thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-29--In Florida's Villages, outnumbered Biden backers circle the golf carts

THE VILLAGES , Florida — Golf carts buzzing through perfectly manicured grounds in the world ’ s largest retiree playground could be carrying a problem for President Trump .
`` There 's not many of us .
But , you know what ?
There 's more of us than you think there are , '' said Judy Stuart , a Democratic poll observer with her cart decked out in Joe Biden gear , who never felt compelled to volunteer in politics until this year in order to oppose Trump .
Residents of The Villages , home to over 100,000 mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that election tensions and enthusiasm are high .
Many say there was not anywhere close to as much political paraphernalia or events here in 2016 .
A pro-Trump golf cart last weekend drew 1,250 carts .
But in the Republican stronghold , it ’ s easy to find supporters of the Democratic presidential nominee showing similar levels of enthusiasm , if on a smaller scale .
More than 300 golf carts participated in a pro-Biden earlier this month .
Next-door neighbors fly dueling Trump and Biden flags .
Two voters named Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their last names , nearly whispered when revealing to the Washington Examiner that they voted for Biden despite being many yards away from anyone else in the parking lot of an early voting location .
“ We know very strong Trump supporters , and they actually do n't know that we 're voting for Biden , '' Carrie said .
Sumter County , where The Villages sits and makes up a majority of the population , accounts for just a portion of the total number of votes cast statewide .
It is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that that they win the finicky must-win swing state .
Trump held a here on Friday , and Vice President Mike Pence visited two weeks ago .
With polls showing Trump from seniors , sights are set on The Villages .
If Biden can siphon off a decent percentage of votes there , Trump could have difficulty winning Florida , and ultimately , the election .
Around a dozen Biden supporters in a handful of golf carts gather most days on the side of a busy roundabout by Lake Sumter Landing to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gary DePalma has a hard-shell golf cart that could easily be mistaken for a Smart Car with a Biden logo affixed to the side .
`` People in the square at nighttime , they go up to my window saying , 'Are n't you scared ? '
No , because we got to come out , '' said DePalma , who wore a makeshift piece of plastic as a face mask with a piece of paper taped to it that read , “ The Villages helped to vote Trump out.
” He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ talk ” in support of Biden .
The small group wasn ’ t along in their support .
In the 50 minutes that the Washington Examiner spoke to the roadside Biden supporters , at least 53 cars responded with a horn-honk in approval .
Several others waved or flashed a thumbs-up .
Participants say the group occurred naturally , not as part of a Democratic Party initiative .
And they ’ re not the only ones .
Across from one of the campuses many golf courses , resident Ed McGinty leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carts and flash signs with more negative messages , like , “ DONALD TRUMP WHITE TRASH , ” and , `` BIGOTS/RACIEST [ sic ] FLY TRUMP FLAGS . ''
The roadside golf cart gathering is as much an unofficial social club as it is a political activity .
Kim Daniels , 56 , came to live in The Villages with her parents this year to get away from her Fox News-obsessed husband in New York but was wary of coming to such a Republican area .
`` I was terrified .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
But she was thrilled to see other Democrats on the side of the road , and the next day joined them to yell and `` get anger out . ''
Fears of going against the political stream were prominent .
Echoing complaints from Trump supporters in other areas of the country , several people said that the vocal Biden support led to social consequences such as Trump-supporting friends becoming acquaintances or hear nasty insults yelled from those who dislike their Biden golf cart signs .
DePalma claims someone deliberately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scratching the front bumper .
Residents of The Villages chant in support of Biden earlier in October 2020 .
Courtesy of Paula Orlando .
Early voting figures back up the threat of a growing Democratic minority threatening Trump ’ s chances in The Villages .
By the end of the day on Wednesday , 72 % of the 105,612 registered voters in Sumter County had already either in-person or by mail .
That ’ s on track to meet or exceed 2016 total voter turnout of 84 % .
Almost 76,000 voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is nearly as many people who voted in the 2016 presidential election .
As of Thursday morning , Republicans accounted for 59 % of returned ballots , Democrats for 24 % , and 17 % were from independents or those in a minor party .
Election analysts generally warn against overinterpreting figures on early ballots returned as a sign of what ’ s to come in the election , but election guru Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report that Sumter County is his “ lone exception.
” “ If Trump is winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less , that would be a terrible sign for his chances of winning FL/reelection ( likely needs 67 % + in the final Sumter count ) , ” Wasserman tweeted Wednesday , but theorized that Trump might win “ something like 68 % -70 % , ” which would make for “ a very close race statewide in FL.
” Trump won Sumter County 68 % to Hillary Clinton ’ s 29 % in 2016 and won the state of Florida with a 49 % plurality and nearly 113,000 votes over Clinton .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotlight in June when he retweeted a video of a pro-Trump golf cart in which a Trump-supporting man , being called “ racist ” by counterprotesters yelling as he rolled by , put a fist up in the air and said , “ White power.
” Trump supporters say that the man was being sarcastic , fed up by the Democrats hurling insults at him .
Biden supporters say that the moment shocked their conscience , but that it wasn ’ t a major motivating factor that pushed anyone in the community to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing so .
Also not a large motivating factor sparking Biden support : The COVID-19 pandemic .
Biden-supporting Villagers shake their heads at Republican neighbors , huge numbers of whom are in the at-risk age group , who feel invincible and spend nights dancing in crowded courtyard concerts and bars , refusing to put their life on pause .
But even Democrats say that the community has a good handle on keeping infections down .
Republicans of The Villages aren ’ t worried about the threat of an energized Democratic minority .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s visit last week and the increased enthusiasm via campaign shirts and golf cart signs in their own ranks compared to in 2016 .
“ I do n't know who started that , or if it 's true or not true , ” said Don Eaton , an active Republican volunteer , said about the phenomenon of Trump losing support from seniors .
“ Right here , Republicans , old people , senior citizens , it ’ s ‘ Trump , Trump Trump.
’ ” That ’ s not to say all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MAGA loyalists or that they don ’ t have criticisms of Trump .
“ I voted for him , but sometimes he drives me crazy with the way he tweets , ” said Jim Menelli just after he voted for Trump on Wednesday .
“ I wish he would just keep his mouth shut.
” But Trump ’ s record on the economy and in foreign policy , along with Menelli ’ s worries about the Democratic nominee ’ s son Hunter Biden ’ s shady business ventures in China , kept him @ @ @

THE VILLAGES, Florida — Golf carts buzzing through perfectly manicured grounds in the world’s largest retiree playground could be carrying a problem for President Trump.
"There's not many of us. But, you know what? There's more of us than you think there are," said Judy Stuart, a Democratic poll observer with her cart decked out in Joe Biden gear, who never felt compelled to volunteer in politics until this year in order to oppose Trump.
Residents of The Villages, home to over 100,000 mostly white seniors and 50 golf courses, say that election tensions and enthusiasm are high. Many say there was not anywhere close to as much political paraphernalia or events here in 2016. A pro-Trump golf cart parade last weekend drew 1,250 carts.
But in the Republican stronghold, it’s easy to find supporters of the Democratic presidential nominee showing similar levels of enthusiasm, if on a smaller scale. More than 300 golf carts participated in a pro-Biden parade earlier this month. Next-door neighbors fly dueling Trump and Biden flags.
Two voters named Scott and Carrie, who declined to give their last names, nearly whispered when revealing to the Washington Examiner that they voted for Biden despite being many yards away from anyone else in the parking lot of an early voting location.
“We know very strong Trump supporters, and they actually don't know that we're voting for Biden," Carrie said.
Sumter County, where The Villages sits and makes up a majority of the population, accounts for just a small portion of the total number of votes cast statewide. It is a frequent stop for Republican candidates looking to ensure that that they win the finicky must-win swing state. Trump held a rally here on Friday, and Vice President Mike Pence visited two weeks ago.
With polls showing Trump losing support from seniors, sights are set on The Villages. If Biden can siphon off a decent percentage of votes there, Trump could have difficulty winning Florida, and ultimately, the election.
In The Villages, Florida, Gary DePalma's pro-Joe Biden golf cart catches the eye of divers. Oct. 28, 2020. (Emily Larsen/Washington Examiner)
Around a dozen Biden supporters in a handful of golf carts gather most days on the side of a busy roundabout by Lake Sumter Landing to show support for the Democratic presidential nominee. Gary DePalma has a hard-shell golf cart that could easily be mistaken for a Smart Car with a Biden logo affixed to the side.
"People in the square at nighttime, they go up to my window saying, 'Aren't you scared?' No, because we got to come out," said DePalma, who wore a makeshift piece of plastic as a face mask with a piece of paper taped to it that read, “The Villages helped to vote Trump out.” He also posts videos online of a giant stuffed teddy bear made to “talk” in support of Biden.
The small group wasn’t along in their support. In the 50 minutes that the Washington Examiner spoke to the roadside Biden supporters, at least 53 cars responded with a horn-honk in approval. Several others waved or flashed a thumbs-up.
Participants say the group occurred naturally, not as part of a Democratic Party initiative. And they’re not the only ones. Across from one of the campuses many golf courses, resident Ed McGinty leads a separate crew of roadside Biden-Harris golf carts and flash signs with more negative messages, like, “DONALD TRUMP WHITE TRASH,” and, "BIGOTS/RACIEST [sic] FLY TRUMP FLAGS."
The roadside golf cart gathering is as much an unofficial social club as it is a political activity.
Kim Daniels, 56, came to live in The Villages with her parents this year to get away from her Fox News-obsessed husband in New York but was wary of coming to such a Republican area. "I was terrified. I was even afraid to say anything," she said. But she was thrilled to see other Democrats on the side of the road, and the next day joined them to yell and "get anger out."
Fears of going against the political stream were prominent. Echoing complaints from Trump supporters in other areas of the country, several people said that the vocal Biden support led to social consequences such as Trump-supporting friends becoming acquaintances or hear nasty insults yelled from those who dislike their Biden golf cart signs. DePalma claims someone deliberately brushed his golf cart with a car, scratching the front bumper.
Residents of The Villages chant in support of Biden earlier in October 2020. Courtesy of Paula Orlando.
Early voting figures back up the threat of a growing Democratic minority threatening Trump’s chances in The Villages.
By the end of the day on Wednesday, 72% of the 105,612 registered voters in Sumter County had already cast their ballots either in-person or by mail. That’s on track to meet or exceed 2016 total voter turnout of 84%. Almost 76,000 voters have already cast their ballots, which is nearly as many people who voted in the 2016 presidential election.
As of Thursday morning, Republicans accounted for 59% of returned ballots, Democrats for 24%, and 17% were from independents or those in a minor party.
Election analysts generally warn against overinterpreting figures on early ballots returned as a sign of what’s to come in the election, but election guru Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report said that Sumter County is his “lone exception.”
“If Trump is winning them by 63%-36% or less, that would be a terrible sign for his chances of winning FL/reelection (likely needs 67%+ in the final Sumter count),” Wasserman tweeted Wednesday, but theorized that Trump might win “something like 68%-70%,” which would make for “a very close race statewide in FL.”
Trump won Sumter County 68% to Hillary Clinton’s 29% in 2016 and won the state of Florida with a 49% plurality and nearly 113,000 votes over Clinton.
(Emily Larsen/Washington Examiner)
The president propelled The Villages to the spotlight in June when he retweeted a video of a pro-Trump golf cart parade in which a Trump-supporting man, being called “racist” by counterprotesters yelling as he rolled by, put a fist up in the air and said, “White power.”
Trump supporters say that the man was being sarcastic, fed up by the Democrats hurling insults at him. Biden supporters say that the moment shocked their conscience, but that it wasn’t a major motivating factor that pushed anyone in the community to support Biden who wasn’t already doing so.
Also not a large motivating factor sparking Biden support: The COVID-19 pandemic. Biden-supporting Villagers shake their heads at Republican neighbors, huge numbers of whom are in the at-risk age group, who feel invincible and spend nights dancing in crowded courtyard concerts and bars, refusing to put their life on pause. But even Democrats say that the community has a good handle on keeping infections down.
(Emily Larsen/Washington Examiner)
Republicans of The Villages aren’t worried about the threat of an energized Democratic minority. They’re riding high on Trump’s visit last week and the increased enthusiasm via campaign shirts and golf cart signs in their own ranks compared to in 2016.
“I don't know who started that, or if it's true or not true,” said Don Eaton, an active Republican volunteer, said about the phenomenon of Trump losing support from seniors. “Right here, Republicans, old people, senior citizens, it’s ‘Trump, Trump Trump.’”
That’s not to say all of the Republicans in The Villages are full-on MAGA loyalists or that they don’t have criticisms of Trump.
“I voted for him, but sometimes he drives me crazy with the way he tweets,” said Jim Menelli just after he voted for Trump on Wednesday. “I wish he would just keep his mouth shut.”
But Trump’s record on the economy and in foreign policy, along with Menelli’s worries about the Democratic nominee’s son Hunter Biden’s shady business ventures in China, kept him voting Republican.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-29--Iowa a weakened firewall for Republican Senate control

The political fates of Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst and President Trump are intertwined , potentially costing their party Senate control or the White House or both .
Ernst was swept into office on the crest of the 2014 Republican election wave .
But with public opinion turning against Trump , even in Iowa , the first-term senator is in trouble too .
With five days until her Tuesday election , Ernst has regained her polling footing after a month of surveys giving Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield a steady edge .
The real estate executive still leads by an average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RealClearPolitics , but she does n't consistently reach that all-important 50 % support threshold .
Iowa Democratic strategist Jeff Link said Ernst was `` in a tight spot , `` not surprisingly , '' since she `` tied herself to Trump . ''
`` Strangely , she ’ s not as popular with Iowa Republicans as Trump , and that ’ s why she has been trailing Greenfield a little , '' he said of the Senate GOP conference vice chair .
University of Iowa political science professor Timothy Hagle thought Ernst could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the state 's history of ticket-splitting .
Hagle cited the 2018 midterm elections , in which a mixture of Republicans and Democrats experienced statewide success .
Another trend in Ernst 's favor is the benefit of incumbency .
Six years ago , she replaced 30-year Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin , for instance , by 8 points over her Democratic rival , then-Iowa Rep. Bruce Braley .
`` Iowa likes its incumbents , '' Hagle said .
`` Then again , this is her first reelection campaign , and incumbents tend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The professor added , `` Aside from that , one reason why Ernst may be struggling is the huge amount of money that has been poured into the campaign by pro-Greenfield groups .
Democrats saw Iowa 's Senate race as a possible pickup and have put on a full-court press here . ''
The Iowa Senate race is the second-most expensive one this cycle .
The campaigns and outside organizations have spent $ 217 million on advertising alone , second only to the North Carolina contest .
Hagle said the ads portrayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not working for Iowans .
`` That messaging seems more aimed at the Democrats ' base , and I 'm not sure it will work on independents , but the sheer volume of the money spent seems to have had an effect , '' he told the Washington Examiner .
For Drake University political science professor Dennis Goldford , those attacks countered Ernst 's inaugural Senate campaign .
The former Iowa state senator and retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel 's maiden bid leaned heavily into her `` good old Iowa country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her viral pig `` make 'em squeal '' ad in contrast to her opponent , who `` came across as a big city slicker lawyer , '' Goldford said .
He also noted that 2014 was `` a big Republican year nationwide . ''
This time around , Greenfield , a disciplined messenger , has been competing for the same votes , pitching herself as `` a farm kid . ''
Ernst 's up against low approval ratings as well .
Earlier this year , Morning Consult named her the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell and Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins .
`` On the one hand , she 'll savage Democrats , then talk about working in a bipartisan manner .
So , she 's trying to have it both ways , '' Goldford said .
And with Biden ahead of Trump on average by a single point in the White House race , Ernst 's biggest stumble came last week during her third and final debate .
During that debate , Ernst , a Senate Agriculture Committee member , could n't remember the break-even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's second-largest producer of the legume , Goldford said .
`` If she wins this time , she 'll probably be there for a while .
But she 's got a tough uphill battle , '' Goldford continued .
Democrats need to gain three to four seats in the Senate for a majority , depending on how Biden performs at the presidential level .
Ernst 's Senate race is rated a toss-up by election prognosticator Cook Political Report , along with Collins .
They are joined on the list by Republican Sens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tillis of North Carolina , Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , as well as Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue , both of Georgia .
Alabama Democratic Sen. Doug Jones is forecast to lose his seat to Republican former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville .
GOP Sens .
Martha McSally of Arizona and Cory Gardner of Colorado are similarly predicted to forfeit their seats to Democratic ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and two-term Colorado Gov .
John Hickenlooper , respectively .

The political fates of Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst and President Trump are intertwined, potentially costing their party Senate control or the White House or both.
Ernst was swept into office on the crest of the 2014 Republican election wave. But with public opinion turning against Trump, even in Iowa, the first-term senator is in trouble too.
With five days until her Tuesday election, Ernst has regained her polling footing after a month of surveys giving Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield a steady edge. The real estate executive still leads by an average of 1.8 percentage points, according to RealClearPolitics, but she doesn't consistently reach that all-important 50% support threshold.
Iowa Democratic strategist Jeff Link said Ernst was "in a tight spot, "not surprisingly," since she "tied herself to Trump."
"Strangely, she’s not as popular with Iowa Republicans as Trump, and that’s why she has been trailing Greenfield a little," he said of the Senate GOP conference vice chair.
University of Iowa political science professor Timothy Hagle thought Ernst could "run ahead of Trump," given the state's history of ticket-splitting. Hagle cited the 2018 midterm elections, in which a mixture of Republicans and Democrats experienced statewide success.
Another trend in Ernst's favor is the benefit of incumbency. Six years ago, she replaced 30-year Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin, for instance, by 8 points over her Democratic rival, then-Iowa Rep. Bruce Braley.
"Iowa likes its incumbents," Hagle said. "Then again, this is her first reelection campaign, and incumbents tend to be most vulnerable the first time."
The professor added, "Aside from that, one reason why Ernst may be struggling is the huge amount of money that has been poured into the campaign by pro-Greenfield groups. Democrats saw Iowa's Senate race as a possible pickup and have put on a full-court press here."
The Iowa Senate race is the second-most expensive one this cycle. The campaigns and outside organizations have spent $217 million on advertising alone, second only to the North Carolina contest.
Hagle said the ads portrayed Ernst as having "gone Washington" and not working for Iowans.
"That messaging seems more aimed at the Democrats' base, and I'm not sure it will work on independents, but the sheer volume of the money spent seems to have had an effect," he told the Washington Examiner.
For Drake University political science professor Dennis Goldford, those attacks countered Ernst's inaugural Senate campaign.
The former Iowa state senator and retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel's maiden bid leaned heavily into her "good old Iowa country girl with good rural values" image with her viral pig "make 'em squeal" ad in contrast to her opponent, who "came across as a big city slicker lawyer," Goldford said. He also noted that 2014 was "a big Republican year nationwide."
This time around, Greenfield, a disciplined messenger, has been competing for the same votes, pitching herself as "a farm kid."
Ernst's up against low approval ratings as well. Earlier this year, Morning Consult named her the country's third-least popular senator behind Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
"On the one hand, she'll savage Democrats, then talk about working in a bipartisan manner. So, she's trying to have it both ways," Goldford said.
And with Biden ahead of Trump on average by a single point in the White House race, Ernst's biggest stumble came last week during her third and final debate.
During that debate, Ernst, a Senate Agriculture Committee member, couldn't remember the break-even price for soybeans. Iowa is the country's second-largest producer of the legume, Goldford said.
"If she wins this time, she'll probably be there for a while. But she's got a tough uphill battle," Goldford continued.
Democrats need to gain three to four seats in the Senate for a majority, depending on how Biden performs at the presidential level.
Ernst's Senate race is rated a toss-up by election prognosticator Cook Political Report, along with Collins. They are joined on the list by Republican Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, as well as Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, both of Georgia.
Alabama Democratic Sen. Doug Jones is forecast to lose his seat to Republican former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville. GOP Sens. Martha McSally of Arizona and Cory Gardner of Colorado are similarly predicted to forfeit their seats to Democratic ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and two-term Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, respectively.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-30--Trump turns page on pandemic in closing pitch to voters

President Trump is downplaying the sharp rise in coronavirus infections in the final sprint to Election Day , staking his campaign on the notion that voters have pandemic fatigue and are ready to move on .
“ Covid , Covid , Covid is the unified chant of the Fake News Lamestream Media .
They will talk about nothing else until November 4th , ” Trump tweeted this week .
The president has voiced variations of this message on social media and at campaign rallies to dismiss the coronavirus as an overblown crisis , pointing to lower COVID-19 death rates this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this year as evidence the worst of the pandemic has passed .
With people increasingly leery of lockdowns and tired of quarantining , Trump ’ s optimistic pitch can not be dismissed out of hand , Republican strategists in Washington and across Midwestern battleground states said .
But they contend Joe Biden still has the upper hand on coronavirus messaging .
His sober treatment of the pandemic as an ongoing challenge and the No .
1 domestic threat facing the United States is more in line with where voters are on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure Trump hits the notes the right way , but there is no doubt there are folks who want things back to normal and are over all of it , ” a Republican operative in Iowa said Thursday .
“ I think if Trump understood how to properly talk about masks and science , he could pull this message off much better.
” A second Republican operative in Michigan , another competitive Midwestern battleground , said Trump ’ s argument that people have to learn how to live with the coronavirus and resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” politically if voters approved of how he has handled the pandemic and believed “ he had any sort of plan.
” Voters give Trump high marks on the economy , and , on Thursday , he was touting a fresh report showing record economic growth in the third quarter .
But the president 's approval for his handling of the coronavirus is only 40.2 % in the RealClearPolitics average .
Biden regularly outpaces Trump in surveys on the question of who would do a better job managing the pandemic .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former vice president is not deviating from his hyperfocus on the coronavirus .
On Thursday , he issued a statement marking confirmation of more than 200,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania .
On the trail in Florida , Biden said Trump has “ given up ” trying to defeat the virus .
The Republican National Committee is mocking the Democratic nominee for delivering a “ doom and gloom ” message .
Trump supporters are highlighting the president ’ s packed campaign rallies as positive signs of his political strength overall — and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , claim Trump and his supporters , Biden ’ s modest campaign events are proof that his approach is falling flat .
Priorities USA , the Biden campaign ’ s designated super PAC , said polling it has conducted has shown voters broadly disapprove of Trump ’ s decision to hold crowded campaign rallies in the midst of a pandemic .
“ Bad public health policy is bad politics , and voters are on to this , ” said Guy Cecil , chairman of Priorities USA .
“ They understand that coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president responsible for it , and they are not reacting well to the fact that he is holding mass rallies where most of the people are not wearing masks , where no one is social distancing.
” Trump contracted the coronavirus in late September .
He returned to the campaign trail about 10 days later , crediting his recovery at least partly to new therapeutic medicine , the development of which his administration helped fund and put on a fast track for availability through a program dubbed “ Operation Warp Speed.
” Five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden in most public opinion polls but remains within striking distance .
To put Trump in a better position to hold off Biden , Republican insiders were hopeful the spread of the coronavirus might recede close to Election Day or that a vaccine might be announced .
Some GOP strategists believe that is what the president needed to mitigate what they believe are self-inflicted wounds to his campaign stemming from a cavalier attitude toward the pandemic , a top issue even though COVID-19 mortality rates have declined .
None of that happened , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rates started going back up .
It could cost him , some Republicans say .
“ The thing about elections is they don ’ t always get to be about what we want them to be about from the standpoint of candidate and team , ” said Nick Everhart , a Republican strategist in Ohio .
“ In the case of the 2020 presidential race , the president is learning the hard way that even he can not simply will attention away from a pandemic that ’ s the center of everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @

President Trump is downplaying the sharp rise in coronavirus infections in the final sprint to Election Day, staking his campaign on the notion that voters have pandemic fatigue and are ready to move on.
“Covid, Covid, Covid is the unified chant of the Fake News Lamestream Media. They will talk about nothing else until November 4th,” Trump tweeted this week. The president has voiced variations of this message on social media and at campaign rallies to dismiss the coronavirus as an overblown crisis, pointing to lower COVID-19 death rates this fall compared to infection spikes that struck earlier this year as evidence the worst of the pandemic has passed.
With people increasingly leery of lockdowns and tired of quarantining, Trump’s optimistic pitch cannot be dismissed out of hand, Republican strategists in Washington and across Midwestern battleground states said. But they contend Joe Biden still has the upper hand on coronavirus messaging. His sober treatment of the pandemic as an ongoing challenge and the No. 1 domestic threat facing the United States is more in line with where voters are on the issue.
“I’m not sure Trump hits the notes the right way, but there is no doubt there are folks who want things back to normal and are over all of it,” a Republican operative in Iowa said Thursday. “I think if Trump understood how to properly talk about masks and science, he could pull this message off much better.”
A second Republican operative in Michigan, another competitive Midwestern battleground, said Trump’s argument that people have to learn how to live with the coronavirus and resume normal life might be “a plus” politically if voters approved of how he has handled the pandemic and believed “he had any sort of plan.”
Voters give Trump high marks on the economy, and, on Thursday, he was touting a fresh report showing record economic growth in the third quarter. But the president's approval for his handling of the coronavirus is only 40.2% in the RealClearPolitics average.
Biden regularly outpaces Trump in surveys on the question of who would do a better job managing the pandemic. In the campaign’s closing days, the former vice president is not deviating from his hyperfocus on the coronavirus. On Thursday, he issued a statement marking confirmation of more than 200,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania. On the trail in Florida, Biden said Trump has “given up” trying to defeat the virus.
The Republican National Committee is mocking the Democratic nominee for delivering a “doom and gloom” message. Trump supporters are highlighting the president’s packed campaign rallies as positive signs of his political strength overall — and that voters find his coronavirus rhetoric appealing. Meanwhile, claim Trump and his supporters, Biden’s modest campaign events are proof that his approach is falling flat.
Priorities USA, the Biden campaign’s designated super PAC, said polling it has conducted has shown voters broadly disapprove of Trump’s decision to hold crowded campaign rallies in the midst of a pandemic.
“Bad public health policy is bad politics, and voters are on to this,” said Guy Cecil, chairman of Priorities USA. “They understand that coronavirus cases are rising, they hold the president responsible for it, and they are not reacting well to the fact that he is holding mass rallies where most of the people are not wearing masks, where no one is social distancing.”
Trump contracted the coronavirus in late September. He returned to the campaign trail about 10 days later, crediting his recovery at least partly to new therapeutic medicine, the development of which his administration helped fund and put on a fast track for availability through a program dubbed “Operation Warp Speed.” Five days before Election Day, he trails Biden in most public opinion polls but remains within striking distance.
To put Trump in a better position to hold off Biden, Republican insiders were hopeful the spread of the coronavirus might recede close to Election Day or that a vaccine might be announced. Some GOP strategists believe that is what the president needed to mitigate what they believe are self-inflicted wounds to his campaign stemming from a cavalier attitude toward the pandemic, a top issue even though COVID-19 mortality rates have declined.
None of that happened, nor did Trump alter his approach once infection rates started going back up. It could cost him, some Republicans say.
“The thing about elections is they don’t always get to be about what we want them to be about from the standpoint of candidate and team,” said Nick Everhart, a Republican strategist in Ohio. “In the case of the 2020 presidential race, the president is learning the hard way that even he cannot simply will attention away from a pandemic that’s the center of everything in the world right now.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-30--Trump prosecutes case against Hunter Biden in campaign's final moments

Scrutiny of Hunter Biden 's international business dealings is heating up in the final days of the presidential campaign , leading to questions about whether the story is the October surprise Republicans have been waiting for or a side issue in an election fought during a pandemic .
Questions about whether Hunter Biden used his father ’ s name and influence to conduct lucrative business with foreign countries , including China and Ukraine , have gained new traction as Election Day approaches .
A recent Washington Examiner/YouGov poll that a plurality of voters believe Hunter Biden is engaged in corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case by 45 % to 27 % , although Democrats think not by a 46-point margin .
The Democratic nominee has steadfastly defended his son , but an earlier Washington Examiner/YouGov poll the public was split on whether they believed him .
According to the survey , 41 % said they thought the elder Biden had been honest about his son ’ s activities , but 45 % disagreed .
Most participants in a focus group by Republican pollster Frank Luntz after the final presidential debate were interested in learning more about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been critical of President Trump talking about them at the expense of the economy and COVID-19 .
Tucker Carlson ’ s Fox News interview with former Hunter Biden business associate Tony Bobulinski , who alleges the Democratic nominee knew more about his son ’ s dealings than he admits , drew huge ratings .
“ I have never seen a politician at a national level be elected to office when America knew there was a corruption problem that they had , ” said Republican strategist Mark Smith .
“ We got Jimmy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some journalists have dismissed the focus on Hunter Biden as a distraction , even Russian disinformation .
When the New York Post obtained what are believed to be emails from the younger Biden ’ s laptop that appeared to suggest he had arranged for his father to meet with a Ukrainian businessman while he served as vice president and the Obama administration ’ s point man on the country , social media companies effectively blocked users from sharing the story .
This raises the possibility that the Hunter Biden story is confined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remaining persuadable voters .
Many viewers of the Bobulinski interview , for example , may already be Trump supporters .
“ I do n't think Hunter Biden 's story will move the needle with voters , ” said Republican strategist Noelle Nikpour .
“ But if Biden wins , this will be a major problem going forward .
They 'll definitely investigate , and Joe Biden could find himself in hot water , and either have a long investigation and possibly step down and hand the office to [ Kamala ] Harris.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to benefit Trump .
“ Focusing on Hunter/Joe and China will not be an issue voters can relate to , care about , and will be angry enough to motivate them to vote , ” Nikpour said .
“ The real issues are COVID , economy , jobs , and the marketplace.
” That hasn ’ t stopped Trump from trying .
“ I do n't make money from Russia .
You made three and a half million dollars , Joe , and your son gave you , ” he said at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrown out of the military .
He was thrown out , dishonorably discharged for cocaine use , ” Trump said in the first debate .
Democrats have countered that it is the Trump family whose business dealings should be scrutinized .
“ I mean his family we could talk about all night , ” Biden said in the first debate .
“ This is not about his family or my family .
It ’ s about your family.
” In 2016 , Trump had an effect highlighting the Clintons ’ financial success following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters now say that Clinton scandals received an inordinate amount of coverage compared to those involving Trump , contributing to their reluctance to delve deeply into Hunter Biden .
National Public Radio ’ s managing editor called the Hunter Biden reports “ stories that are not really stories.
” Critics have also pointed to the role Rudy Giuliani , a Trump ally and attorney , played in securing the younger Biden ’ s laptops .

Scrutiny of Hunter Biden's international business dealings is heating up in the final days of the presidential campaign, leading to questions about whether the story is the October surprise Republicans have been waiting for or a side issue in an election fought during a pandemic.
Questions about whether Hunter Biden used his father’s name and influence to conduct lucrative business with foreign countries, including China and Ukraine, have gained new traction as Election Day approaches.
A recent Washington Examiner/YouGov poll found that a plurality of voters believe Hunter Biden is engaged in corruption. Independents suspect this to be the case by 45% to 27%, although Democrats think not by a 46-point margin. The Democratic nominee has steadfastly defended his son, but an earlier Washington Examiner/YouGov poll found the public was split on whether they believed him. According to the survey, 41% said they thought the elder Biden had been honest about his son’s activities, but 45% disagreed.
Most participants in a focus group by Republican pollster Frank Luntz after the final presidential debate were interested in learning more about the Hunter Biden allegations, though Luntz himself has been critical of President Trump talking about them at the expense of the economy and COVID-19. Tucker Carlson’s Fox News interview with former Hunter Biden business associate Tony Bobulinski, who alleges the Democratic nominee knew more about his son’s dealings than he admits, drew huge ratings.
“I have never seen a politician at a national level be elected to office when America knew there was a corruption problem that they had,” said Republican strategist Mark Smith. “We got Jimmy Carter because of corruption.”
Democrats and some journalists have dismissed the focus on Hunter Biden as a distraction, even Russian disinformation. When the New York Post obtained what are believed to be emails from the younger Biden’s laptop that appeared to suggest he had arranged for his father to meet with a Ukrainian businessman while he served as vice president and the Obama administration’s point man on the country, social media companies effectively blocked users from sharing the story.
This raises the possibility that the Hunter Biden story is confined to the conservative press and may not reach the remaining persuadable voters. Many viewers of the Bobulinski interview, for example, may already be Trump supporters.
“I don't think Hunter Biden's story will move the needle with voters,” said Republican strategist Noelle Nikpour. “But if Biden wins, this will be a major problem going forward. They'll definitely investigate, and Joe Biden could find himself in hot water, and either have a long investigation and possibly step down and hand the office to [Kamala] Harris.”
Such speculation might not be enough to benefit Trump.
“Focusing on Hunter/Joe and China will not be an issue voters can relate to, care about, and will be angry enough to motivate them to vote,” Nikpour said. “The real issues are COVID, economy, jobs, and the marketplace.”
That hasn’t stopped Trump from trying. “I don't make money from Russia. You made three and a half million dollars, Joe, and your son gave you,” he said at the final presidential debate.
“Hunter got thrown out of the military. He was thrown out, dishonorably discharged for cocaine use,” Trump said in the first debate.
Democrats have countered that it is the Trump family whose business dealings should be scrutinized. “I mean his family we could talk about all night,” Biden said in the first debate. “This is not about his family or my family. It’s about your family.”
In 2016, Trump had an effect highlighting the Clintons’ financial success following a career in public service. Some reporters now say that Clinton scandals received an inordinate amount of coverage compared to those involving Trump, contributing to their reluctance to delve deeply into Hunter Biden.
National Public Radio’s managing editor called the Hunter Biden reports “stories that are not really stories.”
Critics have also pointed to the role Rudy Giuliani, a Trump ally and attorney, played in securing the younger Biden’s laptops.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-30--Facebook, Trump, and the fight to win Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH — When thousands of Trump supporters , in an estimated 2,000 cars and trucks , gathered for the `` Interstate 70 Trump Train , '' a road rally covering Ohio , West Virginia , and Pennsylvania last weekend , I asked many of them how they had learned about the event .
Nearly every person said they heard about it on Facebook .
That was especially important , they added , because there was little or no news coverage of such events .
This weekend , there will be another giant car and truck rally , the `` Pro-Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one across the highway that joins eastern and western Pennsylvania .
I asked the organizer how he is getting the word out .
The answer : Facebook .
In late September , there was yet another road rally that also included a traditional gathering in a square in North Huntingdon Township , about half an hour east of Pittsburgh .
It was organized , of course , on Facebook .
Everybody sees Trump rallies .
In the final days of the campaign , the president is flying around the country , holding big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a striking contrast to the small , restrained gatherings held by Democratic challenger Joe Biden .
But the heart of the Trump campaign has nothing , officially , to do with the Trump campaign .
There is a pro-Trump movement that has grown up organically in Pennsylvania , perhaps the most important swing state in the 2020 election .
All on their own , without the help of the campaign or the Republican Party , devoted Trump supporters are organizing for what they believe will be a Trump victory .
And they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to imagine the level of organizing that is currently going on without the social media giant .
Yet at the same time , the very people who are using Facebook to organize pro-Trump events in Pennsylvania are also chafing under Facebook 's restrictions on their ability to discuss politics with like-minded people in their own state and around the country .
`` Facebook shut me down twice in two days , '' said Ed Kroupa , of Penn Township , who is organizing Sunday 's turnpike rally .
`` They disabled my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups . ''
The Facebook crackdown happened after Kroupa posted articles that did not meet the approval of Facebook 's censors .
And when , because of that , he was denied access to the site , that meant he was also denied the ability to organize as well .
And that means there are times when he has no access to his main organizing tool .
When I asked about events coming up in the next couple of days , Kroupa said , `` I do n't know , I ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Destro and his friend Dan Sudsina organized the September rally , which attracted about 1,200 vehicles .
They created a Facebook page called the Pro-Trump NHT Rally , with NHT standing for North Huntingdon Township .
`` Facebook was huge in [ organizing ] that , '' Destro told me .
`` We would not have been able to get that many people involved in it if we had not had a platform like Facebook . ''
Now , Destro wants to keep the page going — it is a private group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where people can discuss the news .
But he is constantly running into Facebook 's censorship .
`` I would love to go in there and start a discussion about the Hunter Biden emails , '' Destro told me .
`` But Facebook is going to take those pages down . ''
Destro has also found that his members can not mention the name of the man widely discussed as being the whistleblower in the complaint that led to President Trump 's impeachment .
`` You still ca n't say it on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 18 years old , of Westmoreland County , became something of a star of the WalkAway campaign last summer , when she published ( on Facebook ) an account of her earlier support for Bernie Sanders and her conversion to conservatism and support for President Trump .
She is also helping Kroupa organize the coming turnpike rally , which inevitably involves Facebook .
But she , too , has had to deal with Facebook 's suppression of political speech .
She discovered that when she started a small group , `` Dissecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she and her friends post news articles and discuss them .
`` Every day , I get at least one notification that this or that post was taken down because it violates community guidelines , '' Mulhern told me .
`` It 's irritating . ''
It 's more than irritating for Trump supporters engaged in a determined bid to overcome the odds against Trump 's reelection .
Some of the supporters most inclined to get involved in organizing for Trump ( on their own , without the assistance of the campaign or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run afoul of Facebook 's censorship .
When Facebook cracks down on them , and locks them out of the site , it cracks down on their ability to organize for Trump .
The censorship has brought the wrath of Washington Republicans down on Facebook and other social media giants ( Twitter , especially , at the moment ) .
But talks with pro-Trump activists in this key state show what a complicated issue social media is in today 's campaigning .
Yes , Facebook infuriates them and infringes on free expression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organize a 2,000-car rally for Trump .
And right now , with the election just days away , that is critical .

PITTSBURGH — When thousands of Trump supporters, in an estimated 2,000 cars and trucks, gathered for the "Interstate 70 Trump Train," a road rally covering Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania last weekend, I asked many of them how they had learned about the event. Nearly every person said they heard about it on Facebook. That was especially important, they added, because there was little or no news coverage of such events.
This weekend, there will be another giant car and truck rally, the "Pro-Trump PA Turnpike Relay Parade," this one across the highway that joins eastern and western Pennsylvania. I asked the organizer how he is getting the word out. The answer: Facebook.
In late September, there was yet another road rally that also included a traditional gathering in a square in North Huntingdon Township, about half an hour east of Pittsburgh. It was organized, of course, on Facebook.
Everybody sees Trump rallies. In the final days of the campaign, the president is flying around the country, holding big, raucous events at airports that create a striking contrast to the small, restrained gatherings held by Democratic challenger Joe Biden. But the heart of the Trump campaign has nothing, officially, to do with the Trump campaign. There is a pro-Trump movement that has grown up organically in Pennsylvania, perhaps the most important swing state in the 2020 election. All on their own, without the help of the campaign or the Republican Party, devoted Trump supporters are organizing for what they believe will be a Trump victory.
And they are doing it with Facebook. It is hard to imagine the level of organizing that is currently going on without the social media giant.
Yet, at the same time, the very people who are using Facebook to organize pro-Trump events in Pennsylvania are also chafing under Facebook's restrictions on their ability to discuss politics with like-minded people in their own state and around the country.
"Facebook shut me down twice in two days," said Ed Kroupa of Penn Township, who is organizing Sunday's turnpike rally. "They disabled my ability to share and post in other groups." The Facebook crackdown happened after Kroupa posted articles that did not meet the approval of Facebook's censors. And when, because of that, he was denied access to the site, that meant he was also denied the ability to organize as well. And that means there are times when he has no access to his main organizing tool. When I asked about events coming up in the next couple of days, Kroupa said, "I don't know, I can't get on Facebook right now."
Mike Destro and his friend Dan Sudsina organized the September rally, which attracted about 1,200 vehicles. They created a Facebook page called the Pro-Trump NHT Rally, with NHT standing for North Huntingdon Township. "Facebook was huge in [organizing] that," Destro told me. "We would not have been able to get that many people involved in it if we had not had a platform like Facebook."
Now, Destro wants to keep the page going — it is a private group with 3,488 members — as a place where people can discuss the news. But he is constantly running into Facebook's censorship. "I would love to go in there and start a discussion about the Hunter Biden emails," Destro told me. "But Facebook is going to take those pages down." Destro has also found that his members cannot mention the name of the man widely discussed as being the whistleblower in the complaint that led to President Trump's impeachment. "You still can't say it on Facebook," Destro said.
Belle Mulhern, 18 years old, of Westmoreland County, became something of a star of the WalkAway campaign last summer, when she published (on Facebook) an account of her earlier support for Bernie Sanders and her conversion to conservatism and support for President Trump. She is also helping Kroupa organize the coming turnpike rally, which inevitably involves Facebook. But she, too, has had to deal with Facebook's suppression of political speech. She discovered that when she started a small group, "Dissecting the Fake News," in which she and her friends post news articles and discuss them. "Every day, I get at least one notification that this or that post was taken down because it violates community guidelines," Mulhern told me. "It's irritating."
It's more than irritating for Trump supporters engaged in a determined bid to overcome the odds against Trump's reelection. Some of the supporters most inclined to get involved in organizing for Trump (on their own, without the assistance of the campaign or party) are also the most likely to run afoul of Facebook's censorship. When Facebook cracks down on them, and locks them out of the site, it cracks down on their ability to organize for Trump.
The censorship has brought the wrath of Washington Republicans down on Facebook and other social media giants (Twitter, especially, at the moment). But talks with pro-Trump activists in this key state show what a complicated issue social media is in today's campaigning. Yes, Facebook infuriates them and infringes on free expression. But it also allows them to organize a 2,000-car rally for Trump. And right now, with the election just days away, that is critical.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-31--Florida's Rick Scott slams 'socialist' Biden and Democrats in Trump campaign call with Guaido ally

Florida Sen. Rick Scott invoked Venezuela in a Friday night attack on the Democratic Party and its presidential nominee , Joe Biden , just days out from Election Day .
`` Joe Biden gets elected , [ Venezuelan President Nicolas ] Maduro stays in power , '' the Republican told reporters on a Trump campaign call with Roberto Marrero , the former chief of staff to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido .
Biden `` has never held a dictator accountable .
He even complimented Nicolas Maduro on his hair in 2015 , '' Scott continued .
`` Trump 's willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we know Biden will never stand up against the thugs . ''
He continued : `` The Democrat Party has become a socialist party . ''
Marrero also criticized Biden , referring to his eight years as vice president during the Obama administration .
`` Biden did not do anything for eight years , and now , he wants to do everything in one week , '' Marrero said .
The Trump administration recognized Guaido as president of the Venezuelan National Assembly in early 2019 , but Guaido 's efforts to wrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short .
Richard Grenell , a longtime State Department official who served as President Trump 's acting director of national intelligence from February to May , met secretly last month in Mexico with a close ally of Maduro to discuss a potential peaceful transition of power , Bloomberg reported .
However , the talks did not succeed .
Asked how the White House might ensure a successful outcome if the president were to win a second term , Scott said the Trump administration would continue its current pressure campaign , conceding that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult . ''
`` The Europeans have not been helpful , in my opinion , '' Scott added .
He continued : `` What 's going to happen with the Trump administration is they 're going to proceed to help — they 've done a lot of stuff with humanitarian aid , working with Juan Guaido .
They will continue to , just like I have , talk to people all over the world about the problem with the goal that , at some point , through sanctions , through international pressure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pariah that he would have to leave . ''
Scott , who previously served as Florida 's governor , is not up for reelection this year .
Bilingual radio advertisements from the right-leaning Hispanic Leadership Fund targeted 750,000 people in South Florida this month , calling on voters to distinguish between Trump 's talk of `` supporting '' Venezuelan and Cuban people while denying U.S. immigrants from those countries who have temporary protected status as refugees .
“ Trump says he opposes socialism , but he spurns those of us who escaped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our families don ’ t deserve to be forced back and made to suffer.
” In September , the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a block on a Trump administration policy to phase out temporary protected status , or TPS , for refugees from several Central American countries .
U.S. policy in Latin America has been used as a cudgel by both parties in the race for the White House this year .
The Biden campaign seized on Trump 's admission in an interview with Axios this summer that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and held reservations about recognizing Guaido as Venezuela 's legitimate leader .
Meanwhile , Trump 's appeals to Florida 's Hispanic voters , a key voting bloc , have for months been at the forefront of his campaign 's efforts .
When Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg died in September , Trump was quick to land on federal appeals court Judge Barbara Lagoa , a Miami native , as a possible contender for the seat .
“ I ’ ve heard incredible things about her .
I don ’ t know her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ She ’ s Hispanic and highly respected , '' he said , before adding , `` Miami.
” Trump ultimately picked appeals court Judge Amy Coney Barrett , who was confirmed by the Senate this week .
This month , the Trump campaign released 'Por Trump , ' a new Spanish-language campaign song .
The race is neck and neck in Florida , where early vote counts Friday showed that nearly 8 million preelection ballots have already been cast , surpassing the 2016 early vote count .
Twenty-nine electoral votes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 percentage point , according to a RealClearPolitics average of recent polls .
Four days out from Election Day in 2016 , Hillary Clinton held an identical 1-point average lead over Trump in Florida , who won the race by more than 110,000 votes .
Both campaigns have sought to maximize their turnout in the state , with Democrats sending former President Barack Obama to Miami and Orlando and Trump and Biden holding dueling rallies on Thursday .
Sen. Kamala Harris , Biden 's running mate , will make three campaign stops in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami-Dade County , where the population is about 70 % Hispanic , according to the U.S. Census Bureau .
Lara Trump , the president 's daughter-in-law and a top campaign adviser , will visit Florida on Monday .

Florida Sen. Rick Scott invoked Venezuela in a Friday night attack on the Democratic Party and its presidential nominee, Joe Biden, just days out from Election Day.
"Joe Biden gets elected, [Venezuelan President Nicolas] Maduro stays in power," the Republican told reporters on a Trump campaign call with Roberto Marrero, the former chief of staff to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.
Biden "has never held a dictator accountable. He even complimented Nicolas Maduro on his hair in 2015," Scott continued. "Trump's willing to stand up against these thugs. And we know Biden will never stand up against the thugs."
"The Democrat Party has become a socialist party," he said of the Democratic Party.
Marrero also criticized Biden, referring to his eight years as vice president during the Obama administration.
"Biden did not do anything for eight years, and now, he wants to do everything in one week," Marrero said.
The Trump administration recognized Guaido as president of the Venezuelan National Assembly in early 2019, but Guaido's efforts to wrest power from Maduro have so far fallen short.
Richard Grenell, a longtime State Department official who served as President Trump's acting director of national intelligence from February to May, met secretly last month in Mexico with a close ally of Maduro to discuss a potential peaceful transition of power, Bloomberg reported. However, the talks did not succeed.
Asked how the White House might ensure a successful outcome if the president were to win a second term, Scott said the Trump administration would continue its current pressure campaign, conceding that "getting rid of a dictator is very difficult."
"The Europeans have not been helpful, in my opinion," Scott added.
He continued: "What's going to happen with the Trump administration is they're going to proceed to help — they've done a lot of stuff with humanitarian aid, working with Juan Guaido. They will continue to, just like I have, talk to people all over the world about the problem with the goal that, at some point, through sanctions, through international pressure, Maduro will be perceived to be such a pariah that he would have to leave."
Scott, who previously served as Florida's governor, is not up for reelection this year.
Bilingual radio advertisements from the right-leaning Hispanic Leadership Fund targeted 750,000 people in South Florida this month, calling on voters to distinguish between Trump's talk of "supporting" Venezuelan and Cuban people while denying U.S. immigrants from those countries who have temporary protected status as refugees.
“Trump says he opposes socialism, but he spurns those of us who escaped it,” reads one ad. “Our families don’t deserve to be forced back and made to suffer.”
In September, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a block on a Trump administration policy to phase out temporary protected status, or TPS, for refugees from several Central American countries.
U.S. policy in Latin America has been used as a cudgel by both parties in the race for the White House this year.
The Biden campaign seized on Trump's admission in an interview with Axios this summer that he was open to meeting with Maduro and held reservations about recognizing Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader.
Meanwhile, Trump's appeals to Florida's Hispanic voters, a key voting bloc, have for months been at the forefront of his campaign's efforts.
When Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg died in September, Trump was quick to land on federal appeals court Judge Barbara Lagoa, a Miami native, as a possible contender for the seat.
“I’ve heard incredible things about her. I don’t know her,” Trump said at the time. “She’s Hispanic and highly respected," he said, before adding, "Miami.” Trump ultimately picked appeals court Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who was confirmed by the Senate this week.
This month, the Trump campaign released 'Por Trump,' a new Spanish-language campaign song.
The race is neck and neck in Florida, where early vote counts Friday showed that nearly 8 million preelection ballots have already been cast, surpassing the 2016 early vote count. Twenty-nine electoral votes are at stake.
Biden leads Trump by 1 percentage point, according to a RealClearPolitics average of recent polls.
Four days out from Election Day in 2016, Hillary Clinton held an identical 1-point average lead over Trump in Florida, who won the race by more than 110,000 votes.
Both campaigns have sought to maximize their turnout in the state, with Democrats sending former President Barack Obama to Miami and Orlando and Trump and Biden holding dueling rallies on Thursday.
Sen. Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate, will make three campaign stops in South Florida on Saturday, including in Miami-Dade County, where the population is about 70% Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Lara Trump, the president's daughter-in-law and a top campaign adviser, will visit Florida on Monday.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-31--Keep November clear: Trump campaign considers post-election rallies while votes are counted

Whether a winner is declared on Election Day or not , top Trump surrogates have been asked to remain available for potential post-election rallies .
Those rallies may even take place while votes are still being counted , according to Trump campaign advisers .
The campaign is considering a `` morale boost '' tour for supporters in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania and North Carolina , similar to the `` thank you '' tour President Trump went on after his 2016 upset , according to Politico .
In that tour , Trump visited Ohio , Iowa , Michigan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to revel in his victory with the supporters who paved his way to the White House .
He was joined by the likes of Diamond and Silk , Hope Hicks , and Kellyanne Conway .
`` Do n't miscount the fact that Trump will continue to do rallies while they 're still counting votes , ” one adviser to the Trump campaign told the outlet .
A campaign aide said that despite discussions of a potential tour , no decisions have been made regarding where he would go or who would accompany him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have results in Michigan and North Carolina or Pennsylvania and Nevada on Nov. 4 , he might hit those states individually , '' the aide said .
The coronavirus pandemic has affected an unprecedented level of mail-in voting and expanded early voting .
In some states , such as Texas , more people have voted before Election Day than the total number of voters in 2016 .
But all those ballots have to be counted , and in 34 states , mail-in ballots are not allowed to be counted until Election Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not allowed to start counting until after the polls have closed , according to Ballotpedia .
Many states this year have also expanded how long after Election Day they will accept ballots to be counted .
This week , the Supreme Court ruled that North Carolina can accept ballots up to nine days after Election Day as long as they 're postmarked by Tuesday .
The high court also ruled that Pennsylvania can accept ballots after Election Day .
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Trump campaign for further comment .

Whether a winner is declared on Election Day or not, top Trump surrogates have been asked to remain available for potential post-election rallies.
Those rallies may even take place while votes are still being counted, according to Trump campaign advisers. The campaign is considering a "morale boost" tour for supporters in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania and North Carolina, similar to the "thank you" tour President Trump went on after his 2016 upset, according to Politico.
In that tour, Trump visited Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Alabama — allowing Trump to revel in his victory with the supporters who paved his way to the White House. He was joined by the likes of Diamond and Silk, Hope Hicks, and Kellyanne Conway.
"Don't miscount the fact that Trump will continue to do rallies while they're still counting votes,” one adviser to the Trump campaign told the outlet.
A campaign aide said that despite discussions of a potential tour, no decisions have been made regarding where he would go or who would accompany him. "If we still don’t have results in Michigan and North Carolina or Pennsylvania and Nevada on Nov. 4, he might hit those states individually," the aide said.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected an unprecedented level of mail-in voting and expanded early voting. In some states, such as Texas, more people have voted before Election Day than the total number of voters in 2016. But all those ballots have to be counted, and in 34 states, mail-in ballots are not allowed to be counted until Election Day — and 17 of those states are not allowed to start counting until after the polls have closed, according to Ballotpedia.
Many states this year have also expanded how long after Election Day they will accept ballots to be counted. This week, the Supreme Court ruled that North Carolina can accept ballots up to nine days after Election Day as long as they're postmarked by Tuesday. The high court also ruled that Pennsylvania can accept ballots after Election Day.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Trump campaign for further comment.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-30--Trump campaign slams Minnesota officials for limiting Trump rally at last minute

President Trump 's reelection campaign slammed `` free speech stifling dictates '' in Minnesota that will limit attendance at a Friday evening rally , billing the move as a partisan shot by the state 's Democratic leadership .
`` Trump will be speaking to the people assembled there , but he will also be speaking directly to every citizen who lives in one of these Democratic lockdown states , '' Trump 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh told reporters on a call .
`` Now , the president wants everyone to be safe and take precautions , but he knows that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden represents lockdown , along with the Democratic governors in the states , '' he added .
The Trump campaign lashed out at Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison , both Democrats , late Thursday over directives to restrict attendance at the Friday rally .
The notice came after Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden announced a socially distanced drive-in rally in St. Paul at 3:30 p.m. , 90 minutes before the start of Trump ’ s event , his fourth campaign visit to the state this year .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president would simply cancel the event , but he will not allow partisan politicians to deprive people of their First Amendment rights to gather peacefully to hear directly from the president , '' said Republican nominee for Minnesota 's 7th Congressional District Michelle Fischbach .
`` Biden is playing defense in a state won by Hillary Clinton , '' Murtaugh added .
Trump came close to winning the state in 2016 , missing by about 40,000 votes .
Fischbach said on the call that Biden 's last-minute campaign stop to a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly half a century ... should tell you everything you need to know about the state of this race . ''
Biden leads Trump by 5 percentage points among likely voters , 48 % to 43 % , according to RealClearPolitics 's average of recent Minnesota polls .
The 250-person limit on outdoor rallies in Minnesota was imposed because Biden “ can ’ t draw flies , ” Trump told reporters outside of the White House on Friday .
`` We ’ re having a problem with some people in Minnesota where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he can ’ t draw flies .
He can ’ t draw anybody .
Gets a few cars , I guess , and they honk their horns , '' Trump said .
Stopping at a rally in Michigan , Trump claimed Minnesota 's Democratic leaders were `` scamming us '' and said that `` they thought I ’ d cancel , but I ’ m not canceling , and we ’ ll find out what happens . ''
Trump and Biden will go head-to-head again on Saturday in Pennsylvania , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @

President Trump's reelection campaign slammed "free speech stifling dictates" in Minnesota that will limit attendance at a Friday evening rally, billing the move as a partisan shot by the state's Democratic leadership.
"Trump will be speaking to the people assembled there, but he will also be speaking directly to every citizen who lives in one of these Democratic lockdown states," Trump 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh told reporters on a call.
"Now, the president wants everyone to be safe and take precautions, but he knows that we need to keep reopening America. Biden represents lockdown, along with the Democratic governors in the states," he added.
The Trump campaign lashed out at Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, both Democrats, late Thursday over directives to restrict attendance at the Friday rally.
The notice came after Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden announced a socially distanced drive-in rally in St. Paul at 3:30 p.m., 90 minutes before the start of Trump’s event, his fourth campaign visit to the state this year.
"Without question, Minnesota Democrats had hoped the president would simply cancel the event, but he will not allow partisan politicians to deprive people of their First Amendment rights to gather peacefully to hear directly from the president," said Republican nominee for Minnesota's 7th Congressional District Michelle Fischbach.
"Biden is playing defense in a state won by Hillary Clinton," Murtaugh added. Trump came close to winning the state in 2016, missing by about 40,000 votes.
Fischbach said on the call that Biden's last-minute campaign stop to a state that "Democrats have safely held for nearly half a century ... should tell you everything you need to know about the state of this race."
Biden leads Trump by 5 percentage points among likely voters, 48% to 43%, according to RealClearPolitics's average of recent Minnesota polls.
The 250-person limit on outdoor rallies in Minnesota was imposed because Biden “can’t draw flies,” Trump told reporters outside of the White House on Friday.
"We’re having a problem with some people in Minnesota where they have a cap because Biden goes there, and he can’t draw flies. He can’t draw anybody. Gets a few cars, I guess, and they honk their horns," Trump said.
Stopping at a rally in Michigan, Trump claimed Minnesota's Democratic leaders were "scamming us" and said that "they thought I’d cancel, but I’m not canceling, and we’ll find out what happens."
Trump and Biden will go head-to-head again on Saturday in Pennsylvania, where Trump has four campaign events scheduled.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-30--Email shows Democratic congressman voicing support for ex-Hunter Biden business associate Tony Bobul

Email shows Democratic congressman voicing support for ex-Hunter Biden business associate Tony Bobulinski

A Democratic congressman who received campaign donations from former Hunter Biden business associate Tony Bobulinski told the Navy veteran that he would defend him against claims that he was a `` partisan hack '' following his allegations about the Biden family 's overseas business ventures .
In an email to Bobulinski on Friday , Rep. Ro Khanna of California said that Bobulinski has `` always acted honorably '' with him and that he would continue to defend him in the media .
`` You have always acted honorably with me , and you and other family members supported me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have asked the same thing .
... You have never been a 'partisan hack ' in our interactions and have talked about putting country over party .
I have also made it clear that I do not think you are a Russian agent .
I will continue to make that statement to any media that asks , '' Khanna wrote in the email obtained by Fox News .
The congressman mentioned he gave an on-the-record statement to the New York Times specifically conveying this message .
Bobulinski has made a number of allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business deals and attempts to profit off their connection to Vice President Joe Biden .
In an hourlong interview with Fox New 's Tucker Carlson , Bobulinski claimed that he had firsthand knowledge that the former vice president was aware of the Biden family 's business dealings in China , a claim that the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee has denied .
Bobulinski has also handed over a cache of hundreds of documents containing emails , WhatsApp messages , texts , and business documents to the media , the FBI , and the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A spokesperson for the Senate panel told the Washington Examiner that it has verified the legitimacy of all of the documents that it has reviewed to date , though the committee did not say what files have been verified or whether those documents give credence to Bobulinski 's allegations .
After Bobulinski went public with his story , the Wall Street Journal , which was pitched by a team of Trump allies to investigate Bobulinski 's claims , published a report that covered a small piece of what the newsroom had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not find any evidence to verify Bobulinski 's claims in any records .
`` Corporate records reviewed by the Wall Street Journal show no role for Joe Biden , '' it said .
`` Text messages and emails related to the venture that were provided to the Journal by Mr. Bobulinski , mainly from the spring and summer of 2017 , don ’ t show either Hunter Biden or James Biden discussing a role for Joe Biden in the venture . ''
In his email to Bobulinski , Khanna added that he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of Bobulinski 's allegations because he does n't `` have any personal knowledge '' related to the claims .
Donor records show that Bobulinski and his family members have given a number of donations to support Khanna 's congressional bids .
Bobulinski has also supported Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey , who is also a Democrat .

A Democratic congressman who received campaign donations from former Hunter Biden business associate Tony Bobulinski told the Navy veteran that he would defend him against claims that he was a "partisan hack" following his allegations about the Biden family's overseas business ventures.
In an email to Bobulinski on Friday, Rep. Ro Khanna of California said that Bobulinski has "always acted honorably" with him and that he would continue to defend him in the media.
"You have always acted honorably with me, and you and other family members supported me. I have told any media outlets that have asked the same thing. ... You have never been a 'partisan hack' in our interactions and have talked about putting country over party. I have also made it clear that I do not think you are a Russian agent. I will continue to make that statement to any media that asks," Khanna wrote in the email obtained by Fox News.
The congressman mentioned he gave an on-the-record statement to the New York Times specifically conveying this message.
Email this morning from @RoKhanna to Tony Bobulinski. The redactions are mine pic.twitter.com/EA2bsusSJY — John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) October 30, 2020
Bobulinski has made a number of allegations against the Biden family regarding their international business deals and attempts to profit off their connection to Vice President Joe Biden. In an hourlong interview with Fox New's Tucker Carlson, Bobulinski claimed that he had firsthand knowledge that the former vice president was aware of the Biden family's business dealings in China, a claim that the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee has denied.
Bobulinski has also handed over a cache of hundreds of documents containing emails, WhatsApp messages, texts, and business documents to the media, the FBI, and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. A spokesperson for the Senate panel told the Washington Examiner that it has verified the legitimacy of all of the documents that it has reviewed to date, though the committee did not say what files have been verified or whether those documents give credence to Bobulinski's allegations.
After Bobulinski went public with his story, the Wall Street Journal, which was pitched by a team of Trump allies to investigate Bobulinski's claims, published a report that covered a small piece of what the newsroom had been working on, concluding that it could not find any evidence to verify Bobulinski's claims in any records. "Corporate records reviewed by the Wall Street Journal show no role for Joe Biden," it said. "Text messages and emails related to the venture that were provided to the Journal by Mr. Bobulinski, mainly from the spring and summer of 2017, don’t show either Hunter Biden or James Biden discussing a role for Joe Biden in the venture."
In his email to Bobulinski, Khanna added that he has "refused to comment on the details" of Bobulinski's allegations because he doesn't "have any personal knowledge" related to the claims.
Donor records show that Bobulinski and his family members have given a number of donations to support Khanna's congressional bids. Bobulinski has also supported Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who is also a Democrat.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-30--Tom Perez floated as possible contender for Biden's attorney general pick

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez is reportedly being considered as a possible pick for attorney general , should a Biden administration occur .
Perez 's name was first floated by Politico , which reports that allies around Perez are advocating on his behalf for a potential role in the administration .
`` He 's in the mix , '' said Oscar Ramirez , a Democratic lobbyist who worked in the Obama administration and is active with Democrats in the Latino community .
Perez 's name was also included in a list of potential candidates by the Denver-based law and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perez served as labor secretary during the Obama administration and served as a civil rights attorney in the Justice Department .
He 's been the DNC 's leader since 2017 .
However , Perez 's chances may lie in the Senate and whether Democrats can take the majority from the GOP , given that no Republicans voted to confirm him as labor secretary in 2013 .
Other names that have been floated for roles within the Biden administration include Sen. Elizabeth Warren for treasury secretary and New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Warren said the Massachusetts Democrat is focused on Election Day , Democratic officials who spoke to Politico anonymously said they believe Warren will pitch herself for the position if Biden wins the presidency .
“ She wants it , ” one of the officials reportedly said .
Cuomo brushed off rumors of him having a place in a Biden Cabinet , saying he is more interested in remaining governor of New York than going to Washington .
One name Biden himself welcomed is the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buttigieg .
`` I did speak to Pete Buttigieg a couple days ago to encourage him to stay engaged because he has enormous talent , and I indicated to him that if I became the nominee , I ’ d come and ask him to be part of an administration , ” Biden said back in March .
Biden has been consistently leading in national and state polls ahead of President Trump .
Election Day is four days away .

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez is reportedly being considered as a possible pick for attorney general, should a Biden administration occur.
Perez's name was first floated by Politico, which reports that allies around Perez are advocating on his behalf for a potential role in the administration.
"He's in the mix," said Oscar Ramirez, a Democratic lobbyist who worked in the Obama administration and is active with Democrats in the Latino community.
Perez's name was also included in a list of potential candidates by the Denver-based law and lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.
Perez served as labor secretary during the Obama administration and served as a civil rights attorney in the Justice Department. He's been the DNC's leader since 2017.
However, Perez's chances may lie in the Senate and whether Democrats can take the majority from the GOP, given that no Republicans voted to confirm him as labor secretary in 2013.
Other names that have been floated for roles within the Biden administration include Sen. Elizabeth Warren for treasury secretary and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also for attorney general.
Though a spokeswoman for Warren said the Massachusetts Democrat is focused on Election Day, Democratic officials who spoke to Politico anonymously said they believe Warren will pitch herself for the position if Biden wins the presidency.
“She wants it,” one of the officials reportedly said.
Cuomo brushed off rumors of him having a place in a Biden Cabinet, saying he is more interested in remaining governor of New York than going to Washington.
One name Biden himself welcomed is the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana (and onetime primary rival), Pete Buttigieg.
"I did speak to Pete Buttigieg a couple days ago to encourage him to stay engaged because he has enormous talent, and I indicated to him that if I became the nominee, I’d come and ask him to be part of an administration,” Biden said back in March.
Biden has been consistently leading in national and state polls ahead of President Trump. Election Day is four days away.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-30--Senate near certain to flip blue, Cook Political Report publisher says

Charlie Cook , the publisher and editor of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report , says there are low odds that Republicans will hold onto their Senate majority the way things are looking just four days out from Election Day .
Election forecasters have long predicted that Republicans are at risk of losing their majority in Congress 's upper chamber , but when asked about whether there 's a chance that the Senate could flip blue in a few days , Cook gave a very confident assessment .
`` What ’ s the chance of it not ? ''
Cook told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think it ’ s only about a 1-in-3 , 1-in-4 chance that the Senate stays in Republican hands .
I mean , I think we ’ re looking at , you know , four — a net gain of four seats , maybe five .
And it could go north of that because toss-up races typically break overwhelmingly one direction or the other . ''
About a dozen races across the country could determine the outcome of the Senate , especially as vulnerable Republicans are struggling to keep up with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among the Republicans who may be at risk of losing their seat include North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis , Maine Sen. Susan Collins , and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst .
In Michigan , Democratic Sen. Gary Peters has now almost opened a double-digit lead over his GOP challenger , John James .
The contest is a key race for Republicans in their efforts to hold onto their power in the Senate , especially given that Peters is one of two senators up for reelection while running in a state won by President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flip Michigan , along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin , after years of Democratic dominance , which ultimately helped put him in the White House .
In an 11th-hour rescue , the Senate Leadership Fund , aligned closely with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , is planning to pour $ 4.6 million into the race over the final weekend before Tuesday 's election , according to a report by Politico .
Despite the grim outlook , Republicans are expected to gain one seat in Alabama as Sen. Doug Jones faces a tough GOP challenge from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A pickup for Republicans in Alabama would mean that Democrats need to grab four Republican seats and take the White House for control of the Senate .
Cook said the 2020 election is unlikely to be a victorious night for Republicans like in 2016 , when they held control of both chambers and took the presidency .
`` You have nine Republican seats that are just on the knife ’ s edge , and probably three or four of those are pretty much assured to go Democratic , '' Cook said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is going to end up being a night that ’ s going to look more like 1980 than it ’ s going to look like 2016 , when Ronald Reagan beat President Carter and Democrats suffered huge losses in the House and Senate .
I think this is going to be the flip of that . ''

Charlie Cook, the publisher and editor of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, says there are low odds that Republicans will hold onto their Senate majority the way things are looking just four days out from Election Day.
Election forecasters have long predicted that Republicans are at risk of losing their majority in Congress's upper chamber, but when asked about whether there's a chance that the Senate could flip blue in a few days, Cook gave a very confident assessment.
"What’s the chance of it not?" Cook told MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle on Friday. "I think it’s only about a 1-in-3, 1-in-4 chance that the Senate stays in Republican hands. I mean, I think we’re looking at, you know, four — a net gain of four seats, maybe five. And it could go north of that because toss-up races typically break overwhelmingly one direction or the other."
About a dozen races across the country could determine the outcome of the Senate, especially as vulnerable Republicans are struggling to keep up with the fundraising efforts of their Democratic challengers.
Among the Republicans who may be at risk of losing their seat include North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst.
In Michigan, Democratic Sen. Gary Peters has now almost opened a double-digit lead over his GOP challenger, John James.
The contest is a key race for Republicans in their efforts to hold onto their power in the Senate, especially given that Peters is one of two senators up for reelection while running in a state won by President Trump in 2016.
Trump was able to flip Michigan, along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, after years of Democratic dominance, which ultimately helped put him in the White House.
In an 11th-hour rescue, the Senate Leadership Fund, aligned closely with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is planning to pour $4.6 million into the race over the final weekend before Tuesday's election, according to a report by Politico.
Despite the grim outlook, Republicans are expected to gain one seat in Alabama as Sen. Doug Jones faces a tough GOP challenge from former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville.
A pickup for Republicans in Alabama would mean that Democrats need to grab four Republican seats and take the White House for control of the Senate.
Cook said the 2020 election is unlikely to be a victorious night for Republicans like in 2016, when they held control of both chambers and took the presidency.
"You have nine Republican seats that are just on the knife’s edge, and probably three or four of those are pretty much assured to go Democratic," Cook said. "So, no, I think this is going to end up being a night that’s going to look more like 1980 than it’s going to look like 2016, when Ronald Reagan beat President Carter and Democrats suffered huge losses in the House and Senate. I think this is going to be the flip of that."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-10-30--NBC obscures Biden laptop scandal with takedown of little-known, totally unrelated Hunter Biden 'dos

NBC obscures Biden laptop scandal with takedown of little-known, totally unrelated Hunter Biden 'dossier'

NBC News has found some Biden allegations that it is willing to cover .
Of course , it is reporting on the existence of an obscure Hunter Biden dossier totally unrelated to the Biden email story because NBC is clearly trying to conflate and confuse the issue of real versus fake allegations .
But never mind all that .
NBC is here to report on a thing that only the fringiest of fringes knew anything about until Thursday evening .
“ How a fake persona laid the groundwork for a Hunter Biden conspiracy deluge , ” reads the headline to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s resident 4chan scholars , Ben Collins and Brandy Zadrozny .
Its subheading adds , “ A 64-page document that was later disseminated by close associates of President Donald Trump appears to be the work of a fake ‘ intelligence firm.
’ ” Remember : None of what NBC is reporting here has to do with the discarded laptop that reportedly belongs to Joe Biden ’ s son , Hunter , or any of its contents , including emails purporting to show that he introduced his father , who was then the vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ less than a year before the elder Biden pressured government officials in Ukraine into firing a prosecutor who was investigating the company , ” according to the New York Post .
NBC is not talking about that story .
Rather , its investigation this week is about a 64-page so-called intelligence document produced by some group called Typhoon Investigations , detailing Hunter Biden ’ s alleged business ties to the Chinese Communist Party .
If none of this sounds familiar , you are not alone .
No major newsroom , including right-leaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this Hunter Biden dossier .
In fact , according to NBC ’ s own reporting , the most exposure the 64-page document has received from anyone on the Right comes from ZeroHedge , WorldNetDaily , an Oct. 22 article published on the “ Balding ’ s World ” blog , and a tweet by Newt Gingrich linking back to said blog post .
And that is about it .
NBC , it seems , had to work a little harder than usual to find this obscure document that it could then elevate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it seems self-defeating for NBC ’ s anti-disinformation wizards to dig up a little-known “ fake intelligence document ” and then turn it into a national news story , with NBC ’ s many staffers alerting the public to not only the document ’ s existence but also all the unverified claims contained therein ( a single tweet by an MSNBC senior producer already has more engagement than the “ Balding ’ s World ” Oct. 22 blog article promoted by Gingrich and 80 various right-wing websites ) .
Then again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose of this NBC article .
The real purpose is to confuse the issue of potentially damning allegations that the Biden family leveraged the Democratic nominee ’ s position in the federal government to line its pockets .
Recall that Collins , one of the NBC report ’ s two authors , is the same journalist who asserted this week that the press can not cover the Hunter Biden laptop story because the press is not in physical possession of said laptop .
This is not a real editorial standard .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these past few years .
It is just another excuse from the press for why the press should ignore a potentially damaging Biden story , and it comes from the same reporter who is maybe a little too eager to elevate , share , and discredit a weird Biden dossier you almost certainly have never heard of .

Finally!
NBC News has found some Biden allegations that it is willing to cover.
Of course, it is reporting on the existence of an obscure Hunter Biden dossier totally unrelated to the Biden email story because NBC is clearly trying to conflate and confuse the issue of real versus fake allegations. But never mind all that. NBC is here to report on a thing that only the fringiest of fringes knew anything about until Thursday evening.
“How a fake persona laid the groundwork for a Hunter Biden conspiracy deluge,” reads the headline to a news report authored by NBC’s resident 4chan scholars, Ben Collins and Brandy Zadrozny.
Its subheading adds, “A 64-page document that was later disseminated by close associates of President Donald Trump appears to be the work of a fake ‘intelligence firm.’”
Remember: None of what NBC is reporting here has to do with the discarded laptop that reportedly belongs to Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, or any of its contents, including emails purporting to show that he introduced his father, who was then the vice president, to a Ukrainian energy executive “less than a year before the elder Biden pressured government officials in Ukraine into firing a prosecutor who was investigating the company,” according to the New York Post.
NBC is not talking about that story. Rather, its investigation this week is about a 64-page so-called intelligence document produced by some group called Typhoon Investigations, detailing Hunter Biden’s alleged business ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
The NBC report reads:
One month before a purported leak of files from Hunter Biden's laptop, a fake "intelligence" document about him went viral on the right-wing internet, asserting an elaborate conspiracy theory involving former Vice President Joe Biden's son and business in China.
The document, a 64-page composition that was later disseminated by close associates of President Donald Trump, appears to be the work of a fake "intelligence firm" called Typhoon Investigations, according to researchers and public documents.
The author of the document, a self-identified Swiss security analyst named Martin Aspen, is a fabricated identity, according to analysis by disinformation researchers, who also concluded that Aspen's profile picture was created with an artificial intelligence face generator. The intelligence firm that Aspen lists as his previous employer said that no one by that name had ever worked for the company and that no one by that name lives in Switzerland, according to public records and social media searches.
If none of this sounds familiar, you are not alone. No major newsroom, including right-leaning ones, has touched on any of this Hunter Biden dossier. In fact, according to NBC’s own reporting, the most exposure the 64-page document has received from anyone on the Right comes from ZeroHedge, WorldNetDaily, an Oct. 22 article published on the “Balding’s World” blog, and a tweet by Newt Gingrich linking back to said blog post. And that is about it. NBC, it seems, had to work a little harder than usual to find this obscure document that it could then elevate and discredit.
Also, on that note, it seems self-defeating for NBC’s anti-disinformation wizards to dig up a little-known “fake intelligence document” and then turn it into a national news story, with NBC’s many staffers alerting the public to not only the document’s existence but also all the unverified claims contained therein (a single tweet by an MSNBC senior producer already has more engagement than the “Balding’s World” Oct. 22 blog article promoted by Gingrich and 80 various right-wing websites).
Then again, fighting disinformation is obviously not the real purpose of this NBC article. The real purpose is to confuse the issue of potentially damning allegations that the Biden family leveraged the Democratic nominee’s position in the federal government to line its pockets.
Recall that Collins, one of the NBC report’s two authors, is the same journalist who asserted this week that the press cannot cover the Hunter Biden laptop story because the press is not in physical possession of said laptop. This is not a real editorial standard. It is certainly not one that NBC has followed these past few years.
It is just another excuse from the press for why the press should ignore a potentially damaging Biden story, and it comes from the same reporter who is maybe a little too eager to elevate, share, and discredit a weird Biden dossier you almost certainly have never heard of.