Monday evening, prosecutors asked for Stone to serve between 87 and 108 months in federal prison, in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines. Such a sentence would send a message to deter others who might consider lying or obstructing a congressional probe or tampering with witnesses.
They charged in the filing that Stone “decided to double – and triple – down on his criminal conduct by tampering with a witness for months in order to make sure his obstruction would be successful.”
“Stone’s actions were not a one-off mistake in judgment. Nor were his false statements made in the heat of the moment. They were nowhere close to that,” prosecutors wrote in the court papers.
Advertisement
Stone has denied wrongdoing and consistently criticized the case against him as politically motivated. He did not take the stand during his trial and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in his defense.
The evidence presented in the trial didn’t directly address Mueller’s conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to tip the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in Trump’s favor. But it provided new insight into the scramble inside the Trump campaign when it was revealed in July 2016 that the anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks was in possession of more than 19,000 emails hacked from the servers of the Democratic National Committee.
Witnesses in the case testified that Trump’s campaign viewed Stone as an “access point” to WikiLeaks and tried to use him to get advance word about hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton.
Prosecutors alleged Stone lied to Congress about his conversations about WikiLeaks with New York radio host and comedian Randy Credico — who scored an interview with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in 2016, when he was avoiding prosecution by sheltering in the Ecuadoran embassy in London — and conservative writer and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi.
During the 2016 campaign, Stone had mentioned in interviews and public appearances that he was in contact with Assange through a trusted intermediary and hinted at inside knowledge of WikiLeaks’ plans. But he started pressing Credico to broker a contact, and Credico testified that he told Stone to work through his own intermediary.
Advertisement
Earlier testimony revealed that Stone, while appearing before the House Intelligence Committee, named Credico as his intermediary to Assange and pressured Credico not to contradict him.
After Credico was contacted by Congress, he reached out to Stone, who told him he should “stonewall it” and “plead the fifth,” he testified. Credico also testified during Stone’s trial that Stone repeatedly told him to “do a ‘Frank Pentangeli,’” a reference to a character in “The Godfather: Part II” who lies before Congress.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-10--It's Not Getting Better for Queer Kids

It's Not Getting Better for Queer Kids

Elva Etienne via Getty Images A new study found that nearly 50 % of LGB high school students have considered suicide , compared to 13 % of straight students .
According to a study by The Trevor Project , an LGBTQ suicide prevention organization , lesbian , gay and bisexual young adults are over four times more likely to report planning or attempting suicide in the past year .
Nearly 50 % of LGB high school students have considered suicide , compared to 13 % of straight students .
The study is based on data from nationwide surveys of high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 and 2018 .
Because federal surveys don ’ t collect data on gender identity for people over 18 , the Trevor Project study does not include information on transgender or non-binary students .
Research has consistently found that transgender youth have higher rates of suicide than their straight or LGB peers .
“ We ’ re not seeing LGB youth catching up once they move out of the home and start independent lives , ” said Amy Green , the Trevor Project ’ s research director .
This indicates that the suicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of overt abuse from fellow students or parents during adolescence .
Queer young adults may be experiencing lingering trauma from the time they spent in the closet or ongoing discrimination .
This theory , known as “ minority stress , ” may also explain another surprising finding from the study : For high school students , bisexuals were more likely to have attempted suicide than their straight or gay peers .
Travis Salway , a professor of epidemiology at Simon Fraser University who researches LGBT mental health , said higher suicide risk among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all age groups .
The explanation , he said , is that bisexual individuals often feel rejected from both straight and queer cultures .
“ If you ’ re a bisexual in a heterosexual relationship , other people will just assume you ’ re straight , which makes you feel invisible , ” Salway said .
“ And then if you try to join the queer community , you find that there ’ s very little recognition or representation of your experiences .
One of the greatest risks for suicide is feeling like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t belong .
That erasure is a huge challenge for bisexual people.
” The suicide disparity between the queer and straight communities — and between bisexuals and their gay and lesbian peers — persists into adulthood .
Salway said rates of suicide attempts are highest among adolescents , fall in young adulthood , then spike again as LGB people reach their 30s and 40s .
“ A lot of people start to consider suicide in high school , but as they age they develop coping mechanisms through their job or their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , ” Salway said .
But then , as they lose friends and family members as part of aging , those feelings of loneliness and depression return .
“ We ’ ve been attentive to the risk of suicide among queer adolescents but we also need to look at what ’ s happening in adulthood , ” Salway said .
All of these findings challenge the presumption that greater societal acceptance of queer people will automatically result in better health outcomes .
Despite the massive gains in cultural awareness and advances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disparities in openness to LGB students throughout the United States .
According to the LGBTQ anti-bullying organization GLSEN , over 70 % of LGBTQ students experienced verbal harassment at school in 2017 .
Broader societal factors could also play a role .
Suicides among American adolescents have been rising steadily since 2007 , a phenomenon researchers still can not fully explain .
Plus , research has found that depression and drug use spiked among the LGB community during the nationwide debate over banning gay marriage in 2004 and 2005 .
Recent political developments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on trans soldiers in the military , may be having a similar effect .
“ This isn ’ t going to get better on its own , ” Green said .
In recent years , the VA has significantly reduced suicide among veterans by providing comprehensive screening and follow-up services for patients receiving services from a VA medical center .
The U.S. could make a similar effort with the queer community .

A new study found that nearly 50% of LGB high school students have considered suicide, compared to 13% of straight students. Elva Etienne via Getty Images
Despite decades of progress on cultural visibility and political rights, queer youth are still killing themselves at alarming rates.
According to a study by The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ suicide prevention organization, lesbian, gay and bisexual young adults are over four times more likely to report planning or attempting suicide in the past year. Nearly 50% of LGB high school students have considered suicide, compared to 13% of straight students.
Advertisement
The study is based on data from nationwide surveys of high school students and young adults taken in 2017 and 2018. Because federal surveys don’t collect data on gender identity for people over 18, the Trevor Project study does not include information on transgender or non-binary students. Research has consistently found that transgender youth have higher rates of suicide than their straight or LGB peers.
The study also reveals that the suicide disparity between straight and LGB high school students persists into young adulthood.
“We’re not seeing LGB youth catching up once they move out of the home and start independent lives,” said Amy Green, the Trevor Project’s research director. This indicates that the suicide disparity isn’t just the result of overt abuse from fellow students or parents during adolescence. Queer young adults may be experiencing lingering trauma from the time they spent in the closet or ongoing discrimination.
This theory, known as “minority stress,” may also explain another surprising finding from the study: For high school students, bisexuals were more likely to have attempted suicide than their straight or gay peers.
Advertisement
Bisexual high schoolers have higher rates of suicidal ideation than their straight or gay peers. Trevor Project
Travis Salway, a professor of epidemiology at Simon Fraser University who researches LGBT mental health, said higher suicide risk among bisexuals is a consistent research finding across all age groups. The explanation, he said, is that bisexual individuals often feel rejected from both straight and queer cultures.
“If you’re a bisexual in a heterosexual relationship, other people will just assume you’re straight, which makes you feel invisible,” Salway said. “And then if you try to join the queer community, you find that there’s very little recognition or representation of your experiences. One of the greatest risks for suicide is feeling like you don’t matter or you don’t belong. That erasure is a huge challenge for bisexual people.”
The suicide disparity between the queer and straight communities — and between bisexuals and their gay and lesbian peers — persists into adulthood. Salway said rates of suicide attempts are highest among adolescents, fall in young adulthood, then spike again as LGB people reach their 30s and 40s.
“A lot of people start to consider suicide in high school, but as they age they develop coping mechanisms through their job or their social network and those suicidal thoughts go away,” Salway said. But then, as they lose friends and family members as part of aging, those feelings of loneliness and depression return. “We’ve been attentive to the risk of suicide among queer adolescents but we also need to look at what’s happening in adulthood,” Salway said.
Advertisement
All of these findings challenge the presumption that greater societal acceptance of queer people will automatically result in better health outcomes. Despite the massive gains in cultural awareness and advances in political rights, there are still profound disparities in openness to LGB students throughout the United States. According to the LGBTQ anti-bullying organization GLSEN, over 70% of LGBTQ students experienced verbal harassment at school in 2017.
“We know that there are effective ways to prevent suicide, but we need a much stronger national effort to begin actually reducing LGBTQ youth suicide.” - Amy Green, Trevor Project research director
Broader societal factors could also play a role. Suicides among American adolescents have been rising steadily since 2007, a phenomenon researchers still cannot fully explain. Plus, research has found that depression and drug use spiked among the LGB community during the nationwide debate over banning gay marriage in 2004 and 2005. Recent political developments, such as the highly publicized ban on trans soldiers in the military, may be having a similar effect.
Regardless of the cause, though, Green said that the United States needs to make deliberate investments in suicide reduction among queer youth and young adults.
“This isn’t going to get better on its own,” Green said. In recent years, the VA has significantly reduced suicide among veterans by providing comprehensive screening and follow-up services for patients receiving services from a VA medical center. The U.S. could make a similar effort with the queer community.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-10--South Dakota's Planned Ban On Treatments For Transgender Youth Fails

Proponents already had amended the bill to get rid of criminal charges for doctors who provide gender confirmation treatments , including puberty blockers , hormone therapy and surgery .
But it would have allowed children to sue if they later regretted the treatments .
Conservative lawmakers in nearly a dozen other states , including South Carolina , Florida , Missouri , Colorado , Illinois , Kentucky and New Hampshire , are pushing similar proposals .
The measure had gained the most traction in South Dakota , where the House recently passed it .
But some Republican senators and GOP Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioned whether the Legislature should be delving into the issue .
LGBT advocates and Democrats argued that the proposal would have stopped children with gender dysphoria from receiving medically necessary health care that improves their mental health .
They demonstrated outside the Capitol before Monday ’ s Senate Health and Human Services Committee meeting .
Rep. Fred Deutsch , a Florence Republican who introduced the bill , said the testimony and debate had raised awareness about the potential side effects and highlighted the doubts of some doctors about the long-term mental health benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the Endocrine Society and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health , do not recommend gender confirmation surgeries for children .
For youths experiencing puberty and older adolescents , the Endocrine Society recommends that a team composed of expert medical and mental health professionals manages treatment , which can include puberty-blocking drugs or hormone therapy .
Keith Hansen , an endocrinologist with Sanford Health in South Dakota , said the health care network treated fewer than 20 minors with gender dysphoria in the state last year .
He said children who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before and during the treatments .
Deutsch said he would not be bringing the issue again this year , but he shared the bill and notes with lawmakers in other states , where similar legislation is being considered .
In 2016 , Deutsch brought a “ bathroom bill ” that would have forced transgender students to use restrooms labeled for their birth gender .
It cleared the House and Senate before former Gov .
Dennis Daugaard vetoed it .
Supporters from both sides crowded into the room where the committee met until they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have heard more from constituents on this issue than any other this legislative session .
Several legislators said most of the communication was in favor of the ban .
Dozens of advocates protested outside the Capitol on Monday , riding horses on the grounds , waving rainbow flags , and holding signs to support transgender people .
They said that legislation aimed at LGBT people is a recurring issue in the state .
LGBT advocates said the bill has already caused damage .
Lauren Stanley , an Episcopalian minister who works with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she has already heard from LGBT youth who felt targeted by the legislation , expressing anxiety and desires to hurt themselves .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Legislation aimed at stopping South Dakota physicians from providing puberty blockers and gender confirmation surgery to transgender children under 16 failed to get enough support Monday in a Senate committee.
A Republican-dominated Senate committee voted 5-2 to kill the proposal, likely ensuring the issue won’t be considered by the Legislature again this year.
Advertisement
Proponents already had amended the bill to get rid of criminal charges for doctors who provide gender confirmation treatments, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery. But it would have allowed children to sue if they later regretted the treatments.
Conservative lawmakers in nearly a dozen other states, including South Carolina, Florida, Missouri, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky and New Hampshire, are pushing similar proposals. The measure had gained the most traction in South Dakota, where the House recently passed it.
But some Republican senators and GOP Gov. Kristi Noem had expressed concerns and questioned whether the Legislature should be delving into the issue.
LGBT advocates and Democrats argued that the proposal would have stopped children with gender dysphoria from receiving medically necessary health care that improves their mental health. They demonstrated outside the Capitol before Monday’s Senate Health and Human Services Committee meeting.
Advertisement
Quinncy Parke, a 17-year-old transgender teenager, testified before the committee and had one word to describe the feeling of seeing the bill die: “ecstatic.”
“It’s gone,” Parke said. “I don’t have to worry about it until next year.”
Proponents of the bill maintained that the treatments are harmful.
Rep. Fred Deutsch, a Florence Republican who introduced the bill, said the testimony and debate had raised awareness about the potential side effects and highlighted the doubts of some doctors about the long-term mental health benefits of such treatments.
Parke said that Deutsch crafted the bill to “fuel confusion” about gender confirmation treatments.
Leading medical authorities, including the Endocrine Society and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, do not recommend gender confirmation surgeries for children. For youths experiencing puberty and older adolescents, the Endocrine Society recommends that a team composed of expert medical and mental health professionals manages treatment, which can include puberty-blocking drugs or hormone therapy.
Keith Hansen, an endocrinologist with Sanford Health in South Dakota, said the health care network treated fewer than 20 minors with gender dysphoria in the state last year. He said children who receive gender confirmation treatments receive psychiatric counseling before and during the treatments.
The South Dakota State Medical Association opposed the bill, arguing it discriminated against transgender people and interfered with physicians’ ability to administer necessary medical treatment.
Advertisement
Conservative lawmakers said they were reluctant to interfere in parental rights.
“With all due respect, my child’s health care is not your decision to make,” Kim Parke, the mother of Quinncy, told the committee.
Deutsch said he would not be bringing the issue again this year, but he shared the bill and notes with lawmakers in other states, where similar legislation is being considered.
He said the governor had worked “behind the scenes” to oppose the bill.
“That’s simply not accurate,” said Kristin Wileman, Noem’s spokeswoman, insisting that the governor never took a formal position on the bill.
In 2016, Deutsch brought a “bathroom bill” that would have forced transgender students to use restrooms labeled for their birth gender. It cleared the House and Senate before former Gov. Dennis Daugaard vetoed it.
Legislation aimed at restricting LGBT people has often found friendly ground in South Dakota. Republicans hold every statewide office and a super-majority in the Legislature.
Advertisement
Supporters from both sides crowded into the room where the committee met until they overflowed into the hallways. Lawmakers said they have heard more from constituents on this issue than any other this legislative session. Several legislators said most of the communication was in favor of the ban.
Dozens of advocates protested outside the Capitol on Monday, riding horses on the grounds, waving rainbow flags, and holding signs to support transgender people. They said that legislation aimed at LGBT people is a recurring issue in the state.
LGBT advocates said the bill has already caused damage. Lauren Stanley, an Episcopalian minister who works with youth from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, said she has already heard from LGBT youth who felt targeted by the legislation, expressing anxiety and desires to hurt themselves.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-11--Chris Hayes Dismantles Donald Trump Campaign's Biggest Con

MSNBC ’ s Chris Hayes on Monday night shattered the perception that Donald Trump is unbeatable , suggesting the president is much more politically vulnerable than he may realize .
The host of “ All In with Chris Hayes ” acknowledged there was a “ real unmistakable sense of fear among Democrats ” that Trump will win reelection in November after the GOP-controlled Senate voted to acquit him on impeachment charges .
Trump ’ s campaign is keen to project the president as a “ colossus ” with a “ juggernaut ” of support behind him , the news anchor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's no contested Republican primary .
He does n't have to be here .
The idea is to literally intimidate Democrats .
The president is many things : He 's a bigot , he is a liar , he 's a narcissist but above all else ... he has been a con-man ( 1/5 ) https : //t.co/pxfgfPg7il — MSNBC ( @ MSNBC ) February 11 , 2020 But Hayes said commentary about Trump ’ s alleged ascendency was wildly overstated and warned Democrats not to fall for the con .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still opposes this man , ” said Hayes , who highlighted how Trump lost the popular vote to his 2016 Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by more than 3 million votes .
“ He is weak .
He is vulnerable .
Politically , he ’ s beatable , ” Hayes added .
“ He wants you to believe that he ’ s strong , but he ’ s not .
He is not a colossus .
He ’ s a con man.
” Check out the clip above .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
MSNBC’s Chris Hayes on Monday night shattered the perception that Donald Trump is unbeatable, suggesting the president is much more politically vulnerable than he may realize.
The host of “All In with Chris Hayes” acknowledged there was a “real unmistakable sense of fear among Democrats” that Trump will win reelection in November after the GOP-controlled Senate voted to acquit him on impeachment charges.
Advertisement
Trump’s campaign is keen to project the president as a “colossus” with a “juggernaut” of support behind him, the news anchor noted.
.@chrislhayes: "There's no contested Republican primary. He doesn't have to be here. The idea is to literally intimidate Democrats. The president is many things: He's a bigot, he is a liar, he's a narcissist but above all else...he has been a con-man (1/5) https://t.co/pxfgfPg7il — MSNBC (@MSNBC) February 11, 2020
But Hayes said commentary about Trump’s alleged ascendency was wildly overstated and warned Democrats not to fall for the con.
“Remember, a majority of the country still opposes this man,” said Hayes, who highlighted how Trump lost the popular vote to his 2016 Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by more than 3 million votes.
Advertisement
“He is weak. He is vulnerable. Politically, he’s beatable,” Hayes added. “He wants you to believe that he’s strong, but he’s not. He is not a colossus. He’s a con man.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-02-10--Here's What Dem Voters Nationwide Made Of The Iowa Caucuses

In the poll , taken last Wednesday through Friday , just 5 % of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say it ’ s clear who ’ s likely to win the nomination .
Another 47 % say it ’ s down to just a few candidates , and 37 % that it ’ s still anyone ’ s race .
One-quarter of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say they think former vice president Joe Biden is most likely to win the nomination , 24 % that Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is , and about a third that one of the other candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t sure .
Who do voters think did well in Iowa ?
The outsized importance of the Iowa caucus has never been about the few delegates up for grabs in the state ― rather , it ’ s the first chance for candidates to prove their strength in an actual contest .
This year , that impact was already diluted by reforms that held the potential for a candidate to win the raw vote but not the most delegates , and by a chaotic news cycle that included the Senate ’ s vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s own State of the Union address .
The days of uncertainty that followed the Iowa caucus seemed likely to further attenuate the advantages of a win .
Only about a third of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say they were following the caucus results very closely , the HuffPost/YouGov survey finds .
But despite that , and despite the turmoil , there was relative agreement about which of the candidates turned in a good showing .
Two-thirds say Sanders did well in Iowa , and 65 % that former South Bend , Indiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 % say Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren did well , and just 20 % that Biden did , with fewer than 1 in 5 saying the same of any of the remaining candidates .
( Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg didn ’ t compete in the caucus , but was included as an option in the poll to give voters the option to weigh in on that strategy . )
How do voters feel about the primary system ?
There ’ s significant appetite for a change in procedure .
Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 26 % , that Iowa should switch to holding primaries rather than caucuses .
A 55 % majority also say that early states like Iowa and New Hampshire have too much influence over the primary process , although that ’ s not exactly a new complaint ― they said much the same in 2016 .
Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters are divided in the amount of credence they place in the results of the caucus , which was plagued by delays and confusion .
Only 45 % percent say they ’ re at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted , with 40 % not too confident or not at all confident .
Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters are more sanguine about their primary as a whole , with 65 % at least somewhat confident that the presidential primary will be conducted fairly , and just a quarter saying they have little or no confidence in the process .
Use the widget below to further explore the results of the HuffPost/YouGov survey , using the menu at the top to select survey questions and the buttons at the bottom to filter the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin of error that represents some but not all potential survey errors .
YouGov ’ s reports include a model-based margin of error , which rests on a specific set of statistical assumptions about the selected sample rather than the standard methodology for random probability sampling .
If these assumptions are wrong , the model-based margin of error may also be inaccurate .
Click here for a more detailed explanation of the model-based margin of error .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Last week’s Iowa caucuses marked the official beginning of the 2020 primary season. Democratic voters, however, remain as uncertain as ever about how things will end, according to a new HuffPost/YouGov survey.
In the poll, taken last Wednesday through Friday, just 5% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say it’s clear who’s likely to win the nomination. Another 47% say it’s down to just a few candidates, and 37% that it’s still anyone’s race.
Advertisement
One-quarter of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say they think former vice president Joe Biden is most likely to win the nomination, 24% that Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is, and about a third that one of the other candidates will. Another 18% aren’t sure.
That’s a notable change from late January, when about four in 10 believed Biden was most likely to win, putting him significantly ahead of Sanders.
In a new HuffPost/YouGov poll, 25% of Democratic and Democrat-leaning voters think Joe Biden is likely to win the nomination, down from 43% in January. Ariel Edwards-Levy/HuffPost
Who do voters think did well in Iowa?
The outsized importance of the Iowa caucus has never been about the few delegates up for grabs in the state ― rather, it’s the first chance for candidates to prove their strength in an actual contest. This year, that impact was already diluted by reforms that held the potential for a candidate to win the raw vote but not the most delegates, and by a chaotic news cycle that included the Senate’s vote to acquit President Trump and Trump’s own State of the Union address. The days of uncertainty that followed the Iowa caucus seemed likely to further attenuate the advantages of a win.
Advertisement
Only about a third of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say they were following the caucus results very closely, the HuffPost/YouGov survey finds. But despite that, and despite the turmoil, there was relative agreement about which of the candidates turned in a good showing. Two-thirds say Sanders did well in Iowa, and 65% that former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg did. Just 31% say Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren did well, and just 20% that Biden did, with fewer than 1 in 5 saying the same of any of the remaining candidates. (Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg didn’t compete in the caucus, but was included as an option in the poll to give voters the option to weigh in on that strategy.)
In a new HuffPost/YouGov poll, about two-thirds of Democratic and Democrat-leaning voters say Sanders and Buttigieg did well in the first caucus. Ariel Edwards-Levy/HuffPost
How do voters feel about the primary system?
There’s significant appetite for a change in procedure. Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say, 63% to 26%, that Iowa should switch to holding primaries rather than caucuses. A 55% majority also say that early states like Iowa and New Hampshire have too much influence over the primary process, although that’s not exactly a new complaint ― they said much the same in 2016.
Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters are divided in the amount of credence they place in the results of the caucus, which was plagued by delays and confusion. Only 45% percent say they’re at least somewhat confident that votes were accurately counted, with 40% not too confident or not at all confident.
Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters are more sanguine about their primary as a whole, with 65% at least somewhat confident that the presidential primary will be conducted fairly, and just a quarter saying they have little or no confidence in the process.
Advertisement
In a new HuffPost/YouGov poll, most Democratic and Democrat-leaning voters say early states have too much influence on the nomination. Sentiments four years ago were similar. Ariel Edwards-Levy/HuffPost
Use the widget below to further explore the results of the HuffPost/YouGov survey, using the menu at the top to select survey questions and the buttons at the bottom to filter the data by subgroups:
The HuffPost/YouGov poll consisted of 1,000 completed interviews conducted Feb. 5-7 among U.S. adults, including 376 Democratic and Democratic-leaning registered voters, using a sample selected from YouGov’s opt-in online panel to match the demographics and other characteristics of the adult U.S. population.
HuffPost has teamed up with YouGov to conduct daily opinion polls. You can learn more about this project and take part in YouGov’s nationally representative opinion polling. More details on the polls’ methodology are available here.
Advertisement