thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--'A good thing': Top GOP lawmaker says votes aren’t there to renew FISA without reforms

The top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee happily predicted Congress does not have the votes to renew Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act provisions unless reforms are put in place to limit spying .
Georgia Rep. Doug Collins was asked by Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo on Sunday whether the House had enough members willing to vote for a “ clean ” FISA reauthorization by Friday before certain authorities are set to expire this weekend .
“ No , I don ’ t think we do , and I think that ’ s a good thing , ” Collins said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think that ’ s good for the president .
I think that ’ s good for the country … People have lost trust in the Department of Justice .
They ’ ve lost trust in the FISA court.
” Republican allies of President Trump have demanded FISA reform after Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz released a report in December that criticized the DOJ and the FBI for at least 17 “ significant errors and omissions ” related to the FISA surveillance of Trump campaign associate Carter Page , a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and its heavy reliance on British ex-spy Christopher Steele ’ s salacious and unverified dossier .
“ In my position , I think the House ’ s position , and actually the president has mentioned this as well , is now is our time to actually look at what needs to happen with the court itself , so that we don ’ t get another Carter Page , we don ’ t get another president , like President Trump as a candidate and as president was , attacked by a rogue cabal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Collins said .
“ I think the House right now is in no position to pass anything that doesn ’ t have some actual Title I changes — which is the actual court itself — so that we can protect American citizens in sensitive areas.
” Collins said he was “ working hard ” through the weekend on possible legislative fixes .
FISA authorities including roving wiretap powers , the business records provision , and the `` lone wolf '' amendment are set to sunset on March 15 if not reauthorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aisle are considering reforms to the law that determines the procedures for surveillance for counterintelligence or anti-terrorism investigations .
Democrats want changes to protect civil liberties and prevent abuse of the surveillance measures , and reforms will likely include permanently ending the Call Details Record Program , which allows the government to seek call metadata from telecommunications companies .
The National Security Agency ended this program under pressure last year , but lawmakers are working to ensure it is not revived .
Republicans want greater oversight of the FISA court and of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DOJ to secretly surveil U.S. citizens suspected of being agents of a foreign power .
Republicans and Democrats rejected an effort to tie FISA reauthorization to billions of coronavirus emergency funding last week .
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said “ the FISA process was abused to spy on Donald Trump , '' adding , “ we need real reform , not political games.
” Last week , Trump and Attorney General William Barr met with Republican lawmakers , which put the divide on the FISA matter on display .
Barr has repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the provisions and asked for time to implement his own internal reforms aimed at stopping surveillance abuses .
But , according to Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky , “ The president made it exceedingly clear that he will not accept a clean reauthorization … without real reform.
” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said , “ My own preference is to extend these three or four expiring authorities ... but there are differences among my members and among the Democrats on the way forward … If we 're unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be for another extension.
” Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham previously said Barr “ made a commitment to make sure that what happened in 2016 — that internally he 's going to clean up that mess.
” The South Carolina Republican added : “ You ’ ve got three provisions to deal with .
I think it ’ d be smart to keep them in place.
” Trump ’ s new nominee for director of national intelligence , Rep. John Ratcliffe , noted “ there was illegal surveillance ” of Trump , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the surveillance law used to root out terrorists and spies .
Republicans in the House said FISA reform was imperative .
“ We are right in the middle of reauthorizing the FISA process , ” North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows said .
“ Shame on any member of Congress or senator , including Republicans , if we reauthorize it without reforming it.
” The Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee struck a similar tone .
“ Nope , I don ’ t want to do it — not without major reforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told CNN when asked if he 'd support a short-term FISA reauthorization .
The House Judiciary Committee suspended a markup session for FISA reform legislation last month after Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren offered up what her critics called “ poison pill ” amendments .
“ If we don ’ t take this opportunity to reform the FISA process , we are missing an opportunity , ” the California Democrat said .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said FISA reauthorization needs to happen by March 12 , before Congress leaves town .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the California Democrat told reporters last week .
“ We 're having our own negotiations within our own group , but also among the Democrats and vis-a-vis the Republicans .
”

The top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee happily predicted Congress does not have the votes to renew Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act provisions unless reforms are put in place to limit spying.
Georgia Rep. Doug Collins was asked by Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo on Sunday whether the House had enough members willing to vote for a “clean” FISA reauthorization by Friday before certain authorities are set to expire this weekend.
“No, I don’t think we do, and I think that’s a good thing,” Collins said on Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures. “I think that’s good for the president. I think that’s good for the country … People have lost trust in the Department of Justice. They’ve lost trust in the FISA court.”
Republican allies of President Trump have demanded FISA reform after Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz released a report in December that criticized the DOJ and the FBI for at least 17 “significant errors and omissions” related to the FISA surveillance of Trump campaign associate Carter Page, a U.S. citizen who was never charged with wrongdoing, and its heavy reliance on British ex-spy Christopher Steele’s salacious and unverified dossier.
“In my position, I think the House’s position, and actually the president has mentioned this as well, is now is our time to actually look at what needs to happen with the court itself, so that we don’t get another Carter Page, we don’t get another president, like President Trump as a candidate and as president was, attacked by a rogue cabal at the DOJ abusing the FISA process,” Collins said. “I think the House right now is in no position to pass anything that doesn’t have some actual Title I changes — which is the actual court itself — so that we can protect American citizens in sensitive areas.”
Collins said he was “working hard” through the weekend on possible legislative fixes.
FISA authorities including roving wiretap powers, the business records provision, and the "lone wolf" amendment are set to sunset on March 15 if not reauthorized, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are considering reforms to the law that determines the procedures for surveillance for counterintelligence or anti-terrorism investigations.
Democrats want changes to protect civil liberties and prevent abuse of the surveillance measures, and reforms will likely include permanently ending the Call Details Record Program, which allows the government to seek call metadata from telecommunications companies. The National Security Agency ended this program under pressure last year, but lawmakers are working to ensure it is not revived.
Republicans want greater oversight of the FISA court and of the actions taken by the FBI and DOJ to secretly surveil U.S. citizens suspected of being agents of a foreign power.
Republicans and Democrats rejected an effort to tie FISA reauthorization to billions of coronavirus emergency funding last week.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said “the FISA process was abused to spy on Donald Trump," adding, “we need real reform, not political games.”
Last week, Trump and Attorney General William Barr met with Republican lawmakers, which put the divide on the FISA matter on display.
Barr has repeatedly advocated for the “clean” extension of the provisions and asked for time to implement his own internal reforms aimed at stopping surveillance abuses.
But, according to Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, “The president made it exceedingly clear that he will not accept a clean reauthorization … without real reform.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said, “My own preference is to extend these three or four expiring authorities ... but there are differences among my members and among the Democrats on the way forward … If we're unable to resolve our differences, my preference would be for another extension.”
Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham previously said Barr “made a commitment to make sure that what happened in 2016 — that internally he's going to clean up that mess.” The South Carolina Republican added: “You’ve got three provisions to deal with. I think it’d be smart to keep them in place.”
Trump’s new nominee for director of national intelligence, Rep. John Ratcliffe, noted “there was illegal surveillance” of Trump, but the Texas Republican also defended the value of the surveillance law used to root out terrorists and spies.
Republicans in the House said FISA reform was imperative.
“We are right in the middle of reauthorizing the FISA process,” North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows said. “Shame on any member of Congress or senator, including Republicans, if we reauthorize it without reforming it.”
The Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee struck a similar tone.
“Nope, I don’t want to do it — not without major reforms," New York Rep. Jerry Nadler told CNN when asked if he'd support a short-term FISA reauthorization.
The House Judiciary Committee suspended a markup session for FISA reform legislation last month after Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren offered up what her critics called “poison pill” amendments.
“If we don’t take this opportunity to reform the FISA process, we are missing an opportunity,” the California Democrat said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said FISA reauthorization needs to happen by March 12, before Congress leaves town.
“We have to have a reauthorization of FISA,” the California Democrat told reporters last week. “We're having our own negotiations within our own group, but also among the Democrats and vis-a-vis the Republicans.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Virginia Senate, House approve higher minimum wage

The Virginia General Assembly approved legislation that would incrementally increase the minimum wage to $ 12 per hour by 2023 if Gov .
Ralph Northam signs the bill , which is expected .
The minimum wage would go up from the current $ 7.25 per hour to $ 9.50 in 2021 , $ 11 in 2022 and $ 12 in 2023 .
The bill was approved nearly along party lines , with support from Democrats and opposition from Republicans .
This version of the minimum wage bill came out of a joint conference committee with House and Senate Democrats who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should affect lower-income regions of the commonwealth .
The compromise bill essentially tables this debate until 2022 .
The initial House version , House Bill 395 , sought to increase the minimum wage to $ 15 per hour across the entire state , while the initial Senate version , Senate Bill 7 , sought a regional approach , which would have increased the minimum wage to $ 15 per hour only in the wealthiest parts of the states .
Lower-income regions would have had their increases tied to the average regional salary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would compel three government agencies to conduct a joint review to understand the effect of a regional minimum wage increase .
The agencies would consider several factors , which include its impact on the cost of living , its impact on workers and its impact on income inequality .
They also would consider the economic benefits of a regional minimum wage and whether it is feasible .
The compromise bill contains a provision designed to pave the way for increasing the minimum wage to $ 13.50 by 2025 and $ 15 per hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action .
Lawmakers will have the opportunity to approve these two increases by July 1 , 2024 .
If they do not approve the increases by 2024 , then the $ 12 minimum wage would just be tied to inflation .

The Virginia General Assembly approved legislation that would incrementally increase the minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2023 if Gov. Ralph Northam signs the bill, which is expected.
The minimum wage would go up from the current $7.25 per hour to $9.50 in 2021, $11 in 2022 and $12 in 2023. The bill was approved nearly along party lines, with support from Democrats and opposition from Republicans.
This version of the minimum wage bill came out of a joint conference committee with House and Senate Democrats who disagreed on how the minimum wage increase should affect lower-income regions of the commonwealth. The compromise bill essentially tables this debate until 2022.
The initial House version, House Bill 395, sought to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour across the entire state, while the initial Senate version, Senate Bill 7, sought a regional approach, which would have increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour only in the wealthiest parts of the states. Lower-income regions would have had their increases tied to the average regional salary.
As a compromise, the new bill would compel three government agencies to conduct a joint review to understand the effect of a regional minimum wage increase. The agencies would consider several factors, which include its impact on the cost of living, its impact on workers and its impact on income inequality. They also would consider the economic benefits of a regional minimum wage and whether it is feasible.
The compromise bill contains a provision designed to pave the way for increasing the minimum wage to $13.50 by 2025 and $15 per hour by 2026, but first requires legislative action. Lawmakers will have the opportunity to approve these two increases by July 1, 2024. If they do not approve the increases by 2024, then the $12 minimum wage would just be tied to inflation.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--'Business as usual': White House denies limits on in-person meetings amid coronavirus outbreak

The spread of the coronavirus has not affected White House operations , press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Monday .
Grisham @ @ @ @ @ House directing staff to limit in-person interactions and meetings were “ completely false.
” '' @ @ @ @ @ Americans to exercise common-sense hygiene measures , we are conducting business as usual .
I @ @ @ @ @ once again to be responsible with all reporting , ” Grisham said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ in an age group particularly vulnerable to the virus , has been shaking hands despite @ @ @ @ @ it .
Trump , 73 , shook hands with supporters who greeted him upon his @ @ @ @ @ Airport Monday morning .
Several White House officials , including Trump , attended the Conservative @ @ @ @ @ weeks ago .
An infected attendee interacted with several high-profile Republicans .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ works in the White House becoming sick with the coronavirus .

The spread of the coronavirus has not affected White House operations, press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Monday.
Grisham said reports about the White House directing staff to limit in-person interactions and meetings were “completely false.”
"While we have asked all Americans to exercise common-sense hygiene measures, we are conducting business as usual. I want to remind the media once again to be responsible with all reporting,” Grisham said in a statement.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
Trump, who is in an age group particularly vulnerable to the virus, has been shaking hands despite public health experts recommending against it. Trump, 73, shook hands with supporters who greeted him upon his arrival at Orlando Sanford International Airport Monday morning.
Several White House officials, including Trump, attended the Conservative Political Action Conference nearly two weeks ago. An infected attendee interacted with several high-profile Republicans.
There have been no reports about anyone who works in the White House becoming sick with the coronavirus.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Trump campaign and White House rebuke Twitter for labeling Biden video 'manipulated'

Members of President Trump 's reelection campaign and White House officials rebuked Twitter after the platform decided a video of Joe Biden was manipulated .
Twitter ruled over the weekend that a clip of Biden speaking at a campaign event tweeted by Dan Scavino Jr. , an assistant to the president and the director of social media at the White House , was manipulated because it cut off a portion of the vice president 's comments .
The shortened clip appears to show the former vice president endorsing President Trump , but it failed to include the second clause to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the platform 's ruling and the subsequent `` manipulated media '' label that 's featured on his tweet .
He posted on Twitter , `` The video was NOT manipulated . ''
President Trump retweeted the Biden clip and then retweeted his social media director 's response to the platform 's ruling .
Gary Coby , the digital director for the campaign , argued Biden is `` such a mess '' to the point that Twitter `` thinks this video was manipulated . ''
He added , `` Sorry !
He actually said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to drag Joe across the finish line . ''
Mike Hahn , another member of the campaign 's digital team , said he was `` looking forward to an explanation from '' Twitter because the video `` was a REAL CLIP ! ''
In the 13-second clip at the center of the debacle , the former vice president stumbled on a sentence at a Saturday campaign event in Kansas City , Missouri .
`` Excuse me .
We can only re-elect Donald Trump , '' he said .
The clip , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Biden 's sentence , in which he said , `` Excuse me .
We can only re-elect Donald Trump if in fact we get engaged in this circular firing squad here .
It 's got ta be a positive campaign . ''
The manipulated media policy , which only went into effect last week , is meant to limit the spread of fake or misleading information on the platform .

Members of President Trump's reelection campaign and White House officials rebuked Twitter after the platform decided a video of Joe Biden was manipulated.
Twitter ruled over the weekend that a clip of Biden speaking at a campaign event tweeted by Dan Scavino Jr., an assistant to the president and the director of social media at the White House, was manipulated because it cut off a portion of the vice president's comments. The shortened clip appears to show the former vice president endorsing President Trump, but it failed to include the second clause to his statement.
Scavino and others ridiculed the platform's ruling and the subsequent "manipulated media" label that's featured on his tweet. He posted on Twitter, "The video was NOT manipulated."
President Trump retweeted the Biden clip and then retweeted his social media director's response to the platform's ruling.
Gary Coby, the digital director for the campaign, argued Biden is "such a mess" to the point that Twitter "thinks this video was manipulated." He added, "Sorry! He actually said this. Not manipulated. They are trying to drag Joe across the finish line."
Mike Hahn, another member of the campaign's digital team, said he was "looking forward to an explanation from" Twitter because the video "was a REAL CLIP!"
In the 13-second clip at the center of the debacle, the former vice president stumbled on a sentence at a Saturday campaign event in Kansas City, Missouri. "Excuse me. We can only re-elect Donald Trump," he said. The clip, however, failed to include the second half of Biden's sentence, in which he said, "Excuse me. We can only re-elect Donald Trump if in fact we get engaged in this circular firing squad here. It's gotta be a positive campaign."
The manipulated media policy, which only went into effect last week, is meant to limit the spread of fake or misleading information on the platform.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Congressmen reintroduce bipartisan bill to let members vote from home during coronavirus outbreak

As employers around the country order staff to work from home , two members of Congress are hoping to pass legislation allowing them the same option .
Rep. Eric Swalwell , a California Democrat , and Rick Crawford , an Arkansas Republican , on Monday reintroduced legislation that would allow lawmakers to cast votes outside of their chambers .
The bill , which was first introduced in 2013 , would allow members to attend hearings and cast votes online via teleconference rather than mandating that they attend in person .
The Members Operating to Be Innovative and Link Everyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remote votes for suspension bills , which require two-thirds approval and are typically not controversial .
If it passed , members would not immediately be able to work remotely as the legislation also requires the creation of the secure software that would be used for the mobile votes .
“ Modern technology belongs in Congress , and my resolution would allow members to not only spend more time with their constituents and their families but would prove useful for a number of situations , including the public health crisis in which we currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Crawford agreed , adding , “ The ability for members of Congress to vote remotely if need be has been technologically feasible for decades .
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak underscores the need for Congress to embrace what the 21st century has to offer.
” He added via tweet that `` the ability to vote remotely if needed is long overdue .
It 's time for Congress to join the modern century . ''
Work-from-home policies have been implemented by several major businesses , including Amazon ’ s corporate offices .
New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire city to try to work from home if possible , and several newspapers told staff who went to the Conservative Political Action Conference , which an infected person attended , to work remotely .
More than 600 Americans have been infected with coronavirus since the outbreak began .
Several prominent Republicans have self-quarantined after coming in contact with the infected person who attended CPAC in February .
The MOBILE resolution has been reintroduced by Swalwell to every congressional class since 2013 but has failed to gain traction .

As employers around the country order staff to work from home, two members of Congress are hoping to pass legislation allowing them the same option.
Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, and Rick Crawford, an Arkansas Republican, on Monday reintroduced legislation that would allow lawmakers to cast votes outside of their chambers. The bill, which was first introduced in 2013, would allow members to attend hearings and cast votes online via teleconference rather than mandating that they attend in person.
The Members Operating to Be Innovative and Link Everyone, or MOBILE, resolution would only allow remote votes for suspension bills, which require two-thirds approval and are typically not controversial. If it passed, members would not immediately be able to work remotely as the legislation also requires the creation of the secure software that would be used for the mobile votes.
“Modern technology belongs in Congress, and my resolution would allow members to not only spend more time with their constituents and their families but would prove useful for a number of situations, including the public health crisis in which we currently find ourselves,” Swalwell told Axios.
Crawford agreed, adding, “The ability for members of Congress to vote remotely if need be has been technologically feasible for decades. The ongoing coronavirus outbreak underscores the need for Congress to embrace what the 21st century has to offer.” He added via tweet that "the ability to vote remotely if needed is long overdue. It's time for Congress to join the modern century."
Work-from-home policies have been implemented by several major businesses, including Amazon’s corporate offices. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also urged the entire city to try to work from home if possible, and several newspapers told staff who went to the Conservative Political Action Conference, which an infected person attended, to work remotely.
More than 600 Americans have been infected with coronavirus since the outbreak began. Several prominent Republicans have self-quarantined after coming in contact with the infected person who attended CPAC in February.
The MOBILE resolution has been reintroduced by Swalwell to every congressional class since 2013 but has failed to gain traction.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--'This is not a time for fear': McConnell downplays coronavirus threat

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urged lawmakers and the public to remain calm amid the spread of the deadly coronavirus , arguing the risk of transmission is low and that the United States is prepared to treat it .
“ This is not a time for fear , ” McConnell said in a floor speech after arriving at the Capitol on Monday .
“ It is a time to continue calmly scaling up the serious and smart preparations that have already been underway so the United States can continue working to blunt , slow , and mitigate the spread within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump with early action to stop the threat by restricting travel in January .
He also praised Sen. Ted Cruz , a Texas Republican , on his decision to self-quarantine after discovering he was in contact with an infected individual at the Conservative Political Action Conference nearly two weeks ago .
“ Sen .
Cruz decided to work at home this week out of an abundance of caution , ” McConnell said .
“ We will miss him around the Capitol this week , but I thank him for taking the initiative.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement late Monday , declaring the senator “ feels great , has not exhibited any symptoms of the coronavirus in the last 11 days , and is not currently experiencing any symptoms.
” McConnell ’ s statement comes after a handful of additional lawmakers announced they would not return to Washington , D.C. , this week due to contact with people infected with the coronavirus .
The Capitol remains open , with votes planned in both the House and Senate beginning late Monday afternoon and continuing this week .
House and Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do if the Capitol must close .
Lawmakers can not vote remotely in either the House or the Senate .
McConnell called for “ calm and confidence ” and said the country was equipped with “ enormous expertise and tremendous capabilities , ” along with $ 8.3 billion appropriated by Congress to combat the virus .
Senate Democrats have been critical of Trump ’ s handling of the virus threat .
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Trump to initiate several policies in response , including paid sick leave and enhanced unemployment insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump for playing golf over the weekend , downplaying the threat of the virus , and for a delay in producing coronavirus test kits .
“ The federal government ’ s initial response to the coronavirus was slipshod at best .
It has greatly hurt the country .
And it falls at the feet of the president , ” Schumer said .
“ The buck stops with him .
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urged lawmakers and the public to remain calm amid the spread of the deadly coronavirus, arguing the risk of transmission is low and that the United States is prepared to treat it.
“This is not a time for fear,” McConnell said in a floor speech after arriving at the Capitol on Monday. “It is a time to continue calmly scaling up the serious and smart preparations that have already been underway so the United States can continue working to blunt, slow, and mitigate the spread within our borders.”
The Kentucky Republican credited President Trump with early action to stop the threat by restricting travel in January. He also praised Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, on his decision to self-quarantine after discovering he was in contact with an infected individual at the Conservative Political Action Conference nearly two weeks ago.
“Sen. Cruz decided to work at home this week out of an abundance of caution,” McConnell said. “We will miss him around the Capitol this week, but I thank him for taking the initiative.”
Cruz’s press office issued a statement late Monday, declaring the senator “feels great, has not exhibited any symptoms of the coronavirus in the last 11 days, and is not currently experiencing any symptoms.”
McConnell’s statement comes after a handful of additional lawmakers announced they would not return to Washington, D.C., this week due to contact with people infected with the coronavirus.
The Capitol remains open, with votes planned in both the House and Senate beginning late Monday afternoon and continuing this week. House and Senate leaders have begun discussions about what to do if the Capitol must close. Lawmakers cannot vote remotely in either the House or the Senate.
McConnell called for “calm and confidence” and said the country was equipped with “enormous expertise and tremendous capabilities,” along with $8.3 billion appropriated by Congress to combat the virus.
Senate Democrats have been critical of Trump’s handling of the virus threat. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Trump to initiate several policies in response, including paid sick leave and enhanced unemployment insurance. The New York Democrat also criticized Trump for playing golf over the weekend, downplaying the threat of the virus, and for a delay in producing coronavirus test kits.
“The federal government’s initial response to the coronavirus was slipshod at best. It has greatly hurt the country. And it falls at the feet of the president,” Schumer said. “The buck stops with him.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Fifth lawmaker to announce coronavirus self-quarantine shook Trump's hand Friday

Rep. Doug Collins , a Georgia Republican who is running for the U.S. Senate , announced Monday he will remain quarantined for two weeks after learning he was in contact with an attendee at last month ’ s Conservative Political Action Conference who later tested positive for the coronavirus .
“ This afternoon , I was notified by CPAC that they discovered a photo of myself and the patient who has tested positive for coronavirus , ” Collins said in a statement .
“ While I feel completely healthy and I am not experiencing any symptoms , I have decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remainder of the 14-day period out of an abundance of caution .
I will follow the recommendations of the House Physician and my office will provide updates as appropriate.
” Collins shook hands with President Trump on Friday when Trump visited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta .
Collins is the fourth lawmaker to announce plans to self-quarantine because of contact with the infected CPAC attendee .
Two aides who work for Collins will also remain quarantined .
Rep. Matt Gaetz , a Florida Republican who was criticized for apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas mask on the House floor last week , announced that he , too , will remain in self-quarantine for the next few days because he was also in contact with the infected CPAC attendee .
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona , both Republicans , said earlier Monday they ’ ll stay home for the remainder of the week .
A fifth lawmaker , Rep. Julia Brownley , a California Democrat , said she is closing her Capitol Hill office for the week and is working remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington last week tested positive for coronavirus .
The virus can start showing symptoms up to 14 days after initial contact .
The individual was in Maryland attending CPAC in National Harbor from Feb. 27-March 1 and met with several top politicians at the event .

Rep. Doug Collins, a Georgia Republican who is running for the U.S. Senate, announced Monday he will remain quarantined for two weeks after learning he was in contact with an attendee at last month’s Conservative Political Action Conference who later tested positive for the coronavirus.
“This afternoon, I was notified by CPAC that they discovered a photo of myself and the patient who has tested positive for coronavirus,” Collins said in a statement. “While I feel completely healthy and I am not experiencing any symptoms, I have decided to self-quarantine at my home for the remainder of the 14-day period out of an abundance of caution. I will follow the recommendations of the House Physician and my office will provide updates as appropriate.”
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
Collins shook hands with President Trump on Friday when Trump visited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
Collins is the fourth lawmaker to announce plans to self-quarantine because of contact with the infected CPAC attendee.
Two aides who work for Collins will also remain quarantined.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican who was criticized for apparently mocking the virus threat by wearing a gas mask on the House floor last week, announced that he, too, will remain in self-quarantine for the next few days because he was also in contact with the infected CPAC attendee.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, both Republicans, said earlier Monday they’ll stay home for the remainder of the week.
A fifth lawmaker, Rep. Julia Brownley, a California Democrat, said she is closing her Capitol Hill office for the week and is working remotely after learning an individual she met with in Washington last week tested positive for coronavirus.
The virus can start showing symptoms up to 14 days after initial contact.
The individual was in Maryland attending CPAC in National Harbor from Feb. 27-March 1 and met with several top politicians at the event.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Kevin McCarthy: Schumer 'trying to influence the outcome' of Supreme Court cases

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy blasted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for comments Schumer made about two conservative Supreme Court justices over their decisions on abortion rights cases .
“ He 's standing before the Supreme Court trying to influence the outcome , ” the California Republican said on Fox News 's Sunday Morning Futures .
`` In America , we believe , we encourage the exchange of ideas , not to the idea that you 're going to intimidate.
” If McCarthy were a Democrat in the Senate , he said , `` I would have changed my leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schumer received bipartisan criticism for comments he directed at Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh during a pro-abortion rally outside the Supreme Court .
“ I want to tell you , Gorsuch , I want to tell you , Kavanaugh , you have released the whirlwind , and you will pay the price .
You won ’ t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions , '' Schumer said .
The remarks sparked a sharp and rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts .
`` Justices know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatening statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate , they are dangerous , '' Robert said .
`` All members of the court will continue to do their job , without fear or favor , from whatever quarter . ''
Schumer later apologized , saying , `` I should not have used the words I used yesterday . ''
At least one Republican has floated the idea of censuring Schumer over his remarks about the court .

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy blasted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for comments Schumer made about two conservative Supreme Court justices over their decisions on abortion rights cases.
“He's standing before the Supreme Court trying to influence the outcome,” the California Republican said on Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures. "In America, we believe, we encourage the exchange of ideas, not to the idea that you're going to intimidate.”
If McCarthy were a Democrat in the Senate, he said, "I would have changed my leadership if this was what was happening.”
Schumer received bipartisan criticism for comments he directed at Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh during a pro-abortion rally outside the Supreme Court.
“I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh, you have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions," Schumer said.
The remarks sparked a sharp and rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts.
"Justices know that criticism comes with the territory, but threatening statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate, they are dangerous," Robert said. "All members of the court will continue to do their job, without fear or favor, from whatever quarter."
Schumer later apologized, saying, "I should not have used the words I used yesterday."
At least one Republican has floated the idea of censuring Schumer over his remarks about the court.
The Supreme Court currently holds a 5-4 conservative majority.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Ron Johnson accuses Democrats of stalling subpoena vote

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson rebuked the panel ’ s ranking member , Sen. Gary Peters , for stalling a committee subpoena vote related to the Burisma investigation .
Johnson , a Wisconsin Republican who is spearheading the investigation into the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma Holdings , which is connected to former Vice President Joe Biden 's son Hunter Biden , wants to subpoena Andrii Telizhenko , a former low-level aide at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington who is now a consultant in Kyiv .
Telizhenko claimed he was told by a top aide for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States that he should assist former Democratic National Committee consultant Alexandra Chalupa in her alleged 2016 anti-Trump efforts , the Washington Examiner previously reported .
Chalupa denied this charge .
Since Feb. 24 , Johnson and Peters have been battling over the Telizhenko subpoena .
In Johnson 's initial letter to Peters , he stated his intention to issue the subpoena .
Peters sent a letter to Johnson on March 1 urging Johnson to withhold the subpoena of Telizhenko until questions concerning 2020 election interference were answered by the intelligence community and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday to Peters asking why minority staff did not follow up with the FBI if they had additional concerns .
“ I have spoken with the intelligence committee and received a classified intelligence product which I have made available to every Committee member .
Our staff also received a briefing from the FBI on February 28 , 2020 , ” Johnson wrote .
“ Although the FBI directly and thoroughly answered the staff ’ s questions , it is clear they were not the answers your staff had hoped to hear .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI to speak further in a classified setting .
The FBI unequivocally agreed to meet to answer any additional questions , and told your staff who they could contact to set up that briefing .
To my knowledge , your staff never contacted those individuals , '' he wrote .
Johnson defended the investigation , saying , `` We have conducted our investigations methodically , responsibly , and largely out of public view .
We have gone to great lengths to receive briefings and review and verify all information received by the Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He added , `` Unfortunately , you did object and continue to use 'disinformation efforts by Russia ' as a boogie man to justify opposition to this narrow subpoena involving records associated with a U.S.-based lobbying firm . ''
In his March 1 letter to Johnson , Peters said staffers from their committee along with the Senate Judiciary Committee and Finance Committee participated in a Feb. 28 unclassified phone call with the FBI about their concerns related to Telizhenko .
Peters wrote , “ During the call , Minority staff informed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could only be asked in a classified setting , and the FBI agreed to provide the Committee with that opportunity .
That classified briefing has not yet happened.
” Peters continued , “ Similarly , since December , I have sought to have the Committee arrange a bipartisan briefing with the Intelligence Community ( IC ) , about foreign efforts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election related to this investigation .
That classified briefing has also not happened yet.
” Editor 's note : This article has been edited to reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter from Sen. Ron Johnson to Sen. Gary Peters

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson rebuked the panel’s ranking member, Sen. Gary Peters, for stalling a committee subpoena vote related to the Burisma investigation.
Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican who is spearheading the investigation into the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma Holdings, which is connected to former Vice President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, wants to subpoena Andrii Telizhenko, a former low-level aide at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington who is now a consultant in Kyiv.
Telizhenko claimed he was told by a top aide for Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States that he should assist former Democratic National Committee consultant Alexandra Chalupa in her alleged 2016 anti-Trump efforts, the Washington Examiner previously reported. Chalupa denied this charge.
Since Feb. 24, Johnson and Peters have been battling over the Telizhenko subpoena. In Johnson's initial letter to Peters, he stated his intention to issue the subpoena.
Peters sent a letter to Johnson on March 1 urging Johnson to withhold the subpoena of Telizhenko until questions concerning 2020 election interference were answered by the intelligence community and the FBI.
Johnson sent a scathing letter Monday to Peters asking why minority staff did not follow up with the FBI if they had additional concerns.
“I have spoken with the intelligence committee and received a classified intelligence product which I have made available to every Committee member. Our staff also received a briefing from the FBI on February 28, 2020,” Johnson wrote.
“Although the FBI directly and thoroughly answered the staff’s questions, it is clear they were not the answers your staff had hoped to hear. During the call, minority staff asked the FBI to speak further in a classified setting. The FBI unequivocally agreed to meet to answer any additional questions, and told your staff who they could contact to set up that briefing. To my knowledge, your staff never contacted those individuals," he wrote.
Johnson defended the investigation, saying, "We have conducted our investigations methodically, responsibly, and largely out of public view. We have gone to great lengths to receive briefings and review and verify all information received by the Committee before making any of it public."
He added, "Unfortunately, you did object and continue to use 'disinformation efforts by Russia' as a boogie man to justify opposition to this narrow subpoena involving records associated with a U.S.-based lobbying firm."
In his March 1 letter to Johnson, Peters said staffers from their committee along with the Senate Judiciary Committee and Finance Committee participated in a Feb. 28 unclassified phone call with the FBI about their concerns related to Telizhenko.
Peters wrote, “During the call, Minority staff informed the FBI they had questions about Mr. Telizhenko that could only be asked in a classified setting, and the FBI agreed to provide the Committee with that opportunity. That classified briefing has not yet happened.”
Peters continued, “Similarly, since December, I have sought to have the Committee arrange a bipartisan briefing with the Intelligence Community (IC), about foreign efforts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election related to this investigation. That classified briefing has also not happened yet.”
Editor's note: This article has been edited to reflect further comments made in the March 9 letter from Sen. Ron Johnson to Sen. Gary Peters


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Son of Republican lawmaker critically injured in cycling accident

The son of a top Georgia Republican lawmaker was critically injured Sunday while competing in a cycling race .
Rep. @ @ @ @ @ , John , was flown to a trauma unit where he is being treated in @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a strong boy and is showing signs of responsiveness .
We appreciate the @ @ @ @ @ prayers as John begins his recovery , ” he said on Monday .
Graves ’ @ @ @ @ @ of the Georgia Tech cycling team .
He was competing in the Calhoun Downtown Criterium @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s unclear how his son was injured .
In December , Graves said @ @ @ @ @ for reelection , explaining that he wanted to spend more time with his family .
@ @ @ @ @ and my kids now suddenly adults , I have decided not to seek reelection in @ @ @ @ @ join my family in their new and unique journeys , ” he said .

The son of a top Georgia Republican lawmaker was critically injured Sunday while competing in a cycling race.
Rep. Tom Graves said his son, John, was flown to a trauma unit where he is being treated in intensive care.
“He’s a strong boy and is showing signs of responsiveness. We appreciate the outpouring of support and continued prayers as John begins his recovery,” he said on Monday.
He’s a strong boy and is showing signs of responsiveness. We appreciate the outpouring of support and continued prayers as John begins his recovery. — Tom Graves (@RepTomGraves) March 9, 2020
Graves’s son is a member of the Georgia Tech cycling team. He was competing in the Calhoun Downtown Criterium when he was injured.
It’s unclear how his son was injured.
In December, Graves said he would not be running for reelection, explaining that he wanted to spend more time with his family.
“With Julie near retirement and my kids now suddenly adults, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2020, and instead, join my family in their new and unique journeys,” he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Steve Bullock running for Senate in Montana

Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock announced on Monday that he is running for Senate as Democrats try to increase their @ @ @ @ @ .
He previously said he would not run for Senate in 2020 .
His change @ @ @ @ @ chance of picking up one of the four Republican seats they need to retake control @ @ @ @ @ , who reached his term limit in his current role , is trying to unseat @ @ @ @ @ who is in his first term .
Bullock ended his candidacy for the 2020 Democratic @ @ @ @ @ entering the race relatively late , complicating his efforts to gain momentum in the crowded @ @ @ @ @ campaign on his ability to court red-state voters .
“ Let ’ s make Washington @ @ @ @ @ ” he said in his announcement on Monday .

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announced on Monday that he is running for Senate as Democrats try to increase their chances of winning the majority.
He previously said he would not run for Senate in 2020. His change of heart gives Democrats a chance of picking up one of the four Republican seats they need to retake control of the Senate.
Bullock, who reached his term limit in his current role, is trying to unseat Republican Sen. Steve Daines, who is in his first term.
Bullock ended his candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination in December after entering the race relatively late, complicating his efforts to gain momentum in the crowded field.
He centered his campaign on his ability to court red-state voters.
“Let’s make Washington work more like Montana,” he said in his announcement on Monday.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Devin Nunes: UK memo warning about Christopher Steele's credibility 'went missing'

A top House Republican said a memo from the British government disavowing British ex-spy Christopher Steele , the author of the anti-Trump dossier , has gone `` missing . ''
Rep. Devin Nunes , the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee , told Fox News on Sunday that Republicans have asked around for the communique a top United Kingdom national security official is said to have delivered to the Trump transition team a week before President Trump 's inauguration in January 2017 .
`` Now look , that document went missing , '' the California Republican said on Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter is `` critical '' for retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn 's defense .
`` Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee have asked for this document , but like everything with this Russia hoax , the documents seem to disappear that are really important for the Trump administration and Republicans , '' Nunes added .
A letter from the British Embassy to the incoming national security team after Trump was elected to the White House was mentioned in an unsealed filing in federal court by former national security adviser Flynn ’ s lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also sent to outgoing national security adviser Susan Rice and `` apparently disavows former British Secret Service Agent Christopher Steele , calls his credibility into question and declares him untrustworthy . ''
North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows , a Republican ally of Nunes and Trump , said in May that he sent a referral to the Justice Department for the memo after its existence was revealed by a whistleblower .
“ Based on my conversations with that individual , and the credible timelines that are supported by other events , I made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inspector General Michael Horowitz for further investigation , ” Meadows said at the time .
“ There now is overwhelming evidence to suggest that on multiple occasions , the FBI was warned that Christopher Steele and the dossier had severe credibility issues.
” Steele 's dossier , which contained unverified allegations about Trump 's ties to Russia , was used by the FBI and Justice Department to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant to wiretap onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page , who was suspected of being an agent of Russia but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz identified at least 17 “ significant errors or omissions ” in the Justice Department 's and the FBI ’ s use of Steele ’ s dossier .
Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to investigators about his communications with a Russian envoy and agreed to cooperate with special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation .
But he switched legal teams last year and told the court in January , “ I am innocent of this crime . ''
He filed to withdraw his guilty plea after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence Flynn up to six months in prison , though afterward , the department said probation would also be appropriate .
Flynn 's team , led by Sidney Powell , is pressing for the dismissal of his case , arguing the FBI unfairly treated Flynn .
Barr recently selected Jeffrey Jensen , the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri , to review the Flynn case .
He also appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham of Connecticut to review the origins of the Russia investigation .
Steele has defended his work , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the integrity of our work , our sources , and what we did , '' and he also declined to do an interview with Durham 's team .
Nunes said last fall he hoped the Flynn case would shed light on the elusive letter from the U.K. '' I know there are witnesses out there that know this .
And I hope that the judge in this case will actually get those witnesses that know this document exists and let them come in and talk to the court or at least give an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in September .
Nunes recently said House Republicans have subpoenas `` ready '' for `` dirty cops '' if they win control of the House in November .

A top House Republican said a memo from the British government disavowing British ex-spy Christopher Steele, the author of the anti-Trump dossier, has gone "missing."
Rep. Devin Nunes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, told Fox News on Sunday that Republicans have asked around for the communique a top United Kingdom national security official is said to have delivered to the Trump transition team a week before President Trump's inauguration in January 2017.
"Now look, that document went missing," the California Republican said on Fox & Friends Weekend, noting that the letter is "critical" for retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn's defense.
"Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee have asked for this document, but like everything with this Russia hoax, the documents seem to disappear that are really important for the Trump administration and Republicans," Nunes added.
A letter from the British Embassy to the incoming national security team after Trump was elected to the White House was mentioned in an unsealed filing in federal court by former national security adviser Flynn’s lawyers. The filing claimed this letter was also sent to outgoing national security adviser Susan Rice and "apparently disavows former British Secret Service Agent Christopher Steele, calls his credibility into question and declares him untrustworthy."
North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, a Republican ally of Nunes and Trump, said in May that he sent a referral to the Justice Department for the memo after its existence was revealed by a whistleblower.
“Based on my conversations with that individual, and the credible timelines that are supported by other events, I made a referral to Attorney General William Barr and Inspector General Michael Horowitz for further investigation,” Meadows said at the time. “There now is overwhelming evidence to suggest that on multiple occasions, the FBI was warned that Christopher Steele and the dossier had severe credibility issues.”
Steele's dossier, which contained unverified allegations about Trump's ties to Russia, was used by the FBI and Justice Department to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant to wiretap onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, who was suspected of being an agent of Russia but was never charged with wrongdoing. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz identified at least 17 “significant errors or omissions” in the Justice Department's and the FBI’s use of Steele’s dossier.
Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to investigators about his communications with a Russian envoy and agreed to cooperate with special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. But he switched legal teams last year and told the court in January, “I am innocent of this crime." He filed to withdraw his guilty plea after the Justice Department asked Judge Emmet Sullivan to sentence Flynn up to six months in prison, though afterward, the department said probation would also be appropriate. Flynn's team, led by Sidney Powell, is pressing for the dismissal of his case, arguing the FBI unfairly treated Flynn.
Barr recently selected Jeffrey Jensen, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, to review the Flynn case. He also appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham of Connecticut to review the origins of the Russia investigation.
Steele has defended his work, saying last week, "I stand by the integrity of our work, our sources, and what we did," and he also declined to do an interview with Durham's team.
Nunes said last fall he hoped the Flynn case would shed light on the elusive letter from the U.K.
"I know there are witnesses out there that know this. And I hope that the judge in this case will actually get those witnesses that know this document exists and let them come in and talk to the court or at least give an affidavit to the court," he said in September.
Nunes recently said House Republicans have subpoenas "ready" for "dirty cops" if they win control of the House in November.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Trump warns of 'trouble ahead' for Schumer after Supreme Court remark

President Trump hinted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer could face consequences for his controversial remarks on two conservative Supreme Court justices .
At an abortion rights rally on the steps of the Supreme Court last week , the top Senate Democrat made remarks that critics saw as a threat against conservative Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch .
`` I want to tell you , Gorsuch .
I want to tell you , Kavanaugh .
You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price .
You wo n't know what hit you if you go forward with these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat said .
In a tweet early Monday , Trump said there would be “ trouble ahead.
” Schumer walked back his comments late last week , claiming that he misspoke .
`` Now , I should not have used the words I used yesterday .
They did n't come out the way I intended to , '' he said Thursday .
“ Of course , I didn ’ t intend to suggest anything other than political and public opinion consequences for the Supreme Court.
” “ I shouldn ’ t have used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no way was I making a threat .
I would never do such a thing , ” he added .
Schumer ’ s original comments prompted a rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts , who called Schumer ’ s criticism `` inappropriate '' and `` dangerous . ''

President Trump hinted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer could face consequences for his controversial remarks on two conservative Supreme Court justices.
At an abortion rights rally on the steps of the Supreme Court last week, the top Senate Democrat made remarks that critics saw as a threat against conservative Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch.
"I want to tell you, Gorsuch. I want to tell you, Kavanaugh. You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price. You won't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions," the New York Democrat said.
In a tweet early Monday, Trump said there would be “trouble ahead.”
Cryin’ Chuck Schumer said, “You will pay the price for this. You won’t know what HIT YOU.” That is far beyond simple rhetoric. That is a physical threat, or at least a threat that you better vote for us.” Trouble ahead! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
Schumer walked back his comments late last week, claiming that he misspoke.
"Now, I should not have used the words I used yesterday. They didn't come out the way I intended to," he said Thursday. “Of course, I didn’t intend to suggest anything other than political and public opinion consequences for the Supreme Court.”
“I shouldn’t have used the words I did, but in no way was I making a threat. I would never do such a thing,” he added.
Schumer’s original comments prompted a rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts, who called Schumer’s criticism "inappropriate" and "dangerous."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Liberal Media Scream: HBO, CNN reporter link Trump to 1940s anti-Semitism

This week ’ s Liberal Media Scream features claims in a new HBO series that President Trump and Charles Lindbergh share anti-Semitic views in their “ America First ” rallying cry .
Next Monday , “ The Plot Against America ” will debut on HBO , and last week PBS ’ s Amanpour and Company promoted the show ’ s allegories to America under Trump .
“ Before Trump ’ s America First , ” Christiane Amanapour said , “ Charles Lindbergh represented America First -- the powerful isolationist organization .
Lindbergh was pro-Germany and was denounced by many as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a London-based correspondent for CNN , saw the show that imagines Lindbergh winning the presidency in 1940 , as “ a warning tale ” for today .
David Simon , creator of the series , said the Philip Roth 2004 novel , which inspired the series , “ just sings as an allegory for our time ” as “ it ’ s sort of astonishing how close he captured this political moment in America.
” Simon , best known for creating “ The Wire ” two decades ago , saw many parallels with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at the programming and the raw manipulation of civil liberties that Roth depicts in the book , and they are , they compare almost precisely.
” From last Wednesday ’ s edition of Amanpour and Company on PBS : CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR : Lindbergh is famous for his trans-Atlantic flight , but what ’ s lesser known are his views on politics .
Before Trump ’ s America First , Charles Lindbergh represented America First -- the powerful isolationist organization .
Lindbergh was pro-Germany and was denounced by many as anti-Semitic ... .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tale , and I don ’ t know how much of what you have committed your creativity to here sort of collides with real-life politics in the United States right now .
I mean , you imagine the year 1940 presidential election , the then-aviator hero Charles Lindbergh -- anti-Semitic , white nationalist -- wins the presidency against FDR ... .
DAVID SIMON : Philip Roth -- one of four great novelists -- he wrote this alternate history through the eyes of his family in New Jersey , and it just sings as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page .
I mean , if you turn it and just read , it ’ s sort of astonishing how close he captured this political moment in America .
Roth was using the vulnerable group in 1940 , which were Jewish Americans whose loyalty was being challenged by the America Firsters and the German American Bund and Lindbergh .
He was using that group to tell the tale .
But , right now , the people who are vulnerable -- or are most vulnerable -- in America right now are people with black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ..
There are so many moments in Roth ’ s book where I read a page and I would think about what happened at the airports -- the mayhem at the airports in the aftermath of the Inauguration when even American citizens were having their passports regarded as insufficient to guarantee their civil liberties , or what ’ s happening at the Southern border right now in terms of family separation -- you look at the programming and the raw manipulation of civil liberties that Roth depicts in the book , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Media Research Center Vice President of Research Brent Baker explains our weekly pick : “ That such a fantasy would be green-lighted by HBO shows just how deep the hatred for Donald Trump and conservatives is in the Hollywood culture .
Yes , let ’ s take an alternate history story about a Nazis sympathizer gaining power in America and slam it into today ’ s political narrative in order to discredit conservative policies and paint the most pro-Israel president ever as some kind of anti-Semite .
And instead of challenging the premise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rating : Three out of five screams .

This week’s Liberal Media Scream features claims in a new HBO series that President Trump and Charles Lindbergh share anti-Semitic views in their “America First” rallying cry.
Next Monday, The Plot Against America will debut on HBO, and last week, PBS’s Amanpour and Company promoted the show’s allegories to America under Trump. “Before Trump’s America First,” Christiane Amanpour said, “Charles Lindbergh represented America First, the powerful isolationist organization. Lindbergh was pro-Germany and was denounced by many as anti-Semitic.”
Amanpour, who doubles as a London-based correspondent for CNN, saw the show that imagines Lindbergh winning the presidency in 1940, as “a warning tale” for today. David Simon, creator of the series, said the Philip Roth 2004 novel, which inspired the series, “just sings as a allegory for our time” as “it’s sort of astonishing how close he captured this political moment in America.”
Simon, best known for creating The Wire two decades ago, saw many parallels with Trump’s America: “You look at the programming and the raw manipulation of civil liberties that Roth depicts in the book, and they compare almost precisely.”
From last Wednesday’s edition of Amanpour and Company on PBS:
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: Lindbergh is famous for his trans-Atlantic flight, but what’s lesser known are his views on politics. Before Trump’s "America First," Charles Lindbergh represented America First, the powerful isolationist organization. Lindbergh was pro-Germany and was denounced by many as anti-Semitic. ...
It’s sort of a warning tale, and I don’t know how much of what you have committed your creativity to here sort of collides with real-life politics in the United States right now. I mean, you imagine the year 1940 presidential election, the then-aviator hero Charles Lindbergh — anti-Semitic, white nationalist — wins the presidency against FDR. ...
DAVID SIMON: Philip Roth, one of four great novelists, he wrote this alternate history through the eyes of his family in New Jersey, and it just sings as a allegory for our time with every page. I mean, if you turn it and just read, it’s sort of astonishing how close he captured this political moment in America.
Roth was using the vulnerable group in 1940, which were Jewish Americans, whose loyalty was being challenged by the America Firsters and the German American Bund and Lindbergh, he was using that group to tell the tale, but, right now, the people who are most vulnerable in America right now are people with black and brown skin and Muslims. ...
There are so many moments in Roth’s book where I read a page and I would think about what happened at the airports, the mayhem at the airports in the aftermath of the inauguration when even American citizens were having their passports regarded as insufficient to guarantee their civil liberties or what’s happening at the southern border right now in terms of family separation. You look at the programming and the raw manipulation of civil liberties that Roth depicts in the book, and they compare almost precisely.
Media Research Center Vice President of Research Brent Baker explains our weekly pick: “That such a fantasy would be greenlighted by HBO shows just how deep the hatred for Donald Trump and conservatives is in the Hollywood culture. Yes, let’s take an alternate history story about a Nazi sympathizer gaining power in America and slam it into today’s political narrative in order to discredit conservative policies and paint the most pro-Israel president ever as some kind of anti-Semite. And, instead of challenging the premise, Amanpour decided to promote it.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--New border wall blocks 90% of illegal crossings, up from just 10%

The new chief of Border Patrol , which is under U.S. Customs and Border Protection , revealed that the parts of the new “ wall system ” are 90 % “ effective , ” up from just 10 % before it was built , replacing a ragtag of broken fencing .
“ It changes everything , ” said Chief Rodney Scott , of the 135-136 miles of new wall , roadways , and high-tech spyware .
“ There is a huge return on investment , ” he added .
“ This system is going to have a huge impact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the San Diego area , Scott said that the wall has essentially ended illegal crossings of humans and cars .
And , in an added benefit , it now requires 150 fewer border agents , a savings of $ 28 million in salaries and benefits , he said at a press briefing , his first since he and Ortiz took over CBP in January .
Plus , with a better border road , vehicles that once fell apart at 40,000-60,000 miles now last to 100,000 miles before they are auctioned off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Scott .
The wall is especially good at stopping trucks and cars , he said , because it takes too much time and effort to saw through several wall bollards needed to make an opening that is big enough to drive through .
“ The border wall system all but stopped that completely , ” he said .
As a result , drug cartels have changed tactics , building expensive tunnels and trying to sneak drugs in on vehicles passing through border entry points .
But that isn ’ t effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down that entire threat .
Anywhere we built the border wall system , the first thing it does is shut off those drive-throughs .
The second thing is , it shuts off massive amounts of people coming through at the same time .
So , it ’ s forced the drug cartels , especially El Chapo ’ s group , Sinaloa , to shift tactics , ” he said .
And , in some areas , such as California ’ s San Ysidro land port of entry , the wall and the safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost .
Scott said , for example , that in San Ysidro there is now a factory outlet mall that creates $ 6.6 million in local tax revenue and a pricey housing development .
What ’ s more , the beachfront Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve , which suffered during the drug wars and human trafficking , is improving .
“ Near the beach , it ’ s safe .
That whole area is coming back , ” said Scott , adding , “ The entire ecosystem ... is coming back.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall , Ortiz said border agents are reporting similar success .
He said that in one area of South Texas with 55 miles of new wall , just 4 % -5 % of illegal trafficking passes through .
Before , he said , 90 % got through .

President Trump’s long-promised border wall is working.
The new chief of Border Patrol, which is under U.S. Customs and Border Protection, revealed that the parts of the new “wall system” are 90% “effective,” up from just 10% before it was built, replacing a ragtag of broken fencing.
“It changes everything,” said Chief Rodney Scott, of the 135-136 miles of new wall, roadways, and high-tech spyware. “There is a huge return on investment,” he added.
“This system is going to have a huge impact,” added Deputy Chief Raul Ortiz.
Border Wall System update:
▫ 131 miles completed
▫ 208 miles under construction
▫ 414 miles in pre-construction pic.twitter.com/QdZVAdWRrj — Chief Rodney Scott (@USBPChief) March 2, 2020
In the San Diego area, Scott said that the wall has essentially ended illegal crossings of humans and cars.
And, in an added benefit, it now requires 150 fewer border agents, a savings of $28 million in salaries and benefits, he said at a press briefing, his first since he and Ortiz took over CBP in January.
Plus, with a better border road, vehicles that once fell apart at 40,000-60,000 miles now last to 100,000 miles before they are auctioned off.
“There is return after return,” said Scott.
The wall is especially good at stopping trucks and cars, he said, because it takes too much time and effort to saw through several wall bollards needed to make an opening that is big enough to drive through.
“The border wall system all but stopped that completely,” he said.
As a result, drug cartels have changed tactics, building expensive tunnels and trying to sneak drugs in on vehicles passing through border entry points. But that isn’t effective, he said.
“It shut down that entire threat. Anywhere we built the border wall system, the first thing it does is shut off those drive-throughs. The second thing is, it shuts off massive amounts of people coming through at the same time. So, it’s forced the drug cartels, especially El Chapo’s group, Sinaloa, to shift tactics,” he said.
And, in some areas, such as California’s San Ysidro land port of entry, the wall and the safety it has brought has been an economic boost. Scott said, for example, that in San Ysidro there is now a factory outlet mall that creates $6.6 million in local tax revenue and a pricey housing development.
What’s more, the beachfront Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, which suffered during the drug wars and human trafficking, is improving.
“Near the beach, it’s safe. That whole area is coming back,” said Scott, adding, “The entire ecosystem ... is coming back.”
And in areas of Texas with the wall, Ortiz said border agents are reporting similar success. He said that in one area of South Texas with 55 miles of new wall, just 4%-5% of illegal trafficking passes through. Before, he said, 90% got through.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--CPAC: No new virus cases and only a dozen touched by infected guest

Officials in charge of the Conservative Political Action Conference said Monday that there have been no new cases of the coronavirus experienced by any of the speakers and guests who came into contact with a high-level supporter during the recent gathering .
Ian Walters , communications director for CPAC and the American Conservative Union , said that the organization has been “ on the job ” to chart any changes in those who did meet the infected person and the 10,000 who attended .
He said that only a dozen people met with the person diagnosed with the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ heads CPAC , said previously that he did meet with the person but that he , his family , and everybody he later came in contact with have not shown signs of the virus .
Schlapp tweeted , “ Woke up today and all the Schlapp ’ s are healthy .
Same for entire @ CPAC staff .
My 80 year old Mom feels great .
The State of Maryland did 2000 screenings around the Gaylord and found nothing concerning .
We have no symptoms .
Stay calm USA !
Check your temp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added , “ We still have just one person who came to @ CPAC w/ Corona .
He is being treated .
NO NEW CASES .
Department of Health has not called for any restrictions or quarantines .
The key is symptoms .
If you don ’ t have any that ’ s great news .
If concerned , check your temp.
” He and Walters said they have been staying home out of an abundance of caution .
They and other ACU members did not attend church yesterday , said Walters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
“ We ’ re taking every precaution we can , ” Schlapp said on Fox Business .
At least two lawmakers , Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Republican Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar , are also working from home .
Like many of those around the nation who have been infected , ACU is not identifying who the conferencegoer with the coronavirus is .
Walters said that the person , now being treated in a New Jersey hospital , had gold ticket-level status that included access behind the stage .
Walters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dozen others but did not go into the ballroom where attendees sat , the media row , or other highly populated spaces at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center , the hotel and convention center in Maryland just outside of Washington that hosts CPAC .
He said that ACU and the infected person have come up with a list of those he likely had contact with and that everybody on the list has been contacted .
What ’ s more , the organization has been keeping in touch with local health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We are being completely transparent , ” said Walters .

Officials in charge of the Conservative Political Action Conference said Monday that there have been no new cases of the coronavirus experienced by any of the speakers and guests who came into contact with a high-level supporter during the recent gathering.
Ian Walters, communications director for CPAC and the American Conservative Union, said that the organization has been “on the job” to chart any changes in those who did meet the infected person and the 10,000 who attended.
He said that only a dozen people met with the person diagnosed with the virus.
ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp, who also heads CPAC, said previously that he did meet with the person but that he, his family, and everybody he later came in contact with have not shown signs of the virus.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
Schlapp tweeted, “Woke up today and all the Schlapp’s are healthy. Same for entire @CPAC staff. My 80 year old Mom feels great. The State of Maryland did 2000 screenings around the Gaylord and found nothing concerning. We have no symptoms. Stay calm USA! Check your temp, if elevated call your doc.” He added, “We still have just one person who came to @CPAC w/ Corona. He is being treated. NO NEW CASES. Department of Health has not called for any restrictions or quarantines. The key is symptoms. If you don’t have any that’s great news. If concerned, check your temp.”
He and Walters said they have been staying home out of an abundance of caution. They and other ACU members did not attend church yesterday, said Walters, and staff is working from home today.
“We’re taking every precaution we can,” Schlapp said on Fox Business.
At least two lawmakers, Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Republican Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar, are also working from home.
Like many of those around the nation who have been infected, ACU is not identifying who the conferencegoer with the coronavirus is. Walters said that the person, now being treated in a New Jersey hospital, had gold ticket-level status that included access behind the stage.
Walters estimated that the man had contacted a dozen others but did not go into the ballroom where attendees sat, the media row, or other highly populated spaces at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the hotel and convention center in Maryland just outside of Washington that hosts CPAC.
He said that ACU and the infected person have come up with a list of those he likely had contact with and that everybody on the list has been contacted.
What’s more, the organization has been keeping in touch with local health officials and dispatching email updates to attendees.
“We are being completely transparent,” said Walters.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--More than 18,000 Democrats have attended Trump rallies this year

The data operation that the Trump-Pence reelection campaign conducts at each of the president ’ s rallies is doing more than just building a list for future fundraising and get-out-the-vote efforts .
President Trump 's aides reveal that it is providing surprising evidence that his base is continuing to expand with the addition of Democrats , blacks , Latinos , and nonvoters .
What officials saw at Trump ’ s Feb. 28 rally in North Charleston , South Carolina , was typical of the audience at five other recent campaign rallies .
They told us that 16 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t vote in 2016 , and 38.6 % were Democrats or independents .
“ We know from data gathered from rallies that a significant percentage of rally registrants and attendees have voted infrequently in federal elections , but they are motivated to come out to see President Trump , ” said campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh .
“ We also know that the president ’ s record of accomplishment on behalf of all Americans appeals to a wide swath of voters , including men and women , in all demographics , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ forgotten Americans ’ who politicians have left behind for decades , ” he said .
At Trump 's Feb. 21 rally in Las Vegas , Nevada , 27 % of attendees were black , Latino , or nonwhite , and 18 % were Democrats .
In several of the others , the crowds included sizable numbers of Democrats .
In Manchester , New Hampshire , on Feb. 10 , 25.4 % of attendees were Democrats , and in Wildwood , New Jersey , on Jan. 28 , 26.3 % were Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of the 67,000 who have gotten into venues to attend Trump rallies in the past two months , about 18,500 were Democrats and independents .
And many reports have shown that thousands more have been turned away from full convention halls .
The data matches campaign polling that also shows similar growth .
“ It is definitely a big deal , ” said campaign pollster John McLaughlin .
“ In a reelection , it is hard to maintain enthusiasm , but the president is increasing it exponentially , ” he added of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Trump advocate and board member of Black Voices for Trump , noted the long lines of people who wait hours and sometimes days to get into Trump rallies .
Those people , he said , are more than curious .
“ They will be motivated to vote , and just waiting so long in lines already shows that they are motivated and committed to vote , ” said Dennard , who hosts events for black voters .
“ We ’ re seeing his base of supporters growing and not just in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dennard said .
Trump has been fixated on building his base of support among blacks and feels that if support can grow from the 8 % he won in 2016 to 12 % to 14 % , he will win reelection .
He regularly meets with black leaders and often promotes his success in adding jobs and reforming jail sentences .
“ Many are curious about what they are hearing about what the president is doing , ” Dennard said .
“ That ’ s exactly what the president wants , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s pulling in more blacks , then it is an indicator that he is also moving the needle with others .
”

The data operation that the Trump-Pence reelection campaign conducts at each of the president’s rallies is doing more than just building a list for future fundraising and get-out-the-vote efforts.
President Trump's aides reveal that it is providing surprising evidence that his base is continuing to expand with the addition of Democrats, blacks, Latinos, and nonvoters.
What officials saw at Trump’s Feb. 28 rally in North Charleston, South Carolina, was typical of the audience at five other recent campaign rallies. They told us that 16% of the attendees were black, 28.8% didn’t vote in 2016, and 38.6% were Democrats or independents.
“We know from data gathered from rallies that a significant percentage of rally registrants and attendees have voted infrequently in federal elections, but they are motivated to come out to see President Trump,” said campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh.
“We also know that the president’s record of accomplishment on behalf of all Americans appeals to a wide swath of voters, including men and women, in all demographics, in all regions. He also speaks to the ‘forgotten Americans’ who politicians have left behind for decades,” he said.
At Trump's Feb. 21 rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, 27% of attendees were black, Latino, or nonwhite, and 18% were Democrats. In several of the others, the crowds included sizable numbers of Democrats. In Manchester, New Hampshire, on Feb. 10, 25.4% of attendees were Democrats, and in Wildwood, New Jersey, on Jan. 28, 26.3% were Democrats.
Those figures from the campaign suggest that of the 67,000 who have gotten into venues to attend Trump rallies in the past two months, about 18,500 were Democrats and independents. And many reports have shown that thousands more have been turned away from full convention halls.
The data matches campaign polling that also shows similar growth.
“It is definitely a big deal,” said campaign pollster John McLaughlin. “In a reelection, it is hard to maintain enthusiasm, but the president is increasing it exponentially,” he added of the rally data findings.
Paris Dennard, a Trump advocate and board member of Black Voices for Trump, noted the long lines of people who wait hours and sometimes days to get into Trump rallies. Those people, he said, are more than curious.
“They will be motivated to vote, and just waiting so long in lines already shows that they are motivated and committed to vote,” said Dennard, who hosts events for black voters.
“We’re seeing his base of supporters growing and not just in numbers but also in diversity,” Dennard said.
Trump has been fixated on building his base of support among blacks and feels that if support can grow from the 8% he won in 2016 to 12% to 14%, he will win reelection. He regularly meets with black leaders and often promotes his success in adding jobs and reforming jail sentences.
“Many are curious about what they are hearing about what the president is doing,” Dennard said. “That’s exactly what the president wants,” he said, adding, “If he’s pulling in more blacks, then it is an indicator that he is also moving the needle with others.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Trump campaign and Sanders supporters question Biden mental state

As Joe Biden prepares to take the mantle of presumptive Democratic nominee , he 's facing a new round of questions about his mental acuity at age 77 .
The questions have come from both the former vice president 's left and right .
Since his decisive wins on Super Tuesday , President Trump has suggested Biden is n't all there mentally .
Over Twitter and in brief interviews with reporters , Trump has jabbed at Biden , saying he 's `` lost his fastball , '' and is not `` playing with a full deck . ''
Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' entitlement programs without `` even know [ ing ] he ’ s doing it . ''
But supporters of socialist Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , Biden 's remaining rival in the Democratic race , have also raised questions about the 36-year Delaware senator .
`` I don ’ t think we even need to talk about it ; I think people can see it .
By the way , people are seeing it and talking about it , and the response by Biden 's supporters is : 'Let ’ s not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing ? '
'' said Sanders supporter and liberal activist Nomiki Konst .
`` We have to say to ourselves , 'Who is the strongest candidate to take on Trump ?
Who can take on Trump ’ s debate behaviors ? '
Trump ’ s willing to throw anything at a candidate . ''
For decades , speculating about a candidate 's mental health was a no-no , as it violated the `` Goldwater Rule , '' dating to the 1964 presidential race .
Fact magazine that year published an article about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Unconscious of a Conservative : A Special Issue on the Mind of Barry Goldwater . ''
The outlet polled psychiatrists about Goldwater 's mental health and whether he was fit to be president .
Prohibition on that practice was added to the American Psychiatric Association 's Principles of Medical Ethics in 1973 .
Biden 's allies scoff at any claim that he 's not functioning at 100 % , and many say that any suggestion otherwise is part of a Russian disinformation campaign .
His tendency toward verbal gaffes is nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Sanders supporters are thrilled at the idea of Biden 's fitness coming under attack .
`` The fact that he ’ s been able to keep up with this campaign tells you he has the stamina .
He ’ s just not Obama in terms of his ability to speak as eloquently .
There ’ s an ecosystem out there of how we get the news , whether it ’ s Twitter or Facebook and that is where we need to be discerning and recognizing personal attacks versus ones based on policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairwoman of the Martha 's Vineyard Democratic Party , in Massachusetts .
`` Trump ’ s going do it anyway .
I don ’ t know if it ’ s going to hurt Biden .
I think it ’ s going to hurt everybody . ''
But some not supporting his campaign have lent credence to the concerns .
In July , Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that Biden 's performance in a debate that month `` raised some questions '' about his `` capacity . ''
The first-term New York lawmaker has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In September , former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro questioned Biden 's memory during a debate exchange over their healthcare plans .
`` Are you forgetting what you said two minutes ago ? ''
said Castro , then a 2020 rival of Biden .
Former 2020 contender Cory Booker backed up Castro in a post-debate interview that night , saying one `` has to wonder '' about Biden .
`` I think that we are at a tough point right now because there ’ s a lot of people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to carry the ball across the end line without fumbling , ” said the New Jersey senator .
Throughout the campaign , Biden 's frequent mistakes on things such as gun deaths and even what state he 's in have spurred discussion among the electorate .
In Iowa and New Hampshire , two states where Biden finished poorly in their respective nominating contests , Democratic voters told the Washington Examiner that Biden 's age was a principal concern .
Not until recently , however , has it become a potential weapon by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know why people are questioning why we 're bringing this up , '' Konst said .
`` This is politics .
I want to know if my presidential nominee can take it on stage .
They call us snowflakes , and sometimes I see why . ''
The Republican National Committee and Trump 's reelection campaign have begun circulating videos of Biden 's verbal blunders , although neither group has gone as far as to say he suffers from any sort of debilitating mental issue .
The age of the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sander is 78 — has led to a bipartisan outcry by a number of health professionals .
No standard medical tests exist for any individual seeking political office , leaving the details of a candidate 's physical well-being completely up to his or her discretion .
In December , former President Barack Obama 's longtime doctor , before he reached the White House , told the Washington Examiner that Biden was `` not a healthy guy . ''
“ He ’ s not in bad shape for his age , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outstanding health , '' said Dr. David Scheiner after reviewing medical records the Biden campaign disclosed .
`` Could I guarantee he wo n't have issues for the next four years ?
He has a lot of issues that are just sort of sitting there .
”

As Joe Biden prepares to take the mantle of presumptive Democratic nominee, he's facing a new round of questions about his mental acuity at age 77.
The questions have come from both the former vice president's left and right. Since his decisive wins on Super Tuesday, President Trump has suggested Biden isn't all there mentally. Over Twitter and in brief interviews with reporters, Trump has jabbed at Biden, saying he's "lost his fastball," and is not "playing with a full deck." Last week, Trump said Biden would "destroy" entitlement programs without "even know[ing] he’s doing it."
Trump focused extensively on Joe Biden during his comments at various fundraisers this weekend at his Florida club. Talked about Biden as likely nominee & attacked his mental acuity extensively, saying Biden often had no idea what state he was in, per several attendees. — Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) March 9, 2020
But supporters of socialist Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Biden's remaining rival in the Democratic race, have also raised questions about the 36-year Delaware senator.
"I don’t think we even need to talk about it; I think people can see it. By the way, people are seeing it and talking about it, and the response by Biden's supporters is: 'Let’s not have a discussion what everyone is saying and seeing?'" said Sanders supporter and liberal activist Nomiki Konst. "We have to say to ourselves, 'Who is the strongest candidate to take on Trump? Who can take on Trump’s debate behaviors?' Trump’s willing to throw anything at a candidate."
For decades, speculating about a candidate's mental health was a no-no, as it violated the "Goldwater Rule," dating to the 1964 presidential race. Fact magazine that year published an article about the Republican nominee, an Arizona senator, "The Unconscious of a Conservative: A Special Issue on the Mind of Barry Goldwater." The outlet polled psychiatrists about Goldwater's mental health and whether he was fit to be president. Prohibition on that practice was added to the American Psychiatric Association's Principles of Medical Ethics in 1973.
Biden's allies scoff at any claim that he's not functioning at 100%, and many say that any suggestion otherwise is part of a Russian disinformation campaign. His tendency toward verbal gaffes is nothing new, they note.
[Related: Giuliani: Biden showing 'obvious signs of dementia']
And not all Sanders supporters are thrilled at the idea of Biden's fitness coming under attack.
"The fact that he’s been able to keep up with this campaign tells you he has the stamina. He’s just not Obama in terms of his ability to speak as eloquently. There’s an ecosystem out there of how we get the news, whether it’s Twitter or Facebook and that is where we need to be discerning and recognizing personal attacks versus ones based on policy," said Megan Ottens-Sargent, former chairwoman of the Martha's Vineyard Democratic Party, in Massachusetts. "Trump’s going do it anyway. I don’t know if it’s going to hurt Biden. I think it’s going to hurt everybody."
But some not supporting his campaign have lent credence to the concerns.
In July, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that Biden's performance in a debate that month "raised some questions" about his "capacity." The first-term New York lawmaker has endorsed Sanders for the Democratic nomination.
In September, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro questioned Biden's memory during a debate exchange over their healthcare plans.
"Are you forgetting what you said two minutes ago?" said Castro, then a 2020 rival of Biden.
Former 2020 contender Cory Booker backed up Castro in a post-debate interview that night, saying one "has to wonder" about Biden.
"I think that we are at a tough point right now because there’s a lot of people who are concerned about Joe Biden’s ability to carry the ball across the end line without fumbling,” said the New Jersey senator.
Throughout the campaign, Biden's frequent mistakes on things such as gun deaths and even what state he's in have spurred discussion among the electorate. In Iowa and New Hampshire, two states where Biden finished poorly in their respective nominating contests, Democratic voters told the Washington Examiner that Biden's age was a principal concern. Not until recently, however, has it become a potential weapon by the president or Sanders.
"I don’t know why people are questioning why we're bringing this up," Konst said. "This is politics. I want to know if my presidential nominee can take it on stage. They call us snowflakes, and sometimes I see why."
The Republican National Committee and Trump's reelection campaign have begun circulating videos of Biden's verbal blunders, although neither group has gone as far as to say he suffers from any sort of debilitating mental issue.
The age of the current presidential field — Trump is 73, and Sander is 78 — has led to a bipartisan outcry by a number of health professionals. No standard medical tests exist for any individual seeking political office, leaving the details of a candidate's physical well-being completely up to his or her discretion.
In December, former President Barack Obama's longtime doctor, before he reached the White House, told the Washington Examiner that Biden was "not a healthy guy."
“He’s not in bad shape for his age, but I wouldn't say he’s in outstanding health," said Dr. David Scheiner after reviewing medical records the Biden campaign disclosed. "Could I guarantee he won't have issues for the next four years? He has a lot of issues that are just sort of sitting there.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-09--Trump campaign calls off bus tour amid coronavirus concerns

President Trump ’ s campaign postponed a “ Women for Trump ” bus tour amid concerns about the coronavirus .
The three-day bus tour through Michigan , Ohio , and Pennsylvania was supposed to start Monday , but the trip was quietly called off after an advisory was sent out last week , according to the New York Times .
The tour featured Lara Trump , the wife of Eric Trump , Kayleigh McEnany , a campaign spokeswoman , and Mercedes Schlapp , a former White House adviser whose husband oversees the Conservative Political Action Conference , where an attendee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman said it had been postponed because of “ scheduling conflicts.
” However , two people familiar with the situation said the decision was made after Schlapp moved to postpone the tour because of the CPAC attendee .
Schlapp ’ s husband , Matt Schlapp , interacted with the infected attendee during the conference .
Erin Perinne , a campaign spokeswoman , told the New York Times the story was “ untrue ” that the event was postponed because of Schlapp .
The president said last week he would continue to hold his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none are currently scheduled .

President Trump’s campaign postponed a “Women for Trump” bus tour amid concerns about the coronavirus.
The three-day bus tour through Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania was supposed to start Monday, but the trip was quietly called off after an advisory was sent out last week, according to the New York Times.
The tour featured Lara Trump, the wife of Eric Trump, Kayleigh McEnany, a campaign spokeswoman, and Mercedes Schlapp, a former White House adviser whose husband oversees the Conservative Political Action Conference, where an attendee tested positive for coronavirus.
A campaign spokeswoman said it had been postponed because of “scheduling conflicts.” However, two people familiar with the situation said the decision was made after Schlapp moved to postpone the tour because of the CPAC attendee. Schlapp’s husband, Matt Schlapp, interacted with the infected attendee during the conference.
Erin Perinne, a campaign spokeswoman, told the New York Times the story was “untrue” that the event was postponed because of Schlapp.
The president said last week he would continue to hold his campaign rallies despite the outbreak, but none are currently scheduled.