thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-19--What Kids Hear When You Criticize Your Body In Front Of Them

Message : ‘ Appearance is more important than character ’ Message : ‘ The value of bodies lies in what they look like ’ “ Even comments that seem minor , such as ‘ I look fat in these jeans , ’ made in front of children open the door for children to start seeing themselves in similar manners , ” said Ashley Kroon Van Diest , a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children ’ s Hospital .
“ This is otherwise known as objectification , when bodies are seen as a set of parts to be criticized rather than celebrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be who we are and do what we do every day.
” “ When you really think about it , the body is an incredible , magical machine , ” said Laura Hart , senior research fellow at the Melbourne School of Population & Global Health ’ s Centre for Mental Health .
“ It heals cuts and bruises , turns food into energy , can hug and laugh and dance and sing .
Or quietly watch a sunset .
These abilities are truly incredible .
As parents , we want to engender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our bodies , to help children take care of them , appreciate them , for all the things they can do , without focusing on the numbers on the scale.
” Message : ‘ Bodies are something to be ashamed of ’ Message : ‘ You should want to change your body ’ Message : ‘ Bodies that don ’ t look a certain way are bad bodies ’ “ Parents should try to avoid making any negative judgments or comments about their own bodies ( e.g.
, ‘ I ’ m so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have the right body to wear X ’ ) and the bodies of others ( e.g.
, ‘ She shouldn ’ t be wearing that ’ ) , ” Slater noted .
“ Comments such as these teach children that bodies are only of value if they meet certain narrow criteria and that bodies that don ’ t meet this standard are ‘ not worthy ’ or need to be changed.
” Message : ‘ Physical activity is just for weight loss ’

AleksandarNakic via Getty Images Parents play a very influential role in the development of their children's body image.
Fostering a healthy sense of body image is an important way to set up children for success in life. Research shows that positive body image is linked to higher self-esteem and healthy behaviors, while negative body image is associated with behaviors and feelings such as lower self-esteem, depression and disordered eating.
Although peers and the media shape how kids feel about their appearance as they get older, parents also play a major role in the development of their children’s sense of body image, and it starts from a very early age.
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“We know that children learn by listening and watching ― think about the times you have seen your children copying something you have said or done! It is no different for messages about bodies,” said Amy Slater, an associate professor and co-director of the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
“Parents influence how their children come to think about their bodies in a number of ways,” she added. “These include the feelings, attitudes and conversations that parents have about their own bodies and appearance.”
Criticizing your own body in front of your little one — i.e., engaging in “negative body talk” — may seem harmless because it’s not directed at the child, but kids often translate and internalize some pretty toxic messages from these sorts of comments. They can also start to think and say similar negative things about themselves.
“Negative body talk in the family environment can lead to less mindful eating, more disordered eating, less body appreciation, and increased body dissatisfaction in children, which can persist into adulthood,” noted Claire Mysko, CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association.
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HuffPost asked Mysko, Slater and other experts to break down the kinds of negative body image messages kids absorb when they hear their caregivers criticize their own appearances ― and to share types of comments parents should try to make instead. Read on for their insights.
Message: ‘Appearance is more important than character’
“Avoid constantly criticizing your own body — e.g., ‘I’m so fat, I’ve got to lose weight’ ― as this type of self-criticism sends the message that appearance is more important than character,” Mysko advised.
It takes effort and may feel unnatural, but parents can help their children develop healthy body attitudes by putting in the work to unlearn many of their own attitudes, beliefs, biases and behaviors when it comes to food, weight, body image, health and exercise.
“Parents should try to encourage their children to value aspects of self that are not related to appearance, like being a good friend,” Slater said.
Instead of focusing on looks, try to point out and compliment people’s positive behaviors and values — including your own and your children’s. Make it clear that weight and physical attractiveness are not the most important aspects of identity and self-worth.
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This helps children develop stronger self-esteem and shows that you respect people based on their character, rather than their appearance.
10'000 Hours via Getty Images Instead of criticizing their bodies, parents can promote self-esteem by pointing out the amazing things bodies do for us.
Message: ‘The value of bodies lies in what they look like’
Negative body talk sends the message to children that the value in bodies lies in the way they look, rather than the amazing things they can do for us.
“Even comments that seem minor, such as ‘I look fat in these jeans,’ made in front of children open the door for children to start seeing themselves in similar manners,” said Ashley Kroon Van Diest, a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “This is otherwise known as objectification, when bodies are seen as a set of parts to be criticized rather than celebrated for their awesome functionality that helps us be who we are and do what we do every day.”
To counter this harmful message, parents should make positive comments that show appreciation for what their bodies do, such as “My legs are so strong, they allow me to ride my bike,” “I’m grateful for my arms because they allow me to give you hugs,” or “My nose lets me smell such amazing scents; I’m so happy it helps me enjoy the world around me.”
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“When you really think about it, the body is an incredible, magical machine,” said Laura Hart, senior research fellow at the Melbourne School of Population & Global Health’s Centre for Mental Health. “It heals cuts and bruises, turns food into energy, can hug and laugh and dance and sing. Or quietly watch a sunset. These abilities are truly incredible. As parents, we want to engender a sense of pride and amazement in our bodies, to help children take care of them, appreciate them, for all the things they can do, without focusing on the numbers on the scale.”
“There is convincing research to show that when parents say negative things about their own weight, shape or appearance in front of children, this increases body dissatisfaction in the child.” - Laura Hart, senior research fellow at the Melbourne School of Population & Global Health’s Centre for Mental Health
If parents hear their kids making negative comments about their own bodies, follow up with a discussion emphasizing the functional value of bodies, Kroon Van Diest suggested.
“Encourage children to think about non-appearance-based features they like and appreciate,” she said. “You may even write some of these down for kids to look at if they are feeling down about themselves.”
Message: ‘Bodies are something to be ashamed of’
“There is convincing research to show that when parents say negative things about their own weight, shape or appearance in front of children, this increases body dissatisfaction in the child,” Hart noted, adding that this says to the child that bodies are something to be ashamed of or worried about.
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If your kids frequently express a sense of shame and negativity about their bodies, it may be helpful for them to see a professional therapist to have further discussions and develop strategies for improving body image and self-esteem. It’s worth noting that this issue can affect boys as well as girls.
“Despite popular opinion that feeling ashamed of your body motivates you to lose weight, eat well and exercise, we know that in fact the opposite is true,” she continued. “People who can appreciate their bodies for all the amazing things they can do, eat more fruit and vegetables, engage in healthy exercise and have a more stable body weight than people who have high body dissatisfaction or body shame.”
Hart believes the best way to help children develop positive health behaviors is to encourage them to feel good about their bodies and be proud of them, rather than sending messages of shame or negativity.
Mysko echoed this, suggesting parents share positive messages like “Treat your body with respect” and highlight the ways our bodies can help us achieve our goals and dreams.
Message: ‘You should want to change your body’
In addition to breeding shame, frequent negative body talk can also promote the idea that it’s normal to constantly want your body to look different.
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“When parents criticize their own bodies, our children learn that bodies are something to be displeased with/disliked,” Slater noted. “If our children hear us talking negatively about our bodies, they will learn to normalize these thoughts and feelings and can become dissatisfied with their own bodies, or preoccupied with changing their body — e.g., with becoming thinner or more muscular.”
SDI Productions via Getty Images Many offhand comments about physical appearance send the message that bodies that don't conform to a specific standard of thinness or muscularity aren't "good" bodies and should be changed.
Making comments about wanting to attain a certain level of attractiveness, muscularity or weight does not help foster positive body image in kids, but instead furthers the idea that your body is never good enough the way it is.
“Likewise, stop comparing your body with the bodies of people you know or the images you see in the media,” said Mysko.
Again, parents should focus on positive comments that show body love and acceptance.
Message: ‘Bodies that don’t look a certain way are bad bodies’
Implicit in comments about wanting your body to look different is the idea that only bodies that conform to certain standards of beauty are “good” bodies, and the rest are “bad” bodies.
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“Parents should try to avoid making any negative judgments or comments about their own bodies (e.g., ‘I’m so fat,’ ‘I don’t have the right body to wear X’) and the bodies of others (e.g., ‘She shouldn’t be wearing that’),” Slater noted. “Comments such as these teach children that bodies are only of value if they meet certain narrow criteria and that bodies that don’t meet this standard are ‘not worthy’ or need to be changed.”
“It is important for parents to promote body acceptance and celebrate body diversity. Say, ‘EveryBODY is beautiful, not just one shape or size.’” - Claire Mysko, CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association
“Try not to greet others with comments about their appearance ― even if you think these are positive statements (e.g., ‘You look so great ― have you lost weight?‘),” she continued. “Again, this teaches our children that only certain types of bodies are of value, or that there is such a thing as ‘good bodies.’”
Parents can instead try to teach their children to value and appreciate the diversity of looks in our society. Positive comments include “Bodies come in all different shapes, sizes and colors” and “All bodies are good bodies.” Slater also suggested modeling this concept by treating everyone with respect, regardless of their appearance.
“It is important for parents to promote body acceptance and celebrate body diversity,” Mysko added. “Say, ‘EveryBODY is beautiful, not just one shape or size.’”
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Message: ‘Being fat is morally wrong’
Young children are learning values like “you shouldn’t lie” or “you should be kind to others.” Similar comments in the context of food or body image therefore can lead to a warped perception of what it means to have a larger body.
“Comments about why you or someone else shouldn’t eat something because ‘it will make you fat,’ children internalize the message that being fat is morally wrong,” Mysko noted.
Removing “should” and “shouldn’t” from the conversations about bodies and thinness or fatness can help counteract the notion that a certain look is morally right or wrong.
Message: ‘Physical activity is just for weight loss’
“Parents can also encourage a positive body image in their children by thinking about the ways they talk about food, health and physical activity in their household,” Slater noted. “For example, parents can ensure they find ways to be physically active with their children without mentioning weight.”
If kids only hear discussions of physical activity in the context of weight and body image, they may associate exercise strictly with achieving a certain appearance, rather than the amazing health benefits and joy of movement. Parents should try to separate exercise from how a person looks when discussing physical activity.
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Mysko advised including physical activity in discussions of body appreciation, with comments like “I appreciate my body and I will respect it with love, nourishment, and joyful movement.”
Message: ‘Avoiding food is good’
“When parents make comments about how they were being ‘good’ because they didn’t ‘eat X, Y, or Z,’ it teaches children that avoiding (certain) food is good,” Mysko said.
This can lead to an unhealthy fixation on dieting and similarly ties food and body image to morality in a harmful way. Mysko suggested removing any sense of shame from discussions of eating.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Ady Barkan Rallies Progressives On Biden ― And Universal Coverage

“ Even during this terrible crisis , Donald Trump and Republican politicians are trying to take away millions of people ’ s health insurance , ” Barkan said in a speech relayed from his home in California .
“ We must elect Joe Biden .
... And then , with a compassionate and intelligent president , we must act together and put on his desk a bill that guarantees us all the health care we deserve.
” Barkan is in the advanced stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , or ALS , a degenerative neurological disease that has taken away his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance .
In order to address the virtual convention , he used a text-to-voice computer program ― the same technology that he employed more than a year ago when he traveled to Washington to testify before Congress .
The subject that day was “ Medicare for All , ” a universal coverage proposal that envisions a single government program paying the health bills for every American .
At the April 2019 hearing , Barkan offered both a statistical and a personal brief for the idea , describing fights with private insurance companies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the toll those struggles had taken on his family .
But this time Barkan wasn ’ t making the case for Medicare for All , at least not explicitly .
He was making the case for Biden .
And while the former vice president has said he supports universal coverage , he has also said he believes enacting Medicare for All would require too dramatic a change ― and too heavy a political lift ― to attempt right away .
Biden has instead proposed to bolster the Affordable Care Act , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial assistance more generous and extending expanded Medicaid coverage for the poor to states that have not expanded it on their own .
Biden has said he would also seek to create a new government-run insurance program that would be open to everybody but purely optional ― an approach some analysts describe as Medicare-for-anybody-who-wants-it .
Although Biden ’ s proposed scheme would provide much-needed assistance and security to millions of Americans now burdened by medical bills , it would stop well short of Medicare for All ’ s wholesale transformation of the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting budgets and prices throughout the health care system , private insurance would likely remain the dominant form of coverage , and a significant number of Americans would remain uninsured .
The debate over Medicare for All was one of the defining fights of the 2020 Democratic primaries , pitting champions like Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) against skeptics like Biden .
At times , Biden even likened Medicare for All to repeal of the Affordable Care Act .
That was enough to earn him a warm endorsement from Sanders on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drew a vote of confidence from Barkan , although the activist ’ s focus was mostly on the stark choice that voters would face in November .
“ With the existential threat of another four years of this president , ” Barkan said , “ we all have a profound obligation to act ― not only to vote but to make sure that our friends , family and neighbors vote as well.
” Unlike Biden , who has a long record of supporting government action to help people get insurance , President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take coverage away from millions by repealing or undermining the Affordable Care Act .
The latest of those efforts is a Trump-backed lawsuit , now before the Supreme Court , that calls on the justices to wipe away the law because of a supposed constitutional flaw .
The impact of such a ruling would be especially devastating , Barkan noted , at a time when so many people need medical care and are losing coverage because of joblessness .
“ In the midst of a pandemic , nearly 100 million Americans do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Even good insurance does not cover essential needs like long-term care ― our loved ones are dying in unsafe nursing homes , our nurses are overwhelmed and unprotected.
” Barkan has made clear that he is not giving up on Medicare for All .
On the contrary , he has said his supporters have two tasks in front of them ― making sure Biden beats Trump and then making sure Biden pursues a progressive agenda .
“ Obviously , we can ’ t accomplish anything good with Republicans in control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with Astead W. Herndon of The New York Times .
“ So I see my role , and the role of the progressive movement , as trying to get more and better Democrats elected to office , and then pushing hard to get them to promote justice and equity when they get there .
”

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Progressive activist Ady Barkan made an emotional pitch for presidential nominee Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night, warning that health care for millions of Americans is at stake in November’s election.
“Even during this terrible crisis, Donald Trump and Republican politicians are trying to take away millions of people’s health insurance,” Barkan said in a speech relayed from his home in California. “We must elect Joe Biden. ... And then, with a compassionate and intelligent president, we must act together and put on his desk a bill that guarantees us all the health care we deserve.”
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Ady Barkan, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2016, addresses DNC: “Today we are witnessing the tragic consequences of our failing health care system…with the existential threat of another 4 years of this president, we all have a profound obligation to act.” https://t.co/9AtOtp7jxv pic.twitter.com/Wj6NuVouI0 — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) August 19, 2020
Barkan is in the advanced stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a degenerative neurological disease that has taken away his mobility and his ability to speak without assistance. In order to address the virtual convention, he used a text-to-voice computer program ― the same technology that he employed more than a year ago when he traveled to Washington to testify before Congress.
The subject that day was “Medicare for All,” a universal coverage proposal that envisions a single government program paying the health bills for every American. At the April 2019 hearing, Barkan offered both a statistical and a personal brief for the idea, describing fights with private insurance companies, ongoing anxiety over high out-of-pocket medical bills and the toll those struggles had taken on his family.
On Tuesday night, Barkan talked about those struggles again: “I have experienced the ways our health care system is fundamentally broken ― enormous costs, denied claims, dehumanizing treatment when we are most in need.”
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But this time Barkan wasn’t making the case for Medicare for All, at least not explicitly. He was making the case for Biden. And while the former vice president has said he supports universal coverage, he has also said he believes enacting Medicare for All would require too dramatic a change ― and too heavy a political lift ― to attempt right away.
Biden has instead proposed to bolster the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare,” by making its financial assistance more generous and extending expanded Medicaid coverage for the poor to states that have not expanded it on their own. Biden has said he would also seek to create a new government-run insurance program that would be open to everybody but purely optional ― an approach some analysts describe as Medicare-for-anybody-who-wants-it.
Although Biden’s proposed scheme would provide much-needed assistance and security to millions of Americans now burdened by medical bills, it would stop well short of Medicare for All’s wholesale transformation of the health care system. Government would not be setting budgets and prices throughout the health care system, private insurance would likely remain the dominant form of coverage, and a significant number of Americans would remain uninsured.
The debate over Medicare for All was one of the defining fights of the 2020 Democratic primaries, pitting champions like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) against skeptics like Biden. At times, Biden even likened Medicare for All to repeal of the Affordable Care Act.
But since effectively capturing the nomination, Biden has emphasized his commitment to moving toward both universal coverage and a health care system more reliant on government-run insurance, eventually signing off on a party platform that welcomes Medicare for All’s advocates.
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That was enough to earn him a warm endorsement from Sanders on Monday night. And on Tuesday, it drew a vote of confidence from Barkan, although the activist’s focus was mostly on the stark choice that voters would face in November.
“With the existential threat of another four years of this president,” Barkan said, “we all have a profound obligation to act ― not only to vote but to make sure that our friends, family and neighbors vote as well.”
Unlike Biden, who has a long record of supporting government action to help people get insurance, President Donald Trump has spent his presidency trying to take coverage away from millions by repealing or undermining the Affordable Care Act.
The latest of those efforts is a Trump-backed lawsuit, now before the Supreme Court, that calls on the justices to wipe away the law because of a supposed constitutional flaw. The impact of such a ruling would be especially devastating, Barkan noted, at a time when so many people need medical care and are losing coverage because of joblessness.
“In the midst of a pandemic, nearly 100 million Americans do not have sufficient health insurance,” Barkan said. “Even good insurance does not cover essential needs like long-term care ― our loved ones are dying in unsafe nursing homes, our nurses are overwhelmed and unprotected.”
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Barkan has made clear that he is not giving up on Medicare for All. On the contrary, he has said his supporters have two tasks in front of them ― making sure Biden beats Trump and then making sure Biden pursues a progressive agenda.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-19--Fox News’ Chris Wallace Explains Why Trump’s Latest Election Claim Is ‘Troubling’

Trump on Monday told supporters during a rally in Wisconsin : “ The only way we ’ re gon na lose this election is if the election is rigged.
” On Tuesday ’ s broadcast of “ America ’ s Newsroom , ” anchor Sandra Smith asked Wallace what Trump ’ s claim told him “ about what we could see and hear over the next couple of months from the president.
” “ Well , look , the president obviously is going to make the case for himself and make the case against ( Democratic nominee ) Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is troubling and he did it in my interview with him , I guess , three weeks ago , he has done it repeatedly before and since.
” “ The argument that if he loses , it ’ s because the election was stolen from him , not because of a majority of Americans voted against him .
You know , obviously one of the things that we treasure in this country is the peaceful transition of power , ” explained Wallace .
“ I ’ m not saying Joe Biden is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to lose .
But if that should happen ― and there ’ s certainly a possibility that it will ― one would hope that whoever wins , whoever loses , that both sides will agree that was the judgment of the American people and they ’ re going to abide by it.
” “ So it is an argument that , as you say , President Trump made in 2016 , ” Wallace concluded .
“ Of course , he didn ’ t have to make it after the election because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising that specter again for 2020 .
”

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Fox News’ Chris Wallace described President Donald Trump’s latest attempt to cast doubt on the 2020 election as “troubling.”
Trump on Monday told supporters during a rally in Wisconsin: “The only way we’re gonna lose this election is if the election is rigged.”
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On Tuesday’s broadcast of “America’s Newsroom,” anchor Sandra Smith asked Wallace what Trump’s claim told him “about what we could see and hear over the next couple of months from the president.”
“Well, look, the president obviously is going to make the case for himself and make the case against (Democratic nominee) Joe Biden,” Wallace replied. “But this is troubling and he did it in my interview with him, I guess, three weeks ago, he has done it repeatedly before and since.”
“The argument that if he loses, it’s because the election was stolen from him, not because of a majority of Americans voted against him. You know, obviously one of the things that we treasure in this country is the peaceful transition of power,” explained Wallace.
“I’m not saying Joe Biden is going to win and Donald Trump is going to lose. But if that should happen ― and there’s certainly a possibility that it will ― one would hope that whoever wins, whoever loses, that both sides will agree that was the judgment of the American people and they’re going to abide by it.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Ocasio-Cortez Uses Her 1 Minute At DNC To Call Out Injustices

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used the one minute she was given to speak at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday to celebrate a “ mass people ’ s movement ” that was “ striving to recognize and repair the wounds of racial injustice , colonization , misogyny and homophobia.
” “ A movement that realizes the unsustainable brutality of an economy that rewards explosive inequalities of wealth for the few at the expense of long-term stability for the many , ” the progressive congresswoman from New York said in a video as the convention was held virtually due to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of people in the United States are looking for deep , systemic solutions to our crises of mass evictions , unemployment and lack of health care , en el espíritu del pueblo and out of a love for all people , I hereby second the nomination of Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont for president of the United States of America.
” Ocasio-Cortez ’ s DNC speech served to formally nominate Sanders as a Democratic presidential nominee ― a nod to the over 1,000 delegates Sanders won during the primaries .
Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of people in the United States are looking for deep systemic solutions … I hereby second the nomination of Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont for president of the United States of America.
” https : //t.co/2Yz3Qa4iyJ # DemConvention pic.twitter.com/DOPx4Ox66W — ABC News Live ( @ ABCNewsLive ) August 19 , 2020 Ocasio-Cortez , one of the most prominent voices on the left wing of the Democratic Party , was given just one minute for her taped remarks .
Her appearance at the DNC was likely meant to help fire up support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more progressive voters .
She had initially endorsed and campaigned for Sanders in the Democratic presidential primaries , but after the senator dropped out of the race in April , she said she ’ d vote for Biden .
The following month , Ocasio-Cortez — a vocal advocate for a Green New Deal — was appointed to co-lead a Biden-Sanders joint task force on climate policy .
Sanders submitted two people to speak on his behalf for the DNC nomination Tuesday : Bob King , former president of the United Auto Workers union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Latina , spoke Spanish in her remarks , greeting people with “ bienvenidos ” ( “ welcome ” ) and ending by nominating Sanders “ en el espíritu del pueblo ” ( “ in the spirit of the people ” ) .

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used the one minute she was given to speak at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday to celebrate a “mass people’s movement” that was “striving to recognize and repair the wounds of racial injustice, colonization, misogyny and homophobia.”
“A movement that realizes the unsustainable brutality of an economy that rewards explosive inequalities of wealth for the few at the expense of long-term stability for the many,” the progressive congresswoman from New York said in a video as the convention was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. “In a time when millions of people in the United States are looking for deep, systemic solutions to our crises of mass evictions, unemployment and lack of health care, en el espíritu del pueblo and out of a love for all people, I hereby second the nomination of Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont for president of the United States of America.”
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Ocasio-Cortez’s DNC speech served to formally nominate Sanders as a Democratic presidential nominee ― a nod to the over 1,000 delegates Sanders won during the primaries.
Rep. @AOC: “In a time when millions of people in the United States are looking for deep systemic solutions … I hereby second the nomination of Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont for president of the United States of America.” https://t.co/2Yz3Qa4iyJ #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/DOPx4Ox66W — ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) August 19, 2020
Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most prominent voices on the left wing of the Democratic Party, was given just one minute for her taped remarks. Her appearance at the DNC was likely meant to help fire up support for presidential nominee Joe Biden among younger, more progressive voters.
She had initially endorsed and campaigned for Sanders in the Democratic presidential primaries, but after the senator dropped out of the race in April, she said she’d vote for Biden. The following month, Ocasio-Cortez — a vocal advocate for a Green New Deal — was appointed to co-lead a Biden-Sanders joint task force on climate policy.
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Sanders submitted two people to speak on his behalf for the DNC nomination Tuesday: Bob King, former president of the United Auto Workers union, and Ocasio-Cortez.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-19--Ted Cruz's Attempt At Slamming Joe Biden Backfires Spectacularly

But many Twitter users didn ’ t see that as the threat Cruz intended , given her support of consumer @ @ @ @ @ banks .
Warren is also the sixth most popular Democrat in the nation , according @ @ @ @ @ even more popular within the party , with 66 percent saying they have either a @ @ @ @ @ of her in the organization ’ s most recent survey .

But many Twitter users didn’t see that as the threat Cruz intended, given her support of consumer protections and regulations on big banks. Warren is also the sixth most popular Democrat in the nation, according to YouGov, and is even more popular within the party, with 66 percent saying they have either a somewhat or very favorable opinion of her in the organization’s most recent survey.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-19--‘Big Fan Of Yours!’: Trump’s Old Fan Mail To Vladimir Putin Revealed

President Donald Trump reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin several times in the years prior to running for election , according to new documents released by the Senate Intelligence Committee .
The messages do not reveal collusion between Trump and Putin over the 2016 election .
The links between his campaign and Moscow were detailed elsewhere in the report .
But they do show Trump repeatedly flattering Putin , including one letter congratulating the strongman on being named Time ’ s “ Person of the Year ” in 2007 .
Trump also sent letters inviting Putin to the Miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling the event a “ great tribute to Moscow and Russia.
” Trump wanted Putin to be his “ Guest of Honor ” and wrote : “ I look forward to seeing you ” : Julia Davis of the Daily Beast noted that Putin wrote back saying , “ I regret that we weren ’ t able to meet as planned.
” But not all of Trump ’ s attempts at reaching Putin were private .
Trump has also repeatedly praised Putin on Twitter , including around the same time as some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be going to The Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow - if so , will he become my new best friend ?
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) June 19 , 2013 In reality , Trump had long been trying to strike a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow .
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen , who ’ s currently serving a 3-year sentence for lying to Congress and campaign finance violations , has said Trump was pursuing such a deal as recently as during the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public .
“ He lied about it because he never expected to win , ” Cohen told lawmakers last year .

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President Donald Trump reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin several times in the years prior to running for election, according to new documents released by the Senate Intelligence Committee.
The messages do not reveal collusion between Trump and Putin over the 2016 election. The links between his campaign and Moscow were detailed elsewhere in the report. But they do show Trump repeatedly flattering Putin, including one letter congratulating the strongman on being named Time’s “Person of the Year” in 2007.
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Trump told Putin: “You definitely deserve it.” He added: “I am a big fan of yours!”
Fascinating artifact from Senate Intel report: old fan mail from Trump to Putin pic.twitter.com/ijjhZweTHK — Mike McIntire (@mmcintire) August 18, 2020
Trump also sent letters inviting Putin to the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow in 2013, calling the event a “great tribute to Moscow and Russia.” Trump wanted Putin to be his “Guest of Honor” and wrote: “I look forward to seeing you”:
Trump's letters to Putin. Beautiful letters! Most perfect letters! Or, as Trump would put it, "He begged like a dog." pic.twitter.com/Zh3oRvfNY6 — Julia Davis (@JuliaDavisNews) August 18, 2020
Julia Davis of the Daily Beast noted that Putin wrote back saying, “I regret that we weren’t able to meet as planned.”
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But not all of Trump’s attempts at reaching Putin were private. Trump has also repeatedly praised Putin on Twitter, including around the same time as some of those letters:
Do you think Putin will be going to The Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow - if so, will he become my new best friend? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2013
In reality, Trump had long been trying to strike a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, who’s currently serving a 3-year sentence for lying to Congress and campaign finance violations, has said Trump was pursuing such a deal as recently as during the 2016 campaign, then lying about it in public.
“He lied about it because he never expected to win,” Cohen told lawmakers last year.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-19--Old Republican Attack Ad Gets Transformed Into Damning Indictment Of Trump

A progressive super PAC is taking a lesson from the other side , repurposing an old attack ad used by Republicans into a message against President Donald Trump .
MeidasTouch used the concept from a 2004 attack ad by the campaign of then-President George W. Bush .
It showed his opponent , then-Sen. John Kerry ( D-Mass . )
, windsurfing .
The new take shows Trump golfing while comparing his promises to reality : “ Trump made big promises both during his campaign and as president , ” the group said in a statement with the ad .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board.
” The spot ’ s running in the swing state of Arizona as well as in in Maine , which has a swing district that Trump won in 2016 for a single electoral vote but polls show could be close this year .
Maine is also home to a tight Senate race , with Republican incumbent Susan Collins down in most polls to Democratic challenger Sara Gideon , who is currently speaker of the state ’ s House of Representatives .
Important conversations are happening now .
Add your voice !
@ @ @ @

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A progressive super PAC is taking a lesson from the other side, repurposing an old attack ad used by Republicans into a message against President Donald Trump.
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“Trump made big promises both during his campaign and as president,” the group said in a statement with the ad. “Trump’s course? Failure across the board.”
The spot’s running in the swing state of Arizona as well as in in Maine, which has a swing district that Trump won in 2016 for a single electoral vote but polls show could be close this year.
Maine is also home to a tight Senate race, with Republican incumbent Susan Collins down in most polls to Democratic challenger Sara Gideon, who is currently speaker of the state’s House of Representatives.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Democrats Had 17 Young Stars. The DNC Didn’t Give Them Any Chance To Shine.

The keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention has traditionally been a moment when the Democratic Party gives one of its younger elected officials the opportunity to showcase their talent before a national audience .
The most famous such speech in recent memory was by then-Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama in 2004 .
Obama ’ s declaration that “ there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America ” launched him into the political stratosphere , laying the groundwork for his successful 2008 run for president .
More recent speeches have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have still given rising Democratic leaders the chance to make a splash .
Then-San Antonio , Texas , Mayor Julián Castro regaled the crowd with his family ’ s immigration story at the convention in Charlotte , North Carolina , in 2012 , and Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
gave Hillary Clinton ’ s bid a fresh coat of populism in Philadelphia in 2016 .
This year , though , in an effort to adjust to the virtual format , Democrats stuffed 17 young elected officials , including members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a single montage of short sound bites strung together through the magic of video editing .
Stacey Abrams was the only keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night who spoke uninterrupted for more than a few seconds at a time .
The speakers featured in the collage-like keynote address were : former Georgia state House Democratic Leader and gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams ; Tennessee state Sen. Raumesh Akbari ; Rep. Colin Allred of Texas ; Reps. Conor Lamb and Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania ; Nevada state Sen. Yvanna Cancela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried ; Long Beach , California , Mayor Robert Garcia ; Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta ; South Carolina state Sen. Marlon Kimpson ; Michigan state Rep. Mari Manoogian ; Texas state Rep. Victoria Neave ; Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez ; Georgia state Rep. Sam Park ; New Hampshire state Rep. Denny Ruprecht ; and Birmingham , Alabama , Mayor Randall Woodfin .
Aside from Abrams , who closed out the segment on her own , no one person got the chance to introduce themselves to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few seconds , let alone lay out a coherent idea .
The end result was awkward and unmemorable .
After describing some of former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s policy proposals ― protecting the Affordable Care Act and empowering Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices ― one of the speakers exclaimed , “ That ’ s a big effing deal , ” an homage to Biden ’ s famous hot mic moment calling the ACA a “ big fucking deal.
” Many of the speakers hail from Biden ’ s moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not necessarily an unusual choice for a presumptive Democratic presidential nominee who is trying to persuade moderate Republicans and swing-voting independents to back him in November .
But given the preference of the younger cohorts in the Democratic electorate for more ambitious progressive policies and candidates , it was a bit dissonant to see so much airtime given to young elected officials who don ’ t reflect their views .
Abrams had a chance to speak on her own , which made for easier viewing .
She handled the opportunity with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and near-win in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race have already made her a nationally known figure .
“ America faces a triple threat : a public health catastrophe , an economic collapse and a reckoning with racial justice and inequality , ” Abrams said .
“ So our choice is clear : a steady , experienced public servant who can lead us out of this crisis just like he ’ s done before , or a man who only knows how to deny and distract ; a leader who cares about our families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about himself .
”

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The keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention has traditionally been a moment when the Democratic Party gives one of its younger elected officials the opportunity to showcase their talent before a national audience.
The most famous such speech in recent memory was by then-Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama in 2004. Obama’s declaration that “there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America” launched him into the political stratosphere, laying the groundwork for his successful 2008 run for president.
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More recent speeches have not had the same impact, but they have still given rising Democratic leaders the chance to make a splash. Then-San Antonio, Texas, Mayor Julián Castro regaled the crowd with his family’s immigration story at the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2012, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) gave Hillary Clinton’s bid a fresh coat of populism in Philadelphia in 2016.
This year, though, in an effort to adjust to the virtual format, Democrats stuffed 17 young elected officials, including members of Congress, state lawmakers and mayors, into a single montage of short sound bites strung together through the magic of video editing.
Stacey Abrams was the only keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night who spoke uninterrupted for more than a few seconds at a time. DNCC/Getty Images
The speakers featured in the collage-like keynote address were: former Georgia state House Democratic Leader and gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams; Tennessee state Sen. Raumesh Akbari; Rep. Colin Allred of Texas; Reps. Conor Lamb and Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania; Nevada state Sen. Yvanna Cancela; former Ohio state Rep. Kathleen Clyde; Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried; Long Beach, California, Mayor Robert Garcia; Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta; South Carolina state Sen. Marlon Kimpson; Michigan state Rep. Mari Manoogian; Texas state Rep. Victoria Neave; Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez; Georgia state Rep. Sam Park; New Hampshire state Rep. Denny Ruprecht; and Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Randall Woodfin.
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Aside from Abrams, who closed out the segment on her own, no one person got the chance to introduce themselves to a national audience for more than a few seconds, let alone lay out a coherent idea.
The end result was awkward and unmemorable. After describing some of former Vice President Joe Biden’s policy proposals ― protecting the Affordable Care Act and empowering Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices ― one of the speakers exclaimed, “That’s a big effing deal,” an homage to Biden’s famous hot mic moment calling the ACA a “big fucking deal.”
Then, the entire ensemble of speakers repeated the line in unison. “That’s a big effing deal.” Get it?
Many of the speakers hail from Biden’s moderate wing of the Democratic Party. It’s not necessarily an unusual choice for a presumptive Democratic presidential nominee who is trying to persuade moderate Republicans and swing-voting independents to back him in November. But given the preference of the younger cohorts in the Democratic electorate for more ambitious progressive policies and candidates, it was a bit dissonant to see so much airtime given to young elected officials who don’t reflect their views.
Abrams had a chance to speak on her own, which made for easier viewing. She handled the opportunity with aplomb precisely because her voting rights advocacy and near-win in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race have already made her a nationally known figure.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--Jill Biden Speaks Emotionally At Democratic Convention Of Joe Biden’s Grief

Jill Biden gave an emotional speech about her husband , Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , at the party ’ s virtual national convention , connecting the personal losses he has endured to his commitment to public service .
“ Motherhood came to me in a way I never expected .
I fell in love with a man and two little boys standing in the wreckage of unthinkable loss , ” Jill Biden said in her remarks Tuesday night , referring to Joe Biden ’ s grief after losing his first wife and daughter in a car crash in 1972 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken family whole ?
The same way you make a nation whole , ” Jill Biden , 69 , said , speaking of her 77-year-old husband , whom she started dating in 1975 .
“ With love and understanding , and with small acts of compassion , with bravery , with unwavering faith.
” Jill Biden also spoke of the death of Biden ’ s son Beau to cancer in 2015 and of watching her husband “ shave , ” “ steel himself in the mirror ” and go back to work four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s just who he is .
There are times when I couldn ’ t imagine how he did it — how he put one foot in front of the other and kept going , ” she added .
“ But I ’ ve always understood why he did it .
...
He does it for you.
” During her video segment Tuesday evening , several others spoke about her , including Joe Biden , who described how Jill helped him through his grief .
“ I was 30 , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widower.… When I met Jill , I fell in love with her when I saw her , ” Biden said .
“ She put us back together , she gave me back my life , she gave us back a family.
” Joe Biden ’ s running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris , was close friends with Beau , working together as state attorneys general — he in Delaware and she in California .
Last week , Harris dedicated part of her first speech after her historic selection for the Biden ticket to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was announced as her husband ’ s pick , Jill Biden — who was second lady during Barack Obama ’ s presidency — extended a welcome to Harris ’ husband , Douglas Emhoff , who will be the nation ’ s first second gentleman if the Democratic ticket wins the Nov. 3 election .
“ Hey @ DouglasEmhoff , are you ready ?
” she tweeted .
Jill Biden , who grew up in the Philadelphia area and has been a decades-long teacher , delivered her convention remarks from a classroom in Brandywine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where she used to teach English .
She remains a professor of English at Northern Virginia Community College .
“ The rooms are dark , and the bright young faces that should fill them are confined to boxes on a computer screen , ” Jill Biden said , referring to the virtual teaching now taking place at many schools in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
The U.S. continues to lead the world in coronavirus cases and deaths , with over 5.4 million confirmed cases and more than 171,000 dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many classrooms are quiet right now , the playgrounds are still , but if you listen closely you can hear the sparks of change in the air , ” Jill Biden added , celebrating educators , parents and first responders who are “ fighting for each other ” and “ haven ’ t given up.
” “ We just need leadership worthy of our nation… to recover from this pandemic and prepare for whatever else is next… .
That ’ s Joe .
”

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Jill Biden gave an emotional speech about her husband, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, at the party’s virtual national convention, connecting the personal losses he has endured to his commitment to public service.
“Motherhood came to me in a way I never expected. I fell in love with a man and two little boys standing in the wreckage of unthinkable loss,” Jill Biden said in her remarks Tuesday night, referring to Joe Biden’s grief after losing his first wife and daughter in a car crash in 1972.
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“How do you make a broken family whole? The same way you make a nation whole,” Jill Biden, 69, said, speaking of her 77-year-old husband, whom she started dating in 1975. “With love and understanding, and with small acts of compassion, with bravery, with unwavering faith.”
Jill Biden also spoke of the death of Biden’s son Beau to cancer in 2015 and of watching her husband “shave,” “steel himself in the mirror” and go back to work four days after Beau’s funeral.
“That’s just who he is. There are times when I couldn’t imagine how he did it — how he put one foot in front of the other and kept going,” she added. “But I’ve always understood why he did it. ... He does it for you.”
During her video segment Tuesday evening, several others spoke about her, including Joe Biden, who described how Jill helped him through his grief.
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“I was 30, I was a senator and I was a widower.… When I met Jill, I fell in love with her when I saw her,” Biden said. “She put us back together, she gave me back my life, she gave us back a family.”
"Hey, everyone. I'm Jill Biden's husband."
Joe Biden appears with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, to finish the second night of the DNC — where he officially became the Democratic nominee https://t.co/tFT8FVSwQb pic.twitter.com/Jvjvfdgq4E — CBS News (@CBSNews) August 19, 2020
Joe Biden’s running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, was close friends with Beau, working together as state attorneys general — he in Delaware and she in California. Last week, Harris dedicated part of her first speech after her historic selection for the Biden ticket to Beau’s memory.
After Harris was announced as her husband’s pick, Jill Biden — who was second lady during Barack Obama’s presidency — extended a welcome to Harris’ husband, Douglas Emhoff, who will be the nation’s first second gentleman if the Democratic ticket wins the Nov. 3 election. “Hey @DouglasEmhoff, are you ready?” she tweeted.
Jill Biden, who grew up in the Philadelphia area and has been a decades-long teacher, delivered her convention remarks from a classroom in Brandywine High School in Wilmington, Delaware, where she used to teach English. She remains a professor of English at Northern Virginia Community College.
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As she spoke Tuesday night, she described the empty school around her — presumably due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The rooms are dark, and the bright young faces that should fill them are confined to boxes on a computer screen,” Jill Biden said, referring to the virtual teaching now taking place at many schools in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The U.S. continues to lead the world in coronavirus cases and deaths, with over 5.4 million confirmed cases and more than 171,000 dead so far.
“Yes, so many classrooms are quiet right now, the playgrounds are still, but if you listen closely you can hear the sparks of change in the air,” Jill Biden added, celebrating educators, parents and first responders who are “fighting for each other” and “haven’t given up.”
“We just need leadership worthy of our nation… to recover from this pandemic and prepare for whatever else is next…. That’s Joe.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-19--Ocasio-Cortez Slams NBC’s ‘Unacceptable, Disappointing' Tweet About Her DNC Speech

But a misleading tweet from NBC News made it sound as though she had snubbed presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden , sparking confusion online and a furious protest from Ocasio-Cortez .
“ So @ NBCNews how are you going to fix the incredible amount of damage and misinformation that you are now responsible for ?
” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter early Wednesday after the network issued a clarification for the initial tweet .
“ Because a 1:15am tweet to slip under the radar after blowing up a totally false and divisive narrative across networks isn ’ t it.
” NBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further spread , but provided a screenshot “ for the record.
” The network said it should have included more detail on the nominating process .
Editor 's note and clarification ( 1/2 ) : This tweet should have included more detail on the nominating process .
We have deleted the tweet to prevent its further spread , but it can be seen here for the record .
pic.twitter.com/txXo4CCMOt — NBC News ( @ NBCNews ) August 19 , 2020 “ Ocasio-Cortez was asked by the DNC to second Sanders ’ nomination .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the convention , ” NBC wrote in its clarification .
“ Ocasio-Cortez has previously endorsed Biden , & her speech was similar in length to other nominating speeches.
” The news outlet also published an article with the headline “ AOC backs Sanders for president — ignores Biden in brief remarks.
” It was updated to say “ AOC symbolically nominates Bernie Sanders in 60-second DNC speech.
” The progressive Democrat , who endorsed and campaigned for Sanders in the Democratic presidential primaries , said she ’ d vote for Biden after Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sanders , too , has endorsed Biden .
The DNC nominating procedure served as a tribute to Sanders , the only other Democratic candidate who won enough delegates to be formally nominated at the convention .
However , some viewers , evidently unaware of this tradition , expressed confusion online , thinking Ocasio-Cortez was challenging Biden ’ s candidacy .
Not long after the address , Ocasio-Cortez provided an explainer for those who were confused and extended her “ deepest congratulations ” and support to Biden .
Several hours later , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the network ’ s tweet was “ completely unacceptable , disappointing and appalling ” and noted media were made aware of the “ procedural purpose ” of her “ routine ” remarks well in advance .
This is completely unacceptable , disappointing , and appalling .
The DNC shared the procedural purpose of my remarks to media WELL in advance .
@ NBC knew what was going to happen & that it was routine .
How does a headline that malicious & misleading happen w/ that prior knowledge ?
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 She accused the network of waiting hours to correct the “ obvious and blatantly misleading tweet , ” which she said sparked vitriol , misinformation and confusion .
So @ NBCNews how are you going to fix the incredible amount of damage and misinformation that you are now responsible for ?
Because a 1:15am tweet to slip under the radar after blowing up a totally false and divisive narrative across networks isn ’ t it .
https : //t.co/zf6Wqiotvv — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( @ AOC ) August 19 , 2020 NBC did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request for comment on whether it would take further action .
In a lengthy statement on Facebook about her remarks , Ocasio-Cortez said that while Sanders didn ’ t win the nomination , the issues and injustices he fought against are still very real .
She made clear in her address that she ’ ll continue to fight for systemic solutions to progressive causes .

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But a misleading tweet from NBC News made it sound as though she had snubbed presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, sparking confusion online and a furious protest from Ocasio-Cortez.
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“So @NBCNews how are you going to fix the incredible amount of damage and misinformation that you are now responsible for?” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter early Wednesday after the network issued a clarification for the initial tweet. “Because a 1:15am tweet to slip under the radar after blowing up a totally false and divisive narrative across networks isn’t it.”
NBC removed the initial tweet to prevent its further spread, but provided a screenshot “for the record.” The network said it should have included more detail on the nominating process.
Editor's note and clarification (1/2):
This tweet should have included more detail on the nominating process.
We have deleted the tweet to prevent its further spread, but it can be seen here for the record. pic.twitter.com/txXo4CCMOt — NBC News (@NBCNews) August 19, 2020
“Ocasio-Cortez was asked by the DNC to second Sanders’ nomination. The nomination is a procedural requirement of the convention,” NBC wrote in its clarification. “Ocasio-Cortez has previously endorsed Biden, & her speech was similar in length to other nominating speeches.”
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The news outlet also published an article with the headline “AOC backs Sanders for president — ignores Biden in brief remarks.” It was updated to say “AOC symbolically nominates Bernie Sanders in 60-second DNC speech.”
The progressive Democrat, who endorsed and campaigned for Sanders in the Democratic presidential primaries, said she’d vote for Biden after Sanders dropped out of the race in April. Sanders, too, has endorsed Biden.
The DNC nominating procedure served as a tribute to Sanders, the only other Democratic candidate who won enough delegates to be formally nominated at the convention. However, some viewers, evidently unaware of this tradition, expressed confusion online, thinking Ocasio-Cortez was challenging Biden’s candidacy.
Not long after the address, Ocasio-Cortez provided an explainer for those who were confused and extended her “deepest congratulations” and support to Biden.
Several hours later, after NBC clarified its original message, Ocasio-Cortez said the network’s tweet was “completely unacceptable, disappointing and appalling” and noted media were made aware of the “procedural purpose” of her “routine” remarks well in advance.
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This is completely unacceptable, disappointing, and appalling.
The DNC shared the procedural purpose of my remarks to media WELL in advance. @NBC knew what was going to happen & that it was routine.
How does a headline that malicious & misleading happen w/ that prior knowledge? — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 19, 2020
She accused the network of waiting hours to correct the “obvious and blatantly misleading tweet,” which she said sparked vitriol, misinformation and confusion.
“All to generate hate-clicks from a pre-recorded, routine procedural motion,” she added.
So @NBCNews how are you going to fix the incredible amount of damage and misinformation that you are now responsible for?
Because a 1:15am tweet to slip under the radar after blowing up a totally false and divisive narrative across networks isn’t it. https://t.co/zf6Wqiotvv — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 19, 2020
NBC did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment on whether it would take further action.
In a lengthy statement on Facebook about her remarks, Ocasio-Cortez said that while Sanders didn’t win the nomination, the issues and injustices he fought against are still very real. She made clear in her address that she’ll continue to fight for systemic solutions to progressive causes.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-19--6 Reasons Why The DNC’s Virtual Roll Call Was Probably Better Than The In-Person Event

Democrats held a roll call declaring former Vice President Joe Biden the party ’ s official nominee for the White House in November , and while the event was far different due to the coronavirus pandemic , the virtual tour around America was quickly hailed for its cast of Democratic stars , its slate of natural beauty and the culinary delights on display .
Gold Star Parent Khizr Khan , Parkland Dad Fred Guttenberg and the Parents of Matthew Shepard “ Three years ago , my beloved city Charlottesville was attacked by white supremacists when a young woman was killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the violent “ Unite the Right ” rally .
“ We were attacked again when Donald Trump praised those racists , turning his back on a community that just wanted peace.
” “ Joe understands more than most our grief over Matthew ’ s death , but we see in Joe so much of what made Matt ’ s life so special , ” Shepard ’ s father , Dennis , said .
“ His commitment to equality , his passion for social justice and his boundless compassion for others .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden called to share in our family ’ s grief .
I quickly learned about his decency and civility , but I also learned about his toughness.
” “ We know that a bridge shouldn ’ t fall down in the middle of America , but it did , and we came together to rebuild it , ” Klobuchar said Tuesday night as she stood before that rebuilt span over the Mississippi .
“ That ’ s what Joe Biden will do as president , he ’ ll build back better.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no remote learning , no virtual doctors appointments and just try starting a small business , ” Montana ’ s delegate said , speaking to Biden ’ s pledge to help bring internet access to America ’ s rural communities as she stood before a herd of cattle .
Delegates from the U.S. territories of Guam , the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands were also featured , as were representatives standing in front of natural marvels in the Southwest and up to Alaska .
Delegate Roll Calls In Languages Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communities Puerto Rico delivered its roll call entirely in Spanish , calling out Trump ’ s lack of action to help the territory recover in 2017 after the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria .
“ We Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens , something that Donald Trump seems to have forgotten as our island faced its most difficult times , ” the island ’ s representative said .
“ Joe Biden has always supported Puerto Rican causes , and as president , he will be our ally in the White House.
” “ New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 23 Indigenous , sovereign nations , with a rich multicultural history , ” he said .
“ We are all united by the love of this beautiful place that we call home , and we believe that we owe it to the next generation to protect the natural and cultural resources that are their inheritance .
”

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Democrats held a roll call declaring former Vice President Joe Biden the party’s official nominee for the White House in November, and while the event was far different due to the coronavirus pandemic, the virtual tour around America was quickly hailed for its cast of Democratic stars, its slate of natural beauty and the culinary delights on display.
Here are six moments that stood out.
Gold Star Parent Khizr Khan, Parkland Dad Fred Guttenberg and the Parents of Matthew Shepard
Charlottesville resident and Gold Star parent Khizr Khan gave a damning indictment of President Donald Trump as he handed down Virginia’s delegates.
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“Three years ago, my beloved city Charlottesville was attacked by white supremacists when a young woman was killed,” Khan said, referring to the violent “Unite the Right” rally. “We were attacked again when Donald Trump praised those racists, turning his back on a community that just wanted peace.”
‘We see in Joe what made Matt’s life so special’ — Watch Matthew Shepard’s parents cast Wyoming’s delegate votes at the #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/np4N6tu6eu — NowThis (@nowthisnews) August 19, 2020
In Wyoming, the parents of Matthew Shepard likened Biden’s career to the values their son, killed in a brutal homophobic attack in 1998, held dear.
“Joe understands more than most our grief over Matthew’s death, but we see in Joe so much of what made Matt’s life so special,” Shepard’s father, Dennis, said. “His commitment to equality, his passion for social justice and his boundless compassion for others.
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And in Florida, Fred Guttenberg championed Biden’s tough stance against the National Rifle Association.
“When my daughter was murdered in Parkland, Joe Biden called to share in our family’s grief. I quickly learned about his decency and civility, but I also learned about his toughness.”
Democratic Heavyweights And Former Presidential nominees
Several states featured cameos from many of Biden’s primary competitors, including former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio.
“We know that a bridge shouldn’t fall down in the middle of America, but it did, and we came together to rebuild it,” Klobuchar said Tuesday night as she stood before that rebuilt span over the Mississippi. “That’s what Joe Biden will do as president, he’ll build back better.”
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Rhode Island’s Calamari
Rhode Island’s state dish got prime placement during Tuesday’s roll call as the state’s Democratic Party chairman, Joseph McNamara, bestowed a new motto on the region:
“The Calamari Comeback State.”
“I’m really happy for you. And imma let you finish. But Rhode Island had one of the best roll calls of all time.” pic.twitter.com/bPfHFUeo6n — Anaridis Rodriguez (@Anaridis) August 19, 2020
Montana’s Cows, The Northern Mariana Islands’ Flowers And Hawaii’s Beaches
The virtual pinball across the country showcased America’s vast size and natural beauty, from the beaches in Hawaii to a cow pasture in Montana.
“Without reliable internet, there’s no remote learning, no virtual doctors appointments and just try starting a small business,” Montana’s delegate said, speaking to Biden’s pledge to help bring internet access to America’s rural communities as she stood before a herd of cattle.
Montana casts 1 vote for Sanders and 18 votes for Biden. pic.twitter.com/qqHPEWT0RA — USA TODAY (@USATODAY) August 19, 2020
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Delegates from the U.S. territories of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands were also featured, as were representatives standing in front of natural marvels in the Southwest and up to Alaska.
Delegate Roll Calls In Languages Other Than English, And Representation For Indigenous Communities
Puerto Rico delivered its roll call entirely in Spanish, calling out Trump’s lack of action to help the territory recover in 2017 after the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria.
“We Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, something that Donald Trump seems to have forgotten as our island faced its most difficult times,” the island’s representative said. “Joe Biden has always supported Puerto Rican causes, and as president, he will be our ally in the White House.”
In New Mexico, Derrick Lente was one of four Indigenous speakers to share their delegate counts.
“New Mexico is a diverse state, home to 23 Indigenous, sovereign nations, with a rich multicultural history,” he said. “We are all united by the love of this beautiful place that we call home, and we believe that we owe it to the next generation to protect the natural and cultural resources that are their inheritance.”
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Power To The People
In Nebraska, a meatpacking plant worker pointed to the ongoing efforts for such workers to supply American grocery stores throughout the coronavirus pandemic with little or no paid sick leave.
“I work at a meatpacking plant making sure grocery store shelves stay full,” the delegate said. “They call us essential workers, but they treat us like we’re expendable. … We are human beings, not robots, not disposable.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-19--Democrats Make The Case That Joe Biden Can Be All Things To All People

Democrats officially nominated Joe Biden to be their party ’ s presidential nominee on Tuesday and made the case that he can unify the country because he appeals to virtually every type of voter : progressives , moderates and disaffected Republicans .
But what Democrats are defining as unity — their theme for the Democratic National Convention this week — is also reflective of the fragile coalition Biden is hoping to pull together against President Donald Trump .
For anyone watching day two of the convention , it may have felt disjointed at times .
The program jumped from regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to former Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell praising Biden as the right person to keep the nation safe , to an emotional message from Jill Biden about grief and resilience .
There may not have been a clear flow , but the snippets were designed to appeal to each of Biden ’ s constituencies .
In this image from video , former Vice President Joe Biden , his wife , Jill Biden , and members of their family celebrate after the roll call makes him the official presidential nominee of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic National Convention .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) , the democratic socialist who nominated Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) for the presidency , stressed the importance of strong progressive priorities .
She used her short speaking time to celebrate a movement of people “ striving to recognize and repair the wounds of racial injustice , colonization , misogyny and homophobia.
” This was just before a video celebrating Biden ’ s longtime friendship with the late Republican Sen. John McCain .
The video described McCain as “ Joe ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referring to his pivotal 2017 vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act after earlier votes to repeal .
“ When this president goes overseas , it isn ’ t a goodwill mission , it ’ s a blooper reel .
He breaks up with our allies and writes love letters to dictators , ” Kerry , the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee , said .
“ America deserves a president who is looked up to , not laughed at.
” “ Our country needs a commander in chief who takes care of our troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own family , ” Powell said .
“ For Joe Biden , that doesn ’ t need teaching .
It comes from the experience he shares with millions of military families — sending his beloved son off to war and praying to God he would come home safe.
” The outreach to moderate Republicans and disaffected Trump voters was carried on from the first night of the convention , which featured elected GOP officials as well as personal stories from Republican voters who were switching their party affiliation this election .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warren to Manchin and Warner and with our unity we will bring bold and dramatic change to our country , ” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) said in his speech at the start of the night , promising unity among Senate Democrats .
” We will make health care affordable for all.
” “ We will take strong , decisive action to combat climate change , ” he added , papering over some of the more contentious policy debates Democrats have been having over the last year .
The evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a progressive “ Medicare for All ” activist with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , who endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
for president .
There was no mention Tuesday night of the single-payer health care proposal , which would grant government insurance to every American — a policy Biden campaigned against .
Instead , Barkan , whose appearance at the convention was championed by those in Warren ’ s and Sanders ’ s orbits , spoke around it .
“ We live in the richest country in history , and yet we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right , ” Barkan said .
“ Everyone living in America should get the health care they need regardless of their employment status or ability to pay.
” Biden ’ s strategy of appealing to virtually everyone just might work in the short term , as Kevin Robillard wrote for HuffPost .
Why ?
The majority of Biden ’ s backers are supporting him because they want Trump gone .
Democrats just need to keep dissent on either side of the tent at bay until November .

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Democrats officially nominated Joe Biden to be their party’s presidential nominee on Tuesday and made the case that he can unify the country because he appeals to virtually every type of voter: progressives, moderates and disaffected Republicans.
But what Democrats are defining as unity — their theme for the Democratic National Convention this week — is also reflective of the fragile coalition Biden is hoping to pull together against President Donald Trump.
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For anyone watching day two of the convention, it may have felt disjointed at times. The program jumped from regular people sharing stories about health care struggles, to former Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell praising Biden as the right person to keep the nation safe, to an emotional message from Jill Biden about grief and resilience. There may not have been a clear flow, but the snippets were designed to appeal to each of Biden’s constituencies.
In this image from video, former Vice President Joe Biden, his wife, Jill Biden, and members of their family celebrate after the roll call makes him the official presidential nominee of the party Tuesday on the second night of the Democratic National Convention. Democratic National Convention via ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), the democratic socialist who nominated Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for the presidency, stressed the importance of strong progressive priorities. She used her short speaking time to celebrate a movement of people “striving to recognize and repair the wounds of racial injustice, colonization, misogyny and homophobia.”
This was just before a video celebrating Biden’s longtime friendship with the late Republican Sen. John McCain. The video described McCain as “Joe’s friend who saved Obamacare,” referring to his pivotal 2017 vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act after earlier votes to repeal.
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Former Democratic Secretary of State John Kerry was there to take shots at Trump’s foreign policy record.
“When this president goes overseas, it isn’t a goodwill mission, it’s a blooper reel. He breaks up with our allies and writes love letters to dictators,” Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, said. “America deserves a president who is looked up to, not laughed at.”
Powell, arguably the most controversial speaker of the night given that some Democrats view him as a war criminal, appealed to military families.
“Our country needs a commander in chief who takes care of our troops in the same way he would his own family,” Powell said. “For Joe Biden, that doesn’t need teaching. It comes from the experience he shares with millions of military families — sending his beloved son off to war and praying to God he would come home safe.”
Former Secretary of State John Kerry speaks via video during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday. Democratic National Convention via ASSOCIATED PRESS
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The outreach to moderate Republicans and disaffected Trump voters was carried on from the first night of the convention, which featured elected GOP officials as well as personal stories from Republican voters who were switching their party affiliation this election.
Any mention of policy Tuesday night was only in vague terms.
“We will stay united, from Sanders and Warren to Manchin and Warner and with our unity we will bring bold and dramatic change to our country,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in his speech at the start of the night, promising unity among Senate Democrats. ”We will make health care affordable for all.”
“We will take strong, decisive action to combat climate change,” he added, papering over some of the more contentious policy debates Democrats have been having over the last year.
Notably, as HuffPost’s Alexander C. Kaufman reported, Democrats removed language calling for ending fossil fuel subsidies and tax breaks from its party platform.
The evening also included remarks from Ady Barkan, a progressive “Medicare for All” activist with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, who endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) for president. There was no mention Tuesday night of the single-payer health care proposal, which would grant government insurance to every American — a policy Biden campaigned against. Instead, Barkan, whose appearance at the convention was championed by those in Warren’s and Sanders’s orbits, spoke around it.
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“We live in the richest country in history, and yet we do not guarantee this most basic human right,” Barkan said. “Everyone living in America should get the health care they need regardless of their employment status or ability to pay.”
Both Biden and Sanders won delegates during the formal nominating process — the first real acknowledgment of the party’s heated primary process. Biden easily surpassed the 1,991 delegates needed to clinch the nomination, while Sanders fell short with 1,073 delegates.
Biden’s strategy of appealing to virtually everyone just might work in the short term, as Kevin Robillard wrote for HuffPost. Why? The majority of Biden’s backers are supporting him because they want Trump gone. Democrats just need to keep dissent on either side of the tent at bay until November.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-18--GOP Rep Loses Florida Primary Amid Federal Campaign Finance Probe

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) - Freshman U.S. Representative Ross Spano was ousted by a challenger in the Florida Republican primary Tuesday amid a federal investigation into campaign finance violations from two years ago .
In a statement , Spano conceded defeat to Scott Franklin , a businessman and commissioner from the city of Lakeland .
Spano has acknowledged mistakes with respect to campaign loans in 2018 but says they were unintentional .
“ I ’ d like to thank the voters for giving me the honor and privilege of serving them in Congress for the last two years , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his campaign manager .
“ I ’ m proud of what we were able to accomplish the last two years and all the constituents that we were able to help.
” Spano becomes the eighth member of Congress to lose his seat in a primary this year , joining four other Republicans and three Democrats .
Florida ’ s 15th District , which stretches east of Tampa , has been represented by a Republican for 25 years , and Spano won it by 6 points two years ago .
But Democrats have named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets in Florida for November .
Former television news anchor Alan Cohn was leading in the district ’ s Democratic primary .
Florida , Wyoming and Alaska all held primaries on Tuesday for seats in Congress .
The outcomes will set the stage for elections in November to determine the balance of power in Washington , where the House of Representatives has a Democratic majority and the Senate is Republican-run .
Gimenez , who is Cuban-born , was endorsed by President Donald Trump , even though Gimenez had said in 2016 that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Cook Political Report labels the 26th District a “ toss-up ” on Nov. 3 .
Despite the federal campaign finance investigation that was disclosed last year , Spano had the support of House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and others in the Republican leadership .
But last week , another Florida Republican , Representative Matt Gaetz , warned the party against nominating Spano with the campaign finance probe going on .
“ Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats are going to savage Ross Spano , ” Gaetz , an ally of President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Tampa Bay Times .
“ He ’ s a drag .
He ’ s a drain .
He won ’ t help the president get re-elected.
” In Florida ’ s 21st Congressional District , home to Trump ’ s Mar-a-Lago club , far-right activist Laura Loomer was leading in the Republican primary .
But whoever wins is likely to face an uphill fight against Democratic Representative Lois Frankel in November .

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Freshman U.S. Representative Ross Spano was ousted by a challenger in the Florida Republican primary Tuesday amid a federal investigation into campaign finance violations from two years ago.
In a statement, Spano conceded defeat to Scott Franklin, a businessman and commissioner from the city of Lakeland. Spano has acknowledged mistakes with respect to campaign loans in 2018 but says they were unintentional.
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“I’d like to thank the voters for giving me the honor and privilege of serving them in Congress for the last two years,” Spano said in the statement emailed by his campaign manager. “I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish the last two years and all the constituents that we were able to help.”
Spano trailed Franklin by 51.3% to 48.7%, according to preliminary results from Florida’s secretary of state. Both men are conservative Republicans.
Spano becomes the eighth member of Congress to lose his seat in a primary this year, joining four other Republicans and three Democrats.
Franklin, 55, a former Navy pilot, ran campaign ads highlighting the Justice Department’s investigation into Spano’s 2018 campaign.
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Florida’s 15th District, which stretches east of Tampa, has been represented by a Republican for 25 years, and Spano won it by 6 points two years ago. But Democrats have named it as one of their top two targets in Florida for November. Former television news anchor Alan Cohn was leading in the district’s Democratic primary.
Non-partisan election analysts say it maintains a Republican lean.
Florida, Wyoming and Alaska all held primaries on Tuesday for seats in Congress. The outcomes will set the stage for elections in November to determine the balance of power in Washington, where the House of Representatives has a Democratic majority and the Senate is Republican-run.
The mayor of Miami-Dade County, Carlos Gimenez, won the Republican primary in Florida’s 26th Congressional District, which Republicans hope to snatch back from Democrats in November.
Democratic Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, an immigrant from Ecuador, flipped the seat two years ago.
Gimenez, who is Cuban-born, was endorsed by President Donald Trump, even though Gimenez had said in 2016 that he would vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton. The Cook Political Report labels the 26th District a “toss-up” on Nov. 3.
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In Florida’s 23rd Congressional District, Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz easily fended off her third primary challenge in as many elections, defeating progressive community activist Jen Perelman.
Despite the federal campaign finance investigation that was disclosed last year, Spano had the support of House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and others in the Republican leadership.
But last week, another Florida Republican, Representative Matt Gaetz, warned the party against nominating Spano with the campaign finance probe going on.
“Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats are going to savage Ross Spano,” Gaetz, an ally of President Donald Trump, told callers in a tele-town hall, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “He’s a drag. He’s a drain. He won’t help the president get re-elected.”
In Florida’s 21st Congressional District, home to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, far-right activist Laura Loomer was leading in the Republican primary. But whoever wins is likely to face an uphill fight against Democratic Representative Lois Frankel in November.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-19--5 Takeaways From The Second Night Of The 2020 Democratic National Convention

You ― yes , you , a person interested enough in politics to read this article ― may have thought the second night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention was a little boring .
Sure , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke , but only for 30 seconds .
The roll call of different states was fun , and Jill Biden delivered an effective testimonial about her husband ’ s decency .
But none of the speeches lived up to Michelle Obama ’ s powerhouse from the first night , and the keynote speech was flat compared with the stirring speeches of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic Party is OK with boring .
First of all , with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden holding a consistent and sizable lead over President Donald Trump in public polling , party operatives don ’ t see much reason to take risks of any type .
Secondly , being sort of boring isn ’ t a bug in the Biden campaign ’ s code ; it ’ s a feature .
Democrats are eager , especially since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic , to contrast Biden ’ s steady , no-surprises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration .
An unspoken promise of the Biden campaign is that the average American likely won ’ t need to worry about Biden ’ s press conferences or fret that his handling of a major crisis will be markedly worse than that of other national leaders .
“ At a time like this , the Oval Office should be a command center .
Instead , it ’ s a storm center .
There ’ s only chaos , ” former President Bill Clinton said of Trump in his convention speech .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ defines the job as spending hours a day watching TV and zapping people on social media , he ’ s your man.
” Trump is letting Biden claim the center , and Biden is taking it .
Trump , more than any national politician in living memory , has the unique ability to position himself on the wrong side of overwhelming public opinion : Think of how long it took Trump to wear a mask in public , even after surveys made it clear a coronavirus-wary public was definitively pro-mask .
In terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that meant the Biden campaign was happy to seize on Trump ’ s decision to alienate and repeatedly attack Sen. John McCain , and enlist the late Arizona Republican ’ s widow , Cindy , to testify to McCain ’ s long friendship with Biden .
There ’ s plenty of reasons for progressives to dislike where McCain stood on policy ― his support for the Iraq War foremost among them ― but McCain was broadly popular with the American public and a legendary figure with cross-partisan appeal in Arizona , which could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Democratic Party ’ s moderate wing has a bench , too .
While the format did them a disservice ― highlighting 17 politicians is essentially highlighting zero politicians ― figures like Reps. Conor Lamb ( Pa. ) and Colin Allred ( Texas ) , two moderates first elected in the 2018 cycle , could be running for statewide office sooner rather than later .
And Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta , Georgia state Rep. Sam Park and Nevada state Sen. Yvanna Cancela showed that progressives aren ’ t alone in building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Calling some of the 17 speakers “ moderate ” is simplistic ― Birmingham , Alabama , Mayor Randall Woodfin was endorsed by Sanders in 2017 , for instance , and the Trump campaign was able to find scattered reasons to name them “ The Radical 17 ” in a press release ― but the display shows the party ’ s left wing can ’ t simply assume that future nominations in key races belong to them .
The Biden campaign will reward its allies and hold a grudge .
Of the 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at least a dozen endorsed Biden during the primaries .
Cancela and South Carolina state Sen. Marlon Kimpson provided boosts in early voting states , Allred traveled to Iowa to testify to Biden ’ s ability to win Texas , and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried ’ s March endorsement helped put Sanders away in the Sunshine State .
If the keynote displayed the Biden operation ’ s willingness to reward his allies with attention , its decision to have Jacquelyn , a security guard at the New York Times building who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his meeting with the paper ’ s editorial board , officially nominate him for president is a symbol of how it can hold a grudge .
The Biden team leaked the news to The Washington Post , the paper ’ s major rival .
( The Times jointly endorsed Sens .
Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar for president . )
In 2012 , former President Bill Clinton ’ s speech was one of the highlights of the Democratic National Convention .
Clinton , never known for brevity , was allowed to go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explaining how GOP nominee Mitt Romney ’ s approach would wreck the economy that the Obama-Biden administration had worked to rebuild .
The biggest reason Clinton has fallen from glory within the party is obvious : The allegations of sexual harassment and assault against him are intolerable for a party that has aligned itself with the Me Too movement .
But it also reflects a broken contract with the party ’ s voters , who were largely willing to put up with the infinite storms of drama surrounding the Clintons as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That agreement ended with Hillary ’ s 2016 loss to Trump .

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You ― yes, you, a person interested enough in politics to read this article ― may have thought the second night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention was a little boring. Sure, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke, but only for 30 seconds. The roll call of different states was fun, and Jill Biden delivered an effective testimonial about her husband’s decency. But none of the speeches lived up to Michelle Obama’s powerhouse from the first night, and the keynote speech was flat compared with the stirring speeches of the past.
But right now, the Democratic Party is OK with boring. First of all, with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden holding a consistent and sizable lead over President Donald Trump in public polling, party operatives don’t see much reason to take risks of any type.
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Secondly, being sort of boring isn’t a bug in the Biden campaign’s code; it’s a feature. Democrats are eager, especially since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, to contrast Biden’s steady, no-surprises approach against the chaos and incompetence of the Trump administration.
An unspoken promise of the Biden campaign is that the average American likely won’t need to worry about Biden’s press conferences or fret that his handling of a major crisis will be markedly worse than that of other national leaders.
“At a time like this, the Oval Office should be a command center. Instead, it’s a storm center. There’s only chaos,” former President Bill Clinton said of Trump in his convention speech. “If you want a president who defines the job as spending hours a day watching TV and zapping people on social media, he’s your man.”
Former Georgia state Rep. Stacey Abrams contributes to a group keynote address for the Democratic National Convention with 16 other Democratic leaders Tuesday. BRIAN SNYDER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
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Here are four other takeaways from the convention’s second night:
Trump is letting Biden claim the center, and Biden is taking it.
Trump, more than any national politician in living memory, has the unique ability to position himself on the wrong side of overwhelming public opinion: Think of how long it took Trump to wear a mask in public, even after surveys made it clear a coronavirus-wary public was definitively pro-mask.
In terms of Tuesday night’s convention, that meant the Biden campaign was happy to seize on Trump’s decision to alienate and repeatedly attack Sen. John McCain, and enlist the late Arizona Republican’s widow, Cindy, to testify to McCain’s long friendship with Biden. There’s plenty of reasons for progressives to dislike where McCain stood on policy ― his support for the Iraq War foremost among them ― but McCain was broadly popular with the American public and a legendary figure with cross-partisan appeal in Arizona, which could provide Biden with 11 crucial electoral votes.
The Democratic Party’s moderate wing has a bench, too.
The progressive movement’s brightest rising star in America spoke on Tuesday night when Ocasio-Cortez nominated Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for president, but the 17-person keynote that kicked off the proceedings highlighted plenty of young Democrats in step with the party’s Biden-era mainstream, led by Georgia’s Stacey Abrams.
While the format did them a disservice ― highlighting 17 politicians is essentially highlighting zero politicians ― figures like Reps. Conor Lamb (Pa.) and Colin Allred (Texas), two moderates first elected in the 2018 cycle, could be running for statewide office sooner rather than later. And Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, Georgia state Rep. Sam Park and Nevada state Sen. Yvanna Cancela showed that progressives aren’t alone in building a diverse bench of young elected officials.
Calling some of the 17 speakers “moderate” is simplistic ― Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Randall Woodfin was endorsed by Sanders in 2017, for instance, and the Trump campaign was able to find scattered reasons to name them “The Radical 17” in a press release ― but the display shows the party’s left wing can’t simply assume that future nominations in key races belong to them.
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The Biden campaign will reward its allies and hold a grudge.
Of the 17 Democrats selected to jointly deliver the keynote, at least a dozen endorsed Biden during the primaries. Cancela and South Carolina state Sen. Marlon Kimpson provided boosts in early voting states, Allred traveled to Iowa to testify to Biden’s ability to win Texas, and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried’s March endorsement helped put Sanders away in the Sunshine State.
If the keynote displayed the Biden operation’s willingness to reward his allies with attention, its decision to have Jacquelyn, a security guard at the New York Times building who had a viral moment with Biden before his meeting with the paper’s editorial board, officially nominate him for president is a symbol of how it can hold a grudge. The Biden team leaked the news to The Washington Post, the paper’s major rival. (The Times jointly endorsed Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar for president.)
“There was exponentially more moral authority in the elevator than in the conference room,” Biden spokesman Andrew Bates wrote on Twitter.
The Clintons aren’t the Clintons anymore.
In 2012, former President Bill Clinton’s speech was one of the highlights of the Democratic National Convention. Clinton, never known for brevity, was allowed to go on, and on, and on, explaining how GOP nominee Mitt Romney’s approach would wreck the economy that the Obama-Biden administration had worked to rebuild.
On Tuesday night, Clinton was limited to a simple five-minute speech, taped from his living room. Surveys taken before the convention showed barely half of Democrats were interested in hearing from Clinton or his wife, Hillary, the party’s 2016 presidential nominee.
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