thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--'Uninformed idiots': Book agents reject claim that Victoria Coates is Anonymous author

Rumors circulating social media about the identity of the anonymous `` resistance '' opinion piece writer prompted a stern denial from the agents for the unnamed Trump administration official whose tell-all book came out last year .
In recent days , the guessing game for the identity of `` Anonymous , '' which has already embroiled such high-profile officials such as Vice President Mike Pence and former Defense Secretary James Mattis , has a new target : deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates .
While Coates declined to comment for the story , Javelin Literary Agency co-founder Matt Latimer issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the author of the book A Warning .
`` To be very clear so there is no chance of any misunderstanding : Dr. Coates is not Anonymous , ” Latimer said in a statement .
“ She does not know who Anonymous is .
We have never discussed Anonymous or the book , A WARNING , with her prior to its publication .
She did not write it , edit it , see it in advance , know anything about it , or as far we know ever read it.
” Latimer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld along with co-founder Keith Urbahn , also criticized those who are spreading her name .
“ This 'investigation ' is based on innuendo , the irrelevant fact that she once worked with this agency on an art history book , and otherwise unprovable allegations — which are unprovable because they are not true , ” Latimer said in a statement .
“ The fact that there is no real evidence has not stopped a whisper campaign against her to members of the press in the hope that someone would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped uninformed idiots from trying to out her on Twitter on Pavlovian command .
As a result , her career is now at risk . ''
Latimer did not identify these `` uninformed idiots , '' but among those who have been naming Coates as Anonymous is journalist and pro-Trump activist Jack Posobiec .
`` New : Many around the White House are saying NSC official Victoria Coates authored Anonymous , '' Posobiec tweeted last week .
The latest round of frenetic speculation comes as impeachment , which began with an anonymous whistleblower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security adviser John Bolton , whom Democrats fought in vain to have as a Senate trial witness , also has a book coming out and is a client of Javelin .
Bolton , along with Simon & Schuster and Javelin , released a statement last month to quash allegations that they were behind the leak , while some Republican Trump allies have accused the National Security Council , where the manuscript was submitted for review , of being the culprit .
Anonymous first made waves in September 2018 when the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior member of the Trump administration , telling of an internal `` resistance '' group of officials working to stymie the president 's worst inclinations .
Following the publication of the Times op-ed , a litany of Trump administration officials denied being the author , including Pence , Haley , and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
President Trump , who called the author `` gutless '' and questioned whether a `` so-called 'Senior Administration Official ' '' really existed , even pushed then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to investigate the source of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Nov. 19 , seeking to tell voters `` the truth '' before the 2020 election .
There were several explosive claims in the book that reflect poorly on Trump , including one that focuses on a group of high-level White House aides putting together a tally of Cabinet members they believed would support the use of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office .
Another section of the book talks about how a group of senior Trump administration officials considered a `` midnight self-massacre '' in which they would resign together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is unclear if the author is still a member of the Trump administration , but in a Reddit `` Ask Me Anything '' forum last year pledged to come forward .
`` Trump will hear from me , in my own name , before the 2020 election , '' Anonymous said .

Rumors circulating social media about the identity of the anonymous "resistance" opinion piece writer prompted a stern denial from the agents for the unnamed Trump administration official whose tell-all book came out last year.
In recent days, the guessing game for the identity of "Anonymous," which has already embroiled such high-profile officials such as Vice President Mike Pence and former Defense Secretary James Mattis, has a new target: deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates.
While Coates declined to comment for the story, Javelin Literary Agency co-founder Matt Latimer issued a statement to Politico denying she is the author of the book A Warning.
"To be very clear so there is no chance of any misunderstanding: Dr. Coates is not Anonymous,” Latimer said in a statement. “She does not know who Anonymous is. We have never discussed Anonymous or the book, A WARNING, with her prior to its publication. She did not write it, edit it, see it in advance, know anything about it, or as far we know ever read it.”
Latimer, who is a former aide to former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld along with co-founder Keith Urbahn, also criticized those who are spreading her name.
“This 'investigation' is based on innuendo, the irrelevant fact that she once worked with this agency on an art history book, and otherwise unprovable allegations — which are unprovable because they are not true,” Latimer said in a statement. “The fact that there is no real evidence has not stopped a whisper campaign against her to members of the press in the hope that someone would write a story. Nor has it stopped uninformed idiots from trying to out her on Twitter on Pavlovian command. As a result, her career is now at risk."
Latimer did not identify these "uninformed idiots," but among those who have been naming Coates as Anonymous is journalist and pro-Trump activist Jack Posobiec.
"New: Many around the White House are saying NSC official Victoria Coates authored Anonymous," Posobiec tweeted last week.
The latest round of frenetic speculation comes as impeachment, which began with an anonymous whistleblower complaint, winds down. Former national security adviser John Bolton, whom Democrats fought in vain to have as a Senate trial witness, also has a book coming out and is a client of Javelin. Bolton, along with Simon & Schuster and Javelin, released a statement last month to quash allegations that they were behind the leak, while some Republican Trump allies have accused the National Security Council, where the manuscript was submitted for review, of being the culprit.
Anonymous first made waves in September 2018 when the New York Times published an anonymous opinion piece by a senior member of the Trump administration, telling of an internal "resistance" group of officials working to stymie the president's worst inclinations.
Following the publication of the Times op-ed, a litany of Trump administration officials denied being the author, including Pence, Haley, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. President Trump, who called the author "gutless" and questioned whether a "so-called 'Senior Administration Official'" really existed, even pushed then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to investigate the source of the opinion piece.
A Warning was released on Nov. 19, seeking to tell voters "the truth" before the 2020 election. There were several explosive claims in the book that reflect poorly on Trump, including one that focuses on a group of high-level White House aides putting together a tally of Cabinet members they believed would support the use of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. Another section of the book talks about how a group of senior Trump administration officials considered a "midnight self-massacre" in which they would resign together to draw attention to Trump's behavior.
It is unclear if the author is still a member of the Trump administration, but in a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" forum last year pledged to come forward. "Trump will hear from me, in my own name, before the 2020 election," Anonymous said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Nigel Farage: Brexit sets stage for Trump victory, just as it did in 2016

Britain ’ s exit from the European Union on Friday paves the way for President Trump ’ s reelection , according to the United Kingdom 's best known Brexit leader , Nigel Farage — just as the 2016 referendum result heralded the president ’ s surprise win .
Farage , 55 , arrived in Washington on Sunday in order to attend Tuesday ’ s State of the Union address .
His trip is the latest leg in a victory lap that followed a weekend of celebrations to mark Brexit , England 's departure from the EU .
It 's an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump who are intent on unraveling international bureaucracies .
“ Some people think it ’ s the most significant thing for Britain since 1945 , ” and the end of World War II , Farage told the Washington Examiner .
“ It is a very , very significant break and it plays into the president ’ s view that the world should be nations , free market democracies and not globalist bureaucracies , '' Farage said .
As for a Brexit mention by Trump in Tuesday 's State of the Union , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a nationwide prime-time audience , “ Let ’ s see if he mentions it , '' Farage said .
`` I don ’ t know is the honest truth .
But the referendum vote was a very good omen for him in 2016 , and I would have thought it was quite a good omen for him in 2020.
” Aides say Trump will use the occasion to deliver an optimistic speech set around the theme of “ The Great American Comeback.
” It comes as Britain ended more than three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 p.m. on Friday when it formally left the EU .
It means Britain embarks on a new phase of its history just as the Trump campaign gears up for impeachment acquittal and November 's election .
Farage ’ s shock win in the 2016 referendum heralded a surge in support for populist politicians .
Less than five months later , Trump won a surprise victory over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton .
The two men bonded over their populist project , and Farage has been a frequent visitor to the United States ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Brexit are personal .
Britain ’ s withdrawal from the EU means he has lost his job as a member of the European Parliament .
Farage will now turn his attention to ensuring that the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson strikes the right note in the next round of negotiations for life after Brexit .
“ I intend to watch the next stage of negotiations like a hawk , and I will pray to the high heavens that they are getting it right and will ring the bell of alarm if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He will continue as leader of the Brexit Party as an “ insurance policy ” to ensure the government sticks to a tough stance and will monitor progress with a new website , BrexitWatch .
That leaves more time for visits to the U.S. , he added .
“ It is actually easier to get to the U.S. East Coast than Strasbourg [ the official seat of the European Parliament in eastern France ] , which is bizarre , ” he said .
“ I have a lot of friends here .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America .
So I expect to be here a bit.
” On Wednesday , he is due to address students at Liberty University after attending the State of the Union as a guest of Rep. Louie Gohmert .
“ I ’ m really looking forward to it , and with everything that is happening in American politics , it ’ s likely to be a pretty lively evening , ” he said .

Britain’s exit from the European Union on Friday paves the way for President Trump’s reelection, according to the United Kingdom's best known Brexit leader, Nigel Farage — just as the 2016 referendum result heralded the president’s surprise win.
Farage, 55, arrived in Washington on Sunday in order to attend Tuesday’s State of the Union address.
His trip is the latest leg in a victory lap that followed a weekend of celebrations to mark Brexit, England's departure from the EU. It's an event he said would resonate with supporters of Trump who are intent on unraveling international bureaucracies.
“Some people think it’s the most significant thing for Britain since 1945,” and the end of World War II, Farage told the Washington Examiner.
“It is a very, very significant break and it plays into the president’s view that the world should be nations, free market democracies and not globalist bureaucracies," Farage said.
As for a Brexit mention by Trump in Tuesday's State of the Union, set for delivery in the House chamber and a nationwide prime-time audience, “Let’s see if he mentions it," Farage said. "I don’t know is the honest truth. But the referendum vote was a very good omen for him in 2016, and I would have thought it was quite a good omen for him in 2020.”
Aides say Trump will use the occasion to deliver an optimistic speech set around the theme of “The Great American Comeback.”
It comes as Britain ended more than three years of political wrangling at the stroke of 11 p.m. on Friday when it formally left the EU. It means Britain embarks on a new phase of its history just as the Trump campaign gears up for impeachment acquittal and November's election.
Farage’s shock win in the 2016 referendum heralded a surge in support for populist politicians. Less than five months later, Trump won a surprise victory over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
The two men bonded over their populist project, and Farage has been a frequent visitor to the United States ever since.
For Farage, the effects of Brexit are personal. Britain’s withdrawal from the EU means he has lost his job as a member of the European Parliament. Farage will now turn his attention to ensuring that the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson strikes the right note in the next round of negotiations for life after Brexit.
“I intend to watch the next stage of negotiations like a hawk, and I will pray to the high heavens that they are getting it right and will ring the bell of alarm if we start to get it wrong.”
He will continue as leader of the Brexit Party as an “insurance policy” to ensure the government sticks to a tough stance and will monitor progress with a new website, BrexitWatch.
That leaves more time for visits to the U.S., he added.
“It is actually easier to get to the U.S. East Coast than Strasbourg [the official seat of the European Parliament in eastern France], which is bizarre,” he said. “I have a lot of friends here. It’s a great political year in America. So I expect to be here a bit.”
On Wednesday, he is due to address students at Liberty University after attending the State of the Union as a guest of Rep. Louie Gohmert.
“I’m really looking forward to it, and with everything that is happening in American politics, it’s likely to be a pretty lively evening,” he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Liberal Media Scream: NBC rips Trump as ‘functionally a monarch at this point’

This week ’ s Liberal Media Scream had a lot of angry media reactions to the Senate impeachment trial to pick through , and we settled on NBC ’ s feeling that it ’ s not a good thing that “ Trump may well have now become the most powerful president in American history.
” The statement came on Friday and was from “ NBC News presidential historian ” Jon Meacham during a special report on the trial and vote to not call witnesses .
The former top editor of Newsweek said : “ President Trump is functionally a monarch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does it , it ’ s okay.
” He argued “ all Americans ” should “ think about the long-term implications of having a president who is above the law.
” “ I think the significance of today and going into the weekend and into next week is I think it is now arguable ... is that Donald Trump may well have now become the most powerful president in American history .
So just pause for a second and think about that .
He has the capacity , he has such a standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States senators have decided that , though he is guilty , they are not going to risk the wrath of the people in order to follow through on what is clearly spelled out in the Constitution .
“ That is a raw and elemental definition of power .
And I think it ’ s something that we haven ’ t fully grappled with .
The idea that what President Trump has done , and this is why the example going forward is fraud .
President Trump is functionally a monarch at this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s okay that that ’ s what we ’ re seeing unfold in Washington right now .
And I think all Americans , whether you support the president or you don ’ t , should pause significantly and think about the long-term implications of having a president who is above the law.
” Brent Baker , Media Research Center vice president of research , explains our weekly pick : “ The worst fear realized of the fake news media : Their colleagues and Democratic allies have failed , making Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history.
’ But instead of just being demoralized and moving on , Meacham lashed out , not giving up on trying to discredit and decapitate Trump , deriding him as an improper ‘ monarch ’ who ‘ is above the law.
’ Who are the ones unwilling to cede power ?
Meacham and his colleagues should learn to be better losers.
” Rating : Five out of five screams .

This week’s Liberal Media Scream had a lot of angry media reactions to the Senate impeachment trial to pick through, and we settled on NBC’s feeling that it’s not a good thing that “Trump may well have now become the most powerful president in American history.”
The statement came on Friday and was from “NBC News presidential historian” Jon Meacham during a special report on the trial and vote to not call witnesses.
The former top editor of Newsweek said: “President Trump is functionally a monarch at this point. If the king does it, it’s okay.” He argued “all Americans” should “think about the long-term implications of having a president who is above the law.”
From NBC Friday:
“I think the significance of today and going into the weekend and into next week is I think it is now arguable ... is that Donald Trump may well have now become the most powerful president in American history. So just pause for a second and think about that. He has the capacity, he has such a standing with his political base that senior United States senators have decided that, though he is guilty, they are not going to risk the wrath of the people in order to follow through on what is clearly spelled out in the Constitution.
“That is a raw and elemental definition of power. And I think it’s something that we haven’t fully grappled with. The idea that what President Trump has done, and this is why the example going forward is fraud. President Trump is functionally a monarch at this point. If the king does it, it’s okay that that’s what we’re seeing unfold in Washington right now. And I think all Americans, whether you support the president or you don’t, should pause significantly and think about the long-term implications of having a president who is above the law.”
Brent Baker, Media Research Center vice president of research, explains our weekly pick: “The worst fear realized of the fake news media: Their colleagues and Democratic allies have failed, making Donald Trump ‘the most powerful president in American history.’ But instead of just being demoralized and moving on, Meacham lashed out, not giving up on trying to discredit and decapitate Trump, deriding him as an improper ‘monarch’ who ‘is above the law.’ Who are the ones unwilling to cede power? Meacham and his colleagues should learn to be better losers.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Homeland Security beefs up communications team

The Department of Homeland Security media team is filling up with notable conservative communicators as it readies for the next phase in President Trump ’ s bid to protect the borders and reform U.S. immigration policy .
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Heather Swift tells us that the department has filled several key jobs at the agency , especially for strategic communications , in recent weeks , including two Spanish speaking spokeswomen .
Added to the team she and Michael Bars , deputy assistant secretary for strategic communications , rely on are Sofia Boza-Holman as press secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Elizabeth Ray as senior adviser , and speechwriter Russ Read .
Diana Banister , the senior adviser to acting Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli , came on late last year , as did Colton Overcash , director of strategic outreach and communications .
They joined Harry Fones and Matthew Boggs as assistant press secretaries , and speechwriter Brooke Stroke .
• Boza-Holman is the former director of strategic media for Vice President Mike Pence and former regional communications director at the White House .
• Brown has worked on Capitol Hill for Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reed of New York .
• Ray has worked with CRC Strategies and long ago was the spokeswoman for Ken Starr ’ s Whitewater investigation against President Bill Clinton .
• Banister has more than 20 years of executive-level experience leading and providing strategic direction to high-profile conservative campaigns .
She led Shirley and Banister , a leading conservative public affairs firm in Alexandria , Virginia .
• Overcash previously worked for the Federation for American Immigration Reform as a legislative and government relations adviser and worked on Capitol Hill for North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virginia Foxx , Richard Hudson , and Mark Meadows .
• Read has been a defense and national security reporter and policy analyst and most recently was a Pentagon reporter for the Washington Examiner .

The Department of Homeland Security media team is filling up with notable conservative communicators as it readies for the next phase in President Trump’s bid to protect the borders and reform U.S. immigration policy.
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Heather Swift tells us that the department has filled several key jobs at the agency, especially for strategic communications, in recent weeks, including two Spanish speaking spokeswomen.
Added to the team she and Michael Bars, deputy assistant secretary for strategic communications, rely on are Sofia Boza-Holman as press secretary, Brandy Brown as director of strategic communications, Elizabeth Ray as senior adviser, and speechwriter Russ Read.
Diana Banister, the senior adviser to acting Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli, came on late last year, as did Colton Overcash, director of strategic outreach and communications. They joined Harry Fones and Matthew Boggs as assistant press secretaries, and speechwriter Brooke Stroke.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Pelosi 'impeachment pens' could fetch $1.5M

Maryland-based Alexander Historical Auctions said that the 30 customized , black and gold pens Pelosi used to sign the articles @ @ @ @ @ could fetch up to $ 50,000 each at auction .
That ’ s $ 1.5 @ @ @ @ @ $ 20 each .
“ There ’ s nothing like them , ” said Alexander @ @ @ @ @ is an internationally-known online auctioneer of historical artifacts and autographs .
Similar to what presidents @ @ @ @ @ , Pelosi used one pen for every stroke of her signature .
He said that @ @ @ @ @ Trump were convicted in the Senate .
In her signing ceremony , Pelosi handed the @ @ @ @ @ key roles in the impeachment .
Trump later seemed to mock her ceremony when he @ @ @ @ @ to sign the new free trade deal with Canada and Mexico .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s impeachment pens may be worth a pretty penny.
Maryland-based Alexander Historical Auctions said that the 30 customized, black and gold pens Pelosi used to sign the articles of impeachment against President Trump could fetch up to $50,000 each at auction.
That’s $1.5 million. They cost about $20 each.
After House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the articles of impeachment to send off to the Senate, Pelosi handed out multiple pens to the impeachment managers https://t.co/AsLXDHsFhh pic.twitter.com/Vmm3tqezKj — CNN (@CNN) January 16, 2020
“There’s nothing like them,” said Alexander boss Bill Panagopulos. Alexander is an internationally-known online auctioneer of historical artifacts and autographs.
Similar to what presidents do when signing significant legislation, Pelosi used one pen for every stroke of her signature.
He said that the value would increase if Trump were convicted in the Senate.
In her signing ceremony, Pelosi handed the pens to lawmakers who played key roles in the impeachment.
Trump later seemed to mock her ceremony when he handed out pens he used to sign the new free trade deal with Canada and Mexico.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Trump expanding base of black, Hispanic, suburban voters, has 51% approval

The improving economy and voter anger with the partisan impeachment process have helped to boost President Trump ’ s support among blacks , Hispanics , independents , and suburban women , according to a new survey .
The latest Zogby Analytics poll , shared exclusively with Secrets , also showed that the president ’ s job approval rating continues to edge up despite his impeachment and the ongoing Senate trial .
“ The president continues to receive a high approval rating near or slightly above 50 % for the third straight poll .
He has rebounded with Independents , women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said pollster Jonathan Zogby in his analysis .
Trump now has a 51 % approval rating in the Zogby Analytics survey , the same level former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush had with they won reelection .
Secrets earlier wrote about Zogby ’ s research that showed the president beating or tied with every Democrat but former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg , who is ahead 45 % to 43 % .
Zogby ’ s survey included an oversampling of Hispanic and black voters to get a good gauge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in head-to-head matchups with Democrats .
What he found was a resurgence of support among independents , suburbanites , suburban women , and an expansion beyond his 2016 support among black and Hispanic voters .
All of that could be critical in the 2020 election in November and could give Trump a winning edge , said Zogby .
In the suburbs , for example , Trump is beating Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in a head-to-head matchup that mirrors his standing against other Democrats .
“ As has been the case the last few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steadily climbed among suburban voters ( Trump leads 49 % to 41 % ) and suburban women ( Trump leads 50 % to 37 % ) , ” said Zogby .
In the suburbs , the impeachment reaction has helped Trump .
“ Since the House impeachment and Senate trial , Trump ’ s job approval rating and numbers against his Democratic rivals have improved with Independents , suburban voters and suburban women , ” said the analysis .
With black voters overall , 22 % support Trump , a significant jump from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And with Hispanic voters , Trump ’ s average is 36 % , also up big from the 28 % he won in 2016 .
Zogby added that among Hispanic voters who feel good about the economy , support for Trump is even wider .
“ Trump does not have strong minority support , but many Hispanics say their personal finances are better off compared to four years ago , and among these likely voters Trump is polling very close or ahead of his Democratic rivals , ” he said .

The improving economy and voter anger with the partisan impeachment process have helped to boost President Trump’s support among blacks, Hispanics, independents, and suburban women, according to a new survey.
The latest Zogby Analytics poll, shared exclusively with Secrets, also showed that the president’s job approval rating continues to edge up despite his impeachment and the ongoing Senate trial.
“The president continues to receive a high approval rating near or slightly above 50% for the third straight poll. He has rebounded with Independents, women, suburban voters and suburban women,” said pollster Jonathan Zogby in his analysis.
Trump now has a 51% approval rating in the Zogby Analytics survey, the same level former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush had with they won reelection.
Secrets earlier wrote about Zogby’s research that showed the president beating or tied with every Democrat but former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who is ahead 45% to 43%.
Zogby’s survey included an oversampling of Hispanic and black voters to get a good gauge of their support for the president, especially in head-to-head matchups with Democrats.
What he found was a resurgence of support among independents, suburbanites, suburban women, and an expansion beyond his 2016 support among black and Hispanic voters.
All of that could be critical in the 2020 election in November and could give Trump a winning edge, said Zogby.
In the suburbs, for example, Trump is beating Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in a head-to-head matchup that mirrors his standing against other Democrats. “As has been the case the last few months, Trump’s numbers have steadily climbed among suburban voters (Trump leads 49% to 41%) and suburban women (Trump leads 50% to 37%),” said Zogby.
In the suburbs, the impeachment reaction has helped Trump. “Since the House impeachment and Senate trial, Trump’s job approval rating and numbers against his Democratic rivals have improved with Independents, suburban voters and suburban women,” said the analysis.
With black voters overall, 22% support Trump, a significant jump from the 8% he won in 2016.
And with Hispanic voters, Trump’s average is 36%, also up big from the 28% he won in 2016.
Zogby added that among Hispanic voters who feel good about the economy, support for Trump is even wider. “Trump does not have strong minority support, but many Hispanics say their personal finances are better off compared to four years ago, and among these likely voters Trump is polling very close or ahead of his Democratic rivals,” he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Iowa caucus results may be delayed due to glitches in reporting app

Iowa precinct heads are reporting difficulties logging into and using an app meant to ease and hasten the reporting process for caucuses in the Democratic presidential primary .
The app was designed to assist the Iowa Democratic Party ’ s roughly 1,700 caucusing sites report results to the party headquarters to tally , according to Bloomberg .
State Democratic Party officials say that if the glitches are not fixed , the results of the first-in-the-nation caucus will only be delayed for a few hours at most .
`` The [ Iowa Democratic Party ] is working with any precinct chairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ application to make sure they are comfortable with it , '' party spokeswoman Mandy McClure said in a statement .
`` We ’ ve always been aware that many precinct chairs prefer to call in results via a secure hotline , and have systems in place so they can do so . ''
Some precinct heads across the state have reported not being able to log into the app .
If the bugs are not fixed , those unable to use the app will report the results of their precincts over the phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lot of us are going to be doing it on paper and calling it in , '' Muscatine County Democratic Party Chairman Kelcey Brackett said .
`` They [ the chairs ] were looking forward to being able to use it [ the app ] but we ’ re back to using pen and paper , which everyone is familiar with and should be easy . ''
Reports of trouble with the app began pouring into the state Democratic Party headquarters on Monday hours before the caucuses are set to take place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the Democratic presidential primary , though most candidates have been campaigning in the state for months .
Down the final stretch , several campaigns — such as those Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , 78 , and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , 70 — have been constrained by President Trump ’ s impeachment trial in Washington , D.C .
The senators have been stuck watching impeachment proceedings while other contenders , such as former Vice President Joe Biden , 77 , have campaigned across the state in the final days leading up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading the field in the RealClearPolitics polling average for the Iowa caucus with 23 % support .
Biden and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , 38 , are following Sanders with 19 % and 17 % , respectively .

Iowa precinct heads are reporting difficulties logging into and using an app meant to ease and hasten the reporting process for caucuses in the Democratic presidential primary.
The app was designed to assist the Iowa Democratic Party’s roughly 1,700 caucusing sites report results to the party headquarters to tally, according to Bloomberg. State Democratic Party officials say that if the glitches are not fixed, the results of the first-in-the-nation caucus will only be delayed for a few hours at most.
"The [Iowa Democratic Party] is working with any precinct chairs who want to use the optional tabulation application to make sure they are comfortable with it," party spokeswoman Mandy McClure said in a statement. "We’ve always been aware that many precinct chairs prefer to call in results via a secure hotline, and have systems in place so they can do so."
Some precinct heads across the state have reported not being able to log into the app. If the bugs are not fixed, those unable to use the app will report the results of their precincts over the phone to a designated call-in number.
"A lot of us are going to be doing it on paper and calling it in," Muscatine County Democratic Party Chairman Kelcey Brackett said. "They [the chairs] were looking forward to being able to use it [the app] but we’re back to using pen and paper, which everyone is familiar with and should be easy."
Reports of trouble with the app began pouring into the state Democratic Party headquarters on Monday hours before the caucuses are set to take place.
The Iowa caucus marks the official start of the Democratic presidential primary, though most candidates have been campaigning in the state for months. Down the final stretch, several campaigns — such as those Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, 78, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, 70 — have been constrained by President Trump’s impeachment trial in Washington, D.C.
The senators have been stuck watching impeachment proceedings while other contenders, such as former Vice President Joe Biden, 77, have campaigned across the state in the final days leading up to the caucus.
Sanders is currently leading the field in the RealClearPolitics polling average for the Iowa caucus with 23% support. Biden and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, 38, are following Sanders with 19% and 17%, respectively.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Andrew Yang jokingly tells supporters to drag people 'knocked unconscious' to his caucus corner

Democratic presidential contender Andrew Yang told his supporters in jest that they should make people caucus for him either willingly or unwillingly .
`` I was going to make another joke , '' the tech entrepreneur said Monday before he quipped about knocking people unconscious at Iowa caucus stations and forcing them to vote for him .
`` Like every unwilling person knocked unconscious , then take their body and drag them over to the Andrew Yang part .
And then you prop them up and make them seem like they 're conscious , '' he told his supporters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ laughter at his own joke , his wife , Evelyn Yang , told him , `` Contain yourself . ''
The New York native has driven his long-shot presidential campaign in part because of his authenticity on the campaign trail .
In December , Yang went viral after an awkward moment was caught on camera in which he shot whipping cream in supporters ' mouths as his campaign manager tried to stop him .
Yang , 45 , is currently polling in the low single digits both nationally and in Iowa .
Candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 % to win any of the Democratic delegates up for grabs .

Democratic presidential contender Andrew Yang told his supporters in jest that they should make people caucus for him either willingly or unwillingly.
"I was going to make another joke," the tech entrepreneur said Monday before he quipped about knocking people unconscious at Iowa caucus stations and forcing them to vote for him.
"Like every unwilling person knocked unconscious, then take their body and drag them over to the Andrew Yang part. And then you prop them up and make them seem like they're conscious," he told his supporters.
While the candidate attempted to hold back laughter at his own joke, his wife, Evelyn Yang, told him, "Contain yourself."
WATCH: @AndrewYang jokes that canvassers should knock unwilling people unconscious, drag them to his corner: "...then you prop them up and make them seem like they are conscious." Doubles up with laughter and his wife Evelyn tries to get him back on track: "Contain yourself." pic.twitter.com/QoDRQp58g4 — Ben Pu (@BenPu_nbc) February 3, 2020
The New York native has driven his long-shot presidential campaign in part because of his authenticity on the campaign trail. In December, Yang went viral after an awkward moment was caught on camera in which he shot whipping cream in supporters' mouths as his campaign manager tried to stop him.
Yang, 45, is currently polling in the low single digits both nationally and in Iowa. Candidates in the Iowa caucus need at least 15% to win any of the Democratic delegates up for grabs.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--'Dangerous': AOC warns about perils of not supporting eventual Democratic nominee

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been campaigning for 2020 Democrat , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , but she thinks the party needs to unite behind its eventual presidential nominee even if it 's not him .
`` Bernie has said this , I absolutely believe this : whoever gets the nomination , we have to rally behind them , no matter who it is , '' the New York Democrat told Time on Sunday .
`` And I would hope that everybody would do so if Bernie is the nominee as well . ''
The 30-year-old congresswoman called a report that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the superdelegate rules again to stop Sanders a `` threat '' to Democrats ' chances of winning in November .
`` I don ’ t think it ’ s a good idea for people to try to use superdelegate or other kind of subversive policies to deny anybody the nomination , '' she said .
`` It ’ s incredibly divisive to do so , and very demoralizing , which is a direct threat in November .
The moment you start playing games trying to deny whoever is the nominee , we really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of defeating Trump . ''
Ocasio-Cortez , who endorsed Sanders in October , explained why she threw her support behind the independent Vermont senator .
`` The way that a lot of people feel is , I may not agree with all of the Senator ’ s policies , but I know that he ’ s not bs-ing me , '' she said .
`` And that quality is very unique in American politics , where you will have a lot of candidates who are shifting all the time what their stances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular .
And Bernie does not do that . ''
The freshman congresswoman 's call for unity comes weeks after she tore into former Vice President Joe Biden , who is leading the Democratic primary .
Ocasio-Cortez , in an interview last month , said the Democratic Party `` can be too big of a tent . ''
`` In any other country , Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party , but in America , we are , '' she said .
Two weeks ago , she attacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was lying by criticizing his record .
`` I don ’ t understand why some folks run as if the internet doesn ’ t exist , '' the congresswoman said on Twitter .
`` Joe Biden helped sell the invasion of Iraq and spent years working to cut social security , Medicare , and Medicaid .
He ’ s open to a Republican running mate .
Spin it however you want , but those are the facts . ''
Ocasio-Cortez said in her latest interview that she thinks Sanders has it in him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no win is ever a sure thing , ever . ''
He is currently polling less than 4 % behind Biden nationwide but is leading in Iowa and New Hampshire , according to RealClearPolitics .

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been campaigning for 2020 Democrat, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, but she thinks the party needs to unite behind its eventual presidential nominee even if it's not him.
"Bernie has said this, I absolutely believe this: whoever gets the nomination, we have to rally behind them, no matter who it is," the New York Democrat told Time on Sunday. "And I would hope that everybody would do so if Bernie is the nominee as well."
The 30-year-old congresswoman called a report that the Democratic National Committee might consider changing the superdelegate rules again to stop Sanders a "threat" to Democrats' chances of winning in November.
"I don’t think it’s a good idea for people to try to use superdelegate or other kind of subversive policies to deny anybody the nomination," she said. "It’s incredibly divisive to do so, and very demoralizing, which is a direct threat in November. The moment you start playing games trying to deny whoever is the nominee, we really start to get into dangerous territory in terms of defeating Trump."
Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Sanders in October, explained why she threw her support behind the independent Vermont senator.
"The way that a lot of people feel is, I may not agree with all of the Senator’s policies, but I know that he’s not bs-ing me," she said. "And that quality is very unique in American politics, where you will have a lot of candidates who are shifting all the time what their stances are based on what they think is popular. And Bernie does not do that."
The freshman congresswoman's call for unity comes weeks after she tore into former Vice President Joe Biden, who is leading the Democratic primary. Ocasio-Cortez, in an interview last month, said the Democratic Party "can be too big of a tent."
"In any other country, Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party, but in America, we are," she said.
Two weeks ago, she attacked the former vice president for saying Sanders was lying by criticizing his record.
"I don’t understand why some folks run as if the internet doesn’t exist," the congresswoman said on Twitter. "Joe Biden helped sell the invasion of Iraq and spent years working to cut social security, Medicare, and Medicaid. He’s open to a Republican running mate. Spin it however you want, but those are the facts."
Ocasio-Cortez said in her latest interview that she thinks Sanders has it in him to win the nomination but that "no win is ever a sure thing, ever." He is currently polling less than 4% behind Biden nationwide but is leading in Iowa and New Hampshire, according to RealClearPolitics.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Trump Super Bowl ad gets 'potentially sensitive content' warning for some Twitter users

President Trump 's reelection campaign expressed outrage after a `` potentially sensitive content '' warning appeared for some Twitter users trying to view his Super Bowl advertisement on Sunday .
The ad highlighted the administration 's work on criminal justice reform , and it also prominently featured Alice Marie Johnson , whom Trump had granted clemency to in June 2018 .
Johnson had been convicted and sentenced to life without parole for her role in facilitating communications in a cocaine trafficking operation in 1996 .
With a price tag of over $ 5 million , the ad aired during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers .
The president tweeted out the clip during the game as well .
But the social media platform placed a `` potentially sensitive content '' warning on the video when it was retweeted by Dave Briggs , who has a verified Twitter account with more than 22,000 followers , who upon viewing his retweet were forced to request access to view it instead of the ad instantly appearing on their timeline .
“ Yet again , Twitter is silencing President Trump and his campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and compelling content .
The ad about Alice Johnson ’ s incredible story highlighted the President ’ s commitment to criminal justice reform and second chances for people , ” Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh told the Washington Examiner on Monday .
While Trump campaign deputy director of communications Matt Wolking accused `` angry Democrats '' who `` reported it en masse , '' a Twitter spokeswoman told the Washington Examiner that the warning occurred as a result of Briggs 's personal account settings .
The spokeswoman also pointed to the platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users have the ability to set their own accounts so others may receive messages or notifications that a user 's profile may include potentially sensitive content , while also asking them to confirm they still want to see it .
Last month , Twitter unintentionally placed similar warnings on a tweet from the president 's campaign , as well as GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida , both of whom had tweeted about the anti-abortion movement .

President Trump's reelection campaign expressed outrage after a "potentially sensitive content" warning appeared for some Twitter users trying to view his Super Bowl advertisement on Sunday.
The ad highlighted the administration's work on criminal justice reform, and it also prominently featured Alice Marie Johnson, whom Trump had granted clemency to in June 2018. Johnson had been convicted and sentenced to life without parole for her role in facilitating communications in a cocaine trafficking operation in 1996.
With a price tag of over $5 million, the ad aired during the first quarter of Super Bowl LIV between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. The president tweeted out the clip during the game as well. But the social media platform placed a "potentially sensitive content" warning on the video when it was retweeted by Dave Briggs, who has a verified Twitter account with more than 22,000 followers, who upon viewing his retweet were forced to request access to view it instead of the ad instantly appearing on their timeline.
“Yet again, Twitter is silencing President Trump and his campaign on their platform for putting out truthful and compelling content. The ad about Alice Johnson’s incredible story highlighted the President’s commitment to criminal justice reform and second chances for people,” Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh told the Washington Examiner on Monday.
While Trump campaign deputy director of communications Matt Wolking accused "angry Democrats" who "reported it en masse," a Twitter spokeswoman told the Washington Examiner that the warning occurred as a result of Briggs's personal account settings.
The spokeswoman also pointed to the platform's media settings, which explains that users have the ability to set their own accounts so others may receive messages or notifications that a user's profile may include potentially sensitive content, while also asking them to confirm they still want to see it.
Last month, Twitter unintentionally placed similar warnings on a tweet from the president's campaign, as well as GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, both of whom had tweeted about the anti-abortion movement.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Former GOP congressman vies for attention in the other Iowa caucuses

DES MOINES , Iowa — The hotly contested Democratic caucuses are n't the only political action in Iowa Monday night .
Former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh is trying to beat long odds in the Republican caucuses , a group of contests many had forgotten about since President Trump effectively has the GOP nomination locked up .
Although Walsh , 58 , does n't expect a win in any primary state , he is hoping to send the message that a substantial portion of the GOP demands change .
`` I ’ m a conservative Republican .
Fox News won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will ignore me because they ’ re a cult with Trump , '' Walsh said on Saturday .
`` The Republican parties in each state : They are a cult for Trump .
I didn ’ t sufficiently get all of that , and that ’ s made this really hard.
” On Twitter , Walsh has boasted about his efforts to reach out to Trump voters — even while they were listening to the president at a rally in Des Moines .
In some tweets , Walsh has said talking to Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrating experiences '' he 's ever had .
`` Every single person said , 'No .
No , Trump has never lied . '
Every single person gave me that answer .
But that wasn ’ t all .
A few people told me that Trump , unlike [ President Barack ] Obama , has never golfed , '' Walsh tweeted Sunday .
`` Nobody in line knew that Trump was increasing the debt way faster than Obama . ''
[ Also read : 'The other Iowa caucuses ' : Trump focuses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the score ] Walsh , who served a single House term from 2011 to 2013 , has also relentlessly attacked the Iowa Republican Party for its `` cult '' -like behavior , a peculiar strategy if he hopes to win any sort of institutional support .
A number of Iowa Republicans , who were even familiar with his primary challenge , laughed off Walsh .
Many pointed to Trump 's approval ratings within the party , which regularly hits record highs for an incumbent .
`` What is that guy doing ?
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marchin , 61 .
`` Look at the economy . ''
Walsh 's campaign is hoping to take advantage of the fact that many Republicans are simply unaware of Monday 's caucuses .
“ We expect the turnout to be low , but there ’ s a real chance for us because of that : We have the advantage of low expectations , '' said Walsh communications director Charles Siler .
Former Massachusetts Gov .
Bill Weld is also running for the Republican nomination , but Walsh has been the most confrontational with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't feel threatened by Walsh , whose quixotic primary challenge is centered on stylistic criticism of the president while also running to his right on issues such as domestic spending and trade , but is focused on winning Iowa again in November .
The president 's reelection campaign is hoping the Iowa caucuses serve as a dry run for its get-out-the-vote machine in fall 2020 .
Normally , the primaries of the incumbent president 's party are dull affairs .
The Trump campaign hopes to change that .
That effort includes flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement leaders such as Jerry Falwell Jr. , Ken Blackwell , and Ralph Reed have also toured the state , touting the president 's accomplishments to keep GOP voters engaged .
Recent polls of Iowa voters show Trump holds a small edge over a number of his potential Democratic opponents .
A RealClearPolitics average of recent polls from the state shows Trump leading former Vice President Joe Biden by three points and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders by six .
[ Read more : Four things to watch for in the Iowa caucuses ]

DES MOINES, Iowa — The hotly contested Democratic caucuses aren't the only political action in Iowa Monday night.
Former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh is trying to beat long odds in the Republican caucuses, a group of contests many had forgotten about since President Trump effectively has the GOP nomination locked up.
Although Walsh, 58, doesn't expect a win in any primary state, he is hoping to send the message that a substantial portion of the GOP demands change.
"I’m a conservative Republican. Fox News won’t have me on. Conservative media will ignore me because they’re a cult with Trump," Walsh said on Saturday. "The Republican parties in each state: They are a cult for Trump. I didn’t sufficiently get all of that, and that’s made this really hard.”
On Twitter, Walsh has boasted about his efforts to reach out to Trump voters — even while they were listening to the president at a rally in Des Moines. In some tweets, Walsh has said talking to Trump supporters was "one of the most frustrating experiences" he's ever had.
"Every single person said, 'No. No, Trump has never lied.' Every single person gave me that answer. But that wasn’t all. A few people told me that Trump, unlike [President Barack] Obama, has never golfed," Walsh tweeted Sunday. "Nobody in line knew that Trump was increasing the debt way faster than Obama."
[Also read: 'The other Iowa caucuses': Trump focuses on GOP contest in bid to run up the score]
Walsh, who served a single House term from 2011 to 2013, has also relentlessly attacked the Iowa Republican Party for its "cult"-like behavior, a peculiar strategy if he hopes to win any sort of institutional support.
A number of Iowa Republicans, who were even familiar with his primary challenge, laughed off Walsh. Many pointed to Trump's approval ratings within the party, which regularly hits record highs for an incumbent.
"What is that guy doing? He's a loser," said Sam Marchin, 61. "Look at the economy."
Walsh's campaign is hoping to take advantage of the fact that many Republicans are simply unaware of Monday's caucuses.
“We expect the turnout to be low, but there’s a real chance for us because of that: We have the advantage of low expectations," said Walsh communications director Charles Siler.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld is also running for the Republican nomination, but Walsh has been the most confrontational with the president and his supporters.
Trump doesn't feel threatened by Walsh, whose quixotic primary challenge is centered on stylistic criticism of the president while also running to his right on issues such as domestic spending and trade, but is focused on winning Iowa again in November.
The president's reelection campaign is hoping the Iowa caucuses serve as a dry run for its get-out-the-vote machine in fall 2020. Normally, the primaries of the incumbent president's party are dull affairs. The Trump campaign hopes to change that.
That effort includes flying in more than 80 supporters. Conservative movement leaders such as Jerry Falwell Jr., Ken Blackwell, and Ralph Reed have also toured the state, touting the president's accomplishments to keep GOP voters engaged.
Recent polls of Iowa voters show Trump holds a small edge over a number of his potential Democratic opponents. A RealClearPolitics average of recent polls from the state shows Trump leading former Vice President Joe Biden by three points and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders by six.
[Read more: Four things to watch for in the Iowa caucuses]


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Joe Biden admits Burisma board position for son Hunter was 'a bad image'

Joe Biden conceded that his son Hunter Biden 's role on the board of Ukranian gas company Burisma , a position that prompted interest from President Trump 's team and became the center of the Trump impeachment , may not have looked like a clean arrangement from the outside .
`` No one 's found anything wrong with his dealings in Ukraine except they say it sets a bad image , '' Joe Biden said in an interview Monday morning .
Joe Biden was then asked if he also believes his son 's role set a bad image .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Joe Biden said .
Hunter Biden said in an October interview , `` In retrospect , look : I think that it was poor judgment on my part '' to join the Ukrainian board .
`` I did nothing wrong at all .
However , was it poor judgment to be in the middle of something that is a , it ’ s a swamp in many ways ?
Yeah .
And so I take full responsibility for that . ''
Monday 's exchange was a rare admission by the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have argued that Hunter Biden 's position while Joe Biden was leading Ukrainian foreign policy for the Obama administration had the appearance of a conflict of interest .
Usually , Joe Biden would only point to his son 's sentiment without explicitly agreeing with it .
Joe Biden adamantly denied , however , that Hunter Biden received the position because of his family name and connections .
`` You ’ re saying things you do not know what you ’ re talking about .
No one said that , '' Joe Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden has aggressively denied any hint of wrongdoing on the part of himself or his son .
`` My son 's statement speaks for itself .
I did my job .
I never discussed a single thing with my son about anything having to do with Ukraine , '' Joe Biden said in an October Democratic presidential debate .
`` My son made a judgment .
I 'm proud of the judgment he made .
I 'm proud of what he had to say . ''
When a voter at a December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden `` let [ his ] son over there , get a job and work for a gas company '' even though `` he had no experience , '' the former vice president called the voter `` a damn liar . ''
`` There 's nothing on its face that was wrong , '' Joe Biden said about the arrangement in a December interview .
Trump and his allies have suggested that while Joe Biden was vice president , he conditioned $ 1 billion in aid to Ukraine on the country firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no evidence that Joe Biden was acting in the interests of his son , and many international organizations at the time condemned the official for not pursuing corruption charges among Ukrainian politicians .
Joe Biden 's primary rivals have tiptoed around the issue while subtly knocking Joe Biden 's judgment , saying that they would not want the son or daughter of their vice president to hold a position on a foreign company 's board .
In December , Joe Biden promised that if he is president , he would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign business arrangements .

Joe Biden conceded that his son Hunter Biden's role on the board of Ukranian gas company Burisma, a position that prompted interest from President Trump's team and became the center of the Trump impeachment, may not have looked like a clean arrangement from the outside.
"No one's found anything wrong with his dealings in Ukraine except they say it sets a bad image," Joe Biden said in an interview Monday morning.
Joe Biden was then asked if he also believes his son's role set a bad image.
"Yeah. And my son said that," Joe Biden said.
Hunter Biden said in an October interview, "In retrospect, look: I think that it was poor judgment on my part" to join the Ukrainian board. "I did nothing wrong at all. However, was it poor judgment to be in the middle of something that is a, it’s a swamp in many ways? Yeah. And so I take full responsibility for that."
Monday's exchange was a rare admission by the former vice president, 77, as others have argued that Hunter Biden's position while Joe Biden was leading Ukrainian foreign policy for the Obama administration had the appearance of a conflict of interest. Usually, Joe Biden would only point to his son's sentiment without explicitly agreeing with it. Joe Biden adamantly denied, however, that Hunter Biden received the position because of his family name and connections.
"You’re saying things you do not know what you’re talking about. No one said that," Joe Biden said.
In previous interviews and statements, Joe Biden has aggressively denied any hint of wrongdoing on the part of himself or his son.
"My son's statement speaks for itself. I did my job. I never discussed a single thing with my son about anything having to do with Ukraine," Joe Biden said in an October Democratic presidential debate. "My son made a judgment. I'm proud of the judgment he made. I'm proud of what he had to say."
When a voter at a December campaign stop in Iowa brought up that Joe Biden "let [his] son over there, get a job and work for a gas company" even though "he had no experience," the former vice president called the voter "a damn liar."
"There's nothing on its face that was wrong," Joe Biden said about the arrangement in a December interview.
Trump and his allies have suggested that while Joe Biden was vice president, he conditioned $1 billion in aid to Ukraine on the country firing an official who was investigating Burisma. There is no evidence that Joe Biden was acting in the interests of his son, and many international organizations at the time condemned the official for not pursuing corruption charges among Ukrainian politicians.
Joe Biden's primary rivals have tiptoed around the issue while subtly knocking Joe Biden's judgment, saying that they would not want the son or daughter of their vice president to hold a position on a foreign company's board. In December, Joe Biden promised that if he is president, he would not allow his children to become involved in foreign business arrangements.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Why I'm rooting for Amy Klobuchar in Iowa

DES MOINES , Iowa — When I was walking into a Sen. Amy Klobuchar event on Saturday night , I was greeted by a volunteer who handed me an American flag .
Once inside the Franklin Jr. High School gym , I spoke to a Klobuchar precinct captain who dismissed Sen. Bernie Sanders as “ a Marxist.
” After days of attending events touting the coming socialist revolution , I finally felt like I had landed back on planet Earth .
When you ’ re a conservative covering the Democratic caucuses , you know that you ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy proposals that you hear .
But it matters who Democrats nominate .
Some conservatives may be rooting for Sanders tonight , hoping that , at the minimum , it wreaks havoc among Democrats , or at best forces them to nominate a candidate who would be easy for President Trump to beat .
However , in a two-party system in a highly polarized political era , any major party nominee is going to start out with a decent shot of becoming president .
That ’ s especially true in 2020 , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has .
As the Washington Examiner in a recent editorial , rooting for Sanders to be the nominee because of the assumption he would be easy to beat is risky , because as the Democratic nominee , he ’ d be one step closer to being president .
Just ask the liberals who were openly rooting for Trump to be the GOP nominee in 2016 because he would be so easy to beat .
A better approach is to root for the candidates in both parties who you think would make the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because there ’ s a decent chance one of them will get elected .
Having followed the Democratic candidates through the campaign , watched all their debates , and seen the five top Iowa contenders in person over the past few days , it ’ s become clear to me that Klobuchar is the best option .
Were Klobuchar to be elected president , I ’ d probably oppose nearly every one of her policy proposals , regulatory decisions , and judicial appointments .
And as a commentary writer , I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But I wouldn ’ t wake up the morning after Election Day feeling like my country has fundamentally changed to something unrecognizable .
In the runup to the 2020 election cycle , and throughout her campaign , Klobuchar has distinguished herself as being one of the few responsible adults in the room .
Though she voted against confirming Justice Brett Kavanaugh , she was the only Democratic Senator running who behaved in a reasonable manner during confirmation hearings by asking him pertinent questions .
It was in stark contrast to the embarrassing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cory Booker , who were more concerned with creating viral moments to boost their presidential ambitions than doing their job of vetting a Supreme Court nominee .
In the debates , she has resisted the temptation to pander to the extreme Left .
She has consistently pushed back against the grandiose promises of the socialist Sanders and the implausible claims of Elizabeth Warren that it ’ s possible to achieve the same socialist goals without increasing taxes on the middle class .
If Klobuchar were able to win the nomination campaigning as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident that if elected , she wouldn ’ t allow herself to be captured by radicals .
Though there is little chance Sanders or Warren would actually be able to pass their far-reaching proposals , their provide great reason to fear that they ’ d try to implement their agenda through executive action .
Given that presidential power is its greatest in the realm of foreign policy , I would be fearful of Sanders , who honeymooned in the Soviet Union and , being commander in chief .
At a time of rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has decided not only to anti-Semitism on the Left but to promote as surrogates bigots including Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib , and activist Linda Sarsour .
Other leading Democratic candidates , such as Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg , have , like Klobuchar , tried to appeal to voters who view Warren and Sanders as too extreme .
But Biden is too old and Buttigieg is too young .
Biden ’ s low energy level , and difficulty articulating his thoughts , has been apparent on the debate stage and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the campaign trail .
He ’ s not in the same shape he was even at the end of the Obama administration , and if his mental and physical decline continues at the current pace , I ’ m concerned about what would happen to him over the course of a four-year presidential term — at the end of which he ’ d be 82 .
For a novice on national politics , Buttigieg has shown himself to be nimble on the debate stage against much more seasoned competitors .
He could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he also comes across as naive and leaves serious doubts that he ’ s ready to make the leap from being mayor of a city whose population isn ’ t even in the top 200 in the United States , all the way up to the White House .
So that ultimately leaves Klobuchar as the candidate who is least worrisome from a conservative perspective .

DES MOINES, Iowa — When I was walking into a Sen. Amy Klobuchar event on Saturday night, I was greeted by a volunteer who handed me an American flag. Once inside the Franklin Jr. High School gym, I spoke to a Klobuchar precinct captain who dismissed Sen. Bernie Sanders as “a Marxist.” After days of attending events touting the coming socialist revolution, I finally felt like I had landed back on planet Earth.
When you’re a conservative covering the Democratic caucuses, you know that you’re going to disagree with pretty much all of the policy proposals that you hear. But it matters who Democrats nominate. Some conservatives may be rooting for Sanders tonight, hoping that, at the minimum, it wreaks havoc among Democrats, or at best forces them to nominate a candidate who would be easy for President Trump to beat.
However, in a two-party system in a highly polarized political era, any major party nominee is going to start out with a decent shot of becoming president. That’s especially true in 2020, when there’s an incumbent president who has consistently polled in the mid-40s .
As the Washington Examiner argued in a recent editorial, rooting for Sanders to be the nominee because of the assumption he would be easy to beat is risky, because as the Democratic nominee, he’d be one step closer to being president. Just ask the liberals who were openly rooting for Trump to be the GOP nominee in 2016 because he would be so easy to beat.
A better approach is to root for the candidates in both parties who you think would make the best (or least bad) president, because there’s a decent chance one of them will get elected. Having followed the Democratic candidates through the campaign, watched all their debates, and seen the five top Iowa contenders in person over the past few days, it’s become clear to me that Klobuchar is the best option.
Were Klobuchar to be elected president, I’d probably oppose nearly every one of her policy proposals, regulatory decisions, and judicial appointments. And as a commentary writer, I’d criticize those actions on a daily basis. But I wouldn’t wake up the morning after Election Day feeling like my country has fundamentally changed to something unrecognizable.
In the runup to the 2020 election cycle, and throughout her campaign, Klobuchar has distinguished herself as being one of the few responsible adults in the room. Though she voted against confirming Justice Brett Kavanaugh, she was the only Democratic Senator running who behaved in a reasonable manner during confirmation hearings by asking him pertinent questions. It was in stark contrast to the embarrassing behavior of Sens. Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, who were more concerned with creating viral moments to boost their presidential ambitions than doing their job of vetting a Supreme Court nominee.
In the debates, she has resisted the temptation to pander to the extreme Left. She has consistently pushed back against the grandiose promises of the socialist Sanders and the implausible claims of Elizabeth Warren that it’s possible to achieve the same socialist goals without increasing taxes on the middle class. If Klobuchar were able to win the nomination campaigning as a pragmatic liberal, it makes me more confident that if elected, she wouldn’t allow herself to be captured by radicals.
Though there is little chance Sanders or Warren would actually be able to pass their far-reaching proposals, their authoritarian impulses provide great reason to fear that they’d try to implement their agenda through executive action.
Given that presidential power is its greatest in the realm of foreign policy, I would be fearful of Sanders, who honeymooned in the Soviet Union and backed anti-American communist Sandinistas in the 1980s , being commander in chief. At a time of rising anti-Semitism, I am disgusted that Sanders has decided not only to excuse anti-Semitism on the Left but to promote as surrogates bigots including Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, and activist Linda Sarsour.
Other leading Democratic candidates, such as Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg, have, like Klobuchar, tried to appeal to voters who view Warren and Sanders as too extreme. But Biden is too old and Buttigieg is too young.
Biden’s low energy level, and difficulty articulating his thoughts, has been apparent on the debate stage and was even more apparent when I saw him on the campaign trail. He’s not in the same shape he was even at the end of the Obama administration, and if his mental and physical decline continues at the current pace, I’m concerned about what would happen to him over the course of a four-year presidential term — at the end of which he’d be 82.
For a novice on national politics, Buttigieg has shown himself to be nimble on the debate stage against much more seasoned competitors. He could have a bright future in politics, but he also comes across as naive and leaves serious doubts that he’s ready to make the leap from being mayor of a city whose population isn’t even in the top 200 in the United States, all the way up to the White House.
So that ultimately leaves Klobuchar as the candidate who is least worrisome from a conservative perspective.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--Trump to appoint Jimmy Carter pastor as 'reentry czar' in White House prison initiative

President Trump plans to appoint the Georgia pastor who leads former President Jimmy Carter 's church to a role in the White House 's new prison reentry effort , overseeing programs on reducing recidivism for former prisoners .
Pastor Tony Lowden , the first black pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains , Georgia , will be the council ’ s executive director , two White House officials told McClatchy .
Lowden , 53 , has worked on prison reform efforts in Georgia and as the director of the Faith and Justice Initiative in Republican Gov .
Nathan Deal 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to his church biography .
Trump is expected to announce Lowden 's appointment this week .
The Trump campaign is courting minority voters ahead of the November election with policies aimed at showing positive outcomes for the black community .
The White House team that Lowden is expected to join includes policy adviser Ashley Bell , deputy assistant to the president Ja'Ron Smith , the White House 's Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities lead Johnathan Holifield , and White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council lead , former NFL player Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real team that ’ s not just talking about results but creating opportunity now , '' Smith told McClatchy .
In 2016 , Trump won just 8 % of the black vote .
And current support among African Americans is low , with more than 8 in 10 respondents in a Jan. 2-8 Washington Post-Ipsos poll describing the president as `` racist . ''
Trump has sought to counter critics of his record with black voters with messaging on the economy , employment and unemployment figures , business development , and criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl ad featuring Alice Marie Johnson focused on Trump 's commutation of her sentence in 2018 .
Trump 's bid for black voters has included a push to explain how his law enforcement and economic policies will benefit small business owners and individual voters , efforts that Lowden will support in his role working with local communities , businesses , faith-based and community groups , and law enforcement in helping former inmates succeed once they leave the prison system .
On Feb. 7 , Trump will deliver remarks at the North Carolina Opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the first in a series of `` opportunity now '' summits that mark the administration 's efforts to explain their policy at a local level .
Friday 's event will include workshops on inmate reentry to society , economic development for low-income areas , and discussions of how to apply for federal and state funding .
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza will speak at the event .
Last year , a criminal justice forum at the historically black Benedict College in South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event , Trump was announced as the opening speaker .
Former presidential candidate and current California senator , Kamala Harris , pulled out of the event once Trump 's participation was announced .

President Trump plans to appoint the Georgia pastor who leads former President Jimmy Carter's church to a role in the White House's new prison reentry effort, overseeing programs on reducing recidivism for former prisoners.
Pastor Tony Lowden, the first black pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, will be the council’s executive director, two White House officials told McClatchy.
Lowden, 53, has worked on prison reform efforts in Georgia and as the director of the Faith and Justice Initiative in Republican Gov. Nathan Deal's Office of Transition Support and Reentry, according to his church biography. Trump is expected to announce Lowden's appointment this week.
The Trump campaign is courting minority voters ahead of the November election with policies aimed at showing positive outcomes for the black community. The White House team that Lowden is expected to join includes policy adviser Ashley Bell, deputy assistant to the president Ja'Ron Smith, the White House's Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities lead Johnathan Holifield, and White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council lead, former NFL player Scott Turner.
"We’re committing a real team that’s not just talking about results but creating opportunity now," Smith told McClatchy.
In 2016, Trump won just 8% of the black vote. And current support among African Americans is low, with more than 8 in 10 respondents in a Jan. 2-8 Washington Post-Ipsos poll describing the president as "racist."
Trump has sought to counter critics of his record with black voters with messaging on the economy, employment and unemployment figures, business development, and criminal justice reform.
The campaign's Super Bowl ad featuring Alice Marie Johnson focused on Trump's commutation of her sentence in 2018.
I promised to restore hope in America. That includes the least among us. Together, let’s KEEP AMERICA GREAT!
Text TRUMP to 88022 if you liked our Super Bowl ad! pic.twitter.com/Lgjt53B7QX — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2020
Trump's bid for black voters has included a push to explain how his law enforcement and economic policies will benefit small business owners and individual voters, efforts that Lowden will support in his role working with local communities, businesses, faith-based and community groups, and law enforcement in helping former inmates succeed once they leave the prison system.
On Feb. 7, Trump will deliver remarks at the North Carolina Opportunity Now Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina, the first in a series of "opportunity now" summits that mark the administration's efforts to explain their policy at a local level. Friday's event will include workshops on inmate reentry to society, economic development for low-income areas, and discussions of how to apply for federal and state funding. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza will speak at the event.
Last year, a criminal justice forum at the historically black Benedict College in South Carolina was upended when one week before the event, Trump was announced as the opening speaker. Former presidential candidate and current California senator, Kamala Harris, pulled out of the event once Trump's participation was announced.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-03--'Not happy with this field': Chris Matthews of MSNBC says 2020 Democrats can't beat Trump

MSNBC host Chris Matthews revealed that none of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates excite him on the day of the Iowa caucuses .
Matthews , 74 , made the admission about the field during his Monday morning appearance on Morning Joe , which was broadcast from Des Moines , Iowa .
`` What are my thoughts ?
I ’ m not happy .
I ’ m not happy with this field .
I think they have to find a candidate for president that can beat Trump , '' Matthews said , adding that he is `` still looking '' into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump .
Matthews went on to criticize Bernie Sanders , saying he 's `` not going to be president '' and comparing the Vermont senator 's campaign to the 1972 presidential election in which the Democratic nominee , Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota , won only one state and Washington , D.C. , against incumbent Republican President Richard Nixon .
He said that McGovern 's campaign `` feels a lot like '' Sanders and argued that both `` excited the party . ''
Matthews also said he felt like Sen. Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' before getting bogged down by `` a lot of scrutiny , '' which he predicted could hamper Sanders .
Despite his harsh words for the 2020 hopeful , Matthews predicted that Sanders would win the Iowa caucuses `` real big . ''

MSNBC host Chris Matthews revealed that none of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates excite him on the day of the Iowa caucuses.
Matthews, 74, made the admission about the field during his Monday morning appearance on Morning Joe, which was broadcast from Des Moines, Iowa.
"What are my thoughts? I’m not happy. I’m not happy with this field. I think they have to find a candidate for president that can beat Trump," Matthews said, adding that he is "still looking" into whether anybody in the field can beat President Trump.
Matthews went on to criticize Bernie Sanders, saying he's "not going to be president" and that the Vermont senator's campaign reminds him of the 1972 presidential election in which the Democratic nominee, Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota, won only one state and Washington, D.C., against incumbent Republican President Richard Nixon. He said that McGovern's campaign "feels a lot like" Sanders and argued that both "excited the party."
Matthews also said he felt like Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts "was riding high" before getting bogged down by "a lot of scrutiny," which he predicted could hamper Sanders. Despite his harsh words for the 2020 hopeful, Matthews predicted that Sanders would win the Iowa caucuses "real big."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-04--Trump should challenge Congress to step up on 'Dreamers' and border security

The question of what to do about `` Dreamers , '' immigrants brought here as children outside the law , has gone unresolved for years .
Unless Congress and the president act swiftly , it could be many more years before there ’ s a solution for the immigrants , their employers , family members , and communities .
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on a case involving the immigrants within the next few months .
But although the court will decide the narrow issue of whether the president can cancel the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigrants from deportation , it can not decide how to resolve their legal status .
That ’ s a matter for Congress and the president , and it should be resolved as quickly as possible so that those affected can plan and live their lives .
President Trump has an opportunity to demonstrate bold leadership when he addresses the nation and Congress during his State of the Union address Tuesday .
He should call on lawmakers on both sides to come together and work on a bipartisan deal that provides certainty for DACA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Until now , the White House has expressed optimism that once a Supreme Court ruling is handed down , Congress will be eager to enact a compromise .
That ’ s certainly possible .
But congressional inaction is a lot more common than passage of major legislation in election years .
We have watched political considerations block progress on immigration for years — in election years and nonelection years alike .
It would not be a big surprise if lawmakers refused to act in the few months between any court ruling and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 2021 and beyond .
This could result in the deportation of Dreamers and a void in our communities .
And who can be sure that Congress will take up immigration next year when we ’ re sure to see a crowded legislative agenda no matter who wins in November ?
It could mean more years of waiting and , at best , temporary bandage proposals .
We have worked closely with DACA recipients around the country .
We are proud to count some of them among our activists .
Unfortunately , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future holds for them beyond the next few months .
Will they be able to earn permanent legal status ?
Will they be permitted to renew temporary DACA protections ?
Or will they find themselves sent to a foreign country — one they may not remember at all , where they might not even speak the language ?
Ultimately , Trump and Congress are the ones who can decide that .
This uncertainty affects not only DACA recipients but also their families and loved ones .
It ’ s hard to plan a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments or even to buy a car if you ’ re not sure you ’ ll be in the country just a few weeks down the road .
Through DACA , many immigrants are working and contributing to their communities .
But employers are wary of making long-term investments in workers who can ’ t make a long-term commitment .
Advancement may be difficult or impossible for Dreamers because of the uncertainty of their status .
We would all be better off if both parties came together to modernize border security while establishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earn permanent legal status .
That process would require background checks , fees , any possible back taxes , and other appropriate requirements .
Right now , the immigrants are filling roles in all walks of life – parents , teachers , faith leaders , small business owners , and more .
Our communities would all be stronger if leaders in Washington made a decision about their futures .
A consensus reform bill should be within reach .
Both parties have advanced immigration proposals that have valuable elements of a DACA compromise .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats to move on new border security proposals and for Republican skeptics to accept new provisions for these immigrants .
One recent survey found that more than 60 % of registered voters and more than two-thirds of Republicans back a proposal to enhance border security and provide DACA recipients a path to citizenship .
Moreover , a majority of lawmakers in both the House and the Senate support legal status for the immigrants .
Unfortunately , factions in both houses have tried to use the issue as a political bargaining chip rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need leadership to help transform that broad support into a new law .
The president should not waste this chance to drive a popular reform that ’ s long overdue .
When he takes to the podium Tuesday , he should make clear the time for waiting is past .
That will help not only Dreamers , but the millions of Americans who count them as family members , friends , employers , and customers .
Tim Phillips is president of Americans for Prosperity .
Daniel Garza is president of The LIBRE @ @

The question of what to do about "Dreamers," immigrants brought here as children outside the law, has gone unresolved for years. Unless Congress and the president act swiftly, it could be many more years before there’s a solution for the immigrants, their employers, family members, and communities.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on a case involving the immigrants within the next few months. But although the court will decide the narrow issue of whether the president can cancel the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which is shielding many of the immigrants from deportation, it cannot decide how to resolve their legal status. That’s a matter for Congress and the president, and it should be resolved as quickly as possible so that those affected can plan and live their lives.
President Trump has an opportunity to demonstrate bold leadership when he addresses the nation and Congress during his State of the Union address Tuesday. He should call on lawmakers on both sides to come together and work on a bipartisan deal that provides certainty for DACA recipients and security along the border.
Until now, the White House has expressed optimism that once a Supreme Court ruling is handed down, Congress will be eager to enact a compromise. That’s certainly possible. But congressional inaction is a lot more common than passage of major legislation in election years. We have watched political considerations block progress on immigration for years — in election years and nonelection years alike. It would not be a big surprise if lawmakers refused to act in the few months between any court ruling and the election, leaving this as an issue for 2021 and beyond.
This could result in the deportation of Dreamers and a void in our communities. And who can be sure that Congress will take up immigration next year when we’re sure to see a crowded legislative agenda no matter who wins in November? It could mean more years of waiting and, at best, temporary bandage proposals.
We have worked closely with DACA recipients around the country. We are proud to count some of them among our activists. Unfortunately, these young people cannot know what the future holds for them beyond the next few months. Will they be able to earn permanent legal status? Will they be permitted to renew temporary DACA protections? Or will they find themselves sent to a foreign country — one they may not remember at all, where they might not even speak the language? Ultimately, Trump and Congress are the ones who can decide that.
This uncertainty affects not only DACA recipients but also their families and loved ones. It’s hard to plan a wedding or commit to making college tuition payments or even to buy a car if you’re not sure you’ll be in the country just a few weeks down the road. Through DACA, many immigrants are working and contributing to their communities. But employers are wary of making long-term investments in workers who can’t make a long-term commitment. Advancement may be difficult or impossible for Dreamers because of the uncertainty of their status.
We would all be better off if both parties came together to modernize border security while establishing a process by which DACA recipients could earn permanent legal status. That process would require background checks, fees, any possible back taxes, and other appropriate requirements. Right now, the immigrants are filling roles in all walks of life – parents, teachers, faith leaders, small business owners, and more. Our communities would all be stronger if leaders in Washington made a decision about their futures.
A consensus reform bill should be within reach. Both parties have advanced immigration proposals that have valuable elements of a DACA compromise. This is the right time for congressional Democrats to move on new border security proposals and for Republican skeptics to accept new provisions for these immigrants.
One recent survey found that more than 60% of registered voters and more than two-thirds of Republicans back a proposal to enhance border security and provide DACA recipients a path to citizenship. Moreover, a majority of lawmakers in both the House and the Senate support legal status for the immigrants. Unfortunately, factions in both houses have tried to use the issue as a political bargaining chip rather than working together to pass a bill. We need leadership to help transform that broad support into a new law.
The president should not waste this chance to drive a popular reform that’s long overdue. When he takes to the podium Tuesday, he should make clear the time for waiting is past. That will help not only Dreamers, but the millions of Americans who count them as family members, friends, employers, and customers.
Tim Phillips is president of Americans for Prosperity. Daniel Garza is president of The LIBRE Initiative.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-04--Buttigieg campaign paid firm that developed voting app blamed for Iowa caucus delays

Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg 's campaign contributed money to the technological firm whose voting app that contributed to reporting delays in the Iowa caucuses .
Federal Election Commission filings reveal that Buttigieg 's campaign gave tens of thousands of dollars to Shadow on July 23 , 2019 for `` software rights and subscriptions . ''
Shadow , a technology company that has an investor in the Democratic digital nonprofit organization ACRONYM , was also paid $ 60,000 over two installments by the Iowa Democratic Party to build an app to help make caucus voting easier and faster for precinct volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party paid Shadow $ 58,000 for `` website development . ''
The Iowa Democratic Party scrambled Monday night after precincts experienced trouble downloading and uploading results to the voting app .
By 1 a.m .
ET Tuesday morning , no results had been released as volunteers attempted to call in the numbers by phone .
Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , claimed victory before any numbers had been released , publishing a tweet that said he was `` going on to New Hampshire victorious . ''
Robby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton 's 2016 team , denied involvement in the voting app after Twitter users suggested he was behind the app 's development .
Mook , who reportedly did have a role in preparing a video to alert campaigns of misinformation or hacking , instructed people to contact Iowa Democrats for more information on the botched results .
The Iowa Democratic Party said it expects to release the caucus results sometime Tuesday .

Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg's campaign contributed money to the technological firm whose voting app contributed to reporting delays in the Iowa caucuses.
Federal Election Commission filings reveal that Buttigieg's campaign gave tens of thousands of dollars to Shadow on July 23, 2019, for "software rights and subscriptions."
Shadow, a technology company that has an investor in the Democratic digital nonprofit organization ACRONYM, was also paid $60,000 over two installments by the Iowa Democratic Party to build an app to help make caucus voting easier and faster for precinct volunteers. Filings also reveal that the Nevada Democratic Party paid Shadow $58,000 for "website development."
(FEC)
The Iowa Democratic Party scrambled Monday night after precincts experienced trouble downloading and uploading results to the voting app. By 1 a.m. EST Tuesday morning, no results had been released as volunteers attempted to call in the numbers by phone.
Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, claimed victory before any numbers had been released, publishing a tweet that said he was "going on to New Hampshire victorious."
Iowa, you have shocked the nation.
By all indications, we are going on to New Hampshire victorious. #IowaCaucuses — Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) February 4, 2020
Robby Mook, the campaign manager for Hillary Clinton's 2016 team, denied involvement in the voting app after Twitter users suggested he was behind the app's development. Mook, who reportedly did have a role in preparing a video to alert campaigns of misinformation or hacking, instructed people to contact Iowa Democrats for more information on the botched results.
Sorry, folks. I did NOT have anythjng to do with building the Iowa caucus app. I dont know anything about it, had no role in it, and dont own a company that makes mobile appa. Please contact @iowademocrats with questions about it. — Robby Mook (@RobbyMook) February 4, 2020
UPDATE: A spokesman for the Buttigieg campaign said it paid Shadow for "text messaging services to help us contact voters." The Iowa Democratic Party said it expects to release the caucus results sometime Tuesday.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-04--‘Broken system’: Iowa caucuses reporting snafu fuels calls to eliminate first-in-the-nation status

The Iowa Democratic Party 's embarrassing delay in reporting results from its presidential nominating caucuses fueled arguments that the state should not hold first-in-the-nation status .
`` This is a total mess , '' said former Housing Secretary Julian Castro , who ended his own presidential bid last month before endorsing Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren .
`` I respect the people of Iowa , they ’ ve been great — but it ’ s become very clear that our democracy has been misserved by a broken system . ''
In November , Castro came out against Iowa being the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because its overwhelmingly white population does not reflect racial diversity in the country or the party .
`` We 're going to have to evaluate after this primary is done — at the DNC — evaluate how we do this , '' Castro told reporters Monday .
`` The debate thresholds , the order of the states , the caucus versus primary .
What happened tonight made the argument for itself , nobody can deny that this is a broken way to do it .
It was a total mess . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to meet the viability threshold , '' said CNN commentator Van Jones .
`` We 've all been saying the whole time , why Iowa in the first place ?
It 's 90 % white , you know , when you have a party as diverse as this , to be in a state that 's not diverse is terrible . ''
`` You only have one job , Iowa ! ''
Jones added .
`` Get rid of the # IowaCaucuses !
That 's the message tonight , '' said Larry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the school 's Center for politics .
`` It 's a mess in more ways than one .
If this were a primary , we 'd have a larger turnout AND the damn results would be known by now . ''
Analysts suspected that difficulties using an app meant to report caucus site results and struggles reporting new metrics of raw vote totals contributed to the snafu .
An Iowa Democratic party spokesperson said that the delay was due to `` inconsistencies in the reporting of three sets of results , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a hack or an intrusion . ''

The Iowa Democratic Party's embarrassing delay in reporting results from its presidential nominating caucuses fueled arguments that the state should not hold first-in-the-nation status.
"This is a total mess," said former Housing Secretary Julian Castro, who ended his own presidential bid last month before endorsing Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. "I respect the people of Iowa, they’ve been great — but it’s become very clear that our democracy has been misserved by a broken system."
In November, Castro came out against Iowa being the first state in the nominating process in part because its overwhelmingly white population does not reflect racial diversity in the country or the party.
"We're going to have to evaluate after this primary is done — at the DNC — evaluate how we do this," Castro told reporters Monday. "The debate thresholds, the order of the states, the caucus versus primary. What happened tonight made the argument for itself, nobody can deny that this is a broken way to do it. It was a total mess."
This is a total mess. I respect the people of Iowa, they’ve been great—but it’s become very clear that our democracy has been misserved by a broken system. #IACaucus — Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) February 4, 2020
"The idea of the caucus itself has failed to meet the viability threshold," said CNN commentator Van Jones. "We've all been saying the whole time, why Iowa in the first place? It's 90% white, you know, when you have a party as diverse as this, to be in a state that's not diverse is terrible."
"You only have one job, Iowa!" Jones added.
"Get rid of the #IowaCaucuses! That's the message tonight," said Larry Sabato, University of Virginia professor and director of the school's Center for politics. "It's a mess in more ways than one. If this were a primary, we'd have a larger turnout AND the damn results would be known by now."
Get rid of the #IowaCaucuses! That's the message tonight. It's a mess in more ways than one. If this were a primary, we'd have a larger turnout AND the damn results would be known by now. — Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) February 4, 2020
Analysts suspected that difficulties using an app meant to report caucus site results and struggles reporting new metrics of raw vote totals contributed to the snafu. An Iowa Democratic party spokesperson said that the delay was due to "inconsistencies in the reporting of three sets of results," and was not the result of "a hack or an intrusion."