thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-08--'I’ll call him back': Pelosi puts House business first as Pence calls about missile attack on Iraq b

'I’ll call him back': Pelosi puts House business first as Pence calls about missile attack on Iraq base

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was huddling with Democratic colleagues when she was alerted of the missile attack on an Iraqi base that hosts U.S. troops .
The California Democrat was participating in a closed-door meeting with the Democratic caucus Wednesday evening when she received a note that said Vice President Mike Pence was on the phone .
“ Tell him I ’ ll call him back , ” Pelosi said , sources told a Politico reporter .
Pelosi mentioned she had to open the House for a new session .
Moments later , Pelosi was handed another note about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province , an Iraqi military center that hosts U.S. troops .
Pelosi called Pence at 6:34 p.m. Pence then briefed her on the attack , four minutes after she conducted her required presiding over the House , according to her deputy chief of staff Drew Hammill .
Iran 's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that `` revenge awaits '' for the United States after Trump ordered the killings of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al Muhandis in Baghdad last week .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay us back '' before he ordered troops to leave the air base .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was huddling with Democratic colleagues when she was alerted of the missile attack on Iraqi bases that host U.S. troops.
The California Democrat was participating in a closed-door meeting with the Democratic caucus Tuesday evening when she received a note that said Vice President Mike Pence was on the phone.
“Tell him I’ll call him back,” Pelosi said, sources told a Politico reporter. Pelosi mentioned she had to open the House for a new session.
Moments later, Pelosi was handed another note about the attack.
"Pray," Pelosi told members.
[Read: 'Just playing political games': Prominent evangelical Trump supporter explains opposition to Christianity Today]
During a meeting tonight, House Speaker Pelosi was discussing the situation in Iran with members when she was handed a note with news of the attack on US forces in Iraq, lawmakers who attended the meeting said.
“Pray,” Pelosi told members, according to Rep. Debbie Dingell. — Haley Byrd (@byrdinator) January 7, 2020
The speaker called Pence at 6:34 p.m. Pence then briefed her on the attack, four minutes after she conducted the required presiding over the House, according to her deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill.
.@SpeakerPelosi returned a phone call to @VP at 6:34 p.m. tonight after her required presiding over the House at 6:30 p.m. The Vice President briefed the Speaker on the Iranian attacks on facilities housing U.S. troops in Iraq. — Drew Hammill (@Drew_Hammill) January 7, 2020
Ten ballistic missiles struck Al Asad air base in Anbar province, an Iraqi military center in western Iraq, while another hit a base in Erbil in the northern part of the country. Four other missiles failed, according to a U.S. military spokesman for Central Command.
Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that "revenge awaits" the United States after President Trump ordered the killings of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al Muhandis in Baghdad last week.
[Read: Iran claims responsibility for missile attack on US base in western Iraq]
"Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war," Pelosi said in a tweet about an hour after speaking with Pence.
Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war. — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 8, 2020
Trump tweeted hours later, saying, "All is well!"
"Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq," the president said. "Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Rashida Tlaib says 'every member of Congress' should submit DNA to understand 'dehumanizing' immigra

Rashida Tlaib says 'every member of Congress' should submit DNA to understand 'dehumanizing' immigration process

Rep. Rashida Tlaib wants all members of Congress to submit DNA so they can better understand the `` dehumanizing '' experience of immigrants and their children .
`` I think every member of Congress should go through this dehumanizing act of submitting their DNA , '' the Michigan Democrat tweeted Tuesday .
`` The way we are treating immigrants , especially children , is disgusting and hurts all of us . ''
Her tweet was a response to a CBS News article titled , `` U.S. collecting DNA samples from some migrants — including teens — in first stage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a first-term congresswoman who is a member of `` the Squad , '' a group of female House Democrats who support a bevy of liberal policy issues .
In July , Tlaib said she `` absolutely '' agreed with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 's suggestion that southern border detention centers be labeled `` concentration camps . ''
A week after the statement , Tlaib became emotional and cried during a press conference on immigration , saying , `` We do n't need new laws ; we need morality .
We need an administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening . ''

Rep. Rashida Tlaib wants all members of Congress to submit DNA so they can better understand the "dehumanizing" experience of immigrants and their children.
"I think every member of Congress should go through this dehumanizing act of submitting their DNA," the Michigan Democrat tweeted Tuesday. "The way we are treating immigrants, especially children, is disgusting and hurts all of us."
Her tweet was a response to a CBS News article titled, "U.S. collecting DNA samples from some migrants — including teens — in first stage of program."
Tlaib, 43, is a first-term congresswoman who is a member of "the Squad," a group of female House Democrats who support a bevy of liberal policy issues.
In July, Tlaib said she "absolutely" agreed with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's suggestion that southern border detention centers be labeled "concentration camps."
A week after the statement, Tlaib became emotional and cried during a press conference on immigration, saying, "We don't need new laws; we need morality. We need an administration that understands there are human rights violations happening."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Prison-bound GOP congressman Duncan Hunter resigns from House

The 42-year-old California Republican submitted his letter of resignation to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday with an effective date of Jan. 13 .
He pleaded guilty last month to one count of conspiracy to misuse campaign funds .
Hunter said days later he would resign “ shortly after the holidays , ” but the San Diego-area lawmaker , first elected in 2008 , did not specify a date .
A federal indictment filed in August 2018 alleged Hunter and his wife , Margaret , illegally spent more than $ 250,000 in campaign donations to cover expenses .
Both were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August 2018 .
Each later agreed to plead guilty to one charge in lieu of a trial .
Prosecutors outlined many of the ways that Hunter misused campaign finances , with stolen funds going to golf outings , vacations , fancy restaurants , alcohol , and even airfare for the family 's pet rabbit .
In one instance , Hunter wanted to buy a pair of `` Hawaiian shorts , '' according to the indictment .
His wife , 44 , advised him to buy the clothing at a golf shop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going toward golf balls for wounded veterans .
Also included in the indictment was an expansive list of Hunter ’ s illegal expenses , including $ 704 worth of tickets to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and $ 1,528 spent on video game purchases .
The federal indictment also found evidence that Hunter was unfaithful to his wife with at least five other women , three of whom are either lobbyists or congressional staffers .
When he pleaded guilty , Hunter said , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public trial for three reasons , and those three reasons are my kids.
” “ Whatever my time in custody will be , I will take that hit .
My only hope is that the judge does not sentence my wife to jail .
I think my kids need a mom in the home , ” he added .
Hunter ’ s delay in stepping aside was criticized by Carl DeMaio , a Republican who is hoping to take his place in Congress .
“ By intentionally delaying his resignation past the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election , Duncan Hunter is silencing the voice of the voters of the 50th District for a full year in Congress .
He should have resigned as soon as he pleaded guilty , ” DeMaio previously told the Washington Examiner .
Both Duncan and Margaret Hunter face up to five years in prison .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom will have two weeks to call for a special election to fill Hunter 's seat .

Rep. Duncan Hunter has resigned from Congress.
The 42-year-old California Republican submitted his letter of resignation to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday with an effective date of Jan. 13. He pleaded guilty last month to one count of conspiracy to misuse campaign funds. Hunter said days later he would resign “shortly after the holidays,” but the San Diego-area lawmaker, first elected in 2008, did not specify a date.
A federal indictment filed in August 2018 alleged Hunter and his wife, Margaret, illegally spent more than $250,000 in campaign donations to cover expenses. Both were indicted on 60 counts in federal court in August 2018. Each later agreed to plead guilty to one charge in lieu of a trial.
Prosecutors outlined many of the ways that Hunter misused campaign finances, with stolen funds going to golf outings, vacations, fancy restaurants, alcohol, and even airfare for the family's pet rabbit. In one instance, Hunter wanted to buy a pair of "Hawaiian shorts," according to the indictment. His wife, 44, advised him to buy the clothing at a golf shop in order to write off the money as going toward golf balls for wounded veterans.
Also included in the indictment was an expansive list of Hunter’s illegal expenses, including $704 worth of tickets to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and $1,528 spent on video game purchases.
The federal indictment also found evidence that Hunter was unfaithful to his wife with at least five other women, three of whom are either lobbyists or congressional staffers.
When he pleaded guilty, Hunter said, “It’s important not to have a public trial for three reasons, and those three reasons are my kids.”
“Whatever my time in custody will be, I will take that hit. My only hope is that the judge does not sentence my wife to jail. I think my kids need a mom in the home,” he added.
Hunter’s delay in stepping aside was criticized by Carl DeMaio, a Republican who is hoping to take his place in Congress.
“By intentionally delaying his resignation past the deadline for the calling of a Special Election, Duncan Hunter is silencing the voice of the voters of the 50th District for a full year in Congress. He should have resigned as soon as he pleaded guilty,” DeMaio previously told the Washington Examiner.
Both Duncan and Margaret Hunter face up to five years in prison. Gov. Gavin Newsom will have two weeks to call for a special election to fill Hunter's seat.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Schumer indicates Pelosi may soon send impeachment articles to Senate

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may finally be ready to send the Senate the articles of impeachment for President Trump that the House passed last month , now that it is clear Democrats will not win a pretrial agreement for witness testimony .
Schumer , a New York Democrat who is working very closely with Pelosi on the timing for delivering the two impeachment articles , said the new information would allow Pelosi to decide which Democratic lawmakers should serve as impeachment managers who would deliver the articles to the Senate and present the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said all along that she wanted to see the arena in which she was playing so she could appoint impeachment managers , ” Schumer said Tuesday .
“ She has some idea of what ’ s happened.
” The trial terms became clearer on Tuesday when Republicans quashed Democratic demands for a pretrial agreement to summon impeachment witnesses .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , a Kentucky Republican , said at least 51 GOP lawmakers support his plan to start the trial without an immediate agreement on witnesses , which McConnell said would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schumer and Pelosi had been demanding a pretrial agreement to summon four Trump administration officials as well as documents , but it ’ s now clear they lack the votes to win such an agreement .
House Democrats last month passed two articles impeaching Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
Pelosi held on to the articles , bucking precedent , because she hoped to pressure the GOP into agreeing to the witness list ahead of the trial .
Schumer , on Tuesday , appeared ready for Pelosi to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pivoting to a plan to call votes on witnesses individually after the trial opens .
Schumer said he believed some Republicans would join Democrats in agreeing to summon those witnesses .
Democrats need only four GOP lawmakers to side with them on votes to compel a witness to testify .
One of the witnesses Democrats are seeking , former national security adviser John Bolton , announced Monday he would agree to testify if called by the Senate .
“ They can delay it , but they can ’ t avoid it , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t made any new announcements about when or if she ’ ll send over the articles , but pressure is mounting in both parties for her to do so , and it increased further on Tuesday when it became clear the effort had failed to require witnesses before a trial begins .
`` I think the time has passed , ” Sen. Chris Murphy , a Connecticut Democrat , told the Washington Post .
“ She should send the articles over.
” About a dozen Republicans are backing a proposal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment trial to begin without Pelosi sending over the articles .
Republicans are eager to start the trial .
Although it is all but certain the president will be acquitted , it could damage his reelection bid if the trial is delayed and the matter drags on .
“ I don ’ t think we ’ ll wait indefinitely , ” Sen. John Cornyn , a Texas Republican , told the Washington Examiner , when asked when the Senate might change the rules to allow a trial to proceed .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Damocles hanging over the presidency .
I don ’ t think that is what the founders had in mind when it comes to impeachment.
” Sen. Lindsey Graham , a South Carolina Republican and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee , said he planned to bring up a nonbinding resolution this week urging Pelosi to send over the articles .
Graham told the Washington Examiner that if Pelosi does not send the articles over this week , he ’ ll push McConnell for a vote to change the Senate rules to allow a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If she doesn ’ t deliver them this week , I want to move on to the trial next week , ” Graham said .

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may finally be ready to send the Senate the articles of impeachment for President Trump that the House passed last month, now that it is clear Democrats will not win a pretrial agreement for witness testimony.
Schumer, a New York Democrat who is working very closely with Pelosi on the timing for delivering the two impeachment articles, said the new information would allow Pelosi to decide which Democratic lawmakers should serve as impeachment managers who would deliver the articles to the Senate and present the case to lawmakers there.
“The speaker has said all along that she wanted to see the arena in which she was playing so she could appoint impeachment managers,” Schumer said Tuesday. “She has some idea of what’s happened.”
The trial terms became clearer on Tuesday when Republicans quashed Democratic demands for a pretrial agreement to summon impeachment witnesses.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said at least 51 GOP lawmakers support his plan to start the trial without an immediate agreement on witnesses, which McConnell said would be decided on later in the trial.
Schumer and Pelosi had been demanding a pretrial agreement to summon four Trump administration officials as well as documents, but it’s now clear they lack the votes to win such an agreement.
House Democrats last month passed two articles impeaching Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Pelosi held on to the articles, bucking precedent, because she hoped to pressure the GOP into agreeing to the witness list ahead of the trial.
Schumer, on Tuesday, appeared ready for Pelosi to send over the impeachment articles and is pivoting to a plan to call votes on witnesses individually after the trial opens. Schumer said he believed some Republicans would join Democrats in agreeing to summon those witnesses. Democrats need only four GOP lawmakers to side with them on votes to compel a witness to testify.
One of the witnesses Democrats are seeking, former national security adviser John Bolton, announced Monday he would agree to testify if called by the Senate.
“They can delay it, but they can’t avoid it,” Schumer said of the GOP.
Pelosi hasn’t made any new announcements about when or if she’ll send over the articles, but pressure is mounting in both parties for her to do so, and it increased further on Tuesday when it became clear the effort had failed to require witnesses before a trial begins.
"I think the time has passed,” Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, told the Washington Post. “She should send the articles over.”
About a dozen Republicans are backing a proposal to alter the Senate rules to allow an impeachment trial to begin without Pelosi sending over the articles.
Republicans are eager to start the trial. Although it is all but certain the president will be acquitted, it could damage his reelection bid if the trial is delayed and the matter drags on.
“I don’t think we’ll wait indefinitely,” Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, told the Washington Examiner, when asked when the Senate might change the rules to allow a trial to proceed. “It’s sort of like a sword of Damocles hanging over the presidency. I don’t think that is what the founders had in mind when it comes to impeachment.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said he planned to bring up a nonbinding resolution this week urging Pelosi to send over the articles.
Graham told the Washington Examiner that if Pelosi does not send the articles over this week, he’ll push McConnell for a vote to change the Senate rules to allow a trial to proceed without them.
“If she doesn’t deliver them this week, I want to move on to the trial next week,” Graham said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--House Democrat defends Obama's Iran strategy

Rep. Ro Khanna said Tuesday that he disagreed with the idea that the Obama administration could have done more to curb Iranian aggression in the Middle East .
`` Because this was not just Barack Obama , '' the California Democrat said on Fox News .
`` The reporting I ’ ve seen said President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney also passed on the chance to take out Soleimani .
And the reason they all passed is they did not want to escalate a war with Iran.
” President Trump had last week ordered the killing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he said was intelligence that the general was plotting to kill Americans in the region .
The Bush administration deemed the military unit Soleimani commanded a terrorist organization .
The Obama administration reached a nuclear deal with the country , which Trump has called `` disastrous . ''
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier Tuesday that the U.S. government would continue to stand up to threats from Iran and would `` never '' let the country obtain a nuclear weapon .
`` As we came into office , Iran was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nuclear deal , which clearly gave them the opportunity to have those nuclear weapons , '' Pompeo said .
`` We won ’ t let that happen . ''
“ I believe that President Obama had a strategy of the JCPOA that would prevent Iran from becoming nuclear , ” Khanna said .
“ And there weren ’ t these incidents during the Obama administration .
We didn ’ t have protests against our embassies .
We did n't have the killing of American contractors .
So , Americans were safe at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 , a terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi , Libya , killed four Americans , including Ambassador Christopher Stevens .

Rep. Ro Khanna said Tuesday that he disagreed with the idea that the Obama administration could have done more to curb Iranian aggression in the Middle East.
"Because this was not just Barack Obama," the California Democrat said on Fox News. "The reporting I’ve seen said President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney also passed on the chance to take out Soleimani. And the reason they all passed is they did not want to escalate a war with Iran.”
President Trump had last week ordered the killing of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani based on what he said was intelligence that the general was plotting to kill Americans in the region. The Bush administration deemed the military unit Soleimani commanded a terrorist organization.
The Obama administration reached a nuclear deal with the country, which Trump has called "disastrous."
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier Tuesday that the U.S. government would continue to stand up to threats from Iran and would "never" let the country obtain a nuclear weapon.
"As we came into office, Iran was on a pathway that had been provided by the nuclear deal, which clearly gave them the opportunity to have those nuclear weapons," Pompeo said. "We won’t let that happen."
“I believe that President Obama had a strategy of the JCPOA that would prevent Iran from becoming nuclear,” Khanna said. “And there weren’t these incidents during the Obama administration. We didn’t have protests against our embassies. We didn't have the killing of American contractors. So, Americans were safe at that time.”
On Sept. 11, 2012, a terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killed four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--McConnell: ‘We have the votes’ to set impeachment trial rules

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Republicans have enough votes to set rules for President Trump ’ s impeachment trial similar to those used in the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton , shutting out Democratic demands for witnesses .
`` We have the votes once the impeachment trial has begun to pass a resolution essentially very similar to ... the Clinton trial , '' McConnell said after meeting privately with GOP lawmakers on Tuesday .
“ What was good enough for President Clinton ’ s impeachment trial should be good enough for President Trump , ” the Kentucky Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial in the Senate remains in limbo , however .
McConnell said he ’ s planning , at least for now , to wait for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , a California Democrat , to send over two articles of impeachment that House Democrats passed last month .
Pelosi is withholding the articles to demand that McConnell first commit to calling witnesses sought by Democrats .
McConnell briefed Republicans in a closed-door meeting on his plan to forge ahead with the rules established unanimously by Senate lawmakers ahead of Clinton ’ s impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 years ago on Tuesday , allowed impeachment prosecutors from the House as well as White House defense lawyers to present their cases , followed by written questions submitted by senators , who are not allowed to speak .
After that process is complete , lawmakers voted on whether to interview witnesses and agreed to videotaped testimony .
McConnell said whether to allow witnesses “ is obviously the most contentious part ” and , under the rules he plans to pass , “ that will be addressed at that time and not before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to vote against McConnell ’ s plan .
The Democratic leader , Chuck Schumer of New York , wants Republicans to agree to a pretrial witness list that includes former national security adviser John Bolton , acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney , and others .
“ Whoever heard of a trial without witnesses and documents ?
” Schumer asked Tuesday , accusing Republicans of participating in “ a cover-up.
” Senate Republicans are seeking to speed up a trial and a vote that is all but certain to acquit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will end this week , ” McConnell said .
“ It continues to be my hope that the speaker will send them over . ''

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Republicans have enough votes to set rules for President Trump’s impeachment trial similar to those used in the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton, shutting out Democratic demands for witnesses.
"We have the votes once the impeachment trial has begun to pass a resolution essentially very similar to ... the Clinton trial," McConnell said after meeting privately with GOP lawmakers on Tuesday.
“What was good enough for President Clinton’s impeachment trial should be good enough for President Trump,” the Kentucky Republican said.
The start of an impeachment trial in the Senate remains in limbo, however. McConnell said he’s planning, at least for now, to wait for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, to send over two articles of impeachment that House Democrats passed last month. Pelosi is withholding the articles to demand that McConnell first commit to calling witnesses sought by Democrats.
McConnell briefed Republicans in a closed-door meeting on his plan to forge ahead with the rules established unanimously by Senate lawmakers ahead of Clinton’s impeachment trial.
That trial, which began 21 years ago on Tuesday, allowed impeachment prosecutors from the House as well as White House defense lawyers to present their cases, followed by written questions submitted by senators, who are not allowed to speak.
After that process is complete, lawmakers voted on whether to interview witnesses and agreed to videotaped testimony.
McConnell said whether to allow witnesses “is obviously the most contentious part” and, under the rules he plans to pass, “that will be addressed at that time and not before the trial begins.”
All Democrats are likely to vote against McConnell’s plan.
The Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of New York, wants Republicans to agree to a pretrial witness list that includes former national security adviser John Bolton, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, and others.
“Whoever heard of a trial without witnesses and documents?” Schumer asked Tuesday, accusing Republicans of participating in “a cover-up.”
Senate Republicans are seeking to speed up a trial and a vote that is all but certain to acquit the president.
“I hope that will end this week,” McConnell said. “It continues to be my hope that the speaker will send them over."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Surging California homeless 'crisis' offset drop in nation: HUD

A 16 % increase in homelessness in California accounted for most of the 3 % national increase , putting more heat on the state ’ s lagging effort to curb the surge , according to a new federal report .
The Housing and Urban Development Department late Tuesday released its homelessness report and counted 568,000 people without homes .
Significantly , it found that homelessness among veterans , youths , and families is down .
For veterans , it ’ s down 40 % over the last 10 years .
The department , which bases the numbers on a one-night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if California hadn ’ t seen such an explosion in homelessness , the national number would not have increased .
Essentially , said a senior HUD official , California ’ s increase “ offset ” the national trend downward .
In the report , the second “ key finding ” singled out California .
It said : “ While homelessness in most states declined between 2018 and 2019 , homelessness in California increased by 16 percent , or 21,306 people .
The large increase in California is reflected in a nationwide increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing homelessness , between 2018 and 2019.
” HUD Secretary Ben Carson also didn ’ t mince words in his memo included in the 2019 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress .
He wrote , “ This year ’ s report shows that there was a small increase in the one-night estimates of people experiencing homelessness across the nation between 2018 and 2019 ( 3 % ) , which reflects a 16 percent increase in California , and offsets a marked decrease across many other states.
” He added in a statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and needs to be addressed by local and state leaders with crisis-like urgency .
Addressing these challenges will require a broader , community-wide response that engages every level of government to compassionately house our most vulnerable fellow citizens . ''
The administration has been critical of California ’ s handling of the crisis , which is notable for tent cities in downtown areas .
California has blamed President Trump for the crisis , but HUD recently pushed back , claiming that the state is sitting on $ 450 million in federal aid and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driven up the price of a single low-income unit to $ 750,000 .
Throughout the report , California ’ s woes were highlighted .
A sampling : • In terms of absolute numbers , California has more than half of all unsheltered homeless people in the country ( 53 % or 108,432 ) , with nearly nine times as many unsheltered homeless as the state with the next highest number , Florida ( 6 % or 12,476 ) , despite California ’ s population being only twice that of Florida .
• An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homelessness , specifically unsheltered individuals , drove the national increase in all people experiencing homelessness .
The number of unsheltered individuals in California rose 21 percent between 2018 and 2019 , an increase of more than 18,000 people .
• Nearly half of all people experiencing homelessness in the country were in three states : California ( 27 % or 151,278 people ) ; New York ( 16 % or 92,091 people ) ; and Florida ( 5 % or 28,328 people ) .
• California and New York had the largest numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of homelessness , at 38 and 46 people per 10,000 , respectively .
• California also had the highest percentage of all people experiencing homelessness staying in unsheltered locations ( 72 % ) .

A 16% increase in homelessness in California accounted for most of the 3% national increase, putting more heat on the state’s lagging effort to curb the surge, according to a new federal report.
The Housing and Urban Development Department late Tuesday released its homelessness report and counted 568,000 people without homes. Significantly, it found that homelessness among veterans, youths, and families is down. For veterans, it’s down 40% over the last 10 years.
The department, which bases the numbers on a one-night national count of homeless people, said that if California hadn’t seen such an explosion in homelessness, the national number would not have increased.
Essentially, said a senior HUD official, California’s increase “offset” the national trend downward.
CNN spewing out more FAKE NEWS on homelessness. In CA, homelessness increased by 21,306 people, that’s more than the entire national increase. No matter how hard @CNN tries to deny it, California is driving this crisis.
As @realdonaldtrump said, we are just a phone call away. — Ben Carson (@SecretaryCarson) January 3, 2020
In the report, the second “key finding” singled out California. It said: “While homelessness in most states declined between 2018 and 2019, homelessness in California increased by 16 percent, or 21,306 people. The large increase in California is reflected in a nationwide increase of 3 percent, or 14,885 people experiencing homelessness, between 2018 and 2019.”
HUD Secretary Ben Carson also didn’t mince words in his memo included in the 2019 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. He wrote, “This year’s report shows that there was a small increase in the one-night estimates of people experiencing homelessness across the nation between 2018 and 2019 (3%), which reflects a 16 percent increase in California, and offsets a marked decrease across many other states.”
He added in a statement, "California is at a crisis level and needs to be addressed by local and state leaders with crisis-like urgency. Addressing these challenges will require a broader, community-wide response that engages every level of government to compassionately house our most vulnerable fellow citizens."
The administration has been critical of California’s handling of the crisis, which is notable for tent cities in downtown areas. California has blamed President Trump for the crisis, but HUD recently pushed back, claiming that the state is sitting on $450 million in federal aid and doing nothing to slash regulations that have driven up the price of a single low-income unit to $750,000.
Throughout the report, California’s woes were highlighted. A sampling:
In terms of absolute numbers, California has more than half of all unsheltered homeless people in the country (53% or 108,432), with nearly nine times as many unsheltered homeless as the state with the next highest number, Florida (6% or 12,476), despite California’s population being only twice that of Florida.
An increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness, specifically unsheltered individuals, drove the national increase in all people experiencing homelessness. The number of unsheltered individuals in California rose 21 percent between 2018 and 2019, an increase of more than 18,000 people.
Nearly half of all people experiencing homelessness in the country were in three states: California (27% or 151,278 people); New York (16% or 92,091 people); and Florida (5% or 28,328 people).
California and New York had the largest numbers of people experiencing homelessness and the highest rates of homelessness, at 38 and 46 people per 10,000, respectively.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Atheists want famous 9/11 cross in Effingham, Illinois, erased in highway mural

A colorful mural that shows the famous white 9/11 cross in Effingham , Illinois , has become the latest flashpoint over religious freedom , pitting atheists and a group opposed to mingling church and state against the legal group that saved the iconic American Legion peace cross in Bladensburg , Maryland .
Just before Christmas , the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation asked Effingham to erase the cross depicted in a mural that also shows an American flag on an overpass near Effingham High School , claiming that it sends the wrong message to students .
“ A mural that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American flag sends a clear message : that patriotism and religiosity are interrelated , ” said the group in a letter to Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach .
The request prompted a local protest in support of the mural in the town known for its 198-foot tall white cross erected after and dedicated in the memory of 9/11 and the patriotism that followed .
It stands at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 57 and is known as the “ Cross at the Crossroads.
” After the pro-cross protest , First Liberty Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its depiction of the cross .
In a letter to the town sent today and shared with Secrets , the group said that the mural is legal and protected by the Supreme Court ’ s decision on the American Legion cross in a rotary in Bladensburg .
“ ‘ The Cross at the Crossroads ’ two decades of prominence as part of Effingham surely has established it as just such a symbol and ‘ part of the community , ’ ” said the group , citing language in the Bladensburg case that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the American Legion .
“ It is a recognized symbol in and of the city and an unmistakable community hallmark .
Formally dedicated days after the attacks of September 11 , the Cross depicts Effingham ’ s tradition of patriotism and unity .
There is little wonder it was included in a mural on city property .
A community mural commemorating such an established land mark should carry that same ‘ special significance , ’ ” added Roger Byron , First Liberty senior counsel .
His letter is shown below .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross from the mural was weak on legal reasonings .
“ The complaint letter you received was markedly light on law .
Tellingly , it used a single quote allegedly from a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit case to justify its argument against the cross in the mural .
No such quote appears in that opinion , ” he wrote .
Byron added : “ The city should disregard the complaint it received and follow the Supreme Court ’ s guidance .
It is worth noting that removal of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send the message that the city is , in fact , 'aggressively hostile ' to such symbols .
”

A colorful mural that shows the famous white 9/11 cross in Effingham, Illinois, has become the latest flashpoint over religious freedom, pitting atheists and a group opposed to mingling church and state against the legal group that saved the iconic American Legion peace cross in Bladensburg, Maryland.
Just before Christmas, the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation asked Effingham to erase the cross depicted in a mural that also shows an American flag on an overpass near Effingham High School, claiming that it sends the wrong message to students.
“A mural that depicts nothing except a Latin cross alongside the American flag sends a clear message: that patriotism and religiosity are interrelated,” said the group in a letter to Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach.
This mural near Effingham High School shows the famous Effingham cross, to the right. The photo was included in the complaint filed by the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
The request prompted a local protest in support of the mural in the town known for its 198-foot tall white cross erected after and dedicated in the memory of 9/11 and the patriotism that followed. It stands at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 57 and is known as the “Cross at the Crossroads.”
After the pro-cross protest, First Liberty Institute came to the defense of the mural and its depiction of the cross.
In a letter to the town sent today and shared with Secrets, the group said that the mural is legal and protected by the Supreme Court’s decision on the American Legion cross in a rotary in Bladensburg.
“‘The Cross at the Crossroads’ two decades of prominence as part of Effingham surely has established it as just such a symbol and ‘part of the community,’” said the group, citing language in the Bladensburg case that it won last year as the representatives for the American Legion.
Effingham, Ill. (WAND) - A cross mural has been sparking controversy among local community members in Effingham. https://t.co/pYWmD9qgYi — WAND TV News (@wandtvnews) January 5, 2020
“It is a recognized symbol in and of the city and an unmistakable community hallmark. Formally dedicated days after the attacks of September 11, the Cross depicts Effingham’s tradition of patriotism and unity. There is little wonder it was included in a mural on city property. A community mural commemorating such an established land mark should carry that same ‘special significance,’” added Roger Byron, First Liberty senior counsel. His letter is shown below.
He also said the call to remove the cross from the mural was weak on legal reasonings. “The complaint letter you received was markedly light on law. Tellingly, it used a single quote allegedly from a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit case to justify its argument against the cross in the mural. No such quote appears in that opinion,” he wrote.
Byron added: “The city should disregard the complaint it received and follow the Supreme Court’s guidance. It is worth noting that removal of the cross depiction from the mural could well send the message that the city is, in fact, 'aggressively hostile' to such symbols.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Ivanka Trump: With 7M job openings, ‘every American who wants to work can’

First daughter Ivanka Trump , the White House jobs czar , is stepping up her efforts to promote the administration ’ s swift moves to bolster employment to record highs and cut unemployment to record lows .
Today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas , she plans to declare that the nation has 7 million job vacancies and that “ every American who wants to work can secure employment.
” While her appearance has drawn criticism because she doesn ’ t have a high-tech background that some foes believe speakers should have , Trump has led the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprenticeships at IT firms , and boost STEM education that is directly linked to high-tech .
“ The success of the American worker is the president ’ s top priority , which is why job training and workforce development is a foundational pillar of our economic agenda , ” she is expected to say , according to a statement from her office .
“ With over 7 million vacant jobs , rising wages , and more people working than ever before , every American who wants to work can secure employment , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and keynote speech have been played up by media foes of the White House .
The Washington Post , for example , noted that `` over 100 people have tweeted # boycottCES , '' but did n't name one .
Some 3,600 companies typically attend the annual show , and 180,000 people filter through .
More jobs and less unemployment are the cornerstone to the Trump administration 's and the president ’ s reelection plans .
Ivanka Trump has been the face of much of the effort so far , winning millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overseas to help women clear hurdles to build businesses .
To CES , she plans to explain , “ We are committed to providing all Americans with pathways to great careers through skills training and vocational education .
I am delighted to see CES bringing the critical issue of workforce development to the main stage .
Our current and future workforce rely on the efforts of industry , academia , and government to fill our workforce needs , and I ’ m excited to discuss how the Trump administration is championing these shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Consumer Technology Association President Gary Shapiro .
In a release , he said , “ As a business leader and entrepreneur , Ivanka Trump is an advocate for creating family-sustaining jobs through workforce development , education , and skills training .
We welcome her to the CES keynote stage , as she shares her vision for technology ’ s role in creating and enabling the workforce of the future .
”

First daughter Ivanka Trump, the White House jobs czar, is stepping up her efforts to promote the administration’s swift moves to bolster employment to record highs and cut unemployment to record lows.
Today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, she plans to declare that the nation has 7 million job vacancies and that “every American who wants to work can secure employment.”
While her appearance has drawn criticism because she doesn’t have a high-tech background that some foes believe speakers should have, Trump has led the president's effort to boost jobs, expand apprenticeships at IT firms, and boost STEM education that is directly linked to high-tech.
“The success of the American worker is the president’s top priority, which is why job training and workforce development is a foundational pillar of our economic agenda,” she is expected to say, according to a statement from her office.
“With over 7 million vacant jobs, rising wages, and more people working than ever before, every American who wants to work can secure employment,” she adds.
Critics of her appearance and keynote speech have been played up by media foes of the White House. The Washington Post, for example, noted that "over 100 people have tweeted #boycottCES," but didn't name one. Some 3,600 companies typically attend the annual show, and 180,000 people filter through.
More jobs and less unemployment are the cornerstone to the Trump administration's and the president’s reelection plans. Ivanka Trump has been the face of much of the effort so far, winning millions of job pledges from corporations and even working overseas to help women clear hurdles to build businesses.
To CES, she plans to explain, “We are committed to providing all Americans with pathways to great careers through skills training and vocational education. I am delighted to see CES bringing the critical issue of workforce development to the main stage. Our current and future workforce rely on the efforts of industry, academia, and government to fill our workforce needs, and I’m excited to discuss how the Trump administration is championing these shared goals.”
Today, she will appear with Consumer Technology Association President Gary Shapiro. In a release, he said, “As a business leader and entrepreneur, Ivanka Trump is an advocate for creating family-sustaining jobs through workforce development, education, and skills training. We welcome her to the CES keynote stage, as she shares her vision for technology’s role in creating and enabling the workforce of the future.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--GOP fears loss of Senate as Democrats handed opportunity in Kansas

Top Senate Republicans are scrambling for an alternative to Mike Pompeo in Kansas , fearing the secretary of state ’ s decision to skip the 2020 Senate race could put their Senate majority in jeopardy .
Kansas is solidly Republican .
But with Pompeo out , Republican insiders worry a path to the GOP nomination is cleared for Kris Kobach , a polarizing immigration hawk and ally of President Trump who lost a bid for governor in 2018 .
Private conversations were underway Tuesday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and allies plotted to block Kobach and choose a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run amid escalating tensions with Iran .
“ It ’ s imperative that we have people on the general election ballot who can win , ” said Kevin McLaughlin , a GOP strategist who oversees the National Republican Senatorial Committee for Todd Young of Indiana , chairman of the Senate GOP campaign arm .
Concern about Kobach ’ s chances against leading Democratic contender Barbara Bollier , a state legislator , extends to Kansas .
Kelly Arnold , former chairman of the state Republican Party , said that unless Kobach changes “ not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues he campaigns on , ” the result of a 2020 Senate contest would mirror the outcome of his gubernatorial bid .
“ So far , with his campaign , I have not seen anything different , ” Arnold told the Washington Examiner .
Kobach , 53 , and other Republicans are running for the seat being vacated by GOP Sen. Pat Roberts , who is retiring .
In a brief telephone interview , Kobach rejected criticism that his nomination would risk a loss and boost Democratic prospects for retaking the Senate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also took a shot at McConnell ’ s management of the Senate .
“ The D.C. establishment folks who claim that I would have difficulty winning aren ’ t familiar with Kansas politics , ” Kobach said , referring to Republican domination of the state ’ s two Senate seats but periodic Democratic control of the governor 's mansion .
“ Nobody in the Senate is serving as [ Trump ’ s ] point man on immigration issues , ” he continued , adding : “ It ’ s just bizarre that [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominees as fast as judicial nominees.
” With diplomacy with North Korea failing and conflict with Tehran threatening to erupt after Trump ordered the killing of Qassem Soleimani , a top Iranian general , Pompeo informed McConnell Monday that he was committed to staying in the administration .
Thus ended the Kentucky Republican ’ s monthslong , full-court press to recruit Pompeo into the Senate race in Kansas , where the secretary of state was a congressman before being tapped by the president .
McConnell told reporters during his weekly news conference Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo ’ s decision .
The majority leader cautioned Democrats against optimism that this development might help them flip Roberts ’ seat , although he did not address his concerns that Kobach could cost the GOP the race .
Pompeo ’ s move “ should not lead to any excess observations on the other side that Kansas , which hasn ’ t elected a Democratic senator since 1932 , will do it in 2020 , ” McConnell said .
Despite being a loyal Trump supporter , Kobach 's recent loss , despite an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commander-in-chief hesitant to back his ally again in the early Senate August primary .
Some Republicans said party leaders could turn to Rep. Roger Marshall as the new consensus pick for the nomination .
Marshall ’ s Senate bid had been dismissed as top Republicans focused on Pompeo .
Other well-placed Republicans said the primary field might expand , as potential candidates , possibly state attorney general Derek Schmidt , reconsider their decisions not to run .
Some Republicans are hoping that primary candidate Susan Wagle , a state legislator , exits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anti-Kobach vote , fretting he might be too formidable to beat in the primary otherwise .
Other Republicans believe that even that would not be enough to box out Kobach .
“ I don ’ t see anyone who can beat Kobach in that primary , to be frank , ” a conservative strategist said .

Top Senate Republicans are scrambling for an alternative to Mike Pompeo in Kansas, fearing the secretary of state’s decision to skip the 2020 Senate race could put their Senate majority in jeopardy.
Kansas is solidly Republican. But with Pompeo out, Republican insiders worry a path to the GOP nomination is cleared for Kris Kobach, a polarizing immigration hawk and ally of President Trump who lost a bid for governor in 2018. Private conversations were underway Tuesday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and allies plotted to block Kobach and choose a different alternative to Pompeo, who declined to run amid escalating tensions with Iran.
“It’s imperative that we have people on the general election ballot who can win,” said Kevin McLaughlin, a GOP strategist who oversees the National Republican Senatorial Committee for Todd Young of Indiana, chairman of the Senate GOP campaign arm.
Concern about Kobach’s chances against leading Democratic contender Barbara Bollier, a state legislator, extends to Kansas. Kelly Arnold, former chairman of the state Republican Party, said that unless Kobach changes “not just how he campaigns, but the issues he campaigns on,” the result of a 2020 Senate contest would mirror the outcome of his gubernatorial bid.
“So far, with his campaign, I have not seen anything different,” Arnold told the Washington Examiner.
Kobach, 53, and other Republicans are running for the seat being vacated by GOP Sen. Pat Roberts, who is retiring. In a brief telephone interview, Kobach rejected criticism that his nomination would risk a loss and boost Democratic prospects for retaking the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats. He also took a shot at McConnell’s management of the Senate.
“The D.C. establishment folks who claim that I would have difficulty winning aren’t familiar with Kansas politics,” Kobach said, referring to Republican domination of the state’s two Senate seats but periodic Democratic control of the governor's mansion.
“Nobody in the Senate is serving as [Trump’s] point man on immigration issues,” he continued, adding: “It’s just bizarre that [Republicans] are not moving executive branch nominees as fast as judicial nominees.”
With diplomacy with North Korea failing and conflict with Tehran threatening to erupt after Trump ordered the killing of Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian general, Pompeo informed McConnell Monday that he was committed to staying in the administration. Thus ended the Kentucky Republican’s monthslong, full-court press to recruit Pompeo into the Senate race in Kansas, where the secretary of state was a congressman before being tapped by the president.
McConnell told reporters during his weekly news conference Tuesday that under the circumstances, he applauds Pompeo’s decision. The majority leader cautioned Democrats against optimism that this development might help them flip Roberts’ seat, although he did not address his concerns that Kobach could cost the GOP the race.
Pompeo’s move “should not lead to any excess observations on the other side that Kansas, which hasn’t elected a Democratic senator since 1932, will do it in 2020,” McConnell said.
Despite being a loyal Trump supporter, Kobach's recent loss, despite an endorsement from the president, could make the commander-in-chief hesitant to back his ally again in the early Senate August primary. Some Republicans said party leaders could turn to Rep. Roger Marshall as the new consensus pick for the nomination.
Marshall’s Senate bid had been dismissed as top Republicans focused on Pompeo. Other well-placed Republicans said the primary field might expand, as potential candidates, possibly state attorney general Derek Schmidt, reconsider their decisions not to run.
Some Republicans are hoping that primary candidate Susan Wagle, a state legislator, exits the race to reduce chances of splitting the anti-Kobach vote, fretting he might be too formidable to beat in the primary otherwise. Other Republicans believe that even that would not be enough to box out Kobach.
“I don’t see anyone who can beat Kobach in that primary, to be frank,” a conservative strategist said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--'Throttling up': Trump campaign buys $10M Super Bowl ad

President Trump 's reelection campaign will purchase a coveted ad spot during this year 's Super Bowl .
The 60-second ad , which could be split into two 30-second spots , will cost the campaign $ 10 million .
Democratic candidate Michael Bloomberg also announced he will purchase a $ 10 million spot ahead of the Super Bowl on Feb. 2 .
The game will be played the Sunday before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses and represents an opportunity for candidates to make their pitch before a nationwide audience .
The Super Bowl was watched by more than 90 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that the spots will run early in the game when viewership is expected to be at its highest .
The Republican National Committee and Trump 's reelection team reported raising $ 436 million in figures released last week .
“ The president ’ s decision to stay aggressive and keep the campaign open after his first election gave us a huge head start on his reelection , ” wrote Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale in a statement .
“ Now 300 days out we are throttling up .
The president has built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s time to give it some gas.
” [ Read more : 'Unstoppable ' : Trump campaign outpaces Democrats with $ 46M fourth-quarter haul ]

President Trump's reelection campaign will purchase a coveted ad spot during this year's Super Bowl. The 60-second ad, which could be split into two 30-second spots, will cost the campaign $10 million.
Democratic candidate Michael Bloomberg also announced he will purchase a $10 million spot ahead of the Super Bowl on Feb. 2.
The game will be played the Sunday before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses and represents an opportunity for candidates to make their pitch before a nationwide audience. The Super Bowl was watched by more than 90 million people in 2019.
Trump's team announced that the spots will run early in the game when viewership is expected to be at its highest. The Republican National Committee and Trump's reelection team reported raising $436 million in figures released last week.
“The president’s decision to stay aggressive and keep the campaign open after his first election gave us a huge head start on his reelection,” wrote Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale in a statement. “Now 300 days out we are throttling up. The president has built an awesome, high-performance, omnichannel machine and it’s time to give it some gas.”
[Read more: 'Unstoppable': Trump campaign outpaces Democrats with $46M fourth-quarter haul]


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Biden says he got into politics because of Vietnam War

In a speech expressing concern over escalating tensions between the United States and Iran after President Trump 's decision to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , Joe Biden told supporters at a fundraiser in New York that he got into politics because of his opposition to the Vietnam War .
“ He has to understand that he can not take this nation to war with Iran , without the informed consent of the American people .
We 've been through this , this debate over the last 40 years .
It 's what got me involved in public life over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the former vice president said Friday morning in the offices of the Skadden Arps law firm .
`` And the idea that he can take us into a conflict potentially with a country of 80 million people in the Middle East , without the consent of American people — and doing it by tweet — is just preposterous.
” Biden 's remarks come as the Democratic field have found themselves on the defensive over the president 's aggression toward Iran , a country that has been labeled by the federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most candidates have acknowledged that Soleimani , the general who headed Iran 's elite military Quds Force , is responsible for the deaths of Americans and civilians in the Middle East , they have all expressed concern over whether the Trump administration has a plan for any potential blowback from Iran .
`` But the question is — this administration has given us no confidence that they have a plan or a strategy with how to deal with the aftermath of the strike , ” Biden , 77 , said .
In past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political and cultural turmoil of the late 1960s and early 1970s is what inspired him to first run for office .
In August , Biden recalled the chaos of 1968 , when his `` political heroes , '' Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King , Jr. , were both assassinated .
During that New Hampshire town hall , Biden questioned what would have happened if former President Barack Obama was killed in office .
Biden first ran for office in 1969 on a platform of affordable housing , winning a spot on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served two years before running for Senate in 1972 , eventually beating a Republican incumbent .
The concern over Trump 's Iran policy comes as he has faced continued scrutiny from his party 's left-wing base over his role in helping launch the Iraq War .
Throughout the campaign , Biden has repeated the falsehood that he opposed the war after the March 2003 invasion .
Beyond being one of the war 's most vocal Democratic advocates , Biden was defending his Senate vote in favor of military action as late as six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm having second thoughts only about the degree of confidence I placed in the administration to know what to do after Saddam was taken down , '' he said in an interview .
In April 2004 , Biden told called for a surge of troops to the country `` to get things under control . ''

In a speech expressing concern over escalating tensions between the United States and Iran after President Trump's decision to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Joe Biden told supporters at a fundraiser in New York that he got into politics because of his opposition to the Vietnam War.
“He has to understand that he cannot take this nation to war with Iran, without the informed consent of the American people. We've been through this, this debate over the last 40 years. It's what got me involved in public life over 50 years ago, war in Vietnam," the former vice president said Friday morning in the offices of the Skadden Arps law firm. "And the idea that he can take us into a conflict potentially with a country of 80 million people in the Middle East, without the consent of American people — and doing it by tweet — is just preposterous.”
Biden's remarks come as the Democratic field have found themselves on the defensive over the president's aggression toward Iran, a country that has been labeled by the federal government as a state-sponsor of terrorism. Although most candidates have acknowledged that Soleimani, the general who headed Iran's elite military Quds Force, is responsible for the deaths of Americans and civilians in the Middle East, they have all expressed concern over whether the Trump administration has a plan for any potential blowback from Iran.
"But the question is — this administration has given us no confidence that they have a plan or a strategy with how to deal with the aftermath of the strike,” Biden, 77, said.
In past speeches, Biden has implied that the political and cultural turmoil of the late 1960s and early 1970s is what inspired him to first run for office. In August, Biden recalled the chaos of 1968, when his "political heroes," Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., were both assassinated. During that New Hampshire town hall, Biden questioned what would have happened if former President Barack Obama was killed in office.
Biden first ran for office in 1969 on a platform of affordable housing, winning a spot on the New Castle County Council. He served two years before running for Senate in 1972, eventually beating a Republican incumbent.
The concern over Trump's Iran policy comes as he has faced continued scrutiny from his party's left-wing base over his role in helping launch the Iraq War. Throughout the campaign, Biden has repeated the falsehood that he opposed the war after the March 2003 invasion.
Beyond being one of the war's most vocal Democratic advocates, Biden was defending his Senate vote in favor of military action as late as six months after its start.
"I'm having second thoughts only about the degree of confidence I placed in the administration to know what to do after Saddam was taken down," he said in an interview. In April 2004, Biden told called for a surge of troops to the country "to get things under control."
[Related: Biden confuses Iraq and Iran in foreign policy speech]


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Biden confuses Iraq and Iran in foreign policy speech

Joe Biden mixed up Iraq and Iran during a major foreign policy speech he gave in New York meant to be a rebuke of President Trump ordering an airstrike on Iranian terrorist Qassem Soleimani .
`` Iran 's parliament , Iran 's parliament voted to eject all Americans and coalition forces from the country , '' Biden said Tuesday during the speech .
The comment comes two days after the Iraqi parliament voted to expel U.S. troops , not Iran 's parliament .
There are 5,000 U.S. troops in Iraq , and the White House has not yet announced whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many of the Sunni and Kurdish members of the Iraqi parliament boycotted the vote .
Biden ’ s foreign policy speech was the second time that Biden mixed up the two Middle Eastern countries on Tuesday .
He appeared to make the mistake during a fundraiser in New York when expressing his worries that Trump would lead the country into a new war .
“ We can , with a little bit of luck , we can make the four years of Donald Trump appear as a historical aberration somebody does n't get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq , ” Biden said , according to a pool report .
U.S. troops have been stationed in Iraq , which borders Iran , since 2003 .
Biden voted in favor of military action in Iraq in 2002 but has since falsely claimed that he “ from the moment ” the March 2003 invasion started .
As vice president , he oversaw the withdrawal of nearly 150,000 troops from Iraq in 2011 , a move that many argue fueled the rise of the Islamic State and resulted in a new deployment of troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I said not long ago that as the walls close in on this president , I worried that he was going to get us in war with Iraq , as the ultimate wag the dog , ” Biden said at another point during the fundraiser .
Biden , 77 , has struggled with misstatements and verbal blunders throughout the 2020 campaign since he launched his campaign in a slurred and stammered speech back in April .
While he often mentions on the campaign trail that he suffered from a stutter when he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still affects him .
The former vice president has jokingly called himself a `` gaffe machine , '' but his verbal slip-ups have damaged voters ' and Democratic insiders ' opinions of him on the campaign trail .
During a July debate , Biden stumbled over numerous statistics , phrases , and titles .
Following August shootings in El Paso , Texas , and Dayton , Ohio , Biden offered sympathies for the `` tragic events in Houston today and also in Michigan . ''
Biden told supporters in August that `` poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as white kids . ''
He later clarified that he meant `` wealthy kids '' and not `` white kids . ''
That same day , he said that `` we choose truth over facts , '' and the week before , Biden invented the word `` expodentially . ''
If he wins the 2020 election , he would become the oldest president ever , taking office at 78 years and 61 days old .
He is currently the front-runner for the Democratic nomination .

Joe Biden mixed up Iraq and Iran during a major foreign policy speech he gave in New York meant to be a rebuke of President Trump ordering an airstrike on Iranian terrorist Qassem Soleimani.
"Iran's parliament, Iran's parliament voted to eject all Americans and coalition forces from the country," Biden said Tuesday during the speech. The comment comes two days after the Iraqi parliament voted to expel U.S. troops, not Iran's parliament.
There are 5,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, and the White House has not yet announced whether it plans to evacuate American troops. Many of the Sunni and Kurdish members of the Iraqi parliament boycotted the vote.
Biden’s foreign policy speech was the second time that Biden mixed up the two Middle Eastern countries on Tuesday. He appeared to make the mistake during a fundraiser in New York when expressing his worries that Trump would lead the country into a new war.
“We can, with a little bit of luck, we can make the four years of Donald Trump appear as a historical aberration somebody doesn't get us in a full-blown shooting war with Iraq,” Biden said, according to a pool report.
U.S. troops have been stationed in Iraq, which borders Iran, since 2003. Biden voted in favor of military action in Iraq in 2002 but has since falsely claimed that he opposed the effort “from the moment” the March 2003 invasion started.
As vice president, he oversaw the withdrawal of nearly 150,000 troops from Iraq in 2011, a move that many argue fueled the rise of the Islamic State and resulted in a new deployment of troops to the country in 2014.
“I said not long ago that as the walls close in on this president, I worried that he was going to get us in war with Iraq, as the ultimate wag the dog,” Biden said at another point during the fundraiser.
Biden, 77, has struggled with misstatements and verbal blunders throughout the 2020 campaign since he launched his campaign in a slurred and stammered speech back in April. While he often mentions on the campaign trail that he suffered from a stutter when he was a child, Biden denies that it still affects him.
The former vice president has jokingly called himself a "gaffe machine," but his verbal slip-ups have damaged voters' and Democratic insiders' opinions of him on the campaign trail.
During a July debate, Biden stumbled over numerous statistics, phrases, and titles. Following August shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, Biden offered sympathies for the "tragic events in Houston today and also in Michigan."
Biden told supporters in August that "poor kids are just as bright and talented as white kids." He later clarified that he meant "wealthy kids" and not "white kids." That same day, he said that "we choose truth over facts," and the week before, Biden invented the word "expodentially."
If he wins the 2020 election, he would become the oldest president ever, taking office at 78 years and 61 days old. He is currently the front-runner for the Democratic nomination.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Fox News host: Trump 'doesn't deserve' to be reelected if US goes to war with Iran

Fox News host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery argued that President Trump would n't deserve to be reelected should the United States go to war with Iran .
Kennedy , the host of her own show on Fox Business , made the remarks about Trump 's reelection bid during Tuesday 's episode of Outnumbered .
The hosts were discussing the increased tensions with Iran following last Thursday 's airstrike that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
The U.S. said they had intelligence that pointed to imminent attacks against Americans abroad .
One of the hosts , Harris Faulkner , asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Buck Sexton , a guest on the show who was previously a CIA analyst , said that it would be unknown until Iran responds to the U.S. killing of Soleimani .
`` Remember , Trump , Trump 's base , they don ’ t want endless war , they don ’ t want the occupations to continue in these countries .
Trump 's trying to get us out of Afghanistan ... he does not want it , '' he said .
`` By the way , I think it is a threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets drawn in too far into Iran . ''
Kennedy then remarked , `` If he gets us into a war here , he does not deserve to be reelected . ''
While the Trump administration argued that they targeted Soleimani to `` stop a war '' with the Middle East , a number of Democrats , including presidential candidates , have accused the president of bringing the U.S. closer to conflict .
Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg referred to Soleimani as `` a bad guy , '' but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad guy is not necessarily a good idea . ''
While former Vice President Joe Biden said that the late Iranian leader `` deserved to be brought to justice for his crimes against American troops and thousands of innocents through the region , '' he also said that Trump `` just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox . ''

Fox News host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery argued that President Trump wouldn't deserve to be reelected should the United States go to war with Iran.
Kennedy, the host of her own show on Fox Business, made the remarks about Trump's reelection bid during Tuesday's episode of Outnumbered. The hosts were discussing the increased tensions with Iran following last Thursday's airstrike that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The U.S. said they had intelligence that pointed to imminent attacks against Americans abroad.
One of the hosts, Harris Faulkner, asked the others who benefits from the heightened tensions. Buck Sexton, a guest on the show who was previously a CIA analyst, said that it would be unknown until Iran responds to the U.S. killing of Soleimani.
"Remember, Trump, Trump's base, they don’t want endless war, they don’t want the occupations to continue in these countries. Trump's trying to get us out of Afghanistan ... he does not want it," he said. "By the way, I think it is a threat to Trump’s reelection if he gets drawn in too far into Iran."
Kennedy then remarked, "If he gets us into a war here, he does not deserve to be reelected."
While the Trump administration argued that they targeted Soleimani to "stop a war" with the Middle East, a number of Democrats, including presidential candidates, have accused the president of bringing the U.S. closer to conflict. Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg referred to Soleimani as "a bad guy," but he added that "taking out a bad guy is not necessarily a good idea." While former Vice President Joe Biden said that the late Iranian leader "deserved to be brought to justice for his crimes against American troops and thousands of innocents through the region," he also said that Trump "just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Bloomberg buys Super Bowl commercial slot for about $10 million

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg bought a 60-second advertising slot during next month 's Super Bowl .
The commercial slot will likely cost approximately $ 10 million .
The Bloomberg campaign confirmed they bought the airtime and told the New York Times that they paid `` market rate '' for it .
Fox executives previously revealed that they had sold all of their available commercial time for the Super Bowl broadcast with a 30-second ad costing `` north of $ 5 million '' but not exceeding $ 5.6 million , Variety reported in November .
“ The biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skin , ” said Michael Frazier , a spokesman for the Bloomberg campaign .
“ We have the means to raise a national campaign unlike any other candidate.
” They also said that the ad would directly attack the president as opposed to highlighting Bloomberg himself .
Super Bowl ads will also be at a premium during the 2020 Super Bowl because Fox has already announced that they intend to cut out one commercial break each quarter .
[ Previous coverage : Michael Bloomberg set to spend more in one week on TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg 's campaign strategy is predicated on running ads while speaking the first four crowded early state nominating contests that take place in Iowa , New Hampshire , Nevada , and South Carolina .
He spends approximately $ 4.2 million on campaign ads per day .
His campaign-to-date and planned spending on television , Facebook , and Google from Nov. 25 through Dec. 22 is $ 117.8 million .
The sum on ads alone is nearly as much as the $ 130.7 million that former Vice President Joe Biden , Sens .
Bernie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Massachusetts , and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg spent combined on their entire campaigns , from their campaign launches through the end of September .

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg bought a 60-second advertising slot during next month's Super Bowl. The commercial slot will likely cost approximately $10 million.
The Bloomberg campaign confirmed they bought the airtime and told the New York Times that they paid "market rate" for it. Fox executives previously revealed that they had sold all of their available commercial time for the Super Bowl broadcast with a 30-second ad costing "north of $5 million" but not exceeding $5.6 million, Variety reported in November.
“The biggest point is getting under Trump’s skin,” said Michael Frazier, a spokesman for the Bloomberg campaign. “We have the means to raise a national campaign unlike any other candidate.” They also said that the ad would directly attack the president as opposed to highlighting Bloomberg himself.
Super Bowl ads will also be at a premium during the 2020 Super Bowl because Fox has already announced that they intend to cut out one commercial break each quarter.
[Previous coverage: Michael Bloomberg set to spend more in one week on TV ad blitz than any candidate ever]
Bloomberg's campaign strategy is predicated on running ads while speaking the first four crowded early state nominating contests that take place in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina. He spends approximately $4.2 million on campaign ads per day.
His campaign-to-date and planned spending on television, Facebook, and Google from Nov. 25 through Dec. 22 is $117.8 million. The sum on ads alone is nearly as much as the $130.7 million that former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg spent combined on their entire campaigns, from their campaign launches through the end of September.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Judge Judy comes out as a nanny-stater

Judge Judy comes out as a nanny-stater

Everybody loves Judge Judy .
But now that she ’ s waded in the 2020 presidential race , Americans should view the beloved cultural icon a bit differently .
Judith Sheindlin , the host of daytime television ’ s courtroom drama Judge Judy , endorsed former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a television advertisement that debuted on Monday .
`` Mike Bloomberg has done amazing things and will be a truly great president , '' Judge Judy .
`` No one comes close to Mike Bloomberg 's executive achievement , government experience , and impactful philanthropy .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring us through these very challenging times . ''
The judge should stick to the ( TV ) courtroom .
She ’ s a beloved American figure , drawing the and bringing in 10 million viewers on average , more than triple the reach of prime-time news hosts such as Sean Hannity and Rachel Maddow .
People love the judge ’ s no-nonsense attitude and the way she speaks her mind , no holds barred .
But as far as Judge Judy ’ s politics are concerned … well , maybe she should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To endorse Bloomberg , of all people , is to reject the common-sense ethos she projects in the courtroom and side with a politician who thinks everyday people are too stupid to be trusted with the freedom to run their own lives even in the most simple ways .
The judge ’ s pitch for Bloomberg largely rests on her positive view of how he performed as mayor of New York City .
But when I look at his record as mayor , I don ’ t see the “ steady leadership ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touts .
Rather , the stark opposite .
Bloomberg as mayor repeatedly defended and carried out authoritarian that allowed police to shake down and search people at random , which — in an absolutely shocking twist — led to disproportionate targeting of racial minorities .
He also intruded on the lives of New Yorkers in the pettiest and most paternalistic ways , such as a nanny state ban on large-sized sodas .
And now , Bloomberg is running for president on a He ’ s one of the loudest cheerleaders of the foolish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the failed drug war against marijuana , essentially seeks to and disarm all Americans , and more .
Also , for what it ’ s worth , is Judge Judy not bothered by Bloomberg ’ s ?
She wouldn ’ t allow a man to bark at a pregnant woman to “ kill it ” or ask a newly engaged woman , “ What is the guy dumb and blind ?
What the hell is he marrying you for ?
” , in her courtroom .
Bloomberg has repeatedly said all these things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So why does Judge Judy think a man too callous for her courtroom is qualified for the Oval Office ?
Don ’ t get me wrong , I still love Judge Judy .
But I won ’ t be taking her political advice anytime soon , and neither should you .

Everybody loves Judge Judy. But now that she’s waded in the 2020 presidential race, Americans should view the beloved cultural icon a bit differently.
Judith Sheindlin, the host of daytime television’s courtroom drama Judge Judy, endorsed former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a television advertisement that debuted on Monday.
NEW: Judge Judy has endorsed Mike Bloomberg pic.twitter.com/215fqJCDli — Jon Levine (@LevineJonathan) January 6, 2020
"Mike Bloomberg has done amazing things and will be a truly great president," Judge Judy said . "No one comes close to Mike Bloomberg's executive achievement, government experience, and impactful philanthropy. His steady leadership will unite our country and bring us through these very challenging times."
The judge should stick to the (TV) courtroom. She’s a beloved American figure, drawing the highest salary of any television host and bringing in 10 million viewers on average, more than triple the reach of prime-time news hosts such as Sean Hannity and Rachel Maddow. People love the judge’s no-nonsense attitude and the way she speaks her mind, no holds barred.
But as far as Judge Judy’s politics are concerned … well, maybe she should have kept this one to herself. To endorse Bloomberg, of all people, is to reject the common-sense ethos she projects in the courtroom and side with a politician who thinks everyday people are too stupid to be trusted with the freedom to run their own lives even in the most simple ways.
Do not underestimate the importance of this endorsement. Half the country thinks Judge Judy is on the Supreme Court. https://t.co/QxstFyRtGh — (((evan shapiro))) (@eshap) January 6, 2020
The judge’s pitch for Bloomberg largely rests on her positive view of how he performed as mayor of New York City. But when I look at his record as mayor, I don’t see the “steady leadership” or “amazing things” Judge Judy touts.
Rather, the stark opposite. Bloomberg as mayor repeatedly defended and carried out authoritarian “stop and frisk” policies that allowed police to shake down and search people at random, which — in an absolutely shocking twist — led to disproportionate targeting of racial minorities. He also intruded on the lives of New Yorkers in the pettiest and most paternalistic ways, such as a nanny state ban on large-sized sodas.
And now, Bloomberg is running for president on a platform of toxic, big-government centrism. He’s one of the loudest cheerleaders of the foolish war on vaping, wants to continue the failed drug war against marijuana, essentially seeks to repeal the Second Amendment and disarm all Americans, and more.
Also, for what it’s worth, is Judge Judy not bothered by Bloomberg’s long, well-documented history of sexism and misogyny ? She wouldn’t allow a man to bark at a pregnant woman to “kill it” or ask a newly engaged woman, “What is the guy dumb and blind? What the hell is he marrying you for?”, in her courtroom. Bloomberg has repeatedly said all these things to women he employed and worse. So why does Judge Judy think a man too callous for her courtroom is qualified for the Oval Office?
Don’t get me wrong, I still love Judge Judy. But I won’t be taking her political advice anytime soon, and neither should you.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-07--Record early start for reelection campaign as Trump fires up base for 2020

President Trump is actively campaigning for reelection earlier than any incumbent in modern history , with a flurry of major events scheduled in just the first two weeks of 2020 .
Previous presidents avoided the campaign trail until deep into their reelection year , milking incumbency in a bid to cultivate the image of a bipartisan policymaker untainted by ugly politics .
Trump has upended that model .
This month , he is headlining at least two `` Keep America Great '' rallies in swing states Ohio and Wisconsin , with Vice President Mike Pence headed to Florida for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s daughter-in-law , campaigning in key suburban battlegrounds .
“ This is critical counterprogramming , ” Jason Miller , a former Trump communications adviser , said Monday .
“ As we head into the Senate impeachment trial , it ’ s very clear that if the president wants to see any good news about the positive accomplishments from the administration , [ the campaign ] is going to have to go out and create those opportunities themselves.
” Trump declared his run for reelection soon after being inaugurated nearly three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pace of signature-style , stadium rallies .
The president kicked off his reelection last June in Orlando , Florida , with a daylong festival and rally .
Trump 's immediate predecessors devoted the year preceding their reelection year , and a significant portion of their reelection year , to fundraising and building their campaign organizations .
In 2004 , President George W. Bush did not hold his first campaign rally — also in Orlando — until late March .
President Barack Obama , his successor , waited until early May of 2012 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Columbus , Ohio .
“ At this point , presidential campaigns are normally more focused on fundraising , ” said Alex Conant , a Republican strategist .
“ When [ Trump ] goes to Ohio this week , he ’ s going for a rally , not a fundraiser , and that ’ s unique.
” Already this month , the president launched his campaign ’ s “ Evangelicals for Trump ” coalition with a rally-style speech before more than 5,000 people at a megachurch in Miami , Florida .
On Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a `` Keep America Great '' rally , followed by another the following Tuesday in Milwaukee , Wisconsin .
Lara Trump is to hold separate , more intimate events the day before each rally , in Columbus , Ohio , and Wausau , Wisconsin .
On Jan. 16 , Pence and his wife will deploy to Tampa , Florida , for a mini-rally , after which they will lead a bus tour along the crucial Interstate 4 corridor to Orlando for a “ Latinos for Trump ” event .

President Trump is actively campaigning for reelection earlier than any incumbent in modern history, with a flurry of major events scheduled in just the first two weeks of 2020.
Previous presidents avoided the campaign trail until deep into their reelection year, milking incumbency in a bid to cultivate the image of a bipartisan policymaker untainted by ugly politics. Trump has upended that model. This month, he is headlining at least two "Keep America Great" rallies in swing states Ohio and Wisconsin, with Vice President Mike Pence headed to Florida for a bus tour and Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, campaigning in key suburban battlegrounds.
“This is critical counterprogramming,” Jason Miller, a former Trump communications adviser, said Monday. “As we head into the Senate impeachment trial, it’s very clear that if the president wants to see any good news about the positive accomplishments from the administration, [the campaign] is going to have to go out and create those opportunities themselves.”
Trump declared his run for reelection soon after being inaugurated nearly three years ago and has since maintained an aggressive pace of signature-style, stadium rallies. The president kicked off his reelection last June in Orlando, Florida, with a daylong festival and rally.
[Related: 'Unstoppable': Trump campaign outpaces Democrats with $46M fourth-quarter haul]
Trump's immediate predecessors devoted the year preceding their reelection year, and a significant portion of their reelection year, to fundraising and building their campaign organizations. In 2004, President George W. Bush did not hold his first campaign rally — also in Orlando — until late March. President Barack Obama, his successor, waited until early May of 2012 to hit the stump with a rally in Columbus, Ohio.
“At this point, presidential campaigns are normally more focused on fundraising,” said Alex Conant, a Republican strategist. “When [Trump] goes to Ohio this week, he’s going for a rally, not a fundraiser, and that’s unique.”
Already this month, the president launched his campaign’s “Evangelicals for Trump” coalition with a rally-style speech before more than 5,000 people at a megachurch in Miami, Florida.
On Thursday, Trump travels to Toledo, Ohio, for a "Keep America Great" rally, followed by another the following Tuesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lara Trump is to hold separate, more intimate events the day before each rally, in Columbus, Ohio, and Wausau, Wisconsin. On Jan. 16, Pence and his wife will deploy to Tampa, Florida, for a mini-rally, after which they will lead a bus tour along the crucial Interstate 4 corridor to Orlando for a “Latinos for Trump” event.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-08--Amy Klobuchar bails on fundraiser as Democratic candidates weigh in on Iranian ballistic missile att

Amy Klobuchar bails on fundraiser as Democratic candidates weigh in on Iranian ballistic missile attacks

Amy Klobuchar was a no-show at an exclusive fundraiser in Washington , D.C. , after Iran claimed responsibility for dozens of ballistic missiles launched at two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. troops .
Donors were to hear from Klobuchar , 59 , at the home of John and Meg Symington , but the Minnesota senator canceled her appearance .
The former prosecutor attended Yale University with Meg Symington , who now works with the World Wildlife Fund .
`` Closely monitoring what is happening in Iraq .
We must do all we can to protect our servicemembers and Americans at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , 77 , addressed the assault on an Anbar province base in western Iraq , which houses Iraqi and some U.S. forces , as well as a U.S.-Iraqi base in Irbil , Kurdistan , during a fundraiser in Philadelphia .
“ What ’ s happening in Iraq and Iran today was predictable , ” the former vice president said .
“ Not exactly what ’ s happening but the chaos that ’ s ensuing . ''
Biden , the former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman , described President Trump 's threat to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including cultural sites , should Iran retaliate after a drone strike killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani , 62 , as `` close to ludicrous . ''
`` And I just pray to God as he goes through what ’ s happening , as we speak , that he ’ s listening to his military commanders for the first time , because , so far , that has not been the case , '' Biden said .
In Brooklyn , New York , Elizabeth Warren also broached the attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by her former rival , Julian Castro .
`` This is a reminder why we need de-escalate tension in the Middle East .
The American people do not want a war with Iran , '' the Massachusetts senator , 70 , said .
No casualties have been reported .

Amy Klobuchar was a no-show at an exclusive fundraiser in Washington, D.C., after Iran claimed responsibility for dozens of ballistic missiles launched at two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. troops.
Donors were to hear from Klobuchar, 59, at the home of John and Meg Symington, but the Minnesota senator canceled her appearance. The former prosecutor attended Yale University with Meg Symington, who now works with the World Wildlife Fund.
"Closely monitoring what is happening in Iraq. We must do all we can to protect our servicemembers and Americans at risk," Klobuchar tweeted.
Closely monitoring what is happening in Iraq. We must do all we can to protect our servicemembers and Americans at risk. — Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) January 8, 2020
Joe Biden, 77, addressed the assault on an Anbar province base in western Iraq, which houses Iraqi and some U.S. forces, as well as a U.S.-Iraqi base in Irbil, Kurdistan, during a fundraiser in Philadelphia.
“What’s happening in Iraq and Iran today was predictable,” the former vice president said. “Not exactly what’s happening but the chaos that’s ensuing."
Biden, the former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, described President Trump's threat to hit a list of 52 Iranian targets, including cultural sites, should Iran retaliate after a drone strike killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, 62, as "close to ludicrous."
"And I just pray to God as he goes through what’s happening, as we speak, that he’s listening to his military commanders for the first time, because, so far, that has not been the case," Biden said.
In Brooklyn, New York, Elizabeth Warren also broached the attacks at a rally where she was introduced by her former rival, Julian Castro.
"This is a reminder why we need de-escalate tension in the Middle East. The American people do not want a war with Iran," the Massachusetts senator, 70, said.
Tonight, my prayers are with our service members, our diplomats and personnel serving in Iraq, and their families—and all the people in the region.
This is a reminder why we need to de-escalate tension in the Middle East. The American people do not want a war with Iran. pic.twitter.com/Uqybp89u7n — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 8, 2020
No casualties have been reported.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-01-08--Security in DC tightens amid conflict with Iran

Security in Washington , D.C. , has increased as tensions grow between Iran and the United States .
White House security was tight Tuesday night after the Iranian attack against at least two bases in Iraq that house U.S. forces , according to CNN .
Secret Service members holding assault rifles were seen at checkpoints near the White House .
Both Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper visited the White House after the attacks , which the Pentagon has confirmed and for which Iran has taken credit .
The attacks came less than a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soleimani in a Baghdad drone strike .
Some gates at military bases around the District have been closed , and authorities are carrying out more stringent identity checks of visitors , despite there being no specific threat in the area .
Sgt .
Eduardo Delgado , the U.S. Park Police spokesman , told the Washington Post that there will be a more visible presence of officers given the Iranian threat .
“ There ’ s no specific threats , ” Delgado said .
“ It ’ s just an abundance of precaution.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses Air Force One , updated some of its security procedures beginning Tuesday .
“ We are confident Joint Base Andrews is still one of the safest places in the world to live and work , and we will continue working hard to keep it that way , ” a statement from the base read .
Soleimani was the 62-year-old commander of the Quds Force .
Soleimani ’ s successor , Gen. Esmail Ghaani , vowed on Monday to “ rid the region of America.
” Trump has threatened `` major retaliation '' @ @ @ @ @ @

Security in Washington, D.C., has increased as tensions grow between Iran and the United States.
White House security was tight Tuesday night after the Iranian attack against at least two bases in Iraq that house U.S. forces, according to CNN. Secret Service members holding assault rifles were seen at checkpoints near the White House.
Both Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper visited the White House after the attacks, which the Pentagon has confirmed and for which Iran has taken credit. The attacks came less than a week after the U.S. killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a Baghdad drone strike.
Some gates at military bases around the District have been closed, and authorities are carrying out more stringent identity checks of visitors, despite there being no specific threat in the area.
Sgt. Eduardo Delgado, the U.S. Park Police spokesman, told the Washington Post that there will be a more visible presence of officers given the Iranian threat.
“There’s no specific threats,” Delgado said. “It’s just an abundance of precaution.”
Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, which houses Air Force One, updated some of its security procedures beginning Tuesday.
“We are confident Joint Base Andrews is still one of the safest places in the world to live and work, and we will continue working hard to keep it that way,” a statement from the base read.
Soleimani was the 62-year-old commander of the Quds Force. Soleimani’s successor, Gen. Esmail Ghaani, vowed on Monday to “rid the region of America.” Trump has threatened "major retaliation" if the country seeks revenge.