thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--With Bernie Sanders as nominee, Democrats face tough task of running against capitalism

In an otherwise disastrous debate performance ahead of Saturday ’ s Nevada caucuses , former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg did make one solid point directed at Bernie Sanders : “ What a wonderful country we have .
The best-known socialist in the country happens to be a millionaire with three houses.
” By giving him a victory in Nevada to go along with his win in New Hampshire and arguable triumph in Iowa , Democrats have put Sanders in a commanding position to be their party ’ s nominee as the race heads to South Carolina and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has all of the attributes typical of a major party nominee : early state performance , money , organization , and national polling .
Though the fractured field and the Democrats ’ system for splitting up delegates may make it difficult for him to amass an outright majority ahead of the July convention , Sanders is now in the strongest position to win the most delegates and states .
Given how rabid his supporters are and how they still feel jilted from losing the nomination in 2016 ( when Hillary Clinton had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no way the Democrats can risk taking Sanders down on the convention floor should he arrive in Milwaukee with the most support .
So after Nevada , Democrats are now one step closer to having an avowed socialist at the top of their ticket .
At a time when unemployment is at a 50-year low , they ’ ll be running against a capitalist system that is responsible for spreading more freedom , ending more hunger , and lifting more people out of poverty than any other system in world history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s socialist revolution , most American voters don ’ t know it yet .
Contrary to his claim that vast swaths of workers aren ’ t “ making a nickel more than they did 45 years ago , ” people in the United States currently have record-high confidence in their personal finances , with nearly twice the same number of Gallup poll participants that they ’ re better off financially now than they were a year ago than they did in 1977 .
But it ’ s not just perceptions that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality of life across the board .
When accounting for personal consumption expenditures while adjusting for inflation , economists have that the median worker has seen a 38 % increase in real wages since 1970 , with women nearly doubling their earnings .
And Sanders and his ilk ought not to mourn the shrinking of the middle class , as it ’ s only more than double the percentage of people earn more than $ 100,000 than they did in 1977 , and 8 % fewer earn less than $ 35,000 , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even greater gains on a global scale .
Although two-thirds of people in the U.S. global poverty is on the rise , extreme global poverty has plummeted , not just as a percentage of the world ’ s population , but in absolute terms .
Two centuries ago , 94 % of the planet on the equivalent of less than $ 2 per day .
Today , fewer than 10 % do .
Less than half a century ago , two-thirds of the world ’ s population with fewer than $ 5.50 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
And from 1990 to 2015 , the absolute number of people living on under $ 1.90 per day by more than 1 billion .
Significant recent gains almost entirely from free trade liberating capital in East Asia , where the poverty rate fell from 58.8 % to 1.7 % in about half a century .
But even as the absolute number of people living in extreme poverty has stagnated in sub-Saharan Africa , that 's only due to population growth : The percentage of the population living in extreme poverty has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 41 % in 2015 .
“ I wrote a best-selling book , ” Sanders the New York Times when asked about how he made so much money after his 2016 campaign .
“ If you write a best-selling book , you can be a millionaire , too.
” So great are the blessings of capitalism that it enabled Sanders to join the ranks of the top 1 % by having established himself as the country ’ s most famous socialist .
Yet now , he wants to become president so he can tear @ @ @ @

In an otherwise disastrous debate performance ahead of Saturday’s Nevada caucuses, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg did make one solid point directed at Bernie Sanders: “What a wonderful country we have. The best-known socialist in the country happens to be a millionaire with three houses.”
By giving him a victory in Nevada to go along with his win in New Hampshire and arguable triumph in Iowa, Democrats have put Sanders in a commanding position to be their party’s nominee as the race heads to South Carolina and then beyond. Sanders is the only candidate who has all of the attributes typical of a major party nominee: early state performance, money, organization, and national polling.
Though the fractured field and the Democrats’ system for splitting up delegates may make it difficult for him to amass an outright majority ahead of the July convention, Sanders is now in the strongest position to win the most delegates and states. Given how rabid his supporters are and how they still feel jilted from losing the nomination in 2016 (when Hillary Clinton had won a delegate majority), there is no way the Democrats can risk taking Sanders down on the convention floor should he arrive in Milwaukee with the most support.
So after Nevada, Democrats are now one step closer to having an avowed socialist at the top of their ticket. At a time when unemployment is at a 50-year low, they’ll be running against a capitalist system that is responsible for spreading more freedom, ending more hunger, and lifting more people out of poverty than any other system in world history.
If the time is ripe for Sanders’s socialist revolution, most American voters don’t know it yet. Contrary to his claim that vast swaths of workers aren’t “making a nickel more than they did 45 years ago,” people in the United States currently have record-high confidence in their personal finances, with nearly twice the same number of Gallup poll participants reporting that they’re better off financially now than they were a year ago than they did in 1977.
But it’s not just perceptions that have improved. Capitalism has elevated the American quality of life across the board. When accounting for personal consumption expenditures while adjusting for inflation, economists have found that the median worker has seen a 38% increase in real wages since 1970, with women nearly doubling their earnings. And Sanders and his ilk ought not to mourn the shrinking of the middle class, as it’s only because more than double the percentage of people earn more than $100,000 than they did in 1977, and 8% fewer earn less than $35,000, both adjusted for inflation.
Capitalism has incurred even greater gains on a global scale.
Although two-thirds of people in the U.S. believe global poverty is on the rise, extreme global poverty has plummeted, not just as a percentage of the world’s population, but in absolute terms. Two centuries ago, 94% of the planet lived on the equivalent of less than $2 per day. Today, fewer than 10% do. Less than half a century ago, two-thirds of the world’s population survived with fewer than $5.50 per day. Today, less than half do. And from 1990 to 2015, the absolute number of people living on under $1.90 per day fell by more than 1 billion.
Significant recent gains came almost entirely from free trade liberating capital in East Asia, where the poverty rate fell from 58.8% to 1.7% in about half a century. But even as the absolute number of people living in extreme poverty has stagnated in sub-Saharan Africa, that's only due to population growth: The percentage of the population living in extreme poverty has declined from 55% in 1990 to 41% in 2015.
“I wrote a best-selling book,” Sanders told the New York Times when asked about how he made so much money after his 2016 campaign. “If you write a best-selling book, you can be a millionaire, too.”
So great are the blessings of capitalism that it enabled Sanders to join the ranks of the top 1% by having established himself as the country’s most famous socialist. Yet now, he wants to become president so he can tear that system down.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Warren mocks Bloomberg's height

Warren mocks Bloomberg's height

The Massachusetts Democrat , who painted Bloomberg to be a replica President Trump during his first debate appearance , took a page from the 45th president 's playbook while addressing supporters in Seattle on Saturday as Sen. Bernie Sanders won the Nevada caucuses .
`` I want to talk specifically for just a minute at the top about a threat that is coming our way .
And it 's a big threat -- not a tall one , but a big one : Michael Bloomberg , '' the senator said before accusing the billionaire of trying to buy the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chastised Bloomberg during his first debate appearance in Las Vegas for his wealth and alleged misogynistic and sexist remarks about women .
Trump too has mocked candidates in the Democratic presidential primary contest for their heights , including Bloomberg , whom he dubbed `` Mini Mike . ''
`` Mini Mike is a 5 ’ 4 ” mass of dead energy who does not want to be on the debate stage with these professional politicians .
No boxes please .
He hates Crazy Bernie and will , with enough money , possibly stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go nuts ! ''
Trump tweeted earlier this month .
Although a Google search pulls up 5 ' 8 '' for Bloomberg 's height -- below the national average for men , which is 5'10 '' -- reports suggest there are discrepancies .
The same goes for Trump , whose most recent medical exam report issued by the White House listed him as 6 ' 3 '' .
Warren is reportedly 5 ' 8 '' .
Bloomberg 's his campaign confirmed ahead of the Las Vegas debate that the former New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a box after Trump claimed he wanted to stand on one .

Sen. Elizabeth Warren made a height joke about about 2020 rival Michael Bloomberg.
The Massachusetts Democrat, who painted Bloomberg to be a replica President Trump during his first debate appearance, took a page from the 45th president's playbook while addressing supporters in Seattle on Saturday as Sen. Bernie Sanders won the Nevada caucuses.
"I want to talk specifically for just a minute at the top about a threat that is coming our way. And it's a big threat -- not a tall one, but a big one: Michael Bloomberg," the senator said before accusing the billionaire of trying to buy the election.
The quip came days after Warren chastised Bloomberg during his first debate appearance in Las Vegas for his wealth and alleged misogynistic and sexist remarks about women.
Trump too has mocked candidates in the Democratic presidential primary contest for their heights, including Bloomberg, whom he dubbed "Mini Mike."
"Mini Mike is a 5’4” mass of dead energy who does not want to be on the debate stage with these professional politicians. No boxes please. He hates Crazy Bernie and will, with enough money, possibly stop him. Bernie’s people will go nuts!" Trump tweeted earlier this month.
Although a Google search pulls up 5'8" for Bloomberg's height -- below the national average for men, which is 5'10" -- reports suggest there are discrepancies. The same goes for Trump, whose most recent medical exam report issued by the White House listed him as 6'3". Warren is reportedly 5'8".
Bloomberg's his campaign confirmed ahead of the Las Vegas debate that the former New York City mayor would "*NOT*" be on a box after Trump claimed he wanted to stand on one.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--'Haven't seen that analysis': National security adviser contradicts reports on Russia helping Trump

'Haven't seen that analysis': National security adviser contradicts reports on Russia helping Trump reelection

National security adviser Robert O'Brien disputed reports on intelligence officials warning House lawmakers of Russia 's attempts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election to the benefit of President Trump .
Details from a secretive briefing given to the House Intelligence Committee leaked this week alleging that legislators were told that `` Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump reelected . ''
O'Brien , however , said that he has n't seen any intelligence reports corroborating the claim during a Saturday interview with ABC News 's George Stephanopoulos .
`` I have n't seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attempt to get President Trump reelected , '' O'Brien said , calling the rumor a `` nonstory . ''
`` I think this is the same old story that we 've heard before , '' he said .
`` Our message to the Russians is : Stay out of the U.S. elections .
We 've been very tough on Russia , and we 've been great on election security . ''
When pressed on whether it is his `` responsibility '' to get to the bottom of the reports , the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basing your assumptions , George , on leaks that came out of a House Intelligence Committee hearing .
I have n't seen the intel , and I have n't seen that analysis . ''
He added , `` I want to get whatever analysis they 've got , and I want to make sure that the analysis is solid .
From what I 've heard , again , this is only what I 've seen in the press , it does n't make any sense .
...
But look , if there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something different , I 'd be happy to take a look at it .
I just have n't seen it . ''
O'Brien 's interview came on the heels of reports that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told House lawmakers that Russia is meddling in the election in an effort to assist Trump .
The president , along with another national security official , has denied the reports .
`` Another misinformation campaign is being launched by Democrats in Congress saying that Russia prefers me to any of the Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to , after two weeks , count their votes in Iowa , '' Trump said Friday .
`` Hoax number 7 ! ''
Additional reports broke this week that Sen. Bernie Sanders was told by American officials that the Kremlin is trying to help his campaign for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination .
`` Let ’ s be clear , the Russians want to undermine American democracy by dividing us up , and unlike the current president , I stand firmly against their efforts , and any other foreign power that wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vermont senator responded .
“ I do n't care , frankly , who Putin wants to be president .
My message to Putin is clear : Stay out of American elections , and as president , I will make sure that you do .
”

National security adviser Robert O'Brien disputed reports on intelligence officials warning House lawmakers of Russia's attempts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election to the benefit of President Trump.
Details from a secret briefing given to the House Intelligence Committee leaked this week alleging that legislators were told that "Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump reelected." O'Brien, however, said that he hasn't seen any intelligence reports corroborating the claim during a Saturday interview with ABC News's George Stephanopoulos.
"I haven't seen any intelligence that Russia is doing anything to attempt to get President Trump reelected," O'Brien said, calling the rumor a "nonstory."
"I think this is the same old story that we've heard before," he said. "Our message to the Russians is: Stay out of the U.S. elections. We've been very tough on Russia, and we've been great on election security."
When pressed on whether it is his "responsibility" to get to the bottom of the reports, the Trump administration official said, "You're basing your assumptions, George, on leaks that came out of a House Intelligence Committee hearing. I haven't seen the intel, and I haven't seen that analysis."
He added, "I want to get whatever analysis they've got, and I want to make sure that the analysis is solid. From what I've heard, again, this is only what I've seen in the press, it doesn't make any sense. ... But look, if there's someone from the intel community that has something different, I'd be happy to take a look at it. I just haven't seen it."
O'Brien's interview came on the heels of reports that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told House lawmakers that Russia is meddling in the election in an effort to assist Trump. The president, along with another national security official, has denied the reports.
"Another misinformation campaign is being launched by Democrats in Congress saying that Russia prefers me to any of the Do Nothing Democrat candidates who still have been unable to, after two weeks, count their votes in Iowa," Trump said Friday. "Hoax number 7!"
Additional reports broke this week that Sen. Bernie Sanders was told by American officials that the Kremlin is trying to help his campaign for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
"Let’s be clear, the Russians want to undermine American democracy by dividing us up, and unlike the current president, I stand firmly against their efforts, and any other foreign power that wants to interfere in our election,” the Vermont senator responded. “I don't care, frankly, who Putin wants to be president. My message to Putin is clear: Stay out of American elections, and as president, I will make sure that you do.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Bloomberg in worse position to challenge Sanders after Nevada caucuses

Nevada caucus results keep Michael Bloomberg in a tougher spot in his quest to become the preferred centrist alternative to Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential election , with rival candidates unwilling to bow out of the race .
Bernie Sanders decisively won the caucuses with 44.6 % of the vote and 4 % of precincts reporting , while former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe Biden were battling for second place .
The former New York mayor decided to skip the first four nominating contests in Iowa , New Hampshire , Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use his $ 63.7 billion fortune to create a massive national campaign that targets nominating delegate-rich states voting on March 3 and beyond .
But results in early states reshaping the field are already affecting Bloomberg 's campaign strategy .
An internal campaign memo released this week warned that Sanders is poised to amass an `` insurmountable '' delegate lead on Super Tuesday that would be `` impossible to stop '' unless other more centrist candidates , such as Biden , Buttigieg , and Klobuchar , drop out of the race .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ most pressure to drop out , since she was unable to maintain the momentum from her third-place New Hampshire finish into Nevada , posting in single digits .
But she indicated on Sunday that she plans to stay in the race through Super Tuesday .
Buttigieg reshaped his campaign message on Saturday with sharper attacks against Sanders , and Biden is hoping to win upcoming nominating contests where he enjoys high support from black voters .
Bloomberg increased his attacks on Sanders over the last week and renewed them following Nevada 's results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality that this fragmented field is putting Bernie Sanders on pace to amass an insurmountable delegate lead , ” Bloomberg campaign manager Kevin Sheekey said in a statement .
“ This is a candidate who just declared war on the so-called ‘ Democratic establishment.
’ We are going to need independents AND Republicans to defeat Trump — attacking your own party is no way to get started .
As Mike says , if we choose a candidate who appeals to a small base — like Sen. Sanders — it will be a fatal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country happens to be a millionaire with three houses , '' Bloomberg said of Sanders in Wednesday 's Democratic presidential debate .
Following news reports that Russia is attempting to assist Sanders in his quest to win the Democratic presidential nomination , Bloomberg 's campaign tweeted `` feel the burn '' in Russian .

Nevada caucus results keep Michael Bloomberg in a tougher spot in his quest to become the preferred centrist alternative to Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential election, with rival candidates unwilling to bow out of the race.
Bernie Sanders decisively won the caucuses with 44.6% of the vote and 4% of precincts reporting, while former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe Biden were battling for second place.
The former New York mayor decided to skip the first four nominating contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina, opting instead to use his $63.7 billion fortune to create a massive national campaign that targets nominating delegate-rich states voting on March 3 and beyond.
But results in early states reshaping the field are already affecting Bloomberg's campaign strategy. An internal campaign memo released this week warned that Sanders is poised to amass an "insurmountable" delegate lead on Super Tuesday that would be "impossible to stop" unless other more centrist candidates, such as Biden, Buttigieg, and Klobuchar, drop out of the race.
After Nevada, Klobuchar could face the most pressure to drop out, since she was unable to maintain the momentum from her third-place New Hampshire finish into Nevada, posting in single digits. But she indicated on Sunday that she plans to stay in the race through Super Tuesday. Buttigieg reshaped his campaign message on Saturday with sharper attacks against Sanders, and Biden is hoping to win upcoming nominating contests where he enjoys high support from black voters.
Bloomberg increased his attacks on Sanders over the last week and renewed them following Nevada's results.
“The Nevada results reinforce the reality that this fragmented field is putting Bernie Sanders on pace to amass an insurmountable delegate lead,” Bloomberg campaign manager Kevin Sheekey said in a statement. “This is a candidate who just declared war on the so-called ‘Democratic establishment.’ We are going to need independents AND Republicans to defeat Trump — attacking your own party is no way to get started. As Mike says, if we choose a candidate who appeals to a small base — like Sen. Sanders — it will be a fatal error.”
"The best-known socialist in the country happens to be a millionaire with three houses," Bloomberg said of Sanders in Wednesday's Democratic presidential debate.
Following news reports that Russia is attempting to assist Sanders in his quest to win the Democratic presidential nomination, Bloomberg's campaign tweeted "feel the burn" in Russian.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Nevada debate win does little to help Elizabeth Warren in caucus voting

Elizabeth Warren 's Nevada debate performance may have breathed new life into her 2020 Democratic presidential campaign , but her bid still hangs in the balance .
Warren , 70 , earned 12 % of Nevada 's county convention delegates in Saturday afternoon 's caucuses , with 4 % of precincts reporting .
While the final vote tally and national delegate count are still being finalized , that showing ranks her in fourth place — well behind Nevada winner and 2020 front-runner Bernie Sanders , 78 , with 45 % .
“ I ’ ve got a word for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me in the fight , ” she told supporters in Seattle on Saturday evening .
`` We have a lot of states to go , and right now , I can feel the momentum . ''
Congratulating Sanders , Warren dug into Michael Bloomberg , describing him not as a `` tall '' threat , but a `` big one . ''
`` He 's not safe .
He 's just rich , '' she said of his claims he 's the Democratic Party 's best chance at defeating President Trump in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was polling in fourth position ahead of the race 's third contest , drew the starkest contrasts between herself and Bloomberg , the former New York City mayor who she described as an `` arrogant billionaire , '' during the Nevada debate .
Although political observers eagerly anticipate another matchup between Warren and Bloomberg during Tuesday 's debate ahead of the South Carolina primary next Saturday , Nevada 's results suggest she would have benefited from distinguishing herself more from Joe Biden , 77 , and Pete Buttigieg , 38 , since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevada was always going to be a challenge for the former Harvard Law School professor and consumer advocate given her struggles to appeal to large swaths of minority Democrats , most evident in public opinion surveys put in the field in South Carolina .
`` I am not a woman of color .
I never got thrown across a hood .
I have the privilege of never having been slammed into the wall by a police officer , '' she said in North Las Vegas , promising that would n't `` happen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House .
With eight delegates in her ledger to Sanders 's 41 before Nevada , Warren 's performance was foreshadowed by disappointing outings in Iowa and New Hampshire , where she finished third and fourth respectively .
Her ground game , once touted for the depth and breadth of its organization , not only failed to turn out supporters in the first two early voting states , it was also hurt by high-profile departures of diverse Nevada staff who complained about feeling like minority token hires .
But Warren seems set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency until at least March 3 , when 14 states weigh in , scheduling stops next week in Super Tuesday states , including Texas .
She has additionally earmarked $ 200,000 for advertising in the Lone Star State , Oklahoma , and Washington , with spots already being broadcast in Colorado and Maine .
That aligns with her team which , prior to New Hampshire , laid out its path toward the nomination that continued until this summer 's Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee .
Yet the team could n't name a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then .
Federal Elections Commission disclosure documents this week also shed light on the Warren campaign 's financial situation , revealing they had opened a $ 3 million line of credit in January .
The credit was unused after the senator raised about $ 21 million so far in February , approximately $ 9 million of that since the debate .
The FEC filings coincided with the once staunchly anti-super PAC crusader refusing to denounce the Persist PAC for buying $ 800,000 of air time for pro-Warren ads in Nevada ahead of the @ @

Elizabeth Warren's Nevada debate performance may have breathed new life into her 2020 Democratic presidential campaign, but her bid still hangs in the balance.
Warren, 70, earned 12% of Nevada's county convention delegates in Saturday afternoon's caucuses, with 4% of precincts reporting. While the final vote tally and national delegate count are still being finalized, that showing ranks her in fourth place — well behind Nevada winner and 2020 front-runner Bernie Sanders, 78, with 45%.
“I’ve got a word for you, Nevada: Thank you for keeping me in the fight,” she told supporters in Seattle on Saturday evening. "We have a lot of states to go, and right now, I can feel the momentum."
Congratulating Sanders, Warren dug into Michael Bloomberg, describing him not as a "tall" threat, but a "big one."
"He's not safe. He's just rich," she said of his claims he's the Democratic Party's best chance at defeating President Trump in the general election.
The Massachusetts senator, who was polling in fourth position ahead of the race's third contest, drew the starkest contrasts between herself and Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor who she described as an "arrogant billionaire," during the Nevada debate.
Although political observers eagerly anticipate another matchup between Warren and Bloomberg during Tuesday's debate ahead of the South Carolina primary next Saturday, Nevada's results suggest she would have benefited from distinguishing herself more from Joe Biden, 77, and Pete Buttigieg, 38, since she rarely criticizes ideological ally Sanders.
Nevada was always going to be a challenge for the former Harvard Law School professor and consumer advocate given her struggles to appeal to large swaths of minority Democrats, most evident in public opinion surveys put in the field in South Carolina.
"I am not a woman of color. I never got thrown across a hood. I have the privilege of never having been slammed into the wall by a police officer," she said in North Las Vegas, promising that wouldn't "happen to human beings" if she were in the White House.
With eight delegates in her ledger to Sanders's 41 before Nevada, Warren's performance was foreshadowed by disappointing outings in Iowa and New Hampshire, where she finished third and fourth respectively. Her ground game, once touted for the depth and breadth of its organization, not only failed to turn out supporters in the first two early voting states, it was also hurt by high-profile departures of diverse Nevada staff who complained about feeling like minority token hires.
But Warren seems set on staying in Democratic contention for the presidency until at least March 3, when 14 states weigh in, scheduling stops next week in Super Tuesday states, including Texas. She has additionally earmarked $200,000 for advertising in the Lone Star State, Oklahoma, and Washington, with spots already being broadcast in Colorado and Maine.
That aligns with her team which, prior to New Hampshire, laid out its path toward the nomination that continued until this summer's Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee. Yet the team couldn't name a state that she could win between now and then.
Federal Elections Commission disclosure documents this week also shed light on the Warren campaign's financial situation, revealing they had opened a $3 million line of credit in January. The credit was unused after the senator raised about $21 million so far in February, approximately $9 million of that since the debate.
The FEC filings coincided with the once staunchly anti-super PAC crusader refusing to denounce the Persist PAC for buying $800,000 of air time for pro-Warren ads in Nevada ahead of the caucuses.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--'We’re going to take this back': Biden spins Nevada finish ahead of must-win South Carolina

Joe Biden seems to have stemmed the bloodletting of his 2020 Democratic presidential campaign in Nevada temporarily , but it 's unclear what will happen in South Carolina next week and beyond .
Biden , 77 , received 19 % of Nevada 's county convention delegates in Saturday 's afternoon caucuses , with 4 % of precincts reporting .
Though the final vote tally and national delegate count are yet to be finalized , that performance puts him in second place — well behind Nevada winner and 2020 front-runner Bernie Sanders , 78 , with 45 % .
`` Y @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said in Las Vegas on Saturday evening , with one supporter yelling that he was “ the comeback kid , '' a nickname for former President Bill Clinton .
`` Now we ’ re going onto South Carolina and win , and then we ’ re going to take this back ! ''
The two-term vice president took multiple swings at Sanders , the Vermont senator , during his thank-you address .
“ I ain ’ t a socialist , I ain ’ t a plutocrat — I ’ m a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Biden said .
`` And I promise you , I wasn ’ t talking about running in the Democratic primary against him in 2012 , '' he added , referring to former President Barack Obama .
Biden needed a strong showing in Nevada , the third contest of the Democratic primary and the first in the West gauging voter sentiment among the state 's influential Latino community .
The caucuses became even more important to him after his third White House bid took a beating in predominately white Iowa and New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicted a first- or second-place finish .
His team had hoped his Nevada outing would help boost his electability argument , given how crucial minority Democrats are to the party 's general election chances .
It was also pegged as an opportunity to build momentum and encourage donors to reach into their pockets as he and his staff prepare for South Carolina next Saturday and when 14 Super Tuesday states weigh in on the Democratic race three days later on March 3 .
“ This campaign is just getting started , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Las Vegas on Friday , echoing comments he made earlier this week .
After slipping in national polls , Biden 's status may worry establishment Democrats queasy about the prospect of Sanders , a socialist , continuing to rack up delegates as more center-left candidates compete to dominate a still-crowded centrist lane .
Both the former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg , 78 , and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , 38 , have warned of the dangers presented by center-left supporters not coalescing behind one contender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drop out , Joe !
Drop out , Joe ! ''
chanted hecklers at a Biden New York City fundraiser on Valentine 's Day .
Unlike some rivals who juggled stumping in South Carolina and Super Tuesday states , Biden went all-in on Nevada , where , unlike New Hampshire , he stayed for the results .
Though he failed to snag an endorsement from Nevada 's Culinary Union , he seemed buoyed by the support evidenced by larger crowds at his events , as well as public backing from the Las Vegas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They 're not bad guys , they 're just not Democrats , '' he said in Las Vegas of Bloomberg and Sanders , one example of his more assertive posture on the trail and in an uptick of national media appearances .
Now , Biden sets his sights on South Carolina , a must-win contest for him to stay viable as a White House hopeful .
`` He needs to win South Carolina to demonstrate that his philosophy about the campaign is correct , '' House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn , a kingmaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Joe Biden seems to have stemmed the bloodletting of his 2020 Democratic presidential campaign in Nevada temporarily, but it's unclear what will happen in South Carolina next week and beyond.
Biden, 77, received 19% of Nevada's county convention delegates in Saturday's afternoon caucuses, with 4% of precincts reporting. Though the final vote tally and national delegate count are yet to be finalized, that performance puts him in second place — well behind Nevada winner and 2020 front-runner Bernie Sanders, 78, with 45%.
"Y’all did it for me,” he said in Las Vegas on Saturday evening, with one supporter yelling that he was “the comeback kid," a nickname for former President Bill Clinton. "Now we’re going onto South Carolina and win, and then we’re going to take this back!"
The two-term vice president took multiple swings at Sanders, the Vermont senator, during his thank-you address.
“I ain’t a socialist, I ain’t a plutocrat — I’m a Democrat — and proud of it,” Biden said. "And I promise you, I wasn’t talking about running in the Democratic primary against him in 2012," he added, referring to former President Barack Obama.
Biden needed a strong showing in Nevada, the third contest of the Democratic primary and the first in the West gauging voter sentiment among the state's influential Latino community. The caucuses became even more important to him after his third White House bid took a beating in predominately white Iowa and New Hampshire.
The 36-year Delaware senator last week predicted a first- or second-place finish. His team had hoped his Nevada outing would help boost his electability argument, given how crucial minority Democrats are to the party's general election chances. It was also pegged as an opportunity to build momentum and encourage donors to reach into their pockets as he and his staff prepare for South Carolina next Saturday and when 14 Super Tuesday states weigh in on the Democratic race three days later on March 3.
“This campaign is just getting started,” he told precinct captains at a training session in Las Vegas on Friday, echoing comments he made earlier this week.
After slipping in national polls, Biden's status may worry establishment Democrats queasy about the prospect of Sanders, a socialist, continuing to rack up delegates as more center-left candidates compete to dominate a still-crowded centrist lane. Both the former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, 78, and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, 38, have warned of the dangers presented by center-left supporters not coalescing behind one contender.
"Drop out, Joe! Drop out, Joe! Drop out, Joe!" chanted hecklers at a Biden New York City fundraiser on Valentine's Day.
Unlike some rivals who juggled stumping in South Carolina and Super Tuesday states, Biden went all-in on Nevada, where, unlike New Hampshire, he stayed for the results.
Though he failed to snag an endorsement from Nevada's Culinary Union, he seemed buoyed by the support evidenced by larger crowds at his events, as well as public backing from the Las Vegas Sun and pop icon Cher.
"They're not bad guys, they're just not Democrats," he said in Las Vegas of Bloomberg and Sanders, one example of his more assertive posture on the trail and in an uptick of national media appearances.
Now, Biden sets his sights on South Carolina, a must-win contest for him to stay viable as a White House hopeful.
"He needs to win South Carolina to demonstrate that his philosophy about the campaign is correct," House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a kingmaker in the state, told MSNBC.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Buttigieg aims to take down Sanders 'inflexible, ideological revolution' after Nevada caucuses

Amassing a delegate lead after the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary was n't enough to propel Pete Buttigieg to victory in Nevada .
Now , he 's setting his sights on taking down front-runner and socialist Bernie Sanders .
With Sanders the Nevada caucuses winner , the former South Bend , Indiana , mayor is battling against former Vice President Joe Biden for a distant second place in Saturday 's Silver State presidential nominating caucuses .
`` Sen. Sanders believes in an inflexible , ideological revolution that leaves out most Democrats , not to mention most Americans , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were still trickling in .
`` Ours is the only campaign that has beat Sen. Sanders anywhere in the cycle , '' he added , a reference to winning more nominating delegates than Sanders in the Iowa caucuses .
Buttigieg is running ads in South Carolina , the next state to hold a primary on Feb. 29 , taking aim at Sanders 's Medicare for All single-payer healthcare plan that would eliminate private insurance .
Earlier on Sunday , Buttigieg 's campaign compared Sanders with President Trump for his `` toxic politics '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioning the timing of a Friday Washington Post report that Russia aims to aid Sanders 's presidential campaign .
`` We can prioritize either ideological purity or inclusive victory .
We can either call people names online , or we can call them into our movement .
We can either tighten a narrow and hardcore base or open the tent to a new and broad and big-hearted American coalition , '' Buttigieg said .
While Iowa and New Hampshire proved that Buttigieg is a serious presidential contender , Nevada is the first test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demographically diverse electorate .
According to the Census Bureau , just under half of the state 's population is white , while 10 % is black , 9 % is of Asian descent , and 29 % is Hispanic or Latino .
Buttigieg has long struggled to gain support among minority communities in polls and battled criticism of his handling of minority issues as mayor of South Bend .
The Nevada result is a warning sign as he pushes forward to the South Carolina primary , where a majority of Democratic primary voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could decisively stunt his momentum before Super Tuesday contests .
There were some signs that Buttigieg could come out ahead of Biden for second place in Nevada : He ticked up in Nevada polls after placing second in the Feb. 11 New Hampshire primary and tied with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 14 % in the RealClearPolitics average of national polls on Friday .
Buttigieg targeted rural areas in Nevada , where individual votes disproportionately weigh more toward nominating delegates than in the populous cities of Las Vegas and Reno .
Before heading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stop in affluent Arlington , Virginia , just outside Washington , D.C. , on Sunday — an area where he enjoys lots of support from presidential campaign donors .

Amassing a delegate lead after the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary wasn't enough to propel Pete Buttigieg to victory in Nevada. Now, he's setting his sights on taking down front-runner and socialist Bernie Sanders.
With Sanders the Nevada caucuses winner, the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor is battling against former Vice President Joe Biden for a distant second place in Saturday's Silver State presidential nominating caucuses.
"Sen. Sanders believes in an inflexible, ideological revolution that leaves out most Democrats, not to mention most Americans," Buttigieg said Saturday night as caucus results were still trickling in. "Ours is the only campaign that has beat Sen. Sanders anywhere in the cycle," he added, a reference to winning more nominating delegates than Sanders in the Iowa caucuses.
Buttigieg is running ads in South Carolina, the next state to hold a primary on Feb. 29, taking aim at Sanders's Medicare for All single-payer healthcare plan that would eliminate private insurance.
Earlier on Sunday, Buttigieg's campaign compared Sanders with President Trump for his "toxic politics" and "fueling conspiracy theories" by questioning the timing of a Friday Washington Post report that Russia aims to aid Sanders's presidential campaign.
"We can prioritize either ideological purity or inclusive victory. We can either call people names online, or we can call them into our movement. We can either tighten a narrow and hardcore base or open the tent to a new and broad and big-hearted American coalition," Buttigieg said.
While Iowa and New Hampshire proved that Buttigieg is a serious presidential contender, Nevada is the first test of whether he can appeal to a demographically diverse electorate. According to the Census Bureau, just under half of the state's population is white, while 10% is black, 9% is of Asian descent, and 29% is Hispanic or Latino.
Buttigieg has long struggled to gain support among minority communities in polls and battled criticism of his handling of minority issues as mayor of South Bend. The Nevada result is a warning sign as he pushes forward to the South Carolina primary, where a majority of Democratic primary voters are black. A disappointing finish there could decisively stunt his momentum before Super Tuesday contests.
There were some signs that Buttigieg could come out ahead of Biden for second place in Nevada: He ticked up in Nevada polls after placing second in the Feb. 11 New Hampshire primary and tied with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 14% in the RealClearPolitics average of national polls on Friday. Buttigieg targeted rural areas in Nevada, where individual votes disproportionately weigh more toward nominating delegates than in the populous cities of Las Vegas and Reno.
Before heading to South Carolina, Buttigieg is making a stop in affluent Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., on Sunday — an area where he enjoys lots of support from presidential campaign donors.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--'Turnout machine': How Bernie Sanders won the Nevada caucuses

LAS VEGAS — When it became clear that Bernie Sanders was the winner of the Nevada caucuses , he was already wrapping up a rally in Texas .
In the week leading up to the Silver State contest , the Vermont senator 's big win seemed like a foregone conclusion .
Candidates held few events and instead focused their energy on the South Carolina primary next Saturday and a slew of Super Tuesday contests occurring three days later .
But Nevada should n't have been an easy win for Sanders , who had long alienated union members with his `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would eliminate all private insurance .
Months ago , Sanders was facing protests at campaign events with the Culinary Workers Union , whose members seemed to like the private insurance plan they currently have .
On Saturday , however , his front-runner status seemed to bring many of those voters into his camp .
In caucuses held at a number of casinos , such as the Bellagio and Mandalay Bay , Sanders was the clear winner .
His impressive finish on the Vegas Strip indicates that members of the union , which repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with leadership and backed the socialist — even if his presidency meant them losing their hard-fought health benefits .
For months , the Sanders campaign thought the Nevada caucuses would be an uphill battle .
In 2016 , Sanders lost the state to Hillary Clinton after organized labor consolidated support behind the establishment favorite .
This time around , Sanders was prepared for the worst .
Operating under the expectation that organized labor would try to block a win , the Sanders campaign organized what staffers who spoke to the Washington Examiner `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of primaries . ''
“ We have built a turnout machine that will propel us to victory here in Nevada , ” Sanders 2020 Nevada State Director Sarah Michelsen said in an emailed statement .
“ Our goal from day one has been to expand the electorate , and we are so proud to see so many first time caucus goers participate during early voting .
It will take a diverse coalition of Nevadans taking part in the political process to win in Nevada and to ultimately defeat the most dangerous president in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knocked on more than 500,000 doors in 17 Nevada counties , 200,000 more than its February goal .
With his double-digit win , Sanders has further solidified his status as the party 's front-runner .
His impressive finish with black and Hispanic voters demonstrates that his appeal among minorities has expanded considerably from his 2016 run .

LAS VEGAS — When it became clear that Bernie Sanders was the winner of the Nevada caucuses, he was already wrapping up a rally in Texas.
In the week leading up to the Silver State contest, the Vermont senator's big win seemed like a foregone conclusion. Candidates held few events and instead focused their energy on the South Carolina primary next Saturday and a slew of Super Tuesday contests occurring three days later.
But Nevada shouldn't have been an easy win for Sanders, who had long alienated union members with his "Medicare for all" proposal, which would eliminate all private insurance. Months ago, Sanders was facing protests at campaign events with the Culinary Workers Union, whose members seemed to like the private insurance plan they currently have.
On Saturday, however, his front-runner status seemed to bring many of those voters into his camp.
In caucuses held at a number of casinos, such as the Bellagio and Mandalay Bay, Sanders was the clear winner. His impressive finish on the Vegas Strip indicates that members of the union, which repeatedly attacked him a week ago, broke with leadership and backed the socialist — even if his presidency meant them losing their hard-fought health benefits.
For months, the Sanders campaign thought the Nevada caucuses would be an uphill battle. In 2016, Sanders lost the state to Hillary Clinton after organized labor consolidated support behind the establishment favorite.
This time around, Sanders was prepared for the worst.
Operating under the expectation that organized labor would try to block a win, the Sanders campaign organized what staffers who spoke to the Washington Examiner "the largest field operation in the history of primaries."
“We have built a turnout machine that will propel us to victory here in Nevada,” Sanders 2020 Nevada State Director Sarah Michelsen said in an emailed statement. “Our goal from day one has been to expand the electorate, and we are so proud to see so many first time caucus goers participate during early voting. It will take a diverse coalition of Nevadans taking part in the political process to win in Nevada and to ultimately defeat the most dangerous president in modern American history.”
The campaign had knocked on more than 500,000 doors in 17 Nevada counties, 200,000 more than its February goal.
With his double-digit win, Sanders has further solidified his status as the party's front-runner. His impressive finish with black and Hispanic voters demonstrates that his appeal among minorities has expanded considerably from his 2016 run.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--After Nevada win, Bernie Sanders can only be stopped at great cost to Democrats

After racking up a big win in Nevada , Sen. Bernie Sanders is in a commanding position in the 2020 Democratic presidential race .
Though he may not yet be inevitable , we ’ ve reached the point where it will be hard for establishment Democrats to stop him without inflicting a great cost on their eventual nominee .
Sanders arguably won Iowa , and he now has added a big win in Nevada to his victory in New Hampshire .
So , there ’ s a case to be made that he ’ s already won the first three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse than second in South Carolina .
He will then head into Super Tuesday on March 3 as the best performer in the early contests , and that will be coupled with money , organization , and likely standing as the national front-runner .
On that day alone , there will be 16 contests with 1,357 delegates up for grabs — or more than a third of all available .
Here ’ s the thing about the way Democratic contests work .
Because they allocate delegates proportionally , to candidates clearing 15 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s harder for a front-runner to amass a majority of delegates quickly in a crowded field than in the Republican system , in which there are a lot of states where the winner takes all or most delegates .
However , the flip side of that is it also means that if one candidate builds up a substantial lead , it becomes harder for any other candidate to catch up .
Without going into all the theoretical math , while there ’ s doubt about whether Sanders goes into the Democratic National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nominee on the first ballot , it ’ s becoming increasingly hard to see how anybody goes into the convention with more delegates than he does .
This was already becoming clear in Wednesday ’ s Democratic debate , when Sanders was the only candidate who said that the one who has the most delegates should be the nominee if no candidate wins a majority .
All other candidates said the process should play out on the convention floor .
Here ’ s the problem that any other Democrat faces at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of embittered Sanders voters refused to vote for Hillary Clinton in the general election , which came down to tight races in a few key states .
That was during an election in which Clinton went into the convention with a clear majority of delegates .
If a subset of Sanders fans thought he was robbed four years ago , how will they react if he gets to the convention in July with the most delegates and loses the nomination as a result of deal-making among other campaigns and party insiders ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point would seem to be either have all other candidates drop out and unite around one of the more center-left Democrats , such as Joe Biden — which is very difficult to see happening in the next week and a half , especially with billionaire Michael Bloomberg ’ s entire strategy based around hundreds of millions in ad buys in Super Tuesday states .
Or , alternatively , have Bloomberg unload a blizzard of negative ads targeting Sanders — a outlined by former Jeb Bush communications director Tim Miller .
But if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ad spending , it would anger Sanders 's supporters just as much if not more than him losing due to convention shenanigans .
Nominating a socialist as their standard-bearer no doubt carries significant political risk for Democrats up- and down-ballot in November .
But even if there ’ s somebody else who is in theory a safer bet , in practice , we ’ ve reached the point at which Democrats may be taking an even greater risk by handing somebody else the nomination and alienating Sanders supporters .

After racking up a big win in Nevada, Sen. Bernie Sanders is in a commanding position in the 2020 Democratic presidential race. Though he may not yet be inevitable, we’ve reached the point where it will be hard for establishment Democrats to stop him without inflicting a great cost on their eventual nominee.
Sanders arguably won Iowa, and he now has added a big win in Nevada to his victory in New Hampshire. So, there’s a case to be made that he’s already won the first three contests, and he should do no worse than second in South Carolina.
He will then head into Super Tuesday on March 3 as the best performer in the early contests, and that will be coupled with money, organization, and likely standing as the national front-runner. On that day alone, there will be 16 contests with 1,357 delegates up for grabs — or more than a third of all available.
Here’s the thing about the way Democratic contests work. Because they allocate delegates proportionally, to candidates clearing 15% in states and congressional districts, it’s harder for a front-runner to amass a majority of delegates quickly in a crowded field than in the Republican system, in which there are a lot of states where the winner takes all or most delegates.
However, the flip side of that is it also means that if one candidate builds up a substantial lead, it becomes harder for any other candidate to catch up.
Without going into all the theoretical math, while there’s doubt about whether Sanders goes into the Democratic National Convention with the majority needed to become the nominee on the first ballot, it’s becoming increasingly hard to see how anybody goes into the convention with more delegates than he does. This was already becoming clear in Wednesday’s Democratic debate, when Sanders was the only candidate who said that the one who has the most delegates should be the nominee if no candidate wins a majority. All other candidates said the process should play out on the convention floor.
Here’s the problem that any other Democrat faces at this point. In 2016, a number of embittered Sanders voters refused to vote for Hillary Clinton in the general election, which came down to tight races in a few key states. That was during an election in which Clinton went into the convention with a clear majority of delegates. If a subset of Sanders fans thought he was robbed four years ago, how will they react if he gets to the convention in July with the most delegates and loses the nomination as a result of deal-making among other campaigns and party insiders?
The only way to avoid that outcome at this point would seem to be either have all other candidates drop out and unite around one of the more center-left Democrats, such as Joe Biden — which is very difficult to see happening in the next week and a half, especially with billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s entire strategy based around hundreds of millions in ad buys in Super Tuesday states. Or, alternatively, have Bloomberg unload a blizzard of negative ads targeting Sanders — a strategy outlined by former Jeb Bush communications director Tim Miller. But if a billionaire managed to nuke Sanders successfully with ad spending, it would anger Sanders's supporters just as much if not more than him losing due to convention shenanigans.
Nominating a socialist as their standard-bearer no doubt carries significant political risk for Democrats up- and down-ballot in November. But even if there’s somebody else who is in theory a safer bet, in practice, we’ve reached the point at which Democrats may be taking an even greater risk by handing somebody else the nomination and alienating Sanders supporters.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Barr hearing will address whether John Durham has 'adequate resources'

Republicans hope to learn more about U.S. Attorney John Durham 's review of the Russia investigation when Attorney General William Barr testifies next month .
Rep. Doug Collins , the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee , offered some insight on Sunday into what questions he and his GOP colleagues might ask about the secretive investigation .
`` I want to hear more about the Durham investigation , '' the Georgia Republican said on Fox News 's Sunday Morning Futures with host Maria Bartiromo .
`` Is there still adequate resources , everything needed there ? ''
Barr was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who seek answers about the Justice Department 's conduct , including the scaled-back sentencing recommendation for longtime Trump associate Roger Stone and matters related to Russia and Ukraine .
Republicans have their own priorities .
According to Collins , the GOP side will focus on why the Justice Department dropped its criminal investigation into former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reform following a scathing DOJ watchdog report .
The hearing is scheduled for March 31 .
Durham , the top prosecutor in Connecticut , was assigned to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who said last spring `` some of the facts '' surrounding the inquiry `` do n't hang together with the official explanations of what happened . ''
Democrats have criticized the review as a politically motivated scheme to undermine the work of former special counsel Robert Mueller and attack President Trump 's perceived enemies .
In October , Fox News reported that Durham expanded the investigation , broadening his team to include additional agents and resources as the period of time they were examining expanded into 2017 .
Weeks later , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry in his investigation , which gave the federal prosecutor the power to impanel a grand jury and hand down indictments .
Former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith , who altered a key document in FISA filings related to onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page , is the only person publicly known to be under criminal investigation by Durham .
Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe , a Republican member of the House 's judiciary and intelligence panels , told Bartiromo on Sunday he believes Durham is `` specifically '' looking into alleged FISA abuses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least two of the four FISA orders targeting Page were not valid .
Another guest on Sunday Morning Futures , Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham , talked about his `` deep dive '' inquiry into the origins of the Russia investigation and FISA issues , saying he is eager to question former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein , who appointed Mueller in May 2017 shortly after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey .
In December , Barr said Durham 's inquiry into the Russia investigation could wrap up by the @ @ @ @ @ @

Republicans hope to learn more about U.S. Attorney John Durham's review of the Russia investigation when Attorney General William Barr testifies next month.
Rep. Doug Collins, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, offered some insight on Sunday into what questions he and his GOP colleagues might ask about the secretive investigation.
"I want to hear more about the Durham investigation," the Georgia Republican said on Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures with host Maria Bartiromo. "Is there still adequate resources, everything needed there?"
Barr was called to testify by House Democrats, who seek answers about the Justice Department's conduct, including the scaled-back sentencing recommendation for longtime Trump associate Roger Stone and matters related to Russia and Ukraine.
Republicans have their own priorities. According to Collins, the GOP side will focus on why the Justice Department dropped its criminal investigation into former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reform following a scathing DOJ watchdog report.
The hearing is scheduled for March 31.
Durham, the top prosecutor in Connecticut, was assigned to the review of the Russia investigation by Barr, who said last spring "some of the facts" surrounding the inquiry "don't hang together with the official explanations of what happened." Democrats have criticized the review as a politically motivated scheme to undermine the work of former special counsel Robert Mueller and attack President Trump's perceived enemies.
In October, Fox News reported that Durham expanded the investigation, broadening his team to include additional agents and resources as the period of time they were examining expanded into 2017. Weeks later, it was revealed that Durham opened a criminal inquiry in his investigation, which gave the federal prosecutor the power to impanel a grand jury and hand down indictments. Former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith, who altered a key document in FISA filings related to onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, is the only person publicly known to be under criminal investigation by Durham.
Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe, a Republican member of the House's judiciary and intelligence panels, told Bartiromo on Sunday he believes Durham is "specifically" looking into alleged FISA abuses, noting the Justice Department already determined that at least two of the four FISA orders targeting Page were not valid.
Another guest on Sunday Morning Futures, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, talked about his "deep dive" inquiry into the origins of the Russia investigation and FISA issues, saying he is eager to question former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May 2017 shortly after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey.
In December, Barr said Durham's inquiry into the Russia investigation could wrap up by the spring or summer of 2020.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Warren shreds Bloomberg's 'history with women' after calling nondisclosure agreement releases 'not g

Warren shreds Bloomberg's 'history with women' after calling nondisclosure agreement releases 'not good enough'

Elizabeth Warren is continuing her attacks on fellow 2020 Democrat Michael Bloomberg for his company 's treatment of women .
After a poor performance at the Nevada Democratic caucus Saturday night , Warren renewed her fight with Bloomberg over his nondisclosure agreements with female employees .
`` He has a history now of harassing women and of gender discrimination , '' Warren said in her speech .
`` So let 's think about that , billionaire who hides his taxes , has a bad history with women , and defends racist policies .
Let me just put it this way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billionaire for another in 2020 . ''
The Massachusetts senator 's latest remarks came after she responded Friday to reports that Bloomberg is willing to release any woman who requests to be free from their nondisclosure agreements .
`` That ’ s just not good enough .
Michael Bloomberg needs to do a blanket release so that all women who have been muzzled by nondisclosure agreements can step up and tell their side of the story , '' Warren said on the campaign trail , criticizing Bloomberg for `` selectively '' deciding what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Yesterday , I put out a blanket nondisclosure agreement that the mayor can use .
All he has to do is download it , sign it , and then anyone can step up and tell the truth , '' she added .
Reporters then pressed Warren on her response , saying that Bloomberg only identified three women involving comments he supposedly made and expressed willingness to release all of them from their agreements .
`` If there are only three , then why did n't he sign a blanket release ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ limiting the number , then you ca n't know whether there are three , or thirty , or three hundred .
And that should not be within the control of Michael Bloomberg . ''
In a statement released on Friday , Bloomberg said , `` I recognize that NDAs , particularly when they are used in the context of sexual harassment and sexual assault , promote a culture of silence in the workplace and contribute to a culture of women not feeling safe or supported .
It is imperative that when problems occur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents , but the culture and practices that led to those incidents .
And then leaders must act . ''
Additionally , the former New York City Mayor said he is committing to `` review and reform our policies where necessary with regard to equal pay and promotion , sexual harassment and discrimination , and other legal tools that prevent culture change . ''
Warren ridiculed Bloomberg in the Nevada Democratic debate on Wednesday for the agreements .
`` He has gotten some number of women ... to sign nondisclosure agreements both for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workplace .
So Mr. Mayor , are you willing to release all of those women from those nondisclosure agreements so we can hear their side of the story , '' Warren said at the time .
Bloomberg acknowledged the presence of the NDAs but dismissed the accusation of sexual misconduct against him at the time .
When Warren further pressed him on how many of the agreements exist , he was unable to answer .
`` The company and somebody else , in this case a man or a woman ... they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they wanted to keep it quiet for everybody 's interest .
They signed the agreements , and that 's what we 're going to live with , '' said Bloomberg before later reversing his statement .
Since their altercation , Warren has seen increased support for her campaign , jumping to second place in the latest CBS national poll .
In the poll , Sanders holds first with 28 % , and Warren clocks in after him with 19 % .
The survey was conducted from Feb. 20-22 and polled 10,000 likely Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ error for the entire sample is 1.2 percentage points .

Elizabeth Warren is continuing her attacks on fellow 2020 Democrat Michael Bloomberg for his company's treatment of women.
After a poor performance at the Nevada Democratic caucus Saturday night, Warren renewed her fight with Bloomberg over his nondisclosure agreements with female employees.
"He has a history now of harassing women and of gender discrimination," Warren said in her speech. "So let's think about that, billionaire who hides his taxes, has a bad history with women, and defends racist policies. Let me just put it this way: we're not substituting one arrogant billionaire for another in 2020."
The Massachusetts senator's latest remarks came after she responded Friday to reports that Bloomberg is willing to release any woman who requests to be free from their nondisclosure agreements.
"That’s just not good enough. Michael Bloomberg needs to do a blanket release so that all women who have been muzzled by nondisclosure agreements can step up and tell their side of the story," Warren said on the campaign trail, criticizing Bloomberg for "selectively" deciding what information is released to the public.
"Yesterday, I put out a blanket nondisclosure agreement that the mayor can use. All he has to do is download it, sign it, and then anyone can step up and tell the truth," she added.
Reporters then pressed Warren on her response, saying that Bloomberg only identified three women involving comments he supposedly made and expressed willingness to release all of them from their agreements.
"If there are only three, then why didn't he sign a blanket release?" she said. "If he's limiting the number, then you can't know whether there are three, or thirty, or three hundred. And that should not be within the control of Michael Bloomberg."
And Warren reacts for the first time to news that Bloomberg would release three people from NDAs:
“That’s just not good enough. Michael Bloomberg needs to do a blanket release, so that all women who have been muzzled by NDAs can step up and tell their side of the story.“ pic.twitter.com/IR6Ta8ikuL — MJ Lee (@mj_lee) February 21, 2020
In a statement released on Friday, Bloomberg said, "I recognize that NDAs, particularly when they are used in the context of sexual harassment and sexual assault, promote a culture of silence in the workplace and contribute to a culture of women not feeling safe or supported. It is imperative that when problems occur, workplaces not only address the specific incidents, but the culture and practices that led to those incidents. And then leaders must act."
Additionally, the former New York City Mayor said he is committing to "review and reform our policies where necessary with regard to equal pay and promotion, sexual harassment and discrimination, and other legal tools that prevent culture change."
Warren ridiculed Bloomberg in the Nevada Democratic debate on Wednesday for the agreements.
"He has gotten some number of women ... to sign nondisclosure agreements both for sexual harassment and for gender discrimination in the workplace. So Mr. Mayor, are you willing to release all of those women from those nondisclosure agreements so we can hear their side of the story," Warren said at the time.
Bloomberg acknowledged the presence of the NDAs but dismissed the accusation of sexual misconduct against him at the time. When Warren further pressed him on how many of the agreements exist, he was unable to answer.
"The company and somebody else, in this case a man or a woman ... they decided when they made an agreement that they wanted to keep it quiet for everybody's interest. They signed the agreements, and that's what we're going to live with," said Bloomberg before later reversing his statement.
Since their altercation, Warren has seen increased support for her campaign, jumping to second place in the latest CBS national poll. In the poll, Sanders holds first with 28%, and Warren clocks in after him with 19%. The survey was conducted from Feb. 20-22 and polled 10,000 likely Democratic and independent voters. The margin of error for the entire sample is 1.2 percentage points.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Democratic panic over Sanders reaches fever pitch as socialist candidate cements front-runner status

Tensions between Democratic Party loyalists and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are reaching a boiling point as the democratic socialist cemented his front-runner status for the party 's 2020 presidential nomination .
Ahead of his decisive victory in the Nevada caucuses , Sanders tweeted out a message that has been a central theme in his campaign : `` I 've got news for the Republican establishment .
I 've got news for the Democratic establishment .
They ca n't stop us . ''
Such a message , though pivotal to his campaign and adorned by his supporters , sparked anger among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With strong Sanders showings in the early voting state contests so far , multiple candidates in the Democratic field have begun ripping the Vermont senator for his ideology of socialism , which they claim is not representative of the public .
“ I ain ’ t a socialist , I ain ’ t a plutocrat ; I ’ m a Democrat and proud of it .
And I promise you , I wasn ’ t talking about running in the Democratic primary against him in 2012 , '' Former Vice President Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevada caucus , referring to the time Sanders nearly launched a primary campaign against the former President Barack Obama .
On the debate stage of the ninth Democratic presidential debate , Michael Bloomberg argued that should Sanders obtain the party 's nomination for president , President Trump would be propelled to reelection .
`` I ca n't think of a way that would make it easier for Donald Trump to get reelected than listening to this conversation .
This is ridiculous , '' said the former New York City mayor .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We tried that .
Other countries tried that .
It was called communism , and it just did n't work . ''
Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg similarly slammed Sanders after the Vermont senator 's Nevada caucus win on Saturday night , trashing his campaign as `` an inflexible , ideological revolution that leaves out most Democrats , not to mention most Americans '' in a speech to supporters .
Buttigieg echoed that argument in a recent interview with MSNBC host Chris Matthews , saying , `` Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most Democrats do n't identify with a socialist who thinks that capitalism is the root of all evil .
Capitalism has all kinds of failures , which is why we need a strong Democrat ready to ensure that we hold corporations accountable , support labor unions , raise wages . ''
Matthews himself has been an outspoken anti-Sanders Democrat and has been warning liberals that the Democratic socialist 's ideology makes him unelectable for months .
In early February , he said Sanders 's campaign is reminiscent of Fidel Castro 's communist regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vermont senator has failed to persuade him that his ideas reflect a European-style social safety net , while also claiming that the Democratic Party has yet to figure out its core ideology .
`` You know , I have my own views of the word 'socialist , ' '' he said .
`` They go back to the early 1950s .
I have an attitude about them .
I remember the Cold War .
I have an attitude towards Castro .
I believe if Castro and the Reds had won the Cold War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Park , and I might ’ ve been one of the ones getting executed , and certain other people would be there cheering , OK ?
So , I have a problem with people who took the other side . ''
Matthews also compared Sanders 's victory in Nevada to the Nazi regime 's takeover of France during World War II .
`` I was reading last night , Brian — I know that you 're a history guy — I 'm reading last night about the fall of France in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And the general , Reynaud , calls up Churchill and says , 'It 's over . '
And Churchill says , 'How can it be ?
You 've got the greatest army in Europe .
How can it be over ? '
He said , 'It 's over , '' he said .
Additionally , James Carville , a former adviser to President Bill Clinton , attacked Sanders as a `` communist '' after he called Carville a `` political hack . ''
`` Last night on CNN , Bernie called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s exactly who the f -- - I am !
I am a political hack ! ''
Carville said in mid-February .
`` I am not an ideologue .
I am not a purist .
[ Sanders ] thinks it ’ s a pejorative .
I kinda like it !
At least I ’ m not a communist . ''
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has not yet embraced her 2016 rival 's campaign and thinks Sanders will repeat his `` divisive '' strategy in 2020 .
“ All the way up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people highly identified with his campaign were urging people to vote third-party , urging people not to vote , ” Clinton , 72 , said in a January podcast interview .
“ It had an impact ... That can not happen again , ” she said , alluding to the 2020 election .
Clinton has also slammed Sanders 's ideology , saying it prohibits him from engaging in compromise or making friendships in Congress .
`` He was in Congress for years .
He had one senator support him .
Nobody likes him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He got nothing done .
He was a career politician .
It 's all just baloney , and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it , ” she said for an upcoming Hulu documentary debuting in March , which will likely open up old wounds from 2016 .
But as the 2020 election rages on , the Democratic Party will be confronted with whether or not it will rally behind its nominee for president .
While many centrist Democrats are still resistant to accepting the prospect of a Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' label may not fair well with general election voters , others are coming around to the idea .

Tensions between Democratic Party loyalists and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are reaching a boiling point as the democratic socialist cemented his front-runner status for the party's 2020 presidential nomination.
Ahead of his decisive victory in the Nevada caucuses, Sanders tweeted out a message that has been a central theme in his campaign: "I've got news for the Republican establishment. I've got news for the Democratic establishment. They can't stop us."
Such a message, though pivotal to his campaign and adorned by his supporters, sparked anger among traditional Democrats across media and politics. With strong Sanders showings in the early voting state contests so far, multiple candidates in the Democratic field have begun ripping the Vermont senator for his ideology of socialism, which they claim is not representative of the public.
“I ain’t a socialist, I ain’t a plutocrat; I’m a Democrat and proud of it. And I promise you, I wasn’t talking about running in the Democratic primary against him in 2012," Former Vice President Joe Biden said after taking distant second in the Nevada caucus, referring to the time Sanders nearly launched a primary campaign against the former President Barack Obama.
On the debate stage of the ninth Democratic presidential debate, Michael Bloomberg argued that should Sanders obtain the party's nomination for president, President Trump would be propelled to reelection.
"I can't think of a way that would make it easier for Donald Trump to get reelected than listening to this conversation. This is ridiculous," said the former New York City mayor. "We're not going to throw out capitalism. We tried that. Other countries tried that. It was called communism, and it just didn't work."
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg similarly slammed Sanders after the Vermont senator's Nevada caucus win on Saturday night, trashing his campaign as "an inflexible, ideological revolution that leaves out most Democrats, not to mention most Americans" in a speech to supporters.
Buttigieg echoed that argument in a recent interview with MSNBC host Chris Matthews, saying, "Most Americans and, for that matter, most Democrats don't identify with a socialist who thinks that capitalism is the root of all evil. Capitalism has all kinds of failures, which is why we need a strong Democrat ready to ensure that we hold corporations accountable, support labor unions, raise wages."
Matthews himself has been an outspoken anti-Sanders Democrat and has been warning liberals that the Democratic socialist's ideology makes him unelectable for months.
In early February, he said Sanders's campaign is reminiscent of Fidel Castro's communist regime in Cuba. Matthews added that the Vermont senator has failed to persuade him that his ideas reflect a European-style social safety net, while also claiming that the Democratic Party has yet to figure out its core ideology.
"You know, I have my own views of the word 'socialist,'" he said. "They go back to the early 1950s. I have an attitude about them. I remember the Cold War. I have an attitude towards Castro. I believe if Castro and the Reds had won the Cold War, there would have been executions in Central Park, and I might’ve been one of the ones getting executed, and certain other people would be there cheering, OK? So, I have a problem with people who took the other side."
Matthews also compared Sanders's victory in Nevada to the Nazi regime's takeover of France during World War II.
"I was reading last night, Brian — I know that you're a history guy — I'm reading last night about the fall of France in the summer of 1940," Matthews said. "And the general, Reynaud, calls up Churchill and says, 'It's over.' And Churchill says, 'How can it be? You've got the greatest army in Europe. How can it be over?' He said, 'It's over," he said.
Additionally, James Carville, a former adviser to President Bill Clinton, attacked Sanders as a "communist" after he called Carville a "political hack."
"Last night on CNN, Bernie called me a political hack. That’s exactly who the f--- I am! I am a political hack!" Carville said in mid-February. "I am not an ideologue. I am not a purist. [Sanders] thinks it’s a pejorative. I kinda like it! At least I’m not a communist."
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has not yet embraced her 2016 rival's campaign and thinks Sanders will repeat his "divisive" strategy in 2020.
“All the way up until the end, a lot of people highly identified with his campaign were urging people to vote third-party, urging people not to vote,” Clinton, 72, said in a January podcast interview. “It had an impact ... That cannot happen again,” she said, alluding to the 2020 election.
Clinton has also slammed Sanders's ideology, saying it prohibits him from engaging in compromise or making friendships in Congress.
"He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him. Nobody likes him. Nobody wants to work with him. He got nothing done. He was a career politician. It's all just baloney, and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it,” she said for an upcoming Hulu documentary debuting in March, which will likely open up old wounds from 2016.
But as the 2020 election rages on, the Democratic Party will be confronted with whether or not it will rally behind its nominee for president. While many centrist Democrats are still resistant to accepting the prospect of a Sanders nomination, warning that his "socialist" label may not fair well with general election voters, others are coming around to the idea.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--'I do for sure': Tom Steyer says he needs top-three finish in South Carolina primary

Billionaire and Democratic presidential contender Tom Steyer said he needs a strong finish in South Carolina 's primary next weekend .
During a Fox News Sunday interview , Steyer was asked if he needs to place in the top three in order to maintain his candidacy for president .
“ I think I do for sure , '' Steyer said .
“ But Chris , I think I have done best with black people .
I have done best with Latinos .
I think that when we get to the diverse Democratic electorate , when we get to the diversity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I do a lot better , ” Steyer told Chris Wallace , the host and an anchor at Fox News .
“ So South Carolina happens to be a place that has a pretty high concentration of African Americans and those happen to be people that I talk to a lot and have a lot of — have a long history of working with and , therefore , that ’ s a population where I do really well in , ” he added .
Steyer said he is the only candidate willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black Americans .
`` I believe there is a substantial racial subtext in virtually every policy area in the United States , ” he added later in the interview .
Steyer has endorsed reparations for slavery and a `` justice-based climate policy . ''
During an interview with CNN political analyst April Ryan , Steyer said his policies are geared toward helping the black and Latino communities , which he claims `` ca n't breath '' or `` ask for a drink of water '' without getting sick .
The billionaire qualified for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is ranked in third place in polls ahead of the South Carolina primary , according to the RealClearPolitics average .

Billionaire and Democratic presidential contender Tom Steyer said he needs a strong finish in South Carolina's primary next weekend.
During a Fox News Sunday interview, Steyer was asked if he needs to place in the top three in order to maintain his candidacy for president. “I think I do for sure," Steyer said.
“But Chris, I think I have done best with black people. I have done best with Latinos. I think that when we get to the diverse Democratic electorate, when we get to the diversity that is America and the Democratic Party, I do a lot better,” Steyer told Chris Wallace, the host and an anchor at Fox News. “So South Carolina happens to be a place that has a pretty high concentration of African Americans and those happen to be people that I talk to a lot and have a lot of — have a long history of working with and, therefore, that’s a population where I do really well in,” he added.
Steyer said he is the only candidate willing to discuss public policy that directly affects black Americans. "I believe there is a substantial racial subtext in virtually every policy area in the United States,” he added later in the interview.
Steyer has endorsed reparations for slavery and a "justice-based climate policy." During an interview with CNN political analyst April Ryan, Steyer said his policies are geared toward helping the black and Latino communities, which he claims "can't breath" or "ask for a drink of water" without getting sick.
The billionaire qualified for the 10th Democratic Primary Debate on Tuesday and is ranked in third place in polls ahead of the South Carolina primary, according to the RealClearPolitics average.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Biden's South Carolina lead shrinks to single digits as Sanders and Steyer close in: Poll

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is closing in on former Vice President Joe Biden 's lead in the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary .
A new poll released by CBS on Sunday shows Biden 's lead narrowing to single digits in South Carolina , falling to 28 % while Sanders clocks in at 23 % , followed by billionaire Tom Steyer at 18 % .
The survey echoes the RealClearPolitics average , which shows growing momentum for the Sanders campaign and declining support for Biden in the state .
In November 2019 , CBS found that the former vice president had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data shows the gap has since plummeted to just 5 % .
Steyer had just 2 % support in the state in November .
Meanwhile , 30 % of Biden 's November supporters have jumped ship , with half of them now supporting Steyer .
The survey was conducted among 2,000 likely Democratic and independent voters from Feb. 20-22 .
The results reflect the state 's preferences prior to Sanders 's decisive Saturday night victory in Nevada , but most voters said the outcome of the caucuses would not affect their decision in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen disappointing results thus far in the Iowa , New Hampshire , and Nevada Democratic contests .
Alan Patricof , a Biden donor and venture capitalist , warned earlier this month that the 36-year Delaware senator and two-term vice president needed to perform well in Nevada and South Carolina in order to maintain fundraisers ' confidence .
`` Everybody 's sticking with Joe until they see what happens there , '' he said , referring to the Feb. 29 South Carolina primary .
The CBS survey has a margin of error of approximately @ @ @

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is closing in on former Vice President Joe Biden's lead in the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary.
A new poll released by CBS on Sunday shows Biden's lead narrowing to single digits in South Carolina, falling to 28% while Sanders clocks in at 23%, followed by billionaire Tom Steyer at 18%. The survey echoes the RealClearPolitics average, which shows growing momentum for the Sanders campaign and declining support for Biden in the state.
In November 2019, CBS found that the former vice president had a 28-point lead, but the latest data shows the gap has since plummeted to just 5%. Steyer had just 2% support in the state in November. Meanwhile, 30% of Biden's November supporters have jumped ship, with half of them now supporting Steyer.
The survey was conducted among 2,000 likely Democratic and independent voters from Feb. 20-22. The results reflect the state's preferences prior to Sanders's decisive Saturday night victory in Nevada, but most voters said the outcome of the caucuses would not affect their decision in the South Carolina primary.
Biden has seen disappointing results thus far in the Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada Democratic contests. Alan Patricof, a Biden donor and venture capitalist, warned earlier this month that the 36-year Delaware senator and two-term vice president needed to perform well in Nevada and South Carolina in order to maintain fundraisers' confidence.
"Everybody's sticking with Joe until they see what happens there," he said, referring to the Feb. 29 South Carolina primary.
The CBS survey has a margin of error of approximately 5.5 points.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Trump congratulates Bernie Sanders on 'great win' in Nevada

President Trump congratulated Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders after he overwhelmingly won the Nevada caucuses .
`` It was a great @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump told reporters outside the White House on Sunday .
`` We 'll see @ @ @ @ @ .
They have a lot of winning to do .
I hope they treat him @ @ @ @ @ a self-described democratic socialist whose supporters have complained that the party 's establishment does not @ @ @ @ @ nominee , is now seen as the front-runner in the 2020 Democratic contest .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ , banking on his supporters and undecided independents rejecting the Vermont senator 's liberal policies @ @ @ @ @ fall .
`` Frankly , I do n't care who I run against ; I @ @ @ @ @ fairly , '' Trump said .
`` I hope it 's not going to be @ @ @ @ @ 'll see what happens . ''

President Trump congratulated Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders after he overwhelmingly won the Nevada caucuses.
"It was a great win for Bernie Sanders," Trump told reporters outside the White House on Sunday. "We'll see how it all turns out. They have a lot of winning to do. I hope they treat him fairly."
NEW: Pres. Trump congratulates Sen. Bernie Sanders on winning the Nevada caucuses: "We'll see how it all turns out, they have a lot of winning to do. I hope they treat him fairly." https://t.co/cmIoeCKQBh pic.twitter.com/dbSPtLXCsi — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) February 23, 2020
Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist whose supporters have complained that the party's establishment does not want him to be the nominee, is now seen as the front-runner in the 2020 Democratic contest.
Trump has cheered Sanders's rise, banking on his supporters and undecided independents rejecting the Vermont senator's liberal policies in the general election this fall.
"Frankly, I don't care who I run against; I just hope they treat him fairly," Trump said. "I hope it's not going to be a rigged deal. We'll see what happens."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-23--Chris Matthews facing calls to resign for comparing Sanders Nevada victory to Nazi invasion of Franc

Chris Matthews facing calls to resign for comparing Sanders Nevada victory to Nazi invasion of France

MSNBC host Chris Matthews is facing backlash online for equating Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders 's win in the 2020 Nevada Democratic caucuses to the Nazi regime 's takeover of France .
During a conversation with MSNBC anchor Brian Williams Saturday night , the Hardball host likened the democratic socialist 's decisive victory in Nevada to the Nazi 's victory over France in World War II .
`` I was reading last night , Brian — I know that you 're a history guy — I 'm reading last night about the fall of France in the summer of 1940 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general , Reynaud , calls up Churchill and says , 'It 's over . '
And Churchill says , 'How can it be ?
You 've got the greatest army in Europe .
How can it be over ? '
He said , 'It 's over . '
'' Williams , who has ardently opposed the Sanders campaign on air , is now facing calls to resign on Twitter for his analogy .
`` Never thought part of my job would be pleading with a national news network to stop likening the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wiped out by the nazis to the third reich .
but here we are , '' said Mike Casca , communications director for the Sanders campaign .
Alex Kotch , a reporter for the Center for Media and Democracy , demanded that MSNBC fire Matthews , repeatedly using the hashtag # FireChrisMatthews .
`` For once , I 'm not being sarcastic here .
I 'm dead serious .
I 'm really , really insulted by a major pundit on an allegedly liberal news network comparing a Jewish candidate 's overwhelming caucus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Nazis .
Get this lunatic off the air , '' said Kotch .
Arun Chaudhary , a filmmaker and former videographer for the Obama White House , also said Matthews 's analogy warranted his removal from MSNBC .
`` Chris Mathews has been generous to me on a number of occasions , even blurbing my book , '' he wrote in a tweet .
`` However , his constant references to political violence and today Nazism to describe Bernie Sanders campaign is beyond the pale .
@ HardballChris must resign or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On multiple occasions , Matthews has slammed the idea of the Democratic Party nominating Sanders for president in 2020 , claiming President Trump would win reelection by a landslide .
Last week , he cited how far-left supporters of Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern were `` dancing in glee '' when he was nominated in 1972 but noted that President Richard Nixon accomplished an overwhelming 49-state victory in the general election .
`` That can happen again .
So clearly , that 's what I see .
It could happen again , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February , he said Sanders 's campaign is reminiscent of Fidel Castro 's communist regime in Cuba .
Matthews added that the Vermont senator has failed to persuade him that his ideas reflect a European-style social safety net , while also claiming that the Democratic Party has yet to figure out its core ideology .
`` You know , I have my own views of the word 'socialist , ' '' he said .
`` They go back to the early 1950s .
I have an attitude about them .
I remember the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards Castro .
I believe if Castro and the Reds had won the Cold War , there would have been executions in Central Park , and I might ’ ve been one of the ones getting executed , and certain other people would be there cheering , OK ?
So , I have a problem with people who took the other side . ''

MSNBC host Chris Matthews is facing backlash online for equating Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders's win in the 2020 Nevada Democratic caucuses to the Nazi regime's takeover of France.
During a conversation with MSNBC anchor Brian Williams Saturday night, the Hardball host likened the democratic socialist's decisive victory in Nevada to the Nazi's victory over France in World War II.
"I was reading last night, Brian — I know that you're a history guy — I'm reading last night about the fall of France in the summer of 1940," Matthews said. "And the general, Reynaud, calls up Churchill and says, 'It's over.' And Churchill says, 'How can it be? You've got the greatest army in Europe. How can it be over?' He said, 'It's over.'"
Williams, who has ardently opposed the Sanders campaign on air, is now facing calls to resign on Twitter for his analogy.
"Never thought part of my job would be pleading with a national news network to stop likening the campaign of a jewish presidential candidate whose family was wiped out by the nazis to the third reich. but here we are," said Mike Casca, communications director for the Sanders campaign.
never thought part of my job would be pleading with a national news network to stop likening the campaign of a jewish presidential candidate whose family was wiped out by the nazis to the third reich.
but here we are. https://t.co/2G1bqZ6bkI — mike casca (@cascamike) February 22, 2020
Alex Kotch, a reporter for the Center for Media and Democracy, demanded that MSNBC fire Matthews, repeatedly using the hashtag #FireChrisMatthews.
"For once, I'm not being sarcastic here. I'm dead serious. I'm really, really insulted by a major pundit on an allegedly liberal news network comparing a Jewish candidate's overwhelming caucus victory to the French losing a battle with the Nazis. Get this lunatic off the air," said Kotch.
For once, I'm not being sarcastic here. I'm dead serious.
I'm really, really insulted by a major pundit on an allegedly liberal news network comparing a Jewish candidate's overwhelming caucus victory to the French losing a battle with the Nazis.
Get this lunatic off the air. https://t.co/HZXWl3ceS7 — Alex Kotch (@alexkotch) February 22, 2020
Arun Chaudhary, a filmmaker and former videographer for the Obama White House, also said Matthews's analogy warranted his removal from MSNBC.
"Chris Mathews has been generous to me on a number of occasions, even blurbing my book," he wrote in a tweet. "However, his constant references to political violence and today Nazism to describe Bernie Sanders campaign is beyond the pale. @HardballChris must resign or be fired from @MSNBC."
Chris Mathews has been generous to me on a number of occasions, even blurbing my book. However, his constant references to political violence and today Nazism to describe Bernie Sanders campaign is beyond the pale. @HardballChris must resign or be fired from @MSNBC. — Arun Chaudhary (@ArunChaud) February 22, 2020
On multiple occasions, Matthews has slammed the idea of the Democratic Party nominating Sanders for president in 2020, claiming President Trump would win reelection by a landslide. Last week, he cited how far-left supporters of Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern were "dancing in glee" when he was nominated in 1972 but noted that President Richard Nixon accomplished an overwhelming 49-state victory in the general election.
"That can happen again. So clearly, that's what I see. It could happen again," Matthews said last week.
In early February, he said Sanders's campaign is reminiscent of Fidel Castro's communist regime in Cuba. Matthews added that the Vermont senator has failed to persuade him that his ideas reflect a European-style social safety net, while also claiming that the Democratic Party has yet to figure out its core ideology.
"You know, I have my own views of the word 'socialist,'" he said. "They go back to the early 1950s. I have an attitude about them. I remember the Cold War. I have an attitude towards Castro. I believe if Castro and the Reds had won the Cold War, there would have been executions in Central Park, and I might’ve been one of the ones getting executed, and certain other people would be there cheering, OK? So, I have a problem with people who took the other side."