thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-02--RNC searching for alternative to Charlotte as North Carolina governor refuses to allow full conventi

RNC searching for alternative to Charlotte as North Carolina governor refuses to allow full convention

The Republican National Committee is searching for a new site for the August Republican convention even as the party holds out hope that arrangements can be made with North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper to keep the event in Charlotte .
`` We hope to still conduct the business of our convention in Charlotte , but we have an obligation to our delegates and our nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states who have reached out in recent days about hosting an historic event to show that America is open for business , '' RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alternatives that are expected to receive site visits by RNC officials include Nashville , Las Vegas , and Florida cities Jacksonville , Orlando , and Tampa .
Other major cities , including some in Texas , could also be on the list if the convention is yanked from Charlotte .
With a friendly Republican mayor , Jacksonville could have the inside track .
So could Tampa , which hosted the GOP convention in 2012 and could dust off its blueprint from that event given the short lead time .
The RNC and Cooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the size and scope of the GOP convention , scheduled for Aug. 24-27 .
Concerned a large gathering could spark another coronavirus outbreak , the governor has demanded more information from the RNC regarding plans to hold a scaled-down convention that honors social distancing protocols .
The RNC is asking for Cooper to greenlight a traditional convention that would fill Charlotte 's Spectrum Center arena and permit restaurants and other hospitality venues to operate at full capacity to accommodate the thousands of people the event typically draws .
In a letter to McDaniel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not approve the sort of traditional convention the RNC is asking for , explaining he needed contingencies for a reduced event in case there was a second wave of coronavirus infections three months from now .
`` The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August , so planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people , social distancing and face coverings is a necessity , '' the governor wrote .
`` We are happy to continue to talking to you about what a scaled-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RNC has given Cooper until Wednesday to approve a full convention attended by tens of thousands of people from across the country , as demanded by Trump .
It was unclear whether McDaniel planned to cut off negotiations with Cooper if the deadline was not met .
A spokesman for the RNC declined to elaborate .
Meanwhile , Republican insiders in North Carolina are bracing to lose the convention , despite initially believing it was too late in the process to move a gathering that requires years of advance planning .
Cooper has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to mitigate the health risks posed by the coronavirus during the convention are not satisfactory .
Republicans keeping tabs on the negotiations do not expect the governor to back down , predicting he will never give the RNC the thumbs up to run the convention according to the guidelines demanded by McDaniel and President Trump .
Complicating matters , the RNC is asking for more from Cooper than approval to fill Spectrum Center to capacity .
Party officials want a guarantee from the governor that attendees to the quadrennial nominating convention will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space and restaurants so that they can enjoy a typical traditional gathering with all of the side events and socializing that usually accompany the formal activities .
`` Delegates want a good exp , '' an RNC member said .
`` Obviously it has to be a safe .
But people are not interested in coming if it ’ s not going to be something similar to what we ’ ve had in the past , where people can ’ t gather and visit and eat — where people can come together and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

The Republican National Committee is searching for a new site for the August Republican convention even as the party holds out hope that arrangements can be made with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to keep the event in Charlotte.
"We hope to still conduct the business of our convention in Charlotte, but we have an obligation to our delegates and our nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states who have reached out in recent days about hosting an historic event to show that America is open for business," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
Alternatives that are expected to receive site visits by RNC officials include Nashville, Las Vegas, and Florida cities Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. Other major cities, including some in Texas, could also be on the list if the convention is yanked from Charlotte. With a friendly Republican mayor, Jacksonville could have the inside track. So could Tampa, which hosted the GOP convention in 2012 and could dust off its blueprint from that event given the short lead time.
The RNC and Cooper, a Democrat, have been negotiating the size and scope of the GOP convention, scheduled for Aug. 24-27. Concerned a large gathering could spark another coronavirus outbreak, the governor has demanded more information from the RNC regarding plans to hold a scaled-down convention that honors social distancing protocols. The RNC is asking for Cooper to greenlight a traditional convention that would fill Charlotte's Spectrum Center arena and permit restaurants and other hospitality venues to operate at full capacity to accommodate the thousands of people the event typically draws.
In a letter to McDaniel on Tuesday, Cooper said he could not approve the sort of traditional convention the RNC is asking for, explaining he needed contingencies for a reduced event in case there was a second wave of coronavirus infections three months from now. "The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August, so planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings is a necessity," the governor wrote. "We are happy to continue to talking to you about what a scaled-down convention would look like."
The RNC has given Cooper until Wednesday to approve a full convention attended by tens of thousands of people from across the country, as demanded by President Trump. It was unclear whether McDaniel planned to cut off negotiations with Cooper if the deadline was not met. A spokesman for the RNC declined to elaborate.
Meanwhile, Republican insiders in North Carolina are bracing to lose the convention, despite initially believing it was too late in the process to move a gathering that requires years of advance planning.
Cooper has told the RNC that the party's plans to mitigate the health risks posed by the coronavirus during the convention are not satisfactory. Republicans keeping tabs on the negotiations do not expect the governor to back down, predicting he will never give the RNC the thumbs up to run the convention according to the guidelines demanded by McDaniel and Trump.
Complicating matters, the RNC is asking for more from Cooper than approval to fill Spectrum Center to capacity. Party officials want a guarantee from the governor that attendees to the quadrennial nominating convention will have regular access to hotels, meetings spaces, and restaurants so that they can enjoy a typical traditional gathering with all of the side events and socializing that usually accompany the formal activities.
"Delegates want a good exp," an RNC member said. "Obviously, it has to be safe. But people are not interested in coming if it’s not going to be something similar to what we’ve had in the past, where people can’t gather and visit and eat — where people can come together and celebrate the nominating of a president."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-02--Biden to attend George Floyd's funeral

Biden to attend George Floyd's funeral

Joe Biden will be among the guests mourning George Floyd at his funeral next week .
Ben Crump , the lawyer representing Floyd and his family , told Van Jones , a CNN political commentator and criminal justice reform activist , that Biden would be at the memorial , scheduled for next Tuesday in Houston .
Biden 's attendance was announced after the two-term vice president and presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee addressed the nation from Philadelphia 's City Hall .
Biden 's speech in his neighboring state came as angry protests sparked by the police custody death of Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to upend the country .
“ ' I can ’ t breathe .
I can ’ t breathe , ' '' Biden said Tuesday in his first campaign event out of Delaware since the COVID-19 outbreak .
`` George Floyd ’ s last words .
But they didn ’ t die with him .
They ’ re still being heard .
They ’ re echoing across this nation . ''
Floyd died last Monday after Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin was caught on camera pinning him down by the neck for almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with third-degree murder and manslaughter .
Three other officers who were with him at the time were fired .
However , they have not been pressed with any charges .
In response , demonstrations ( some peaceful , some violent ) have been held in major cities over the past week from Minneapolis to Washington .
Yet , in a speech shared by former President Barack Obama , Floyd 's family has called for calm , imploring activists to raise their voices against police brutality and racial justice in more constructive ways .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
Let 's stop thinking our voice don ’ t matter and vote .
Not just for the president , '' Terrence Floyd said .
`` Educate yourself and know who you ’ re voting for .
And that ’ s how we 're going to hit 'em . ''

Joe Biden will be among the guests mourning George Floyd at his funeral next week.
Ben Crump, the lawyer representing Floyd and his family, told Van Jones, a CNN political commentator and criminal justice reform activist, that Biden would be at the memorial, scheduled for next Tuesday in Houston.
Biden's attendance was announced after the two-term vice president and presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee addressed the nation from Philadelphia's City Hall. Biden's speech in his neighboring state came as angry protests sparked by the police custody death of Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, continue to upend the country.
“'I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe,'" Biden said Tuesday in his first campaign event out of Delaware since the COVID-19 outbreak. "George Floyd’s last words. But they didn’t die with him. They’re still being heard. They’re echoing across this nation."
Floyd died last Monday after Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin was caught on camera pinning him down by the neck for almost nine minutes. Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other officers who were with him at the time were fired. However, they have not been pressed with any charges.
In response, demonstrations (some peaceful, some violent) have been held in major cities over the past week from Minneapolis to Washington. Yet, in a speech shared by former President Barack Obama, Floyd's family has called for calm, imploring activists to raise their voices against police brutality and racial justice in more constructive ways.
"Let’s do this another way. Let's stop thinking our voice don’t matter and vote. Not just for the president," Terrence Floyd said. "Educate yourself and know who you’re voting for. And that’s how we're going to hit 'em."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-02--Trump campaign: Joe Biden sides with rioters

President Trump 's reelection campaign sent a blistering response to Joe Biden 's speech about racial inequality in the United States , claiming the former vice president welcomes `` unrest '' in the country to help his electoral chances .
“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign made it clear that they stand with the rioters , the people burning businesses in minority communities and causing mayhem , by donating to post bail for those arrested , '' wrote senior Trump 2020 adviser Katrina Pierson in a statement to the press .
`` He has obviously made the crass political calculation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his candidacy .
Biden has a history of cozying up to notorious racists in the Senate , he attempted to inflame race relations by claiming Republicans want to put Black Americans ‘ back in chains , ’ and told a Black radio host that Blacks who didn ’ t support him ‘ ain ’ t Black.
’ '' The statement was released almost immediately after Biden finished his remarks in Philadelphia .
In that speech , the former vice president criticized Trump 's response to the violence and looting that has happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling attention to racial inequality and police brutality .
Those protests began last week after George Floyd , a 46-year-old black man , died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Biden called Trump `` part of the problem '' of racism that black people face and said Trump 's presidency has transformed the country into `` a nation in pain . ''
`` The country is crying out for leadership .
Leadership that can unite us , leadership that brings us together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep grief of communities that have had a knee on their neck for a long time , '' he said .
`` There 's no place for violence , no place for looting , or destroying property or destroying churches or destroying businesses . ''
Since the weekend , Trump has placed his focus on quelling civil unrest that has led to the destruction of businesses , multiple deaths , and general disorder .
On Monday , he threatened to send troops to states he believes are doing an insufficient job at stopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents , '' Trump said from the White House Rose Garden , `` then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them . ''

President Trump's reelection campaign sent a blistering response to Joe Biden's speech about racial inequality in the United States, claiming the former vice president welcomes "unrest" in the country to help his electoral chances.
“Joe Biden’s campaign made it clear that they stand with the rioters, the people burning businesses in minority communities and causing mayhem, by donating to post bail for those arrested," wrote senior Trump 2020 adviser Katrina Pierson in a statement to the press. "He has obviously made the crass political calculation that unrest in America is a benefit to his candidacy. Biden has a history of cozying up to notorious racists in the Senate, he attempted to inflame race relations by claiming Republicans want to put Black Americans ‘back in chains,’ and told a Black radio host that Blacks who didn’t support him ‘ain’t Black.’"
The statement was released almost immediately after Biden finished his remarks in Philadelphia. In that speech, the former vice president criticized Trump's response to the violence and looting that has happened in cities across the country during demonstrations calling attention to racial inequality and police brutality.
Those protests began last week after George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Biden called Trump "part of the problem" of racism that black people face and said Trump's presidency has transformed the country into "a nation in pain."
"The country is crying out for leadership. Leadership that can unite us, leadership that brings us together. Leadership that can recognize pain and deep grief of communities that have had a knee on their neck for a long time," he said. "There's no place for violence, no place for looting, or destroying property or destroying churches or destroying businesses."
Since the weekend, Trump has placed his focus on quelling civil unrest that has led to the destruction of businesses, multiple deaths, and general disorder. On Monday, he threatened to send troops to states he believes are doing an insufficient job at stopping riots.
"If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents," Trump said from the White House Rose Garden, "then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-02--‘American history isn’t a fairy tale’: Biden blasts Trump ‘hate’ in somber campaign speech

No longer confined to the basement in his Delaware home due to coronavirus shutdowns , Joe Biden delivered a somber , angry rebuttal to President Trump at Philadelphia City Hall , in the city that houses his campaign headquarters and where the United States was born .
The former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee opened the Tuesday address with `` I ca n't breathe , '' the dying words of George Floyd , the black Minneapolis man who died after a white police officer held a knee on his neck and whose death sparked nationwide protests over police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Congress to take up police reform legislation .
But he shifted the campaign speech to highlight the choice between himself and Trump , mocking the president for not reading the Bible at a photo op in front of the historic St. John 's Episcopal Church — `` I just wish he 'd open it every once in awhile '' – and asserting that Trump `` is part of the problem and accelerates it . ''
`` I wish I could say that hate began with Donald Trump and will end with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unrest .
`` It did n't , and it wo n't .
American history is n't a fairy tale with a guaranteed happy ending . ''
Biden blasted Trump for tweeting , `` When the looting starts , the shooting starts , '' a phrase uttered by the Miami chief of police in 1967 .
`` The battle for the soul of this nation has been a constant push and pull more than 240 years , '' Biden said , echoing one of his campaign slogans .
`` It 's always a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully won . ''
`` I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country — not use them for political gain . ''

No longer confined to the basement in his Delaware home due to coronavirus shutdowns, Joe Biden delivered a somber, angry rebuttal to President Trump at Philadelphia City Hall, in the city that houses his campaign headquarters and where the United States was born.
The former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee opened the Tuesday address with "I can't breathe," the dying words of George Floyd, the black Minneapolis man who died after a white police officer held a knee on his neck and whose death sparked nationwide protests over police brutality and racial tensions. Biden called on Congress to take up police reform legislation.
But he shifted the campaign speech to highlight the choice between himself and Trump, mocking the president for not reading the Bible at a photo op in front of the historic St. John's Episcopal Church — "I just wish he'd open it every once in awhile" – and asserting that Trump "is part of the problem and accelerates it."
"I wish I could say that hate began with Donald Trump and will end with him," Biden said of racial tensions and unrest. "It didn't, and it won't. American history isn't a fairy tale with a guaranteed happy ending."
Biden blasted Trump for tweeting, "When the looting starts, the shooting starts," a phrase uttered by the Miami chief of police in 1967.
"The battle for the soul of this nation has been a constant push and pull more than 240 years," Biden said, echoing one of his campaign slogans. "It's always a fight, and the battle is never fully won."
"I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country — not use them for political gain."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-02--Biden maintains lead over Trump in Michigan

Joe Biden is maintaining his lead over President Trump in the key swing state of Michigan , according to a new poll released Tuesday morning .
According to a survey conducted by Progress Michigan , a Democratic-leaning firm , 50 % of registered voters in Michigan say they would cast a ballot for Biden if the election were held the same , with 44 % saying the same for Trump .
Four percent say they would vote for a third-party candidate , and 2 % have n't made up their minds .
Trump 's support in the state closely mirrors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approving of his job performance and 52 % disapproving .
Michigan voters also believe their governor , Democrat Gretchen Whitmer , is doing a better job in handling the coronavirus outbreak than the president .
Fifty-five percent favor their governor , with 37 % saying Trump is doing a better job .
Progress Michigan interviewed 1,582 voters from May 29 to May 30 .
The margin of error on the poll was plus or minus 2.5 % .
A strong majority of Michigan voters , 57 % , also believe police brutality against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem . ''
Twenty-seven percent said it is a `` somewhat serious problem , '' and 13 % said it was `` not much of a problem . ''
Trump narrowly won Michigan in 2016 with 47.50 % of the vote , beating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by just over 10,000 votes .
Michigan , along with Wisconsin and Pennsylvania , constitute much of the `` blue wall '' that Trump was able to flip into the Republican column and give him a large margin of victory in the Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from March onward in the state has Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee , leading by 5.5 points .
A Fox News poll conducted in April found Biden leading by 8 points with 49 % support .

Joe Biden is maintaining his lead over President Trump in the key swing state of Michigan, according to a new poll released Tuesday morning.
According to a survey conducted by Progress Michigan, a Democratic-leaning firm, 50% of registered voters in Michigan say they would cast a ballot for Biden if the election were held the same, with 44% saying the same for Trump. Four percent say they would vote for a third-party candidate, and 2% haven't made up their minds.
Trump's support in the state closely mirrors his approval rating, with 43% approving of his job performance and 52% disapproving. Michigan voters also believe their governor, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, is doing a better job in handling the coronavirus outbreak than the president. Fifty-five percent favor their governor, with 37% saying Trump is doing a better job.
Progress Michigan interviewed 1,582 voters from May 29 to May 30. The margin of error on the poll was plus or minus 2.5%.
A strong majority of Michigan voters, 57%, also believe police brutality against African Americans constitutes a "very serious problem." Twenty-seven percent said it is a "somewhat serious problem," and 13% said it was "not much of a problem."
Trump narrowly won Michigan in 2016 with 47.50% of the vote, beating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by just over 10,000 votes. Michigan, along with Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, constitute much of the "blue wall" that Trump was able to flip into the Republican column and give him a large margin of victory in the Electoral College.
A RealClearPolitics average of polls taken from March onward in the state has Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, leading by 5.5 points. A Fox News poll conducted in April found Biden leading by 8 points with 49% support.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-02--Biden declares Trump 'part of the problem' in speech on racism

Joe Biden took direct aim at President Trump during his remarks on the protests and looting that have engulfed many major U.S. cities .
`` The president of the United States must be part of the solution , not part of the problem , '' the former vice president said Tuesday morning .
`` But this president today is part of the problem and accelerates it . ''
His speech constitutes the most direct response to Trump 's handling of the protests and subsequent violence following the death of George Floyd , a black Minneapolis resident killed by the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When he tweeted the words when the looting starts the shooting starts , they were n't the words of the president , they were the words of a racist Miami police chief in the 1960s , '' Biden said , referencing Trump 's controversial tweets over the last week .
Biden pledged to `` seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued our country , '' which has transformed into `` a nation in pain , '' under Trump 's tenure .
`` The country is crying out for leadership .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that brings us together .
Leadership that can recognize pain and deep grief of communities that have had a knee on their neck for a long time , '' he said .
`` There 's no place for violence , no place for looting , or destroying property or destroying churches or destroying businesses . ''

Joe Biden took direct aim at President Trump during his remarks on the protests and looting that have engulfed many major U.S. cities.
"The president of the United States must be part of the solution, not part of the problem," the former vice president said Tuesday morning. "But this president today is part of the problem and accelerates it."
His speech constitutes the most direct response to Trump's handling of the protests and subsequent violence following the death of George Floyd, a black Minneapolis resident killed by the police while unarmed on May 25.
"When he tweeted the words when the looting starts the shooting starts, they weren't the words of the president, they were the words of a racist Miami police chief in the 1960s," Biden said, referencing Trump's controversial tweets over the last week.
Biden pledged to "seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued our country," which has transformed into "a nation in pain," under Trump's tenure.
"The country is crying out for leadership. Leadership that can unite us, leadership that brings us together. Leadership that can recognize pain and deep grief of communities that have had a knee on their neck for a long time," he said. "There's no place for violence, no place for looting, or destroying property or destroying churches or destroying businesses."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-02--McConnell-linked group to wage $27M ad blitz to defend GOP Senate majority

A political group aligned with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans a $ 27.3 million summer advertising blitz to help Republicans preserve the party 's Senate majority .
One Nation , a political nonprofit organization , is rolling out television and radio ads across six states where Republican incumbents are under fire .
The biggest expenditure ( $ 10.2 million ) is planned for North Carolina , where Republican insiders are increasingly worried about the fate of Sen. Thom Tillis .
`` As our country faces unprecedented challenges , One Nation will be advocating for commonsense policies to protect families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses , and support our front-line healthcare professionals , '' said Steven Law , the McConnell confidant who runs One Nation .
Opinion polls show that the Republicans ' three-seat Senate majority is in play .
The GOP is defending seats in at least a half-dozen states and is only on offense to take Democratic seats in Alabama and Michigan .
Law has used One Nation to bolster Republican messaging in states with targeted Senate races and provide aid GOP incumbents under attack from Democratic groups .
In addition to the spending in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 23 , One Nation plans to advertise in : • Arizona : $ 3.3 million on television and radio beginning Aug. 5 to defend Sen. Martha McSally .
• Iowa : $ 5.3 million on television and radio beginning June 23 to defend Sen. Joni Ernst .
• Maine : $ 1.9 million on television and radio beginning July 17 to defend Sen. Susan Collins .
• Colorado : $ 2.6 million on television and radio beginning July 8 to defend Sen. Cory Gardner .
• Montana : $ 3.9 million on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend Sen. Steve Daines .
As a political nonprofit group that does not have to disclose donors publicly , the law limits the overt political activity One Nation is permitted to engage in .
So , its ads are likely to center around advocating for a particular issue and urging voters to support or oppose a particular politician based on their position on an issue .
One Nation can accept donations in unlimited amounts .

A political group aligned with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans a $27.3 million summer advertising blitz to help Republicans preserve the party's Senate majority.
One Nation, a political nonprofit organization, is rolling out television and radio ads across six states where Republican incumbents are under fire. The biggest expenditure ($10.2 million) is planned for North Carolina, where Republican insiders are increasingly worried about the fate of Sen. Thom Tillis.
"As our country faces unprecedented challenges, One Nation will be advocating for commonsense policies to protect families and communities, help struggling workers and businesses, and support our front-line healthcare professionals," said Steven Law, the McConnell confidant who runs One Nation.
Opinion polls show that the Republicans' three-seat Senate majority is in play. The GOP is defending seats in at least a half-dozen states and is only on offense to take Democratic seats in Alabama and Michigan. Law has used One Nation to bolster Republican messaging in states with targeted Senate races and provide aid GOP incumbents under attack from Democratic groups.
In addition to the spending in North Carolina, set to begin on June 23, One Nation plans to advertise in:
Arizona: $3.3 million on television and radio beginning Aug. 5 to defend Sen. Martha McSally.
Iowa: $5.3 million on television and radio beginning June 23 to defend Sen. Joni Ernst.
Maine: $1.9 million on television and radio beginning July 17 to defend Sen. Susan Collins.
Colorado: $2.6 million on television and radio beginning July 8 to defend Sen. Cory Gardner.
Montana: $3.9 million on television and radio beginning June 23 to defend Sen. Steve Daines.
As a political nonprofit group that does not have to disclose donors publicly, the law limits the overt political activity One Nation is permitted to engage in. So, its ads are likely to center around advocating for a particular issue and urging voters to support or oppose a particular politician based on their position on an issue. One Nation can accept donations in unlimited amounts.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-02--'I wish he'd open it': Biden mocks Trump for Bible photo-op

Joe Biden mocked President Trump for a photo Trump posed for on Monday , when he held a closed Bible @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I just wish he 'd open it every once in a while .
@ @ @ @ @ '' the former vice president said during a Tuesday event in Philadelphia .
Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ in a photo-op outside of St. John 's Episcopal Church , a historic house of @ @ @ @ @ that was burned by protesters Sunday night .
Trump walked out to the church Monday @ @ @ @ @ the area of protesters .
He held the Bible in the air , closed , @ @ @ @ @ him .
Episcopal leadership in the D.C. area criticized Trump for the visit , with @ @ @ @ @ she was `` outraged '' that the president would visit the church without praying .
@ @ @ @ @ another church on Tuesday , the John Paul II Shrine , along with his wife @ @ @ @ @ of State Mike Pompeo .

Joe Biden mocked President Trump for a photo Trump posed for on Monday, when he held a closed Bible in front of a church.
"I just wish he'd open it every once in a while. He could learn something," the former vice president said during a Tuesday event in Philadelphia.
Biden's comments came after Trump engaged in a photo-op outside of St. John's Episcopal Church, a historic house of worship behind the White House that was burned by protesters Sunday night.
Trump walked out to the church Monday afternoon after Secret Service cleared the area of protesters. He held the Bible in the air, closed, while photographers took pictures of him.
Episcopal leadership in the D.C. area criticized Trump for the visit, with Bishop Mariann Budde saying that she was "outraged" that the president would visit the church without praying.
Trump is scheduled to visit another church on Tuesday, the John Paul II Shrine, along with his wife, Melania, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-02--Biden promises to seek racial healing in contrast to 'fear and division' from Trump

Joe Biden is leaning into his image of a listener and healer in contrast to law-and-order President Trump amid violent nationwide uprisings sparked by the death of a black man , George Floyd , in Minneapolis police custody .
`` When peaceful protesters are dispersed by the order of the president from the doorstep of the people ’ s house , the White House — using tear gas and flash grenades — in order to stage a photo op at a noble church , we can be forgiven for believing that the president is more interested in power than in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee is expected to say on Tuesday , according to excerpts of prepared remarks .
`` More interested in serving the passions of his base than the needs of the people in his care . ''
His remarks come the morning after Trump delivered a speech while law enforcement dispersed protests around the White House with tear gas and then walked from the White House to historic St. John 's Episcopal Church , which had been set on fire on Sunday night .
Trump called himself a `` law-and-order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces to cities around the country unable to end the violence on the streets .
`` Look , the presidency is a big job .
Nobody will get everything right .
And I won ’ t either .
But I promise you this .
I won ’ t traffic in fear and division .
I won ’ t fan the flames of hate , '' Biden 's remarks read .
`` I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country — not use them for political gain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Biden was a promise to focus on others instead of himself .
`` I ’ ll do my job and take responsibility .
I won ’ t blame others .
I ’ ll never forget that the job isn ’ t about me , '' Biden will say .
`` It ’ s about you .
And I ’ ll work to not only rebuild this nation .
But to build it better than it was . ''
Biden 's speech follows a statement released on Sunday lightly condemning violence in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public appearance since early March on Monday listening to community leaders at a black church in Wilmington , Delaware , discuss the nationwide unrest .

Joe Biden is leaning into his image of a listener and healer in contrast to law-and-order President Trump amid violent nationwide uprisings sparked by the death of a black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis police custody.
"When peaceful protesters are dispersed by the order of the president from the doorstep of the people’s house, the White House — using tear gas and flash grenades — in order to stage a photo op at a noble church, we can be forgiven for believing that the president is more interested in power than in principle," the former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee is expected to say on Tuesday, according to excerpts of prepared remarks. "More interested in serving the passions of his base than the needs of the people in his care."
His remarks come the morning after Trump delivered a speech while law enforcement dispersed protests around the White House with tear gas and then walked from the White House to historic St. John's Episcopal Church, which had been set on fire on Sunday night.
Trump called himself a "law-and-order president" and threatened to send military forces to cities around the country unable to end the violence on the streets.
"Look, the presidency is a big job. Nobody will get everything right. And I won’t either. But I promise you this. I won’t traffic in fear and division. I won’t fan the flames of hate," Biden's remarks read. "I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country — not use them for political gain."
At the end of the remarks from Biden was a promise to focus on others instead of himself.
"I’ll do my job and take responsibility. I won’t blame others. I’ll never forget that the job isn’t about me," Biden will say. "It’s about you. And I’ll work to not only rebuild this nation. But to build it better than it was."
Biden's speech follows a statement released on Sunday lightly condemning violence in the demonstrations, and Biden made his first public appearance since early March on Monday listening to community leaders at a black church in Wilmington, Delaware, discuss the nationwide unrest.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--Trump the 2016 disrupter becomes the 2020 candidate of normalcy

President Trump , who four years ago sold himself as a long-overdue disruptive force , is running for reelection on the promise he can return American life to normal .
Whether it ’ s reopening an economy that has been locked down to fight the coronavirus or ending the riots that have for days engulfed major cities , he is trying to assure voters that he ’ s the one who will make sure they can safely go to work , restaurants , and church .
A second term for Trump may hinge on delivering these results or at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stability rather than the “ chaos candidate ” Jeb Bush warned Republicans about , both tasks even those close to the president acknowledge will be incredibly difficult .
“ The challenges facing this White House at this moment are overwhelming , ” said one GOP operative .
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has made his own pitch to be the candidate of normalcy , an appeal some of his supporters believe is key to ousting Trump from the White House .
They maintain the pandemic and the unrest triggered by the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unarmed black man , show the country needs a more conventional president who is temperamentally better equipped to be a calming and unifying presence .
“ The presidency is a big job .
Nobody will get everything right .
And I won ’ t either , ” Biden said in a speech Tuesday .
“ But I promise you this : I won ’ t traffic in fear and division .
I won ’ t fan the flames of hate.
” The former vice president vowed to “ seek to heal the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country — not use them for political gain.
” Team Trump cast Biden as acquiescing to anarchy .
“ Joe Biden ’ s campaign made it clear that they stand with the rioters , the people burning businesses in minority communities and causing mayhem , by donating to post bail for those arrested , ” said senior adviser Katrina Pierson in a statement .
“ He has obviously made the crass political calculation that unrest in America is a benefit to his candidacy ... President Trump is restoring the nation to order and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return the country to peace and prosperity.
” Biden ’ s address followed a Monday statement by Trump in which the president expressed sympathy for Floyd ’ s family , support for peaceful protests — and pledged to use whatever means are at his disposal to crush the riots if mayors and governors fail to do so .
“ The biggest victims of the rioting are peace-loving citizens in our poorest communities , and as their president , I will fight to keep them safe , I will fight to protect you , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your president of law and order and an ally of all peaceful protesters.
” While Trump critics found his comments menacing , they spoke to a desire to see cities returned to normal .
“ We are a country of laws , ” said Bradley Blakeman , a former adviser to President George W. Bush .
“ Once the rule of law ceases to exist , the very fabric of civil society is ripped to shreds and the mob rules .
No one can argue , regardless of party affiliation , for looting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Good governance is good politics , and now is the time to lead.
” “ I thought his remarks were spot on , but nobody will remember his remarks , ” said Republican strategist John Feehery .
“ They will remember the picture of him in front of St. John 's Church .
And if you love Trump , you love that picture .
If you hate Trump , you hate that picture .
And if you 're somewhere in the middle , it all depends how you have been personally impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong leadership when lawlessness breaks out.
” Trump has been under fire for the way protesters outside the White House were cleared to make way for his walk to the church .
Biden chided him for “ using tear gas and flash grenades in order to stage a photo-op ” and caring more about “ the passions of his base than the needs of the people.
” But some Trump backers said they needed this reassurance that `` law and order '' was n't just for Twitter consumption .
“ The president needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face of the unfolding anarchy .
His Rose Garden speech and walk to St. John ’ s provided him that moment , ” conservative strategist Chris Barron said .
“ I , like many other Trump supporters , was concerned about the president ’ s response to the riots prior to yesterday .
Yesterday was exactly what I needed to see and hear , and it ’ s exactly what the country needed to see and hear.
” A Morning Consult gave Trump early low marks on his response but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in riot suppression and a split on whether the demonstrations should be viewed as mostly peaceful or violent .

President Trump, who four years ago sold himself as a long-overdue disruptive force, is running for reelection on the promise he can return American life to normal.
Whether it’s reopening an economy that has been locked down to fight the coronavirus or ending the riots that have for days engulfed major cities, he is trying to assure voters that he’s the one who will make sure they can safely go to work, restaurants, and church.
A second term for Trump may hinge on delivering these results, or at least being perceived as a source of order and stability rather than the “chaos candidate” Jeb Bush warned Republicans about, both tasks even those close to the president acknowledge will be incredibly difficult. “The challenges facing this White House at this moment are overwhelming,” said one GOP operative.
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has made his own pitch to be the candidate of normalcy, an appeal some of his supporters believe is key to ousting Trump from the White House. They maintain the pandemic and the unrest triggered by the death in police custody of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, show the country needs a more conventional president who is temperamentally better equipped to be a calming and unifying presence.
“The presidency is a big job. Nobody will get everything right. And I won’t either,” Biden said in a speech Tuesday. “But I promise you this: I won’t traffic in fear and division. I won’t fan the flames of hate.” The former vice president vowed to “seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country — not use them for political gain.”
Team Trump cast Biden as acquiescing to anarchy. “Joe Biden’s campaign made it clear that they stand with the rioters, the people burning businesses in minority communities and causing mayhem, by donating to post bail for those arrested,” said senior adviser Katrina Pierson in a statement. “He has obviously made the crass political calculation that unrest in America is a benefit to his candidacy. ... President Trump is restoring the nation to order and is clearly the leader we need to return the country to peace and prosperity.”
Biden’s address followed a Monday statement by Trump in which the president expressed sympathy for Floyd’s family, support for peaceful protests, and pledged to use whatever means are at his disposal to crush the riots if mayors and governors fail to do so. “The biggest victims of the rioting are peace-loving citizens in our poorest communities, and as their president, I will fight to keep them safe, I will fight to protect you,” he said. “I am your president of law and order and an ally of all peaceful protesters.”
While Trump critics found his comments menacing, they spoke to a desire to see cities returned to normal. “We are a country of laws,” said Bradley Blakeman, a former adviser to President George W. Bush. “Once the rule of law ceases to exist, the very fabric of civil society is ripped to shreds, and the mob rules. No one can argue, regardless of party affiliation, for looting, arson, violence, and lawlessness. Good governance is good politics, and now is the time to lead.”
“I thought his remarks were spot on, but nobody will remember his remarks,” said Republican strategist John Feehery. “They will remember the picture of him in front of St. John's Church. And if you love Trump, you love that picture. If you hate Trump, you hate that picture. And if you're somewhere in the middle, it all depends how you have been personally impacted by the riots. Voters typically like strong leadership when lawlessness breaks out.”
Trump has been under fire for the way protesters outside the White House were cleared to make way for his walk to the church. Biden chided him for “using tear gas and flash grenades in order to stage a photo-op” and caring more about “the passions of his base than the needs of the people.” But some Trump backers said they needed this reassurance that "law and order" wasn't just for Twitter consumption.
“The president needed a moment that displayed strength and resilience in the face of the unfolding anarchy. His Rose Garden speech and walk to St. John’s provided him that moment,” conservative strategist Chris Barron said. “I, like many other Trump supporters, was concerned about the president’s response to the riots prior to yesterday. Yesterday was exactly what I needed to see and hear, and it’s exactly what the country needed to see and hear.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--Ex-spy Valarie Plame loses Democratic primary bid for New Mexico House seat

She was one of seven candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for New Mexico 's 3rd House district , a safe Democratic seat .
The current occupant , Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan , is running for Senate rather than seeking reelection .
With about 70 % of precincts counted , Plame received 23 % of the vote , while her chief Democratic primary rival , Teresa Leger Fernandez , won 43 % .
The ex-spy leaned on her CIA credentials and the `` Plame affair '' in her campaign launch , with one campaign ad showing her driving a car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hot spot , I lived it .
Then , Dick Cheney 's chief of staff took revenge against my husband and leaked my identity , '' she said in the ad .
`` You 've probably heard my name . ''
Plame became famous after conservative columnist Robert Novak revealed her covert identity in a 2003 column .
Plame maintains that the leak of her name was “ payback ” from the Bush administration for her then-husband , former Ambassador Joseph Wilson , writing an op-ed about the Bush administration on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commonly called the “ Plame Affair , ” the scandal rocked the Bush White House and resulted in the 2007 conviction of Lewis “ Scooter ” Libby , former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney , for perjury and obstruction of justice in connection to the leak of Plame ’ s identity .
It emerged that then-Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage was the primary source for Novak ’ s story , but he was never charged .
President Trump pardoned Libby in 2018 , saying he was treated unfairly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ defined and haunted by anti-Semitic tweets that she posted in 2017 .
Plame shared anti-Semitic articles from the Unz Review , including one entitled `` America 's Jews Are Driving America 's Wars . ''
After initially defending herself , Plame apologized and resigned from the board of a grant-making fund focused on preventing the spread of nuclear weapons .
An attack ad from a `` dark money '' 501 ( c ) 4 non-profit group the that ran in the weeks before the primary centered on the tweets and praise they garnered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist millionaire Valarie Plame : Is she running for Congress to represent New Mexicans or white supremacists ?
” the ad said , and showed a photo of Plame edited to make her pupils the shape of Nazi swastikas .
Fernandez , a lawyer and political newcomer who leaned on her deep roots in the state , received endorsements from high-profile Democrats like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , and New Mexico Rep. Debra Haaland .
A poll sponsored by EMILY 's List released last week showed Fernandez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and suggested that the ex-spy struggled to gain support from Hispanic and Native American voters .

Former CIA operative Valerie Plame's congressional aspirations ended with a primary loss.
She was one of seven candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District, a safe Democratic seat. The current occupant in the House, Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, is running for Senate rather than seeking reelection.
With about 70% of precincts counted, Plame received 23% of the vote, while her chief Democratic primary rival, Teresa Leger Fernandez, won 43%.
The ex-spy leaned on her CIA credentials and the "Plame affair" in her campaign launch, with one campaign ad showing her driving a car like a stuntwoman.
"You name a hot spot, I lived it. Then, Dick Cheney's chief of staff took revenge against my husband and leaked my identity," she said in the ad. "You've probably heard my name."
Plame became famous after conservative columnist Robert Novak revealed her covert identity in a 2003 column. Plame maintains that the leak of her name was “payback” from the Bush administration for her then-husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, writing an op-ed about the Bush administration on its intelligence justification for the Iraq War.
Commonly called the “Plame affair,” the scandal rocked President George W. Bush's White House and resulted in the 2007 conviction of Lewis “Scooter” Libby, former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, for perjury and obstruction of justice in connection to the leak of Plame’s identity. It emerged that then-Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage was the primary source for Novak’s story, but he was never charged. President Trump pardoned Libby in 2018, saying he was treated unfairly.
Her campaign, though, was largely defined and haunted by anti-Semitic tweets that she posted in 2017.
Plame shared anti-Semitic articles from the Unz Review, including one entitled "America's Jews Are Driving America's Wars." After initially defending herself, Plame apologized and resigned from the board of a grant-making fund focused on preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
An attack ad from a "dark money" 501(c)4 nonprofit group, the Alliance to Combat Extremism Fund, that ran in the weeks before the primary centered on the tweets and praise they garnered from white supremacists.
“Disgraced, racist millionaire Valarie Plame: Is she running for Congress to represent New Mexicans or white supremacists?” the ad said, and showed a photo of Plame edited to make her pupils the shape of Nazi swastikas.
Fernandez, a lawyer and political newcomer who leaned on her deep roots in the state, received endorsements from high-profile Democrats such as Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and New Mexico Rep. Debra Haaland.
A poll sponsored by EMILY's List released last week showed Fernandez with a 9-point lead over Plame and suggested that the ex-spy struggled to gain support from Hispanic and Native American voters.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--Rep. Steve King loses primary following estrangement from House GOP

Rep. Steve King lost the Republican primary in his northwest Iowa district in a challenge spurred by the 18-year incumbent 's racially tinged remarks .
Most of the Republican establishment supported King ’ s opponent , state Sen. Randy Feenstra , such as the Republican Main Street Partnership PAC .
The third-ranking House Republican , Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming , called for King 's resignation in 2019 .
And the head of House Republicans ' 2018 campaign effort , Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio , has repeatedly called for King to be ousted from Congress .
Feenstra was declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 p.m. local time .
`` I am truly humbled .
Thank you to each and every person who supported us on this journey against all odds .
You delivered .
But tomorrow , it ’ s back to work , '' Feenstra said in a tweet .
King stirred trouble in January 2019 when he mused about how it became so controversial to talk about white nationalism and white supremacy .
“ White nationalist , white supremacist , Western civilization — how did that language become offensive ?
” King told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization ?
” King soon lost his committee assignments , including his membership on the House agriculture panel , an important post for a rural-district lawmaker .
`` None of my opponents have criticized a single vote that I put up in 18 years in this Congress .
I do n't have a single personal accuser of anything .
It 's all left-wing press , '' King recently told the Washington Examiner .
King continued forward with his 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Report-rated district , to the annoyance of the Republican Party .
In addition to GOP congressional leaders , he lost support from powerful Iowa conservatives , including Republican Gov .
Kim Reynolds and Christian leader Bob Vander Plaats .
Feenstra dwarfed King in fundraising efforts .
But King 's name identification among party conservatives kept his numbers up in the polls throughout the cycle .
An April 28 Sioux City Journal poll had King leading Feenstra 41 % to 34 % .
However , according to a more recent May 19 conducted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the congressman 41 % to 39 % after taking into account the three other primary challengers ’ numbers .
Feenstra ended up winning 45.7 % of the vote to King 's 36 % .

Rep. Steve King lost the Republican primary in his northwest Iowa district in a challenge spurred by the 18-year incumbent's racially tinged remarks.
Most of the Republican establishment supported King’s opponent, state Sen. Randy Feenstra, such as the Republican Main Street Partnership PAC. The third-ranking House Republican, Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, called for King's resignation in 2019. And the head of House Republicans' 2018 campaign effort, Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio, has repeatedly called for King to be ousted from Congress.
Feenstra was declared the winner of the Tuesday primary around 11 p.m. local time.
"I am truly humbled. Thank you to each and every person who supported us on this journey against all odds. You delivered. But tomorrow, it’s back to work," Feenstra said in a tweet.
I am truly humbled. Thank you to each and every person who supported us on this journey against all odds. You delivered. But tomorrow, it’s back to work. #ia04 pic.twitter.com/B0nCT7C9XI — Randy Feenstra (@RandyFeenstra) June 3, 2020
King stirred trouble in January 2019 when he mused about how it became so controversial to talk about white nationalism and white supremacy.
“White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?” King told the New York Times. “Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?”
King soon lost his committee assignments, including his membership on the House agriculture panel, an important post for a rural-district lawmaker.
King, 71, however, defended his record.
"None of my opponents have criticized a single vote that I put up in 18 years in this Congress. I don't have a single personal accuser of anything. It's all left-wing press," King recently told the Washington Examiner.
King continued forward with his 2020 reelection campaign for his R+11 Cook Political Report-rated district, to the annoyance of the Republican Party. In addition to GOP congressional leaders, he lost support from powerful Iowa conservatives, including Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds and Christian leader Bob Vander Plaats.
Feenstra dwarfed King in fundraising efforts. But King's name identification among party conservatives kept his numbers up in the polls throughout the cycle. An April 28 Sioux City Journal poll had King leading Feenstra 41% to 34%.
However, according to a more recent May 19 Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted for an anti-King group, Feenstra was leading the congressman 41% to 39% after taking into account the three other primary challengers’ numbers.
Feenstra ended up winning 45.7% of the vote to King's 36%.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--Republicans in multiple states battle to lure GOP convention after party exits Charlotte

Top Republicans in a half-dozen states are scrambling to land the August convention to renominate President Trump after party officials abruptly pulled out of North Carolina because Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper insisted on limiting festivities due to the coronavirus .
Hoping to capitalize on Charlotte ’ s loss , Republican leaders in Arizona , Florida , Georgia , Nevada , Tennessee , and Texas were furiously working the phones Wednesday , competing to convince the Republican National Committee they are best equipped to host a quadrennial presidential nominating convention that meets Trump ’ s standards .
In-person and virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expected to continue next week .
“ I would like Arizona to be a possibility , ” Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko told the Washington Examiner .
“ It ’ s a swing state .
I think it would be a logical place to come.
” Late Tuesday , the RNC announced it would abandon Charlotte after two years of planning because of a dispute with Cooper over the size and scope of the convention .
Claiming concern the gathering would spark a resurgence of coronavirus infections , the governor declined to guarantee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fill the Spectrum Center arena to capacity or take full advantage of hospitality venues , such as restaurants and meeting space .
Lesko has since been in contact with White House and RNC officials , pitching Glendale , Arizona .
The community , adjacent to Phoenix , is in her district , run by a Republican mayor , and home to a football stadium and hockey arena .
Lesko also enlisted Rep. Andy Biggs , another Arizona Republican , to reach out to Trump directly .
Deciding where to move the convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump campaign , the RNC , and senior convention staff .
“ It ’ s a three-headed monster , ” Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden said .
“ The convention team is the one that is sort of on ground trying to figure out what the options are.
” Tennessee Republicans , led by Gov .
Bill Lee , are pitching Nashville , highlighting the state ’ s central location and “ top-flight ” airport .
In Texas , Republicans are advertising their July state convention , which typically draws as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as proof they are best positioned .
Some Republicans are privately floating New Orleans , given its wealth of hospitality venues .
Meanwhile , Florida Republicans Sen. Rick Scott and Gov .
Ron DeSantis are urging the White House to pick Jacksonville , Orlando , or Tampa .
Jacksonville has a Republican mayor and is emerging as a top alternative if the city can solve one problem : a lack of hotel space .
“ I ’ m hearing we are getting the convention , ” said a Republican official in northeast Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the RNC as we speak.
” Presidential conventions are major undertakings that draw tens of thousands of people and take years to map out .
Although fears of COVID-19 could curtail the Democratic convention in Milwaukee in mid-August , Republicans led by Trump are committed to holding a traditional nominating celebration despite the health risks .
That requires quick action to find a state that is far enough along in its transition back to a normal economic footing and then reserve thousands of hotel rooms , meeting space , and a venue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican organizers also must satisfy Secret Service security requirements that might be even more stringent following days of civil unrest across the United States .
To mitigate all of these challenges , the RNC is considering multiple options .
The party could remain in Charlotte for the summer business meeting scheduled for the week leading up to the convention , after which delegates would travel to the new site for the four-day celebration to nominate Trump .
The RNC could spread aspects of the convention across multiple cities .
Republican insiders say there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination in Charlotte , although there is a scenario in which early portions of the convention are kept in the Southern city .
“ Should [ Cooper ] allow more than 10 people in a room , we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte , ” an RNC official said in a statement .

Top Republicans in a half-dozen states are scrambling to land the August convention to renominate President Trump after party officials abruptly pulled out of North Carolina because Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper insisted on limiting festivities due to the coronavirus.
Hoping to capitalize on Charlotte’s loss, Republican leaders in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas were furiously working the phones Wednesday, competing to convince the Republican National Committee they are best equipped to host a quadrennial presidential nominating convention that meets Trump’s standards. In-person and virtual site visits by RNC officials are underway and expected to continue next week.
“I would like Arizona to be a possibility,” Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko told the Washington Examiner. “It’s a swing state. I think it would be a logical place to come.”
Late Tuesday, the RNC announced it would abandon Charlotte after two years of planning because of a dispute with Cooper over the size and scope of the convention. Claiming concern the gathering would spark a resurgence of coronavirus infections, the governor declined to guarantee the RNC that it would be permitted to fill the Spectrum Center arena to capacity or take full advantage of hospitality venues, such as restaurants and meeting space.
Lesko has since been in contact with White House and RNC officials, pitching Glendale, Arizona. The community, adjacent to Phoenix, is in her district, run by a Republican mayor, and home to a football stadium and hockey arena. Lesko also enlisted Rep. Andy Biggs, another Arizona Republican, to reach out to Trump directly. Deciding where to move the convention appears to be a joint project among the Trump campaign, the RNC, and senior convention staff.
“It’s a three-headed monster,” Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden said. “The convention team is the one that is sort of on ground trying to figure out what the options are.”
Tennessee Republicans, led by Gov. Bill Lee, are pitching Nashville, highlighting the state’s central location and “top-flight” airport. In Texas, Republicans are advertising their July state convention, which typically draws as many people as a national convention, as proof they are best positioned. Some Republicans are privately floating New Orleans, given its wealth of hospitality venues. Meanwhile, Florida Republicans Sen. Rick Scott and Gov. Ron DeSantis are urging the White House to pick Jacksonville, Orlando, or Tampa.
Jacksonville has a Republican mayor and is emerging as a top alternative if the city can solve one problem: a lack of hotel space. “I’m hearing we are getting the convention,” said a Republican official in northeast Florida. “City officials are in talks with the RNC as we speak.”
Presidential conventions are major undertakings that draw tens of thousands of people and take years to map out.
Although fears of COVID-19 could curtail the Democratic convention in Milwaukee in mid-August, Republicans led by Trump are committed to holding a traditional nominating celebration despite the health risks. That requires quick action to find a state that is far enough along in its transition back to a normal economic footing and then reserve thousands of hotel rooms, meeting space, and a venue big enough to house the proceedings.
Republican organizers also must satisfy Secret Service security requirements that might be even more stringent following days of civil unrest across the United States. To mitigate all of these challenges, the RNC is considering multiple options.
The party could remain in Charlotte for the summer business meeting scheduled for the week leading up to the convention, after which delegates would travel to the new site for the four-day celebration to nominate Trump. The RNC could spread aspects of the convention across multiple cities. Republican insiders say there is little chance Trump would accept the nomination in Charlotte, although there is a scenario in which early portions of the convention are kept in the Southern city.
“Should [Cooper] allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte,” an RNC official said in a statement.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--Key Electoral College states split between Biden and Trump: Poll

Six states that helped cement President Trump 's upset win in 2016 could remain in his column in November or swing to Democratic rival Joe Biden , a .
The survey , conducted between Friday and Sunday , found that Trump is leading by 1 point in Arizona , with 45 % support .
Pennsylvania is where Trump holds his biggest lead over Biden , by 4 points , with a total of 50 % support .
Biden leads in three of the six battleground states : Florida , Michigan , and North Carolina .
In Florida , Biden leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .
He has a 2-point lead in Michigan , with 48 % support , and a 1-point lead in North Carolina , with 46 % support .
Wisconsin is a tie between the two , with 45 % each .
This poll surveyed 3,958 likely voters in Arizona , Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin .
The margin of error was plus or minus 1.56 percentage points .
This poll matches data from the RealClearPolitics average , which Biden winning in Florida , Michigan , and North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pennsylvania and Arizona .
Wisconsin is still a tie .
Change Research also conducted a national survey that found Biden holds a 7-point lead over Trump .
This survey was also conducted between Friday and Sunday and polled 1,457 likely voters .
The margin of error was plus or minus 2.57 percentage points .
RealClearPolitics Biden beating Trump nationally , as well .

Six states that helped cement President Trump's upset win in 2016 could remain in his column in November or swing to Democratic rival Joe Biden, a Change Research poll shows .
The survey, conducted between Friday and Sunday, found that Trump is leading by 1 point in Arizona, with 45% support. Pennsylvania is where Trump holds his biggest lead over Biden, by 4 points, with a total of 50% support.
Biden leads in three of the six battleground states: Florida, Michigan, and North Carolina. In Florida, Biden leads by 3 points, with 48% support. He has a 2-point lead in Michigan, with 48% support, and a 1-point lead in North Carolina, with 46% support.
Wisconsin is a tie between the two, with 45% each.
This poll surveyed 3,958 likely voters in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The margin of error was plus or minus 1.56 percentage points.
This poll matches data from the RealClearPolitics average, which shows Biden winning in Florida, Michigan, and North Carolina, while Trump takes the lead in Pennsylvania and Arizona. Wisconsin is still a tie.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--Biden proposed 'Police Officer's Bill of Rights' two months after Rodney King beating

Nearly 30 years before a bystander with a cellphone caught a Minneapolis Police Department officer restraining George Floyd with his knee on Floyd 's neck , police in Los Angeles were covertly taped beating a criminal suspect .
And Sen. Joe Biden , chairman of the Judiciary Committee , proposed legislation siding with police .
The Police Officer 's Bill of Rights , sponsored by Biden in May 1991 , came halfway through his 36-year career representing Delaware in the Senate and while he was at the peak of his power on Capitol Hill .
With Democrats in the majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jurisdiction over criminal justice issues .
Biden , now the presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee after two terms as vice president , was at the time weighing in on police-civilian relations amid an atmosphere of rising tensions between the black community in Southern California and law enforcement .
Long a simmering cauldron of mistrust , accusations of police brutality were a staple of Los Angeles life for minorities stretching back at least to the 1965 Watts riots .
Early on the morning of March 3 , 1991 , a cameraman living near a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beating of construction worker Rodney King , a black man .
For nearly 10 minutes , King was abused , beaten , and tased by four Los Angeles Police Department officers following a routine traffic stop for suspicion that he was driving under the influence .
King suffered multiple broken bones and burns on his chest .
King had initially been pulled over after driving more than 100 mph .
The incident polarized much of America , with police groups and lawmakers defending the officers , saying the beatings were justified out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonization of law enforcement in an era of high crime .
Sensing upcoming unrest , lawmakers in Washington began to act .
In May 1991 , Biden authored a Senate bill that would have provided greater protections to cops accused of misconduct .
The `` Police Officer 's Bill of Rights Act '' aimed at strengthening protections when law enforcement officers were accused of misconduct .
The law contained measures that would have streamlined all police misconduct investigations nationwide , ensuring that every department followed identical standards .
The bill also would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place , such as limiting interviews to one interrogator at a time and requiring that lawyer represent the officer in question .
State and city governments would also have been forbidden from questions regarding an officer 's finances or asking about the finances of their family .
The bill also would have authorized `` a cause of action in State court by the officer for recovery of damages and full reinstatement against a law enforcement agency that materially violates rights afforded under this Act , subject to specified limitations . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it out of committee , although a modified version of its text was included in the Biden-Thurmond Violent Crime Control Act of 1991 .
That bill was eventually adjusted into the controversial 1994 crime bill that was enacted during the Clinton administration , which was largely seen as a response to public outrage after the Los Angeles riots — the result of acquittals for the officers that beat King .
Biden 's work on the Police Officer 's Bill of Rights highlights his evolution on criminal justice issues throughout his nearly 50-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1994 crime bill is regularly attacked by progressive activists , although his presidential campaign 's criminal justice platform pledges to reverse many provisions in that law .
In response to the protests taking place in numerous cities in response to the death of Floyd , an unarmed black man who was allegedly killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25 , Biden has pledged to work on eradicating systemic violence and called on Congress to enact reforms .
“ Congressman Jeffries has a bill to outlaw chokeholds .
Congress should put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next few days , '' Biden said at the Philadelphia City Hall on Tuesday , referring to New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries .
In the 1990s , Biden branded himself as one of the more liberal members of the Senate who remained tough on `` law and order '' issues , often working with conservative Democrats or Republicans on legislation .
Before the King incident , Biden praised Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates , calling him `` a leader in the law enforcement profession '' and celebrated his work on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take either of your jobs on a bet .
Thank God , you are both so darn competent and willing to do the jobs that you are doing , '' Biden said of Gates and NYPD Commissioner Lee Brown during a Senate hearing on the first anniversary of President George H.W .
Bush 's National Drug Control Strategy .
Following King 's beating , Biden , as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee , pledged to hold a hearing on the incident over potential civil rights violations .
The Washington Examiner could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred .
During a March 17 , 1991 , appearance on Meet the Press , Biden said about Gates that his `` instinct would be , if I were mayor , to fire '' the LAPD police commissioner .
He added , however , that the issue was `` a local matter . ''
Gates later resigned after public pressure .
The four officers charged with assault and excessive force over King 's arrest were found not guilty in April 1992 after seven days of jury deliberations .
The acquittal sparked the Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violent periods of civic unrest in the history of the country .
Studies of the damage from the riots estimate more than $ 1 billion in property damage .
Sixty-three people were killed from the beginning of the riots on April 29 until their end on May 4 , and more than 10,000 were arrested .
King later sued the city of Los Angeles and won $ 3.8 million .
He died in 2012 after drowning in his swimming pool .
An autopsy of his body found alcohol , PCP , marijuana , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of his death .

Nearly 30 years before a bystander with a cellphone caught a Minneapolis Police Department officer restraining George Floyd with his knee on Floyd's neck, police in Los Angeles were covertly taped beating a criminal suspect. And Sen. Joe Biden, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, proposed legislation siding with police.
The Police Officer's Bill of Rights, sponsored by Biden in May 1991, came halfway through his 36-year career representing Delaware in the Senate and while he was at the peak of his power on Capitol Hill. With Democrats in the majority, Biden headed the Senate committee with jurisdiction over criminal justice issues.
Biden, now the presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee after two terms as vice president, was at the time weighing in on police-civilian relations amid an atmosphere of rising tensions between the black community in Southern California and law enforcement. Long a simmering cauldron of mistrust, accusations of police brutality were a staple of Los Angeles life for minorities stretching back at least to the 1965 Watts riots.
Early on the morning of March 3, 1991, a cameraman living near a remote freeway in northern Los Angeles recorded the beating of construction worker Rodney King, a black man. For nearly 10 minutes, King was abused, beaten, and tased by four Los Angeles Police Department officers following a routine traffic stop for suspicion that he was driving under the influence. King suffered multiple broken bones and burns on his chest.
King had initially been pulled over after driving more than 100 mph.
The incident polarized much of America, with police groups and lawmakers defending the officers, saying the beatings were justified out of self-defense. Many cautioned against the demonization of law enforcement in an era of high crime.
Sensing upcoming unrest, lawmakers in Washington began to act. In May 1991, Biden authored a Senate bill that would have provided greater protections to cops accused of misconduct. The "Police Officer's Bill of Rights Act" aimed at strengthening protections when law enforcement officers were accused of misconduct. The law contained measures that would have streamlined all police misconduct investigations nationwide, ensuring that every department followed identical standards.
The bill also would have restricted when and how misconduct investigations could take place, such as limiting interviews to one interrogator at a time and requiring that lawyer represent the officer in question. State and city governments would also have been forbidden from questions regarding an officer's finances or asking about the finances of their family.
The bill also would have authorized "a cause of action in State court by the officer for recovery of damages and full reinstatement against a law enforcement agency that materially violates rights afforded under this Act, subject to specified limitations."
The Police Officer's Bill of Rights never made it out of committee, although a modified version of its text was included in the Biden-Thurmond Violent Crime Control Act of 1991. That bill was eventually adjusted into the controversial 1994 crime bill that was enacted during the Clinton administration, which was largely seen as a response to public outrage after the Los Angeles riots — the result of acquittals for the officers that beat King.
Biden's work on the Police Officer's Bill of Rights highlights his evolution on criminal justice issues throughout his nearly 50-year career in politics. His work on the 1994 crime bill is regularly attacked by progressive activists, although his presidential campaign's criminal justice platform pledges to reverse many provisions in that law.
In response to the protests taking place in numerous cities in response to the death of Floyd, an unarmed black man who was allegedly killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, Biden has pledged to work on eradicating systemic violence and called on Congress to enact reforms.
“Congressman Jeffries has a bill to outlaw chokeholds. Congress should put it on President Trump’s desk in the next few days," Biden said at the Philadelphia City Hall on Tuesday, referring to New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries.
In the 1990s, Biden branded himself as one of the more liberal members of the Senate who remained tough on "law and order" issues, often working with conservative Democrats or Republicans on legislation.
Before the King incident, Biden praised Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates, calling him "a leader in the law enforcement profession" and celebrated his work on anti-drug programs.
“I would not take either of your jobs on a bet. Thank God, you are both so darn competent and willing to do the jobs that you are doing," Biden said of Gates and NYPD Commissioner Lee Brown during a Senate hearing on the first anniversary of President George H.W. Bush's National Drug Control Strategy.
Following King's beating, Biden, as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pledged to hold a hearing on the incident over potential civil rights violations. The Washington Examiner could not find any evidence that a hearing ever occurred.
During a March 17, 1991, appearance on Meet the Press, Biden said about Gates that his "instinct would be, if I were mayor, to fire" the LAPD police commissioner. He added, however, that the issue was "a local matter." Gates later resigned after public pressure.
The four officers charged with assault and excessive force over King's arrest were found not guilty in April 1992 after seven days of jury deliberations. The acquittal sparked the Los Angeles riots, one of the most violent periods of civic unrest in the history of the country.
Studies of the damage from the riots estimate more than $1 billion in property damage. Sixty-three people were killed from the beginning of the riots on April 29 until their end on May 4, and more than 10,000 were arrested.
King later sued the city of Los Angeles and won $3.8 million. He died in 2012 after drowning in his swimming pool. An autopsy of his body found alcohol, PCP, marijuana, and cocaine in his system at the time of his death.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--Pro-Trump candidate Kimberly Klacik wins GOP primary to run for Baltimore district once held by Elij

Pro-Trump candidate Kimberly Klacik wins GOP primary to run for Baltimore district once held by Elijah Cummings

Self-described pro-Trump congressional candidate Kimberly Klacik was victorious in the Republican primary to represent the Maryland district once held by the late Elijah Cummings .
“ I ’ m literally in tears , ” Klacik tweeted Tuesday night as news outlets began to call the race for her .
Klacik went on to thank her supporters and tell them she is honored to get a chance to run in the congressional election .
“ Thank you all for the congratulatory messages , ” Klacik said .
“ I am honored to be chosen to continue this journey to Capitol Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country motivated thousands to vote in Maryland .
We still have a few days before the win is certified.
” Klacik earned national attention last year by calling out the poor living conditions in many sections of Baltimore in a series of tweets that received notice from President Trump .
Maryland ’ s 7th District , which includes more than half of Baltimore City , parts of Baltimore County , and the majority of Howard County , has been a Democratic stronghold for decades .
It was most notably led by Cummings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1996 until his death in 2019 .
“ For so long , Democrats have taken the black vote for granted , ” Klacik about her campaign ’ s message to Baltimore residents earlier this year .
“ I remember after Hillary Clinton lost in 2016 , she spent two years traveling the country trying to figure out why she lost .
But it is because they don ’ t actually go into the black community and talk to people , or they make promises they don ’ t keep.
” Klacik will face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her in a special election in April to fill the rest of Cummings ’ s term , in November .
If Klacik wins , she would become the first woman , as well as the first Republican , to represent the district .

Self-described pro-Trump congressional candidate Kimberly Klacik was victorious in the Republican primary to represent the Maryland district once held by the late Elijah Cummings.
“I’m literally in tears,” Klacik tweeted Tuesday night as news outlets began to call the race for her.
I’m literally in tears https://t.co/SNFanrTuic — Kimberly Klacik (@kimKBaltimore) June 3, 2020
Klacik went on to thank her supporters and tell them she is honored to get a chance to run in the congressional election.
“Thank you all for the congratulatory messages,” Klacik said. “I am honored to be chosen to continue this journey to Capitol Hill. What is currently happening around this country motivated thousands to vote in Maryland. We still have a few days before the win is certified.”
Thank you all for the congratulatory messages. I am honored to be chosen to continue this journey to Capitol Hill. What is currently happening around this country motivated thousands to vote in Maryland. We still have a few days before the win is certified.
Results as of now⬇ pic.twitter.com/9MDZ2sC5y2 — Kimberly Klacik (@kimKBaltimore) June 3, 2020
Klacik earned national attention last year by calling out the poor living conditions in many sections of Baltimore in a series of tweets that received notice from President Trump.
Residents constantly call the city to remove trash, no one shows up for months. Rats & roaches are a problem in almost every home. Illegal immigrants at the border live in better conditions than Americans in West Baltimore. This is @RepCummings district.
More to come... pic.twitter.com/rso3yxWh5f — Kimberly Klacik (@kimKBaltimore) July 26, 2019
Maryland’s 7th District, which includes more than half of Baltimore City, parts of Baltimore County, and the majority of Howard County, has been a Democratic stronghold for decades. It was most notably led by Cummings, who represented the area in Congress from 1996 until his death in 2019.
“For so long, Democrats have taken the black vote for granted,” Klacik said about her campaign’s message to Baltimore residents earlier this year. “I remember after Hillary Clinton lost in 2016, she spent two years traveling the country trying to figure out why she lost. But it is because they don’t actually go into the black community and talk to people, or they make promises they don’t keep.”
Klacik will face Democratic Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who defeated her in a special election in April to fill the rest of Cummings’s term, in November. If Klacik wins, she would become the first woman, as well as the first Republican, to represent the district.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--Rosenstein calls Sessions, under fire by Trump, one of the 'most principled people' he's met in Wash

Rosenstein calls Sessions, under fire by Trump, one of the 'most principled people' he's met in Washington

Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein offered praise of his ex-boss , Jeff Sessions , who has come under fire by President Trump as he seeks to regain his old Senate seat in Alabama .
During a hearing Tuesday with the Senate Judiciary Committee focused on the FBI 's Russia investigation , Rosenstein called Sessions `` one of the most principled people I have ever met in Washington . ''
Sessions served as attorney general from February 2017 to November 2018 .
A rift developed between him and Trump in 2017 when he recused himself from the investigation into ties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after which Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel .
Sessions is now in a tough primary fight to regain his old Senate seat , facing off against former college football coach Tommy Tuberville .
Trump has not only endorsed Tuberville , but he has repeatedly lashed out at Sessions .
`` Jeff , you had your chance & you blew it .
Recused yourself ON DAY ONE ( you never told me of a problem ) , and ran for the hills .
You had no courage , & ruined many lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , got caught by better & stronger people than you .
Hopefully this slime will pay a big price , '' Trump tweeted last month .
`` You should drop out of the race & pray that super liberal @ DougJones , a weak & pathetic puppet for Crazy Nancy Pelosi & Cryin ’ Chuck Schumer , gets beaten badly .
He voted for impeachment based on 'ZERO ' .
Disgraced Alabama .
Coach @ TTuberville will be a GREAT Senator ! ''
That missive came after Sessions , once again , defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russia investigation .
`` Look , I know your anger , but recusal was required by law .
I did my duty & you 're damn fortunate I did .
It protected the rule of law & resulted in your exoneration .
Your personal feelings do n't dictate who Alabama picks as their senator , the people of Alabama do , '' Sessions tweeted .
A primary runoff in Alabama has been pushed back to July 14 because of concerns about the coronavirus .
The winner will face off against Democratic Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he recused himself from the investigation into the Trump campaign 's ties to Russia because he himself was peripherally a part of the campaign .
Following his recusal , and after FBI Director James Comey was fired in May 2017 , Rosenstein appointed Mueller to oversee the Russia investigation as special counsel .
Trump and his allies often called the investigation a `` witch hunt . ''
Mueller 's investigation , which ended in the spring of 2019 , was unable to find a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ convictions and guilty pleas from Trump associates over charges unrelated to Russia collusion .

Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein offered praise of his ex-boss, Jeff Sessions, who has come under fire by President Trump as he seeks to regain his old Senate seat in Alabama.
During a hearing Tuesday with the Senate Judiciary Committee focused on the FBI's Russia investigation, Rosenstein called Sessions "one of the most principled people I have ever met in Washington."
Sessions served as attorney general from February 2017 to November 2018. A rift developed between him and Trump in 2017 when he recused himself from the investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, after which Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel.
Sessions is now in a tough primary fight to regain his old Senate seat, facing off against former college football coach Tommy Tuberville.
Trump has not only endorsed Tuberville, but he has repeatedly lashed out at Sessions.
"Jeff, you had your chance & you blew it. Recused yourself ON DAY ONE (you never told me of a problem), and ran for the hills. You had no courage, & ruined many lives. The dirty cops, & others, got caught by better & stronger people than you. Hopefully this slime will pay a big price," Trump tweeted last month. "You should drop out of the race & pray that super liberal @DougJones, a weak & pathetic puppet for Crazy Nancy Pelosi & Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, gets beaten badly. He voted for impeachment based on 'ZERO'. Disgraced Alabama. Coach @TTuberville will be a GREAT Senator!"
That missive came after Sessions, once again, defended his decision to recuse himself from overseeing the Russia investigation.
"Look, I know your anger, but recusal was required by law. I did my duty & you're damn fortunate I did. It protected the rule of law & resulted in your exoneration. Your personal feelings don't dictate who Alabama picks as their senator, the people of Alabama do," Sessions tweeted.
A primary runoff in Alabama has been pushed back to July 14 because of concerns about the coronavirus. The winner will face off against Democratic Sen. Doug Jones.
Sessions has explained that he recused himself from the investigation into the Trump campaign's ties to Russia because he himself was peripherally a part of the campaign. Following his recusal, and after FBI Director James Comey was fired in May 2017, Rosenstein appointed Mueller to oversee the Russia investigation as special counsel. Trump and his allies often called the investigation a "witch hunt."
Mueller's investigation, which ended in the spring of 2019, was unable to find a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia. It did, however, lead to convictions and guilty pleas from Trump associates over charges unrelated to Russia collusion.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--Democrats rip Trump for 'abandoned' North Carolina Republican convention

Democrats are accusing President Trump of deserting North Carolina after a late-night tweet implying he was pulling the Republican convention from the crucial swing state .
Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa slammed Trump 's posturing , suggesting the president was `` more concerned about holding a massive party for himself than leading our nation through crisis . ''
`` He has abandoned the people of North Carolina while refusing to acknowledge the severity of this pandemic , '' Hinojosa wrote Wednesday in a statement .
She added the country was simultaneously facing nationwide civil unrest sparked by the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , in Minneapolis police custody .
`` Unlike Republicans , Democrats will continue to listen to health experts , follow science , and prioritize the health and safety of the American people , '' Hinojosa said .
Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper warned Republicans Tuesday it would be `` unlikely '' that the COVID-19 conditions expected from Aug. 24 to Aug. 27 would allow them to hold a convention of 19,000 people with only some public health precautions in place .
The GOP has earlier proposed providing antibacterial gel and frequent sanitizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveys and daily screenings such as temperature checks .
But Cooper and his officials wanted more information on how Republicans planned to implement social distancing measures and encourage the wearing of face coverings , two mitigation tactics politicized by Trump during the outbreak .
`` @ NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena — Spend millions of dollars , have everybody arrive , and then tell them they will not be able to gain entry , '' Trump tweeted late Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention . ''
Earlier on Tuesday , Republicans signaled they were already considering their other options , including Nashville , Tennessee ; Las Vegas ; Florida 's Jacksonville , Orlando , and Tampa ; and nearby Georgia .

Democrats are accusing President Trump of deserting North Carolina after a late-night tweet implying he was pulling the Republican convention from the crucial swing state.
Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa slammed Trump's posturing, suggesting the president was "more concerned about holding a massive party for himself than leading our nation through crisis."
"He has abandoned the people of North Carolina while refusing to acknowledge the severity of this pandemic," Hinojosa wrote Wednesday in a statement.
She added the country was simultaneously facing nationwide civil unrest sparked by the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, in Minneapolis police custody.
"Unlike Republicans, Democrats will continue to listen to health experts, follow science, and prioritize the health and safety of the American people," Hinojosa said.
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper warned Republicans Tuesday it would be "unlikely" that the COVID-19 conditions expected from Aug. 24 to Aug. 27 would allow them to hold a convention of 19,000 people with only some public health precautions in place. The GOP has earlier proposed providing antibacterial gel and frequent sanitizing, as well as requiring pre-travel health surveys and daily screenings such as temperature checks. But Cooper and his officials wanted more information on how Republicans planned to implement social distancing measures and encourage the wearing of face coverings, two mitigation tactics politicized by Trump during the outbreak.
"@NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena — Spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and then tell them they will not be able to gain entry," Trump tweeted late Tuesday. "Because of @NC_Governor, we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention."
Earlier on Tuesday, Republicans signaled they were already considering their other options, including Nashville, Tennessee; Las Vegas; Florida's Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa; and nearby Georgia.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-03--'It would be a plus': Jim Clyburn weighs in on whether Biden should pick a black woman in veepstakes

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn gave Joe Biden political wiggle room to choose his own running mate , regardless of whether they are a black woman .
`` It 's not a must , but it would be a plus , '' Clyburn told the Washington Post Wednesday .
`` The only thing that ’ s a must in this process at this time is a win . ''
Aside from picking a woman , Biden , the presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee , has repeatedly been pressed to commit to also choosing a black woman , given both demographics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election .
The issue has gained traction as mass protests erupt around the country to draw attention to police brutality and other forms of racial injustice after the death of George Floyd , a 46-year-old black man , in Minneapolis .
Clyburn , a South Carolina kingmaker whose endorsement of Biden marked a turning point in his once struggling campaign , urged the former vice president to take his time selecting someone with whom he shared chemistry and who could help Democrats win back the White House in November .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody be considered .
Do the vetting , do the polling , and then , after all that 's done , then let your heart and your head take a look , '' he said .
`` Haste makes waste .
I 'm advising not to be hasty . ''
The longtime lawmaker also offered a frank assessment of Biden 's appearances during the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Joe Biden 's long suit is what we call retail politics , going out and interacting with people .
But then [ he ] got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Clyburn said .
`` I think he ’ s getting his legs now , because all of a sudden he is now comfortable looking in that camera and connecting with people , '' he added .
`` He ’ ll get much better at that as we go on . ''

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn gave Joe Biden political wiggle room to choose his own running mate, regardless of whether they are a black woman.
"It's not a must, but it would be a plus," Clyburn told the Washington Post Wednesday. "The only thing that’s a must in this process at this time is a win."
Aside from picking a woman, Biden, the presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee, has repeatedly been pressed to commit to also choosing a black woman, given both demographics importance to a winning coalition in the general election. The issue has gained traction as mass protests erupt around the country to draw attention to police brutality and other forms of racial injustice after the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, in Minneapolis.
Clyburn, a South Carolina kingmaker whose endorsement of Biden marked a turning point in his once struggling campaign, urged the former vice president to take his time selecting someone with whom he shared chemistry and who could help Democrats win back the White House in November.
"What I want us to do is let everybody be considered. Do the vetting, do the polling, and then, after all that's done, then let your heart and your head take a look," he said. "Haste makes waste. I'm advising not to be hasty."
The longtime lawmaker also offered a frank assessment of Biden's appearances during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Joe Biden's long suit is what we call retail politics, going out and interacting with people. But then [he] got accused of interacting a little too much," Clyburn said.
"I think he’s getting his legs now, because all of a sudden he is now comfortable looking in that camera and connecting with people," he added. "He’ll get much better at that as we go on."