thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Tom Steyer: Trump won the Democratic debate

2020 Democrat Tom Steyer said that the winner of the most recent presidential debate was actually a candidate who was not on the stage : President Trump .
Steyer , 62 , who did not qualify for the debate himself , anointed Trump the winner of Wednesday night 's event during an appearance on CNN the next morning .
`` Well , I saw the person who won the debate last night whose name is Donald Trump .
That ’ s the first thing I ’ d say , '' the billionaire stated after being asked what he saw throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much bickering between Democratic candidates , tearing each other down and going after each other and forgetting the fact that what really counts is beating Donald Trump in November of 2020 , '' he went on .
`` I saw people going after each other ’ s personality and records instead of remembering that , in fact , the Democratic Party needs to win in November . ''
The six candidates who qualified for the debate stage did n't pull any punches , attacking each other on policy , experience , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conclusion of the debate , Steyer shared another opinion about what he learned from the event , tweeting , `` One lesson from tonight — looks like Mike Bloomberg might be running in the wrong primary . ''

2020 Democrat Tom Steyer said that the winner of the most recent presidential debate was actually a candidate who was not on the stage: President Trump.
Steyer, 62, who did not qualify for the debate himself, anointed Trump the winner of Wednesday night's event during an appearance on CNN the next morning.
"Well, I saw the person who won the debate last night whose name is Donald Trump. That’s the first thing I’d say," the billionaire stated after being asked what he saw throughout the debate.
"Because I saw so much bickering between Democratic candidates, tearing each other down and going after each other and forgetting the fact that what really counts is beating Donald Trump in November of 2020," he went on. "I saw people going after each other’s personality and records instead of remembering that, in fact, the Democratic Party needs to win in November."
The six candidates who qualified for the debate stage didn't pull any punches, attacking each other on policy, experience, and past positions on the issues.
After the conclusion of the debate, Steyer shared another opinion about what he learned from the event, tweeting, "One lesson from tonight — looks like Mike Bloomberg might be running in the wrong primary."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--'Grossly incompetent': Trump declares Bloomberg debate performance 'perhaps the worst' in history

President Trump ripped 2020 Democrat Michael Bloomberg for his performance during the latest presidential primary debate .
Bloomberg , who was one of six presidential candidates to qualify for Wednesday night 's Democratic debate , received significant backlash from his opponents on a litany of issues .
He was met with poor reviews following his performance , with White House counselor Kellyanne Conway saying he should fire his staffers .
The president also weighed in on Twitter Thursday morning , writing , `` Mini Mike Bloomberg ’ s debate performance tonight was perhaps the worst in the history of debates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad ones .
He was stumbling , bumbling and grossly incompetent .
If this doesn ’ t knock him out of the race , nothing will .
Not so easy to do what I did ! ''
Trump has repeatedly exchanged blows with the former New York City mayor .
On social media specifically , he has criticized Bloomberg six times this month , each time referring to the presidential candidate as `` Mini Mike . ''
The president , on the morning of the debate , also tweeted , `` Is corrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pathetic debater Mini Mike is ... [ ? ]
'' During the debate , Bloomberg was forced to defend his wealth and his record on race , as well as numerous allegations of sexual harassment .

President Trump ripped 2020 Democrat Michael Bloomberg for his performance during the latest presidential primary debate.
Bloomberg, who was one of six presidential candidates to qualify for Wednesday night's Democratic debate, received significant backlash from his opponents on a litany of issues. He was met with poor reviews following his performance, with White House counselor Kellyanne Conway saying he should fire his staffers.
The president also weighed in on Twitter Thursday morning, writing, "Mini Mike Bloomberg’s debate performance tonight was perhaps the worst in the history of debates, and there have been some really bad ones. He was stumbling, bumbling and grossly incompetent. If this doesn’t knock him out of the race, nothing will. Not so easy to do what I did!"
Mini Mike Bloomberg’s debate performance tonight was perhaps the worst in the history of debates, and there have been some really bad ones. He was stumbling, bumbling and grossly incompetent. If this doesn’t knock him out of the race, nothing will. Not so easy to do what I did! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2020
Trump has repeatedly exchanged blows with the former New York City mayor. On social media specifically, he has criticized Bloomberg six times this month, each time referring to the presidential candidate as "Mini Mike." The president, on the morning of the debate, also tweeted, "Is corrupt Bloomberg News going to say what a pathetic debater Mini Mike is...[?]"
During the debate, Bloomberg was forced to defend his wealth and his record on race, as well as numerous allegations of sexual harassment.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--WATCH: Biden's closing statement at Nevada debate interrupted by immigrant rights protesters

As Wednesday night 's Democratic presidential debate in Nevada neared its end , protesters interrupted former Vice President Joe Biden during his closing remarks .
As Biden began to deliver his closing statement , hecklers began yelling , `` You deported three million people , '' and , `` We do n't want you here . ''
The protesters were likely referring to former President Barack Obama 's immigration policies , under which three million illegal immigrants were deported .
A video taken from the audience shows the incident from a different perspective , in which some chanted , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response .
The protesters were escorted out , after which Biden was able to finish his remarks .
An immigrant rights organization called Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services , also referred to as RAICES , claimed responsibility for the protest .
`` BREAKING : We are interrupting @ JoeBiden at the # DemDebate chanting # DontLookAway and # NoKidsInCages .
We need a Democratic candidate to adopt the # MigrantJusticePlatform and commit themselves to improve the lives of migrants and refugees ! ''
the group tweeted .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deportations of illegal immigrants during the Obama administration was `` a mistake . ''
“ The point is there was too many , ” he said in an interview with Univision anchor Jorge Ramos .
“ I saw the pain in the eyes of so many people who saw their families being deported .
I know what it ’ s like to lose family members .
It was painful .
...
It wasn ’ t until 2012 that we began to get it right with the [ Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 to expand that and moving in the right direction . ''

As Wednesday night's Democratic presidential debate in Nevada neared its end, protesters interrupted former Vice President Joe Biden during his closing remarks.
As Biden began to deliver his closing statement, hecklers began yelling, "You deported three million people," and, "We don't want you here."
The protesters were likely referring to former President Barack Obama's immigration policies, under which three million illegal immigrants were deported.
A video taken from the audience shows the incident from a different perspective, in which some chanted, "Joe! Joe! Joe!" in response. The protesters were escorted out, after which Biden was able to finish his remarks.
An immigrant rights organization called Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, also referred to as RAICES, claimed responsibility for the protest. "BREAKING: We are interrupting @JoeBiden at the #DemDebate chanting #DontLookAway and #NoKidsInCages. We need a Democratic candidate to adopt the #MigrantJusticePlatform and commit themselves to improve the lives of migrants and refugees!" the group tweeted.
BREAKING: We are interrupting @JoeBiden at the #DemDebate chanting #DontLookAway and #NoKidsInCages. We need a Democratic candidate to adopt the #MigrantJusticePlatform and commit themselves to improve the lives of migrants and refugees! https://t.co/AfnRR2QxcS — RAICES Action (@RAICESACTION) February 20, 2020
Earlier this month, Biden said the number of deportations of illegal immigrants during the Obama administration was "a mistake."
“The point is there was too many,” he said in an interview with Univision anchor Jorge Ramos. “I saw the pain in the eyes of so many people who saw their families being deported. I know what it’s like to lose family members. It was painful. ... It wasn’t until 2012 that we began to get it right with the [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals] program and trying very much in 2014 to expand that and moving in the right direction."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Bloomberg in debate: Billions of dollars and zero vision

Michael Bloomberg had a lot of bad moments in his first debate as a Democratic candidate for president .
He had little to say when Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren slammed him for having called some women , at various times in the past , `` fat broads '' and `` horse-faced lesbians . ''
He seemed conflicted about stop and frisk .
He was weak when confronted with his practice of making some women who worked for him sign nondisclosure agreements .
But even with all that , Bloomberg saved the worst for last .
It came after the fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing statements .
If there were a time for Bloomberg to offer a vision for the country , to emphasize the principles that guide him as a candidate , to bond with voters over a shared hope for the future , this was it .
Instead , Bloomberg offered a view of the presidency straight from a business textbook .
`` Look , this is a management job , '' he said , `` and Donald Trump is not a manager . ''
`` This is a job where you have to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Trump ] does n't have a team , so he goes and makes decisions without knowing what is going on ... We can not run the railroad this way . ''
With that , Bloomberg , who made billions building his data , news , and analytics company , declined to offer any vision behind his long-standing desire to become president of the United States .
The last two Democrats to win the presidency , Barack Obama and Bill Clinton , were strong on `` the vision thing . ''
( The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ H.W .
Bush , who did n't have it . )
President Ronald Reagan was strong in the vision department , too .
They inspired voters .
Onstage in Las Vegas Wednesday , Bloomberg had none of that .
Instead , his words echoed those of a losing Democratic candidate a generation ago , Massachusetts Gov .
Michael Dukakis , who in the 1988 presidential race declared , `` This election is n't about ideology ; it 's about competence . ''
Dukakis lost to Bush .
Bloomberg 's vision deficiency was obvious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snapchat 's Peter Hamby offered a close-to-the-truth satire : `` Bloomberg closing statement : We need to build teams with superb product managers who set KPIs [ Key Performance Indicators ] that enable America to make smart decisions for our customers . ''
After the debate , Bloomberg tried to turn his lack of vision into a virtue : `` Tonight , I stood on a stage with a group of politicians , '' he tweeted .
`` They talked , because that 's what they 're good at .
They went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should do .
I have built .
I have created actual change .
I have gotten it done .
That 's what I 'll do for America . ''
Should he win the Democratic nomination , Bloomberg will run against a president who was elected on a ringing promise to `` Make America Great Again . ''
Like him or not , Trump will campaign for reelection on a pledge of American greatness .
Bloomberg will promise to `` get it done '' with sensible management .
That 's not what wins elections @

Michael Bloomberg had a lot of bad moments in his first debate as a Democratic candidate for president. He had little to say when Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren slammed him for having called some women, at various times in the past, "fat broads" and "horse-faced lesbians." He seemed conflicted about stop and frisk. He was weak when confronted with his practice of making some women who worked for him sign nondisclosure agreements.
But even with all that, Bloomberg saved the worst for last. It came after the fighting ended, and NBC moderators asked for closing statements.
If there were a time for Bloomberg to offer a vision for the country, to emphasize the principles that guide him as a candidate, to bond with voters over a shared hope for the future, this was it. Instead, Bloomberg offered a view of the presidency straight from a business textbook.
"Look, this is a management job," he said, "and Donald Trump is not a manager."
"This is a job where you have to build teams," Bloomberg continued. "[Trump] doesn't have a team, so he goes and makes decisions without knowing what is going on ... We cannot run the railroad this way."
Earlier in the debate, Bloomberg declared simply, "I'm a manager."
With that, Bloomberg, who made billions building his data, news, and analytics company, declined to offer any vision behind his long-standing desire to become president of the United States.
The last two Democrats to win the presidency, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, were strong on "the vision thing." (The phrase came from another president, George H.W. Bush, who didn't have it.) President Ronald Reagan was strong in the vision department, too. They inspired voters.
Onstage in Las Vegas Wednesday, Bloomberg had none of that.
Instead, his words echoed those of a losing Democratic candidate a generation ago, Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, who in the 1988 presidential race declared, "This election isn't about ideology; it's about competence." Dukakis lost to Bush.
Bloomberg's vision deficiency was obvious to anyone watching. On Twitter, Snapchat's Peter Hamby offered a close-to-the-truth satire: "Bloomberg closing statement: We need to build teams with superb product managers who set KPIs [Key Performance Indicators] that enable America to make smart decisions for our customers."
After the debate, Bloomberg tried to turn his lack of vision into a virtue: "Tonight, I stood on a stage with a group of politicians," he tweeted. "They talked, because that's what they're good at. They went on and on about what they could and should do. I have built. I have created actual change. I have gotten it done. That's what I'll do for America."
Should he win the Democratic nomination, Bloomberg will run against a president who was elected on a ringing promise to "Make America Great Again." Like him or not, Trump will campaign for reelection on a pledge of American greatness.
Bloomberg will promise to "get it done" with sensible management. That's not what wins elections.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Trump 2020 off to a roaring start while Democrats growl at each other

A TV-savvy incumbent flies in on the day of the Democratic caucuses , provoking accusations that he is hijacking the national press corps and upstaging the eight candidates vying to be his opponent in November .
Not Donald Trump — but Ronald Reagan in Iowa in 1984 on his way to an eventual 49-state win , powered by an economic recovery and a revival in national confidence .
Trump campaign officials say their primary-raiding tour — taking in Arizona , Colorado , and Nevada over the next three days — is not modeled on Reagan ’ s convention-busting precedent but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique gifts and the demands of a modern campaign .
“ This is based on Donald Trump and his ability to connect with people and to draw crowds , ” said Tim Murtaugh , director of communications for the Trump 2020 campaign .
“ And in Iowa and New Hampshire , it was a great opportunity to use the fact that you had Republican caucus or primary events in those states to build our ground game , to gather data , to flex our organizational muscles , and for the president to energize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a highly visible part of Trump ’ s unlikely 2016 victory , generating hours of free television time .
This time around , campaign officials say the events are a powerful way of turning supporters into volunteers and collecting phone numbers and email addresses of attendees .
Democrats fear the early campaign launch gives Trump a huge head start while their candidates slug it out in a crowded primary field .
Trump appeared at the Knapp Center in Des Moines , Iowa , four days before Democrats in the state gathered to pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire , his rally was the day before the Democratic primary and had the added benefit of shutting down city center streets just as his opponents were shuttling around on their final push .
The events were credited with mobilizing support and driving record turnout for an uncompetitive GOP nomination race .
Trump won more than 31,000 votes in the Iowa Republican caucus , beating President Barack Obama ’ s 25,000 in his 2012 reelection effort .
And in New Hampshire , he won almost 130,000 votes — more than double Obama ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president is out West .
He is in Phoenix on Wednesday , Colorado Springs , Colorado , on Thursday , and Las Vegas on Friday , a day before Nevada 's primary .
Charlotte , North Carolina , comes at the start of next month , ahead of its Super Tuesday primary .
Murtaugh said the president had always planned to do a Western swing .
“ These are key states that the president can and will win in 2020 , ” he said .
“ And if it draws attention away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what an unbelievable coincidence.
” The sentiment is similar to 1984 .
While Democrats complained at Reagan ’ s appearance in Iowa , on the same day as the caucus , Republicans could only smile .
As James Lake , press secretary for the Reagan-Bush campaign , told the New York Times : “ I must say , it 's always fun to see your opponents squirm.
” That contrast was on full display on Wednesday .
Trump appeared onstage in Phoenix , in full election campaign mode , while six Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they battle it out for their party 's nomination .
It marked the first appearance of former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg , who is expected to draw much of the fire from the other candidates .
Brad Bannon , a Democratic strategist , said it was classic counterprogramming , drawn from strategies used by TV networks .
`` The Democrats will have two to three hours tonight , and how do you counter that ?
By having your own programming , '' he said .
`` Democrats are going to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sooner the candidates could call a truce and turn their fire on Trump , the better .
The danger was that the Trump campaign was already far ahead in organizing for the general election , raising money and deploying its messaging .
“ What we have is a situation where the Democrats beat each other up , and then , Donald Trump beats them up , ” he said .

A TV-savvy incumbent flies in on the day of the Democratic caucuses, provoking accusations that he is hijacking the national press corps and upstaging the eight candidates vying to be his opponent in November.
Not Donald Trump — but Ronald Reagan in Iowa in 1984 on his way to an eventual 49-state win, powered by an economic recovery and a revival in national confidence.
Trump campaign officials say their primary-raiding tour — taking in Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada over the next three days — is not modeled on Reagan’s convention-busting precedent but plays instead to their candidate’s unique gifts and the demands of a modern campaign.
“This is based on Donald Trump and his ability to connect with people and to draw crowds,” said Tim Murtaugh, director of communications for the Trump 2020 campaign. “And in Iowa and New Hampshire, it was a great opportunity to use the fact that you had Republican caucus or primary events in those states to build our ground game, to gather data, to flex our organizational muscles, and for the president to energize his supporters.”
The mass rallies were a highly visible part of Trump’s unlikely 2016 victory, generating hours of free television time. This time around, campaign officials say the events are a powerful way of turning supporters into volunteers and collecting phone numbers and email addresses of attendees.
Democrats fear the early campaign launch gives Trump a huge head start while their candidates slug it out in a crowded primary field.
Trump appeared at the Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa, four days before Democrats in the state gathered to pick a candidate. In Manchester, New Hampshire, his rally was the day before the Democratic primary and had the added benefit of shutting down city center streets just as his opponents were shuttling around on their final push.
The events were credited with mobilizing support and driving record turnout for an uncompetitive GOP nomination race. Trump won more than 31,000 votes in the Iowa Republican caucus, beating President Barack Obama’s 25,000 in his 2012 reelection effort. And in New Hampshire, he won almost 130,000 votes — more than double Obama’s number.
This week, the president is out West. He is in Phoenix on Wednesday, Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Thursday, and Las Vegas on Friday, a day before Nevada's primary. Charlotte, North Carolina, comes at the start of next month, ahead of its Super Tuesday primary.
Murtaugh said the president had always planned to do a Western swing.
“These are key states that the president can and will win in 2020,” he said. “And if it draws attention away from the Democrats in Nevada, then gosh, what an unbelievable coincidence.”
The sentiment is similar to 1984. While Democrats complained at Reagan’s appearance in Iowa, on the same day as the caucus, Republicans could only smile. As James Lake, press secretary for the Reagan-Bush campaign, told the New York Times: “I must say, it's always fun to see your opponents squirm.”
That contrast was on full display on Wednesday. Trump appeared onstage in Phoenix, in full election campaign mode, while six Democratic hopefuls clashed in the ninth televised debate as they battle it out for their party's nomination. It marked the first appearance of former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who is expected to draw much of the fire from the other candidates.
Brad Bannon, a Democratic strategist, said it was classic counterprogramming, drawn from strategies used by TV networks. "The Democrats will have two to three hours tonight, and how do you counter that? By having your own programming," he said. "Democrats are going to have to wise up.”
He added that the sooner the candidates could call a truce and turn their fire on Trump, the better. The danger was that the Trump campaign was already far ahead in organizing for the general election, raising money and deploying its messaging.
“What we have is a situation where the Democrats beat each other up, and then, Donald Trump beats them up,” he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Voters deserve to know what risk they're taking on Bernie Sanders's health

If elected , Sen. Bernie Sanders would become the oldest president to serve immediately on his swearing-in , older than President Ronald Reagan on his final day in office .
Sanders would be 80 before his first year is up .
Just a few months ago , he suffered a heart attack on the campaign trail .
Given these factors , Sanders faces a higher burden than a typical candidate to reassure voters that he is up to the rigors of the presidency .
Instead , after months of obfuscation , he has now reneged on his pledge to release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just before his heart attack , Sanders promised to provide a full accounting of his medical records before the Iowa caucuses .
“ I think it 's the right thing to do , ” Sanders said .
“ The American people have the right to know whether the person they 're going to be voting for for president is healthy , and we will certainly release our medical records before the primaries .
It will certainly be before the first votes are cast.
” Then , in October , Sanders had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclose it .
Though he has released three letters from doctors , he has still not provided detailed health records .
On Feb. 9 , after the Iowa caucuses and ahead of the New Hampshire primary , NBC ’ s Chuck Todd revisited the issue with Sanders .
The Vermont socialist was evasive , talking about the number of campaign events he does .
He complained , “ You can start releasing medical records , and it never ends.
” Todd then followed up by asking what changes Sanders had made based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied , “ I 'm trying to walk a little bit more , but the schedule does n't allow me .
They didn ’ t say — I 'm trying to sleep a little bit better .
Sometimes that 's hard.
” So not only is Sanders pushing 80 , and not only did he just have a heart attack , but he hasn ’ t even bothered to follow his doctor 's recommendations about lifestyle changes because his schedule is too busy .
Here 's a question : If he is elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be less busy than he is now ?
Appearing at a CNN town hall event on Tuesday , Sanders finally declared that he had no plans to release any further medical information .
“ I do n't think we will , no , ” he said .
To make matters worse , Sanders press secretary Briahna Joy Gray then went on TV and attacked people who were asking for him to follow through on his promise to release his medical records .
She claimed that it was all part of a “ smear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his health to the `` birther '' conspiracies that once swirled around President Barack Obama .
She then claimed that Michael Bloomberg suffered multiple heart attacks in the past , only to retract her statement and admit that Bloomberg did not have any heart attacks but merely a stent procedure to help prevent heart attacks .
Then , in Wednesday night 's debate , Sanders tried to pass it off as if he had released all his medical records , citing letters from doctors .
Sanders ’ s two justifications for his secrecy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It doesn ’ t matter what other medical details other candidates have disclosed because those other candidates are not 80-year-old men who recently suffered heart attacks .
His argument that doing campaign events prepares him for the presidency is also dubious .
Even if Sanders were in acceptable shape now , the bigger question is whether he can maintain that shape until he ’ s 83 , which is how old he ’ d be at the end of his first term , especially given the stress , international travel , and mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have long been advocates for increased transparency in government on both sides .
We have , for instance , called on President Trump to voluntarily release his tax returns .
We consider this issue to be even more important .
It ’ s asking a lot from voters to put an elderly man with a heart condition in the most powerful position on the planet .
The least Sanders can do is make sure everyone , beginning with Democratic primary voters , understands exactly how big a risk they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @

If elected, Sen. Bernie Sanders would become the oldest president to serve immediately upon his swearing-in, older than President Ronald Reagan on his final day in office. Sanders would be 80 before his first year is up. Just a few months ago, he suffered a heart attack on the campaign trail. Given these factors, Sanders faces a higher burden than a typical candidate to reassure voters that he is up to the rigors of the presidency.
Instead, after months of obfuscation, he has now reneged on his pledge to release his full medical records.
Last September, just before his heart attack, Sanders promised to provide a full accounting of his medical records before the Iowa caucuses. “I think it's the right thing to do,” Sanders said. “The American people have the right to know whether the person they're going to be voting for for president is healthy, and we will certainly release our medical records before the primaries. It will certainly be before the first votes are cast.”
Then, in October, Sanders had a heart attack and waited three days to disclose it. Though he has released three letters from doctors, he has still not provided detailed health records.
On Feb. 9, after the Iowa caucuses and ahead of the New Hampshire primary, NBC’s Chuck Todd revisited the issue with Sanders. The Vermont socialist was evasive, talking about the number of campaign events he does. He complained, “You can start releasing medical records, and it never ends.”
Todd then followed up by asking what changes Sanders had made based on the recommendations of his doctors. Sanders replied, “I'm trying to walk a little bit more, but the schedule doesn't allow me. They didn’t say — I'm trying to sleep a little bit better. Sometimes that's hard.”
So not only is Sanders pushing 80, and not only did he just have a heart attack, but he hasn’t even bothered to follow his doctor's recommendations about lifestyle changes because his schedule is too busy. Here's a question: If he is elected president, do you suppose Sanders will be less busy than he is now?
Appearing at a CNN town hall event recently, Sanders finally declared that he had no plans to release any further medical information. “I don't think we will, no,” he said.
To make matters worse, Sanders press secretary Briahna Joy Gray then went on TV and attacked people who were asking for him to follow through on his promise to release his medical records. She claimed that it was all part of a “smear” campaign and compared legitimate questions about his health to the "birther" conspiracies that once swirled around President Barack Obama. She then claimed that Michael Bloomberg suffered multiple heart attacks in the past, only to retract her statement and admit that Bloomberg did not have any heart attacks but merely a stent procedure to help prevent heart attacks.
Then, in Wednesday night's debate, Sanders tried to pass it off as if he had released all his medical records, citing letters from doctors.
Sanders’s two justifications for his secrecy don’t hold much water. It doesn’t matter what other medical details other candidates have disclosed because those other candidates are not 80-year-old men who recently suffered heart attacks. His argument that doing campaign events prepares him for the presidency is also dubious. Even if Sanders were in acceptable shape now, the bigger question is whether he can maintain that shape until he’s 83, which is how old he’d be at the end of his first term, especially given the stress, international travel, and mental and physical toll that presidents must endure.
We have long been advocates for increased transparency in government on both sides. We have, for instance, called on President Trump to release his tax returns voluntarily. We consider this issue to be even more important. It’s asking a lot from voters to put an elderly man with a heart condition in the most powerful position on the planet. The least Sanders can do is make sure everyone, beginning with Democratic primary voters, understands exactly how big a risk they’re taking if they get behind him.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--The Republicans' 2020 plan to turn every Democrat into a 'Bernie Bro'

The Republican Party is putting Bernie Sanders at the center of every 2020 campaign , with senior GOP strategists confident the socialist front-runner for the Democratic nomination is the ticket to a November sweep , whether he is the nominee or not .
More than eight months before Election Day , vulnerable Republican Sen. Martha McSally is up with an advertisement on Arizona television tarring Democratic challenger Mark Kelly as a “ Bernie Bro.
” It ’ s a message that Republican strategists are busy replicating in tough contests across the country .
Party insiders see Sanders as the perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially in battlegrounds such as Arizona , where suburban swing voters are poised to decide the outcome .
“ Over the course of the last three years , what the debate has been around has been President Trump — it hasn ’ t been around Democratic policies or Democratic personalities , ” said Terry Nelson , a veteran Republican operative advising McSally .
“ But now , we ’ re in an election where that ’ s changing , and Democratic personalities and Democratic policies will become more relevant.
” Republicans routinely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to socialism gaining a dangerous foothold in the United States .
Voters typically ignore the warnings , as they did in the 2018 midterm elections that saw Democrats flip the House and pick up two competitive Senate seats .
But Republicans say they have reams of polling data and information from focus groups with independent voters proving the message could be unusually potent up and down the ballot this fall .
Republicans say the difference this time is that Sanders , 78 , proudly describes himself as a “ democratic socialist ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with government insurance , among other ultraliberal policies .
Combined with the Vermont senator ’ s rise to the top of the Democratic field , Republicans are convinced that they can ride Sanders to a second Trump term plus a resurgence in the suburbs that protects endangered GOP senators and returns the party to power in the House .
“ If he ’ s the nominee , I don ’ t care if you ’ re running for dog catcher or Senate , every Republican is going to bend over backwards to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialism and all the crazy stuff he supports , ” said Corry Bliss , a Republican consultant .
Congressional Leadership Fund , the House GOP super PAC , has been tying vulnerable incumbent House Democrats to `` socialist '' Sanders for several months .
Trump is in a better position for reelection than he was prior to impeachment , with his job approval rating now averaging 46 % .
But hypothetical matchups between the president and the leading Democratic contenders remain close .
Despite the roaring economy and low jobless rate , Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a referendum on Trump ’ s sometimes provocative behavior and occasionally controversial tweets .
Under that scenario , Republicans worry the party would continue to lose ground in the suburbs and hemorrhage support among independents , costing them the White House , Senate seats , and a chance to improve their position in the House .
Republicans would rather have the debate be over ideology , satisfied that enough voters in key states would choose Trump and the rest of the GOP ticket .
Emerging swing states , such as Arizona and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina , meanwhile , would be safe , Republicans insist .
That ’ s why they are doing everything they can to make the election about Sanders and his agenda , even if he is not the Democratic nominee .
“ Democrats have embraced the same policy positions as Bernie , so he will be on the ballot in all these places whether he ’ s the nominee or not , ” said Kevin McLaughlin , the top in-house strategist at the National Republican Senatorial Committee .

The Republican Party is putting Bernie Sanders at the center of every 2020 campaign, with senior GOP strategists confident the socialist front-runner for the Democratic nomination is the ticket to a November sweep, whether he is the nominee or not.
More than eight months before Election Day, vulnerable Republican Sen. Martha McSally is up with an advertisement on Arizona television tarring Democratic challenger Mark Kelly as a “Bernie Bro.” It’s a message that Republican strategists are busy replicating in tough contests across the country. Party insiders see Sanders as the perfect antidote to lingering queasiness about President Trump, especially in battlegrounds such as Arizona, where suburban swing voters are poised to decide the outcome.
“Over the course of the last three years, what the debate has been around has been President Trump — it hasn’t been around Democratic policies or Democratic personalities,” said Terry Nelson, a veteran Republican operative advising McSally. “But now, we’re in an election where that’s changing, and Democratic personalities and Democratic policies will become more relevant.”
Republicans routinely sound the alarm that electing Democrats will lead to socialism gaining a dangerous foothold in the United States. Voters typically ignore the warnings, as they did in the 2018 midterm elections that saw Democrats flip the House and pick up two competitive Senate seats. But Republicans say they have reams of polling data and information from focus groups with independent voters proving the message could be unusually potent up and down the ballot this fall.
Republicans say the difference this time is that Sanders, 78, proudly describes himself as a “democratic socialist” and proposes abolishing private healthcare and replacing it with government insurance, among other ultraliberal policies. Combined with the Vermont senator’s rise to the top of the Democratic field, Republicans are convinced that they can ride Sanders to a second Trump term plus a resurgence in the suburbs that protects endangered GOP senators and returns the party to power in the House.
“If he’s the nominee, I don’t care if you’re running for dog catcher or Senate, every Republican is going to bend over backwards to tie their Democratic opponent to Bernie Sanders socialism and all the crazy stuff he supports,” said Corry Bliss, a Republican consultant. Congressional Leadership Fund, the House GOP super PAC, has been tying vulnerable incumbent House Democrats to "socialist" Sanders for several months.
Trump is in a better position for reelection than he was prior to impeachment, with his job approval rating now averaging 46%. But hypothetical matchups between the president and the leading Democratic contenders remain close.
Despite the roaring economy and low jobless rate, Republicans are concerned that the 2020 campaign could become a referendum on Trump’s sometimes provocative behavior and occasionally controversial tweets. Under that scenario, Republicans worry the party would continue to lose ground in the suburbs and hemorrhage support among independents, costing them the White House, Senate seats, and a chance to improve their position in the House.
Republicans would rather have the debate be over ideology, satisfied that enough voters in key states would choose Trump and the rest of the GOP ticket. Emerging swing states, such as Arizona and Georgia, and purple states such as North Carolina, meanwhile, would be safe, Republicans insist. That’s why they are doing everything they can to make the election about Sanders and his agenda, even if he is not the Democratic nominee.
“Democrats have embraced the same policy positions as Bernie, so he will be on the ballot in all these places whether he’s the nominee or not,” said Kevin McLaughlin, the top in-house strategist at the National Republican Senatorial Committee.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--'A god to me': Indian man constructs Trump shrine ahead of presidential visit

A man in India wakes up and prays to a 6-foot shrine of President Trump every day .
Bussa Krishna , known in his village as “ Trump Krishna , ” told New Delhi TV that he was so obsessed with Trump that he hired 15 laborers to construct a shrine to the president , which he worships daily .
“ Every Friday , I fast for Trump 's long life .
I also carry his picture and pray to him before commencing any work , ” Krishna said .
“ He is like a god to me .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built.
” The statue features Trump sporting a blue suit and his distinctive red tie .
The president has his right arm raised and is standing on a platform near Krishna ’ s home , which has the word “ Trump ” scrawled multiple times in red on the walls .
Krishna ’ s friend , Ramesh Reddy , said that their village , located in the southern state of Telangana , is supportive of his devotion to the U.S. president .
“ Krishna 's residence is known as Trump House here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but appreciated his devotion , ” Reddy said .
Trump is slated to visit India for his first state visit next week , and Krishna hopes that he will get the opportunity to meet his deity in person .
“ I want India-America relations to remain strong , ” he said .
“ I wish to meet him .
I request the government to make my dream come true .
”

A man in India wakes up and prays to a 6-foot shrine of President Trump every day.
Bussa Krishna, known in his village as “Trump Krishna,” told New Delhi TV that he was so obsessed with Trump that he hired 15 laborers to construct a shrine to the president, which he worships daily.
“Every Friday, I fast for Trump's long life. I also carry his picture and pray to him before commencing any work,” Krishna said. “He is like a god to me. That is the reason I had his statue built.”
The statue features Trump sporting a blue suit and his distinctive red tie. The president has his right arm raised and is standing on a platform near Krishna’s home, which has the word “Trump” scrawled multiple times in red on the walls.
Krishna’s friend, Ramesh Reddy, said that their village, located in the southern state of Telangana, is supportive of his devotion to the U.S. president.
“Krishna's residence is known as Trump House here. The villagers never objected to it, but appreciated his devotion,” Reddy said.
Trump is slated to visit India for his first state visit next week, and Krishna hopes that he will get the opportunity to meet his deity in person.
“I want India-America relations to remain strong,” he said. “I wish to meet him. I request the government to make my dream come true.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Michael Bloomberg spent over $200M on campaign in January

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is spending money at breakneck speed as he seeks the Democratic presidential nomination @ @ @ @ @ 220 million in January , the same dollar amount he spent from November , when @ @ @ @ @ through December , according to a Federal Election Commission filing .
Bloomberg has , so @ @ @ @ @ $ 400 million on political ads , beating out fellow billionaire Tom Steyer by more @ @ @ @ @ and the next closest candidate , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , by a factor of @ @ @ @ @ first voting contests in Iowa and New Hampshire but surged to third place in national @ @ @ @ @ primary , according to a RealClearPolitics average .
In addition to ads , the Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ staff salaries and bountiful food spreads at campaign stops .

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is spending money at breakneck speed as he seeks the Democratic presidential nomination.
The billionaire spent $220 million in January, the same dollar amount he spent from November, when Bloomberg announced his campaign, through December, according to a Federal Election Commission filing.
Bloomberg has, so far, spent well over $400 million on political ads, beating out fellow billionaire Tom Steyer by more than double the amount, and the next closest candidate, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, by a factor of 10.
Bloomberg skipped the first voting contests in Iowa and New Hampshire but surged to third place in national polls for the Democratic presidential primary, according to a RealClearPolitics average.
In addition to ads, the Bloomberg campaign has spent lavishly on staff salaries and bountiful food spreads at campaign stops.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Trump economists accuse liberal cities of causing 'economic distress' to residents by overregulating

Trump economists accuse liberal cities of causing 'economic distress' to residents by overregulating housing

The Trump administration on Thursday criticized liberal metropolitan cities such as San Francisco and New York City for having burdensome housing regulations that have caused home prices and homelessness to rise .
In the annual report of the White House Council of Economic Advisers , President Trump 's economists argued that a failure to meet the demand for affordable housing in big cities had caused strain for their residents .
`` The excessive regulatory barriers placed on building housing in these 11 metropolitan areas cause economic distress to their current and potential residents , '' officials said in the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco , Honolulu , Oxnard , Los Angeles , San Diego , Washington , Boston , Denver , New York City , Seattle , and Baltimore .
`` In addition to restricting the ability of property owners to use their property in reasonable ways , these regulations increase costs for both renters and those trying to buy a home , '' the report added .
Housing issues were highlighted as one of the key obstructions to economic growth for the country .
The administration specified in the report that regulations imposed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and zoning restrictions , environmental regulations , historic preservation requirements , and building codes .
The report also argued that the housing regulatory barriers in these cities were exacerbating homelessness .
`` As estimated by the CEA ( 2019 ) , relaxing excessive regulatory barriers in these 11 metropolitan areas where housing supply is significantly constrained would reduce homelessness by an average of 31 % in these areas , '' according to the report .
The White House report said that , for example , homelessness would fall by 54 % in San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and 23 % in New York if the housing regulatory barriers were relaxed .
Since these metropolitan areas make up 42 % of the U.S. homeless population , homelessness would fall by 13 % in the United States overall if each city sufficiently addressed its regulatory barriers , the report said .

The Trump administration on Thursday criticized liberal metropolitan cities such as San Francisco and New York City for having burdensome housing regulations that have caused home prices and homelessness to rise.
In the annual report of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, President Trump's economists argued that a failure to meet the demand for affordable housing in big cities had caused strain for their residents.
"The excessive regulatory barriers placed on building housing in these 11 metropolitan areas cause economic distress to their current and potential residents," officials said in the report, referring to the metropolitan areas of San Francisco, Honolulu, Oxnard, Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington, Boston, Denver, New York City, Seattle, and Baltimore.
"In addition to restricting the ability of property owners to use their property in reasonable ways, these regulations increase costs for both renters and those trying to buy a home," the report added.
Housing issues were highlighted as one of the key obstructions to economic growth for the country. The administration specified in the report that regulations imposed by state and city governments, including rent and zoning restrictions, environmental regulations, historic preservation requirements, and building codes.
The report also argued that the housing regulatory barriers in these cities were exacerbating homelessness.
"As estimated by the CEA (2019), relaxing excessive regulatory barriers in these 11 metropolitan areas where housing supply is significantly constrained would reduce homelessness by an average of 31% in these areas," according to the report.
The White House report said that, for example, homelessness would fall by 54% in San Francisco, 40% in Los Angeles, and 23% in New York if the housing regulatory barriers were relaxed.
Since these metropolitan areas make up 42% of the U.S. homeless population, homelessness would fall by 13% in the United States overall if each city sufficiently addressed its regulatory barriers, the report said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Trump chief of staff says US ‘desperate’ for more legal immigrants

A top White House official said U.S. economic growth depends on immigration to the country .
Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney told a crowd at a private gathering in England on Wednesday that the United States “ needs more immigrants , ” according to a recording of his comments obtained by the Washington Post .
“ We are desperate , desperate , for more people , ” Mulvaney said .
“ We are running out of people to fuel the economic growth that we ’ ve had in our nation over the last four years .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigrants should come to the U.S. in a “ legal fashion.
” Mulvaney ’ s comments appear to conflict with the stances of several other White House officials , including senior policy adviser Stephen Miller .
Miller has been working to limit both legal and illegal immigration to the U.S. , arguing that immigrants contribute to wage stagnation and job losses .
The acting White House chief of staff said that despite the administration ’ s “ anti-immigrant ” reputation , it still wants more foreign workers to come to the U.S .

A top White House official said U.S. economic growth depends on immigration to the country.
Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney told a crowd at a private gathering in England on Wednesday that the United States “needs more immigrants,” according to a recording of his comments obtained by the Washington Post.
“We are desperate, desperate, for more people,” Mulvaney said. “We are running out of people to fuel the economic growth that we’ve had in our nation over the last four years. We need more immigrants.”
Mulvaney said the immigrants should come to the U.S. in a “legal fashion.”
Mulvaney’s comments appear to conflict with the stances of several other White House officials, including senior policy adviser Stephen Miller. Miller has been working to limit both legal and illegal immigration to the U.S., arguing that immigrants contribute to wage stagnation and job losses.
The acting White House chief of staff said that despite the administration’s “anti-immigrant” reputation, it still wants more foreign workers to come to the U.S.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Small business approval of Trump hits record high of 64%: Poll

An all-time-high 64 % of small business owners approve of how President Trump is doing his job , a survey that regularly gauges small business sentiments reports .
The rating is up from 60 % in the final quarter of 2019 and 56 % a year ago in the first quarter of 2019 , according to the results of a quarterly CNBC/SurveyMonkey survey that polls small-business owners nationwide .
Respondents cited a phase one trade deal with China and favorable regulatory conditions for their strong approval of Trump .
Of those polled , 47 % of small-business owners `` strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing — a new high for an index that has not hit above 40 % .
Answers to this question skew heavily along party lines : While 75 % of Republican or Republican-leaning respondents `` strongly approve , '' just 5 % of Democrats did .
The survey included far more Republicans than Democrats — 1,100 Republicans to 730 Democrats and 244 independents .
Small-business owners are more likely to identify as Republican than Democrat , which is not the case across the general population , where the divide is more even .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ approve '' of the job the president is doing , 34 % `` strongly disapprove . ''
Trade concerns have taken a back seat .
Among those small business owners who are anticipating an effect from one of the president 's two major trade deals , most expect positive results .
`` 2020 is off to an explosive start for the small-business economy , with owners expecting increased sales , earnings , and higher wages for employees , '' National Federation of Independent Business chief economist William Dunkelberg said in a statement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which notes similar optimism among its members .
[ Read more : Business starts to speak out against Bernie Sanders as he gains momentum ] Dunkelberg cites current tax policies and deregulation creating an environment that best serves the needs of the trade group 's members .
Where business owners expect to feel some pain is with minimum wage hikes .
Of the small-business owners polled by CNBC/SurveyMonkey , 43 % expect wage increases to hurt their businesses by shrinking profits , forcing them to cut employee hours and upping the chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Examiner , NFIB Research Director Holly Wade said minimum wage hikes have a ripple effect because salaries of higher-paid workers also rise when a new minimum wage floor is established .
The group is surveying the effects of the wage hike in Illinois , which has pledged to transition to $ 15 hourly wage by 2025 but expects to meet the goal by next year .

An all-time-high 64% of small business owners approve of how President Trump is doing his job, a survey that regularly gauges small business sentiments reports.
The rating is up from 60% in the final quarter of 2019 and 56% a year ago in the first quarter of 2019, according to the results of a quarterly CNBC/SurveyMonkey survey that polls small-business owners nationwide.
Respondents cited a phase one trade deal with China and favorable regulatory conditions for their strong approval of Trump.
Of those polled, 47% of small-business owners "strongly approve" of the job Trump is doing — a new high for an index that has not hit above 40%. Answers to this question skew heavily along party lines: While 75% of Republican or Republican-leaning respondents "strongly approve," just 5% of Democrats did. The survey included far more Republicans than Democrats — 1,100 Republicans to 730 Democrats and 244 independents. Small-business owners are more likely to identify as Republican than Democrat, which is not the case across the general population, where the divide is more even.
While 15% of independents "strongly approve" of the job the president is doing, 34% "strongly disapprove."
Trade concerns have taken a back seat. Among those small business owners who are anticipating an effect from one of the president's two major trade deals, most expect positive results.
"2020 is off to an explosive start for the small-business economy, with owners expecting increased sales, earnings, and higher wages for employees," National Federation of Independent Business chief economist William Dunkelberg said in a statement in reference to his organization's own survey, which notes similar optimism among its members.
[Read more: Business starts to speak out against Bernie Sanders as he gains momentum]
Dunkelberg cites current tax policies and deregulation creating an environment that best serves the needs of the trade group's members.
Where business owners expect to feel some pain is with minimum wage hikes. Of the small-business owners polled by CNBC/SurveyMonkey, 43% expect wage increases to hurt their businesses by shrinking profits, forcing them to cut employee hours and upping the chance of layoffs.
Speaking to the Washington Examiner, NFIB Research Director Holly Wade said minimum wage hikes have a ripple effect because salaries of higher-paid workers also rise when a new minimum wage floor is established. The group is surveying the effects of the wage hike in Illinois, which has pledged to transition to $15 hourly wage by 2025 but expects to meet the goal by next year.
CNBC/SurveyMonkey polled 2,118 small business owners between Feb. 2 and Feb.10, 2020


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--White House assembles clemency council as Trump considers more pardons

The White House is gathering a team of advisers to guide President Trump on commutations and pardons .
The move shows Trump wants to have a more direct role in the clemency process , which is typically overseen by the Justice Department .
White House senior adviser Jared Kushner , who is also Trump ’ s son-in-law , has taken the lead in putting together the advisory group , which will consist of 11 people , according to the Washington Post .
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is taking on a leading role in vetting candidates for clemency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 11 people on Tuesday , including former Democratic Illinois Gov .
Rod Blagojevich and financier Michael Milken .
Trump has focused largely on pardoning or commuting the sentences of white-collar criminals and those serving lengthy sentences .
One Trump administration official said Trump “ likes doing them ” and was not concerned with criticism .
Recent reports suggest Trump is considering pardoning a longtime GOP operative and friend Roger Stone .
Fox News host Tucker Carlson urged Trump to pardon Stone after he was convicted last year of lying to Congress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Thursday , Trump tweeted a clip of Carlson arguing for a pardon for Stone .

The White House is gathering a team of advisers to guide President Trump on commutations and pardons.
The move shows Trump wants to have a more direct role in the clemency process, which is typically overseen by the Justice Department. White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, who is also Trump’s son-in-law, has taken the lead in putting together the advisory group, which will consist of 11 people, according to the Washington Post.
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is taking on a leading role in vetting candidates for clemency.
The news comes after Trump granted clemency to 11 people on Tuesday, including former Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and financier Michael Milken.
Trump has focused largely on pardoning or commuting the sentences of white-collar criminals and those serving lengthy sentences. One Trump administration official said Trump “likes doing them” and was not concerned with criticism.
Recent reports suggest Trump is considering pardoning a longtime GOP operative and friend Roger Stone. Fox News host Tucker Carlson urged Trump to pardon Stone after he was convicted last year of lying to Congress, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice.
On Thursday, Trump tweeted a clip of Carlson arguing for a pardon for Stone.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--White House ‘rejects rumors’ that Victoria Coates is 'Anonymous' author amid her reassignment

The deputy national security adviser is being reassigned to another role in the Trump administration despite White House denials of speculation that she ’ s the unknown official who wrote a New York Times op-ed and book critical of President Trump .
Victoria Coates will be a senior adviser to Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette , the National Security Council announced Thursday , according to Axios .
Coates and the author ’ s agents have both denied she is “ Anonymous , ” the author of the tell-all book , A Warning .
The White House is also pushing back on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership rejects rumors that have circulated recently and does not put any stock in the suggestion that Victoria Coates is the author of A Warning or the related op-ed in the New York Times , ” a senior administration official told Axios .
`` Dr. Coates ’ transition to the Department of Energy has been in the works for several weeks and reflects the continued trust and confidence the administration places in her as she takes on this sensitive role at the Department of Energy , where she will continue working to implement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the official added .
National security adviser Robert O ’ Brien said he was sad to lose Coates but added that she would be a “ big asset ” to the Energy Department .
“ She has served the president loyally since the earliest days of the administration and has played a valued role in the president ’ s Middle East policy , ” O ’ Brien said .

The deputy national security adviser is being reassigned to another role in the Trump administration despite White House denials of speculation that she’s the unknown official who wrote a New York Times op-ed and book critical of President Trump.
Victoria Coates will be a senior adviser to Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, the National Security Council announced Thursday, according to Axios.
Coates and the author’s agents have both denied she is “Anonymous,” the author of the tell-all book, A Warning. The White House is also pushing back on the rumor.
"The White House leadership rejects rumors that have circulated recently and does not put any stock in the suggestion that Victoria Coates is the author of A Warning or the related op-ed in the New York Times,” a senior administration official told Axios.
"Dr. Coates’ transition to the Department of Energy has been in the works for several weeks and reflects the continued trust and confidence the administration places in her as she takes on this sensitive role at the Department of Energy, where she will continue working to implement the president’s agenda," the official added.
National security adviser Robert O’Brien said he was sad to lose Coates but added that she would be a “big asset” to the Energy Department.
“She has served the president loyally since the earliest days of the administration and has played a valued role in the president’s Middle East policy,” O’Brien said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--'I can think of one': Scalise offers Keith Ellison example of 'Bernie Bro' being 'mean'

Rep. Steve Scalise referenced his shooting at the hands of a supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders in response to the senator 's defenders downplaying allegations that some of his surrogates are violent or hateful .
`` I have never seen @ BernieSanders supporters being unusually mean or rude , '' Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison tweeted .
`` Can someone send me an example of a 'Bernie Bro ' being bad .
Also , are we holding all candidates responsible for the behavior of some of their supporters ? ''
`` I can think of one , '' Scalise responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was injured in 2017 when James Hodgkinson opened fire on a practice for the Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria , Virginia .
Hodgkinson , who lived in Illinois , posted hateful comments about Republicans and President Trump on social media and was an outspoken Sanders supporter .
`` Trump is a Traitor .
Trump Has Destroyed Our Democracy .
It 's Time to Destroy Trump & Co , '' Hodgkinson wrote .
Scalise is one of Trump 's strongest defenders in Congress .
Sanders has been accused of not doing more to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his surrogates send to other Democratic candidates for president and his critics .
“ If there are a few people who make ugly remarks … I disown those people , they are not part of our movement , ” Sanders said during Wednesday 's Democratic debate .
Ellison was elected Minnesota 's attorney general despite his ex-girlfriend accusing him of domestic violence .

Rep. Steve Scalise referenced his shooting at the hands of a supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders in response to the senator's defenders downplaying allegations that some of his surrogates are violent or hateful.
"I have never seen @BernieSanders supporters being unusually mean or rude," Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison tweeted. "Can someone send me an example of a 'Bernie Bro' being bad. Also, are we holding all candidates responsible for the behavior of some of their supporters?"
"I can think of one," Scalise responded.
Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana, was injured in 2017 when James Hodgkinson opened fire on a practice for the Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Virginia.
I can think of an example. https://t.co/KwuvyYgyGw — Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) February 20, 2020
Hodgkinson, who lived in Illinois, posted hateful comments about Republicans and President Trump on social media and was an outspoken Sanders supporter.
"Trump is a Traitor. Trump Has Destroyed Our Democracy. It's Time to Destroy Trump & Co," Hodgkinson wrote.
Scalise is one of Trump's strongest defenders in Congress.
Sanders has been accused of not doing more to stymie incidents of violent, hateful messages his surrogates send to other Democratic candidates for president and his critics.
“If there are a few people who make ugly remarks … I disown those people, they are not part of our movement,” Sanders said during Wednesday's Democratic debate.
Ellison was elected Minnesota's attorney general despite his ex-girlfriend accusing him of domestic violence.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--‘Never say never’: Ex-congressman defeated by AOC open to rematch

Former New York Rep. Joe Crowley left the door open on a potential rematch against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2020 .
In 2018 , Ocasio-Cortez shocked many when she defeated Crowley , who was a high-ranking incumbent , in the Democratic Primary .
During an interview on Fox & Friends on Thursday , Crowley refused to say whether he would enter the 2020 race in an attempt to win back his old seat .
“ Look , right now , I ’ m enjoying myself working with [ former Speaker John ] Boehner .
And I ’ ll never say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crowley said .
“ You know , I ’ m still fairly young .
I ’ m 57 .
I have a good life ahead of me.
” Crowley has been working with Boehner to address failing joint pension programs that put the retirement of thousands of workers at risk .
He said he finds his private sector work `` very fulfilling , especially working with big John.
” Crowley tiptoed around criticizing Ocasio-Cortez , but he did comment on her recent appearance on The View , where the freshman congresswoman was confronted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that seemed to scoff at experienced Democrats .
“ I have done a good job , I think , of refraining from making comment about her , ” Crowley said .
“ I will say I have a lot of respect for Whoopi Goldberg and certainly for Nancy Pelosi and for the elders in our party .
I think that we could all learn from our elders , and that ’ s something that ’ s an old adage , but it ’ s as meaningful today as it has always been.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed `` the Squad , '' which is made up of liberal Reps. Ocasio-Cortez , Ilhan Omar , Rashida Tlaib , and Ayanna Pressley , has hurt his party .
He claimed the Democratic Party is a “ big tent ” party that needs to include people from all beliefs .
If Crowley did enter the race , he faces an already crowded field of more than candidates hoping to defeat Ocasio-Cortez .
The 30-year-old freshman congresswoman captured the nation 's attention when she defeated Crowley and rapidly became one of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her presidential endorsement to Bernie Sanders , who said he would have a `` `` for her in his administration if he wins .

Former New York Rep. Joe Crowley left the door open on a potential rematch against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2020.
In 2018, Ocasio-Cortez shocked many when she defeated Crowley, who was a high-ranking incumbent, in the Democratic Primary. During an interview on Fox & Friends on Thursday, Crowley refused to say whether he would enter the 2020 race in an attempt to win back his old seat.
“Look, right now, I’m enjoying myself working with [former Speaker John] Boehner. And I’ll never say never to anything in life,” Crowley said. “You know, I’m still fairly young. I’m 57. I have a good life ahead of me.”
Crowley has been working with Boehner to address failing joint pension programs that put the retirement of thousands of workers at risk. He said he finds his private sector work "very fulfilling, especially working with big John.”
Crowley tiptoed around criticizing Ocasio-Cortez, but he did comment on her recent appearance on The View, where the freshman congresswoman was confronted by co-host Whoopi Goldberg over her remarks that seemed to scoff at experienced Democrats.
“I have done a good job, I think, of refraining from making comment about her,” Crowley said. “I will say I have a lot of respect for Whoopi Goldberg and certainly for Nancy Pelosi and for the elders in our party. I think that we could all learn from our elders, and that’s something that’s an old adage, but it’s as meaningful today as it has always been.”
He also declined to say whether he believed "the Squad," which is made up of liberal Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley, has hurt his party. He claimed the Democratic Party is a “big tent” party that needs to include people from all beliefs.
If Crowley did enter the race, he faces an already crowded field of more than a dozen candidates hoping to defeat Ocasio-Cortez.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Democrat expects House hearings on Trump pardons and commutations

A Democrat said he expected the House to investigate this week 's wave of presidential commutations and pardons , including the commutation of former Illinois Gov .
Rod Blagojevich ’ s prison sentence .
“ I mean , we will , of course , I expect , have hearings on this , ” Rep. David Cicilline , a Rhode Island Democrat , .
“ There ’ s a process that the president is expected to follow in granting pardons or granting clemency .
We ’ ll try to bring attention to this issue on behalf of the American people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Trump administration that Blagojevich would be released from prison in Colorado , where he was eight years into a 14-year sentence after being convicted on corruption charges .
Four out of the last 10 Illinois governors have been convicted of corruption charges , and Blagojevich ’ s sentence was the longest ever handed out to a politician from the state .
`` Yes , we commuted the sentence of Rod Blagojevich .
He served eight years in jail , a long time .
He seems like a very nice person , don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to reporters .
Trump also granted a pardon to former NFL owner Edward DeBartolo Jr. , former NYPD police commissioner Bernard Kerik , `` junk bond king '' Michael Milken , and several others .
Several Democrats expressed frustration with the move , including 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders , who complained of a “ broken and racist ” criminal justice system .
“ Today , Trump granted clemency to tax cheats , Wall Street crooks , billionaires , and corrupt government officials , ” Sanders tweeted .
“ Meanwhile thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail for nonviolent drug convictions .
This is what a broken and racist criminal justice system looks like .
”

A Democrat said he expected the House to investigate this week's wave of presidential commutations and pardons, including the commutation of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s prison sentence.
“I mean, we will, of course, I expect, have hearings on this,” Rep. David Cicilline, a Rhode Island Democrat, told CNN . “There’s a process that the president is expected to follow in granting pardons or granting clemency. We’ll try to bring attention to this issue on behalf of the American people. We will continue to do oversight.”
The Trump administration announced this week that Blagojevich would be released from prison in Colorado, where he was eight years into a 14-year sentence after being convicted on corruption charges.
Four out of the last 10 Illinois governors have been convicted of corruption charges, and Blagojevich’s sentence was the longest ever handed out to a politician from the state.
"Yes, we commuted the sentence of Rod Blagojevich. He served eight years in jail, a long time. He seems like a very nice person, don’t know him," Trump said to reporters.
Trump also granted a pardon to former NFL owner Edward DeBartolo Jr., former NYPD police commissioner Bernard Kerik, "junk bond king" Michael Milken, and several others.
Several Democrats expressed frustration with the move, including 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, who complained of a “broken and racist” criminal justice system.
“Today, Trump granted clemency to tax cheats, Wall Street crooks, billionaires, and corrupt government officials,” Sanders tweeted. “Meanwhile thousands of poor and working-class kids sit in jail for nonviolent drug convictions. This is what a broken and racist criminal justice system looks like.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--GOP fundraising record: $60.5M in January, RNC nearly doubles DNC

The Republican National Committee , teamed with the Trump-Pence reelection committees , hauled in $ 60.5 million in January that officials said would “ kick-start ” the 2020 election .
The RNC nearly doubled the Democratic Party ’ s take of $ 15 million .
The team headed by party chief Ronna McDaniel received $ 27.2 million .
That was a record for January .
The Trump campaign and its groups doubled that for a total of $ 60.5 million .
McDaniel told Secrets , “ Record breaking support for this president and his policies continues to grow as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Across the country , Americans are choosing President Trump ’ s record of results over Democrats ’ divided field of contenders with no vision for the country , and they are ready for four more years of the great American comeback he has started.
” Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale told us , “ President Trump ’ s campaign and the RNC continue to be fundraising juggernauts .
Thanks to President Trump ’ s record of success more Americans are showing their support than ever before .
Every dollar brought in fuels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and volunteers , and win again in November.
” The details on the January fundraising : • Trump campaign and its committees added $ 33.3 million .
• Receipts for the 2019-2020 cycle across all entities are $ 525.5 million .
• Total cash on hand across all entities is $ 200.4 million .
Officials said that times have never been better for RNC fundraising .
Not only was it the best January ever , but “ this is the most cash on hand we have had since 2012 , '' said one @ @

The Republican National Committee, teamed with the Trump-Pence reelection committees, hauled in $60.5 million in January that officials said would “kick-start” the 2020 election.
The RNC nearly doubled the Democratic Party’s take of $15 million. The team headed by party chief Ronna McDaniel received $27.2 million. That was a record for January.
The Trump campaign and its groups doubled that for a total of $60.5 million.
McDaniel told Secrets, “Record breaking support for this president and his policies continues to grow as we head full-force into this presidential election year. Across the country, Americans are choosing President Trump’s record of results over Democrats’ divided field of contenders with no vision for the country, and they are ready for four more years of the great American comeback he has started.”
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale told us, “President Trump’s campaign and the RNC continue to be fundraising juggernauts. Thanks to President Trump’s record of success more Americans are showing their support than ever before. Every dollar brought in fuels our revolutionary ground operation to reach voters and volunteers, and win again in November.”
The details on the January fundraising:
RNC took in $27.2 million.
Trump campaign and its committees added $33.3 million.
Receipts for the 2019-2020 cycle across all entities are $525.5 million.
Total cash on hand across all entities is $200.4 million.
Officials said that times have never been better for RNC fundraising. Not only was it the best January ever, but “this is the most cash on hand we have had since 2012," said one official.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Trump vulnerable on healthcare, Democrats favored 46%-39%: Poll

President Trump is generally leading the Democrats on key “ kitchen table issues , ” but appears vulnerable on healthcare , a big driver in the 2020 election , according to a new survey .
In the Zogby Analytics poll shared with Secrets , voters give Democrats a 46 % -39 % advantage on healthcare , an issue that the White House is scrambling to take control of .
“ This issue strikes a chord and resonates not only with the Democratic base , but also with swing voters , ” said pollster Jonathan Zogby .
But he also found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all isn ’ t a winning alternative for the Democrats .
“ The Democrats do best on the issue of healthcare ( Democratic leaders 46 % vs. Trump 39 % , 16 % not sure ) , but does that mean voters want Medicare for all ?
That 's a tough one and in swing states , the answer is most likely no , as most voters do not approve of a blanket government healthcare solution such as Medicare for all , ” said Zogby .
Off-setting that vulnerability is Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polled on : immigration , national security , and the economy .
On the issue of keeping the nation safe , Trump has a 44 % -41 % lead with help from urban and college-educated voters .
The economy continues to be all Trump , as several Gallup surveys have confirmed in the past several weeks .
Zogby Analytics said that Trump leads 48 % to 40 % , with the help of men , suburbanites , and the college educated .
On immigration , voters are split , with Trump edging Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ His fight for a border wall and issuance of travel bans has been highly divisive , but these issues propelled Trump to victory in 2016 .
Can they help him once again ?
When it comes to party , gender , age , and race , the issue of immigration is black and white .
How the issue is received by the voters in the middle is what matters , mainly Independents , suburban voters , suburban women and college educated voters .
Democrats are trusted by Independent ( Democratic leaders 42 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suburban voters ( Democratic leaders 46 % vs. Trump 43 % ) more on immigration than Trump , but Trump is trusted more on immigration policy among college educated voters ( Trump 50 % vs. Democratic leaders 42 % ) and both are tied among suburban women ( Trump 44 % vs. Democratic leaders 44 % ) .
This is a close one !
”

President Trump is generally leading the Democrats on key “kitchen table issues,” but appears vulnerable on healthcare, a big driver in the 2020 election, according to a new survey.
In the Zogby Analytics poll shared with Secrets, voters give Democrats a 46%-39% advantage on healthcare, an issue that the White House is scrambling to take control of.
“This issue strikes a chord and resonates not only with the Democratic base, but also with swing voters,” said pollster Jonathan Zogby.
But he also found that the liberal solution of Medicare for all isn’t a winning alternative for the Democrats.
“The Democrats do best on the issue of healthcare (Democratic leaders 46% vs. Trump 39%, 16% not sure), but does that mean voters want Medicare for all? That's a tough one and in swing states, the answer is most likely no, as most voters do not approve of a blanket government healthcare solution such as Medicare for all,” said Zogby.
Off-setting that vulnerability is Trump’s control of three other key issues Zogby polled on: immigration, national security, and the economy.
On the issue of keeping the nation safe, Trump has a 44%-41% lead with help from urban and college-educated voters.
The economy continues to be all Trump, as several Gallup surveys have confirmed in the past several weeks. Zogby Analytics said that Trump leads 48% to 40%, with the help of men, suburbanites, and the college educated.
On immigration, voters are split, with Trump edging Democrats by just 45%-44%.
Zogby’s analysis said:


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Sanders campaign says debate with Bloomberg a preview of the general election

LAS VEGAS — The dynamic that voters saw playing out between Bernie Sanders and Michael Bloomberg at Wednesday night 's debate could be a glimpse of general election tactics and strategies , the Vermont senator 's presidential campaign manager told the Washington Examiner .
Speaking after the debate , Faiz Shakir responded to the former New York City mayor 's claims that only his campaign can compete with Sanders and finance a serious challenge for the Democratic nomination .
`` I welcome them making whatever contrast they 'd like .
I think the contrast that [ Bloomberg ] wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrast Donald Trump wants to draw . '
I 'm a billionaire , I ca n't be bought , but by the way , all of my friends are all billionaires , and I 'm out of touch with the working class of America , all my policies forever and ever have been always out of touch with the working class , ' '' Shakir said .
`` What I saw tonight with him and Bernie and Bloomberg having a debate , I saw a preview of coming attractions of how Bernie will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's remarks reflected the feeling within the Sanders campaign that it does n't see Bloomberg as a serious primary challenger .
If anything , the Sanders campaign believes Bloomberg 's entry is an asset to its message about inequality and the corrupting influence of money in politics .
`` When you say you have $ 60 billion , you have more wealth than 125 million Americans , your effective tax rate of you and your class is lower than the working class of this country , you can already start to see how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump , '' Shakir said .
Sanders 's attacks on Bloomberg during the debate echoed many of the remarks directed at the president he has made on the campaign trail .
`` We have a grotesque and immoral distribution of wealth and income .
Mike Bloomberg owns more wealth than the bottom 125 million Americans .
That 's wrong , '' Sanders said , later claiming Bloomberg 's vast wealth was because he had `` written the tax code . ''
Since he launched his campaign last year , Sanders has positioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the working class in the face of the country 's takeover by `` oligarchs '' such as the president .

LAS VEGAS — The dynamic that voters saw playing out between Bernie Sanders and Michael Bloomberg at Wednesday night's debate could be a glimpse of general election tactics and strategies, the Vermont senator's presidential campaign manager told the Washington Examiner.
Speaking after the debate, Faiz Shakir responded to the former New York City mayor's claims that only his campaign can compete with Sanders and finance a serious challenge for the Democratic nomination.
"I welcome them making whatever contrast they'd like. I think the contrast that [Bloomberg] wants to draw with us is just like the contrast Donald Trump wants to draw. 'I'm a billionaire, I can't be bought, but by the way, all of my friends are all billionaires, and I'm out of touch with the working class of America, all my policies forever and ever have been always out of touch with the working class,'" Shakir said. "What I saw tonight with him and Bernie and Bloomberg having a debate, I saw a preview of coming attractions of how Bernie will take on Donald Trump."
Shakir's remarks reflected the feeling within the Sanders campaign that it doesn't see Bloomberg as a serious primary challenger. If anything, the Sanders campaign believes Bloomberg's entry is an asset to its message about inequality and the corrupting influence of money in politics.
"When you say you have $60 billion, you have more wealth than 125 million Americans, your effective tax rate of you and your class is lower than the working class of this country, you can already start to see how Bernie Sanders will make the argument against Donald Trump," Shakir said.
Sanders's attacks on Bloomberg during the debate echoed many of the remarks directed at the president he has made on the campaign trail.
"We have a grotesque and immoral distribution of wealth and income. Mike Bloomberg owns more wealth than the bottom 125 million Americans. That's wrong," Sanders said, later claiming Bloomberg's vast wealth was because he had "written the tax code."
Since he launched his campaign last year, Sanders has positioned his campaign against Trump as one representing the working class in the face of the country's takeover by "oligarchs" such as the president.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--Bernie Sanders would turn quality healthcare into a privilege for very few

Democratic front-runner Bernie Sanders is fond of saying that he wants to make sure that “ healthcare is a right of all people , not just a privilege.
” But were the Vermont senator to get his way , then quality healthcare , currently enjoyed by the vast majority of U.S. citizens , would only remain available to the privileged few .
The U.S. healthcare system , to be sure , has its problems , many of which were exacerbated by Obamacare .
But to hear Sanders speak about the system , it ’ s as if the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In reality , of U.S. citizens have some form of health insurance coverage .
And despite Sanders ’ s tirades against private insurance , 79 % of U.S. citizens rate the quality of care that they receive as good or excellent .
Of course , there are many inefficiencies with the U.S. healthcare system .
My preference would be to improve the system by unleashing the free market to improve choices and competition and bring down costs .
While I don ’ t expect Democrats to come around to my views anytime soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervention could focus on targeted ways to improve coverage for the minority of the population who are uninsured .
Instead , Sanders has argued that the only acceptable approach is to blow up the current system that 8 of 10 people rate highly .
He would kick everybody off their current plans , moving the entire country to a single government-run plan within four years .
Sanders promises that the new plan will offer much more generous benefits without premiums , deductibles , or copayments .
And importantly , the approach he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government-run systems of other countries , which typically offer more limited benefits or ask beneficiaries to kick in some money toward their care .
Furthermore , never before in history has a healthcare system as large as the U.S. transitioned so rapidly from a mixed public-private system to one that ’ s totally financed by the government .
Moreover , Sanders has presented no realistic path to implementing this vision without causing major disruption .
Containing costs in such a system would require more than going after drug companies ( a favorite target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only accounts for 9 % of healthcare spending .
It will instead require significant cuts to the money currently being paid to doctors and hospitals , which together account for a majority of the healthcare spending in the U.S. Sanders likes to praise other healthcare systems for providing coverage to more people at a lower cost than the U.S .
But U.S. doctors , on average , earn about twice what their counterparts do in the United Kingdom or Germany ; two and a half times what French doctors earn ; and nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain , according to a survey by Medscape .
Slashing salaries for doctors and cutting payments to hospitals is going to reduce the supply of both , while at the same time , Sanders would significantly increase demand by offering supposedly free and generous coverage to the entire population .
There may be some people who currently have limited access , who would prefer a system with long waits over the current system .
But for the overwhelming majority of U.S. citizens who generally like the coverage they receive , the socialist system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s no surprise that in Nevada , Sanders has been with the state ’ s Culinary Union , because his plan would annihilate the very good health coverage that they ’ ve negotiated over the years , often in lieu of salary increases .
But you know who would be largely insulated from these major changes ?
The very wealthy .
While the Sanders contains details on what standards medical providers would have to be able to meet to be included in the new government plan , in its current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to participate .
Many of them would prefer , then , to avoid the mess entirely and cater to rich clients who can pay them directly .
In practice , that means that people who are rich enough would be able to afford to pay for concierge medicine , effectively giving them VIP access to care , which can range from a few thousand dollars a year to $ 25,000 .
Heck , a billionaire could outright pay to keep a private physician on call .
So in the system that Sanders envisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upper-middle class , who currently enjoy solid coverage , are going to be significantly worse off .
But the privileged few would be able to navigate the system , buying their way out of the long queues for treatment and reduced quality .

Democratic front-runner Bernie Sanders is fond of saying that he wants to make sure that “healthcare is a right of all people, not just a privilege.” But were the Vermont senator to get his way, then quality healthcare, currently enjoyed by the vast majority of U.S. citizens, would only remain available to the privileged few.
The U.S. healthcare system, to be sure, has its problems, many of which were exacerbated by Obamacare. But to hear Sanders speak about the system, it’s as if the United States is living in the dark ages.
In reality, 91.5% of U.S. citizens have some form of health insurance coverage. And despite Sanders’s tirades against private insurance, 79% of U.S. citizens rate the quality of care that they receive as good or excellent .
Of course, there are many inefficiencies with the U.S. healthcare system. My preference would be to improve the system by unleashing the free market to improve choices and competition and bring down costs. While I don’t expect Democrats to come around to my views anytime soon, even those calling for more government intervention could focus on targeted ways to improve coverage for the minority of the population who are uninsured.
Instead, Sanders has argued that the only acceptable approach is to blow up the current system that 8 of 10 people rate highly. He would kick everybody off their current plans, moving the entire country to a single government-run plan within four years.
Sanders promises that the new plan will offer much more generous benefits without premiums, deductibles, or copayments. And importantly, the approach he’s outlined is more extensive than the government-run systems of other countries , which typically offer more limited benefits or ask beneficiaries to kick in some money toward their care. Furthermore, never before in history has a healthcare system as large as the U.S. transitioned so rapidly from a mixed public-private system to one that’s totally financed by the government. Moreover, Sanders has presented no realistic path to implementing this vision without causing major disruption.
Containing costs in such a system would require more than going after drug companies (a favorite target of Sanders) because spending on prescriptions only accounts for 9% of healthcare spending. It will instead require significant cuts to the money currently being paid to doctors and hospitals, which together account for a majority of the healthcare spending in the U.S.
Sanders likes to praise other healthcare systems for providing coverage to more people at a lower cost than the U.S. But U.S. doctors, on average, earn about twice what their counterparts do in the United Kingdom or Germany; two and a half times what French doctors earn; and nearly five times as much as doctors in Spain, according to a survey by Medscape .
Slashing salaries for doctors and cutting payments to hospitals is going to reduce the supply of both, while at the same time, Sanders would significantly increase demand by offering supposedly free and generous coverage to the entire population. There may be some people who currently have limited access, who would prefer a system with long waits over the current system. But for the overwhelming majority of U.S. citizens who generally like the coverage they receive, the socialist system Sanders envisions would be a major downgrade. It’s no surprise that in Nevada, Sanders has been locking horns with the state’s Culinary Union, because his plan would annihilate the very good health coverage that they’ve negotiated over the years, often in lieu of salary increases.
But you know who would be largely insulated from these major changes? The very wealthy. While the Sanders healthcare plan contains details on what standards medical providers would have to be able to meet to be included in the new government plan, in its current iteration, there is nothing forcing doctors to participate. Many of them would prefer, then, to avoid the mess entirely and cater to rich clients who can pay them directly.
In practice, that means that people who are rich enough would be able to afford to pay for concierge medicine, effectively giving them VIP access to care, which can range from a few thousand dollars a year to $25,000 . Heck, a billionaire could outright pay to keep a private physician on call.
So in the system that Sanders envisions, those in the middle class or upper-middle class, who currently enjoy solid coverage, are going to be significantly worse off. But the privileged few would be able to navigate the system, buying their way out of the long queues for treatment and reduced quality.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-02-20--'Immoral': Biden knocks Sanders for past votes against gun control

LAS VEGAS — Joe Biden took aim at Bernie Sanders 's votes on gun legislation earlier in his congressional career , calling them `` immoral , '' in some of the harshest rhetoric the former vice president has used on the campaign trail against 2020 Democratic rivals .
`` It 's just flat-out immoral , it 's just flat-out immoral , '' Biden said Thursday at a closed-door meeting with members of the anti-gun group Moms Demand Action .
`` You know , committed Republicans and some Democrats , like Bernie Sanders voted five times , five times against background @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that millions of people were denied having access to weapons of destruction because they did n't qualify . ''
Biden spoke about legislation aimed at partially protecting gun companies from being held liable in civil court , which Sanders voted for in 2003 and 2005 when he represented Vermont 's lone House district .
Biden equated voting against those bills to shielding tobacco companies and drug manufacturers .
Biden also noted that in 1991 and 1993 , Sanders voted against a mandatory waiting period for gun purchases .
In 1993 , he also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enacted by Congress and President Bill Clinton , requiring waiting periods and background checks .
He also twice voted against an assault weapons ban , once in 1994 and again in 2013 .
Sanders , at the time , said he was representing the majority of rural residents in his state who opposed gun control .
He served in the House from 1991 until 2007 , when he joined the Senate .
Since moving across the Capitol , he has largely favored gun control measures .
“ I do think he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m happy for that , ” Biden said Thursday .
Those close to the Biden campaign have told the Washington Examiner in recent weeks that they believed Sanders 's record on guns would provide an effective opening for attacks , particularly as Biden begins cratering in polls following two poor finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire .
Earlier this month , the Washington Examiner reported that Sanders ran to the right of his Republican opponent on guns in his 1990 congressional race .
That year , Sanders challenged GOP Rep. Peter Smith for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the race that he was out of touch on multiple issues , including gun control .
Sanders attacked Smith for supporting a ban against assault-style weapons , saying he was `` turning [ his ] back on the 30 % who believe in no gun control . ''
`` In the last year , polling in Vermont has shown that 65 to 70 % support some kind of gun control , so it is not a great act of courage to adopt a position supported by 70 % of the population , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Clearly , this was a very pointed political strategy , in which you turn your back on the 30 % who believe in no gun control , and then turn to the 70 % who support your new position .
I think people will see through that . ''
[ Also read : The Republicans ' 2020 plan to turn every Democrat into a 'Bernie Bro ' ]

LAS VEGAS — Joe Biden took aim at Bernie Sanders's votes on gun legislation earlier in his congressional career, calling them "immoral," in some of the harshest rhetoric the former vice president has used on the campaign trail against 2020 Democratic rivals.
"It's just flat-out immoral, it's just flat-out immoral," Biden said Thursday at a closed-door meeting with members of the anti-gun group Moms Demand Action. "You know, committed Republicans and some Democrats, like Bernie Sanders voted five times, five times against background checks and waiting periods notwithstanding the fact that millions of people were denied having access to weapons of destruction because they didn't qualify."
Biden spoke about legislation aimed at partially protecting gun companies from being held liable in civil court, which Sanders voted for in 2003 and 2005 when he represented Vermont's lone House district. Biden equated voting against those bills to shielding tobacco companies and drug manufacturers.
Biden also noted that in 1991 and 1993, Sanders voted against a mandatory waiting period for gun purchases. In 1993, he also opposed the Brady Bill, which was enacted by Congress and President Bill Clinton, requiring waiting periods and background checks. He also twice voted against an assault weapons ban, once in 1994 and again in 2013.
Sanders, at the time, said he was representing the majority of rural residents in his state who opposed gun control. He served in the House from 1991 until 2007, when he joined the Senate. Since moving across the Capitol, he has largely favored gun control measures.
“I do think he’s changed his views, and I’m happy for that,” Biden said Thursday.
Those close to the Biden campaign have told the Washington Examiner in recent weeks that they believed Sanders's record on guns would provide an effective opening for attacks, particularly as Biden begins cratering in polls following two poor finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Earlier this month, the Washington Examiner reported that Sanders ran to the right of his Republican opponent on guns in his 1990 congressional race.
That year, Sanders challenged GOP Rep. Peter Smith for Vermont's lone House seat and contended during the race that he was out of touch on multiple issues, including gun control.
Sanders attacked Smith for supporting a ban against assault-style weapons, saying he was "turning [his] back on the 30% who believe in no gun control."
"In the last year, polling in Vermont has shown that 65 to 70% support some kind of gun control, so it is not a great act of courage to adopt a position supported by 70% of the population," Sanders said at the time. "Clearly, this was a very pointed political strategy, in which you turn your back on the 30% who believe in no gun control, and then turn to the 70% who support your new position. I think people will see through that."
[Also read: The Republicans' 2020 plan to turn every Democrat into a 'Bernie Bro']