thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--As Trump praises Putin, Putin thumbs nose

With news that it was with a Russian-made rocket that Iran shot down a Ukrainian civilian airliner , the question arises again : Has President Trump ’ s repeated obsequiousness towards Vladimir Putin achieved even a single reciprocal action helpful to the United States or to international stability ?
I certainly can ’ t think of one .
Yet , wasn ’ t Trump ’ s supposedly great talent that he would “ make better deals ” by jettisoning old approaches ?
Wasn ’ t his amazing , five-dimensional chess grandmastership supposed to put “ America first , ” even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad guys to charm them into being less hostile to our interests ?
After 18 months of Trump sending verbal kisses to Putin during Trump ’ s campaign for office , and three years of carrying Putin ’ s water in international diplomacy , what advantage has accrued to the U.S. ?
Sure , Trump ’ s backers claim the president actually has been tougher on Russian than Barack Obama was , but that claim is both overstated and beside the point .
It ’ s overstated because the “ get tough ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the provision of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine to help deter Russian aggression , came with extremely restrictive conditions .
The missiles must be stored well to the west of the Russian front and may not be used without securing further permission .
Trump ’ s actions , and attempted actions reversed only after massive internal lobbying from his own appointees , have been far more helpful to Putin than his minor “ get-tough ” actions have been harmful .
He destabilized NATO by repeatedly questioning its key mutual-defense rule .
He opposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Russia poisoned an ex-spy and killed an innocent bystander in Great Britain .
He lobbied for Russia to be readmitted into what is now the G-7 organization of developed economies .
He put assistance to Ukraine on hold while pursuing a Russia-pushed conspiracy theory .
And he basically did Putin ’ s bidding by ordering a precipitous U.S. withdrawal from Syria , leaving American military bases and equipment in Russian hands .
Meanwhile , Russia continues to be a huge supporter of Iran , the world ’ s worst terrorism-exporting state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant effort to rein in Iran , while selling it the dangerous missiles it used to shoot down ( apparently mistakenly ) the Ukrainian airplane .
For all the times Trump has tried to ingratiate himself with Putin and his ministers , Putin has done nothing good for the U.S. in return — not even by offering verbal support .
For example , when Iranian-backed militias attacked the American embassy in Iraq , Putin said not a word to deter his Iranian allies .
That ’ s why the debate on whether Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or less weak against ) Russia is beside the point .
What matters is that none of Trump ’ s moves in Moscow ’ s favor have borne fruit for U.S. interests or the interests of world peace , much less freedom or human rights .
In short , Trump ’ s strategy of puckering up to Putin has been an abject failure .
Trump has achieved no “ best deals ” from Russia .
Instead , we ’ ve gotten a raw deal .
Raw and rotten .

With news that it was with a Russian-made rocket that Iran shot down a Ukrainian civilian airliner, the question arises again: Has President Trump’s repeated obsequiousness towards Vladimir Putin achieved even a single reciprocal action helpful to the United States or to international stability?
I certainly can’t think of one.
Yet, wasn’t Trump’s supposedly great talent that he would “make better deals” by jettisoning old approaches? Wasn’t his amazing, five-dimensional chess grandmastership supposed to put “America first,” even if it meant temporarily buttering up foreign bad guys to charm them into being less hostile to our interests?
After 18 months of Trump sending verbal kisses to Putin during Trump’s campaign for office, and three years of carrying Putin’s water in international diplomacy, what advantage has accrued to the U.S.?
Sure, Trump’s backers claim the president actually has been tougher on Russian than Barack Obama was, but that claim is both overstated and beside the point.
It’s overstated because the “get tough” action they usually claim most prominently, the provision of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine to help deter Russian aggression, came with extremely restrictive conditions. The missiles must be stored well to the west of the Russian front and may not be used without securing further permission.
Trump’s actions, and attempted actions reversed only after massive internal lobbying from his own appointees, have been far more helpful to Putin than his minor “get-tough” actions have been harmful. He destabilized NATO by repeatedly questioning its key mutual-defense rule. He opposed and delayed legally mandated sanctions on Russia after Russia poisoned an ex-spy and killed an innocent bystander in Great Britain. He lobbied for Russia to be readmitted into what is now the G-7 organization of developed economies. He put assistance to Ukraine on hold while pursuing a Russia-pushed conspiracy theory. And he basically did Putin’s bidding by ordering a precipitous U.S. withdrawal from Syria, leaving American military bases and equipment in Russian hands.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to be a huge supporter of Iran, the world’s worst terrorism-exporting state. For years, Putin has opposed every significant effort to rein in Iran, while selling it the dangerous missiles it used to shoot down (apparently mistakenly) the Ukrainian airplane.
For all the times Trump has tried to ingratiate himself with Putin and his ministers, Putin has done nothing good for the U.S. in return — not even by offering verbal support. For example, when Iranian-backed militias attacked the American embassy in Iraq, Putin said not a word to deter his Iranian allies.
That’s why the debate on whether Trump or Obama was truly tougher on (or less weak against) Russia is beside the point. What matters is that none of Trump’s moves in Moscow’s favor have borne fruit for U.S. interests or the interests of world peace, much less freedom or human rights. In short, Trump’s strategy of puckering up to Putin has been an abject failure.
Trump has achieved no “best deals” from Russia. Instead, we’ve gotten a raw deal. Raw and rotten.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Trump asked South Korea to deliver birthday message to Kim Jong Un

President Trump asked South Korea to give birthday greetings to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un , according to South Korea .
South Korea ’ s National Security Adviser Chung Eui-yong said Trump made the request Wednesday , the same day as Kim ’ s birthday .
The North Korean leader is believed to be in his mid-30s .
“ He had a well-wishing message that he wanted South Korean President Moon Jae-in to deliver to Chairman Kim Jong Un , ” the national security adviser told reporters , according to Bloomberg News .
Chung and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Chung said he delivered Trump ’ s message to North Korea through “ appropriate measures.
” Trump and Kim have met twice for discussions about North Korea ’ s nuclear weapons program , but in recent weeks Kim vowed to bolster his arsenal to deter U.S. sanctions .
Ahead of Christmas , Kim warned he would be sending a `` Christmas gift '' to the U.S. , which many believed would be long-range missile tests , but no action took place on Christmas Day .
Trump joked that he hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vase.
” [ Related : Trump says Kim Jong Un as 'has far too much to lose ' to act 'in a hostile way ' ]

President Trump asked South Korea to give birthday greetings to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to South Korea.
South Korea’s National Security Adviser Chung Eui-yong said Trump made the request Wednesday, the same day as Kim’s birthday. The North Korean leader is believed to be in his mid-30s.
“He had a well-wishing message that he wanted South Korean President Moon Jae-in to deliver to Chairman Kim Jong Un,” the national security adviser told reporters, according to Bloomberg News.
Chung and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Kitamura met with the president in Washington this week. Chung said he delivered Trump’s message to North Korea through “appropriate measures.”
Trump and Kim have met twice for discussions about North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, but in recent weeks Kim vowed to bolster his arsenal to deter U.S. sanctions. Ahead of Christmas, Kim warned he would be sending a "Christmas gift" to the U.S., which many believed would be long-range missile tests, but no action took place on Christmas Day. Trump joked that he hoped the gift would be a “beautiful vase.”
[Related: Trump says Kim Jong Un as 'has far too much to lose' to act 'in a hostile way']


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Trump faces uphill battle on Iran deal after losing Boris Johnson

President Trump suffered a setback in his efforts to persuade allies to abandon the Iran nuclear deal once and for all when British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signaled that the United Kingdom remains committed to the agreement .
Johnson has positioned himself as a close partner of Washington and backed Trump ’ s decision to launch the drone strike that killed Iran ’ s most powerful military leader .
On Thursday , he spoke to Hassan Rouhani , the Iranian president , to demand an end to further military retaliation .
“ They discussed the situation in the region following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister called for an end to hostilities , ” said a spokesman for No .
10 Downing St. Johnson also `` underlined the U.K. commitment to the [ Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ] and to ongoing dialogue to avoid nuclear proliferation and reduce tension , '' the spokesman said .
The statement puts the U.K. at odds with the United States at a crucial time for the Middle East .
A day earlier , Trump claimed that sanctions lifted under the terms of the deal had freed money for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the missiles fired on Iraqi bases on Tuesday night .
He demanded that the other signatories , including Germany , France , Russia , and China , recognized that “ reality.
” “ They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal — or JCPOA — and we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place , ” he said .
The Iran deal was finalized in 2015 , lifting a raft of sanctions after Tehran agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspectors .
In 2018 , Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal and reimposed sanctions amid growing concerns about Iran ’ s missile tests and its support for militant groups across the Middle East .
Last year , Iran said it would no longer abide by the terms and would resume production of highly enriched uranium .
Trump has repeatedly called for a new Iran deal that would not only limit Tehran ’ s ability to pursue nuclear weapons but also restrict its aggressive posture .
The 2015 agreement was devised narrowly as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran 's conventional missile program or its sponsorship of armed groups such as Hezbollah .
However , his European counterparts say they see things differently .
British officials say they want to see Iran fall back into line with the terms of the deal and will use the existing mechanisms within the 2015 agreement to do so .
Its dispute resolution mechanism allows the U.K. to reimpose sanctions if Iran is found to have breached the terms of the deal .
U.K. foreign secretary Dominic Raab visited Washington this week and said Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to the deal .
Privately , officials say the deal is slipping toward irrelevance and that Trump ’ s stance has backfired .
“ Iran has begun real progress towards nuclearization again , and the U.S. has so far got nothing in return , ” said one .
“ Which was what we said would happen all along.
” For now , however , he said they remain committed to working within the terms of the deal , which means Trump may struggle to find partners willing to pursue a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Germany joined with the U.K. to urge Iran to stick to the deal .
Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday that the White House would be calling on world leaders in the near future .
`` The president is going to call on our allies in the days ahead to join the U.S. to withdraw from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal and demand that Iran abandon its long history of sowing terrorist violence , abandon its nuclear ambitions and join the family of nations , '' he said during an interview @ @ @ @ @

President Trump suffered a setback in his efforts to persuade allies to abandon the Iran nuclear deal once and for all when British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signaled that the United Kingdom remains committed to the agreement.
Johnson has positioned himself as a close partner of Washington and backed Trump’s decision to launch the drone strike that killed Iran’s most powerful military leader. On Thursday, he spoke to Hassan Rouhani, the Iranian president, to demand an end to further military retaliation.
“They discussed the situation in the region following the death of Qassem Soleimani, and the prime minister called for an end to hostilities,” said a spokesman for No. 10 Downing St.
Johnson also "underlined the U.K. commitment to the [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] and to ongoing dialogue to avoid nuclear proliferation and reduce tension," the spokesman said.
The statement puts the U.K. at odds with the United States at a crucial time for the Middle East.
A day earlier, Trump claimed that sanctions lifted under the terms of the deal had freed money for a “terror spree” and paid for the missiles fired on Iraqi bases on Tuesday night. He demanded that the other signatories, including Germany, France, Russia, and China, recognized that “reality.”
“They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal — or JCPOA — and we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place,” he said.
The Iran deal was finalized in 2015, lifting a raft of sanctions after Tehran agreed to restrict sensitive nuclear activities and allow in inspectors. In 2018, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal and reimposed sanctions amid growing concerns about Iran’s missile tests and its support for militant groups across the Middle East.
Last year, Iran said it would no longer abide by the terms and would resume production of highly enriched uranium.
Trump has repeatedly called for a new Iran deal that would not only limit Tehran’s ability to pursue nuclear weapons but also restrict its aggressive posture. The 2015 agreement was devised narrowly as an anti-proliferation treaty, saying nothing about Iran's conventional missile program or its sponsorship of armed groups such as Hezbollah.
However, his European counterparts say they see things differently.
British officials say they want to see Iran fall back into line with the terms of the deal and will use the existing mechanisms within the 2015 agreement to do so. Its dispute resolution mechanism allows the U.K. to reimpose sanctions if Iran is found to have breached the terms of the deal.
U.K. foreign secretary Dominic Raab visited Washington this week and said Britain was “looking at all measures” when it comes to the deal.
Privately, officials say the deal is slipping toward irrelevance and that Trump’s stance has backfired.
“Iran has begun real progress towards nuclearization again, and the U.S. has so far got nothing in return,” said one. “Which was what we said would happen all along.”
For now, however, he said they remain committed to working within the terms of the deal, which means Trump may struggle to find partners willing to pursue a new strategy.
Last weekend, France and Germany joined with the U.K. to urge Iran to stick to the deal.
Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday that the White House would be calling on world leaders in the near future.
"The president is going to call on our allies in the days ahead to join the U.S. to withdraw from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal and demand that Iran abandon its long history of sowing terrorist violence, abandon its nuclear ambitions and join the family of nations," he said during an interview on Fox & Friends.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Susan Collins working with 'small group' of GOP senators to call impeachment trial witnesses

A key Republican senator is working behind the scenes to build support for calling witnesses in President Trump ’ s upcoming impeachment trial .
Sen. Susan Collins , a centrist Republican up for reelection later this year , told the Washington Examiner she is working with “ some of my Republican colleagues , '' as well as party leaders , `` to reach an agreement on how to proceed with the trial that will allow the opportunity for witnesses for both the House managers and the president ’ s counsel if they choose to do so.
” The Bangor Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story .
Collins didn ’ t say how many GOP lawmakers are included in those talks .
Sen. Mitt Romney , a Utah Republican , has expressed interest in hearing from witnesses .
It ’ s likely there will be votes to summon witnesses once the Senate trial starts , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , a Kentucky Republican , said last week .
McConnell , however , rejected demands from Democrats to approve a pretrial witness list and said he ’ s got the backing of 51 GOP lawmakers to approve rules postponing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to summon former national security adviser John Bolton , acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and two other administration officials .
They believe Bolton , who said he ’ d come testify , will bolster their case that Trump improperly withheld security aid from Ukraine in a bid to get government officials there to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden , a chief political rival .
Collins has told reporters she agrees with waiting until later in the trial to consider witnesses .
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , a New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call up votes to summon witnesses at the start of the trial and again later on .
Republicans have their own witness wish list .
It includes Biden ’ s son , Hunter Biden , who took a lucrative job on a Ukraine gas company board while his father was vice president .
The trial could start as soon as next week .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi , a California Democrat , announced Friday she ’ s preparing to send over two articles of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of @ @

A key Republican senator is working behind the scenes to build support for calling witnesses in President Trump’s upcoming impeachment trial.
Sen. Susan Collins, a centrist Republican up for reelection later this year, told the Washington Examiner she is working with “some of my Republican colleagues," as well as party leaders, "to reach an agreement on how to proceed with the trial that will allow the opportunity for witnesses for both the House managers and the president’s counsel if they choose to do so.”
The Bangor Daily News was the first to report the story.
Collins didn’t say how many GOP lawmakers are included in those talks. Sen. Mitt Romney, a Utah Republican, has expressed interest in hearing from witnesses.
It’s likely there will be votes to summon witnesses once the Senate trial starts, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said last week.
McConnell, however, rejected demands from Democrats to approve a pretrial witness list and said he’s got the backing of 51 GOP lawmakers to approve rules postponing consideration of witnesses until midtrial.
Democrats want to summon former national security adviser John Bolton, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and two other administration officials. They believe Bolton, who said he’d come testify, will bolster their case that Trump improperly withheld security aid from Ukraine in a bid to get government officials there to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a chief political rival.
Collins has told reporters she agrees with waiting until later in the trial to consider witnesses.
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said he’ll call up votes to summon witnesses at the start of the trial and again later on.
Republicans have their own witness wish list. It includes Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, who took a lucrative job on a Ukraine gas company board while his father was vice president.
The trial could start as soon as next week. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, announced Friday she’s preparing to send over two articles of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Doug Collins does the right thing

Doug Collins does the right thing

A good apology has two parts : an admission of error and a vow to do better .
That ’ s exactly what Rep. Doug Collins offered Friday after claiming earlier this week that the Democratic Party is more “ in love with terrorists ” than U.S. military service members .
Instead of giving an excuse , pointing fingers , or assigning partisan blame , Collins took responsibility for his unfounded , reckless allegation and apologized .
“ As someone who served in Iraq in 2008 , I witnessed firsthand the brutal death of countless soldiers who were torn to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collins continued .
“ Soleimani was nothing less than an evil mastermind who viciously killed and wounded thousands of Americans … These images will live with me for the rest of my life , but that does not excuse my response on Wednesday evening.
” Collins ’ s initial remarks about his Democratic colleagues were inappropriate .
It is true that several congressional Democrats and presidential candidates have blamed President Trump for escalating tensions with Iran , often irresponsibly .
But to suggest that this had something to do with an innate love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Sen. Tammy Duckworth , a Democrat from Illinois who lost both of her legs serving in the Iraq War , had every right to take offense .
The current state of politics rewards outrage , and nowadays , it seems no one is immune .
This isn ’ t the first time Collins has chosen the inflammatory route , and it certainly won ’ t be the last .
But on Friday , he did the right thing .
Let ’ s hope others follow his example .

A good apology has two parts: an admission of error and a vow to do better.
That’s exactly what Rep. Doug Collins offered Friday after claiming earlier this week that the Democratic Party is more “in love with terrorists” than U.S. military service members. Instead of giving an excuse, pointing fingers, or assigning partisan blame, Collins took responsibility for his unfounded, reckless allegation and apologized.
Let me be clear: I do not believe Democrats are in love with terrorists, and I apologize for what I said earlier this week. (1/5) — Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
“As someone who served in Iraq in 2008, I witnessed firsthand the brutal death of countless soldiers who were torn to shreds by this vicious terrorist,” Collins continued. “Soleimani was nothing less than an evil mastermind who viciously killed and wounded thousands of Americans … These images will live with me for the rest of my life, but that does not excuse my response on Wednesday evening.”
Collins’s initial remarks about his Democratic colleagues were inappropriate. It is true that several congressional Democrats and presidential candidates have blamed President Trump for escalating tensions with Iran, often irresponsibly. But to suggest that this had something to do with an innate love of terrorism was three steps too far, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois who lost both of her legs serving in the Iraq War, had every right to take offense.
The current state of politics rewards outrage, and nowadays, it seems no one is immune. This isn’t the first time Collins has chosen the inflammatory route, and it certainly won’t be the last. But on Friday, he did the right thing. Let’s hope others follow his example.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--House poised to vote next week on more measures to block Trump from acting against Iran

House Democrats are poised to pass more legislation next week to limit President Trump ’ s use of the military overseas as caucus members continue to question the administration 's unilateral decision to kill Iranian Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani .
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced Friday he is considering bringing up legislation to repeal the 2002 congressional authorization for the use of military force in Iraq , which Trump used in part to carry out the drone strike that killed Soleimani .
Hoyer , a Maryland Democrat , said the House may also vote on legislation that would block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out military operations against Iran without the consent of Congress .
“ That is a possibility , but they have not yet been scheduled , ” Hoyer said when asked if the two measures would come up for a vote .
Both measures are expected to pass the House , and Democrats are eager to move them through the Senate , where they would likely pick up some GOP support .
Trump is all but certain to veto both bills if they ever reach his desk .
The measures were included in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were taken out of the legislation before clearing Congress .
[ Opinion : Congress , not the White House , has say over war with Iran ] “ Our legislation passed the House last year with 27 Republican votes and should have never been stripped out of the Defense bill , Rep. Ro Khanna , a California Democrat and co-sponsor , said .
“ We have another chance to pass this legislation and avoid the next trillion-dollar war in the Middle East .
It ’ s a necessary step to preserve our constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid another catastrophic war.
” Democrats Thursday passed a resolution that would order Trump to cease military action against Iran .
The measure is nonbinding , however , which means it will not even go to the president ’ s desk .
Sen. Tim Kaine , a Virginia Democrat , is expected to bring up a similar resolution in the Senate as early as next week .
Democrats are eager to constrain Trump ’ s military authority after the Soleimani strike , which some party lawmakers have called an unjustified assassination .
Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning more attacks on Americans in Iraq .
Trump said Soleimani was killed in Iraq as he was plotting to blow up an U.S. Embassy .

House Democrats are poised to pass more legislation next week to limit President Trump’s use of the military overseas as caucus members continue to question the administration's unilateral decision to kill Iranian Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced Friday he is considering bringing up legislation to repeal the 2002 congressional authorization for the use of military force in Iraq, which Trump used in part to carry out the drone strike that killed Soleimani.
Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, said the House may also vote on legislation that would block the Pentagon from using funds to carry out military operations against Iran without the consent of Congress.
“That is a possibility, but they have not yet been scheduled,” Hoyer said when asked if the two measures would come up for a vote.
Both measures are expected to pass the House, and Democrats are eager to move them through the Senate, where they would likely pick up some GOP support.
Trump is all but certain to veto both bills if they ever reach his desk. The measures were included in a defense funding authorization bill last year but were taken out of the legislation before clearing Congress.
[Opinion: Congress, not the White House, has say over war with Iran]
“Our legislation passed the House last year with 27 Republican votes and should have never been stripped out of the Defense bill, Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat and co-sponsor, said. “We have another chance to pass this legislation and avoid the next trillion-dollar war in the Middle East. It’s a necessary step to preserve our constitution and represent our constituents’ desire to avoid another catastrophic war.”
Democrats Thursday passed a resolution that would order Trump to cease military action against Iran. The measure is nonbinding, however, which means it will not even go to the president’s desk.
Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, is expected to bring up a similar resolution in the Senate as early as next week.
Democrats are eager to constrain Trump’s military authority after the Soleimani strike, which some party lawmakers have called an unjustified assassination.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Soleimani was planning more attacks on Americans in Iraq. Trump said Soleimani was killed in Iraq as he was plotting to blow up an U.S. Embassy.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Pelosi caves on articles of impeachment because she has no leverage

After nearly a month of delay , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has agreed to send the Democrats ’ articles of impeachment to the Senate .
She will do so as soon as next week .
Pelosi had little choice but to release the articles , which accuse President Trump of abusing his power and obstructing Congress .
Pelosi tried to use the delay as leverage to force Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to agree to the Democrats ’ proposed trial rules .
But McConnell refused , and Senate Democrats simply do not have the votes to work around him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration with the dawdling .
“ Time plays an unknown role in all of this , and the longer it goes on , the less the urgency becomes .
So if it ’ s serious and urgent , it should come over .
If it isn ’ t , don ’ t send it over , ” said Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California , the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee .
Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said it ’ s “ unfortunate ” Senate Republicans haven ’ t agreed to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but “ as far as I ’ m concerned , [ Pelosi ] can send them over at any time.
” Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut agreed : “ I think the time has passed , ” he said .
“ She should send the articles over.
” There ’ s a reason the Democrats are eager to begin the trial : The longer they wait , the more illegitimate their case against the president looks .
If Trump is an immediate threat to governance , as the Democrats have alleged , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case against him immediately ?
Voters certainly haven ’ t been convinced .
A growing number of independents in important swing states oppose impeachment , and vulnerable Democrats up for election this year will be most directly affected .
McConnell had also given Pelosi an ultimatum : Allow the trial to move forward or be left behind .
He announced last week that he has enough votes to pass a resolution that would set up phase one of the trial with or without the Democrats ’ approval , and many Senate Democrats believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at securing witness testimony after the trial begins .
A few centrist Senate Republicans , namely Sens .
Susan Collins of Maine , Lisa Murkowski of Alaska , and Mitt Romney of Utah , have even suggested they would support such a move — but only after the trial begins .
Senate Republicans have said they will begin the trial almost immediately after the articles of impeachment are delivered .
Pelosi must assign House managers , U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts must administer the oath of office to each senator , and Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer to the articles of impeachment to the Senate .
McConnell has made it clear he wants to expedite the process , but the Senate ’ s ultimate decision likely won ’ t be delivered until the end of the month .
All Pelosi did was delay the inevitable .
The Republican-controlled Senate will almost certainly vote to acquit Trump , with or without witness testimony .
Some Democrats have argued Pelosi successfully used the delay to draw attention to McConnell ’ s “ unfair ” political maneuvering .
But this was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , at least , everyone can move forward .

After nearly a month of delay, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has agreed to send the Democrats’ articles of impeachment to the Senate. She will do so as soon as next week.
Pelosi had little choice but to release the articles, which accuse President Trump of abusing his power and obstructing Congress. Pelosi tried to use the delay as leverage to force Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to agree to the Democrats’ proposed trial rules. But McConnell refused, and Senate Democrats simply do not have the votes to work around him.
Even Senate Democrats had begun to express frustration with the dawdling. “Time plays an unknown role in all of this, and the longer it goes on, the less the urgency becomes. So if it’s serious and urgent, it should come over. If it isn’t, don’t send it over,” said Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said it’s “unfortunate” Senate Republicans haven’t agreed to allow witnesses to testify during the trial, but “as far as I’m concerned, [Pelosi] can send them over at any time.” Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut agreed: “I think the time has passed,” he said. “She should send the articles over.”
There’s a reason the Democrats are eager to begin the trial: The longer they wait, the more illegitimate their case against the president looks. If Trump is an immediate threat to governance, as the Democrats have alleged, then why are they unwilling to prosecute the case against him immediately?
Voters certainly haven’t been convinced. A growing number of independents in important swing states oppose impeachment, and vulnerable Democrats up for election this year will be most directly affected.
McConnell had also given Pelosi an ultimatum: Allow the trial to move forward or be left behind. He announced last week that he has enough votes to pass a resolution that would set up phase one of the trial with or without the Democrats’ approval, and many Senate Democrats believe they’ll have a better chance at securing witness testimony after the trial begins. A few centrist Senate Republicans, namely Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitt Romney of Utah, have even suggested they would support such a move — but only after the trial begins.
Senate Republicans have said they will begin the trial almost immediately after the articles of impeachment are delivered. Pelosi must assign House managers, U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts must administer the oath of office to each senator, and Trump’s defense team must deliver its answer to the articles of impeachment to the Senate. McConnell has made it clear he wants to expedite the process, but the Senate’s ultimate decision likely won’t be delivered until the end of the month.
All Pelosi did was delay the inevitable. The Republican-controlled Senate will almost certainly vote to acquit Trump, with or without witness testimony. Some Democrats have argued Pelosi successfully used the delay to draw attention to McConnell’s “unfair” political maneuvering.
But this was a spectacular failure, and Pelosi knows it. Now, at least, everyone can move forward.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-09--Democrats pass measure aimed at curbing Trump military authority against Iran

House Democrats Thursday passed a resolution to curb President Trump ’ s authority to use military force against Iran .
The measure is nonbinding and will not reach the president ’ s desk , but it sent a signal that Democrats lack confidence in Trump ’ s actions against Iran , specifically , his decision to kill Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike last week .
The measure calls on Trump “ to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran , ” unless authorized by Congress .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eight Democrats voted against it , while three Republicans and independent Justin Amash of Michigan , voted for the resolution .
Sen. Tim Kaine , a Virginia Democrat , is preparing a similar measure that could go to the Senate next week .
Kaine ’ s measure would require Trump to terminate military actions against Iran within 30 days unless he obtains new authority from Congress .
Democrats have been critical of the Soleimani killing , which was followed by retaliatory missile strikes against U.S. military bases in Iraq this week .
Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration officials who provided lawmakers a classified briefing Wednesday failed to convince Democrats the strike against Soleimani was justified .
“ Last week , the Trump Administration conducted a provocative and disproportionate military air strike targeting high-level Iranian military officials and he did so without consulting with Congress , ” Speaker Nancy Pelosi , a California Democrat , said before the vote .
Pelosi and Democrats said the Soleimani strike has endangered U.S. military personnel and diplomats and has escalated tensions in the Middle East .
Liberal Democrats have for years been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of a say over military action overseas .
Trump ’ s action and strikes conducted by President Barack Obama used authorization passed by Congress in 2001 and 2002 .
Their dislike of Trump , whom they impeached in December , has increased those calls , even though Obama also ordered strikes in the Middle East without first getting permission from Congress .
“ It ’ s time to reassert our authority , ” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal , a Washington Democrat who co-chairs the House Progressive Caucus .
Republicans said the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Iran because he was defending U.S. interests .
They questioned why Democrats were seeking to limit the president after he took out Soleimani , a terrorist who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. service members stationed in the Middle East .
“ I do not disagree that the president needs to come to Congress to authorize war with Iran , ” Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas , who is the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee , said .
“ But that is not what we are looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently have troops engaged in hostility in Iran who would be subject to withdrawal under the resolution .
The premise of this resolution is flawed.
” McCaul pointed out the measure is nonbinding .
`` This is a press release , a political statement for a left-wing audience , '' he said .
Pelosi said the measure was not intended to reach the president because Democrats do not want to give him a chance to veto it .
A small group of Republicans , including Trump ally Matt Gaetz of Florida , backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. involvement in a new war in the Middle East .
“ I take a back seat to nobody when it comes to defending the president , ” said Gaetz .
“ If the members of our armed services have the courage to go and fight and die in these wars , as Congress , we ought to have the courage to vote for or against them .
”

House Democrats Thursday passed a resolution to curb President Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran.
The measure is nonbinding and will not reach the president’s desk, but it sent a signal that Democrats lack confidence in Trump’s actions against Iran, specifically, his decision to kill Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike last week.
The measure calls on Trump “to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran,” unless authorized by Congress.
It passed mostly along party lines. Eight Democrats voted against it, while three Republicans and independent Justin Amash of Michigan, voted for the resolution. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, is preparing a similar measure that could go to the Senate next week. Kaine’s measure would require Trump to terminate military actions against Iran within 30 days unless he obtains new authority from Congress.
Democrats have been critical of the Soleimani killing, which was followed by retaliatory missile strikes against U.S. military bases in Iraq this week. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other top Trump administration officials who provided lawmakers a classified briefing Wednesday failed to convince Democrats the strike against Soleimani was justified.
“Last week, the Trump Administration conducted a provocative and disproportionate military air strike targeting high-level Iranian military officials and he did so without consulting with Congress,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, said before the vote. Pelosi and Democrats said the Soleimani strike has endangered U.S. military personnel and diplomats and has escalated tensions in the Middle East.
Liberal Democrats have for years been clamoring for a measure to give Congress more of a say over military action overseas.
Trump’s action and strikes conducted by President Barack Obama used authorization passed by Congress in 2001 and 2002. Their dislike of Trump, whom they impeached in December, has increased those calls, even though Obama also ordered strikes in the Middle East without first getting permission from Congress.
“It’s time to reassert our authority,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat who co-chairs the House Progressive Caucus.
Republicans said the president had the authority to conduct the strikes in Iran because he was defending U.S. interests. They questioned why Democrats were seeking to limit the president after he took out Soleimani, a terrorist who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. service members stationed in the Middle East.
“I do not disagree that the president needs to come to Congress to authorize war with Iran,” Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, who is the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, said. “But that is not what we are looking at here today. We do not currently have troops engaged in hostility in Iran who would be subject to withdrawal under the resolution. The premise of this resolution is flawed.”
McCaul pointed out the measure is nonbinding. "This is a press release, a political statement for a left-wing audience," he said.
Pelosi said the measure was not intended to reach the president because Democrats do not want to give him a chance to veto it.
A small group of Republicans, including Trump ally Matt Gaetz of Florida, backed the bill. Gaetz said he opposed U.S. involvement in a new war in the Middle East.
“I take a back seat to nobody when it comes to defending the president,” said Gaetz. “If the members of our armed services have the courage to go and fight and die in these wars, as Congress, we ought to have the courage to vote for or against them.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Targeted ads praised for ‘diversity’ are compared to ‘dumping sewage’ by FEC Democrat

A key Democrat on the Federal Election Commission has stepped up her attacks on microtargeted political ads praised for letting campaigns reach minority groups ignored in mass advertising blitzes .
Commissioner Ellen Weintraub , taking a shot at Facebook ’ s decision to allow microtargeting , hit a Washington Post column that called the practice “ cost-effective.
” She dismissively tweeted , “ It ’ s amazing to me how # microtargeting is largely being justified on grounds that it 's 'cost-effective . '
You know what else is cost-effective ?
Child labor .
Dumping sewage into rivers .
Fraud.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ something is cost-effective does not necessarily make it a good idea.
” The Post column from Henry Olsen argued that microtargeting lets campaigns reach ignored minorities .
“ Minorities of all types recognize that their interests and beliefs are often underserved and ignored by a majority that does not share them .
Microtargeting makes it cost-effective for political actors to address those concerns .
This is true for the left and the right : The trans community can get ads addressing their concerns just as easily as the religiously orthodox can addressing theirs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letting like-minded minorities organize cost-effectively .
As such , it should be lauded , not blasted , ” said the column posted Thursday .
Journalism professor Jeff Jarvis posted on Medium , “ Without targeting , we are left with mass media — at the extreme , Super Bowl commercials — and the people who can afford them : billionaires and those loved by them .
Without targeting , big money will forever be in charge of commerce and politics .
Targeting is an antidote.
” He cited several ads , including one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Weintraub , the former chairwoman of the FEC , has written that microtargeting instead can be used for bad purposes .
She wrote in the Post in November , “ It is easy to single out susceptible groups and direct political misinformation to them with little accountability , because the public at large never sees the ad.
” But some on both sides said the effect of limiting microtargeting of campaign ads is limiting free speech , especially for campaigns that aren ’ t rich .
Former FEC Chairman Lee Goodman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online speech , said , “ Microtargeting helps American citizens communicate their political ideas effectively in a democracy.
” And he was critical of efforts to curb it .
“ Comparing free speech to sewage says all you need to know about the value Commissioner Weintraub places on First Amendment rights , ” he told Secrets .

A key Democrat on the Federal Election Commission has stepped up her attacks on microtargeted political ads praised for letting campaigns reach minority groups ignored in mass advertising blitzes.
Commissioner Ellen Weintraub, taking a shot at Facebook’s decision to allow microtargeting, hit a Washington Post column that called the practice “cost-effective.”
She dismissively tweeted, “It’s amazing to me how #microtargeting is largely being justified on grounds that it's 'cost-effective.' You know what else is cost-effective? Child labor. Dumping sewage into rivers. Fraud.”
She added, “Just because something is cost-effective does not necessarily make it a good idea.”
It’s amazing to me how #microtargeting is largely being justified on grounds that it's "cost-effective."
You know what else is cost-effective? Child labor. Dumping sewage into rivers. Fraud.
Just because something is cost-effective does not necessarily make it a good idea. https://t.co/2lJotJsFBY — Ellen L Weintraub (@EllenLWeintraub) January 9, 2020
The Post column from Henry Olsen argued that microtargeting lets campaigns reach ignored minorities.
“Minorities of all types recognize that their interests and beliefs are often underserved and ignored by a majority that does not share them. Microtargeting makes it cost-effective for political actors to address those concerns. This is true for the left and the right: The trans community can get ads addressing their concerns just as easily as the religiously orthodox can addressing theirs. Microtargeting enables diversity of opinion by letting like-minded minorities organize cost-effectively. As such, it should be lauded, not blasted,” said the column posted Thursday.
Journalism professor Jeff Jarvis posted on Medium, “Without targeting, we are left with mass media — at the extreme, Super Bowl commercials — and the people who can afford them: billionaires and those loved by them. Without targeting, big money will forever be in charge of commerce and politics. Targeting is an antidote.” He cited several ads, including one promoting the "National Trans Visibility March."
Weintraub, the former chairwoman of the FEC, has written that microtargeting instead can be used for bad purposes. She wrote in the Post in November, “It is easy to single out susceptible groups and direct political misinformation to them with little accountability, because the public at large never sees the ad.”
But some on both sides said the effect of limiting microtargeting of campaign ads is limiting free speech, especially for campaigns that aren’t rich.
Former FEC Chairman Lee Goodman, a champion of new technology and online speech, said, “Microtargeting helps American citizens communicate their political ideas effectively in a democracy.”
And he was critical of efforts to curb it. “Comparing free speech to sewage says all you need to know about the value Commissioner Weintraub places on First Amendment rights,” he told Secrets.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Brokaw: Today’s media destructive, ‘24/7 rage about what’s pissing people off’

Legendary newsman Tom Brokaw is worried about his business .
Sitting in his office at NBC 's headquarters , 30 Rockefeller Plaza , he sees once profitable and respected media crumbling into a divisive catfight .
“ I think the most extraordinarily powerful tool and the most destructive development in modern life is the current media , ” said the author and TV Hall of Famer .
In an interview with Artful Living shared with Secrets , he criticized the dividing nature of media and questioned if it can change .
“ Everybody has a voice — and I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a voice — but there ’ s no way to verify what ’ s true and what ’ s not .
It has no context ; it ’ s just a 24/7 rage about what ’ s pissing people off across the board from the left to the right , ” he told the Minneapolis-based lifestyle magazine .
“ It could be a unifying factor , but it ’ s a dividing factor , frankly .
And that really troubles me as much as anything .
I don ’ t know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know what leader can come along and say , ‘ Look , we ’ re all in this together .
We ’ ve got to find a way to work together , ’ ” he added .
A noted liberal , he said the current Washington politics are disturbing for both sides .
“ This is obviously the most unsettling time I ’ ve ever experienced in national politics , and I ’ m not saying that just from an ideological point of view .
I ’ m not saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m saying that as a journalist and as a citizen and as a grandfather , ” he said .
Interviewed about his life , experiences , and influence , Brokaw pointed out how former President Ronald Reagan was able to unify the nation after the tumultuous Vietnam War and Iran hostage crisis .
He said : “ Ronald Reagan was the best example of that in my lifetime .
I was not a huge fan when he first started running , not for president but for governor of California .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor at putting together that big , big state .
When he ran for president , I said , ‘ Watch ; he knows how to put people together.
’ He had a really core set of beliefs , but he also had an engaging way about him .
He had been a movie star .
He knew how you had to win people with your personality and how you went about your life .
They would be for you or against you , and he had people for him .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good staff .
My friend Jim Baker was his chief of staff .
“ We don ’ t have a Reagan out there now who can pull it together .
Bill Clinton also had that capability , by the way , but then he got tangled up with Monica [ Lewinsky ] , which took a fair amount out of his résumé .
We need people who see the presidency as a coveted prize but who understand that the objective is to bring the country together for common goals and to outline those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see why it ’ s important that we do this .
And when we do it , everybody gets credit ; everybody gets a part of it .
”

Legendary newsman Tom Brokaw is worried about his business.
Sitting in his office at NBC's headquarters, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, he sees once profitable and respected media crumbling into a divisive catfight.
“I think the most extraordinarily powerful tool and the most destructive development in modern life is the current media,” said the author and TV Hall of Famer.
In an interview with Artful Living shared with Secrets, he criticized the dividing nature of media and questioned if it can change.
“Everybody has a voice — and I think it’s great for people to have a voice — but there’s no way to verify what’s true and what’s not. It has no context; it’s just a 24/7 rage about what’s pissing people off across the board from the left to the right,” he told the Minneapolis-based lifestyle magazine.
In the ever-evolving world of media, Tom Brokaw remains a symbol of journalism in America. Read our exclusive interview with the legendary NBC newsman today. #LiveArtfully https://t.co/2ADs2oR59h — Artful Living (@ArtfulLivingMag) January 7, 2020
“It could be a unifying factor, but it’s a dividing factor, frankly. And that really troubles me as much as anything. I don’t know how we get beyond that. I don’t know what leader can come along and say, ‘Look, we’re all in this together. We’ve got to find a way to work together,’” he added.
A noted liberal, he said the current Washington politics are disturbing for both sides.
“This is obviously the most unsettling time I’ve ever experienced in national politics, and I’m not saying that just from an ideological point of view. I’m not saying that as a Democrat or a Republican. I’m saying that as a journalist and as a citizen and as a grandfather,” he said.
Interviewed about his life, experiences, and influence, Brokaw pointed out how former President Ronald Reagan was able to unify the nation after the tumultuous Vietnam War and Iran hostage crisis.
He said: “Ronald Reagan was the best example of that in my lifetime. I was not a huge fan when he first started running, not for president but for governor of California. Then I saw how skilled he was as governor at putting together that big, big state. When he ran for president, I said, ‘Watch; he knows how to put people together.’ He had a really core set of beliefs, but he also had an engaging way about him. He had been a movie star. He knew how you had to win people with your personality and how you went about your life. They would be for you or against you, and he had people for him. He also had the courage to have a really good staff. My friend Jim Baker was his chief of staff.
“We don’t have a Reagan out there now who can pull it together. Bill Clinton also had that capability, by the way, but then he got tangled up with Monica [Lewinsky], which took a fair amount out of his résumé. We need people who see the presidency as a coveted prize but who understand that the objective is to bring the country together for common goals and to outline those goals in a way so people can see why it’s important that we do this. And when we do it, everybody gets credit; everybody gets a part of it.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Trump’s evangelical base set to expand, 'God's hand' is on him, leaders say

Evangelical Christian leaders expect President Trump to win reelection in November — and not just because there are prophecies and Biblical numbers that suggest it .
It just comes down to practicality , said Stephen Strang , head of Charisma Media and the author of three books about Trump .
“ Who is more virtuous on the other side ?
Nobody , ” he said .
Dismissing the attack on Trump by Christianity Today in December , Strang and several other evangelical leaders , including Pat Robertson , Pastors and Pews head David Lane , and televangelist Jim Bakker expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand due to his focus on their issues , including abortion , religious freedom , and support for Israel .
“ Oh , absolutely it will grow , ” Strang said .
“ It will grow just from the campaign when it dawns on them who the Democratic opponent is , ” he added .
While Strang has just published his third book on the president , God , Trump , and the 2020 Election , that cites prophecies of victory , he and other leaders said evangelicals would vote in high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of life .
“ I am more concerned about the direction of the country , and Donald Trump is at least giving us a reprieve .
He is not our savior at all .
There ’ s a lot not to like about him , but there ’ s a lot not to like about every single president we ’ ve had going back to Washington , ” Strang said .
“ Based on the response to President Trump ’ s leadership on critical issues of faith that I have witnessed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt that faith-focused voters will turn out in unprecedented record numbers this November for four more years of our champion serving America , ” Trump ’ s spiritual adviser Paula White told us .
The biggest potential hurdle Strang cited was a war in Iran and fears it could keep evangelical voters home .
“ We ’ re talking about the fringes , you know , 5 % to 10 % who are on the fringe who decide to stay home , ” he warned .
Strang 's book , out next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invigorating Trump ’ s Christian vote and urging them to ignore the president ’ s “ flaws ” and focus on his support of them .
“ Instead of pandering for votes from religious conservatives and then treating evangelicals as if they don ’ t exist , ” he wrote , “ Trump listens and acts.
” He added that Trump is surrounded by evangelicals such as Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
“ You can ’ t walk 10 feet in the West Wing without running into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not good enough , Strang said that “ God ’ s hand ” is on Trump .
“ I believe that , ” he said .
In addition to citing prophecies , he noted that Trump and the Bible share the number 7 .
“ In Christian lingo , it ’ s the number of perfection , ” he wrote , adding , “ When Trump was born , on June 14 , 1946 , it was exactly seven hundred days later that Israel was reborn , on May 14 , 1948 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day in office , he was 70 years , seven months , and seven days .
Not only that , he was inaugurated in the Hebrew year 5777 .
And Trump beat Hillary Clinton by 77 electoral votes ( because seven electors defected ) .
” He concluded , “ The secular mindset may not even understand or care what this means , but for those who are trying to see God ’ s hand in the world today , such ‘ coincidences ’ are huge and are talked about in Christian circles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them .

Evangelical Christian leaders expect President Trump to win reelection in November — and not just because there are prophecies and Biblical numbers that suggest it.
It just comes down to practicality, said Stephen Strang, head of Charisma Media and the author of three books about Trump.
“Who is more virtuous on the other side? Nobody,” he said.
Dismissing the attack on Trump by Christianity Today in December, Strang and several other evangelical leaders, including Pat Robertson, Pastors and Pews head David Lane, and televangelist Jim Bakker expect the president’s Christian voting base to expand due to his focus on their issues, including abortion, religious freedom, and support for Israel.
“Oh, absolutely it will grow,” Strang said. “It will grow just from the campaign when it dawns on them who the Democratic opponent is,” he added.
While Strang has just published his third book on the president, God, Trump, and the 2020 Election, that cites prophecies of victory, he and other leaders said evangelicals would vote in high numbers because they see Trump preserving their way of life.
“I am more concerned about the direction of the country, and Donald Trump is at least giving us a reprieve. He is not our savior at all. There’s a lot not to like about him, but there’s a lot not to like about every single president we’ve had going back to Washington,” Strang said.
“Based on the response to President Trump’s leadership on critical issues of faith that I have witnessed over the past three years, there is no doubt that faith-focused voters will turn out in unprecedented record numbers this November for four more years of our champion serving America,” Trump’s spiritual adviser Paula White told us.
The biggest potential hurdle Strang cited was a war in Iran and fears it could keep evangelical voters home. “We’re talking about the fringes, you know, 5% to 10% who are on the fringe who decide to stay home,” he warned.
Strang's book, out next week, is the latest aimed at invigorating Trump’s Christian vote and urging them to ignore the president’s “flaws” and focus on his support of them.
“Instead of pandering for votes from religious conservatives and then treating evangelicals as if they don’t exist,” he wrote, “Trump listens and acts.” He added that Trump is surrounded by evangelicals such as Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “You can’t walk 10 feet in the West Wing without running into an evangelical.”
And if that’s not good enough, Strang said that “God’s hand” is on Trump. “I believe that,” he said.
In addition to citing prophecies, he noted that Trump and the Bible share the number 7. “In Christian lingo, it’s the number of perfection,” he wrote, adding, “When Trump was born, on June 14, 1946, it was exactly seven hundred days later that Israel was reborn, on May 14, 1948. On Trump’s first full day in office, he was 70 years, seven months, and seven days. Not only that, he was inaugurated in the Hebrew year 5777. And Trump beat Hillary Clinton by 77 electoral votes (because seven electors defected).”
He concluded, “The secular mindset may not even understand or care what this means, but for those who are trying to see God’s hand in the world today, such ‘coincidences’ are huge and are talked about in Christian circles even if the larger culture is oblivious to them.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-11--Obama 2012 campaign manager supports Biden at fundraiser

President Barack Obama 's 2012 campaign manager appears to have picked a horse in the Democratic presidential race : Joe Biden .
Jim Messina attended a high-dollar fundraiser for the former vice president 's campaign in Irvine , California on Friday , according to a pool report .
The political operative was deputy chief of staff in the Obama White House before running Obama 's re-election campaign .
Following Obama 's 2012 win , Messina joined the election team for the Conservative Party in the U.K. in 2013 .
He also joined Priorities USA Action , a Super PAC that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 bid , and the Obama administration 's Organizing for Action advocacy group .
Messina argued last year that Bernie Sanders is not electable in a general election against Trump .
`` I think today you look at it and say that Bernie Sanders is unlikely going to be able to stand up to the constant barrage that is Donald Trump on economic issues , '' Messina said in April .
`` If nothing else , he will definitely be one of the final two or three candidates who has a shot at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in South Bend , Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg in the same interview .
`` I think we 're going to have another surprise candidate .
Today , I ’ d say that 's Mayor Pete , '' he said .
`` We 're going to find out if Bernie Sanders can move a message to both swing voters and his base .
We 're going to find out if Joe Biden is battle tested .
We 're going to figure out whether Kamala Harris and Beto O ’ Rourke and Mayor Pete have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Federal Elections Commissions records available through September show Messina has not donated more than $ 200 to any other candidates in the crowded Democratic presidential field .
Harris and O'Rourke have both left the race .
Some former Obama staff members were troubled by Biden 's stumbles and chaotic campaign over the summer .
One former 2012 Obama campaign official told the Washington Examiner in June 2019 that `` someone needs to get to Biden and make a real attempt to change the man , '' adding that `` there are definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Committee and those who worked in the Obama White House . ''

President Barack Obama's 2012 campaign manager appears to have picked a horse in the Democratic presidential race: Joe Biden.
Jim Messina attended a high-dollar fundraiser for the former vice president's campaign in Irvine, California, on Friday, according to a pool report.
The political operative was deputy chief of staff in the Obama White House before running Obama's reelection campaign. Following Obama's 2012 win, Messina joined the election team for the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom in 2013. He also joined Priorities USA Action, a super PAC that supported Obama's reelection and Clinton's 2016 bid, and the Obama administration's Organizing for Action advocacy group.
Messina argued last year that Bernie Sanders is not electable in a general election against Trump.
"I think today, you look at it and say that Bernie Sanders is unlikely going to be able to stand up to the constant barrage that is Donald Trump on economic issues," Messina said in April. "If nothing else, he will definitely be one of the final two or three candidates who has a shot at the nomination."
Messina expressed interest in then-South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg in the same interview.
"I think we're going to have another surprise candidate. Today, I’d say that's Mayor Pete," he said. "We're going to find out if Bernie Sanders can move a message to both swing voters and his base. We're going to find out if Joe Biden is battle tested. We're going to figure out whether Kamala Harris and Beto O’Rourke and Mayor Pete have the magic we think they have."
Federal Elections Commission records available through September show Messina has not donated more than $200 to any other candidates in the crowded Democratic presidential field. Harris and O'Rourke have both left the race.
Some former Obama staff members were troubled by Biden's stumbles and chaotic campaign over the summer. One former 2012 Obama campaign official told the Washington Examiner in June 2019 that "someone needs to get to Biden and make a real attempt to change the man," adding that "there are definitely knives out for Biden among the Democratic National Committee and those who worked in the Obama White House."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Bernie Sanders tops Iowa poll with Biden in fourth place

With 24 days until the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses , Bernie Sanders leads the Democratic presidential field in the state 's most respected poll while Joe Biden lags in fourth place .
The Vermont senator has 20 % support in the Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom poll of likely Democratic caucusgoers , a five-point jump in support since the last time the institution polled Iowa voters in November .
Fellow candidate Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is in second place with 17 % .
Pete Buttigieg , the former South Bend , Indiana , mayor , came in third with 16 % , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finish in November .
Biden held 15 % support in the poll , the same percentage as in November .
The poll results came from 701 registered Iowa voters reached by phone from Jan. 2 to 8 who said they would definitely or probably attend the Democratic caucuses on Feb. 3 .
It has a maring of error of plus or minus 3.7 % .
A first-place finish in Iowa accompanied by a Biden drop is key to Sanders 's path to the Democratic presidential nomination , but preferences of Iowa voters can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no denying that this is a good poll for Bernie Sanders .
He leads , but it ’ s not an uncontested lead , ” said pollster J. Ann Selzer , president of the company that conducted the poll .
“ He ’ s got a firmer grip on his supporters than the rest of his compatriots.
” Only a minority of the likely caucusgoers , 40 % , said that they are settled on their preferred candidate , while 45 % said they could be persuaded to support someone else , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite candidate .
Before Friday 's poll , Sanders led Iowa in the RealClearPolitics average of primary polls at 22 % , followed by Buttigieg at 21.7 % , Biden at 20.3 % , and Warren at 15.3 % .

With 24 days until the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses, Bernie Sanders leads the Democratic presidential field in the state's most respected poll while Joe Biden lags in fourth place.
The Vermont senator has 20% support in the Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom poll of likely Democratic caucusgoers, a five-point jump in support since the last time the institution polled Iowa voters in November. Fellow candidate Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is in second place with 17%.
Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor, came in third with 16%, a 9-point drop from his 22% first-place finish in November. Biden held 15% support in the poll, the same percentage as in November.
The poll results came from 701 registered Iowa voters reached by phone from Jan. 2 to 8 who said they would definitely or probably attend the Democratic caucuses on Feb. 3. It has a maring of error of plus or minus 3.7%.
A first-place finish in Iowa accompanied by a Biden drop is key to Sanders's path to the Democratic presidential nomination, but preferences of Iowa voters can change quickly.
“There’s no denying that this is a good poll for Bernie Sanders. He leads, but it’s not an uncontested lead,” said pollster J. Ann Selzer, president of the company that conducted the poll. “He’s got a firmer grip on his supporters than the rest of his compatriots.”
Only a minority of the likely caucusgoers, 40%, said that they are settled on their preferred candidate, while 45% said they could be persuaded to support someone else, and 13% have not yet picked a favorite candidate.
Before Friday's poll, Sanders led Iowa in the RealClearPolitics average of primary polls at 22%, followed by Buttigieg at 21.7%, Biden at 20.3%, and Warren at 15.3%.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--'Damn right it will have an effect': GOP fears Bloomberg spending could doom Trump in 2020

Michael Bloomberg ’ s plan to field a massive shadow political party could significantly undercut key financial and organizational advantages President Trump might otherwise enjoy against his Democratic challenger .
The former New York City mayor is investing hundreds of millions on a ground game and digital operation as part of his long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination .
But Bloomberg , 77 , is promising to put his campaign to work for whoever wins the party ’ s 2020 nod , immediately bridging a huge resource gap with Trump the Democratic National Committee is too depleted to handle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from coordinating with , or being handed off to , the Democratic nominee in the way the GOP nominee , in this case Trump , is permitted to assume command of the Republican National Committee and its extensive campaign operation .
That could hinder Bloomberg ’ s effect .
But Republican insiders concede his play could remarkably improve the eventual Democratic nominee ’ s chances of defeating Trump .
“ If he ’ s going to put hundreds of millions into a presidential campaign , damn right it will have an effect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Republican operative Mike Shields told the Washington Examiner .
Shields was a top deputy to Reince Priebus at the RNC immediately after President Barack Obama ’ s reelection , when Priebus , as chairman , spent tens of millions of dollars to build turn-key , get-out-the-vote , and data analytics programs for use by all future GOP presidential nominees .
Trump won the Republican nomination that year with a shoestring campaign and had to contend with a better-funded and more-organized Hillary Clinton .
Leaning heavily on the RNC , Trump caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president has the upper hand in money and manpower , with Democratic contenders squabbling among themselves , months away from crowning a nominee and pivoting to Trump .
Bloomberg , who is spending freely from a personal fortune worth billions , could improve the Democratic nominee ’ s competitiveness , both with his financial largess and by reducing the lag time to ramp up caused by the need to fundraise .
His plans to do so , whether the nominee or not , were first reported Friday by NBC News .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the White House , ” Bloomberg 's campaign manager said .
The RNC and the Trump campaign both dismissed Bloomberg ’ s strategy as irrelevant .
“ Liberal billionaires can spend as much outside money as they want , but the eventual nominee can not coordinate with anything they build , ” RNC spokesman Steve Guest said .
Added the Trump campaign 's Erin Perrine : “ He will never be able to match the ground game and data operation of President Trump and the RNC .
”

Michael Bloomberg’s plan to field a massive shadow political party could significantly undercut key financial and organizational advantages President Trump might otherwise enjoy against his Democratic challenger.
The former New York City mayor is investing hundreds of millions on a ground game and digital operation as part of his long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination. But Bloomberg, 77, is promising to put his campaign to work for whoever wins the party’s 2020 nod, immediately bridging a huge resource gap with Trump the Democratic National Committee is too depleted to handle.
Federal law prohibits Bloomberg’s organization from coordinating with, or being handed off to, the Democratic nominee in the way the GOP nominee, in this case Trump, is permitted to assume command of the Republican National Committee and its extensive campaign operation. That could hinder Bloomberg’s effect. But Republican insiders concede his play could remarkably improve the eventual Democratic nominee’s chances of defeating Trump.
“If he’s going to put hundreds of millions into a presidential campaign, damn right it will have an effect. It’s called buying an election,” Republican operative Mike Shields told the Washington Examiner. Shields was a top deputy to Reince Priebus at the RNC immediately after President Barack Obama’s reelection, when Priebus, as chairman, spent tens of millions of dollars to build turn-key, get-out-the-vote, and data analytics programs for use by all future GOP presidential nominees.
The decision paid huge dividends in 2016.
Trump won the Republican nomination that year with a shoestring campaign and had to contend with a better-funded and more-organized Hillary Clinton. Leaning heavily on the RNC, Trump caught up quickly. This election cycle, the president has the upper hand in money and manpower, with Democratic contenders squabbling among themselves, months away from crowning a nominee and pivoting to Trump.
Bloomberg, who is spending freely from a personal fortune worth billions, could improve the Democratic nominee’s competitiveness, both with his financial largess and by reducing the lag time to ramp up caused by the need to fundraise. His plans to do so, whether the nominee or not, were first reported Friday by NBC News. “He is dedicated to getting Trump out of the White House,” Bloomberg's campaign manager said.
The RNC and the Trump campaign both dismissed Bloomberg’s strategy as irrelevant.
“Liberal billionaires can spend as much outside money as they want, but the eventual nominee cannot coordinate with anything they build,” RNC spokesman Steve Guest said.
Added the Trump campaign's Erin Perrine: “He will never be able to match the ground game and data operation of President Trump and the RNC.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--John Kerry says he backs Biden because Obama administration 'never had a whiff of scandal'

John Kerry said he believed President Barack Obama 's administration was scandal-free during a discussion explaining his support for Joe Biden .
`` I believe Joe Biden is the only person who has the set of relationships around the world , who has had this unbelievable breadth of experience as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and then as vice president for eight years — and in an administration , by the way , which never had a whiff of scandal , '' the former secretary of state said Friday on CNN .
Kerry , 76 , endorsed Biden last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's experience .
He also excused the Delaware Democrat 's numerous slip-ups , saying , `` Who has n't done that over a lifetime ?
He is just honest , straightforward . ''
The Massachusetts Democrat 's claim of no scandals over the Obama administration has also been repeated by Biden himself .
The 2020 candidate claimed days after launching his campaign that there was `` not one single whisper of scandal '' when he and Obama were in office .
Biden , 77 , is the current front-runner in the Democratic presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person elected president .

John Kerry said he believed President Barack Obama's administration was scandal-free during a discussion explaining his support for Joe Biden.
"I believe Joe Biden is the only person who has the set of relationships around the world, who has had this unbelievable breadth of experience as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and then as vice president for eight years — and in an administration, by the way, which never had a whiff of scandal," the former secretary of state said Friday on CNN.
Kerry, 76, endorsed Biden last month, citing the former vice president's experience. He also excused the Delaware Democrat's numerous slip-ups, saying, "Who hasn't done that over a lifetime? He is just honest, straightforward."
The Massachusetts Democrat's claim of no scandals over the Obama administration has also been repeated by Biden himself. The 2020 candidate claimed days after launching his campaign that there was "not one single whisper of scandal" when he and Obama were in office.
Biden, 77, is the current front-runner in the Democratic presidential primary. He would be the oldest person elected president.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Star-studded enthusiasm: Andrew Yang gets boosts from Dave Chappelle and Donald Glover

Andrew Yang has not only become a surprise celebrity in the Democratic presidential field , but he is getting a star-studded wave of support .
Comedian Dave Chappelle is the latest celebrity to boost Yang .
“ Dave ’ s team reached out to our team , and they were thrilled to put the two of us together , ” Yang said in New Hampshire on Thursday .
“ We sat down and talked about his concerns for the country and what we need to do to for the next generation .
Dave ’ s a dad like I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , ‘ Look , I want to help , and what can I do to help ?
’ ” Chappelle has not yet announced his support publicly , but Yang said he will perform shows in South Carolina in support of Yang .
“ We asked him which of the early states that he might want to perform a couple shows to benefit the campaign .
He chose South Carolina , which seemed like a perfect fit , ” Yang said .
Yang was unknown nationally before a surge in support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several months .
The 44-year-old tech entrepreneur ’ s message warning of an increasingly automated economy and proposal for a $ 1,000-per-month universal basic income for every American has caught the attention of top entertainers and influencers .
Donald Glover , an actor who performs music under the stage names Childish Gambino and mcDJ , became a “ creative consultant ” for the campaign and designed limited-edition Yang merchandise sold at a pop-up shop in Los Angeles before the December Democratic primary debate .
[ Read more : Marianne Williamson drops out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks , the Yang campaign announced support from actor Steven Yuen of The Walking Dead , Golden Globe-winning actress Teri Hatcher of Desperate Housewives , actor Dane DeHaan of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 , comedian Ken Jeong of Community and The Hangover , and director and screenwriter James Gunn of Guardians of the Galaxy and Dawn of the Dead .
Billionaire SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said in an August tweet that he supports Yang ’ s candidacy .
Actor Nicolas Cage and Twitter founder and CEO Jack Dorsey are among those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the Yang campaign has been particularly vocal about his celebrity endorsements , he is not the only Democratic candidate to earn star-studded support .
Singer Ariana Grande announced her support for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in November .
Rapper Cardi B created a campaign video where she interviewed Sanders , and musician Jack White of The White Stripes performed at an October Sanders rally .
Singer John Legend and his model wife Chrissy Teigen , who are vocal proponents of Democratic causes , endorsed Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren .
New Jersey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dawson , and she has supported his candidacy by signing her name to fundraising letters and appearing at campaign events .
Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg has raked in donations from many celebrities , but few have publicly backed his candidacy or worked with his campaign .
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow reportedly co-hosted a fundraising event for Buttigieg .
Former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s campaign on Thursday announced endorsements from actors Vivica A .
Fox of Independence Day and Sean Patrick Thomas of Save the Last Dance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
Other celebrities , including actor Tom Hanks , have donated to his campaign .

Andrew Yang has not only become a surprise celebrity in the Democratic presidential field, but he is getting a star-studded wave of support.
Comedian Dave Chappelle is the latest celebrity to boost Yang.
“Dave’s team reached out to our team, and they were thrilled to put the two of us together,” Yang said in New Hampshire on Thursday. “We sat down and talked about his concerns for the country and what we need to do to for the next generation. Dave’s a dad like I am. And then after we met, he said, ‘Look, I want to help, and what can I do to help?’”
Chappelle has not yet announced his support publicly, but Yang said he will perform shows in South Carolina in support of Yang.
“We asked him which of the early states that he might want to perform a couple shows to benefit the campaign. He chose South Carolina, which seemed like a perfect fit,” Yang said.
Yang was unknown nationally before a surge in support for his presidential campaign in the last several months. The 44-year-old tech entrepreneur’s message warning of an increasingly automated economy and proposal for a $1,000-per-month universal basic income for every American has caught the attention of top entertainers and influencers.
Donald Glover, an actor who performs music under the stage names Childish Gambino and mcDJ, became a “creative consultant” for the campaign and designed limited-edition Yang merchandise sold at a pop-up shop in Los Angeles before the December Democratic primary debate.
[Read more: Marianne Williamson drops out of 2020 race for White House]
In recent weeks, the Yang campaign announced support from actor Steven Yuen of The Walking Dead, Golden Globe-winning actress Teri Hatcher of Desperate Housewives, actor Dane DeHaan of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, comedian Ken Jeong of Community and The Hangover, and director and screenwriter James Gunn of Guardians of the Galaxy and Dawn of the Dead.
Billionaire SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said in an August tweet that he supports Yang’s candidacy. Actor Nicolas Cage and Twitter founder and CEO Jack Dorsey are among those who have donated to Yang’s campaign.
While the Yang campaign has been particularly vocal about his celebrity endorsements, he is not the only Democratic candidate to earn star-studded support.
Singer Ariana Grande announced her support for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in November. Rapper Cardi B created a campaign video where she interviewed Sanders, and musician Jack White of The White Stripes performed at an October Sanders rally.
Singer John Legend and his model wife Chrissy Teigen, who are vocal proponents of Democratic causes, endorsed Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker is dating actress Rosario Dawson, and she has supported his candidacy by signing her name to fundraising letters and appearing at campaign events.
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg has raked in donations from many celebrities, but few have publicly backed his candidacy or worked with his campaign. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow reportedly co-hosted a fundraising event for Buttigieg.
Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign on Thursday announced endorsements from actors Vivica A. Fox of Independence Day and Sean Patrick Thomas of Save the Last Dance, the first public Hollywood endorsements of his campaign. Other celebrities, including actor Tom Hanks, have donated to his campaign.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--'You're a fraud!': Protester screams at Elizabeth Warren for 'siding with Iran'

An Elizabeth Warren presidential campaign rally was interrupted by a supporter of President Trump protesting her position on Iran and Qassem Soleimani .
`` You 're siding with racists , you 're siding with Iran .
What are you siding with terrorists for ? ''
the man yelled soon after the Massachusetts senator , 70 , took the stage .
`` My grandfather died in World War II .
You 're a fraud !
Disgusting ! ''
Others in attendance at the New Hampshire campaign event on Friday booed at the man .
`` This is a man who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He killed 600 Marines , '' the man responded .
`` We killed a terrorist .
Trump is great .
You 're a fraud .
I helped rape victims , and you 're lying . ''
`` It 's good to see you , '' Warren said .
`` It 's good to see you , '' the man screamed back at her .
`` Hope you resign . ''
The protester appeared to be referencing Warren 's reluctance to characterize Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , who was killed last week in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a terrorist .
In an appearance on The View on Tuesday , Warren avoided calling Soleimani a terrorist but eventually said that he `` of course '' was .
In the day following Soleimani 's death , Warren changed her tone in how she characterized him .
Her initial statement said he was `` a murderer , responsible for the deaths of thousands , including hundreds of Americans . ''
In a second statement about 13 hours later , she called Soleimani a `` senior foreign military official . ''
Warren warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move '' and accused him of `` marching toward war with Iran . ''
Campaign staff members escorted the man out as others in the crowd chanted Warren 's name .
Warren previously faced protesters at an Atlanta , Georgia , campaign rally in November .
A group of mostly black individuals wearing shirts that read `` Powerful Parents Network '' chanted , `` our children , our choice , '' protesting Warren 's proposals to end federal funds intended to expand charter schools , end `` for-profit '' charter schools , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violating tax rules .
Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley stepped in to help quiet the protesters .
After her speech , Warren spoke with protesters and said that her children went to public schools , even though her son attended an elite private school for at least one year .
Later at the New Hampshire event on Friday , Warren reiterated her anti-war stance .
`` We need to bring our combat troops home from Iraq , from Afghanistan , '' she said `` We need to stop this war .
America does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Despite the tense moment with the protester , the Warren event ended on a light note with a question from a high school junior .
“ Our junior prom is coming up .
Do you think you ’ d bring me to prom ?
” the young man said .

An Elizabeth Warren presidential campaign rally was interrupted by a supporter of President Trump protesting her position on Iran and Qassem Soleimani.
"You're siding with racists, you're siding with Iran. What are you siding with terrorists for?" the man yelled soon after the Massachusetts senator, 70, took the stage. "My grandfather died in World War II. You're a fraud! Disgusting!"
Others in attendance at the New Hampshire campaign event on Friday booed at the man.
"This is a man who is deeply upset," Warren said.
"He killed 600 Marines," the man responded. "We killed a terrorist. Trump is great. You're a fraud. I helped rape victims, and you're lying."
"It's good to see you," Warren said.
"It's good to see you," the man screamed back at her. "Hope you resign."
The protester appeared to be referencing Warren's reluctance to characterize Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed last week in a strike ordered by Trump, as a terrorist. In an appearance on The View on Tuesday, Warren avoided calling Soleimani a terrorist but eventually said that he "of course" was.
In the day following Soleimani's death, Warren changed her tone in how she characterized him. Her initial statement said he was "a murderer, responsible for the deaths of thousands, including hundreds of Americans." In a second statement about 13 hours later, she called Soleimani a "senior foreign military official." Warren warned that Trump's strike was a "reckless move" and accused him of "marching toward war with Iran."
Campaign staff members escorted the man out as others in the crowd chanted Warren's name.
Warren previously faced protesters at an Atlanta, Georgia, campaign rally in November. A group of mostly black individuals wearing shirts that read "Powerful Parents Network" chanted, "our children, our choice," protesting Warren's proposals to end federal funds intended to expand charter schools, end "for-profit" charter schools, and investigate nonprofit charter schools who may be violating tax rules. Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley stepped in to help quiet the protesters.
After her speech, Warren spoke with protesters and said that her children went to public schools, even though her son attended an elite private school for at least one year.
Later at the New Hampshire event on Friday, Warren reiterated her anti-war stance.
"We need to bring our combat troops home from Iraq, from Afghanistan," she said "We need to stop this war. America does not need more war in the Middle East."
Despite the tense moment with the protester, the Warren event ended on a light note with a question from a high school junior.
“Our junior prom is coming up. Do you think you’d bring me to prom?” the young man said.
"Let's talk," Warren responded.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Marianne Williamson finally goes back to her crystals

Props to Marianne Williamson for staying in the presidential race for far longer than anyone thought possible .
Polling at 0.2 % last week , the self-help guru a statement saying that even though she had to lay off her entire staff , she would press on without “ a traditional campaign staff.
” Points for optimism .
She finally dropped out on Friday afternoon , after running 2020 's most entertaining long-shot presidential campaign not centered on math .
Williamson , who had not qualified for a debate since the summer , stayed in the 2020 presidential race for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The point of my candidacy has been to tell the heart ’ s truth , ” she announced in a statement last week .
That truth has involved her radical plans to heal America , from offering to establishing a Department of Peace .
Instead , she was known mostly for tweeting maxims such as , `` Each of us is pregnant with a better version of ourselves , '' and saying to New Zealand 's prime minister on the debate stage , `` Girlfriend , you are so on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only presidential candidate who has felt the need to , “ This idea that I ’ m a crystal woo woo lady ... the crystal woo woo lady image , to some extent amusing , has no relation to reality.
” Williamson 's remaining supporters may be disappointed by the news , but they ’ ll quickly recover .
Later this month , Gwyneth Paltrow will star in a new Netflix series in which they can learn all about how to unleash better , likely crystal-fueled , versions of themselves .

Props to Marianne Williamson for staying in the presidential race for far longer than anyone thought possible.
Polling at 0.2% last week, the self-help guru released a statement saying that even though she had to lay off her entire staff, she would press on without “a traditional campaign staff.” Points for optimism.
She finally dropped out on Friday afternoon, after running 2020's most entertaining long-shot presidential campaign not centered on math.
Williamson, who had not qualified for a debate since the summer, stayed in the 2020 presidential race for one reason: to have a platform.
“The point of my candidacy has been to tell the heart’s truth,” she announced in a statement last week.
That truth has involved her radical plans to heal America, from offering $100 billion in reparations to establishing a Department of Peace. Instead, she was known mostly for tweeting maxims such as, "Each of us is pregnant with a better version of ourselves," and saying to New Zealand's prime minister on the debate stage, "Girlfriend, you are so on."
She will be remembered as the only presidential candidate who has felt the need to specify , “This idea that I’m a crystal woo woo lady ... the crystal woo woo lady image, to some extent amusing, has no relation to reality.”
Williamson's remaining supporters may be disappointed by the news, but they’ll quickly recover. Later this month, Gwyneth Paltrow will star in a new Netflix series in which they can learn all about how to unleash better, likely crystal-fueled, versions of themselves.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--Negative energy: Marianne Williamson drops out of 2020 race for White House

Author Marianne Williamson has ended her long-shot bid for the White House after laying off her whole campaign staff shortly after the new year .
She announced her exit from the race on Friday in a statement titled , `` With love and gratitude . ''
`` The primaries might be tightly contested among the top contenders , and I don ’ t want to get in the way of a progressive candidate winning any of them , '' she said .
Williamson , 67 , surprised Beltway insiders by leveraging her national profile and 4.1 million social media followers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Oprah Winfrey 's spiritual counselor , into more than 130,000 donors and a spot in the first two Democratic debate rounds .
But the New York Times best-selling writer , who became the most-searched 2020 presidential candidate after the Detroit debate for warning of the Trump administration 's `` dark psychic force , '' struggled to find establishment support for her quixotic campaign .
While on the trail , Williamson pushed for the creation of a U.S. Department of Peace , which she proposed would also oversee gun control measures and reparations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 500 billion investment in the African American community over a period of 10 years .
`` These are not times to despair ; they are simply times to rise up , '' Williamson said .
`` A politics of conscience is still yet possible .
And yes .
love will prevail . ''

Author Marianne Williamson has ended her long-shot bid for the White House after laying off her whole campaign staff shortly after the new year.
She announced her exit from the race on Friday in a statement titled, "With love and gratitude."
"The primaries might be tightly contested among the top contenders, and I don’t want to get in the way of a progressive candidate winning any of them," she said.
Williamson, 67, surprised Beltway insiders by leveraging her national profile and 4.1 million social media followers, amassed partly through her previous work as Oprah Winfrey's spiritual counselor, into more than 130,000 donors and a spot in the first two Democratic debate rounds.
But the New York Times best-selling writer, who became the most-searched 2020 presidential candidate after the Detroit debate for warning of the Trump administration's "dark psychic force," struggled to find establishment support for her quixotic campaign.
While on the trail, Williamson pushed for the creation of a U.S. Department of Peace, which she proposed would also oversee gun control measures and reparations, calling for a $200 billion to $500 billion investment in the African American community over a period of 10 years.
"These are not times to despair; they are simply times to rise up," Williamson said. "A politics of conscience is still yet possible. And yes. love will prevail."
[Previous coverage: Marianne Williamson: Trump emboldening a ‘dark psychic force’ in America]


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-10--'International anarchy’: Bernie Sanders says assassination of 'high-ranking official' Soleimani will

'International anarchy’: Bernie Sanders says assassination of 'high-ranking official' Soleimani will unleash chaos

Speaking on the Today show , Sen. Bernie Sanders called Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani a `` high-ranking official '' and @ @ @ @ @ before claiming that `` international anarchy '' would be unleashed as a result of President @ @ @ @ @ When you assassinate a high-ranking official of a government , you unleash international anarchy — @ @ @ @ @ can do that , why ca n't other countries do that ? ''
asked Sanders @ @ @ @ @ ’ re off and running without any basis of international law.
” Sanders , 78 @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic nomination and has rebounded strongly since an October heart attack threatened to derail @ @ @ @ @ have struggled to find the right words to describe Soleimani following his death .
The @ @ @ @ @ asked Sen. Elizabeth Warren if she would label Soleimani a `` terrorist . ''
Warren @ @ @ @ @ McCain pressed the Massachusetts senator .

Speaking on the Today show, Sen. Bernie Sanders called Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani a "high-ranking official" and labeled his death an assassination before claiming that "international anarchy" would be unleashed as a result of President Trump's decision.
"When you assassinate a high-ranking official of a government, you unleash international anarchy — because if the United States can do that, why can't other countries do that?" asked Sanders. “And then you’re off and running without any basis of international law.”
Sanders, 78, is a front-runner for the Democratic nomination and has rebounded strongly since an October heart attack threatened to derail his campaign.
Democratic nominees have struggled to find the right words to describe Soleimani following his death. The View host Megan McCain repeatedly asked Sen. Elizabeth Warren if she would label Soleimani a "terrorist." Warren agreed with the term after McCain pressed the Massachusetts senator.