thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-23--Pennsylvania election results could take days to process

YOUNGSTOWN , Pennsylvania — Pull up to what is now known as the Trump House , and it is not out of the ordinary to come face to face with a constant flow of curiosity-seekers — hundreds on a weekday , thousands on a weekend .
Some go to get signs , some pose for photos in front of the massively oversized cutout of President Trump , some go to register to vote for the first time in their lives , and some are switching their registration from Democrat to Republican .
It is a hub of enthusiasm not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their vote come Election Day .
Pull up to the upper-middle-class suburbs the next county over in Allegheny County , and the well-manicured lawns of the well-heeled suburban neighborhoods are dotted with Joe Biden signs , running almost like a set of neatly stacked dominoes in a string of neighbors ' yards .
Voters in Pennsylvania , whether they are supporting Trump or Biden , are ready to vote .
They might not have figured out yet if they will be mailing in their vote or using an absentee ballot , dropping their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting in person .
But voters know the risks , are figuring out what suits them best , and are ready to vote .
Since the pandemic began , just as the Pennsylvania primary was about to occur , they have weathered a delayed primary , a new mail-in voting process that was already set to debut before the pandemic began , stood in line at drastically reduced in-person voting precincts , and with a handful of exceptions , waited through long delays in wanting to know who won the primary contests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test run to iron out the kinks of what happens once the ballots are received by individual county officials , ” explained Larry Ceisler , a Democratic media professional based in Philadelphia .
Ceisler said that many expectations were met and that many weren ’ t .
“ They 're hoping they can get it done .
But I think what you 're seeing is that the people who run elections and elected officials are trying to lower expectations .
I think that everybody 's concerned that if you do n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a close election , in some of these states , that bad things could happen .
Nobody wants that .
Nobody wants bad things to happen , ” he said .
Pushing those lower expectations is probably wise , particularly after the Democrat-controlled Pennsylvania state Supreme Court guaranteed last week when they overruled the state law that says absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day .
Now , there is a three-day extension to receive ballots that are postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day .
Ballots that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted if they are received three days after the polls close .
In short , do n't expect to see Pennsylvania called for one candidate or the other on election night .
Or the day after that .
Or the day after that .
In fact , it may take a week to know Pennsylvania ’ s results .
So , while voters have made all of the adaptations the government has required of them to vote , the state government and the state supreme court have done everything they can to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed .
The only people who got it wrong during the primary were on the processing end , not on the voting end .
Seven months into the pandemic , voters know how to behave safely in public .
They know how to fill out a form for a mail-in or absentee ballot , they know they can use a drop box , and they know they can go vote in person .
Joe Thomas , who was picking up `` Pro-Life for Trump '' lawn signs at the Cambria County Republican headquarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was extended .
“ It is really not that hard to be responsible enough to vote by mail a few days before or in person that day , ” he said .
June ’ s primary was the first time Keystone State residents used mail-in ballots .
Before , voters only had access to the absentee ballot process , a restrictive process that was used by less than 5 % of voters .
Last year , the state legislature passed a law that loosened those restrictions .
Between the new accessibility requirements and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times higher than normal , causing delays in many counties , including Philadelphia .
More Pennsylvanians voted by mail than voted in person for the first time in the commonwealth ’ s history .
The Trump campaign has gone all-in here in the Keystone State .
Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have made multiple visits to the state in the past few weeks , and voters can expect more soon .
Biden has done several events in Pittsburgh , Scranton , and Philadelphia as well .
In several polls , the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ error .
Two things we know about the eventual outcome : It ’ s going to be close , and it could come down to those ballots arriving at 5 p.m. on Nov. 6 when the last ballot is accepted at one of 67 county election offices across the state .

YOUNGSTOWN, Pennsylvania — Pull up to what is now known as the Trump House, and it is not out of the ordinary to come face to face with a constant flow of curiosity-seekers — hundreds on a weekday, thousands on a weekend. Some go to get signs, some pose for photos in front of the massively oversized cutout of President Trump, some go to register to vote for the first time in their lives, and some are switching their registration from Democrat to Republican.
It is a hub of enthusiasm not just for the president, but to exercise their vote come Election Day.
A giant cutout statue of Trump stands in front of the "Trump House.” (Justin Merriman/Washington Examiner)
Pull up to the upper-middle-class suburbs the next county over in Allegheny County, and the well-manicured lawns of the well-heeled suburban neighborhoods are dotted with Joe Biden signs, running almost like a set of neatly stacked dominoes in a string of neighbors' yards.
Voters in Pennsylvania, whether they are supporting Trump or Biden, are ready to vote. They might not have figured out yet if they will be mailing in their vote or using an absentee ballot, dropping their mail-in ballot at a drop box or voting in person. But voters know the risks, are figuring out what suits them best, and are ready to vote.
Since the pandemic began, just as the Pennsylvania primary was about to occur, they have weathered a delayed primary, a new mail-in voting process that was already set to debut before the pandemic began, stood in line at drastically reduced in-person voting precincts, and with a handful of exceptions, waited through long delays in wanting to know who won the primary contests.
A cutout of Biden near the porch of the "Trump House.” (Justin Merriman/Washington Examiner)
“The primary was supposed to be a test run to iron out the kinks of what happens once the ballots are received by individual county officials,” explained Larry Ceisler, a Democratic media professional based in Philadelphia.
Ceisler said that many expectations were met and that many weren’t. “They're hoping they can get it done. But I think what you're seeing is that the people who run elections and elected officials are trying to lower expectations. I think that everybody's concerned that if you don't have that count done, especially if it's a close election, in some of these states, that bad things could happen. Nobody wants that. Nobody wants bad things to happen,” he said.
Pushing those lower expectations is probably wise, particularly after the Democrat-controlled Pennsylvania state Supreme Court guaranteed last week when they overruled the state law that says absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Now, there is a three-day extension to receive ballots that are postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots that have a pre-election postmark now will be counted if they are received three days after the polls close.
In short, don't expect to see Pennsylvania called for one candidate or the other on election night. Or the day after that. Or the day after that.
In fact, it may take a week to know Pennsylvania’s results.
So, while voters have made all of the adaptations the government has required of them to vote, the state government and the state supreme court have done everything they can to extend the process unnecessarily when no extension was needed. The only people who got it wrong during the primary were on the processing end, not on the voting end.
Seven months into the pandemic, voters know how to behave safely in public. They know how to fill out a form for a mail-in or absentee ballot, they know they can use a drop box, and they know they can go vote in person.
Joe Thomas, who was picking up "Pro-Life for Trump" lawn signs at the Cambria County Republican headquarters, does not understand why the date was extended. “It is really not that hard to be responsible enough to vote by mail a few days before or in person that day,” he said.
June’s primary was the first time Keystone State residents used mail-in ballots. Before, voters only had access to the absentee ballot process, a restrictive process that was used by less than 5% of voters.
A “Vote in person” sign stands in front of the "Trump House.” (Justin Merriman/Washington Examiner)
Last year, the state legislature passed a law that loosened those restrictions. Between the new accessibility requirements and the pandemic, mail-in votes were 17 times higher than normal, causing delays in many counties, including Philadelphia. More Pennsylvanians voted by mail than voted in person for the first time in the commonwealth’s history.
The Trump campaign has gone all-in here in the Keystone State. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have made multiple visits to the state in the past few weeks, and voters can expect more soon. Biden has done several events in Pittsburgh, Scranton, and Philadelphia as well. In several polls, the race has tightened to within the margin of error.
Two things we know about the eventual outcome: It’s going to be close, and it could come down to those ballots arriving at 5 p.m. on Nov. 6 when the last ballot is accepted at one of 67 county election offices across the state.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-23--Senate Democrats release rebuttal report to GOP's findings from Biden-Ukraine investigation

Two top Senate Democrats released a report on Wednesday to counter the findings released by their Republican counterparts from an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden 's dealings in Ukraine .
Sens .
Gary Peters , the ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , and Ron Wyden , the top Democrat on the Finance Committee , accused the chairmen of their respective committees ( Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa ) of pushing Russian disinformation to help President Trump win his reelection campaign against the former vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which alleges the Obama administration turned a blind eye to the `` glaring warning signs '' when the younger Biden joined the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma Holdings while his father was leading Ukraine policy , `` a partisan , political report that is rooted in Russian disinformation and intended to influence the presidential election . ''
“ Worst of all — the chairmen have amplified a known Russian attack on our election , and have used the credibility of the United States Senate to advance these discredited narratives , despite warnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security experts they interviewed over the course of their investigation , and Trump administration officials , '' he added .
`` It is unconscionable that the chairmen are continuing to advance false information intended to undermine our democratic process at the expense of the bipartisan work we should be doing to protect our national security.
” The Democrats claim the GOP investigation mimics the accusations from U.S.-sanctioned Russian agent Andrii Derkach and that their own investigation , which included more than 50 hours of transcribed interviews of 10 witnesses , debunked the notion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board gave the company special privileges .
“ More than 200,000 Americans are dead , and more than 25 million are out of work as a result of Donald Trump ’ s incompetence , '' Wyden said in a statement , referring to the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Donald Trump can ’ t run on his unprecedented failures , so the Trump administration and Senate Republicans tried — and failed — to manufacture dirt on Vice President Biden .
Vice President Biden did nothing wrong , and policy toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on the board of Burisma .
This sham investigation was an attempted political hit job facilitated by the State Department and rooted in the disinformation pushed by a pro-Russia operative and Russian asset who is under U.S. sanction .
Throughout this effort , I have been deeply disturbed by Senate Republicans ’ willingness to disregard national security concerns and push Russian disinformation .
The Senate must never again be abused in this way.
” Johnson and Grassley have rejected claims that their investigation was steeped in Russian disinformation and argued they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson conceded last month that the inquiry would have political implications for the election less than two months away .
`` I would think it would certainly help Donald Trump win reelection and certainly be pretty good , I would say , evidence about not voting for Vice President Biden , '' he said .

Two top Senate Democrats released a report on Wednesday to counter the findings released by their Republican counterparts from an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden's dealings in Ukraine.
Sens. Gary Peters, the ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Finance Committee, accused the chairmen of their respective committees (Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa) of pushing Russian disinformation to help President Trump win his reelection campaign against the former vice president.
Peters called the GOP findings, which alleges the Obama administration turned a blind eye to the "glaring warning signs" when the younger Biden joined the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma Holdings while his father was leading Ukraine policy, "a partisan, political report that is rooted in Russian disinformation and intended to influence the presidential election."
“Worst of all — the chairmen have amplified a known Russian attack on our election, and have used the credibility of the United States Senate to advance these discredited narratives, despite warnings from the Intelligence Community, the national security experts they interviewed over the course of their investigation, and Trump administration officials," he added. "It is unconscionable that the chairmen are continuing to advance false information intended to undermine our democratic process at the expense of the bipartisan work we should be doing to protect our national security.”
The Democrats claim the GOP investigation mimics the accusations from U.S.-sanctioned Russian agent Andrii Derkach and that their own investigation, which included more than 50 hours of transcribed interviews of 10 witnesses, debunked the notion that Hunter Biden's role on the board gave the company special privileges.
“More than 200,000 Americans are dead, and more than 25 million are out of work as a result of Donald Trump’s incompetence," Wyden said in a statement, referring to the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic. "Donald Trump can’t run on his unprecedented failures, so the Trump administration and Senate Republicans tried — and failed — to manufacture dirt on Vice President Biden. Vice President Biden did nothing wrong, and policy toward Ukraine did not change while Hunter Biden was on the board of Burisma. This sham investigation was an attempted political hit job facilitated by the State Department and rooted in the disinformation pushed by a pro-Russia operative and Russian asset who is under U.S. sanction. Throughout this effort, I have been deeply disturbed by Senate Republicans’ willingness to disregard national security concerns and push Russian disinformation. The Senate must never again be abused in this way.”
Johnson and Grassley have rejected claims that their investigation was steeped in Russian disinformation and argued they were focused on rooting out corruption. But Johnson conceded last month that the inquiry would have political implications for the election less than two months away.
"I would think it would certainly help Donald Trump win reelection and certainly be pretty good, I would say, evidence about not voting for Vice President Biden," he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-23--Trump takes lead over Biden in Florida and Arizona: Polls

President Trump passed Joe Biden in a measure of two critical swing states , Florida and Arizona , in a sign of the election tightening .
The ABC/Washington Post poll released Wednesday found that among likely voters in Arizona , Trump was 1 point ahead of the Democratic presidential nominee with 49 % to Biden 's 48 % .
Trump was 4 points ahead of Biden among likely voters in Florida , with 51 % support to 47 % for the former vice president .
Many election analysts believe that the election result in Florida , and its 29 Electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factor that determines whether it is Trump or Biden who wins the presidential election .
The president lagged behind Biden in the results for only registered voters , a less-accurate measure of what the election result would be if it were held today .
In Arizona , Trump had 47 % to Biden 's 49 % among registered voters , and in Florida , he had 47 % to 48 % for Biden .
The polls were conducted Sept. 15-20 , which included two days of polling following the death of Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Also read : Arizona could be tipping-point state for Biden to win the White House ] Results from Florida included responses from 765 Florida registered voters , including 613 likely voters , and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 points for registered voters ad 4.5 % for the likely voter result .
The Arizona result came from 701 registered voters , including 579 likely voters , and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 points for both the registered and likely voter measures .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the race .
Trump fared better in the two polls than he has in many other recent polls of the presidential contest in the two states .
In Florida , a RealClearPolitics average of recent polls puts Biden at 1.5 points ahead of Trump , and its average for Arizona puts Biden 4.4 points ahead .
A release for the poll highlighted the importance of the coronavirus pandemic and the economy on voters ' presidential preferences , indicating that changes in either situation could tilt the election .
`` As in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy ’ s condition and worries about catching the virus both independently predict candidate support , even controlling for partisanship , ideology and race/ethnicity , '' read the poll release .
`` Were either economic or pandemic views to shift in the campaign ’ s closing weeks , the impact could be decisive . ''

President Trump passed Joe Biden in a measure of two critical swing states, Florida and Arizona, in a sign of the election tightening.
The ABC/Washington Post poll released Wednesday found that among likely voters in Arizona, Trump was 1 point ahead of the Democratic presidential nominee with 49% to Biden's 48%.
Trump was 4 points ahead of Biden among likely voters in Florida, with 51% support to 47% for the former vice president.
Many election analysts believe that the election result in Florida, and its 29 Electoral College votes, could be the decisive factor that determines whether it is Trump or Biden who wins the presidential election.
The president lagged behind Biden in the results for only registered voters, a less-accurate measure of what the election result would be if it were held today. In Arizona, Trump had 47% to Biden's 49% among registered voters, and in Florida, he had 47% to 48% for Biden.
The polls were conducted Sept. 15-20, which included two days of polling following the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday.
[Also read: Arizona could be tipping-point state for Biden to win the White House]
Results from Florida included responses from 765 Florida registered voters, including 613 likely voters, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 points for registered voters ad 4.5% for the likely voter result. The Arizona result came from 701 registered voters, including 579 likely voters, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 points for both the registered and likely voter measures.
The polls mark what could be a tightening in the race. Trump fared better in the two polls than he has in many other recent polls of the presidential contest in the two states. In Florida, a RealClearPolitics average of recent polls puts Biden at 1.5 points ahead of Trump, and its average for Arizona puts Biden 4.4 points ahead.
A release for the poll highlighted the importance of the coronavirus pandemic and the economy on voters' presidential preferences, indicating that changes in either situation could tilt the election.
"As in the previous states and nationally, views of the economy’s condition and worries about catching the virus both independently predict candidate support, even controlling for partisanship, ideology and race/ethnicity," read the poll release. "Were either economic or pandemic views to shift in the campaign’s closing weeks, the impact could be decisive."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--Arizona evangelicals back Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court seat

GLENDALE , Arizona — Catholics eager to participate in public life once faced significant obstacles .
In 1928 , Democratic presidential nominee Al Smith lost badly amid anti-Catholic political attacks , and in 1960 , John F. Kennedy faced some residual prejudice in his successful presidential bid .
But that 's ancient history .
Wednesday 's `` Evangelicals for Trump '' rally drew about 300 people to the Dream City Church in Glendale , Arizona .
At the top of their agenda is filling the Supreme Court seat open with the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
Chants of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat , '' broke out during remarks by Eric Trump , President Trump 's middle son , who promised his father 's administration would fight for religious liberty in a second term .
`` We are going to fill that seat .
We are going to fill that seat , '' the president 's son said .
`` And I promise you my father will pick someone who protects faith in this country because the way religions are treated in this country , not just Christianity and Judaism , but the way we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to stop . ''
The best way to protect Christians , attendees told the Washington Examiner , was to nominate Amy Coney Barrett , a finalist for the Supreme Court seat , a selection Trump is set to announce on Saturday .
`` The vacancy is exciting .
I think the Republicans need to hurry up and fill it , '' said Margie Cook , 74 , who works as a caregiver outside of Phoenix .
`` It 's going to to help bring people to the polls , no question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going shut down our church .
Look at what 's happening in California .
I have friends there who ca n't go to church .
I do n't know what those churches are going to do , financially . ''
Much of the enthusiasm surrounding Barrett , a federal appeals court judge in Indiana , seemed dependent on name recognition .
Following Justice Anthony Kennedy 's retirement in 2018 , Trump interviewed Barrett before eventually landing on Brett Kavanaugh .
Those attending the Glendale Trump rally also cited attacks from the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , starting in 2017 when she was nominated to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals .
During those hearings , California Sen. Dianne Feinstein latched onto Barrett 's Catholic faith and attempted to make it disqualifying .
“ Why is it that so many of us on this side have this very uncomfortable feeling that , you know , dogma and law are two different things ?
And I think whatever a religion is , it has its own dogma , ” Feinstein said in September 2017 .
“ The law is totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your case , professor , when you read your speeches , the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you .
And that ’ s of concern when you come to big issues that large numbers of people have fought for for years in this country.
” Justice Clarence Thomas defended Barrett and criticized what he saw as `` religious tests '' emerging in the Senate confirmation process .
On Tuesday , Nebraska GOP Sen. Ben Sasse said questions about Barrett 's faith in recent articles by Reuters and Newsweek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` Judge Barrett reads the Bible , prays , and tries to serve her community , '' the senator wrote in a statement .
`` Senators should condemn this wacky McCarthyism . ''
Barrett , who attended Notre Dame Law School and clerked for the late Justice Antonin Scalia , has emerged in the White House and the Senate as the leading contender to fill Ginsburg 's seat .
`` [ Barrett ] is an incredible woman .
I do n't look at her as a Catholic , I look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Paul Peterson , 74 , an Evangelical Christian who works part-time as a caregiver and substitute teacher .
`` Look at what they put Kavanaugh through .
I hope she does n't have to live through anything like that .
But I 'm sure they 'll try .
That whole thing was one of the worst things I 've ever seen from the Democrats .
I really lost faith in them after that . ''
The treatment of Brett Kavanaugh , who was accused of sexual misconduct back in his teenage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of many conservatives in Arizona .
Defenders of Kavanaugh say the allegations against the justice were never credible and dismissed Democratic allegations of hypocrisy about Senate Republicans for filling Ginsburg 's seat weeks before Election Day while refusing to even consider President Barack Obama 's final Supreme Court nominee in 2016 .
`` People just want to pretend that whole thing with Kavanaugh never happened .
Are you kidding me ?
Why would Trump not fill that seat now ? ''
said Randy Hughes , 68 .
`` Democrats will try anything to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we remember , even if Democrats do n't want us to . ''

GLENDALE, Arizona — Catholics eager to participate in public life once faced significant obstacles. In 1928, Democratic presidential nominee Al Smith lost badly amid anti-Catholic political attacks, and in 1960, John F. Kennedy faced some residual prejudice in his successful presidential bid.
But that's ancient history. Wednesday's "Evangelicals for Trump" rally drew about 300 people to the Dream City Church in Glendale, Arizona. At the top of their agenda is filling the Supreme Court seat open with the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Chants of "Fill that seat, fill that seat," broke out during remarks by Eric Trump, President Trump's middle son, who promised his father's administration would fight for religious liberty in a second term.
"We are going to fill that seat. We are going to fill that seat," the president's son said. "And I promise you my father will pick someone who protects faith in this country because the way religions are treated in this country, not just Christianity and Judaism, but the way we've been discriminated against in this country is going to stop."
The best way to protect Christians, attendees told the Washington Examiner, was to nominate Amy Coney Barrett, a finalist for the Supreme Court seat, a selection Trump is set to announce on Saturday.
"The vacancy is exciting. I think the Republicans need to hurry up and fill it," said Margie Cook, 74, who works as a caregiver outside of Phoenix. "It's going to to help bring people to the polls, no question. If Democrats appoint judges, they're going shut down our church. Look at what's happening in California. I have friends there who can't go to church. I don't know what those churches are going to do, financially."
Much of the enthusiasm surrounding Barrett, a federal appeals court judge in Indiana, seemed dependent on name recognition. Following Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement in 2018, Trump interviewed Barrett before eventually landing on Brett Kavanaugh.
Those attending the Glendale Trump rally also cited attacks from the media and Democrats on Barrett's personal faith, starting in 2017 when she was nominated to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. During those hearings, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein latched onto Barrett's Catholic faith and attempted to make it disqualifying.
“Why is it that so many of us on this side have this very uncomfortable feeling that, you know, dogma and law are two different things? And I think whatever a religion is, it has its own dogma,” Feinstein said in September 2017. “The law is totally different, and I think, in your case, professor, when you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you. And that’s of concern when you come to big issues that large numbers of people have fought for for years in this country.”
Justice Clarence Thomas defended Barrett and criticized what he saw as "religious tests" emerging in the Senate confirmation process. On Tuesday, Nebraska GOP Sen. Ben Sasse said questions about Barrett's faith in recent articles by Reuters and Newsweek constituted "anti-Catholic bigotry and QAnon-level stupidity."
"Judge Barrett reads the Bible, prays, and tries to serve her community," the senator wrote in a statement. "Senators should condemn this wacky McCarthyism."
Barrett, who attended Notre Dame Law School and clerked for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, has emerged in the White House and the Senate as the leading contender to fill Ginsburg's seat.
"[Barrett] is an incredible woman. I don't look at her as a Catholic, I look at her as a woman of faith," said Paul Peterson, 74, an Evangelical Christian who works part-time as a caregiver and substitute teacher. "Look at what they put Kavanaugh through. I hope she doesn't have to live through anything like that. But I'm sure they'll try. That whole thing was one of the worst things I've ever seen from the Democrats. I really lost faith in them after that."
The treatment of Brett Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexual misconduct back in his teenage years, was fresh on the mind of many conservatives in Arizona. Defenders of Kavanaugh say the allegations against the justice were never credible and dismissed Democratic allegations of hypocrisy about Senate Republicans for filling Ginsburg's seat weeks before Election Day while refusing to even consider President Barack Obama's final Supreme Court nominee in 2016.
"People just want to pretend that whole thing with Kavanaugh never happened. Are you kidding me? Why would Trump not fill that seat now?" said Randy Hughes, 68. "Democrats will try anything to stop Trump from getting anything done. But we remember, even if Democrats don't want us to."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--Supreme Court clash with Democrats unites GOP around Trump

The upcoming Supreme Court nomination fight is uniting the Republican Party around President Trump ahead of November ’ s election like few issues could .
Not even impeachment could keep Sen. Mitt Romney , a Utah Republican and frequent Trump critic , in the fold .
But there he was Tuesday , he would support a vote on Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominee .
The Supreme Court nominations of Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh earned the backing of many Never Trump conservatives who voted for third-party candidates like Evan McMullin in 2016 .
The Kavanaugh confirmation fight especially , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump camp .
It also solidified support for Republican Senate candidates in red states , allowing the party to expand its majority in the upper chamber in an otherwise discouraging midterm election .
Two years earlier , a candidate on Saturday eve , Trump rallied skeptical social conservatives by promising to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia with a similarly inclined judge .
He even unveiled a list of his prospective picks who were vetted by conservative legal networks .
Trump ended up winning a higher percentage of voters who cast their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hillary Clinton , according to exit polls .
Democrats will be similarly motivated to keep a conservative out of the seat vacated by iconic liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died on Friday at the age of 87 after a battle with cancer .
Their efforts to sink the Trump nominee could also forge unity among Republicans , as they react to the bare-knuckled tactics likely to be employed to keep the seat open in the event that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden beats Trump .
Some Democrats are also threatening to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court-packing , if a Trump appointee is confirmed .
“ When Dems don ’ t like the hand they ’ re dealt , they always seem to either want another more favorable one or try to stack the deck , ” said Republican strategist Bradley Blakeman .
“ Republicans are united in the POTUS filling the vacancy on the Supreme Court ASAP .
Dems are causing Republicans to rise up , not only because of their opposition to filling the vacancy but also their threats to stack the court should Trump fill the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate.
” Trump is expected to announce Saturday evening his choice to succeed Ginsburg .
He has said he is likely to pick a woman , and the front-runners are and .
“ They may not fit in with Justice Ginsburg ’ s legacy jurisprudentially , ” said Carrie Severino , president of the conservative Judicial Crisis Network , who noted they are accomplished , principled women .
“ So they fit into that aspect of Justice Ginsburg ’ s legacy.
” Barrett would be expected to face hostile questions about her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to uphold the separation of church and state .
“ The dogma lives loudly within you , ” Sen. Dianne Feinstein , a California Democrat , memorably told her in a confirmation hearing for the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals .
“ Their overreach will again come back to haunt them , ” said Blakeman , a former adviser to President George W. Bush , who appointed two Supreme Court justices .
“ There is no better issue to unite Republicans than court appointments.
” The unity will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans trying to win Democratic crossover votes in blueish states will have a hard time siding with Trump on another conservative judge .
Sen. Susan Collins , a Maine Republican facing a tough reelection fight , is in this category .
She said she will not support a nominee before the election .
The same is true of Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan , though , unlike Collins , he does not get a vote .
Sen. Lisa Murkowski , an Alaska Republican who returned to the Senate in a general election after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed opposition to the chamber taking up a Trump nominee this year .
But she did not rule out voting for the nominee .
Republicans have a 53-47 Senate majority and can afford three defections with Vice President Mike Pence ’ s tiebreaking vote .
But these are outliers in a party that largely looks favorably on Trump , seizing the opportunity to install a 6-3 conservative majority on the nation ’ s highest court .
“ The Republican Party is uniting now more than ever to protect America from the radical Left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s third nominee will grow a conservative majority to protect America ’ s great promise of liberty and justice for all for decades to come , ” said Jenna Ellis , a senior legal adviser to the Trump campaign .

The Supreme Court nomination fight is uniting the Republican Party around President Trump ahead of November’s election like few issues could.
Not even impeachment could keep Sen. Mitt Romney, a Utah Republican and frequent Trump critic, in the fold. But there he was Tuesday, announcing he would support a vote on Trump’s Supreme Court nominee.
The Supreme Court nominations of Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh earned the backing of many Never Trump conservatives who voted for third-party candidates like Evan McMullin in 2016. The Kavanaugh confirmation fight especially galvanized conservatives , even moving some of the disaffected into the Trump camp. It also solidified support for Republican Senate candidates in red states, allowing the party to expand its majority in the upper chamber in an otherwise discouraging midterm election.
Two years earlier, a candidate on Saturday eve, Trump rallied skeptical social conservatives by promising to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia with a similarly inclined judge. He even unveiled a list of his prospective picks who were vetted by conservative legal networks. Trump ended up winning a higher percentage of voters who cast their ballots based on the Supreme Court than Hillary Clinton, according to exit polls.
Democrats will be similarly motivated to keep a conservative out of the seat vacated by iconic liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on Friday at the age of 87 after a battle with cancer. Their efforts to sink the Trump nominee could also forge unity among Republicans, as they react to the bare-knuckled tactics likely to be employed to keep the seat open in the event that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden beats Trump. Some Democrats are also threatening to expand the court, also known as court-packing, if a Trump appointee is confirmed.
“When Dems don’t like the hand they’re dealt, they always seem to either want another more favorable one or try to stack the deck,” said Republican strategist Bradley Blakeman. “Republicans are united in the POTUS filling the vacancy on the Supreme Court ASAP. Dems are causing Republicans to rise up, not only because of their opposition to filling the vacancy but also their threats to stack the court should Trump fill the vacancy and they win the White House and Senate.”
Trump is expected to announce Saturday evening his choice to succeed Ginsburg. He has said he is likely to pick a woman, and the front-runners are Judge Amy Coney Barrett and Judge Barbara Lagoa .
“They may not fit in with Justice Ginsburg’s legacy jurisprudentially,” said Carrie Severino, president of the conservative Judicial Crisis Network, who noted they are accomplished, principled women. “So they fit into that aspect of Justice Ginsburg’s legacy.”
Barrett would be expected to face hostile questions about her religious faith from Democrats who question her ability to uphold the separation of church and state. “The dogma lives loudly within you,” Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, memorably told her in a confirmation hearing for the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
“Their overreach will again come back to haunt them,” said Blakeman, a former adviser to President George W. Bush, who appointed two Supreme Court justices. “There is no better issue to unite Republicans than court appointments.”
The unity will not be quite unanimous, however. Two centrist Republicans trying to win Democratic crossover votes in blueish states will have a hard time siding with Trump on another conservative judge. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican facing a tough reelection fight, is in this category. She said she will not support a nominee before the election. The same is true of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, though, unlike Collins, he does not get a vote.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican who returned to the Senate in a general election after losing the GOP primary, has also expressed opposition to the chamber taking up a Trump nominee this year. But she did not rule out voting for the nominee. Republicans have a 53-47 Senate majority and can afford three defections with Vice President Mike Pence’s tiebreaking vote.
But these are outliers in a party that largely looks favorably on Trump, seizing the opportunity to install a 6-3 conservative majority on the nation’s highest court.
“The Republican Party is uniting now more than ever to protect America from the radical Left‘s socialist agenda, and confirming President Trump’s third nominee will grow a conservative majority to protect America’s great promise of liberty and justice for all for decades to come,” said Jenna Ellis, a senior legal adviser to the Trump campaign.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--Barack Obama teams with Kamala Harris to raise money for Biden campaign

Barack Obama is lending his star power to Democratic nominee Joe Biden ’ s campaign , planning to co-host a couple of fundraisers with Biden ’ s running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris of California .
Obama , the first black president , is teaming with Harris , the first black vice presidential nominee , to headline two fundraisers for the Biden campaign .
Scheduled for Oct. 2 , the virtual events will include one for grassroots contributors who donate in small amounts and another for high rollers , who can purchase tickets ranging from $ 100,000 to $ 250,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first reported Thursday by Bloomberg .
Biden was vice president for two terms under Obama .
The former president delivered a keynote at the Democratic convention and has previously helped Biden raise money for his contest against President Trump .
Obama ’ s upcoming fundraisers with Harris will be their first together of this campaign since Biden put her on the ticket .
In June , a similar pair of fundraising events headlined by Biden and Obama raised around $ 11 million .
Biden began the race against Trump with little money and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the former vice president outraised Trump by approximately $ 150 million in August and has continued to rake in campaign cash , putting him on firm financial footing , with more money to spend than the president .

Barack Obama is lending his star power to Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s campaign, planning to co-host a couple of fundraisers with Biden’s running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris of California.
Obama, the first black president, is teaming with Harris, the first black vice presidential nominee, to headline two fundraisers for the Biden campaign. Scheduled for Oct. 2, the virtual events will include one for grassroots contributors who donate in small amounts and another for high rollers, who can purchase tickets ranging from $100,000 to $250,000.
News of the Obama-Harris fundraisers was first reported Thursday by Bloomberg.
Biden was vice president for two terms under Obama. The former president delivered a keynote at the Democratic convention and has previously helped Biden raise money for his contest against President Trump. Obama’s upcoming fundraisers with Harris will be their first together of this campaign since Biden put her on the ticket.
In June, a similar pair of fundraising events headlined by Biden and Obama raised around $11 million.
Biden began the race against Trump with little money and trailing the incumbent significantly in resources. But the former vice president outraised Trump by approximately $150 million in August and has continued to rake in campaign cash, putting him on firm financial footing, with more money to spend than the president.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--White House: Trump will accept results of a 'free and fair' election

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany sought to allay concerns that President Trump may not cede power if he loses on Election Day , telling reporters that he would accept the results of an election that is `` free and fair . ''
`` The president will accept the results of a free and fair election , '' McEnany said during a White House news briefing Thursday .
`` He will accept the will of the American people . ''
Concerns that the president would challenge the results of the election were ignited on Wednesday when Trump would not `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power , '' declining to answer a reporter 's question clearly during a White House news conference .
Trump pointed instead to mail-in ballots , which he has argued are susceptible to fraud and predicted the election would be decided by the Supreme Court .
For this reason , he said , filling the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's seat before the election is important .
Trump previously said that if he loses , the election will have been `` rigged , '' including at a rally in August when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're going to lose this election is if the election is rigged . ''
Republicans condemned the idea that the president would refuse to leave office following the results of an election .
Speaking to Fox News on Thursday , Trump said he would accept a Supreme Court ruling that declared Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden the winner , but he also pointed to what he called a `` horror show '' of ballot-related issues , such as the Trump ballots he said were found inside a garbage can .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps , '' he added .
`` If I say , 'Well , I want the ballots to be fair , ' they make a big deal out of it , '' he said , citing a double standard as 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton instructed Biden not to `` concede under any circumstance . ''
In the briefing , McEnany told reporters that she would provide proof that mail-in ballots for the president had been discarded in Pennsylvania , a key battleground state where Trump secured a narrow 0.72 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can confirm for you that Trump ballots , ballots for the president , were found in Pennsylvania , and I believe we should be getting more information on that shortly , '' McEnany said .
Asked again if Trump would accept the results of a free and fair election that he loses , McEnany said , `` I 've answered your question .
He will accept the results of a free and fair election . ''

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany sought to allay concerns that President Trump may not cede power if he loses on Election Day, telling reporters that he would accept the results of an election that is "free and fair."
"The president will accept the results of a free and fair election," McEnany said during a White House news briefing Thursday. "He will accept the will of the American people."
Concerns that the president would challenge the results of the election were ignited on Wednesday when Trump would not "commit" to a "peaceful transfer of power," declining to answer a reporter's question clearly during a White House news conference.
Trump pointed instead to mail-in ballots, which he has argued are susceptible to fraud and predicted the election would be decided by the Supreme Court.
For this reason, he said, filling the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat before the election is important.
Trump previously said that if he loses, the election will have been "rigged," including at a rally in August when he told supporters that "the only way we're going to lose this election is if the election is rigged."
Republicans condemned the idea that the president would refuse to leave office following the results of an election.
Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Trump said he would accept a Supreme Court ruling that declared Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden the winner, but he also pointed to what he called a "horror show" of ballot-related issues, such as the Trump ballots he said were found inside a garbage can.
"That’s emblematic of thousands of locations, perhaps," he added.
"If I say, 'Well, I want the ballots to be fair,' they make a big deal out of it," he said, citing a double standard as 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton instructed Biden not to "concede under any circumstance."
In the briefing, McEnany told reporters that she would provide proof that mail-in ballots for the president had been discarded in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state where Trump secured a narrow 0.72% victory against Clinton in 2016.
"I can confirm for you that Trump ballots, ballots for the president, were found in Pennsylvania, and I believe we should be getting more information on that shortly," McEnany said.
Asked again if Trump would accept the results of a free and fair election that he loses, McEnany said, "I've answered your question. He will accept the results of a free and fair election."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--Court-packing and filibuster elimination threats put Democratic candidates in tough spots

Democratic Senate candidates find themselves maneuvering around questions about the party 's threats to expand and pack the Supreme Court over President 's Trump 's plan to fill an open Supreme Court seat weeks before the election .
Some Democrats have said it 's necessary to expand the composition of the Supreme Court from nine , where it has stood since 1869 , to around 11 justices .
The idea is to dilute the 6-3 conservative majority expected on the bench once a replacement is confirmed for the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died on Friday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if Democratic nominee Joe Biden beats President Trump and Democrats win a Senate majority .
Republicans now have a 53-47 edge in the chamber .
Legislation to expand the Supreme Court could only make it through the legislative process if Democrats eliminate the Senate filibuster , which effectively forces proposals to pass with support from 60 of the 100 senators .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has alluded to the court-packing and filibuster elimination ideas obliquely .
“ Everything is on the table .
My Senate Democratic colleagues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're going to figure out the best way to do it , ” Schumer told reporters Tuesday during a weekly press conference .
But some congressional Democrats have been more adamant about moving forward with the plans in early 2021 , including Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler .
That has put some Democratic Senate candidates in a tight spot , under pressure from Republican criticisms of the filibuster and Supreme Court proposals .
The Denver Post on Tuesday attempted to get a response on court-packing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s former governor who is challenging Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in a tight race .
However , Hickenlooper refused to give his stance .
“ I ’ m not going to answer your question , just because I can ’ t believe they ’ re going to go through with this , ” Hickenlooper said when asked if he thought his party should expand the court in response to Trump filling the vacant seat before the election .
Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield , Republican Sen. Joni Ernst ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Greater Des Moines Partnership forum but did not take firm stances on one particular side of either matter .
“ I would n't say that I have formed an opinion on that .
But that 's certainly not high-priority for me , and it 's not something that Iowans are certainly talking about at this point in time , '' Greenfield said of expanding the number of justices on the court .
“ They 're talking about healthcare .
They know that healthcare is at stake at the Supreme Court.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later clarified in an email statement that she opposes expanding the high court , saying , in part , “ No , she does n't ( support adding more justices ) and as Theresa said yesterday this is not a priority for Iowans who are worried about losing their health care if the lawsuit Joni Ernst supports is successful . ''
Six other Democrats running for the Senate said that they did not support expanding the court , including Sara Gideon , a Maine Democrat running against Republican Sen. Susan Collins .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether they 'll help us return the judiciary to an independent body free from politics , '' Gideon said .
`` At this time , I have doubts that expanding the Supreme Court would do that .
”

Democratic Senate candidates find themselves maneuvering around questions about the party's threats to expand and pack the Supreme Court over President's Trump's plan to fill an open Supreme Court seat weeks before the election.
Some Democrats have said it's necessary to expand the composition of the Supreme Court from nine, where it has stood since 1869, to around 11 justices. The idea is to dilute the 6-3 conservative majority expected on the bench once a replacement is confirmed for the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on Friday.
The change would only be enacted, possibly, if Democratic nominee Joe Biden beats President Trump and Democrats win a Senate majority. Republicans now have a 53-47 edge in the chamber. Legislation to expand the Supreme Court could only make it through the legislative process if Democrats eliminate the Senate filibuster, which effectively forces proposals to pass with support from 60 of the 100 senators.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has alluded to the court-packing and filibuster elimination ideas obliquely.
“Everything is on the table. My Senate Democratic colleagues and candidates know America needs some change, and we're going to figure out the best way to do it,” Schumer told reporters Tuesday during a weekly press conference.
But some congressional Democrats have been more adamant about moving forward with the plans in early 2021, including Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler.
That has put some Democratic Senate candidates in a tight spot, under pressure from Republican criticisms of the filibuster and Supreme Court proposals.
The Denver Post on Tuesday attempted to get a response on court-packing from Colorado Democrat John Hickenlooper, the state’s former governor who is challenging Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in a tight race. However, Hickenlooper refused to give his stance.
“I’m not going to answer your question, just because I can’t believe they’re going to go through with this,” Hickenlooper said when asked if he thought his party should expand the court in response to Trump filling the vacant seat before the election.
Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield, Republican Sen. Joni Ernst’s opponent, talked broadly about both issues at the Greater Des Moines Partnership forum but did not take firm stances on one particular side of either matter.
“I wouldn't say that I have formed an opinion on that. But that's certainly not high-priority for me, and it's not something that Iowans are certainly talking about at this point in time," Greenfield said of expanding the number of justices on the court. “They're talking about healthcare. They know that healthcare is at stake at the Supreme Court.”
Greenfield's spokesman, Sam Newton, later clarified in an email statement that she opposes expanding the high court, saying, in part, “No, she doesn't (support adding more justices) and as Theresa said yesterday this is not a priority for Iowans who are worried about losing their health care if the lawsuit Joni Ernst supports is successful."
Six other Democrats running for the Senate said that they did not support expanding the court, including Sara Gideon, a Maine Democrat running against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
“I'll evaluate any proposals based on whether they'll help us return the judiciary to an independent body free from politics," Gideon said. "At this time, I have doubts that expanding the Supreme Court would do that.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--Eric Trump slams Hunter Biden while staying mum on Trump Organization investigation

GLENDALE , Arizona — Despite a judge 's ruling to compel his testimony in an investigation about business practices by the president 's family , Eric Trump wants to turn attention to the Senate report alleging Hunter Biden engaged in wide-ranging corruption during his father 's time in the White House .
Trump spoke with the Washington Examiner while on a campaign trip through Arizona on behalf of his father .
President Trump is locked in a tight race against Democratic rival Joe Biden ahead of the Nov. 3 elections .
Eric Trump said he believes the findings of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , released on Wednesday , potentially rises to the level of criminal conduct .
There `` should be a process '' and that `` people should look into '' whether charges should be brought against Hunter Biden , Eric Trump told the Washington Examiner .
`` When the mayor of Moscow was giving the vice president 's son three and a half million dollars , you know , I mean , this was not an upstanding kid , '' Trump said in Glendale , Arizona , following his remarks at an Evangelicals for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kid who got kicked out of the Navy for cocaine use and lots of other bad things that he was doing at the time .
He was making $ 600,000 sitting on the board of a natural gas company when the average board member of Exxon Mobil makes 300 grand a year . ''
The comments came hours after New York State Judge Arthur Engoron on Wednesday rejected claims by President Trump 's middle son that his `` extreme travel schedule '' on the campaign trail warranted a delay .
Eric Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a subpoena to give a deposition under oath no later than Oct. 7 .
New York Attorney General Letitia James went to court to enforce the subpoena after his lawyers abruptly canceled a July interview with investigators in her office 's investigation , which is focused on whether the Trump Organization lied about the value of its assets in order to get loans or tax benefits .
When asked about his own allegations of corruption and misconduct from Democrats and the Biden campaign , Trump would n't get into specifics .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , son of the former vice president and 36-year Delaware senator , who has been the subject of criticism by Republicans for work on behalf of a Ukraine natural gas company while his father oversaw the Obama administration 's anti-corruption efforts relating to that country .
The Biden campaign has repeatedly denied any allegations of corruption between Hunter and foreign nationals .
Joe Biden himself has refused to answer virtually any questions related to his son and Burisma , dismissing them as the product of a political smear .
Trump did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement agency should consider bringing a criminal case against Hunter , only that the allegations in the report `` should be tracked , wherever they go . ''
The 87-page report by the Senate Homeland Security and Finance Committees found several conflicts of interests between Hunter and the Obama White House , notably Hunter 's role with Burisma .
“ In addition to the over $ 4 million paid by Burisma for Hunter Biden ’ s and [ Hunter Biden 's business partner Devon ] Archer ’ s board memberships , Hunter Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of dollars from foreign nationals with questionable backgrounds , ” the report alleged , later claiming that “ Hunter Biden received a $ 3.5 million wire transfer from Elena Baturina , the wife of the former mayor of Moscow . ''
The report also alleged that Biden `` opened a bank account with '' Gongwen Dong , a Chinese businessman with ties to the People 's Liberation Army `` to fund a $ 100,000 global spending spree . ''
Trump 's reaction to the Senate report is a likely preview of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the first of which is scheduled for Sept. 29 .
`` I think it 's a disgrace that the media is not talking about it , and it should really be talked about , '' Trump said .
`` It looks like [ Hunter Biden ] got away with murder .
I mean , I 'd much rather count our accomplishments than talk about this .
You better believe if the roles were reversed , they 'd be asking questions on our end . ''
When pressed about whether he was concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Trump family in response , Eric Trump denied any equivalency .
`` Did I take a billion dollars from China ?
I 'm not that worried .
I 'll give you an answer to that : I did n't take a billion dollars , '' he said .
`` Did I get paid three and a half million dollars by the mayor 's wife , of , you know , Moscow ?
No .
Hunter Biden is a truly corrupt human being , and the fact that he 's flying over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , China , with his father to take money out of that country is disgusting . ''

GLENDALE, Arizona — Despite a judge's ruling to compel his testimony in an investigation about business practices by the president's family, Eric Trump wants to turn attention to the Senate report alleging Hunter Biden engaged in wide-ranging corruption during his father's time in the White House.
Trump spoke with the Washington Examiner while on a campaign trip through Arizona on behalf of his father. President Trump is locked in a tight race against Democratic rival Joe Biden ahead of the Nov. 3 elections. Eric Trump said he believes the findings of a Republican Senate committee report on Hunter Biden, released on Wednesday, potentially rises to the level of criminal conduct.
There "should be a process" and that "people should look into" whether charges should be brought against Hunter Biden, Eric Trump told the Washington Examiner.
"When the mayor of Moscow was giving the vice president's son three and a half million dollars, you know, I mean, this was not an upstanding kid," Trump said in Glendale, Arizona, following his remarks at an Evangelicals for Trump rally. "This is a kid who got kicked out of the Navy for cocaine use and lots of other bad things that he was doing at the time. He was making $600,000 sitting on the board of a natural gas company when the average board member of Exxon Mobil makes 300 grand a year."
The comments came hours after New York State Judge Arthur Engoron on Wednesday rejected claims by President Trump's middle son that his "extreme travel schedule" on the campaign trail warranted a delay. Eric Trump, a Trump Organization executive, must comply with a subpoena to give a deposition under oath no later than Oct. 7.
New York Attorney General Letitia James went to court to enforce the subpoena after his lawyers abruptly canceled a July interview with investigators in her office's investigation, which is focused on whether the Trump Organization lied about the value of its assets in order to get loans or tax benefits.
When asked about his own allegations of corruption and misconduct from Democrats and the Biden campaign, Trump wouldn't get into specifics.
But he was happy to lay into Hunter Biden, son of the former vice president and 36-year Delaware senator, who has been the subject of criticism by Republicans for work on behalf of a Ukraine natural gas company while his father oversaw the Obama administration's anti-corruption efforts relating to that country.
The Biden campaign has repeatedly denied any allegations of corruption between Hunter and foreign nationals. Joe Biden himself has refused to answer virtually any questions related to his son and Burisma, dismissing them as the product of a political smear.
Trump did not go as far as saying which law enforcement agency should consider bringing a criminal case against Hunter, only that the allegations in the report "should be tracked, wherever they go."
The 87-page report by the Senate Homeland Security and Finance Committees found several conflicts of interests between Hunter and the Obama White House, notably Hunter's role with Burisma.
“In addition to the over $4 million paid by Burisma for Hunter Biden’s and [Hunter Biden's business partner Devon] Archer’s board memberships, Hunter Biden, his family, and Archer received millions of dollars from foreign nationals with questionable backgrounds,” the report alleged, later claiming that “Hunter Biden received a $3.5 million wire transfer from Elena Baturina, the wife of the former mayor of Moscow."
The report also alleged that Biden "opened a bank account with" Gongwen Dong, a Chinese businessman with ties to the People's Liberation Army "to fund a $100,000 global spending spree."
Trump's reaction to the Senate report is a likely preview of his father's debate strategy against Joe Biden, the first of which is scheduled for Sept. 29.
"I think it's a disgrace that the media is not talking about it, and it should really be talked about," Trump said. "It looks like [Hunter Biden] got away with murder. I mean, I'd much rather count our accomplishments than talk about this. You better believe if the roles were reversed, they'd be asking questions on our end."
When pressed about whether he was concerned about Joe Biden lobbing allegations of corruption against the Trump family in response, Eric Trump denied any equivalency.
"Did I take a billion dollars from China? I'm not that worried. I'll give you an answer to that: I didn't take a billion dollars," he said. "Did I get paid three and a half million dollars by the mayor's wife, of, you know, Moscow? No. Hunter Biden is a truly corrupt human being, and the fact that he's flying over on Air Force One to, you know, China, with his father to take money out of that country is disgusting."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--Ginsburg fans have a funny way of honoring her legacy

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump faced jeers and sneers Thursday while visiting the casket of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who is lying in repose outside the Supreme Court .
`` Vote him out ! ''
shouted members of the crowd gathered at the steps of the Supreme Court .
Others simply booed the president and the first lady .
For all the recent talk about honoring the late Supreme Court justice ’ s dying wishes , it seems as if her most adoring fans don ’ t understand the things she claimed to value .
It seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her life and legacy at all .
Indeed , the spectacle of the late judge ’ s fans screaming at the president and the first lady seems like the exact opposite of what one would expect from admirers of the woman who rather famously forged a strong , personal friendship with the late , notably conservative Supreme Court justice , Antonin Scalia .
Their ability to enjoy their shared humanity despite their political and personal differences was supposed to be an inspiration to us all .
Yet , here are Ginsburg ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coffin , shrieking at their most hated enemy during a public memorial service .
Honoring her memory , indeed .
The Supreme Court meltdown Thursday morning seems as counterproductive to the goal of honoring Ginsburg ’ s memory as the calls for court-packing .
Last Friday , just moments after the news broke that Ginsburg had died , Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts said , “ Mitch McConnell set the precedent .
No Supreme Court vacancies filled in an election year .
If he violates it , when Democrats control the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abolish the filibuster and expand the Supreme Court.
” Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York declared that “ the incoming Senate should immediately move to expand the Supreme Court.
” Rep. Joe Kennedy of Massachusetts said , “ If ( the Senate ) holds a vote in 2020 , we pack the court in 2021 .
It ’ s that simple.
” “ We should leave all options on the table , including the number of justices that are on the Supreme Court , ” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signaled a willingness to pack the courts , saying , “ Everything is on the table.
” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden himself has also changed his tune on the issue .
He said during the 2020 Democratic primary that court-packing is a non-starter .
This week , he said that he is “ not going to answer that question.
” Left-wing pundits and activists meanwhile are threatening violence should the president and the U.S. Senate exercise their legal , constitutional authority to fill the Supreme Court vacancy before the election .
Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fan of court-packing .
She also very clearly defended the president and the Senate ’ s legal authority to fill Supreme Court vacancies , even before elections .
Screaming in public at one ’ s political opponents while also calling for the demolition or total remaking of the institutions Ginsburg served — just like Ginsburg would have wanted .
Or not .

Who boos at a memorial service?
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump faced jeers and sneers Thursday while visiting the casket of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is lying in repose outside the Supreme Court.
"Vote him out!" shouted members of the crowd gathered at the steps of the Supreme Court. Others simply booed the president and the first lady.
For all the recent talk about honoring the late Supreme Court justice’s dying wishes, it seems as if her most adoring fans don’t understand the things she claimed to value. It seems as if they don’t understand her life and legacy at all.
Indeed, the spectacle of the late judge’s fans screaming at the president and the first lady seems like the exact opposite of what one would expect from admirers of the woman who rather famously forged a strong, personal friendship with the late, notably conservative Supreme Court justice, Antonin Scalia. Their ability to enjoy their shared humanity despite their political and personal differences was supposed to be an inspiration to us all. Yet, here are Ginsburg’s acolytes screaming at the foot of her coffin, shrieking at their most hated enemy during a public memorial service. Honoring her memory, indeed.
The Supreme Court meltdown Thursday morning seems as counterproductive to the goal of honoring Ginsburg’s memory as the calls for court-packing.
Last Friday, just moments after the news broke that Ginsburg had died, Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts said, “Mitch McConnell set the precedent. No Supreme Court vacancies filled in an election year. If he violates it, when Democrats control the Senate in the next Congress, we must abolish the filibuster and expand the Supreme Court.”
Other Democrats followed suit.
Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York declared that “the incoming Senate should immediately move to expand the Supreme Court.” Rep. Joe Kennedy of Massachusetts said, “If (the Senate) holds a vote in 2020, we pack the court in 2021. It’s that simple.”
“We should leave all options on the table, including the number of justices that are on the Supreme Court,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer likewise signaled a willingness to pack the courts, saying, “Everything is on the table.”
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden himself has also changed his tune on the issue. He said during the 2020 Democratic primary that court-packing is a non-starter. This week, he said that he is “not going to answer that question.”
Left-wing pundits and activists meanwhile are threatening violence should the president and the U.S. Senate exercise their legal, constitutional authority to fill the Supreme Court vacancy before the election. Ginsburg, by the way, was not a fan of court-packing. She also very clearly defended the president and the Senate’s legal authority to fill Supreme Court vacancies, even before elections.
Screaming in public at one’s political opponents while also calling for the demolition or total remaking of the institutions Ginsburg served — just like Ginsburg would have wanted. Or not.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--McCarthy questions Biden's readiness: 'There are times I worry about his health'

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Thursday raised questions about Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s readiness for the job , citing the former vice president ’ s limited campaign schedule .
McCarthy , a California Republican , raised the issue after Biden , 77 , cut short his daily schedule for the press , known as a “ lid ” before 9:30 a.m. , a pattern that has become typical of his campaign .
“ It would be nice to see Joe Biden come out , ” McCarthy said .
“ There are times I worry about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he puts a lid on it before 10 a.m. ” Biden has been accused of avoiding questions from the press while also holding few public events .
He has ended his public schedule every day this week before 10:30 a.m. Biden ’ s absence on the campaign trail , McCarthy said , comes as he should be “ talking to the American public , ” and Biden is instead , “ denying us the ability to know what he believes in or wants to say when he wants to be the leader of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Bates tweeted the public doesn ’ t care about Biden ’ s schedule , particularly “ jargon and process - e.g .
lid.
” But Republicans are increasingly making the case Biden ’ s absence is related to his inability to handle the job .
Trump holds regular gaggles with the press , including long press conferences , and is campaigning at big rallies .
“ Sleepy Joe Biden just closed down his campaign for the day ( Again ) .
Wants to rest !
He is a very LOW ENERGY INDIVIDUAL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in these exciting , but complex and competitive times , with a Low Energy President !
!
!
”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Thursday raised questions about Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s readiness for the job, citing the former vice president’s limited campaign schedule.
McCarthy, a California Republican, raised the issue after Biden, 77, cut short his daily schedule for the press, known as a “lid” before 9:30 a.m., a pattern that has become typical of his campaign.
“It would be nice to see Joe Biden come out,” McCarthy said. “There are times I worry about his health, for the number of days he puts a lid on it before 10 a.m.”
Biden has been accused of avoiding questions from the press while also holding few public events. He has ended his public schedule every day this week before 10:30 a.m.
Biden’s absence on the campaign trail, McCarthy said, comes as he should be “talking to the American public,” and Biden is instead, “denying us the ability to know what he believes in or wants to say when he wants to be the leader of the free world.”
Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates tweeted the public doesn’t care about Biden’s schedule, particularly “jargon and process - e.g. lid.”
But Republicans are increasingly making the case Biden’s absence is related to his inability to handle the job. Trump holds regular gaggles with the press, including long press conferences, and is campaigning at big rallies.
Trump, 74, tweeted about Biden Thursday morning.
“Sleepy Joe Biden just closed down his campaign for the day (Again). Wants to rest! He is a very LOW ENERGY INDIVIDUAL, and our Country cannot make it in these exciting, but complex and competitive times, with a Low Energy President !!!”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--'Low Energy President': Trump swipes at Biden for many days without public appearances

President Trump took a swipe at Joe Biden for his many days with no scheduled public appearances , suggesting that the trend means that his presidential challenger is not equipped to lead the country .
`` Sleepy Joe Biden just closed down his campaign for the day ( Again ) .
Wants to rest !
He is a very LOW ENERGY INDIVIDUAL , and our Country can not make it in these exciting , but complex and competitive times , with a Low Energy President , '' the president tweeted Thursday morning .
The former vice president has been criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the busiest times of the campaign season .
Biden 's campaign called a `` lid , '' which indicates that there will be no more information to track or report about his in-person activities and events , at 9:24 a.m. on Thursday , marking the ninth time this month that the campaign called a lid before noon .
Biden has still attended virtual fundraisers during the days with an early lid on his in-person actives .
Defenders of Biden noted that his campaign previously announced that the former vice president would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Trump next week .
`` Hey all , he ’ s in debate prep .
Thanks , '' Democratic strategist Eric Koch tweeted in an apparent response to the many tweets noting that Biden had again called an early lid .
It would not be unprecedented for Biden to limit public appearances leading up to Tuesday 's debate .
In 2016 , Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton spent four days in New York before her first debate against Trump , as reporter Dave Weigel of the Washington Post noted .

President Trump took a swipe at Joe Biden for his many days with no scheduled public appearances, suggesting that the trend means that his presidential challenger is not equipped to lead the country.
"Sleepy Joe Biden just closed down his campaign for the day (Again). Wants to rest! He is a very LOW ENERGY INDIVIDUAL, and our Country cannot make it in these exciting, but complex and competitive times, with a Low Energy President," the president tweeted Thursday morning.
Sleepy Joe Biden just closed down his campaign for the day (Again). Wants to rest! He is a very LOW ENERGY INDIVIDUAL, and our Country cannot make it in these exciting, but complex and competitive times, with a Low Energy President !!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2020
The former vice president has been criticized recently for having a light schedule during one of the busiest times of the campaign season.
Biden's campaign called a "lid," which indicates that there will be no more information to track or report about his in-person activities and events, at 9:24 a.m. on Thursday, marking the ninth time this month that the campaign called a lid before noon. Biden has still attended virtual fundraisers during the days with an early lid on his in-person actives.
Defenders of Biden noted that his campaign previously announced that the former vice president would be preparing for the first presidential debate against Trump next week.
"Hey all, he’s in debate prep. Thanks," Democratic strategist Eric Koch tweeted in an apparent response to the many tweets noting that Biden had again called an early lid.
Hey all, he’s in debate prep. Thanks. — Eric Koch (@EricDKoch) September 24, 2020
It would not be unprecedented for Biden to limit public appearances leading up to Tuesday's debate. In 2016, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton spent four days in New York before her first debate against Trump, as reporter Dave Weigel of the Washington Post noted.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--Democrats call Trump 'gravest threat to democracy' over his questioning of election results

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer attacked President Trump on Thursday for announcing he would accept the result of the election if it ends up at the Supreme Court due to mail-in voting problems .
Democrats accused the president of suggesting in those comments that he would not accept a peaceful transition of power .
“ It ’ s no surprise again because the president has been contemptible of science and governance , ” Pelosi , a California Democrat , said Thursday .
“ I have confidence that he wo n't get away with saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the popular vote on the ground to vote in the mail does n't count . '
” Across the Capitol , Schumer , a New York Democrat , tore into the president as he does on most days .
This time , Schumer claimed Trump told reporters that if he loses the Nov. 3 election , then the election will not be legitimate .
“ The gravest threat to American democracy right now is President Trump , ” Schumer said .
Republicans have mostly shrugged off Trump ’ s comments .
Sen. Chuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of the Senate Finance Committee , pointed out Hillary Clinton ’ s advice that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should not immediately accept the outcome of the election .
“ There will be a peaceful transition , ” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , a California Republican , as he predicted a Trump victory .
“ I hope you are asking Hillary Clinton the same question.
” Trump and other critics of mail-in balloting say it is vulnerable to voter fraud , discounted votes , and other problems that could call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many states suddenly added a mail-in option in recent weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ You know that I ’ ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots , and the ballots are a disaster , ” Trump said .
`` Get rid of the ballots , and you ’ ll have a very peaceful — there won ’ t be a transfer , frankly .
There will be a continuation . ''
“ He admires Putin .
...
He admires Erdogan and Turkey .
He admires people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi said .
But McCarthy said there would be no fight over the White House no matter who wins .
“ Let me be clear .
It ’ s going to be peaceful , ” McCarthy said .
“ It ’ s going to be a smooth transition , just has it has been every time before .
No concern on the outcome .
”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer attacked President Trump on Thursday for announcing he would accept the result of the election if it ends up at the Supreme Court due to mail-in voting problems.
Democrats accused the president of suggesting in those comments that he would not accept a peaceful transition of power.
“It’s no surprise again because the president has been contemptible of science and governance,” Pelosi, a California Democrat, said Thursday. “I have confidence that he won't get away with saying, for example, 'I won with the popular vote on the ground to vote in the mail doesn't count.'”
Across the Capitol, Schumer, a New York Democrat, tore into the president as he does on most days. This time, Schumer claimed Trump told reporters that if he loses the Nov. 3 election, then the election will not be legitimate.
“The gravest threat to American democracy right now is President Trump,” Schumer said.
Republicans have mostly shrugged off Trump’s comments. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican and the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, pointed out Hillary Clinton’s advice that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should not immediately accept the outcome of the election.
“There will be a peaceful transition,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, as he predicted a Trump victory. “I hope you are asking Hillary Clinton the same question.”
Trump and other critics of mail-in balloting say it is vulnerable to voter fraud, discounted votes, and other problems that could call the legitimacy of the election into question. Many states suddenly added a mail-in option in recent weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“You know that I’ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots, and the ballots are a disaster,” Trump said. "Get rid of the ballots, and you’ll have a very peaceful — there won’t be a transfer, frankly. There will be a continuation."
Pelosi compared Trump to a dictator.
“He admires Putin. ... He admires Erdogan and Turkey. He admires people who are perpetuating their roles in government,” Pelosi said.
But McCarthy said there would be no fight over the White House no matter who wins.
“Let me be clear. It’s going to be peaceful,” McCarthy said. “It’s going to be a smooth transition, just has it has been every time before. No concern on the outcome.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--Leftists outraged at Biden quickly condemning violence and offering prayers for officers shot in Lou

Leftists outraged at Biden quickly condemning violence and offering prayers for officers shot in Louisville

Leftists criticized Joe Biden for a tweet that condemned violence and offered prayers for the police officers shot in Louisville , Kentucky , during protests and riots that followed a grand jury decision relating to the death of Breonna Taylor .
`` Even amidst the profound grief & anger today 's decision generated , violence is never & can never be the answer .
Those who engage in it must be held accountable .
Jill & I are keeping the officers shot tonight in Louisville in our prayers .
We wish them both a swift & full recovery , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee tweeted Wednesday night .
Biden 's tweet that recognized the shot police officers came much faster than his full statement on Wednesday 's grand jury decision , which found there was enough evidence to charge only one of the three officers involved in Taylor 's death .
Biden , who was traveling in North Carolina at the time , told reporters multiple times that he had not seen all of the details of the decision , and he released a full statement seven hours after it was announced .
Many leftists and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden quickly condemned violence and turned the focus to the police officers who were shot .
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor , an assistant professor of African American Studies at Princeton University , compared Biden 's rhetoric to that of President Trump .
`` When Black people are being killed and months of protests produce nothing but insults and abuse by the police , not a good time do a 'both sides ' .
Its as tone deaf as Trump 's 'very fine people , ' '' Taylor tweeted .
`` [ W ] hen people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or are still apathetic about it it 's not because they do n't understand what 's at stake , it 's because you 're asking them to vote for a guy who , tonight of all nights , is out here going ' i hope the cops are ok , '' tweeted one commentator identified as `` Aura . ''
`` Joe Biden is garbage and his campaign strategy of appealing to Republicans is garbage .
Millions of easy votes on the left if he wanted them , '' wrote one person identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Biden 's tweet included telling him to `` eat shit joe , '' and `` F -- - Joe Biden . ''

Leftists criticized Joe Biden for a tweet that condemned violence and offered prayers for the police officers shot in Louisville, Kentucky, during protests and riots that followed a grand jury decision relating to the death of Breonna Taylor.
"Even amidst the profound grief & anger today's decision generated, violence is never & can never be the answer. Those who engage in it must be held accountable. Jill & I are keeping the officers shot tonight in Louisville in our prayers. We wish them both a swift & full recovery," the former vice president and Democratic presidential nominee tweeted Wednesday night.
Even amidst the profound grief & anger today's decision generated, violence is never & can never be the answer. Those who engage in it must be held accountable. Jill & I are keeping the officers shot tonight in Louisville in our prayers. We wish them both a swift & full recovery. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 24, 2020
Biden's tweet that recognized the shot police officers came much faster than his full statement on Wednesday's grand jury decision, which found there was enough evidence to charge only one of the three officers involved in Taylor's death. Biden, who was traveling in North Carolina at the time, told reporters multiple times that he had not seen all of the details of the decision, and he released a full statement seven hours after it was announced.
Many leftists and commentators on Twitter were not pleased that Biden quickly condemned violence and turned the focus to the police officers who were shot.
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, an assistant professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, compared Biden's rhetoric to that of President Trump.
"When Black people are being killed and months of protests produce nothing but insults and abuse by the police, not a good time do a 'both sides'. Its as tone deaf as Trump's 'very fine people,'" Taylor tweeted.
This is also voter suppression. When Black people are being killed and months of protests produce nothing but insults and abuse by the police, not a good time do a "both sides". Its as tone deaf as Trump's "very fine people". https://t.co/VsHV6HgTAg — Keeanga-Yamahtta T. (@KeeangaYamahtta) September 24, 2020
"[W]hen people tell you they feel miserable about voting or are still apathetic about it it's not because they don't understand what's at stake, it's because you're asking them to vote for a guy who, tonight of all nights, is out here going 'i hope the cops are ok," tweeted one commentator identified as "Aura."
when people tell you they feel miserable about voting or are still apathetic about it it's not because they don't understand what's at stake, it's because you're asking them to vote for a guy who, tonight of all nights, is out here going "i hope the cops are ok" https://t.co/hgPFSQ4nZH — Aura 🏳🌈 (@aurahack) September 24, 2020
Commentator James Cassar called Biden's tweet "morally bankrupt."
“those who engage in it must be held accountable” in a system that doesn’t hold violent police accountable...but sure, hold the police in your prayers
morally bankrupt https://t.co/AIdcxI3pGG — james cassar 🅴 (@getcerebral) September 24, 2020
"Joe Biden is garbage and his campaign strategy of appealing to Republicans is garbage. Millions of easy votes on the left if he wanted them," wrote one person identified as Pat.
Nothing from Joe Biden about the lack of justice for Breonna Taylor...but this.
Joe Biden is garbage and his campaign strategy of appealing to Republicans is garbage.
Millions of easy votes on the left if he wanted them. https://t.co/yjH5KWWOzB — Pat the Not-a-Dem 🦺🌹 (@PatTheBerner) September 24, 2020
Other popular leftist responses to Biden's tweet included telling him to "eat shit joe," and "F--- Joe Biden."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-24--Mitch McConnell: There will be an 'orderly transition' after 2020 election

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there will be a peaceful transition of power regardless of who wins the November election .
After President Trump refused to make such a commitment in response to a reporter 's question on Wednesday , the Kentucky Republican became the highest-ranking Republican to assure the public that there will be no underhanded scheme to undermine the vote .
`` The winner of the November 3rd election will be inaugurated on January 20th .
There will be an orderly transition just as there has been every four years since 1792 , '' the GOP leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump was asked whether he would commit during Wednesday 's press briefing .
He raised concerns about the potential for fraud with mail-in ballots .
`` We ’ re going to have to see what happens .
You know that I ’ ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots , and the ballots are a disaster , ” Trump said , and after pushback from the reporter , added , `` Get rid of the ballots and you ’ ll have a very peaceful — there won ’ t be a transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuation . ''
Other Republicans , including Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney , the third-ranking Republican in the House , chided Trump for the comment , but like McConnell , none of them invoked the president 's name .
Trump is facing former Vice President Joe Biden in the presidential contest .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there will be a peaceful transition of power regardless of who wins the November election.
After President Trump refused to make such a commitment in response to a reporter's question on Wednesday, the Kentucky Republican became the highest-ranking Republican to assure the public that there will be no underhanded scheme to undermine the vote.
"The winner of the November 3rd election will be inaugurated on January 20th. There will be an orderly transition just as there has been every four years since 1792," the GOP leader said in a Thursday morning tweet.
The winner of the November 3rd election will be inaugurated on January 20th. There will be an orderly transition just as there has been every four years since 1792. — Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) September 24, 2020
Trump was asked whether he would commit during Wednesday's press briefing. He raised concerns about the potential for fraud with mail-in ballots.
"We’re going to have to see what happens. You know that I’ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots, and the ballots are a disaster,” Trump said, and after pushback from the reporter, added, "Get rid of the ballots and you’ll have a very peaceful — there won’t be a transfer, frankly. There will be a continuation."
Other Republicans, including Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, the third-ranking Republican in the House, chided Trump for the comment, but like McConnell, none of them invoked the president's name. Trump is facing former Vice President Joe Biden in the presidential contest.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-09-25--GOP sees turnaround in Arizona Senate race despite Martha McSally's lagging poll numbers

PHOENIX — After months of low polling by Sen. Martha McSally , some in the GOP are starting to believe she may end up keeping her seat after all .
An ABC News/Washington Post survey released Wednesday found the Arizona senator just a point behind her Democratic challenger , former astronaut Mark Kelly .
Those results come with the caveat that a separate CNBC poll released the same day found Kelly leading by eight points .
A RealClearPolitics average of polls has Kelly leading by 5.5 points , although Republicans in the state think the tide may finally be turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Sept. 18 could be the key to energizing conservatives .
The McSally campaign is focusing on the opportunity to shift the ideological balance of the court dramatically to remind Arizonans of the stakes of the November election .
“ People have known Arizona is key for the presidential race , '' McSally said Wednesday on Fox News .
`` Now , we ’ re key to ensure that the Supreme Court nominee goes through and that we ’ re able to shift the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican strategists in the state who spoke to the Washington Examiner said the GOP 's rural turnout machine could make up any damage the party is facing in Maricopa County , home to Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs .
`` Trump does n't necessarily have to win Maricopa this time around , and his coattails could help McSally , '' said one Arizona political strategist who could not speak on the record due to his relationship with campaigns in the state .
`` Trump is probably more popular than she is . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had President Trump narrowly leading his Democratic Party opponent , former Vice President Joe Biden , with 49 % support .
The former vice president 's average lead in Arizona is also narrower than Kelly 's , with Biden leading by 3.2 points with 48.3 % support according to a RealClearPolitics average of polls .
Trump is campaigning hard in the state , making multiple trips there over the last several months .
On Wednesday , one of the president 's sons , Eric Trump , held an `` Evangelicals for Trump '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You see the enthusiasm here .
Every event I 'm at , whether it 's with the governor or alone , there 's hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people , massive gatherings , '' Eric Trump told the Washington Examiner on Wednesday .
`` Biden has n't been out here .
That has n't been said .
Biden has n't been to Arizona .
Kamala Harris has n't been here either .
To me , it 's a disrespectful thing . ''
But the Trump campaign 's presence in the state can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president 's day-to-day behavior .
When news broke that Cindy McCain , the widow of the late Sen. John McCain , endorsed Biden for president , the president said he was `` never a fan of John .
Cindy can have Sleepy Joe ! ''
That put McSally on the defensive in a state where the McCain family remains broadly popular and venerated .
In a radio interview Wednesday , McSally said she has `` the utmost respect for Cindy McCain . ''
`` Her decision to make her voice heard in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we just disagree on the best choice to move the country forward , '' she said .
`` But I also want to be clear : Nobody should be attacking Cindy McCain for her right in exercising her right to make her voice heard . ''

PHOENIX — After months of low polling by Sen. Martha McSally, some in the GOP are starting to believe she may end up keeping her seat after all.
An ABC News/Washington Post survey released Wednesday found the Arizona senator just a point behind her Democratic challenger, former astronaut Mark Kelly. Those results come with the caveat that a separate CNBC poll released the same day found Kelly leading by 8 points.
A RealClearPolitics average of polls has Kelly leading by 5.5 points, although Republicans in the state think the tide may finally be turning against him.
The Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Sept. 18 could be the key to energizing conservatives. The McSally campaign is focusing on the opportunity to shift the ideological balance of the court dramatically to remind Arizonans of the stakes of the November election.
“People have known Arizona is key for the presidential race," McSally said Wednesday on Fox News. "Now, we’re key to ensure that the Supreme Court nominee goes through and that we’re able to shift the court for generations to come."
Republican strategists in the state who spoke to the Washington Examiner said the GOP's rural turnout machine could make up any damage the party is facing in Maricopa County, home to Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs.
"Trump doesn't necessarily have to win Maricopa this time around, and his coattails could help McSally," said one Arizona political strategist who could not speak on the record due to his relationship with campaigns in the state. "Trump is probably more popular than she is."
That same ABC News/Washington Post poll had President Trump narrowly leading his Democratic Party opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, with 49% support. The former vice president's average lead in Arizona is also narrower than Kelly's, with Biden leading by 3.2 points with 48.3% support according to a RealClearPolitics average of polls.
Trump is campaigning hard in the state, making multiple trips there over the last several months. On Wednesday, one of the president's sons, Eric Trump, held an "Evangelicals for Trump" rally in Glendale, Arizona.
"You see the enthusiasm here. Every event I'm at, whether it's with the governor or alone, there's hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people, massive gatherings," Eric Trump told the Washington Examiner on Wednesday. "Biden hasn't been out here. That hasn't been said. Biden hasn't been to Arizona. Kamala Harris hasn't been here either. To me, it's a disrespectful thing."
But the Trump campaign's presence in the state can also prove a liability, depending on the president's day-to-day behavior. When news broke that Cindy McCain, the widow of the late Sen. John McCain, endorsed Biden for president, the president said he was "never a fan of John. Cindy can have Sleepy Joe!"
That put McSally on the defensive in a state where the McCain family remains broadly popular and venerated. In a radio interview Wednesday, McSally said she has "the utmost respect for Cindy McCain."
"Her decision to make her voice heard in this election I totally respect. Now we just disagree on the best choice to move the country forward," she said. "But I also want to be clear: Nobody should be attacking Cindy McCain for her right in exercising her right to make her voice heard."