thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Clarence Thomas wife among conservative activists leading Trump efforts to compile ‘deep state’ hit

Clarence Thomas wife among conservative activists leading Trump efforts to compile ‘deep state’ hit list

The wife of conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is spearheading an effort to remove officials suspected of undermining President Trump .
A network of conservative activists led by Ginni Thomas is helping compile detailed memos of disloyal government officials they want fired , according to more than a dozen sources who spoke with Axios .
Trump ’ s distrust of people inside the White House and the federal government has intensified since his impeachment and acquittal , and he thinks his government is filled with “ snakes ” he wants fired and replaced .
The memos sent to Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jessie Liu , whose nomination for a top Treasury role was withdrawn .
A source with knowledge of the document said Liu ’ s alleged misdeeds included signing the sentencing filing asking for jail time for Trump ’ s former national security adviser Michael Flynn , not charging former deputy director of the FBI Andrew McCabe , and not acting on criminal referrals of some of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh 's accusers .
The memos , compiled over the last 18 months , also included suggestions of pro-Trump people to replace the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service agent Dan Bongino for a Homeland Security or counterterrorism adviser role , Sheriff David Clarke for a top Homeland Security role , and Republican California Rep. Devin Nunes 's aide Derek Harvey for the National Security Council .
The presidential personnel office determined that some of the potential candidates passed along were not suitable for the jobs .

The wife of conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is spearheading an effort to remove officials suspected of undermining President Trump.
A network of conservative activists led by Ginni Thomas is helping compile detailed memos of disloyal government officials they want fired, according to more than a dozen sources who spoke with Axios.
Trump’s distrust of people inside the White House and the federal government has intensified since his impeachment and acquittal, and he thinks his government is filled with “snakes” he wants fired and replaced.
The memos sent to Trump included former District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jessie Liu, whose nomination for a top Treasury role was withdrawn. A source with knowledge of the document said Liu’s alleged misdeeds included signing the sentencing filing asking for jail time for Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn, not charging former deputy director of the FBI Andrew McCabe, and not acting on criminal referrals of some of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's accusers.
The memos, compiled over the last 18 months, also included suggestions of pro-Trump people to replace the current officials. Thomas recommended former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino for a Homeland Security or counterterrorism adviser role, Sheriff David Clarke for a top Homeland Security role, and Republican California Rep. Devin Nunes's aide Derek Harvey for the National Security Council.
The presidential personnel office determined that some of the potential candidates passed along were not suitable for the jobs.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--John Ratcliffe: Adam Schiff is Russia's best asset in sowing election discord

No one has played into the Kremlin ’ s hands more than Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff , according to a key Republican congressman .
Rep. John Ratcliffe , a former federal prosecutor and member of the intelligence panel , addressed disputed leaks about classified intelligence on Russian inference in the 2020 election .
“ He 's at it again by putting out , through his committee , information that is false , ” the Texas lawmaker told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News 's Sunday Morning Futures .
“ Look , I 'm not trying to be hyperbolic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone in the last three years who has done more to help Vladimir Putin and Russia with their efforts to sow the seeds of discord in American elections and American election security than Adam Schiff has.
” The controversial classified briefing happened earlier this month and was conducted by Shelby Pierson , the intelligence community election threats executive under then-Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire .
During the meeting , sources cited by the New York Times on Thursday claimed Pierson warned that “ Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ratcliffe said he could not provide specifics about “ a classified briefing that was intended to remain secret , ” but he did deny the accuracy of the reporting .
“ We see when there 's a story about — that is allegedly anti-Trump or negative for the president , it shows up in newspapers because either Democratic members or Democratic staffers leak it , ” the Texas Republican said Sunday .
“ The problem is , in this case , they have leaked information that 's not accurate.
” His comments echo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited by CNN ’ s Jake Tapper on Friday .
“ What 's been articulated in the news is that the intelligence community has concluded that the Russians are trying to help Trump again .
But the intelligence does n't say that , ” Tapper ’ s source said .
“ The problem is Shelby said they developed a preference for Trump .
A more reasonable interpretation of the intelligence is not that they have a preference ; it 's a step short of that.
” The national security official added , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president is someone they can work with ; he 's a dealmaker .
But not that they prefer him over ” his Democratic opponents .
“ So it may have been mischaracterized by Shelby , ” the official said .
CNN reported Sunday that “ one intelligence official said that Pierson 's characterization of the intelligence was ‘ misleading ’ and a national security official said Pierson failed to provide the ‘ nuance ’ needed to accurately convey the U.S. intelligence conclusions.
” The Washington Post cited a source Thursday who claimed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led Trump to replace Maguire with U.S .
Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell last week .
But national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien said Trump did not make the personnel switch because of the briefing .
Still , Schiff seemed to embrace the hotly-disputed framing of the reports .
When the New York Times published its story Thursday , Schiff tweeted in response : “ We count on the intelligence community to inform Congress of any threat of foreign interference in our elections .
If reports are true and the President is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jeopardizing our efforts to stop foreign meddling.
” On Sunday , Trump disputed the claim that the U.S. Intelligence Community concluded Russia wanted him to win reelection in 2020 .
“ Nobody said it to me at all .
Nobody briefed me about that all , ” Trump said .
“ They leaked it , Adam Schiff and his group .
They leaked it to the papers .
And as usual , they ought to investigate Adam Schiff for leaking that information.
” “ Your false claims fool no one , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian help in 2016 , tried to coerce Ukraine ’ s help in 2019 , and won ’ t protect our elections in 2020 .
Now you fired your intel chief for briefing Congress about it .
You ’ ve betrayed America .
Again.
” CBS News 's Catherine Herridge tweeted Friday her source “ said briefers had none to offer ” when pressed for details about whether there was signals intelligence , such as phone intercepts , to back up claims about Russia ’ s 2020 preference .
“ I have n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything to attempt to get President Trump reelected , ” O ’ Brien said Sunday .
Ratcliffe , who was briefly Trump 's nominee for director of national intelligence last year , said on Sunday the Russians “ meddled in 2016 ” and “ they 're going to meddle in 2020.
” “ That 's not the issue : The issue is why Russia is being so successful in shaking American confidence in the integrity of our elections , ” Ratcliffe argued .
“ And the reason is , it 's because Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propaganda for their political gain and for their political motivation against Donald Trump.
” The congressman pointed to British ex-spy Christopher Steele ’ s dossier being used in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrants to target Trump campaign associate Carter Page , as well as Schiff ’ s 2018 FISA memo , which defended the Page FISA process .
DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz identified at least 17 “ significant errors or omissions ” in the DOJ ’ s and the FBI ’ s use of FISA warrants in the Trump-Russia investigation .
Schiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FISA report demonstrated that Republican California Rep. Devin Nunes ’ s own 2018 FISA memo was almost entirely correct .
“ All of these things have been done by Democrats for their political gain , but has promoted everything that Russia has tried to accomplish , ” Ratcliffe claimed .
“ And the Democrats have been their biggest allies.
” Schiff said in December 2017 that there was “ pretty damning ” evidence of Trump-Russia collusion .
And after special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s report was released in April , Schiff claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in plain sight.
” Mueller ’ s report stated , “ The investigation did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities.
” FBI Director Christopher Wray testified earlier this month that Russia ’ s “ efforts to sow discord on both sides of an issue ” is “ very much ongoing.
” Fiona Hill , the National Security Council ’ s former Russia expert and a Ukraine impeachment witness , testified last year that the Russians “ seed misinformation ” @ @ @ @ @ @

No one has played into the Kremlin’s hands more than Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, according to a key Republican congressman.
Rep. John Ratcliffe, a former federal prosecutor and member of the intelligence panel, addressed disputed leaks about classified intelligence on Russian inference in the 2020 election.
“He's at it again by putting out, through his committee, information that is false,” the Texas lawmaker told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures. “Look, I'm not trying to be hyperbolic here, but I don't know anyone in the last three years who has done more to help Vladimir Putin and Russia with their efforts to sow the seeds of discord in American elections and American election security than Adam Schiff has.”
The controversial classified briefing happened earlier this month and was conducted by Shelby Pierson, the intelligence community election threats executive under then-Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire. During the meeting, sources cited by the New York Times on Thursday claimed Pierson warned that “Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump reelected.”
Ratcliffe said he could not provide specifics about “a classified briefing that was intended to remain secret,” but he did deny the accuracy of the reporting.
“We see when there's a story about — that is allegedly anti-Trump or negative for the president, it shows up in newspapers because either Democratic members or Democratic staffers leak it,” the Texas Republican said Sunday. “The problem is, in this case, they have leaked information that's not accurate.”
His comments echo denials made by a national security official cited by CNN’s Jake Tapper on Friday.
“What's been articulated in the news is that the intelligence community has concluded that the Russians are trying to help Trump again. But the intelligence doesn't say that,” Tapper’s source said. “The problem is Shelby said they developed a preference for Trump. A more reasonable interpretation of the intelligence is not that they have a preference; it's a step short of that.” The national security official added, “It's more that they understand the president is someone they can work with; he's a dealmaker. But not that they prefer him over” his Democratic opponents.
“So it may have been mischaracterized by Shelby,” the official said.
CNN reported Sunday that “one intelligence official said that Pierson's characterization of the intelligence was ‘misleading’ and a national security official said Pierson failed to provide the ‘nuance’ needed to accurately convey the U.S. intelligence conclusions.”
The Washington Post cited a source Thursday who claimed the briefing “was the catalyst” that led Trump to replace Maguire with U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell last week. But national security adviser Robert O’Brien said Trump did not make the personnel switch because of the briefing.
Still, Schiff seemed to embrace the hotly-disputed framing of the reports. When the New York Times published its story Thursday, Schiff tweeted in response: “We count on the intelligence community to inform Congress of any threat of foreign interference in our elections. If reports are true and the President is interfering with that, he is again jeopardizing our efforts to stop foreign meddling.”
On Sunday, Trump disputed the claim that the U.S. Intelligence Community concluded Russia wanted him to win reelection in 2020.
“Nobody said it to me at all. Nobody briefed me about that all,” Trump said. “They leaked it, Adam Schiff and his group. They leaked it to the papers. And as usual, they ought to investigate Adam Schiff for leaking that information.”
Schiff called the comment a “nice deflection.”
“Your false claims fool no one,” the California Democrat tweeted. “You welcomed Russian help in 2016, tried to coerce Ukraine’s help in 2019, and won’t protect our elections in 2020. Now you fired your intel chief for briefing Congress about it. You’ve betrayed America. Again.”
CBS News's Catherine Herridge tweeted Friday her source “said briefers had none to offer” when pressed for details about whether there was signals intelligence, such as phone intercepts, to back up claims about Russia’s 2020 preference.
“I haven't seen any intelligence that Russia is doing anything to attempt to get President Trump reelected,” O’Brien said Sunday.
Ratcliffe, who was briefly Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence last year, said on Sunday the Russians “meddled in 2016” and “they're going to meddle in 2020.”
“That's not the issue: The issue is why Russia is being so successful in shaking American confidence in the integrity of our elections,” Ratcliffe argued. “And the reason is, it's because Democrats keep perpetuating and accentuating and proliferating Russian propaganda for their political gain and for their political motivation against Donald Trump.”
The congressman pointed to British ex-spy Christopher Steele’s dossier being used in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrants to target Trump campaign associate Carter Page, as well as Schiff’s 2018 FISA memo, which defended the Page FISA process.
DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz identified at least 17 “significant errors or omissions” in the DOJ’s and the FBI’s use of FISA warrants in the Trump-Russia investigation. Schiff’s critics believe Horowitz’s FISA report demonstrated that Republican California Rep. Devin Nunes’s own 2018 FISA memo was almost entirely correct.
“All of these things have been done by Democrats for their political gain, but has promoted everything that Russia has tried to accomplish,” Ratcliffe claimed. “And the Democrats have been their biggest allies.”
Schiff said in December 2017 that there was “pretty damning” evidence of Trump-Russia collusion. And after special counsel Robert Mueller’s report was released in April, Schiff claimed there was “ample evidence of collusion in plain sight.”
Mueller’s report stated, “The investigation did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified earlier this month that Russia’s “efforts to sow discord on both sides of an issue” is “very much ongoing.”
Fiona Hill, the National Security Council’s former Russia expert and a Ukraine impeachment witness, testified last year that the Russians “seed misinformation” and “seed doubt.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Moderate voters feel no urgency to cut field and coalesce around Bernie Sanders alternative

ARLINGTON , Virginia — As Bernie Sanders cements his place as the 2020 front-runner while more centrist candidates split the vote and face pressure from pundits to drop out and coalesce around a strong alternative that can halt him from taking a delegate lead .
Moderate voters , however , don ’ t feel the same way .
“ The primary process is functioning very well , actually .
I like the fact that everybody is out here supporting a wide field of candidates , ” said Genevieve Zeltan , 44 , a supporter of former South Bend , Indiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the candidate in Arlington , Virginia , on Sunday .
“ I do n't think that individual people should be trying to strategize party political strategy , ” said Zeltan , a Herndon , Virginia , resident who runs a marketing company .
“ They should be out there supporting the candidates that they like the best.
” Billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg ’ s campaign last week said that Sanders wouls acquire an “ insurmountable ” delegate lead on March 3 Super Tuesday unless fellow centrist candidates Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar bow out of the race .
Buttigieg ’ s campaign in response said that Bloomberg should be the one to drop out , citing the 38-year-old ’ s success challenging Sanders in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary and gaining a slight delegate lead .
Sanders decisively won Saturday ’ s Nevada caucuses , creating more urgency for moderate candidates to show that they can challenge the socialist Vermont senator .
But that anxiety is not reaching moderate voters who attended Buttigieg ’ s rally Northern Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 Super Tuesday .
Though the voters do not like the idea of a Sanders presidency , they enjoy the range of options .
“ I think right now the number of candidates is about right , ” said Arlington resident and undecided voter Beth Harrison , 59 , a federal government employee , adding that she is not worried about Sanders taking a decisive lead .
Joe Klein , 22 , noted that only about a third of nominating delegates are allocated through Super Tuesday , giving time for candidates to coalesce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
“ If you 're going to stop him , it does n't matter if you stop now or later .
That ’ ll be enough , ” said Klein , a Fairfax , Virginia , finance professional .
“ As a moderate , I think it would be an ideal world kind of coalesce around one person .
But if it ’ s Bernie , it ’ s Bernie .
That 's just what we 've got to do , I guess.
” There is little incentive to drop out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of progress .
With 60 % of Nevada results in , Biden is in second place and Buttigieg is in third .
Klobuchar surprised with a third-place finish in New Hampshire and continues to rack up newspaper editorial board endorsements in Super Tuesday states .
More than 8,800 attendees formed a line several blocks long before gathering in an Arlington high school football stadium to see Buttigieg , causing traffic delays in the urban neighborhood and prompting local police to close some roads .
Buttigieg wasted no time taking a jab at Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position himself as the main alternative to Sanders .
“ I respect my friend Senator Sanders .
I believe the ideals he talks about are ideals we all share .
But I also believe that the way we will build the movement to defeat Donald Trump is to call people into our tents , not to call them names online , ” he said .
And he ended with a swipe .
“ This is where I differ with Senator Sanders .
I don ’ t believe we can allow ourselves to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting is the point , ” Buttigieg said .
“ The point is not the fight .
The point is what lies on the other side .
”

ARLINGTON, Virginia — As Bernie Sanders cements his place as the 2020 front-runner while more centrist candidates split the vote and face pressure from pundits to drop out and coalesce around a strong alternative that can halt him from taking a delegate lead.
Moderate voters, however, don’t feel the same way.
“The primary process is functioning very well, actually. I like the fact that everybody is out here supporting a wide field of candidates,” said Genevieve Zeltan, 44, a supporter of former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg at a rally for the candidate in Arlington, Virginia, on Sunday.
“I don't think that individual people should be trying to strategize party political strategy,” said Zeltan, a Herndon, Virginia, resident who runs a marketing company. “They should be out there supporting the candidates that they like the best.”
Billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s campaign last week said that Sanders wouls acquire an “insurmountable” delegate lead on March 3 Super Tuesday unless fellow centrist candidates Buttigieg, former Vice President Joe Biden, and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar bow out of the race. Buttigieg’s campaign in response said that Bloomberg should be the one to drop out, citing the 38-year-old’s success challenging Sanders in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary and gaining a slight delegate lead.
Sanders decisively won Saturday’s Nevada caucuses, creating more urgency for moderate candidates to show that they can challenge the socialist Vermont senator.
But that anxiety is not reaching moderate voters who attended Buttigieg’s rally Northern Virginia, which has a primary on March 3 Super Tuesday. Though the voters do not like the idea of a Sanders presidency, they enjoy the range of options.
“I think right now the number of candidates is about right,” said Arlington resident and undecided voter Beth Harrison, 59, a federal government employee, adding that she is not worried about Sanders taking a decisive lead.
Joe Klein, 22, noted that only about a third of nominating delegates are allocated through Super Tuesday, giving time for candidates to coalesce around a moderate alternative after contests that day.
“If you're going to stop him, it doesn't matter if you stop now or later. That’ll be enough,” said Klein, a Fairfax, Virginia, finance professional. “As a moderate, I think it would be an ideal world kind of coalesce around one person. But if it’s Bernie, it’s Bernie. That's just what we've got to do, I guess.”
There is little incentive to drop out, too, when centrist candidates post signs of progress. With 60% of Nevada results in, Biden is in second place and Buttigieg is in third. Klobuchar surprised with a third-place finish in New Hampshire and continues to rack up newspaper editorial board endorsements in Super Tuesday states.
More than 8,800 attendees formed a line several blocks long before gathering in an Arlington high school football stadium to see Buttigieg, causing traffic delays in the urban neighborhood and prompting local police to close some roads.
Buttigieg wasted no time taking a jab at Sanders in his stump speech, hoping to position himself as the main alternative to Sanders.
“I respect my friend Senator Sanders. I believe the ideals he talks about are ideals we all share. But I also believe that the way we will build the movement to defeat Donald Trump is to call people into our tents, not to call them names online,” he said.
And he ended with a swipe.
“This is where I differ with Senator Sanders. I don’t believe we can allow ourselves to get to the point where it feels like fighting is the point,” Buttigieg said. “The point is not the fight. The point is what lies on the other side.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Marianne Williamson endorses Sanders: 'It’s time for us to take a stand with Bernie'

Marianne Williamson has a new preferred Democratic presidential candidate in the quest to challenge the `` dark psychic force of the collectivized hatred '' coming from President Trump : Bernie Sanders .
The former 2020 Democrat was a surprise guest at a rally in Austin , Texas , for the Vermont senator on Sunday .
`` Bernie Sanders has been taking a stand for a very long time , '' she said .
“ I ’ m here , and you ’ re here because it ’ s time for us to take a stand with Bernie . ''
Williamson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her focus on `` New Age '' spirituality made prominent in part by appearances on Oprah Winfrey 's show , was a long-shot 2020 candidate who dropped out of the race in January .
One of her most memorable campaign moments was when she warned of a “ dark psychic force ” coming from Trump during a presidential debate .
She shot down suggestions that Sanders , a socialist , would not be able to beat Trump in a general election .
`` We 're being told , 'Oh , it ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bernie ca n't beat Trump , it ca n't happen . '
Well , what do you think they told the abolitionists ? ''
she asked .
`` They said to the abolitionists , 'Abolishing slavery is n't possible , it ca n't happen . '
And they said to the women suffragettes , 'Oh , it 's impossible , it ca n't happen . '
And they said to the civil rights workers , 'It 's impossible , it ca n't happen , ' '' Williamson continued .
`` And did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the civil rights workers say , 'Oh , okay ? '
Hell no ! ''
She had previously backed tech entrepreneur and fellow long-shot candidate Andrew Yang 's candidacy before he dropped out of the race following the New Hampshire primary .
Williamson elaborated on her endorsement in a statement on Sunday .
`` A 40 yr-old trend of capitalism without conscience – corporate elites and their errand boys in government – have created the inevitable blowback in the form of a political revolution , '' she said .
`` That revolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I want to do everything I can to further its success .
I am honored to endorse him . ''

Marianne Williamson has a new preferred Democratic presidential candidate in the quest to challenge the "dark psychic force of the collectivized hatred" coming from President Trump: Bernie Sanders.
The former 2020 Democrat was a surprise guest at a rally in Austin, Texas, for the Vermont senator on Sunday.
"Bernie Sanders has been taking a stand for a very long time," she said. “I’m here, and you’re here because it’s time for us to take a stand with Bernie."
Williamson, an author and activist known for her focus on "New Age" spirituality made prominent in part by appearances on Oprah Winfrey's show, was a long-shot 2020 candidate who dropped out of the race in January. One of her most memorable campaign moments was when she warned of a “dark psychic force” coming from Trump during a presidential debate.
She shot down suggestions that Sanders, a socialist, would not be able to beat Trump in a general election.
"We're being told, 'Oh, it can't happen. He can't beat Trump, Bernie can't beat Trump, it can't happen.' Well, what do you think they told the abolitionists?" she asked.
"They said to the abolitionists, 'Abolishing slavery isn't possible, it can't happen.' And they said to the women suffragettes, 'Oh, it's impossible, it can't happen.' And they said to the civil rights workers, 'It's impossible, it can't happen,'" Williamson continued. "And did the abolitionists and the women's suffragettes and the civil rights workers say, 'Oh, okay?' Hell no!"
Marianne Williamson endorsed Bernie Sanders and tbh she kinda served pic.twitter.com/JF5bEe4RLb — Serena Daniari (@serenajazmine) February 23, 2020
She had previously backed tech entrepreneur and fellow long-shot candidate Andrew Yang's candidacy before he dropped out of the race following the New Hampshire primary.
Williamson elaborated on her endorsement in a statement on Sunday.
"A 40 yr-old trend of capitalism without conscience – corporate elites and their errand boys in government – have created the inevitable blowback in the form of a political revolution," she said. "That revolution is one that Bernie Sanders now leads, and I want to do everything I can to further its success. I am honored to endorse him."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--'Needs experience in the intelligence community': GOP senator breaks with Trump over acting spy chie

'Needs experience in the intelligence community': GOP senator breaks with Trump over acting spy chief pick

Sen. Susan Collins said she disagreed with President Trump ’ s decision to tap Richard Grenell to be his acting spy chief .
The Maine Republican said Monday that she thinks Grenell , the United States ambassador to Germany , lacks the intelligence experience to work as director of national intelligence , according to Politico .
Collins is the first Republican to push back on Trump ’ s pick .
She said she would have liked Trump to keep acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire in the role instead .
“ I would have much preferred that the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Collins said .
“ I care deeply about that position and believe the person needs experience in the intelligence community , which regrettably ambassador Grenell does not have.
” Trump announced last week that Grenell , one of his most vocal supporters , would become the acting director of national intelligence and that Maguire , who was appointed in August , would depart the position .
Democrats have blasted the move , with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi contending that the choice was made because of Grenell ’ s loyalty to Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , President Trump has once again put his political interests ahead of America ’ s national security interests by appointing an acting director of national intelligence whose sole qualification is his absolute loyalty to the president , ” the California Democrat said in a statement .
Grenell confirmed a day after the announcement that his appointment would be temporary in nature and that Trump would announce a permanent nominee for the Senate-confirmed position “ sometime soon.
” The president has said he is considering four people for the permanent role and would make @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Sen. Susan Collins said she disagreed with President Trump’s decision to tap Richard Grenell to be his acting spy chief.
The Maine Republican said Monday that she thinks Grenell, the United States ambassador to Germany, lacks the intelligence experience to work as director of national intelligence, according to Politico.
Collins is the first Republican to push back on Trump’s pick. She said she would have liked Trump to keep acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire in the role instead.
“I would have much preferred that the president nominate acting director Maguire for the post,” Collins said. “I care deeply about that position and believe the person needs experience in the intelligence community, which regrettably ambassador Grenell does not have.”
Trump announced last week that Grenell, one of his most vocal supporters, would become the acting director of national intelligence and that Maguire, who was appointed in August, would depart the position.
Democrats have blasted the move, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi contending that the choice was made because of Grenell’s loyalty to Trump rather than his qualifications.
“Sadly, President Trump has once again put his political interests ahead of America’s national security interests by appointing an acting director of national intelligence whose sole qualification is his absolute loyalty to the president,” the California Democrat said in a statement.
Grenell confirmed a day after the announcement that his appointment would be temporary in nature and that Trump would announce a permanent nominee for the Senate-confirmed position “sometime soon.” The president has said he is considering four people for the permanent role and would make a decision in the coming weeks.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Julian Assange put lives at risk, US says while seeking to extradite WikiLeaks founder from UK

As the United States seeks to extradite Julian Assange from the United Kingdom , a lawyer for the U.S. government argued before a London court that the WikiLeaks founder put lives at risk by leaking classified documents containing the names of U.S. foreign sources .
“ The defense seeks to suggest that the risk to these individuals who , by having the individuals revealed as informants , is somehow overstated , ” U.S. counsel James Lewis told the judge at the Woolwich Crown Court on Monday , according to the Guardian .
“ I would remind the court that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on regimes such as Iran and organizations such as al Qaeda.
” Assange , 47 , was arrested at Ecuador ’ s Embassy in London early last year in connection to a single U.S. charge of conspiring to hack a classified Pentagon computer network in 2010 , by agreeing to help Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning crack a password .
Federal prosecutors later accused the WikiLeaks founder of violating the Espionage Act as part of a new superseding indictment last May , charging him on 17 new counts .
The Justice Department said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States.
” After this week ’ s legal arguments , a three-week evidentiary hearing won ’ t begin until May .
Lewis argued that Assange “ is not charged with disclosure of embarrassing or awkward information that the government would rather not have disclosed — the disclosures charges are solely where there was a risk of risk.
” The attorney added that “ the U.S. is aware of sources , whose redacted names and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published by Wikileaks who subsequently disappeared , although the U.S. ca n't prove at this point that their disappearance was the result of being outed by Wikileaks , ” according to the BBC .
Lewis claimed the charges against Assange weren ’ t about uncovering U.S. war crimes but , as quoted by CNN , related to “ publishing specific classified documents that contained unredacted names of innocent people who risked their safety and freedom to aid the United States and its allies.
” The attorney for the U.S. read aloud a 2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners in the wake of those disclosures .
“ We deplore the decision of WikiLeaks to publish the unredacted State Department cables , which may put sources at risk , ” the outlets said at the time , adding , “ We are united in condemning it.
” The Department of Justice said Assange founded WikiLeaks with the purpose of it being “ an intelligence agency of the people.
” The indictment said the information WikiLeaks published “ included names of local Afghans and Iraqis who had provided information to U.S. and coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created a grave and imminent risk that the innocent people he named would suffer serious physical harm.
” The DOJ said that “ Manning responded to Assange ’ s solicitations by using access granted to her as an intelligence analyst to search for U.S. classified documents , and provided to Assange and WikiLeaks databases containing approximately 90,000 Afghanistan war-related significant activity reports , 400,000 Iraq war-related significant activities reports , 800 Guantanamo Bay detainee assessment briefs , and 250,000 U.S. Department of State cables.
” Assange attorney Barry Pollack said last year that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the threat the criminal prosecution of Julian Assange poses to all journalists.
” Assange was not charged for his role in exposing the CIA ’ s “ Vault 7 ” program in 2017 nor in connection to Russia ’ s election interference in 2016 .
His lawyer Mark Summers claimed last October there was a connection between “ the reinvigoration of the investigation and Donald Trump ’ s presidency.
” “ Julian Assange faces , if extradited and convicted , 175 years in prison , ” Assange ’ s attorneys said last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of information whose publications concerns practices of the United States for which national security is claimed have implications far beyond the case of Julian Assange.
” “ The extradition is a death sentence , ” Assange ’ s father John Shipton said last week .
Today , Lewis called these claims “ hyperbole ” and said any prison sentence would likely be far less than that .
Assange lawyer Edward Fitzgerald told the court last week they had evidence showing former California Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher visited Assange “ on instructions from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pardon ” if Assange “ said Russia had nothing to do with the DNC leaks.
” Manning was convicted at a court-martial trial in 2013 , and the 35-year sentence was commuted by Barack Obama days before his presidency ended in January 2017 .
Manning was imprisoned again last year after refusing to provide grand jury testimony .
Assange was granted political asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London in 2012 when avoiding Swedish extradition over sexual assault allegations .
He remained there until London ’ s Metropolitan Police arrested him last April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belmarsh prison since September after finishing a 50-week sentence for violating bail .

As the United States seeks to extradite Julian Assange from the United Kingdom, a lawyer for the U.S. government argued before a London court that the WikiLeaks founder put lives at risk by leaking classified documents containing the names of U.S. foreign sources.
“The defense seeks to suggest that the risk to these individuals who, by having the individuals revealed as informants, is somehow overstated,” U.S. counsel James Lewis told the judge at the Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, according to the Guardian. “I would remind the court that these were individuals who were passing on information on regimes such as Iran and organizations such as al Qaeda.”
Assange, 47, was arrested at Ecuador’s Embassy in London early last year in connection to a single U.S. charge of conspiring to hack a classified Pentagon computer network in 2010, by agreeing to help Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning crack a password. Federal prosecutors later accused the WikiLeaks founder of violating the Espionage Act as part of a new superseding indictment last May, charging him on 17 new counts.
The Justice Department said those charges “relate to Assange’s alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States.”
After this week’s legal arguments, a three-week evidentiary hearing won’t begin until May.
Lewis argued that Assange “is not charged with disclosure of embarrassing or awkward information that the government would rather not have disclosed — the disclosures charges are solely where there was a risk of risk.”
The attorney added that “the U.S. is aware of sources, whose redacted names and other identifying information was contained in classified documents published by Wikileaks who subsequently disappeared, although the U.S. can't prove at this point that their disappearance was the result of being outed by Wikileaks,” according to the BBC.
Lewis claimed the charges against Assange weren’t about uncovering U.S. war crimes but, as quoted by CNN, related to “publishing specific classified documents that contained unredacted names of innocent people who risked their safety and freedom to aid the United States and its allies.”
The attorney for the U.S. read aloud a 2011 repudiation from WikiLeaks’ five former media partners in the wake of those disclosures.
“We deplore the decision of WikiLeaks to publish the unredacted State Department cables, which may put sources at risk,” the outlets said at the time, adding, “We are united in condemning it.”
The Department of Justice said Assange founded WikiLeaks with the purpose of it being “an intelligence agency of the people.” The indictment said the information WikiLeaks published “included names of local Afghans and Iraqis who had provided information to U.S. and coalition forces,” which prosecutors alleged “created a grave and imminent risk that the innocent people he named would suffer serious physical harm.”
The DOJ said that “Manning responded to Assange’s solicitations by using access granted to her as an intelligence analyst to search for U.S. classified documents, and provided to Assange and WikiLeaks databases containing approximately 90,000 Afghanistan war-related significant activity reports, 400,000 Iraq war-related significant activities reports, 800 Guantanamo Bay detainee assessment briefs, and 250,000 U.S. Department of State cables.”
Assange attorney Barry Pollack said last year that “these unprecedented charges demonstrate the gravity of the threat the criminal prosecution of Julian Assange poses to all journalists.”
Assange was not charged for his role in exposing the CIA’s “Vault 7” program in 2017 nor in connection to Russia’s election interference in 2016.
His lawyer Mark Summers claimed last October there was a connection between “the reinvigoration of the investigation and Donald Trump’s presidency.”
“Julian Assange faces, if extradited and convicted, 175 years in prison,” Assange’s attorneys said last year. “The implication for publishers of information whose publications concerns practices of the United States for which national security is claimed have implications far beyond the case of Julian Assange.”
“The extradition is a death sentence,” Assange’s father John Shipton said last week.
Today, Lewis called these claims “hyperbole” and said any prison sentence would likely be far less than that.
Assange lawyer Edward Fitzgerald told the court last week they had evidence showing former California Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher visited Assange “on instructions from the president” and “was offering a pardon” if Assange “said Russia had nothing to do with the DNC leaks.”
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham called this “a complete fabrication and a total lie.”
Manning was convicted at a court-martial trial in 2013, and the 35-year sentence was commuted by Barack Obama days before his presidency ended in January 2017. Manning was imprisoned again last year after refusing to provide grand jury testimony.
Assange was granted political asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London in 2012 when avoiding Swedish extradition over sexual assault allegations. He remained there until London’s Metropolitan Police arrested him last April, and he has been held at Belmarsh prison since September after finishing a 50-week sentence for violating bail.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Trump gifts from other nations include $3K portrait of himself

President Trump received nearly $ 34,000 worth of gifts from foreign governments in 2018 .
The State Department published a list of the gifts given to Trump and other U.S. officials on Monday , offering insight into how his counterparts around the world have attempted to gain his favor .
French President Emmanuel Macron gave Trump a Louis Vuitton golf bag and photographs valued at $ 8,275 , the most expensive of any of the gifts he received that year .
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc gifted the president a gold-framed portrait of himself , estimated to be worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malcolm Turnbull , the prime minister of Australia , and a white marble sculpture of a beluga whale from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were among the other gifts Trump received .
The president and first lady Melania Trump transferred every gift they received to the National Archives , following U.S. law .
Meanwhile , Trump ’ s son-in-law and daughter , Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump , purchased bracelets valued at $ 3,185 that were given to them from the queen of Jordan instead of transferring them to the National Archives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been as welcome .
The Secret Service destroyed a nearly $ 6,000 clock that the crown prince of Bahrain gave to Vice President Mike Pence in 2017 , possibly out of concern that it could be used for surveillance .
Several watches given to CIA employees will also be destroyed .
The country that gifted the watches was not listed .
The most recent list pales in comparison to those from year 's prior .
The president and first lady , along with his daughter and Kushner , received a combined $ 88,420 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the $ 140,000 total the four reported the year before .

President Trump received nearly $34,000 worth of gifts from foreign governments in 2018.
The State Department published a list of the gifts given to Trump and other U.S. officials on Monday, offering insight into how his counterparts around the world have attempted to gain his favor.
French President Emmanuel Macron gave Trump a Louis Vuitton golf bag and photographs valued at $8,275, the most expensive of any of the gifts he received that year. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc gifted the president a gold-framed portrait of himself, estimated to be worth $3,100.
Black leather boots from Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister of Australia, and a white marble sculpture of a beluga whale from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were among the other gifts Trump received.
The president and first lady Melania Trump transferred every gift they received to the National Archives, following U.S. law. Meanwhile, Trump’s son-in-law and daughter, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, purchased bracelets valued at $3,185 that were given to them from the queen of Jordan instead of transferring them to the National Archives.
However, not all foreign gifts have been as welcome. The Secret Service destroyed a nearly $6,000 clock that the crown prince of Bahrain gave to Vice President Mike Pence in 2017, possibly out of concern that it could be used for surveillance. Several watches given to CIA employees will also be destroyed. The country that gifted the watches was not listed.
The most recent list pales in comparison to those from year's prior. The president and first lady, along with his daughter and Kushner, received a combined $88,420 worth of gifts in 2018, down from the $140,000 total the four reported the year before.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--White House spokesman: 'We know there are people actively working against' Trump in government

A top White House spokesman faced questions about whether the Trump administration is working on removing `` deep state '' actors from the federal government .
White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley was asked Monday morning on Fox News 's America 's Newsroom about a report on how President Trump and his allies have compiled lists of disloyal government officials they want fired .
`` The president has been pretty clear about the fact that he wants people in this administration who want to forward his agenda .
Donald Trump was the only one elected .
He was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They didn ’ t vote for somebody at any of these other agencies , '' the spokesman said .
Gidley said there are people in government who are `` pushing their own selfish political agenda , and not the agenda of the duly elected president .
Every president , this one included , has the right to have people in positions that forward and execute his agenda . ''
The president 's distrust of White House staffers and federal government employees is said to have risen after impeachment and acquittal .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaks , believes his government is filled with “ snakes ” that he wants fired and replaced , according to Axios .
Sandra Smith , one of the show 's anchors , asked , `` So there is truth to the fact there are lists being assembled ? ''
`` Look , if there are any lists , I ’ ve not seen them , '' Gidley said .
`` But the fact is we know there are people actively working against this president ...
It shouldn ’ t happen to any sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So we will continue to move forward to make sure people are in positions that support this president ’ s agenda . ''
Smith asked if there were active plans to `` fire any of those people on that list ? ''
Gidley replied : `` It ’ s not a secret we want people in positions that work with this president and not against them .
Too often , we have people in this government — the federal government is massive with millions of people , and there are a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president .
If we find them , we will take appropriate action . ''
The memos included former District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jessie Liu , whose nomination for a top Treasury Department role was withdrawn earlier this month .

A top White House spokesman faced questions about whether the Trump administration is working on removing "deep state" actors from the federal government.
White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley was asked Monday morning on Fox News's America's Newsroom about a report on how President Trump and his allies have compiled lists of disloyal government officials they want fired.
"The president has been pretty clear about the fact that he wants people in this administration who want to forward his agenda. Donald Trump was the only one elected. He was the only one the American people voted for. They didn’t vote for somebody at any of these other agencies," the spokesman said.
Gidley said there are people in government who are "pushing their own selfish political agenda, and not the agenda of the duly elected president. Every president, this one included, has the right to have people in positions that forward and execute his agenda."
The president's distrust of White House staffers and federal government employees is said to have risen after impeachment and acquittal. Trump, whose administration has been riddled with leaks, believes his government is filled with “snakes” that he wants fired and replaced, according to Axios.
Sandra Smith, one of the show's anchors, asked, "So there is truth to the fact there are lists being assembled?"
"Look, if there are any lists, I’ve not seen them," Gidley said. "But the fact is we know there are people actively working against this president ... It shouldn’t happen to any sitting president, as Donald Trump always says. So we will continue to move forward to make sure people are in positions that support this president’s agenda."
Smith asked if there were active plans to "fire any of those people on that list?"
Gidley replied: "It’s not a secret we want people in positions that work with this president and not against them. Too often, we have people in this government — the federal government is massive with millions of people, and there are a lot of people out there working against the president. If we find them, we will take appropriate action."
The memos included former District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jessie Liu, whose nomination for a top Treasury Department role was withdrawn earlier this month.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--‘Guilty as charged’: Chuck Schumer spent nearly $9K on cheesecake

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer didn ’ t shy away from a New York Post report about him dropping nearly $ 9,000 on cheesecake .
During a news conference on Sunday , Schumer responded of his Federal Election Commission reports , which revealed that the Friends of Schumer PAC spent $ 8,638.85 at Junior ’ s Cheesecake , a restaurant in Brooklyn , over the past decade .
The New York Democrat embraced the report about his love for cheesecake and even brought samples for reporters at the event .
“ I give them as gifts .
I use them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You know , when someone wants to bet something , you know , for a Brooklyn thing versus a Wisconsin thing .
We once bet when the Packers were playing the Giants : Wisconsin cheese or Junior ’ s cheesecake .
What would you rather have ?
I love Junior ’ s Cheesecake.
” He continued : “ So I say to the New York Post and others : guilty as charged .
I love Junior ’ s Cheesecake so much .
It ’ s the best cheesecake in the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been going to Junior ’ s since I ’ ve been a little boy .
And it ’ s my guilty pleasure.
” Schumer dolled out a few slices of Junior ’ s Cheesecake to the press and warned , “ Don ’ t look at the calories.
” He started eating his piece of cake , telling the group , “ Oh yeah , now you ’ re talking , baby.
” A signature plain cheesecake at Junior 's currently sells for $ 43.95 .
Schumer , who was born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York in the Senate since winning election in 1998 .
He became the top Democrat in the Senate in 2017 after former Senate leader Harry Reid retired .

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer didn’t shy away from a New York Post report about him dropping nearly $9,000 on cheesecake.
During a news conference on Sunday, Schumer responded to coverage of his Federal Election Commission reports, which revealed that the Friends of Schumer PAC spent $8,638.85 at Junior’s Cheesecake, a restaurant in Brooklyn, over the past decade. The New York Democrat embraced the report about his love for cheesecake and even brought samples for reporters at the event.
“I give them as gifts. I use them for bets,” Schumer said. “You know, when someone wants to bet something, you know, for a Brooklyn thing versus a Wisconsin thing. We once bet when the Packers were playing the Giants: Wisconsin cheese or Junior’s cheesecake. What would you rather have? I love Junior’s Cheesecake.”
He continued: “So I say to the New York Post and others: guilty as charged. I love Junior’s Cheesecake so much. It’s the best cheesecake in the world. It is made in Brooklyn. I’ve been going to Junior’s since I’ve been a little boy. And it’s my guilty pleasure.”
Schumer dolled out a few slices of Junior’s Cheesecake to the press and warned, “Don’t look at the calories.” He started eating his piece of cake, telling the group, “Oh yeah, now you’re talking, baby.”
"Guilty as charged... it's my guilty pleasure."
WATCH: Sen. Chuck Schumer admits to spending thousands on cheesecake and serves cheesecake to members of the press in a lighthearted moment. pic.twitter.com/2OHX2lPgPe — The Hill (@thehill) February 24, 2020
A signature plain cheesecake at Junior's currently sells for $43.95. Schumer, who was born in Brooklyn, has represented the state of New York in the Senate since winning election in 1998. He became the top Democrat in the Senate in 2017 after former Senate leader Harry Reid retired.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Support for incumbents in Congress hits eight-year high ahead of 2020 elections: Poll

People living in the United States think Congress needs a shake-up , but few of them say their representatives are the problem .
According to from Gallup , 59 % of those asked said their member of Congress deserves to be reelected .
Support for incumbent members of Congress hasn ’ t been this high since 2012 .
Most respondents approve of the work their representative has done , but nearly two-thirds believe other members of Congress should not be reelected .
Only 35 % of those asked thought that most members of Congress should be reelected .
This sentiment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 .
During the 2012 elections , not much changed for the representation of people in the U.S. President Barack Obama was reelected after defeating Mitt Romney .
Control of the Senate remained in the hands of Democrats , while Republicans kept control of the House .
The trend in wanting to keep one 's representative but to see most others lose reelection was not the case from 1996 to 2004 .
While there was still a slight disparity , support for personal representatives was above 60 % , and support for other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
Republicans and Democrats equally supported their local incumbent representatives , with 60 % and 61 % support for reelection , respectively .
There was a disparity as to how the two parties looked at other members of Congress .
Forty-three percent of Democrats said other incumbent members of Congress should be elected ; 29 % of Republicans responded the same way .
This likely reflects the fact that Republicans are in the minority in the House .
The poll included responses from 1,033 adults living in the U.S .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the 2020 elections will be held , and has a margin of error of 4 percentage points at the 95 % confidence level .

People living in the United States think Congress needs a shake-up, but few of them say their representatives are the problem.
According to a poll from Gallup, 59% of those asked said their member of Congress deserves to be reelected. Support for incumbent members of Congress hasn’t been this high since 2012.
Most respondents approve of the work their representative has done, but nearly two-thirds believe other members of Congress should not be reelected. Only 35% of those asked thought that most members of Congress should be reelected. This sentiment is also at its highest point since 2012.
During the 2012 elections, not much changed for the representation of people in the U.S. President Barack Obama was reelected after defeating Mitt Romney. Control of the Senate remained in the hands of Democrats, while Republicans kept control of the House.
The trend in wanting to keep one's representative but to see most others lose reelection was not the case from 1996 to 2004. While there was still a slight disparity, support for personal representatives was above 60%, and support for other incumbent members of Congress was above 50%.
Republicans and Democrats equally supported their local incumbent representatives, with 60% and 61% support for reelection, respectively.
There was a disparity as to how the two parties looked at other members of Congress. Forty-three percent of Democrats said other incumbent members of Congress should be elected; 29% of Republicans responded the same way. This likely reflects the fact that Republicans are in the minority in the House.
The poll included responses from 1,033 adults living in the U.S. It was conducted from Jan. 16-29, 10 months before the 2020 elections will be held, and has a margin of error of 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Liberal Media Scream: MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell calls Putin ‘Trump’s running mate’

This week ’ s Liberal Media Scream features the Left media ’ s inability to let go of its Russia infatuation and continued efforts to tie President Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin .
This time it ’ s MSNBC ’ s Lawrence O ’ Donnell who on Thursday called Trump a “ Russian operative '' and Putin “ Trump ’ s running mate.
” Picking up on some news reports on a briefing about intelligence community speculation that Russia may want to help Trump ’ s reelection , which came a day before reports that Russia wants to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donnell asserted the Trump administration “ might be better labeled the Trump-Putin regime.
” He said : “ Trump is operating ... in conjunction with Vladimir Putin , to hide what Vladimir Putin is doing to help Donald Trump get reelected.
” And , he said : “ This is a darkly momentous event in the history of this country , in the history of this world .
Vladimir Putin has become Donald Trump ’ s running mate once again.
” From Thursday ’ s Last Word with Lawrence O ’ Donnell on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian operative .
That sounds like the description of a bad Hollywood screenplay , but it is real , and it is Vladimir Putin ’ s greatest achievement , decades after America ’ s victory in the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union , the president of the United States is now helping the president of Russia help the president of the United States to get reelected so that the president of Russia will have four more years of the president of the United States who he wants in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those shocking news days , if you retain the capacity to be shocked in the Trump era , by the Trump regime , which might be better labeled the Trump-Putin regime .
“ Donald Trump is operating , in the White House , in conjunction with Vladimir Putin , to hide what Vladimir Putin is doing to help Donald Trump get reelected .
Donald Trump is a Russian operative .
“ This is a darkly momentous event in the history of this country , in the history of this world .
Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running mate once again.
” Brent Baker , Media Research Center vice president of research , explains our weekly pick : “ O ’ Donnell ’ s paranoia on full display , lashing out with a ludicrous charge as he ’ s unable to accept how this Russian interference on behalf of Trump narrative has run its course .
If Putin has to choose between Trump , who has reversed the Obama ’ s administration ’ s soft policy on Ukraine and missile defense in Europe , versus a man who honeymooned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why in the world would he prefer Trump to stay in office ?
” Rating : Four out of four screams .

This week’s Liberal Media Scream features the Left media’s inability to let go of its Russia infatuation and continued efforts to tie President Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This time it’s MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell who on Thursday called Trump a “Russian operative" and Putin “Trump’s running mate.”
Picking up on some news reports on a briefing about intelligence community speculation that Russia may want to help Trump’s reelection, which came a day before reports that Russia wants to help Democratic contender Bernie Sanders, O’Donnell asserted the Trump administration “might be better labeled the Trump-Putin regime.”
He said: “Trump is operating ... in conjunction with Vladimir Putin, to hide what Vladimir Putin is doing to help Donald Trump get reelected.” And, he said: “This is a darkly momentous event in the history of this country, in the history of this world. Vladimir Putin has become Donald Trump’s running mate once again.”
From Thursday’s Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC:
“The president is a Russian operative. That sounds like the description of a bad Hollywood screenplay, but it is real, and it is Vladimir Putin’s greatest achievement, decades after America’s victory in the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the president of the United States is now helping the president of Russia help the president of the United States to get reelected so that the president of Russia will have four more years of the president of the United States who he wants in the Oval Office.
“This is one of those shocking news days, if you retain the capacity to be shocked in the Trump era, by the Trump regime, which might be better labeled the Trump-Putin regime.
“Donald Trump is operating, in the White House, in conjunction with Vladimir Putin, to hide what Vladimir Putin is doing to help Donald Trump get reelected. Donald Trump is a Russian operative.
“This is a darkly momentous event in the history of this country, in the history of this world. Vladimir Putin has become Donald Trump’s running mate once again.”
Brent Baker, Media Research Center vice president of research, explains our weekly pick: “O’Donnell’s paranoia on full display, lashing out with a ludicrous charge as he’s unable to accept how this Russian interference on behalf of Trump narrative has run its course. If Putin has to choose between Trump, who has reversed the Obama’s administration’s soft policy on Ukraine and missile defense in Europe, versus a man who honeymooned in the Soviet Union, Bernie Sanders. Why in the world would he prefer Trump to stay in office?”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Sanders-Warren ticket beating Trump-Pence, 48%-45%

While President Trump has been buoyed by polls showing he is favored to win reelection against a generic Democratic candidate , a potential ticket teaming Sen. Bernie Sanders as the presidential nominee and Sen. Elizabeth Warren as the running mate could edge out a win , according to a new poll .
Zogby Analytics ’ s Jonathan Zogby told Secrets that a Sanders-Warren ticket is beating the president and Vice President Mike Pence 48 % -45 % .
“ Make no mistake , this is a close race , but the senators from neighboring New England states are able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning with their base and swing voters , ” Zogby said in his survey analysis shared with Secrets .
But , he added , it could be just a popular vote win and not an Electoral College victory , just like in 2016 .
“ Sanders and Warren could win the popular vote , but Trump and Pence still have the advantage of the coalition of working-class and blue-collar voters they made in-roads with in swing states : Ohio , Florida , Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin , which could produce a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump/Pence just win the Electoral College and reelection in 2020 , ” said Zogby .

While President Trump has been buoyed by polls showing he is favored to win reelection against a generic Democratic candidate, a potential ticket teaming Sen. Bernie Sanders as the presidential nominee and Sen. Elizabeth Warren as the running mate could edge out a win, according to a new poll.
Zogby Analytics’s Jonathan Zogby told Secrets that a Sanders-Warren ticket is beating the president and Vice President Mike Pence 48%-45%.
“Make no mistake, this is a close race, but the senators from neighboring New England states are able to pull ahead of Trump and Pence by winning with their base and swing voters,” Zogby said in his survey analysis shared with Secrets.
But, he added, it could be just a popular vote win and not an Electoral College victory, just like in 2016.
“Sanders and Warren could win the popular vote, but Trump and Pence still have the advantage of the coalition of working-class and blue-collar voters they made in-roads with in swing states: Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, which could produce a similar outcome as 2016, in which Trump/Pence just win the Electoral College and reelection in 2020,” said Zogby.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Charlie Kirk's The MAGA Doctrine: No apologies for US power

Charlie Kirk , the founder of Turning Point USA , was shocked when he saw throngs waiting over a day to attend President Trump ’ s reelection kickoff rally last June in Tampa , Florida .
“ Why are these people waiting 20 , 30 , 40 hours outside ?
” he thought .
At just 26 , Kirk , one of the president ’ s key whisperers , dove into the crowd to find out and discovered that they have unique relationships with and expectations for Trump .
“ I found that these people view him as a singular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost giving a status report back to the citizens on how the fight was going in the ring , ” said Kirk .
Now , he ’ s written the playbook for that fight , The MAGA Doctrine : The Only Ideas That Will Win the Future , the first of several pro-Trump books that focus on the president ’ s agenda instead of his fight with the “ deep state ” and media .
Kirk said the `` MAGA Doctrine '' is “ an entire doctrine of American renewal and revitalization .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... but it is the wake-up call that we needed.
” The 236-page Trump bible , published by Broadside Books , an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers , has won praise from the Trump team even before its release next month .
Donald Trump Jr. told us , “ MAGA Doctrine is a great summary of the ideas that launched my father ’ s campaign to the White House .
Charlie has been instrumental in bringing countless young people into our movement , and with the release of this book , that will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a must-read for anyone looking to dive deeper into the timelessness and importance of the Trump movement.
” The release of the book is timed well for the 2020 campaign .
Not only does it go through the list of Trump 's wins and how they happened , but it also targets Sen. Bernie Sanders-style socialism as the Democratic presidential candidate moves to the lead of the race .
“ I can understand political intellectuals being reluctant to admit that Donald Trump has changed the course of American politics , ” Kirk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disruptor.
” But he added , “ This is a liberation of America long overdue — and it may be the last chance to institute it , with the socialists and the stale corporatists still looming to the left and right .
I hope we will not reverse course in the 2020 election .
America really is , if I may borrow a phrase , at a turning point .
”

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shocked when he saw throngs waiting over a day to attend President Trump’s reelection kickoff rally last June in Tampa, Florida.
“Why are these people waiting 20, 30, 40 hours outside?” he thought.
At just 26, Kirk, one of the president’s key whisperers, dove into the crowd to find out and discovered that they have unique relationships with and expectations for Trump.
“I found that these people view him as a singular vessel for them and that he was almost giving a status report back to the citizens on how the fight was going in the ring,” said Kirk.
Now, he’s written the playbook for that fight, The MAGA Doctrine: The Only Ideas That Will Win the Future, the first of several pro-Trump books that focus on the president’s agenda instead of his fight with the “deep state” and media.
Kirk said the "MAGA Doctrine" is “an entire doctrine of American renewal and revitalization. It is abrasive and it is unapologetic ... but it is the wake-up call that we needed.”
The 236-page Trump bible, published by Broadside Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, has won praise from the Trump team even before its release next month.
It has been an honor of a lifetime to have a front row seat as this president made history the last 3 years
This book is a distillation of everything I learned from watching it unfold—often with my own two eyes
He has changed America forever
Here's how: https://t.co/M5PCXFxnep pic.twitter.com/NMZWa8Wkmu — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 5, 2020
Donald Trump Jr. told us, “MAGA Doctrine is a great summary of the ideas that launched my father’s campaign to the White House. Charlie has been instrumental in bringing countless young people into our movement, and with the release of this book, that will continue long into the future. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to dive deeper into the timelessness and importance of the Trump movement.”
The release of the book is timed well for the 2020 campaign. Not only does it go through the list of Trump's wins and how they happened, but it also targets Sen. Bernie Sanders-style socialism as the Democratic presidential candidate moves to the lead of the race.
“I can understand political intellectuals being reluctant to admit that Donald Trump has changed the course of American politics,” Kirk wrote in the chapter titled “Great Disruptor.”
But he added, “This is a liberation of America long overdue — and it may be the last chance to institute it, with the socialists and the stale corporatists still looming to the left and right. I hope we will not reverse course in the 2020 election. America really is, if I may borrow a phrase, at a turning point.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--New immigration crackdown begins, no more welfare

The Trump administration today is reinstating a Clinton-era welfare reform rule , once widely embraced by top Democrats in Congress , requiring immigrants to be self-sufficient , a move that could end up to $ 3 billion in federal and state welfare payments to them .
After receiving a blessing from the Supreme Court Friday , the “ Public Charge Grounds Final Rule ” kicked in nationally , essentially forcing immigrants to prove that they won ’ t become a burden on taxpayers .
Under the rule , U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services “ will look at the factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like an alien ’ s age , health , income , education , and skills , among others , in order to determine whether the alien is likely at any time to become a public charge , ” said an official .
The rule is expected to affect millions and force many immigrants to shift off public welfare programs so that they are not deported .
Some of the programs covered include Supplemental Security Income , cash assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program , and state or local general assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be included .
“ Self-sufficiency is a core American value and has been part of immigration law for centuries , ” said Ken Cuccinelli , acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security and acting director of USCIS .
“ By requiring those seeking to come or stay in the United States to rely on their own resources , families , and communities , we will encourage self-sufficiency , promote immigrant success and protect American taxpayers , '' he added .
The rule recently published in the Federal Register said there will be some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there will also be a substantial reduction in the use of welfare programs .
In one section , it was estimated that there will be a reduction of $ 2.74 billion a year “ due to disenrollment or foregone enrollment in public benefits programs by foreign-born non-citizens who may be receiving public benefits.
” Another reduction of $ 1.01 billion will come from federal medical spending tapped by immigrants .
A Department of Homeland Security official told Secrets that the president ’ s goal was not budget savings but enforcing laws on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementing the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule is not to save money , but rather to faithfully execute the nation ’ s long-standing public charge inadmissibility law , and better ensure that aliens seeking to come to and remain in the United States temporarily or permanently are able to support themselves as they seek opportunity here , relying on their own capabilities and the resources of their families , sponsors , and private organizations , rather than public resources , ” said the official .
Several states have challenged the rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Several Democrats backed the rule when it was OK ’ d in 1996 , but have since turned on it .
They include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer .

The Trump administration today is reinstating a Clinton-era welfare reform rule, once widely embraced by top Democrats in Congress, requiring immigrants to be self-sufficient, a move that could end up to $3 billion in federal and state welfare payments to them.
After receiving a blessing from the Supreme Court Friday, the “Public Charge Grounds Final Rule” kicked in nationally, essentially forcing immigrants to prove that they won’t become a burden on taxpayers.
Under the rule, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services “will look at the factors required under the law by Congress, like an alien’s age, health, income, education, and skills, among others, in order to determine whether the alien is likely at any time to become a public charge,” said an official.
After several judicial victories, the #PublicCharge final rule will go into effect nationwide on Feb. 24, including the state of Illinois.https://t.co/lmBRge1EP5 — USCIS (@USCIS) February 22, 2020
The rule is expected to affect millions and force many immigrants to shift off public welfare programs so that they are not deported. Some of the programs covered include Supplemental Security Income, cash assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and state or local general assistance programs. The use of Medicare can also be included.
“Self-sufficiency is a core American value and has been part of immigration law for centuries,” said Ken Cuccinelli, acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security and acting director of USCIS. “By requiring those seeking to come or stay in the United States to rely on their own resources, families, and communities, we will encourage self-sufficiency, promote immigrant success and protect American taxpayers," he added.
The rule recently published in the Federal Register said there will be some costs associated with the change, but that there will also be a substantial reduction in the use of welfare programs.
In one section, it was estimated that there will be a reduction of $2.74 billion a year “due to disenrollment or foregone enrollment in public benefits programs by foreign-born non-citizens who may be receiving public benefits.”
Another reduction of $1.01 billion will come from federal medical spending tapped by immigrants.
A Department of Homeland Security official told Secrets that the president’s goal was not budget savings but enforcing laws on the books.
“The intent behind implementing the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule is not to save money, but rather to faithfully execute the nation’s long-standing public charge inadmissibility law, and better ensure that aliens seeking to come to and remain in the United States temporarily or permanently are able to support themselves as they seek opportunity here, relying on their own capabilities and the resources of their families, sponsors, and private organizations, rather than public resources,” said the official.
Several states have challenged the rule and lost in the Supreme Court. Several Democrats backed the rule when it was OK’d in 1996, but have since turned on it. They include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--Bloomberg campaign mocks Bernie Sanders for Castro comments with 'guesses' on how he views other dic

Bloomberg campaign mocks Bernie Sanders for Castro comments with 'guesses' on how he views other dictators

2020 Democrat Michael Bloomberg 's campaign mocked Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders following the socialist 's defense of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro .
Bloomberg campaign on Monday tweeted out a series of `` guesses '' on how the Vermont senator may view other dictators , which included parody quotes and the hashtag `` # BernieOnDespots . ''
“ Stalin spurred industrial production throughout the country , but all everyone wants to talk about is putting 14 million people in gulags !
Ughh , so annoying , '' the campaign tweeted , insinuating that Sanders would defend the Soviet Union 's use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am I to question Kim Jong-un for starving millions of his own people , when he opened a kickass waterpark with over ten slides , a lazy river and a wave machine !
What a blast , '' the campaign continued .
“ Vladimir Putin is willing to poison anyone who disagrees with him , but have you seen how that guy looks without a shirt !
!
Mmm delish , '' the campaign said , following news that Russia is attempting to interfere in the U.S. election in favor of Sanders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are satire — with the exception of the 60 Minutes clip from last night , '' Bloomberg 's team wrapped up its thread .
The socialist and presidential hopeful was asked to define his ideology to viewers during an interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Anderson Cooper that aired Sunday evening .
Sanders began by giving an example of what he called `` corporate socialism , '' which he attributed to President Trump .
He then pointedly defined his worldview : `` Let 's use the federal government to protect the interests of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very opposed to the authoritarian nature of Cuba .
But , you know , it 's unfair to simply say 'everything is bad . '
You know , when Fidel Castro came into office , you know what he did ?
He had a massive literacy program .
Is that a bad thing , even though Fidel Castro did it ? ''
Sanders , 78 , asked Cooper in the interview , to which Cooper responded , `` There 's a lot of dissidents imprisoned and killed . ''
Earlier in his political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies of the Soviet Union , the Sandinistas in Nicaragua , and the communist regime of Cuba .
In 1985 , when Sanders was mayor of Burlington , Vermont , he said Cubans did not join the United States in rebellion against the dictatorship because the regime `` educated their kids , gave them healthcare , totally transformed the society . ''
`` That 's right , and we condemn that , '' Sanders said , objecting against the method by which communism is implemented .

2020 Democrat Michael Bloomberg's campaign mocked Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders following the socialist's defense of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.
Bloomberg campaign on Monday tweeted out a series of "guesses" on how the Vermont senator may view other dictators, which included parody quotes and the hashtag "#BernieOnDespots."
Bernie has some interesting views on Castro, but what does he think of other famous despots?
We don't know, but here are some guesses:#BernieOnDespots https://t.co/l7isoNAdPd — Team Bloomberg (@Mike2020) February 24, 2020
“Stalin spurred industrial production throughout the country, but all everyone wants to talk about is putting 14 million people in gulags! Ughh, so annoying," the campaign tweeted, insinuating that Sanders would defend the Soviet Union's use of gulag labor camps.
“Stalin spurred industrial production throughout the country, but all everyone wants to talk about
is putting 14 million people in gulags! Ughh, so annoying!” --- #BernieOnDespots — Team Bloomberg (@Mike2020) February 24, 2020
“Who am I to question Kim Jong-un for starving millions of his own people, when he opened a kickass waterpark with over ten slides, a lazy river and a wave machine! What a blast," the campaign continued.
“Who am I to question Kim Jong-un for starving millions of his own people, when he opened a
kickass waterpark with over ten slides, a lazy river and a wave machine! What a blast!” --- #BernieOnDespots — Team Bloomberg (@Mike2020) February 24, 2020
“Vladimir Putin is willing to poison anyone who disagrees with him, but have you seen how that guy looks without a shirt!! Mmm delish," the campaign said, following news that Russia is attempting to interfere in the U.S. election in favor of Sanders.
“Vladimir Putin is willing to poison anyone who disagrees with him, but have you seen how that
guy looks without a shirt!! Mmm delish!” --- #BernieOnDespots — Team Bloomberg (@Mike2020) February 24, 2020
"To be clear — all of these are satire — with the exception of the 60 Minutes clip from last night," Bloomberg's team wrapped up its thread.
To be clear — all of these are satire — with the exception of the 60 Minutes clip from last night. — Team Bloomberg (@Mike2020) February 24, 2020
The socialist and presidential hopeful was asked to define his ideology to viewers during an interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Anderson Cooper that aired Sunday evening.
Sanders began by giving an example of what he called "corporate socialism," which he attributed to President Trump. He then pointedly defined his worldview: "Let's use the federal government to protect the interests of working families."
"We're very opposed to the authoritarian nature of Cuba. But, you know, it's unfair to simply say 'everything is bad.' You know, when Fidel Castro came into office, you know what he did? He had a massive literacy program. Is that a bad thing, even though Fidel Castro did it?" Sanders, 78, asked Cooper in the interview, to which Cooper responded, "There's a lot of dissidents imprisoned and killed."
Earlier in his political career, the Vermont senator defended the policies of the Soviet Union, the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, and the communist regime of Cuba. In 1985, when Sanders was mayor of Burlington, Vermont, he said Cubans did not join the United States in rebellion against the dictatorship because the regime "educated their kids, gave them healthcare, totally transformed the society."
"That's right, and we condemn that," Sanders said, objecting against the method by which communism is implemented.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--'Two-person race': South Carolina poll shows Biden leading Bernie Sanders by wide margin

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders lead the latest South Carolina poll of Democratic voters , garnering double-digit support that far outpaces the rest of the pack .
Support appears to have collapsed for climate activist and billionaire Tom Steyer , who had been polling in the low double digits after saturating the Palmetto State with campaign advertising .
Steyer now polls at just 7 % .
The numbers were released by Public Policy Polling and show Biden with a robust lead over Sanders with 36 % to 21 % .
“ PPP ’ s newest poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finds it looking like a two-person race , with only Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders reaching double digits in their support , ” Public Policy Polling Director Tom Jensen said .
The poll is good news for Biden , who had declared South Carolina 's Feb. 29 primary a “ firewall ” for his campaign and will follow his second-place but distant finish behind Sanders in the Feb. 22 Nevada caucuses .
“ The key to Biden ’ s success continues to be strong support from African Americans .
He gets 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one else polling above 6 % , “ Jensen said .
The poll shows the remaining Democrats on the ballot in South Carolina trailing far behind Biden and Sanders .
The survey found Sen. Elizabeth Warren with 8 % support , Pete Buttigieg with 7 % , Tulsi Gabbard with 6 % , and Amy Klobuchar with just 3 % .
Sanders leads Biden with voters under 45 , but Biden enjoys a 32-point lead among seniors with 40 % to 8 % .
The poll found Klobuchar with just 1 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Plenty could happen to change things in the next five days , but , for now , it looks like Biden ’ s position might be shoring up a little bit in South Carolina , ” Jensen said .
The poll was conducted from Feb. 23 to 24 and surveyed 866 likely Democratic primary voters .

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders lead the latest South Carolina poll of Democratic voters, garnering double-digit support that far outpaces the rest of the pack.
Support appears to have collapsed for climate activist and billionaire Tom Steyer, who had been polling in the low double digits after saturating the Palmetto State with campaign advertising. Steyer now polls at just 7%.
The numbers were released by Public Policy Polling and show Biden with a robust lead over Sanders with 36% to 21%.
“PPP’s newest poll of Democratic primary voters in South Carolina finds it looking like a two-person race, with only Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders reaching double digits in their support,” Public Policy Polling Director Tom Jensen said.
The poll is good news for Biden, who had declared South Carolina's Feb. 29 primary a “firewall” for his campaign and will follow his second-place but distant finish behind Sanders in the Feb. 22 Nevada caucuses.
“The key to Biden’s success continues to be strong support from African Americans. He gets 50% to 21% for Sanders, with no one else polling above 6%,“ Jensen said.
The poll shows the remaining Democrats on the ballot in South Carolina trailing far behind Biden and Sanders.
The survey found Sen. Elizabeth Warren with 8% support, Pete Buttigieg with 7%, Tulsi Gabbard with 6%, and Amy Klobuchar with just 3%.
Sanders leads Biden with voters under 45, but Biden enjoys a 32-point lead among seniors with 40% to 8%.
The poll found Klobuchar with just 1% of the all-important African American vote.
“Plenty could happen to change things in the next five days, but, for now, it looks like Biden’s position might be shoring up a little bit in South Carolina,” Jensen said.
The poll was conducted from Feb. 23 to 24 and surveyed 866 likely Democratic primary voters.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-24--'I'm all in': Comedian Jack Black endorses Warren for president

Comedian Jack Black is `` all in '' for 2020 Democrat Elizabeth Warren .
Black , the star of comedy films such as School of Rock and Nacho Libre , voiced his support for Warren on Monday in a tweet that read `` # WarrenTime . ''
The tweet also included a picture of Black with a message of support for the Massachusetts senator .
`` Elizabeth Warren has a plan and I 'm all in , '' the caption said .
Black is not the first notable Hollywood figure to support Warren 's candidacy for president .
In September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Widow in Marvel 's The Avengers , endorsed Warren during a September interview .
Model Chrissy Teigen and her husband , singer John Legend , also gave her their joint endorsement in December .
Despite Warren 's support among Hollywood personalities , the Massachusetts senator has performed poorly in the Democratic primaries for president , failing to hit first or second place in any election so far .
Ahead of this weekend 's South Carolina primary , Warren ranks in fifth place with 9.2 % support , according to the RealClearPolitics average .

Comedian Jack Black is "all in" for 2020 Democrat Elizabeth Warren.
Black, the star of comedy films such as School of Rock and Nacho Libre, voiced his support for Warren on Monday in a tweet that read "#WarrenTime." The tweet also included a picture of Black with a message of support for the Massachusetts senator.
"Elizabeth Warren has a plan and I'm all in," the caption said.
Black is not the first notable Hollywood figure to support Warren's candidacy for president. In September, Scarlett Johansson, who portrays Black Widow in Marvel's The Avengers, endorsed Warren during a September interview. Model Chrissy Teigen and her husband, singer John Legend, also gave her their joint endorsement in December.
Despite Warren's support among Hollywood personalities, the Massachusetts senator has performed poorly in the Democratic primaries for president, failing to hit first or second place in any election so far. Ahead of this weekend's South Carolina primary, Warren ranks in fifth place with 9.2% support, according to the RealClearPolitics average.
[Opinion: Don’t count Elizabeth Warren out yet]