thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Jay Sekulow cites FISA 'attack' in jab at Adam Schiff and other impeachment managers

President Trump ’ s legal team used the Senate impeachment trial as a platform to chide Democrats for casting aspersions on allegations of surveillance abuse against the 2016 Trump campaign .
Jay Sekulow , an attorney on Trump 's defense team , took an indirect swipe at House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff , the lead impeachment manager who was in the Senate chamber on Tuesday , for his defense of wiretapping of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page , an American citizen who was suspected of being a Russian agent but was never charged with wrongdoing .
`` Managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any discussions on the abuse from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act utilized to get the warrants from the court were 'conspiracy theories , ' '' Sekulow said .
Claiming that Trump was under `` attack , '' Sekulow cited the secret surveillance court 's acknowledgment in a recent court filing that the Justice Department found at least two of the FISA orders targeting Page in 2017 were insufficiently predicated .
In early 2018 , Schiff called a memo prepared by the then-Republican majority of the House Intelligence Committee outlining allegations of FISA abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theory '' that suggested “ a cabal of senior officials within the FBI and the Justice Department were so tainted by bias against President Trump that they irredeemably poisoned the investigation.
” Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz investigated the allegations and released a report last month .
While he determined the genesis of the FBI 's counterintelligence investigation into the Trump campaign was not tainted by bias , the independent watchdog did fault the Justice Department and the FBI for 17 “ significant errors and omissions ” during the Page FISA application @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christopher Steele ’ s salacious and unverified dossier .
He also could not say whether bias tainted that FISA process .
Horowitz issued at least one criminal referral to the Justice Department regarding an FBI lawyer identified as Kevin Clinesmith for allegedly altering a document related to the surveillance of Page .
U.S. Attorney John Durham , who is conducting a review of the FBI 's Russia investigation , is exploring whether a crime was committed by Clinesmith .
Sekulow , who is defending Trump against articles of impeachment charging him with abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also defended the president 's desire to investigate efforts by Democrats to hurt his 2016 presidential campaign by raising the unverified Steele dossier , which was used by the FBI to obtain the FISA warrants .
`` You ca n't view this case in a vacuum , '' Sekulow argued .
`` Put yourselves in his shoes . ''

President Trump’s legal team used the Senate impeachment trial as a platform to chide Democrats for casting aspersions on allegations of surveillance abuse against the 2016 Trump campaign.
Jay Sekulow, an attorney on Trump's defense team, took an indirect swipe at House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, the lead impeachment manager who was in the Senate chamber on Tuesday, for his defense of wiretapping of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, an American citizen who was suspected of being a Russian agent but was never charged with wrongdoing.
"Managers at this table right here said that any discussions on the abuse from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act utilized to get the warrants from the court were 'conspiracy theories,'" Sekulow said.
Claiming that Trump was under "attack," Sekulow cited the secret surveillance court's acknowledgment in a recent court filing that the Justice Department found at least two of the FISA orders targeting Page in 2017 were insufficiently predicated.
In early 2018, Schiff called a memo prepared by the then-Republican majority of the House Intelligence Committee outlining allegations of FISA abuse against the Trump campaign a "conspiracy theory" that suggested “a cabal of senior officials within the FBI and the Justice Department were so tainted by bias against President Trump that they irredeemably poisoned the investigation.”
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz investigated the allegations and released a report last month. While he determined the genesis of the FBI's counterintelligence investigation into the Trump campaign was not tainted by bias, the independent watchdog did fault the Justice Department and the FBI for 17 “significant errors and omissions” during the Page FISA application process and for relying on British ex-spy Christopher Steele’s salacious and unverified dossier. He also could not say whether bias tainted that FISA process.
Horowitz issued at least one criminal referral to the Justice Department regarding an FBI lawyer identified as Kevin Clinesmith for allegedly altering a document related to the surveillance of Page. U.S. Attorney John Durham, who is conducting a review of the FBI's Russia investigation, is exploring whether a crime was committed by Clinesmith.
Sekulow, who is defending Trump against articles of impeachment charging him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, also defended the president's desire to investigate efforts by Democrats to hurt his 2016 presidential campaign by raising the unverified Steele dossier, which was used by the FBI to obtain the FISA warrants.
"You can't view this case in a vacuum," Sekulow argued. "Put yourselves in his shoes."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Lindsey Graham predicts GOP has 51 votes needed to call on Bidens and whistleblower to testify

Sen. Lindsey Graham warned Democrats against pushing for witnesses in President Trump 's impeachment trial by predicting that Republicans have the necessary votes to call Hunter Biden , Joe Biden , and the whistleblower to testify .
`` I 'll make a prediction : There will be 51 Republican votes to call Hunter Biden , Joe Biden , the whistleblower , and the DNC staffer at a very minimum , ” the South Carolina Republican told reporters .
Democrats have been demanding the ability to call witnesses in the trial and have specifically been focused on former national security adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his book statements made by the president and his team regarding Trump 's phone call with the president of Ukraine .
President Trump strongly denied Bolton 's alleged account of events in a series of tweets on Monday .
“ I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats , including the Bidens , ” the president tweeted .
“ In fact , he never complained about this at the time of his very public termination .
If John Bolton said this , it was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other Republicans have maintained that calling on Bolton would motivate them to call on other figures involved in the Ukrainian aid controversy , including Joe Biden and his son Hunter .
“ We ’ ve got to be fair .
We ’ ve got to follow the principle of reciprocity , which means if [ Democrats ] get John Bolton , we get Hunter Biden , ” Sen. Ted Cruz , a Republican from Texas , told Fox News earlier this week .
“ You have to be willfully blind and say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you not to believe that the president had a good reason to ask the Ukraine to look into the Biden affair , ” Graham said about investigating the Bidens .
“ As much as I like Joe Biden , he needs to answer questions of why he allowed his son to continue to receive millions of dollars from Burisma when he should ’ ve known it was a conflict of interest .
”

Sen. Lindsey Graham warned Democrats against pushing for witnesses in President Trump's impeachment trial by predicting that Republicans have the necessary votes to call Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, and the whistleblower to testify.
"I'll make a prediction: There will be 51 Republican votes to call Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, the whistleblower, and the DNC staffer at a very minimum,” the South Carolina Republican told reporters.
Lindsey Graham makes a shocking prediction on calling Hunter Biden to testify:
"I'll make a prediction: There will be 51 Republican votes to call Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, the whistleblower and the DNC staffer at a minimum."pic.twitter.com/rM9vSFm5j6 — BlazeTV (@BlazeTV) January 28, 2020
Democrats have been demanding the ability to call witnesses in the trial and have specifically been focused on former national security adviser John Bolton after a leaked draft of his book appeared to contradict statements made by the president and his team regarding Trump's phone call with the president of Ukraine.
President Trump strongly denied Bolton's alleged account of events in a series of tweets on Monday.
“I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens,” the president tweeted. “In fact, he never complained about this at the time of his very public termination. If John Bolton said this, it was only to sell a book.”
Graham and other Republicans have maintained that calling on Bolton would motivate them to call on other figures involved in the Ukrainian aid controversy, including Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
“We’ve got to be fair. We’ve got to follow the principle of reciprocity, which means if [Democrats] get John Bolton, we get Hunter Biden,” Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, told Fox News earlier this week.
“You have to be willfully blind and say that Democratic misconduct doesn’t matter to you not to believe that the president had a good reason to ask the Ukraine to look into the Biden affair,” Graham said about investigating the Bidens.
“As much as I like Joe Biden, he needs to answer questions of why he allowed his son to continue to receive millions of dollars from Burisma when he should’ve known it was a conflict of interest.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Mitt Romney wants Republican witnesses in exchange for witnesses called by Democrats

Sen. Mitt Romney , a Republican from Utah who wants former national security adviser John Bolton to testify in the president 's impeachment trial , said he supports Republican witnesses being called too .
When the Washington Examiner asked on Tuesday if former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter should be called as well , Romney responded , `` I think if you heard from one side , you probably ought to have the chance to hear from a witness from the other side . ''
Democrats pressed Republicans to call Bolton as a witness on Monday after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was leaked to the media .
In the book , Bolton alleges that Trump wanted to withhold military assistance from Ukraine to pressure the government to open an investigation into Joe Biden and Hunter Biden .
Sen. Lindsey Graham , a Republican from South Carolina , told reporters Tuesday he is confident that 51 votes exist in the conference to call witnesses on the GOP list if necessary .
“ I 'll make a prediction .
There 'll be 51 Republican votes to call Hunter Biden , Joe Biden , the whistleblower , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] , ” he said .
Senate Republicans said Monday that any deal to call for witnesses will include Hunter Biden .
“ If we need to hear from more people , it ’ s going to be a group of individuals , ” said Sen. John Barrasso , a Republican from Wyoming , on Monday .
House Democrats charged President Trump with obstruction of Congress and abuse of power for allegedly coercing Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden by withholding lethal military aid .

Sen. Mitt Romney, a Republican from Utah who wants former national security adviser John Bolton to testify in the president's impeachment trial, said he supports Republican witnesses being called too.
When the Washington Examiner asked on Tuesday if former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter should be called as well, Romney responded, "I think if you heard from one side, you probably ought to have the chance to hear from a witness from the other side."
Democrats pressed Republicans to call Bolton as a witness on Monday after a draft manuscript of his new book was leaked to the media. In the book, Bolton alleges that Trump wanted to withhold military assistance from Ukraine to pressure the government to open an investigation into Joe Biden and Hunter Biden.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, told reporters Tuesday he is confident that 51 votes exist in the conference to call witnesses on the GOP list if necessary.
“I'll make a prediction. There'll be 51 Republican votes to call Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, the whistleblower, and the DNC staffer [Alexandra Chalupa],” he said.
Senate Republicans said Monday that any deal to call for witnesses will include Hunter Biden.
“If we need to hear from more people, it’s going to be a group of individuals,” said Sen. John Barrasso, a Republican from Wyoming, on Monday.
House Democrats charged President Trump with obstruction of Congress and abuse of power for allegedly coercing Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden by withholding lethal military aid.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Lindsey Graham: 'I want to know' what's in John Bolton's book

Sen. Lindsey Graham said he wants to see the manuscript of former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s new book after details from it were leaked to the press .
The South Carolina Republican spoke to reporters on Monday , the second day of President Trump ’ s impeachment team 's defense , according to the Hill .
Reports on Sunday said Bolton ’ s forthcoming memoir claims that Trump told him Ukraine would not receive U.S. military aid until the country launched investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter .
`` I think what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the manuscript , '' Graham said .
`` I want to know what 's in the manuscript . ''
Graham did not say whether or not he would support a move to subpoena the manuscript .
`` Apparently , the White House has it .
You can ask for it , '' Graham said .
The reported claims from Bolton ’ s book have fueled Democrats ’ calls to subpoena Bolton to testify in Trump 's Senate impeachment trial .
Graham , who heads the Senate Judiciary Committee , said that if additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought forward in the Senate , it would be done in a `` balanced way . ''
`` The White House said there was no direct evidence of communication .
Maybe this suggests that one person said there might be .
What I 've said all along is , if you 're going to add to the record , we 're going to do it in a balanced way , '' Graham said .
`` If we add to the record , we 're going to call Hunter Biden , Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Democrats refused to subpoena Bolton during the chamber 's investigation to impeach Trump as investigators did not want to fight in court to force Bolton 's testimony , which the White House planned to block using executive privilege .
Alan Dershowitz , a Harvard professor and Trump legal team member , addressed the Bolton book claim while defending the president on the floor of the Senate on Monday .
`` If the president , any president , were to have done what the Times reported about the content of the Bolton manuscript @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense , '' Dershowitz said .
`` Let me repeat : Nothing in the Bolton revelations , even if true , would rise to the level of an abuse of power or an impeachable offense .
That is clear from the history .
That is clear from the language of the Constitution , '' Dershowitz continued .
`` You can not turn conduct that is not impeachable into impeachable conduct simply by using words like 'quid pro quo ' and 'personal benefit . '
''

Sen. Lindsey Graham said he wants to see the manuscript of former national security adviser John Bolton’s new book after details from it were leaked to the press.
The South Carolina Republican spoke to reporters on Monday, the second day of President Trump’s impeachment team's defense, according to the Hill. Reports on Sunday said Bolton’s forthcoming memoir claims that Trump told him Ukraine would not receive U.S. military aid until the country launched investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
"I think what we have to do here is evaluate the manuscript," Graham said. "I want to know what's in the manuscript."
Graham did not say whether or not he would support a move to subpoena the manuscript.
"Apparently, the White House has it. You can ask for it," Graham said.
The reported claims from Bolton’s book have fueled Democrats’ calls to subpoena Bolton to testify in Trump's Senate impeachment trial. Graham, who heads the Senate Judiciary Committee, said that if additional evidence not considered in the House is brought forward in the Senate, it would be done in a "balanced way."
"The White House said there was no direct evidence of communication. Maybe this suggests that one person said there might be. What I've said all along is, if you're going to add to the record, we're going to do it in a balanced way," Graham said. "If we add to the record, we're going to call Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, and all these other people."
House Democrats refused to subpoena Bolton during the chamber's investigation to impeach Trump as investigators did not want to fight in court to force Bolton's testimony, which the White House planned to block using executive privilege.
Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard professor and Trump legal team member, addressed the Bolton book claim while defending the president on the floor of the Senate on Monday.
"If the president, any president, were to have done what the Times reported about the content of the Bolton manuscript, that would not constitute an impeachable offense," Dershowitz said.
"Let me repeat: Nothing in the Bolton revelations, even if true, would rise to the level of an abuse of power or an impeachable offense. That is clear from the history. That is clear from the language of the Constitution," Dershowitz continued. "You cannot turn conduct that is not impeachable into impeachable conduct simply by using words like 'quid pro quo' and 'personal benefit.'"


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--The chief justice doesn't rule the Senate

The Senate 's impeachment trial of President Trump has entered its second week .
Some of the president 's critics have concerns with how it 's going — and they want Chief Justice John Roberts to do something about it .
In a recent , Neal Katyal , Joshua Geltzer , and Mickey Edwards assert that Roberts can require witnesses such as John Bolton and Mick Mulvaney to testify if the House impeachment managers first ask him to do so .
But their argument rests on a flawed reading of the Senate 's rules and practices .
Under the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not subpoena witnesses to testify in an impeachment trial unless the Senate first empowers him to do so .
The president 's counsel or the House managers can ask the chief justice to issue a subpoena under those rules .
However , the ( S. Res .
483 ) approved by the Senate last week prohibits the parties from doing so until senators vote to permit subpoenas for witnesses and documents .
Still , Katyal and Geltzer , law professors at Georgetown University , and Edwards , a former congressman , want the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They want the House managers to ask Roberts to subpoena Bolton , the former national security adviser , and Mulvaney , acting White House chief of staff , to testify in the trial .
They want senators to investigate the revelation that Bolton of the president ’ s alleged decision to force the Ukrainian government into investigating his political opponents by withholding military aid that Congress had already approved .
Notwithstanding these revelations , the Senate ’ s impeachment rules do not give the chief justice the power to make and issue subpoenas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rule V stipulates that the chief justice can only make and issue subpoenas “ as authorized by those rules or by the Senate.
” And Rule VI gives the Senate , not the chief justice , the “ power to compel the attendance of witnesses ” and “ to enforce obedience to its orders.
” The House managers may indeed ask the chief justice to issue a subpoena .
Rule XVI stipulates that the president 's counsel and House managers must address `` all motions , objections , requests , or applications whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or relating immediately to the trial '' to the chief justice .
But , as noted , S. Res .
483 prohibits the parties from filing motions `` permitted under the rules of impeachment '' to `` subpoena witnesses or documents '' until after the Senate votes to decide whether or not such motions will be allowed .
Katyal , Geltzer , and Edwards argue that the supplementary rules package can not limit the chief justice ’ s power under Rule V to issue subpoenas .
However , of the Constitution stipulates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may determine the Rules of its Proceedings . ''
The Senate uses this authority to sanction its rules and precedents , which , by extension , means the limits on subpoenas in S. Res .
483 trump Rule V because they were last agreed to .
Finally , the authors ’ claim that the Senate , `` despite outlining the rules for subpoenas , never made its subpoena rules governed by Rule VII , '' is not consistent with Rule XXIV .
That rule states that `` all orders and decisions may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if objection is heard , the orders and decisions shall be voted on without debate by yeas and nays , which shall be entered on the record , subject , however , to the operation of Rule VII . ''
`` Without debate '' means filibusters are not allowed .
And if filibusters are not allowed , there is no required two-thirds vote to end debate before voting on the underlying question .
All votes are simple majority .
Regardless of the trial ’ s eventual outcome , calling on the chief justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by breaking the rules of the Senate only serves to undermine the legitimacy of those rules in the first place .
Moreover , it is reckless to suggest that the chief justice is “ not merely the first , but also the last ” word on what the Senate does .
It implies that senators are ruled by someone whom they and their constituents can not hold accountable .
That idea , far more than anything that has happened throughout Trump ’ s impeachment trial , is detrimental to the future health of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jiwallner ) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner 's Beltway Confidential blog .
He is a senior fellow at the R Street Institute .
Previously , he was a Senate aide and a former group vice president for research at the Heritage Foundation .

The Senate's impeachment trial of President Trump has entered its second week. Some of the president's critics have concerns with how it's going — and they want Chief Justice John Roberts to do something about it.
In a recent opinion piece , Neal Katyal, Joshua Geltzer, and Mickey Edwards assert that Roberts can require witnesses such as John Bolton and Mick Mulvaney to testify if the House impeachment managers first ask him to do so. But their argument rests on a flawed reading of the Senate's rules and practices.
Under the Senate’s standing impeachment rules , the chief justice cannot subpoena witnesses to testify in an impeachment trial unless the Senate first empowers him to do so. The president's counsel or the House managers can ask the chief justice to issue a subpoena under those rules. However, the supplemental rules package (S. Res. 483) approved by the Senate last week prohibits the parties from doing so until senators vote to permit subpoenas for witnesses and documents.
Still, Katyal and Geltzer, law professors at Georgetown University, and Edwards, a former congressman, want the House managers to ignore those rules. They want the House managers to ask Roberts to subpoena Bolton, the former national security adviser, and Mulvaney, acting White House chief of staff, to testify in the trial. They want senators to investigate the revelation that Bolton knew of the president’s alleged decision to force the Ukrainian government into investigating his political opponents by withholding military aid that Congress had already approved.
Notwithstanding these revelations, the Senate’s impeachment rules do not give the chief justice the power to make and issue subpoenas without the Senate’s approval. Rule V stipulates that the chief justice can only make and issue subpoenas “as authorized by those rules or by the Senate.” And Rule VI gives the Senate, not the chief justice, the “power to compel the attendance of witnesses” and “to enforce obedience to its orders.”
The House managers may indeed ask the chief justice to issue a subpoena. Rule XVI stipulates that the president's counsel and House managers must address "all motions, objections, requests, or applications whether relating to the procedure of the Senate or relating immediately to the trial" to the chief justice. But, as noted, S. Res. 483 prohibits the parties from filing motions "permitted under the rules of impeachment" to "subpoena witnesses or documents" until after the Senate votes to decide whether or not such motions will be allowed.
Katyal, Geltzer, and Edwards argue that the supplementary rules package cannot limit the chief justice’s power under Rule V to issue subpoenas. However, Article I, section five, clause two of the Constitution stipulates, "Each House [of Congress] may determine the Rules of its Proceedings." The Senate uses this authority to sanction its rules and precedents, which, by extension, means the limits on subpoenas in S. Res. 483 trump Rule V because they were last agreed to.
Finally, the authors’ claim that the Senate, "despite outlining the rules for subpoenas, never made its subpoena rules governed by Rule VII," is not consistent with Rule XXIV. That rule states that "all orders and decisions may be acted upon without objection, or, if objection is heard, the orders and decisions shall be voted on without debate by yeas and nays, which shall be entered on the record, subject, however, to the operation of Rule VII." "Without debate" means filibusters are not allowed. And if filibusters are not allowed, there is no required two-thirds vote to end debate before voting on the underlying question. All votes are simple majority.
Regardless of the trial’s eventual outcome, calling on the chief justice to enforce the rules of the Senate by breaking the rules of the Senate only serves to undermine the legitimacy of those rules in the first place.
Moreover, it is reckless to suggest that the chief justice is “not merely the first, but also the last” word on what the Senate does. It implies that senators are ruled by someone whom they and their constituents cannot hold accountable.
That idea, far more than anything that has happened throughout Trump’s impeachment trial, is detrimental to the future health of the republic.
James Wallner (@jiwallner) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog. He is a senior fellow at the R Street Institute. Previously, he was a Senate aide and a former group vice president for research at the Heritage Foundation.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Geraldo Rivera: ‘Everything the Democrats allege’ about Trump ‘is probably true’

Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera said Democrats ’ allegations against President Trump in the impeachment trial are “ probably true ” but don ’ t amount to a crime .
“ I believe that everything the Democrats allege is probably true .
Everything they allege .
I concede everything that the Democrats allege , except the hunting of the ambassador , ” Rivera told Mediaite in an interview published Tuesday .
“ I believe that the whole effort to get Ukraine to investigate Biden was seedy .
None of it was criminal .
If there was a crime , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firmly believe no crime , no conviction in the impeachment trial , ” he added .
Still , Rivera , who has known Trump for decades , echoed the president ’ s attacks on impeachment , referring to it as a “ witch hunt.
” “ I didn ’ t vote for him last time , and I may not vote for [ him ] this time .
But I ’ ll be damned if I ’ m going to let the Democrats get away with what I consider to be a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ I totally agree with him that he is being and has been from the first second of his tenure hounded and harangued and harassed and hunted by the hypocritical Democrats who all assume high ground that they don ’ t deserve because they had it out for him since the second he won the election , ” Rivera continued .
The House impeached Trump in December , alleging he abused his power when he sought to press Ukraine to investigate his political rival , Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s forthcoming book sent shock waves through Washington .
A manuscript of the book said Trump made security aid to Ukraine conditional on an investigation into Biden .
Trump lawyer Alan Dershowitz argued Monday that the president did nothing wrong .
`` If the president , any president , were to have done what the Times reported about the content of the Bolton manuscript , that would not constitute an impeachable offense , '' he said .

Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera said Democrats’ allegations against President Trump in the impeachment trial are “probably true” but don’t amount to a crime.
“I believe that everything the Democrats allege is probably true. Everything they allege. I concede everything that the Democrats allege, except the hunting of the ambassador,” Rivera told Mediaite in an interview published Tuesday.
“I believe that the whole effort to get Ukraine to investigate Biden was seedy. None of it was criminal. If there was a crime, they would have spelled it out. I firmly believe no crime, no conviction in the impeachment trial,” he added.
Still, Rivera, who has known Trump for decades, echoed the president’s attacks on impeachment, referring to it as a “witch hunt.”
“I didn’t vote for him last time, and I may not vote for [him] this time. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to let the Democrats get away with what I consider to be a very lame and hypocritical and partisan witch hunt,” he said.
“I totally agree with him that he is being and has been from the first second of his tenure hounded and harangued and harassed and hunted by the hypocritical Democrats who all assume high ground that they don’t deserve because they had it out for him since the second he won the election,” Rivera continued.
The House impeached Trump in December, alleging he abused his power when he sought to press Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden.
Amid the Senate trial, Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton’s forthcoming book sent shock waves through Washington. A manuscript of the book said Trump made security aid to Ukraine conditional on an investigation into Biden.
Trump lawyer Alan Dershowitz argued Monday that the president did nothing wrong.
"If the president, any president, were to have done what the Times reported about the content of the Bolton manuscript, that would not constitute an impeachable offense," he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Adam Schiff talked 454% more than lead Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow

House Democrats leading the impeachment trial in the Senate against President Trump talked for more than twice as long as his legal defense team , with the top critic , Rep. Adam Schiff , speaking 454 % longer than the top White House lawyer .
A quickie breakdown compiled by C-SPAN digital producer Courtney Beesch found that House Democrats used virtually all of the 24 hours they were allotted , while the Trump team used less than half of their time .
“ WH Counsel @ JaySekulow spoke for a total of 91 minutes , with 8 appearances at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RepAdamSchiff spoke for 505 minutes , with 9 appearances at the podium , ” she tweeted .
In fact , Schiff spoke almost as long as the whole Trump team , 505 minutes versus 586 minutes .
The differences were stark and were welcomed by some senators who tried not to nod off during the presentation of the Democrats ' partisan impeachment case .
While the Democrats went long , the Trump team went short , cutting off their final day of defense in part , said one official , because they didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to making their case for conviction .
In the end , the Trump team had 14 hours left over and the Democrats less than two hours , said the C-SPAN review .
Schiff , who led the House Intelligence Committee proceedings of Trump and the allegations around aid to Ukraine and the alleged call for an investigation of the Bidens , ate up about half of the Democratic time .

House Democrats leading the impeachment trial in the Senate against President Trump talked for more than twice as long as his legal defense team, with the top critic, Rep. Adam Schiff, speaking 454% longer than the top White House lawyer.
A quickie breakdown compiled by C-SPAN digital producer Courtney Beesch found that House Democrats used virtually all of the 24 hours they were allotted, while the Trump team used less than half of their time.
“WH Counsel @JaySekulow spoke for a total of 91 minutes, with 8 appearances at the podium. Lead House Impeachment Manager @RepAdamSchiff spoke for 505 minutes, with 9 appearances at the podium,” she tweeted.
In fact, Schiff spoke almost as long as the whole Trump team, 505 minutes versus 586 minutes.
The differences were stark and were welcomed by some senators who tried not to nod off during the presentation of the Democrats' partisan impeachment case.
While the Democrats went long, the Trump team went short, cutting off their final day of defense in part, said one official, because they didn’t think the Democrats came close to making their case for conviction.
In the end, the Trump team had 14 hours left over and the Democrats less than two hours, said the C-SPAN review.
Updated| ICYMI, or didn't have time to watch @cspan, here's a look at the past 6 days in the Senate Impeachment Trial:
- The House Impeachment Managers used nearly all their avail. 24-hours
- The WH Counsel used approx. half their avail 24-hours
- @RepAdamSchiff spoke the most pic.twitter.com/I27SfrsXdc — courtney beesch (@courtneybeesch) January 28, 2020
Schiff, who led the House Intelligence Committee proceedings of Trump and the allegations around aid to Ukraine and the alleged call for an investigation of the Bidens, ate up about half of the Democratic time.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--'Join us,' West Virginia governor urges pro-gun, pro-Trump Virginia counties

The governor of West Virginia , in a stunning move that echoes the Civil War-era creation of his state , on Tuesday invited Virginia counties upset with Richmond ’ s liberal , anti-gun turn to shift borders and join his state .
“ If you out there , no matter where you be , Virginia or wherever you may be , as an individual or a business or whatever , West Virginia is waiting for you with open arms , '' said Gov .
Jim Justice .
“ Our state supports personal freedom , and we value the Second Amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Come join us .
You will never regret it , ” he added at a press conference in Martinsburg , West Virginia , 13 miles from the border with a Virginia county where some officials are open to joining West Virginia .
He also said that West Virginia embraces President Trump , who is despised by many federal workers in Northern Virginia that have a big impact on statewide elections .
“ We should be thankful for all he 's done , ” he said .
Justice ’ s statement endorsing secession was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the West Virginia legislature that would let Virginia border counties join the state .
It has become such a hot topic along the border that the White House and President Trump are paying attention to it , according to sources .
It was offered as a long-shot package by Republican Del .
Gary Howell after the Virginia voters put their legislature in Democratic hands for the first time in years .
In just a few weeks , they have voted for several liberal initiatives including gun control , prompting a massive 22,000-strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richmond .
Howell now has 40 of 100 delegates as co-signers , and the legislation has jumped in importance .
What ’ s more , he has a team looking at how West Virginia would admit Virginia counties .
Also in the West Virginia Senate , Sen. Charles Trump has offered a resolution urging Frederick County to join West Virginia .
Over 90 % of Virginia 's counties have already moved to split from Richmond ’ s campaign for gun control , creating gun “ sanctuaries ” and potentially paving the way for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Jerry Falwell Jr. , president of Liberty University in rural Lynchburg , Virginia , and a close Trump ally .
While Justice promoted the freedoms West Virginia offers to conservative , pro-Trump Virginians who now feel ignored , Falwell ripped the new majority in Richmond and backed efforts by border counties to vote to leave in the upcoming election .
“ Democrat leaders in Richmond , through their elitism and radicalism , have left a nearly unrecognizable state in their wake , ” said Falwell .
“ The Democrats are anti-life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-business with their oppressive environmental regulations , ” he added .
Falwell is urging quick action by disgruntled counties and sees the issue as a good one for Republicans in the 2020 election , even among younger voters in part because Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam is targeting support for online students .
“ The threat from the radical left is real , and it ’ s spreading across the country and tearing our national family apart from the seams , but we have a rare opportunity to make history in our time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in Richmond , '' he said , adding , `` We need a state government that is not elected by federal workers in the suburbs of Washington , D.C. , that will protect our God-given rights to life , liberty , and the pursuit of happiness , and I believe West Virginia will do just that . ''

The governor of West Virginia, in a stunning move that echoes the Civil War-era creation of his state, on Tuesday invited Virginia counties upset with Richmond’s liberal, anti-gun turn to shift borders and join his state.
“If you out there, no matter where you be, Virginia or wherever you may be, as an individual or a business or whatever, West Virginia is waiting for you with open arms," said Gov. Jim Justice.
“Our state supports personal freedom, and we value the Second Amendment and the rights of the unborn. Come join us. You will never regret it,” he added at a press conference in Martinsburg, West Virginia, 13 miles from the border with a Virginia county where some officials are open to joining West Virginia.
He also said that West Virginia embraces President Trump, who is despised by many federal workers in Northern Virginia that have a big impact on statewide elections. “We should be thankful for all he's done,” he said.
Justice’s statement endorsing secession was an unexpected but ringing endorsement of legislation before the West Virginia legislature that would let Virginia border counties join the state.
It has become such a hot topic along the border that the White House and President Trump are paying attention to it, according to sources.
It was offered as a long-shot package by Republican Del. Gary Howell after the Virginia voters put their legislature in Democratic hands for the first time in years. In just a few weeks, they have voted for several liberal initiatives including gun control, prompting a massive 22,000-strong, pro-gun rally at the capital in Richmond.
Howell now has 40 of 100 delegates as co-signers, and the legislation has jumped in importance. What’s more, he has a team looking at how West Virginia would admit Virginia counties. Also in the West Virginia Senate, Sen. Charles Trump has offered a resolution urging Frederick County to join West Virginia.
Over 90% of Virginia's counties have already moved to split from Richmond’s campaign for gun control, creating gun “sanctuaries” and potentially paving the way for other anti-Richmond votes.
Justice was joined by Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University in rural Lynchburg, Virginia, and a close Trump ally.
While Justice promoted the freedoms West Virginia offers to conservative, pro-Trump Virginians who now feel ignored, Falwell ripped the new majority in Richmond and backed efforts by border counties to vote to leave in the upcoming election.
“Democrat leaders in Richmond, through their elitism and radicalism, have left a nearly unrecognizable state in their wake,” said Falwell.
“The Democrats are anti-life, anti-Second Amendment, anti-liberty, and even anti-business with their oppressive environmental regulations,” he added.
Falwell is urging quick action by disgruntled counties and sees the issue as a good one for Republicans in the 2020 election, even among younger voters in part because Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam is targeting support for online students.
“The threat from the radical left is real, and it’s spreading across the country and tearing our national family apart from the seams, but we have a rare opportunity to make history in our time by pushing back against tyranny in Washington and in Richmond," he said, adding, "We need a state government that is not elected by federal workers in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., that will protect our God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and I believe West Virginia will do just that."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Boom: Trump approval rating best in three years

President Trump ’ s approval ratings have hit the highest average level since his first month in office , a post-impeachment message sure to depress his Democratic detractors and thrill his supporters .
The highly watched RealClearPolitics “ Trump Job Approval ” is at 45.6 % , just 0.4 % off the high posted shortly after his inauguration .
His disapproval number is 51.7 % , lower than recent averages .
The average is a running collection of dozens of polls , including Fox , Rasmussen , Washington Post , Politico , and CNN .
The latest list shows Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the cloud of impeachment hanging over him and his 2020 reelection bid .
Campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said that voters surveyed in the polls are paying more attention to the economy and improvements brought under Trump than impeachment .
“ President Trump gets up every day with the mission of putting America First in all of his decisions .
The Democrats begin every day brainstorming about how to bring him down .
Americans can see what ’ s going on , and they ’ re siding with the president , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several have shown that voters approve of the economy , and he is beating all but former Vice President Joe Biden in the latest 2020 head-to-head matchups .
According to the Washington Post today , “ With just over nine months until Election Day , Americans see Trump as a slight favorite for reelection , with 49 % expecting him to win and 43 % predicting that his Democratic challenger will prevail .
”

President Trump’s approval ratings have hit the highest average level since his first month in office, a post-impeachment message sure to depress his Democratic detractors and thrill his supporters.
The highly watched RealClearPolitics “Trump Job Approval” is at 45.6%, just 0.4% off the high posted shortly after his inauguration. His disapproval number is 51.7%, lower than recent averages.
The average is a running collection of dozens of polls, including Fox, Rasmussen, Washington Post, Politico, and CNN.
Trump's job approval is now the highest it has been in our average since Feb. 5, 2017.https://t.co/uI9w8S86tL — Sean T at RCP (@SeanTrende) January 28, 2020
The latest list shows Trump’s approvals in individual polls increasing despite the cloud of impeachment hanging over him and his 2020 reelection bid.
Campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said that voters surveyed in the polls are paying more attention to the economy and improvements brought under Trump than impeachment.
It's always exciting when @realDonaldTrump rolls into town for a #KeepAmericaGreat rally but the intensity in Wildwood, NJ is unreal.
This beach town is normally pretty quiet in January. But thanks to this POTUS visit, it's absolutely booming right now.https://t.co/lxXRalSYId — Tim Murtaugh - Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TimMurtaugh) January 28, 2020
“President Trump gets up every day with the mission of putting America First in all of his decisions. The Democrats begin every day brainstorming about how to bring him down. Americans can see what’s going on, and they’re siding with the president,” he told Secrets.
Other polls agree. Several have shown that voters approve of the economy, and he is beating all but former Vice President Joe Biden in the latest 2020 head-to-head matchups.
According to the Washington Post today, “With just over nine months until Election Day, Americans see Trump as a slight favorite for reelection, with 49% expecting him to win and 43% predicting that his Democratic challenger will prevail.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Biden takes the lead in Democratic primaries, new poll shows

Former Vice President Joe Biden takes the lead in the Democratic primaries for president , a new poll finds .
Biden , 77 , and independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , 78 , both saw increases in national support for their bids for the Democratic presidential nomination .
Quinnipiac University found Biden has 26 % support among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents , whereas Sanders has 21 % support .
The poll places Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , 70 , in third place , with 15 % support .
Since the last Democratic debate , support for the Warren campaign has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg , 77 , and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , 59 , follow in fourth and fifth place , earning 8 % and 7 % respectively .
Support for the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , Pete Buttigieg also fell from 8 % to 6 % .
According to the poll , `` A little more than three quarters , 78 % , say they are choosing a candidate with their head , while 13 % say they are choosing a candidate with their heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go on to say that 21 % of those surveyed will be influenced by the results of the Iowa caucus .
The poll surveyed 827 Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters less than one week before the Iowa caucuses .

Former Vice President Joe Biden takes the lead in the Democratic primaries for president, a new poll finds.
Biden, 77, and independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, 78, both saw increases in national support for their bids for the Democratic presidential nomination. Quinnipiac University found Biden has 26% support among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, whereas Sanders has 21% support.
The poll places Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, 70, in third place, with 15% support. Since the last Democratic debate, support for the Warren campaign has decreased by approximately 1 percentage point.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, 77, and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, 59, follow in fourth and fifth place, earning 8% and 7% respectively. Support for the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg also fell from 8% to 6%.
According to the poll, "A little more than three quarters, 78%, say they are choosing a candidate with their head, while 13% say they are choosing a candidate with their heart."
The results of the poll go on to say that 21% of those surveyed will be influenced by the results of the Iowa caucus.
The poll surveyed 827 Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters less than one week before the Iowa caucuses.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--'Level of antipathy': Voters blame Warren for Bernie Sanders feud

SALEM , New Hampshire — The “ he said , she said ” spat between left-wing presidential hopefuls Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders over a private dinner conversation is still fresh in the minds of Democratic primary voters , pushing them away from supporting Warren .
“ You 're probably wondering why I 'm not supporting Elizabeth Warren , ” said Sally Hamblen , 65 , after saying she is from northeast Massachusetts .
She is undecided on who to vote for and attended a Joe Biden event in Salem , New Hampshire , on Saturday .
“ I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” With the Feb. 11 New Hampshire primary looming , eight days after the Iowa caucuses , Hamblen said she 's `` upset about her bringing up the thing about Bernie Sanders saying a woman couldn ’ t win the presidency.
” Hamblen , a risk management professional , said , “ First of all , I do n't believe that he said it .
Second of all , I do n't like it when the candidates fight each other .
Trump is loving every minute of it .
Stop it.
” Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Warren during a private 2018 meeting just before each candidate launched their presidential bids he did not think a woman could win the presidency in 2020 .
CNN cited two people Warren talked to right after the meeting and two others who were familiar with it .
Sanders vehemently denied making the statement .
Warren confirmed the allegation later that day .
`` Among the topics that came up was what would happen if Democrats nominated a female candidate .
I thought a woman could win ; he disagreed , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Iowa debate the next day that they wanted to move on from the disagreement , but an overheard moment suggested that there was still some bad blood .
Sanders reached out after the debate to shake Warren ’ s hand , but she instead held her hands to her torso and said , `` I think you called me a liar on national TV.
” While the national news cycle moved on from the spat , it left an impression on voters still considering their options in the crowded field of Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hand out the other night to shake her hand , and she would n't shake his hand , ” said James Dempam , 56 , at a Biden event in Salem , New Hampshire , on Saturday .
“ We 're expecting her to reach across the aisle when she ca n't even reach across the debate stage to shake Bernie Sanders ’ s hand .
What are we looking forward to in a candidate like that ?
” “ My whole life , I do n't think I 've ever not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended it to me , ” said Dempam , who works in the finance industry in Massachusetts .
“ That 's the level of antipathy that she has towards anyone who opposes her .
That 's not somebody I want to vote for.
” With just a week until the Iowa caucuses and two weeks until the New Hampshire primary , Warren is struggling to maintain her strength as a top-tier candidate .
She dropped four points from 17 % to 13 % in the RealClearPolitics average of New Hampshire primary polls since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the drop is related to her comments .
For other voters , the disagreement that will likely never be resolved is a reason to stay away from both of the left-wing firebrands .
“ The Republicans beat each other up so bad that it doesn ’ t make you want to vote for anyone .
Warren and Bernie are starting to do that .
I know a lot of that is to be expected , but still .
You don ’ t hear Biden saying that.
” said Paul Schoomaker , 72 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden event in Muscatine , Iowa , on Tuesday .
“ When he denies the allegations Warren made , he sounds like Trump , ” said Donnie Kirell , 70 , at the Biden Muscatine event .
“ Warren ’ s just like him at the same time .
It ’ s all a sideshow.
” Warren retained some fans , however , who direct blame at CNN rather than at the candidates .
“ It was probably a CNN thing to get ratings .
I think it was a conversation that definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different perspectives , ” said Manchester , New Hampshire , banking professional Julie Polenchar , 35 , on Saturday .

SALEM, New Hampshire — The “he said, she said” spat between left-wing presidential hopefuls Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders over a private dinner conversation is still fresh in the minds of Democratic primary voters, pushing them away from supporting Warren.
“You're probably wondering why I'm not supporting Elizabeth Warren,” said Sally Hamblen, 65, after saying she is from northeast Massachusetts. She is undecided on who to vote for and attended a Joe Biden event in Salem, New Hampshire, on Saturday. “I was, and I've been turned off.”
With the Feb. 11 New Hampshire primary looming, eight days after the Iowa caucuses, Hamblen said she's "upset about her bringing up the thing about Bernie Sanders saying a woman couldn’t win the presidency.”
Hamblen, a risk management professional, said, “First of all, I don't believe that he said it. Second of all, I don't like it when the candidates fight each other. Trump is loving every minute of it. Stop it.”
Earlier this month, CNN reported that Sanders told Warren during a private 2018 meeting just before each candidate launched their presidential bids he did not think a woman could win the presidency in 2020. CNN cited two people Warren talked to right after the meeting and two others who were familiar with it. Sanders vehemently denied making the statement.
Warren confirmed the allegation later that day. "Among the topics that came up was what would happen if Democrats nominated a female candidate. I thought a woman could win; he disagreed," she said.
Warren and Sanders expressed in an Iowa debate the next day that they wanted to move on from the disagreement, but an overheard moment suggested that there was still some bad blood.
Sanders reached out after the debate to shake Warren’s hand, but she instead held her hands to her torso and said, "I think you called me a liar on national TV.”
While the national news cycle moved on from the spat, it left an impression on voters still considering their options in the crowded field of Democratic presidential hopefuls.
[Related: How Warren's ambush of Bernie Sanders backfired]
“Bernie Sanders stuck his hand out the other night to shake her hand, and she wouldn't shake his hand,” said James Dempam, 56, at a Biden event in Salem, New Hampshire, on Saturday. “We're expecting her to reach across the aisle when she can't even reach across the debate stage to shake Bernie Sanders’s hand. What are we looking forward to in a candidate like that?”
“My whole life, I don't think I've ever not shaken someone's hand if they've extended it to me,” said Dempam, who works in the finance industry in Massachusetts. “That's the level of antipathy that she has towards anyone who opposes her. That's not somebody I want to vote for.”
With just a week until the Iowa caucuses and two weeks until the New Hampshire primary, Warren is struggling to maintain her strength as a top-tier candidate. She dropped four points from 17% to 13% in the RealClearPolitics average of New Hampshire primary polls since Jan. 13, though it is unclear if the drop is related to her comments.
For other voters, the disagreement that will likely never be resolved is a reason to stay away from both of the left-wing firebrands.
“The Republicans beat each other up so bad that it doesn’t make you want to vote for anyone. Warren and Bernie are starting to do that. I know a lot of that is to be expected, but still. You don’t hear Biden saying that.” said Paul Schoomaker, 72, an undecided voter who attended a Biden event in Muscatine, Iowa, on Tuesday.
“When he denies the allegations Warren made, he sounds like Trump,” said Donnie Kirell, 70, at the Biden Muscatine event. “Warren’s just like him at the same time. It’s all a sideshow.”
Warren retained some fans, however, who direct blame at CNN rather than at the candidates.
“It was probably a CNN thing to get ratings. I think it was a conversation that definitely happened and was looked at from two different perspectives,” said Manchester, New Hampshire, banking professional Julie Polenchar, 35, on Saturday.
Joseph Simonson contributed to this story.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Biden: 'Sure would like' Michelle Obama as vice president

MUSCATINE , Iowa — Joe Biden said that he would like former first lady Michelle Obama to be his vice president and Barack Obama to be a Supreme Court justice .
`` Would you consider appointing Obama for the Supreme Court ? ''
a man in the crowd asked the former vice president on Tuesday .
`` Yeah , I would , and I do n't think he 'd do it .
He 'd be a great Supreme Court justice , '' Biden , 77 , responded .
`` Second question is : Which Obama ? ''
the man said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applause .
`` Well , I sure would like Michelle to be the vice president , '' Biden said and laughed .
`` They 're both incredibly qualified people , I mean , and they 're such decent , honorable people . ''
The morning campaign stop started about an hour late , and the roughly 75 attendees did not completely fill the room .
Biden went on to comment on the White House defense of President Trump in the Senate impeachment trial .
`` I found it strange yesterday that , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Maybe Obama should have been impeached , ' '' Biden said .
`` I mean , like , you know , 'Whoa . '
Anyway , but my point is , we even have some Democrats who were running who in 2012 thought that President Obama should be primaried .
I thought he was a pretty good president , and I was proud to serve with him . ''
Biden is often asked about potential Supreme Court or vice presidential picks on the campaign trail , and he rarely rules anyone out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican vice president but could n't think of someone who would be good .
In December , he said that former rival and California Sen. Kamala Harris would make a good attorney general or Supreme Court justice and did not rule out making her his vice president .

MUSCATINE, Iowa — Joe Biden said that he would like former first lady Michelle Obama to be his vice president and Barack Obama to be a Supreme Court justice.
"Would you consider appointing Obama for the Supreme Court?" a man in the crowd asked the former vice president on Tuesday.
"Yeah, I would, and I don't think he'd do it. He'd be a great Supreme Court justice," Biden, 77, responded.
"Second question is: Which Obama?" the man said as the room reacted with awes and applause.
"Well, I sure would like Michelle to be the vice president," Biden said and laughed. "They're both incredibly qualified people, I mean, and they're such decent, honorable people."
The morning campaign stop started about an hour late, and the roughly 75 attendees did not completely fill the room.
Biden went on to comment on the White House defense of President Trump in the Senate impeachment trial.
"I found it strange yesterday that, in that Republican presentation they talked about, 'Maybe Obama should have been impeached,'" Biden said. "I mean, like, you know, 'Whoa.' Anyway, but my point is, we even have some Democrats who were running who in 2012 thought that President Obama should be primaried. I thought he was a pretty good president, and I was proud to serve with him."
[Opinion: Obama's Biden betrayal]
Biden is often asked about potential Supreme Court or vice presidential picks on the campaign trail, and he rarely rules anyone out. He jokingly said that he would consider a Republican vice president but couldn't think of someone who would be good. In December, he said that former rival and California Sen. Kamala Harris would make a good attorney general or Supreme Court justice and did not rule out making her his vice president.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Hillary Clinton says she has 'the urge' to defeat Trump in 2020

Hillary Clinton said she still feels that she wants to beat President Trump after she lost to him in the 2016 presidential election .
`` I know you are not running , but do you ever feel the urge that like , ' I could beat him ? '
'' Variety asked the former secretary of state in a Monday interview .
“ Yeah .
I certainly feel the urge because I feel like the 2016 election was really an odd time and an odd outcome , '' the former secretary of state responded .
`` And the more we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the case .
But I ’ m going to support the people who are running now and do everything I can to help elect the Democratic nominee . ''
Clinton , 72 , has teased running in 2020 before .
In October , the twice-failed Democratic presidential contender told a PBS reporter that she `` can beat him again '' in reference to Trump .
She has also told Trump not to `` tempt '' her into entering the 2020 race after the president told her she should jump in .
[ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people do n't like ' : Trump defends Bernie Sanders from Hillary Clinton insults ]

Hillary Clinton said she still feels that she wants to beat President Trump after she lost to him in the 2016 presidential election.
"I know you are not running, but do you ever feel the urge that like, 'I could beat him?'" Variety asked the former secretary of state in a Monday interview.
“Yeah. I certainly feel the urge because I feel like the 2016 election was really an odd time and an odd outcome," the former secretary of state responded. "And the more we learn, the more that seems to be the case. But I’m going to support the people who are running now and do everything I can to help elect the Democratic nominee."
Clinton, 72, has teased running in 2020 before. In October, the twice-failed Democratic presidential contender told a PBS reporter that she "can beat him again" in reference to Trump. She has also told Trump not to "tempt" her into entering the 2020 race after the president told her she should jump in.
[Read more: 'She's the one that people don't like': Trump defends Bernie Sanders from Hillary Clinton insults]


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--'A mess': 2020 Democrats accuse Trump of making US more vulnerable to coronavirus

Democratic presidential candidates accused President Trump of making the United States less prepared to defend itself against the coronavirus that originated in China and has infected at least five people here .
Elizabeth Warren said this week that the Trump administration 's response to the virus was `` a mess , '' and Joe Biden wrote in an opinion piece in USA Today that Trump was the `` worst possible leader '' to deal with the outbreak , recalling that Trump had pressured President Barack Obama to institute a travel ban despite global health officials opposing such a move .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for dismantling a White House team meant to respond to pandemics and called him out over his proposed budgets , which have called for cuts to medical research .
The cuts he called for , however , were ignored by Congress .
The spending bill Trump signed into law boosted the budget for the National Institutes of Health , which funds grants for medical research , including for vaccines and treatments , to historic levels .
Trump has said little about the outbreak , which has infected at least 4,515 people in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say on CNBC that it was `` under control , '' and he has tweeted that he was working well with Chinese leaders .
On Tuesday , his top health chief , Alex Azar , said Trump was `` highly engaged in this response and closely monitoring the work we ’ re doing to keep Americans safe . ''
`` You have the most experienced team in the world on this , prepared on this , '' Azar said .
On Tuesday , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned people living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonessential travel '' to China and said there is a low risk that a large number of Americans will become infected .
At least 110 people in the U.S. are under investigation for possible infection .
Warren , whose campaign tagline is `` I 've got a plan for that , '' released a detailed proposal on Tuesday about how she would work to battle infectious diseases if elected president .
The plan included boosting the Public Health Emergency Fund , a bill that Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut vowed to reintroduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill would provide $ 5 billion to the fund .
Political attacks are typical amid illness outbreaks .
In 2014 , when Biden was vice president , the Obama administration faced similar criticism over its handling of Ebola , and at the time , the NIH had faced cuts because of sequestration , which were implemented across several agencies as a response to rising federal deficits .
Republicans accused the Obama administration of mishandling Ebola when it arrived to the U.S. and spread to nurses .
After that happened , Obama hired Ron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's former aide who at the time had no health experience , to be `` Ebola czar . ''

Democratic presidential candidates accused President Trump of making the United States less prepared to defend itself against the coronavirus that originated in China and has infected at least five people here.
Elizabeth Warren said this week that the Trump administration's response to the virus was "a mess," and Joe Biden wrote in an opinion piece in USA Today that Trump was the "worst possible leader" to deal with the outbreak, recalling that Trump had pressured President Barack Obama to institute a travel ban despite global health officials opposing such a move.
Biden and Warren both blasted the president for dismantling a White House team meant to respond to pandemics and called him out over his proposed budgets, which have called for cuts to medical research. The cuts he called for, however, were ignored by Congress. The spending bill Trump signed into law boosted the budget for the National Institutes of Health, which funds grants for medical research, including for vaccines and treatments, to historic levels.
Trump has said little about the outbreak, which has infected at least 4,515 people in China and killed 106, other than to say on CNBC that it was "under control," and he has tweeted that he was working well with Chinese leaders. On Tuesday, his top health chief, Alex Azar, said Trump was "highly engaged in this response and closely monitoring the work we’re doing to keep Americans safe."
"You have the most experienced team in the world on this, prepared on this," Azar said.
On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned people living in the U.S. to cancel all "nonessential travel" to China and said there is a low risk that a large number of Americans will become infected. At least 110 people in the U.S. are under investigation for possible infection.
Warren, whose campaign tagline is "I've got a plan for that," released a detailed proposal on Tuesday about how she would work to battle infectious diseases if elected president. The plan included boosting the Public Health Emergency Fund, a bill that Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut vowed to reintroduce amid news of the coronavirus. The bill would provide $5 billion to the fund.
Political attacks are typical amid illness outbreaks. In 2014, when Biden was vice president, the Obama administration faced similar criticism over its handling of Ebola, and at the time, the NIH had faced cuts because of sequestration, which were implemented across several agencies as a response to rising federal deficits.
Republicans accused the Obama administration of mishandling Ebola when it arrived to the U.S. and spread to nurses. After that happened, Obama hired Ron Klain, a political operative and Biden's former aide who at the time had no health experience, to be "Ebola czar."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--'We need her here': AOC steals show stumping for Sanders in Iowa

DES MOINES , Iowa — As Bernie Sanders was stuck in Washington during the long hours of opening arguments in President Trump 's impeachment trial , Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , 30 , held multiple rallies in Iowa to energize supporters of the Vermont senator .
`` Iowa , are you ready ? ''
the Democratic congresswoman from New York asked a cheering crowd in Ames , Iowa , last weekend .
“ We all have something to give .
All of us have power .
In this moment , we just need to dig down deep and acknowledge it in ourselves.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only read or heard about Ocasio-Cortez , were impressed by her performances in the state .
“ We need her here .
It 's great to bring in celebrities like this to help energize support for Bernie , ” said Peter Richardson , an 18-year-old University of Iowa student .
“ Anything like this helps get the message across . ''
Ocasio-Cortez , a former bartender , has shown herself a natural speaker at Sanders campaign events , weaving personal stories into her liberal policies .
`` Yeah , it 's cool having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucus , so I 'm kinda bummed I wo n't see Bernie speak himself , '' said Sam Johnson , 18 , in Iowa City .
`` I 've only ever watched his YouTube interviews , but this gives me something to do , and I thought she did a great job . ''
Ocasio-Cortez is the most visible of the four first-term women who make up `` the Squad , '' a coalition of Democratic representatives whose goals are to push the Democrat Party further to the left on key policy issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omar of Minnesota , Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts , and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan .
Omar and Ocasio-Cortez touted plans to make the Congressional Progressive Caucus of the Democratic Party into `` a new kind of centrism '' backed by calls for `` Medicare for all , '' a federal $ 15 minimum wage , and awareness on social justice issues .

DES MOINES, Iowa — As Bernie Sanders was stuck in Washington during the long hours of opening arguments in President Trump's impeachment trial, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 30, held multiple rallies in Iowa to energize supporters of the Vermont senator.
"Iowa, are you ready?" the Democratic congresswoman from New York asked a cheering crowd in Ames, Iowa, last weekend. “We all have something to give. All of us have power. In this moment, we just need to dig down deep and acknowledge it in ourselves.”
Supporters of Sanders, many having only read or heard about Ocasio-Cortez, were impressed by her performances in the state.
“We need her here. It's great to bring in celebrities like this to help energize support for Bernie,” said Peter Richardson, an 18-year-old University of Iowa student. “Anything like this helps get the message across."
Ocasio-Cortez, a former bartender, has shown herself a natural speaker at Sanders campaign events, weaving personal stories into her liberal policies.
"Yeah, it's cool having her here. It's my first caucus, so I'm kinda bummed I won't see Bernie speak himself," said Sam Johnson, 18, in Iowa City. "I've only ever watched his YouTube interviews, but this gives me something to do, and I thought she did a great job."
Ocasio-Cortez is the most visible of the four first-term women who make up "the Squad," a coalition of Democratic representatives whose goals are to push the Democrat Party further to the left on key policy issues. The other members include Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.
Omar and Ocasio-Cortez touted plans to make the Congressional Progressive Caucus of the Democratic Party into "a new kind of centrism" backed by calls for "Medicare for all," a federal $15 minimum wage, and awareness on social justice issues.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--'Iowa isn't everything': Biden supporters brace for loss in first 2020 state

IOWA CITY , Iowa — Joe Biden 's supporters are setting their expectations low for his performance in the Feb. 3 caucuses despite their optimism he can win the 2020 Democratic nomination .
Polling ahead of the nation 's first nominating contest shows the former vice president and Delaware senator with a chance of winning .
But he 's effectively dead-even or slightly behind 2020 Democratic rivals such as former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont , and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts .
Biden supporters planning to caucus for him say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a win for Biden , 77 , who is in his third presidential run .
`` I can only judge by the polls and what I see , and he 's been in the top pack of candidates consistently since he got in the race .
He seems to be at the top of his game , '' said Tim Shriver , 58 , who is caucusing for Biden in Iowa City .
`` If someone else , like Sanders , won , it would concern me because I do n't think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Biden has broad support , there 's a long way to go .
Iowa is n't everything .
Look at South Carolina . ''
For months , Biden 's campaign aides have been telling the press and donors that they 've been preparing for a long race .
A win in early states such as Iowa or New Hampshire , they argue , is n't necessary for their campaign and point to his solid support by black voters to help him shore up wins in Southern states .
An individual working for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the campaign has n't been making any predictions for where it will place .
At this point , the campaign believes it will avoid an embarrassing finish and will not place below fourth .
Another person working for the Biden campaign said he believes that Iowa will cause a number of his competitors , such as Buttigieg , 38 , and Warren , 70 , to drop out .
A two-person race , presumably against Sanders , 78 , would work to Biden 's benefit .
`` The stuff on Sanders 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the person said .
[ Read more : Biden battles to stave off Iowa humiliation ] The individual pointed to national polls that consistently put Biden in the lead .
A RealClearPolitics average of recent polls shows Biden in first at 28.7 % support , with Sanders in second at 23.4 % .
Biden 's relationship with the black community has done much to calm the nerves of his supporters .
Although Iowa is one of the whitest states in the country , many of those planning on caucusing for Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states with a higher concentration of minority voters .
`` He 's doing alright .
I think he 'll certainly hold his own .
I think it 'll be very , very close , '' said Pete Wartimart , 50 , who saw Biden speak in Marion .
`` Sanders winning would only concern me if he won by a landslide , but I do n't think that will happen .
But I just do n't see Sanders competing with him in the South .
Biden has , what , more African American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Who is going to break his bond with African Americans ? ''
Biden 's campaign is also banking on winning over former supporters of candidates such as New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker , who dropped out of the race earlier this month .
The Biden campaign is further planning to court Democrats caucusing for Amy Klobuchar .
In Iowa , the senator from neighboring Minnesota risks missing the 15 % threshold of support , meaning those who initially backed her would be up for grabs in the second round of voting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
In 1987 , he was forced to drop out after admitting to plagiarizing portions of a speech he made at the Iowa State Fair , which opened up new questions about his credibility .
And running for the 2008 Democratic nomination , Biden earned less than 1 % of the vote at the Iowa caucuses and dropped out the next day .
`` I ca n't say how he 's doing in Iowa , it 's so close .
Myself , I was undecided , then I saw him speak tonight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him , '' said Ann Oxley , 59 , who saw Biden speak in Iowa City on Monday .
`` I 'm not concerned if someone like Bernie Sanders wins Iowa .
Biden 's in it for the long haul . ''

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Joe Biden's supporters are setting their expectations low for his performance in the Feb. 3 caucuses despite their optimism he can win the 2020 Democratic nomination.
Polling ahead of the nation's first nominating contest shows the former vice president and Delaware senator with a chance of winning. But he's effectively dead-even or slightly behind 2020 Democratic rivals such as former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
Biden supporters planning to caucus for him say they've made peace with the chances of a win for Biden, 77, who is in his third presidential run.
"I can only judge by the polls and what I see, and he's been in the top pack of candidates consistently since he got in the race. He seems to be at the top of his game," said Tim Shriver, 58, who is caucusing for Biden in Iowa City. "If someone else, like Sanders, won, it would concern me because I don't think Bernie is as electable as Biden. But Biden has broad support, there's a long way to go. Iowa isn't everything. Look at South Carolina."
For months, Biden's campaign aides have been telling the press and donors that they've been preparing for a long race. A win in early states such as Iowa or New Hampshire, they argue, isn't necessary for their campaign and point to his solid support by black voters to help him shore up wins in Southern states.
An individual working for the Biden campaign told the Washington Examiner that the campaign hasn't been making any predictions for where it will place. At this point, the campaign believes it will avoid an embarrassing finish and will not place below fourth.
Another person working for the Biden campaign said he believes that Iowa will cause a number of his competitors, such as Buttigieg, 38, and Warren, 70, to drop out. A two-person race, presumably against Sanders, 78, would work to Biden's benefit.
"The stuff on Sanders's background hasn't even come out yet," the person said.
[Read more: Biden battles to stave off Iowa humiliation]
The individual pointed to national polls that consistently put Biden in the lead. A RealClearPolitics average of recent polls shows Biden in first at 28.7% support, with Sanders in second at 23.4%.
Biden's relationship with the black community has done much to calm the nerves of his supporters. Although Iowa is one of the whitest states in the country, many of those planning on caucusing for Biden are depending on a bailout from other states with a higher concentration of minority voters.
"He's doing alright. I think he'll certainly hold his own. I think it'll be very, very close," said Pete Wartimart, 50, who saw Biden speak in Marion. "Sanders winning would only concern me if he won by a landslide, but I don't think that will happen. But I just don't see Sanders competing with him in the South. Biden has, what, more African American support than all the other candidates combined? Who is going to break his bond with African Americans?"
Biden's campaign is also banking on winning over former supporters of candidates such as New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who dropped out of the race earlier this month. The Biden campaign is further planning to court Democrats caucusing for Amy Klobuchar. In Iowa, the senator from neighboring Minnesota risks missing the 15% threshold of support, meaning those who initially backed her would be up for grabs in the second round of voting.
Iowa has previously proved tough terrain for Biden. In 1987, he was forced to drop out after admitting to plagiarizing portions of a speech he made at the Iowa State Fair, which opened up new questions about his credibility. And running for the 2008 Democratic nomination, Biden earned less than 1% of the vote at the Iowa caucuses and dropped out the next day.
"I can't say how he's doing in Iowa, it's so close. Myself, I was undecided, then I saw him speak tonight, and I've decided to caucus for him," said Ann Oxley, 59, who saw Biden speak in Iowa City on Monday. "I'm not concerned if someone like Bernie Sanders wins Iowa. Biden's in it for the long haul."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--Pete Buttigieg downplays lacking minority support: 'Even African American candidates struggle' in th

Pete Buttigieg downplays lacking minority support: 'Even African American candidates struggle' in the South

VINTON , Iowa — Pete Buttigieg pointed to the low polling numbers of former 2020 rivals Cory Booker and Kamala Harris in South Carolina when deflecting a question about his inability to connect with black voters .
`` We 're also engaging voters who are rightly skeptical , who have felt taken for granted , not only kicked around by the Republican Party , but taken for granted by mine , '' Buttigieg said Monday at a campaign event .
`` It is certainly more challenging when you 've been here a matter of months in presidential politics instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even African American candidates struggle to get out of single digits in the South . ''
Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , has been plagued throughout his White House bid by his failure to appeal to black Democrats , who comprise a crucial voting bloc .
In the Feb. 29 South Carolina primary , an important early contest , the electorate is expected to be as much as 60 % black .
Booker and Harris , senators for New Jersey and California respectively , dropped out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kick-off caucuses on Feb. 3 .
Monday was a four-stop day in Iowa for Buttigieg , 38 .
His campaign is focusing on counties in the first-in-the-nation state that voted for former President Barack Obama before supporting President Trump in the 2016 election cycle .
In North Liberty , he swiped at the White House incumbent for downplaying injuries sustained by U.S. troops in Iraq when Iran retaliated for the killing of top military commander Qassem Soleimani .
Buttigieg in Boone stood by comments made by his aides in a flurry of fundraising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Bernie Sanders becoming the Democratic nominee .
But he declined to jab at his septuagenarian opponents for the party 's nod over their age .
`` Why is your climate change proposal less comprehensive than Sanders or Warren 's , when we have the most to lose ?
They 're going to be dead in 10 years , '' a voter asked , referring to the Elizabeth Warren , the Massachusetts senator .
`` As you might have noticed , my competitors are older , but they 're pretty robust individuals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'll be competing [ against them ] in serving this country for a long time . ''
Monday was also the first anniversary of the death of Buttigieg 's father , University of Notre Dame Professor Joseph Buttigieg , which the candidate noted several times when talking about healthcare and his plans to boost long-term caregivers .

VINTON, Iowa — Pete Buttigieg pointed to the low polling numbers of former 2020 rivals Cory Booker and Kamala Harris in South Carolina when deflecting a question about his inability to connect with black voters.
"We're also engaging voters who are rightly skeptical, who have felt taken for granted, not only kicked around by the Republican Party, but taken for granted by mine," Buttigieg said Monday at a campaign event. "It is certainly more challenging when you've been here a matter of months in presidential politics instead of decades. And you will see, even African American candidates struggle to get out of single digits in the South."
Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has been plagued throughout his White House bid by his failure to appeal to black Democrats, who comprise a crucial voting bloc. In the Feb. 29 South Carolina primary, an important early contest, the electorate is expected to be as much as 60% black.
Booker and Harris, senators for New Jersey and California respectively, dropped out of the 2020 Democratic primary race before Iowa's kick-off caucuses on Feb. 3.
Monday was a four-stop day in Iowa for Buttigieg, 38. His campaign is focusing on counties in the first-in-the-nation state that voted for former President Barack Obama before supporting President Trump in the 2016 election cycle.
In North Liberty, he swiped at the White House incumbent for downplaying injuries sustained by U.S. troops in Iraq when Iran retaliated for the killing of top military commander Qassem Soleimani.
Buttigieg in Boone stood by comments made by his aides in a flurry of fundraising emails warning about the prospect of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders becoming the Democratic nominee. But he declined to jab at his septuagenarian opponents for the party's nod over their age.
"Why is your climate change proposal less comprehensive than Sanders or Warren's, when we have the most to lose? They're going to be dead in 10 years," a voter asked, referring to the Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts senator.
"As you might have noticed, my competitors are older, but they're pretty robust individuals," Buttigieg said. "I imagine I'll be competing [against them] in serving this country for a long time."
Monday was also the first anniversary of the death of Buttigieg's father, University of Notre Dame Professor Joseph Buttigieg, which the candidate noted several times when talking about healthcare and his plans to boost long-term caregivers.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-28--CNN's Don Lemon and guests mock Trump supporters as uneducated and illiterate

CNN 's Don Lemon and two guests on his show are facing backlash after they mocked President Trump 's supporters and depicted them as uneducated .
Lemon was joined by New York Times columnist and CNN contributor Wajahat Ali and GOP strategist Rick Wilson during his show Saturday night to discuss the recent feud between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and NPR .
Following an interview last week , Pompeo yelled at NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly and demanded she locate Ukraine , the topic of the initial disagreement , on an unlabeled map .
Wilson pivoted the conversation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't be able to identify Ukraine .
`` [ Pompeo ] also knows deep in his heart that Donald Trump could n't find Ukraine on a map if you had the letter ' U ' and a picture of an actual , physical crane next to it , '' he stated , eliciting a laugh from Lemon .
`` He knows that this is , you know , an administration defined by ignorance of the world .
And so , that 's partly him playing to their base and playing to their audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rube demo that backs Donald Trump . ''
Wilson , who has written anti-Trump books , including Everything Trump Touches Dies and Running Against the Devil : A Plot to Save America From Trump — and Democrats From Themselves , then went on to use a heavy Southern accent to impersonate how he believes a Trump supporter speaks , stating , `` 'Donald Trump 's the smart one — and y'all elitists are dumb ! '
'' `` 'You elitists with your geography and your maps — and your spelling ! '
'' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guest added , `` 'Your math and your reading !
All those lines on the map ! '
'' Lemon , who had to wipe his eyes after laughing so hard that he started to cry , said , `` That was a good one .
I needed that . ''
The clip went viral on Monday night after former CNN digital producer Steve Krakauer tweeted it , writing , `` The arrogance , the dismissiveness , the smug cackling , the accents .
If Donald Trump wins re-election this year , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late one Saturday night in January as the perfect encapsulation for why it happened . ''
[ New : Ivanka Trump tears into CNN panel for mocking President Trump supporters ] Soon after , both Trump and members of his campaign attacked the segment .
Trump tweeted that Lemon is `` the dumbest man on television '' and added that he has `` terrible ratings , '' both of which are insults he 's thrown at the anchor previously .
`` Deplorables .
This Deplorable is ready , '' Trump 2020 campaign director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications director Tim Murtaugh wrote , `` This is a real segment from an actual program on a cable news network that asks to be taken seriously .
Not subtle message to huge parts of America : THEY HATE YOU . ''

CNN's Don Lemon and two guests on his show are facing backlash after they mocked President Trump's supporters and depicted them as uneducated.
Lemon was joined by New York Times columnist and CNN contributor Wajahat Ali and GOP strategist Rick Wilson during his show Saturday night to discuss the recent feud between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and NPR. Following an interview last week, Pompeo yelled at NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly and demanded she locate Ukraine, the topic of the initial disagreement, on an unlabeled map.
Wilson pivoted the conversation to attack Trump supporters, claiming they wouldn't be able to identify Ukraine.
"[Pompeo] also knows deep in his heart that Donald Trump couldn't find Ukraine on a map if you had the letter 'U' and a picture of an actual, physical crane next to it," he stated, eliciting a laugh from Lemon. "He knows that this is, you know, an administration defined by ignorance of the world. And so, that's partly him playing to their base and playing to their audience. You know, the credulous boomer rube demo that backs Donald Trump."
Wilson, who has written anti-Trump books, including Everything Trump Touches Dies and Running Against the Devil: A Plot to Save America From Trump — and Democrats From Themselves, then went on to use a heavy Southern accent to impersonate how he believes a Trump supporter speaks, stating, "'Donald Trump's the smart one — and y'all elitists are dumb!'"
"'You elitists with your geography and your maps — and your spelling!'" Ali chimed in, while his fellow guest added, "'Your math and your reading! All those lines on the map!'"
Lemon, who had to wipe his eyes after laughing so hard that he started to cry, said, "That was a good one. I needed that."
The clip went viral on Monday night after former CNN digital producer Steve Krakauer tweeted it, writing, "The arrogance, the dismissiveness, the smug cackling, the accents. If Donald Trump wins re-election this year, I’ll remember this brief CNN segment late one Saturday night in January as the perfect encapsulation for why it happened."
[New: Ivanka Trump tears into CNN panel for mocking President Trump supporters]
The arrogance, the dismissiveness, the smug cackling, the accents.
If Donald Trump wins re-election this year, I’ll remember this brief CNN segment late one Saturday night in January as the perfect encapsulation for why it happened. pic.twitter.com/8kQ6zN9AZV — Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) January 28, 2020
Soon after, both Trump and members of his campaign attacked the segment. Trump tweeted that Lemon is "the dumbest man on television" and added that he has "terrible ratings," both of which are insults he's thrown at the anchor previously.
Don Lemon, the dumbest man on television (with terrible ratings!). https://t.co/iQXCc7lvCt — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2020
"Deplorables. This Deplorable is ready," Trump 2020 campaign director Brad Parscale tweeted, while Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh wrote, "This is a real segment from an actual program on a cable news network that asks to be taken seriously. Not subtle message to huge parts of America: THEY HATE YOU."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-29--White House considers suspending all China-US flights amid coronavirus outbreak

The Trump administration has told airline executives it is considering suspending all flights from China to the United States amid the escalating coronavirus outbreak .
On Tuesday , White House officials called major airline executives to inform them that the administration is considering a temporary ban on all China-U.S. flights .
Companies such as United Airlines have canceled dozens of flights next month to mainland China , while others , such as Delta and American Airlines , are waiving cancellation fees for travelers to China .
CNBC reports the temporary travel ban from China was discussed at a White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports follow GOP Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton 's recent call to restrict travel from China to the United States .
`` Given the latest developments and the many unknowns about this virus , we ought to follow Benjamin Franklin 's maxim : An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure , '' Cotton wrote .
Chinese President Xi Jinping called the virus a `` demon '' after reports show 50 million Chinese citizens have been put in quarantine , over 4,500 have been infected with the virus , and 106 have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention announced that scientists are looking into at least 110 cases of potential infection in the U.S .

The Trump administration has told airline executives it is considering suspending all flights from China to the United States amid the escalating coronavirus outbreak.
On Tuesday, White House officials called major airline executives to inform them that the administration is considering a temporary ban on all China-U.S. flights. Companies such as United Airlines have canceled dozens of flights next month to mainland China, while others, such as Delta and American Airlines, are waiving cancellation fees for travelers to China.
CNBC reports the temporary travel ban from China was discussed at a White House senior staff meeting on Monday.
The reports follow GOP Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton's recent call to restrict travel from China to the United States.
"Given the latest developments and the many unknowns about this virus, we ought to follow Benjamin Franklin's maxim: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," Cotton wrote.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called the virus a "demon" after reports show 50 million Chinese citizens have been put in quarantine, over 4,500 have been infected with the virus, and 106 have died. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that scientists are looking into at least 110 cases of potential infection in the U.S.