thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--Trump voices support for far-right 'proud Islamaphobe' Laura Loomer after her GOP primary win

President Trump praised far-right congressional candidate Laura Loomer after her victory in a Florida GOP primary race .
“ Great going Laura , ” he said late Tuesday in addition to retweeting a few posts about her win .
`` You have a great chance against a Pelosi puppet.
” Loomer , who has self-identified as a `` proud Islamophobe , '' won the Republican primary for Florida ’ s 21st Congressional District , where Trump is registered to vote .
The president did vote in Tuesday ’ s primary , but it is not known for whom .
Loomer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s congresswoman , however , as it is generally thought to be a safely blue district .
The candidate has a history of making bigoted remarks .
In 2017 , Uber and Lyft permanently banned her from their services after she went on an anti-Muslim tirade .
“ Someone needs to create a non Islamic form of Uber or Lyft because I never want to support another Islamic immigrant driver , ” she said .
Loomer has also been banned from Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .
In 2018 , she put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her arm , similar to those the “ Nazis made the Jews wear during the Holocaust , ” she said , and she handcuffed herself to the front door of Twitter ’ s offices in New York to protest her deplatforming .
In 2019 , Loomer had her press pass for the Conservative Political Action Conference revoked after she heckled CNN reporter Oliver Darcy .
Rather than covering the conference as a journalist , she held court outside the conference , with far-right conspiracy theorist Jacob Wohl , who is known for attempting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures , including former special counsel Robert Mueller and former Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg .
Loomer has voiced a particular dislike for Rep. Ilhan Omar , who is Muslim .
In 2019 , during a trip to Minnesota , she and Wohl said they thought Omar might send a car to follow them .
Loomer said in a video , “ Let ’ s not mince words here guys .
Ilhan Omar would like nothing more than to watch a bomb go off in the United States .
Ilhan Omar would love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen in this country.
” Loomer has been endorsed by Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz , former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone , and radio show host Alex Jones .
The president ’ s kind words for Loomer are not the only controversial support he ’ s given recently .
Days ago , he praised the primary victory of Marjorie Taylor Greene , the QAnon supporter who is likely to become the congresswoman for Georgia ’ s 14th Congressional District .
“ Marjorie is strong on everything and never gives up — a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

President Trump praised far-right congressional candidate Laura Loomer after her victory in a Florida GOP primary race.
“Great going Laura,” he said late Tuesday in addition to retweeting a few posts about her win. "You have a great chance against a Pelosi puppet.”
Great going Laura. You have a great chance against a Pelosi puppet! https://t.co/pKZp35dUYr — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2020
Loomer, who has self-identified as a "proud Islamophobe," won the Republican primary for Florida’s 21st Congressional District, where Trump is registered to vote. The president did vote in Tuesday’s primary, but it is not known for whom. Loomer is unlikely to become the district’s congresswoman, however, as it is generally thought to be a safely blue district.
The candidate has a history of making bigoted remarks. In 2017, Uber and Lyft permanently banned her from their services after she went on an anti-Muslim tirade.
“Someone needs to create a non Islamic form of Uber or Lyft because I never want to support another Islamic immigrant driver,” she said.
Loomer has also been banned from Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. In 2018, she put a yellow Star of David badge on her arm, similar to those the “Nazis made the Jews wear during the Holocaust,” she said, and she handcuffed herself to the front door of Twitter’s offices in New York to protest her deplatforming.
In 2019, Loomer had her press pass for the Conservative Political Action Conference revoked after she heckled CNN reporter Oliver Darcy. Rather than covering the conference as a journalist, she held court outside the conference, with far-right conspiracy theorist Jacob Wohl, who is known for attempting to concoct fake allegations against important political figures, including former special counsel Robert Mueller and former Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg.
Loomer has voiced a particular dislike for Rep. Ilhan Omar, who is Muslim. In 2019, during a trip to Minnesota, she and Wohl said they thought Omar might send a car to follow them. Loomer said in a video, “Let’s not mince words here guys. Ilhan Omar would like nothing more than to watch a bomb go off in the United States. Ilhan Omar would love nothing more than to watch another 9/11 happen in this country.”
If you're wondering who Laura Loomer is, I'll let this clip—from later in the Periscope video—speak for itself. (As you can imagine, the replies are even worse.) pic.twitter.com/iRch5k8vGt — Tony Webster (@webster) February 22, 2019
Loomer has been endorsed by Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone, and radio show host Alex Jones.
The president’s kind words for Loomer are not the only controversial support he’s given recently. Days ago, he praised the primary victory of Marjorie Taylor Greene, the QAnon supporter who is likely to become the congresswoman for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District.
“Marjorie is strong on everything and never gives up — a real winner,” he tweeted.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--McGovern redux? Democrats' journey from Obama to Sanders a bet voters ready for leftism

Joe Biden is about to become the Democratic nominee , but strategists in both parties believe the movement led by Bernie Sanders , the Vermont senator and vanquished rival , may win the party ’ s future .
“ Our campaign ended several months ago , but our movement continues and is getting stronger every day , ” Sanders said in his speech to the Democratic National Convention on Monday night .
“ Many of the ideas we fought for , that just a few years ago were considered ‘ radical , ’ are now mainstream.
” “ This isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party anymore , ” said a former Trump 2016 campaign official .
“ It ’ s the party of Bernie and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
” That ’ s a big part of the Republican Party ’ s messaging this year , in what promises to be a challenging election cycle .
`` Tonight , with Chuck Schumer and AOC sharing the stage , voters are going to get a taste of what direction this country will go in without the commonsense and effective leadership from the Republican Senate Majority , '' National Republican Senatorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement before the second night of the Democratic convention .
`` As Schumer and his candidates openly discuss eliminating the filibuster and AOC operates as the de facto leader of the House , the threat of a radical socialist agenda has never been greater.
” In other words , even if you don ’ t vote to reelect President Trump , you need to retain a Republican majority in the Senate , or Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris will unleash the Bernie Bros and `` The Squad '' on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointing out that their primary voters explicitly rejected Sanders and rallied to Biden only after the Vermont socialist threatened to take the lead following strong performances in several early state contests .
“ We will stay united , from Sanders and Warren to Manchin and Warner — and together , we will bring bold and dramatic change to our country , ” Schumer , the Senate Democratic leader , vowed in his remarks to the Democratic convention Tuesday .
But liberal commentators have noted the leftward drift of the Democratic platform .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s funny is that actually , Biden ’ s platform is far more liberal than Barack Obama ’ s was years ago , '' said Mara Gay , a New York Times editorial board member , in an appearance on MSNBC .
`` So when we looked at that as an editorial board , we were blown kinda away how much more similar it is to Bernie Sanders ’ s platform in some ways than Barack Obama in 2008 . ''
Barack Obama supplied the main evidence that Democrats could win a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill Clinton , who also spoke to the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night , with his victories in 2008 and 2012 .
Biden , however reluctantly , may test whether Democrats can win running to the left of Obama .
Not long ago , this would have been political suicide .
Michael Dukakis , a proud “ card-carrying member ” of the American Civil Liberties Union , won just 10 states as the Democratic nominee in 1988 .
Walter Mondale nabbed only his home state of Minnesota in 1984 , by fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McGovern was also wiped out in a 49-state landslide in 1972 , taking only Massachusetts .
All three Democrats won the District of Columbia , which has never voted for a Republican presidential candidate .
Clinton-style centrism was seen as the only way for Democrats to compete nationally .
Obama ’ s two terms plus Hillary Clinton ’ s narrow loss in 2016 convinced them otherwise .
Democrats are winning in blue states and congressional districts embracing the socialist label .
The ranks of socially conservative congressional Democrats have never been thinner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rise of millennials and Generation Z to large-scale immigration , have changed since 1972 or even 1988 in ways that convince many Democrats that the progressive electoral coalition is ascendant .
Then there is Trump ’ s precarious position as an incumbent during a pandemic , recession , and civil unrest .
His job approval rating is hovering in the low 40s , and people keep telling pollsters the country is on the wrong track .
Trump trails Biden by 7.7 points in the latest RealClearPolitics national polling average .
“ His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion , is a good economy , ” said a Republican strategist who has lost confidence in the president .
“ If the economy is in the tank , it 's over .
He gets beat on every other issue and drags down Senate Republicans with him.
” Even as Democrats showcase their party ’ s most liberal members , giving Sanders a major speaking slot ahead of Michelle Obama on opening night , they have tried to reassure wavering centrists that Biden could be their man .
`` I 'm sure there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagine crossing over to support a Democrat .
They fear Joe may turn sharp left and leave them behind , ” said Republican former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich in his convention speech .
“ I do n't believe that because I know the measure of the man .
It ’ s reasonable , faithful , respectful . ''

Though Joe Biden became the Democratic nominee on Tuesday night, strategists in both parties believe the movement led by Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator and vanquished rival, may win the party’s future.
“Our campaign ended several months ago, but our movement continues and is getting stronger every day,” Sanders said in his speech to the Democratic National Convention on Monday night. “Many of the ideas we fought for, that just a few years ago were considered ‘radical,’ are now mainstream.”
“This isn’t even Barack Obama’s party anymore,” said a former Trump 2016 campaign official. “It’s the party of Bernie and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.”
That’s a big part of the Republican Party’s messaging this year, in what promises to be a challenging election cycle. "Tonight, with Chuck Schumer and AOC sharing the stage, voters are going to get a taste of what direction this country will go in without the commonsense and effective leadership from the Republican Senate Majority," National Republican Senatorial Committee communications director Jesse Hunt said in a statement before the second night of the Democratic convention. "As Schumer and his candidates openly discuss eliminating the filibuster and AOC operates as the de facto leader of the House, the threat of a radical socialist agenda has never been greater.”
In other words, even if you don’t vote to reelect President Trump, you need to retain a Republican majority in the Senate, or Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris will unleash the Bernie Bros and "The Squad" on the country.
Democrats reject this framing, pointing out that their primary voters explicitly rejected Sanders and rallied to Biden only after the Vermont socialist threatened to take the lead following strong performances in several early state contests. “We will stay united, from Sanders and Warren to Manchin and Warner — and together, we will bring bold and dramatic change to our country,” Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, vowed in his remarks to the Democratic convention Tuesday.
But liberal commentators have noted the leftward drift of the Democratic platform. "You know, I think what’s funny is that actually, Biden’s platform is far more liberal than Barack Obama’s was years ago," said Mara Gay, a New York Times editorial board member, in an appearance on MSNBC. "So when we looked at that as an editorial board, we were blown kinda away how much more similar it is to Bernie Sanders’s platform in some ways than Barack Obama in 2008."
Barack Obama supplied the main evidence that Democrats could win a national election by running to the left of Bill Clinton, who also spoke to the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night, with his victories in 2008 and 2012. Biden, however reluctantly, may test whether Democrats can win running to the left of Obama.
Not long ago, this would have been political suicide. Michael Dukakis, a proud “card-carrying member” of the American Civil Liberties Union, won just 10 states as the Democratic nominee in 1988. Walter Mondale nabbed only his home state of Minnesota in 1984, by fewer than one vote per precinct. George McGovern was also wiped out in a 49-state landslide in 1972, taking only Massachusetts. All three Democrats won the District of Columbia, which has never voted for a Republican presidential candidate.
Clinton-style centrism was seen as the only way for Democrats to compete nationally. Obama’s two terms plus Hillary Clinton’s narrow loss in 2016 convinced them otherwise. Democrats are winning in blue states and congressional districts embracing the socialist label. The ranks of socially conservative congressional Democrats have never been thinner. The country’s demographics, from the rise of millennials and Generation Z to large-scale immigration, have changed since 1972 or even 1988 in ways that convince many Democrats that the progressive electoral coalition is ascendant.
Then there is Trump’s precarious position as an incumbent during a pandemic, recession, and civil unrest. His job approval rating is hovering in the low 40s, and people keep telling pollsters the country is on the wrong track. Trump trails Biden by 7.7 points in the latest RealClearPolitics national polling average.
“His only chance for reelection, in my opinion, is a good economy,” said a Republican strategist who has lost confidence in the president. “If the economy is in the tank, it's over. He gets beat on every other issue and drags down Senate Republicans with him.”
Even as Democrats showcase their party’s most liberal members, giving Sanders a major speaking slot ahead of Michelle Obama on opening night, they have tried to reassure wavering centrists that Biden could be their man.
"I'm sure there are Republicans and independents who couldn't imagine crossing over to support a Democrat. They fear Joe may turn sharp left and leave them behind,” said Republican former Ohio Gov. John Kasich in his convention speech. “I don't believe that because I know the measure of the man. It’s reasonable, faithful, respectful."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--GOP insiders: Scattershot Trump must pick a line of attack against Biden

Republican insiders are sounding the alarm as President Trump struggles to land a punch on Joe Biden , warning inconsistent attacks on the presumptive Democratic nominee are muddling his message and out of step with voters focused on the coronavirus .
On Tuesday , ahead of Night Two of the Democratic convention , the Trump campaign released a fresh digital advertisement casting Biden , 77 , as a politician in cognitive decline , unable to handle the rigors of the presidency .
The attack was another in a barrage of haymakers — his association with “ radical ” liberals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and positions on police funding and Black Lives Matter , among others — that are failing to connect with the former vice president .
Trump ’ s erratic attacks on Biden are diluting the potency of any specific hit , say frustrated Republican strategists .
Worse , they complain , Trump is trying to rerun the outsider campaign he waged four years ago against Hillary Clinton , an ethically plagued Democrat far more vulnerable to the president ’ s asymmetrical targeting than Biden .
“ What Trump campaign messaging ?
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; no message progression , other than : ‘ Joe Biden bad , ’ ” a veteran Republican insider said .
Said another GOP operative : “ Trump is constantly on defense .
He spends much more time talking about his own record than about Biden ’ s record .
Part of that goes with being an incumbent with a record , especially during a pandemic and economic crisis.
” As the Democratic convention continues and Republicans prepare to celebrate Trump ’ s renomination next week , Biden is enjoying a substantial lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battleground state surveys .
The margins that have solidified since the pandemic upended life , and the economy , five months ago .
But the Trump campaign defended the president ’ s messaging and said its internal data proves voters are responding favorably to the range of attacks .
“ President Trump is proudly running on a record of success for the American people , ” Trump campaign spokeswoman Samantha Zager said .
“ Joe Biden has had 50 years to deliver results , but because he is running on a newly adopted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he has taken to hiding in his basement.
” Biden is not an easy target for Trump , as it turns out , despite a four-decade political career littered with verbal miscues and other missteps .
The former vice president tacked left during the Democratic primary , indicating he opposed fracking , a form of fossil fuel energy exploration opposed by grassroots liberals .
The move provided the Trump campaign with a momentary opportunity to describe him as a vessel for socialist Bernie Sanders , the Vermont senator who finished second in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Biden never adopted Sanders ’ s proposal for government-run healthcare and has since reaffirmed support for fracking .
Biden ’ s personal favorable ratings are underwater by 1.6 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics polling average .
But he is far less polarizing than Clinton was in 2016 and exceedingly more well regarded by the voters .
Yet Trump , whose favorable rating is negative 15 points , insists on treating the folksy former vice president the same as he did the unlikable former secretary of state .
This approach is a recipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Couvillon , a Republican pollster in Louisiana , said President George H.W .
Bush made the same mistake against Bill Clinton in 1992 when he tried to run for reelection using the same “ liberal extremist ” playbook that had worked against Michael Dukakis four years earlier .
“ The Trump campaign did well against Clinton because , over the years , she accumulated a lot of enemies and legal troubles , ” he said .
“ The problem is , you can ’ t apply the rules of 2016 to 2020.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ insiders are urging Trump to choose a consistent line of attack with the potential to cause damage .
Some party operatives say the president ’ s best bet is to stick to questioning Biden ’ s cognitive abilities , a concern that has arisen in focus groups with voters across the political spectrum .
But others say people dissatisfied with Trump have built that into the price of admission with the former vice president , much like they did four years ago with the president ’ s unconventional behavior .
Still , other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking about the coronavirus and his plans to quash the pandemic .
That would also satisfy another latent concern of some in the party : the president ’ s lack of a forward-leaning agenda for his second term .
That issue might be solved next week during a Republican convention that , like this week ’ s Democratic gathering , will be a mostly virtual affair .
“ Unlike 2016 , when Trump could play the media and the political environment like a puppet master , he does n't have the ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media consultant said .

Republican insiders are sounding the alarm as President Trump struggles to land a punch on Joe Biden, warning that inconsistent attacks on the presumptive Democratic nominee are muddling his message and out of step with voters focused on the coronavirus.
On Tuesday, ahead of Night Two of the Democratic convention, the Trump campaign released a fresh digital advertisement casting Biden, 77, as a politician in cognitive decline, unable to handle the rigors of the presidency. The attack was another in a barrage of haymakers — his association with “radical” liberals, “socialist” plans to remake government, and positions on police funding and Black Lives Matter, among others — that are failing to connect with the former vice president.
Trump’s erratic attacks on Biden are diluting the potency of any specific hit, say frustrated Republican strategists. Worse, they complain, Trump is trying to rerun the outsider campaign he waged four years ago against Hillary Clinton, an ethically plagued Democrat far more vulnerable to the president’s asymmetrical targeting than Biden.
“What Trump campaign messaging? There’s no narrative building; no theme; no message progression, other than: ‘Joe Biden bad,’” a veteran Republican insider said. Said another GOP operative: “Trump is constantly on defense. He spends much more time talking about his own record than about Biden’s record. Part of that goes with being an incumbent with a record, especially during a pandemic and economic crisis.”
As the Democratic convention continues and Republicans prepare to celebrate Trump’s renomination next week, Biden is enjoying a substantial lead over the president in national polls and battleground state surveys. The margins have solidified since the pandemic upended life, and the economy, five months ago. But the Trump campaign defended the president’s messaging and said its internal data proves voters are responding favorably to the range of attacks.
“President Trump is proudly running on a record of success for the American people,” Trump campaign spokeswoman Samantha Zager said. “Joe Biden has had 50 years to deliver results, but because he is running on a newly adopted socialist agenda and a record of failure, he has taken to hiding in his basement.”
Biden is not an easy target for Trump, as it turns out, despite a four-decade political career littered with verbal miscues and other missteps.
The former vice president tacked left during the Democratic primary, indicating he opposed fracking, a form of fossil fuel energy exploration opposed by grassroots liberals. The move provided the Trump campaign with a momentary opportunity to describe him as a vessel for socialist Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator who finished second in the battle for the 2020 nomination. But Biden never adopted Sanders’s proposal for government-run healthcare and has since reaffirmed support for fracking.
Biden’s personal favorable ratings are underwater by 1.6 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics polling average. But he is far less polarizing than Clinton was in 2016 and exceedingly more well regarded by voters. Yet Trump, whose favorable rating is negative 15 points, insists on treating the folksy former vice president the same as he did the unlikable former secretary of state. This approach is a recipe for disaster, some Republicans contend.
John Couvillon, a Republican pollster in Louisiana, said President George H.W. Bush made the same mistake against Bill Clinton in 1992 when he tried to run for reelection using the same “liberal extremist” playbook that had worked against Michael Dukakis four years earlier. “The Trump campaign did well against Clinton because, over the years, she accumulated a lot of enemies and legal troubles,” he said. “The problem is, you can’t apply the rules of 2016 to 2020.”
To turn things around, Republican insiders are urging Trump to choose a consistent line of attack with the potential to cause damage.
Some party operatives say the president’s best bet is to stick to questioning Biden’s cognitive abilities, a concern that has arisen in focus groups with voters across the political spectrum. But others say people dissatisfied with Trump have built that into the price of admission with the former vice president, much like they did four years ago with the president’s unconventional behavior.
Still, other Republicans say Trump should spend more time talking about the coronavirus and his plans to quash the pandemic. That would also satisfy another latent concern of some in the party: the president’s lack of a forward-leaning agenda for his second term. That issue might be solved next week during a Republican convention that, like this week’s Democratic gathering, will be a mostly virtual affair.
“Unlike 2016, when Trump could play the media and the political environment like a puppet master, he doesn't have the ability to do that anymore,” a Republican media consultant said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--Republicans labor to pin AOC on Biden as the Democratic nominee runs from her

Republicans did their best to make the most of the 90 seconds Joe Biden reserved for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during Night Two of the Democratic convention , warning voters the liberal congresswoman would have outsized influence in his administration , even if not at the gathering to celebrate his nomination .
Ocasio-Cortez seconded the nomination of socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders during Tuesday evening ’ s virtual roll call that culminated in Biden ’ s nomination .
But the congresswoman was otherwise given short shrift by the Biden campaign during the four-day convention celebrating the former vice president ’ s coronation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee and the Trump campaign from casting the Democratic rising star as the true face of the party who would stamp out Biden ’ s promises of national unity .
“ Joe Biden thinks AOC ’ s plans are 'brilliant , ' and as her prime role as an advisor to his campaign and featured speaking slot show , she would have a prominent role in a Biden admin , ” the RNC said in a press release issued after the congresswoman ’ s remarks .
“ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her radical agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Ocasio-Cortez 's remarks , though brief , provided plenty of fodder for the Republicans .
As she nominated Sanders , who won enough delegates in the primary to have his name placed in nomination at the convention , Ocasio-Cortez celebrated `` a mass people 's movement working to establish 21st-century social , economic and human rights , including guaranteed healthcare , higher education , living wages , and labor rights for all people in the United States ... striving to recognize wounds of racial injustice , colonization . ''
As Biden prepares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , he is enjoying a lead over President Trump in national polls and battleground state surveys — margins that have solidified amid the coronavirus and slumping economy .
The former vice president has built that advantage , in part , on casting himself as a political unifier who has shunned the polarization and leftist policies advocated by the Democratic Party ’ s younger firebrands such as Ocasio-Cortez .
Biden has achieved that success by refusing to support policies such as government-run , single-payer healthcare .
He also has an opportunity to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign minimized Ocasio-Cortez ’ s convention exposure and sidelined attempts by her and other liberals to infuse the Democratic Party platform with left-wing policies on issues such as energy exploration and U.S. foreign policy toward Israel .
That willingness to play intraparty hardball is frustrating Republican attempts to paint Biden as a Trojan horse for Ocasio-Cortez and her aggressive , liberal colleagues .
It could be why the RNC lumped Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , a liberal pragmatist who could face a primary challenge from Ocasio-Cortez in the future , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congresswoman , as proof that Biden “ wants to divide America.
” “ Trump hasn ’ t figured out a way to brand Biden in the same way he did Hillary Clinton , ” a Republican strategist said , referring to the president ’ s very effective “ Crooked Hillary ” moniker from the 2016 campaign .
Some Republicans believe the best way to convince swing voters in battleground states of Ocasio-Cortez ’ s looming control over a Biden White House is to press the message that the nominee is in cognitive decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or awareness , to push back on liberal demands for aggressive change .
“ It goes hand in glove with the charge that , at this stage in his career , Joe Biden isn ’ t capable of standing up to the leftists in his own party , ” a Republican insider said .
“ They have to stay focused on that and drive every AOC idea through that portal .
”

Republicans did their best to make the most of the 90 seconds Joe Biden reserved for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during Night Two of the Democratic convention, warning voters the liberal congresswoman would have outsized influence in his administration, even if not at the gathering to celebrate his nomination.
Ocasio-Cortez seconded the nomination of socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders during Tuesday evening’s virtual roll call that culminated in Biden’s nomination. But the congresswoman was otherwise given short shrift by the Biden campaign during the four-day convention celebrating the former vice president’s coronation. That did not stop the Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign from casting the Democratic rising star as the true face of the party who would stamp out Biden’s promises of national unity.
“Joe Biden thinks AOC’s plans are 'brilliant,' and as her prime role as an advisor to his campaign and featured speaking slot show, she would have a prominent role in a Biden admin,” the RNC said in a press release issued after the congresswoman’s remarks. “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her radical agenda are the future of the Democrat Party.”
Ocasio-Cortez's remarks, though brief, provided plenty of fodder for the Republicans.
As she nominated Sanders, who won enough delegates in the primary to have his name placed in nomination at the convention, Ocasio-Cortez celebrated "a mass people's movement working to establish 21st-century social, economic and human rights, including guaranteed healthcare, higher education, living wages, and labor rights for all people in the United States ... striving to recognize wounds of racial injustice, colonization."
As Biden prepares to accept the Democratic nomination formally on Thursday, he is enjoying a lead over President Trump in national polls and battleground state surveys — margins that have solidified amid the coronavirus and slumping economy. The former vice president has built that advantage, in part, on casting himself as a political unifier who has shunned the polarization and leftist policies advocated by the Democratic Party’s younger firebrands such as Ocasio-Cortez.
Biden has achieved that success by refusing to support policies such as government-run, single-payer healthcare. He also has an opportunity to build a winning Electoral College coalition because his campaign minimized Ocasio-Cortez’s convention exposure and sidelined attempts by her and other liberals to infuse the Democratic Party platform with left-wing policies on issues such as energy exploration and U.S. foreign policy toward Israel.
That willingness to play intraparty hardball is frustrating Republican attempts to paint Biden as a Trojan horse for Ocasio-Cortez and her aggressive, liberal colleagues. It could be why the RNC lumped Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a liberal pragmatist who could face a primary challenge from Ocasio-Cortez in the future, in the same “divisive” category as the congresswoman, as proof that Biden “wants to divide America.”
“Trump hasn’t figured out a way to brand Biden in the same way he did Hillary Clinton,” a Republican strategist said, referring to the president’s very effective “Crooked Hillary” moniker from the 2016 campaign.
Some Republicans believe the best way to convince swing voters in battleground states of Ocasio-Cortez’s looming control over a Biden White House is to press the message that the nominee is in cognitive decline and will not have the fortitude, or awareness, to push back on liberal demands for aggressive change.
“It goes hand in glove with the charge that, at this stage in his career, Joe Biden isn’t capable of standing up to the leftists in his own party,” a Republican insider said. “They have to stay focused on that and drive every AOC idea through that portal.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--'Betrayal': Bill Clinton's Democratic convention speech emerges as top GOP target

Republicans zeroed in on former President Bill Clinton ’ s speech on the second night of the Democratic National Convention , calling his mere presence at the largely virtual gathering “ hypocritical , ” “ tone-deaf , ” and a “ betrayal of # MeToo.
” On a night otherwise devoted to Joe Biden formally receiving the Democratic nomination for president on his third campaign to do so in 32 years , Clinton sought to reprise his old attack dog role with an address assailing President Trump as a failure .
But just as it used him as a foil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hillary in 2016 , the Trump campaign used the 42nd president as a cudgel with which to beat Biden on the 1994 crime bill , trade policy , and even the Tara Reade sexual assault allegations that dogged the Democratic nominee in the early primaries .
“ President Trump has spent his presidency righting the wrongs of Bill Clinton and Joe Biden ’ s track record of failed policies , ” said the Republican National Committee ’ s Steve Guest in a statement .
“ On trade , Joe Biden and Bill Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American jobs lost .
President Trump ’ s response : He scrapped NAFTA and signed into law the USMCA.
” “ Clinton and Biden also passed the 1994 Crime Bill together which ‘ many experts now associate with mass incarceration.
’ Their bill also doubled imprisonment from 1994 to 2009 and instituted the 'three strikes and you ’ re out ' rule , ” said the RNC rapid response director .
“ President Trump signed the First Step Act which 'righted the wrongs ' of Biden ’ s 1994 Crime Bill.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks who tried to torpedo the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh over completely unproven , unsupported , politically motivated claims of sexual assault ” — for giving a prominent speaking role to Clinton given the allegations of sexual misconduct , ranging from an inappropriate relationship with a White House intern to accusations of sexual harassment and rape , that have followed him for years .
Trump frequently brought up these claims when running against Hillary , appearing with Bill Clinton accusers Kathleen Willey , Juanita Broaddrick , and Paula Jones mere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also faced similar accusations , which he has denied .
Even some Democrats , who had begun a of Clinton ’ s record after the 2016 election , before his speech .
The Trump campaign circulated a list of prominent Democrats and liberal activists , including unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , who have criticized the former president on these issues .
Multiple Republican strategists mentioned the photographs published Tuesday of a young woman on a trip with accused mass sex offender Jeffrey Epstein giving Clinton a neck and shoulder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of anything more tone-deaf , ” said one .
“ It ’ s totally hypocritical.
” In a largely feel-good night in which the delegate roll was called , capped by an effusive speech by former second lady Jill Biden , Clinton , along with 2004 Democratic standard-bearer and former Secretary of State John Kerry , took some of the hardest swings at Trump of any prominent politician on the roster .
“ Donald Trump pretends Russia didn ’ t attack our elections .
And now , he does nothing about Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Kerry said .
“ So he won ’ t defend our country .
He doesn ’ t know how to defend our troops .
The only person he ’ s interested in defending is himself.
” The RNC shot back that Kerry and Biden were the “ disastrous foreign policy duo.
” “ Donald Trump says we ’ re leading the world .
Well , we are the only major industrial economy to have its unemployment rate triple , ” Clinton said in remarks reminiscent of his 1992 attacks on the Reagan-Bush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , the Oval Office should be a command center .
Instead , it ’ s a storm center.
” But the speed with which the former president became the main focus of GOP responses , on a night where Jimmy Carter and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also had their moments in the spotlight , was very different from his 1990s prime .
Trump has had more difficulty this year simultaneously tying Biden to the Clintons and a “ radical left ” that would like Democrats to leave the centrist political brand associated with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevated both Bernie Sanders and Republican defectors in an attempt to assemble the largest possible coalition against Trump in the fall .

Republicans zeroed in on former President Bill Clinton’s speech on the second night of the Democratic National Convention, calling his mere presence at the largely virtual gathering “hypocritical,” “tone-deaf,” and a “betrayal of #MeToo.”
On a night otherwise devoted to Joe Biden formally receiving the Democratic nomination for president on his third campaign to do so in 32 years, Clinton sought to reprise his old attack dog role with an address assailing President Trump as a failure. But just as it used him as a foil in its own attacks against his wife Hillary in 2016, the Trump campaign used the 42nd president as a cudgel with which to beat Biden on the 1994 crime bill, trade policy, and even the Tara Reade sexual assault allegations that dogged the Democratic nominee in the early primaries.
“President Trump has spent his presidency righting the wrongs of Bill Clinton and Joe Biden’s track record of failed policies,” said the Republican National Committee’s Steve Guest in a statement. “On trade, Joe Biden and Bill Clinton rammed through NAFTA which resulted in 850,000 American jobs lost. President Trump’s response: He scrapped NAFTA and signed into law the USMCA.”
“Clinton and Biden also passed the 1994 Crime Bill together which ‘many experts now associate with mass incarceration.’ Their bill also doubled imprisonment from 1994 to 2009 and instituted the 'three strikes and you’re out' rule,” said the RNC rapid response director. “President Trump signed the First Step Act which 'righted the wrongs' of Biden’s 1994 Crime Bill.”
The Trump-Pence campaign lambasted Democrats — “the folks who tried to torpedo the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh over completely unproven, unsupported, politically motivated claims of sexual assault” — for giving a prominent speaking role to Clinton given the allegations of sexual misconduct, ranging from an inappropriate relationship with a White House intern to accusations of sexual harassment and rape, that have followed him for years.
Trump frequently brought up these claims when running against Hillary, appearing with Bill Clinton accusers Kathleen Willey, Juanita Broaddrick, and Paula Jones mere hours before a presidential debate. Trump has also faced similar accusations, which he has denied.
Even some Democrats, who had begun a reappraisal of Clinton’s record after the 2016 election, expressed discomfort before his speech. The Trump campaign circulated a list of prominent Democrats and liberal activists, including unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who have criticized the former president on these issues.
Multiple Republican strategists mentioned the photographs published Tuesday of a young woman on a trip with accused mass sex offender Jeffrey Epstein giving Clinton a neck and shoulder massage. “I can’t think of anything more tone-deaf,” said one. “It’s totally hypocritical.”
In a largely feel-good night in which the delegate roll was called, capped by an effusive speech by former second lady Jill Biden, Clinton, along with 2004 Democratic standard-bearer and former Secretary of State John Kerry, took some of the hardest swings at Trump of any prominent politician on the roster.
“Donald Trump pretends Russia didn’t attack our elections. And now, he does nothing about Russia putting a bounty on our troops,” Kerry said. “So he won’t defend our country. He doesn’t know how to defend our troops. The only person he’s interested in defending is himself.” The RNC shot back that Kerry and Biden were the “disastrous foreign policy duo.”
“Donald Trump says we’re leading the world. Well, we are the only major industrial economy to have its unemployment rate triple,” Clinton said in remarks reminiscent of his 1992 attacks on the Reagan-Bush years. “At a time like this, the Oval Office should be a command center. Instead, it’s a storm center.” But the speed with which the former president became the main focus of GOP responses, on a night where Jimmy Carter and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also had their moments in the spotlight, was very different from his 1990s prime.
Trump has had more difficulty this year simultaneously tying Biden to the Clintons and a “radical left” that would like Democrats to leave the centrist political brand associated with the Clintons behind. The Democratic convention has elevated both Bernie Sanders and Republican defectors in an attempt to assemble the largest possible coalition against Trump in the fall.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--Eleven most striking DNC virtual roll-call vote backdrops

The coronavirus pandemic kept delegates at the Democratic National Convention from casting their roll-call votes for the party 's presidential nominee on a crowded convention floor , but the Democrats found a creative way to keep the tradition while showcasing the natural beauty and character of the country .
State delegations cast their votes stationed in locations that said something about their state , sometimes in gorgeous locations .
Commentators on Twitter raved about the format , with some saying that they even prefer the nationwide tour of the United States rather than the drawn-out floor process .
Here are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll call vote locations : 11 .
Hawaii flaunted that it is the birthplace of President Barack Obama .
10 .
Delaware , the home state of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , featured the Amtrak station named after him .
9 .
Vermont showed its own runner-up for the Democratic presidential nomination , Sen. Bernie Sanders , in a formation that some joked looked like the classic farmer and daughter painting American Gothic .
6 .
Missouri perfectly framed the Old Courthouse inside the Gateway Arch located in St. Louis .
5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a destructive derecho storm last week , showcased the breadbasket of America .
3 .
The uniformed soldiers featured in American Samoa 's shot may run into some problems — the Department of Defense prohibits the wearing of military uniforms at campaign events — but the tropical beach and mountain view showcases stunning natural beauty .
2 .
New Mexico featured the Sandia mountains outside of the city of Albuquerque in a shot taken from the Sandia Pueblo reservation .
1 .
Michigan , known for its long automobile manufacturing history , featured @ @ @ @ @ @

The coronavirus pandemic kept delegates at the Democratic National Convention from casting their roll-call votes for the party's presidential nominee on a crowded convention floor, but the Democrats found a creative way to keep the tradition while showcasing the natural beauty and character of the country.
State delegations cast their votes stationed in locations that said something about their state, sometimes in gorgeous locations.
Commentators on Twitter raved about the format, with some saying that they even prefer the nationwide tour of the United States rather than the drawn-out floor process.
Here are 11 of the best remote Democratic nominating roll call vote locations:
11. Hawaii flaunted that it is the birthplace of President Barack Obama.
Hawaii casts 23 votes for Joe Biden #Dem pic.twitter.com/LQzvbvoVA9 — Free Speech TV (@freespeechtv) August 19, 2020
10. Delaware, the home state of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, featured the Amtrak station named after him.
Delaware was the last state to cast its virtual roll call. Biden's home state passed so that it can be the decisive state to nominate Biden #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/KJZ6SsNMiA — Mona Salama (@MonaSalama_) August 19, 2020
9. Vermont showed its own runner-up for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Bernie Sanders, in a formation that some joked looked like the classic farmer and daughter painting American Gothic.
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Jane Sanders appear in the Vermont roll call during the DNC.
Vermont cast 15 votes for Sanders and 9 votes for Joe Biden. https://t.co/2lrHmmN7WM #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/XkPN5adkiX — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) August 19, 2020
8. Rhode Island brought snacks.
7. Colorado showcased natural beauty.
Immigrant and Democratic Party activist Howard Chou represented Colorado during the DNC roll call. He spoke about the challenges of parenting during the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/nzvLLiVwwN — Caitlyn Kim (@caitlynkim) August 19, 2020
6. Missouri perfectly framed the Old Courthouse inside the Gateway Arch located in St. Louis.
5. Iowa, which was ravaged by a destructive derecho storm last week, showcased the breadbasket of America.
Iowa cast 38 votes for Joe Biden #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/co20JgC2Pu — Free Speech TV (@freespeechtv) August 19, 2020
4. Georgia showed a new mural honoring the late Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon.
"My mentor Congressman John Lewis knew that the right to vote is sacred. Georgians know that our ability to vote is under attack... We will not be silenced." - @DPGChair 🔥🔥 #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/RD2yEiaEsV — Georgia Democrats (@GeorgiaDemocrat) August 19, 2020
3. The uniformed soldiers featured in American Samoa's shot may run into some problems — the Department of Defense prohibits the wearing of military uniforms at campaign events — but the tropical beach and mountain view showcases stunning natural beauty.
American Samoa delivers its delegate votes at the #DNCConvention with what appears to be two uniformed service members in the background, which is potentially a problem. pic.twitter.com/RG581SWZTo — Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) August 19, 2020
2. New Mexico featured the Sandia mountains outside of the city of Albuquerque in a shot taken from the Sandia Pueblo reservation.
New Mexico: Home to 23 Indigenous sovereign nations with a rich multicultural history. We are all united by the love of this beautiful place we call home. And we believe that we owe it to the next generation to protect the natural & cultural resources that are their inherence. pic.twitter.com/fJaetLSe2L — NRDC Action Fund (@NRDC_AF) August 19, 2020
1. Michigan, known for its long automobile manufacturing history, featured American-made cars in the background.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--Jill Biden makes personal appeal for her husband

Jill Biden spoke to her husband 's deep faith and perseverance through multiple tragedies in her Democratic convention speech , describing a personal side of Joe Biden that she may know better than anyone .
“ How do you make a broken family whole ?
The same way you make a nation whole .
With love and understanding — and with small acts of compassion .
With bravery .
With unwavering faith , ” she said of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
The former vice president 's first wife , Neilia , and 1-year-old daughter Naomi died in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first elected to the Senate .
His sons , Hunter and Beau , survived the crash but were in critical condition , and Biden was to the Senate at his sons ’ hospital bedside .
Beau Biden grew up to become Delaware ’ s attorney general and a decorated Army National Guard veteran , but tragedy struck the vice president again when Beau died from brain cancer in 2015 .
“ There are times when I couldn ’ t imagine how he did it — how he put one foot in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve always understood why he did it , '' Biden said of her husband .
`` He does it for you.
” The former second lady , who made history by continuing her teaching career at a community college through her husband 's tenure as vice president , made the prerecorded speech from her former classroom at Brandywine High School in Wilmington , Delaware .
She spoke about the emotional impact that the coronavirus pandemic is having on education by keeping masses of schools across the country shut down .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down empty hallways .
There ’ s no scent of new notebooks or freshly waxed floors .
The rooms are dark , and the bright young faces that should fill them are confined to boxes on a computer screen , ” Biden said .
Earlier on Tuesday , Biden shared the first words that she says she uttered to Joe Biden in 1975 : `` How did you get this number ? ''
The day before , her ex-husband publicly suggested that she and Joe Biden have not been truthful about how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they became a couple in 1975 after a blind date , but Stevenson said the two met in 1972 and that he suspected that they were having an affair in 1974 .

Jill Biden spoke to her husband's deep faith and perseverance through multiple tragedies in her Democratic convention speech, describing a personal side of Joe Biden that she may know better than anyone.
“How do you make a broken family whole? The same way you make a nation whole. With love and understanding — and with small acts of compassion. With bravery. With unwavering faith,” she said of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
The former vice president's first wife, Neilia, and 1-year-old daughter Naomi died in a 1972 car crash just after he was first elected to the Senate. His sons, Hunter and Beau, survived the crash but were in critical condition, and Biden was sworn in to the Senate at his sons’ hospital bedside.
Beau Biden grew up to become Delaware’s attorney general and a decorated Army National Guard veteran, but tragedy struck the vice president again when Beau died from brain cancer in 2015.
“There are times when I couldn’t imagine how he did it — how he put one foot in front of the other and kept going. But I’ve always understood why he did it," Biden said of her husband. "He does it for you.”
The former second lady, who made history by continuing her teaching career at a community college through her husband's tenure as vice president, made the prerecorded speech from her former classroom at Brandywine High School in Wilmington, Delaware. She spoke about the emotional impact that the coronavirus pandemic is having on education by keeping masses of schools across the country shut down.
“You can hear the anxiety that echoes down empty hallways. There’s no scent of new notebooks or freshly waxed floors. The rooms are dark, and the bright young faces that should fill them are confined to boxes on a computer screen,” Biden said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Biden shared the first words that she says she uttered to Joe Biden in 1975: "How did you get this number?"
The day before, her ex-husband publicly suggested that she and Joe Biden have not been truthful about how they first met. The Bidens say that they became a couple in 1975 after a blind date, but Stevenson said the two met in 1972 and that he suspected that they were having an affair in 1974.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--'Well-behaved women never make history': Laura Loomer claims victory in Florida GOP primary

The most banned woman in the United States was all smiles after capturing a GOP primary victory in Florida 's 21st District on Tuesday night .
Laura Loomer , who has been thrown off virtually every social media platform for her controversial opinions on a number of hot-button issues , bested several other Republicans and looks forward to a November matchup with Democratic incumbent Lois Frankel , whom she criticized during her victory remarks .
`` Lois Frankel does not work for the American people nor the voters of District 21 , and as her long career winds to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fatigue at just the time we need a renewed sense of energy and purpose , '' Loomer said .
`` She is absent at the time when we most need an advocate .
She is aloof , just as we crave someone who will roll up their sleeves and get to work .
She shows moral indifference when we need someone who is dedicated and hands-on . ''
Speaking before a packed crowd in her Palm Beach district that included conservative firebrands Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos , Loomer invoked President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has openly supported her campaign .
`` Today , President Trump pardoned Susan B. Anthony , proving what I 've always believed , which is that well-behaved women never make history , '' Loomer said to applause from her supporters .
Loomer shot to fame through a number of high-profile stunts , including interrupting a production of Julius Caesar in Central Park that featured a Trump-style character who was stabbed to death .
Loomer rushed the stage and yelled , `` Stop the normalization of political violence against the Right ! ''
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Loomer bemoaned state restrictions that forced her supporters to wear face coverings to enter the victory event .
`` I really hate that you guys had to wear masks to get into the room tonight , '' Loomer said .
`` Wearing a mask is uncomfortable , it 's alienating , and it 's even bad for your health , let 's be honest . ''
Loomer faces an uphill battle against Frankel in a district that has leaned heavily Democratic in recent years .

The most banned woman in the United States was all smiles after capturing a GOP primary victory in Florida's 21st District on Tuesday night.
Laura Loomer, who has been thrown off virtually every social media platform for her controversial opinions on a number of hot-button issues, bested several other Republicans and looks forward to a November matchup with Democratic incumbent Lois Frankel, whom she criticized during her victory remarks.
"Lois Frankel does not work for the American people nor the voters of District 21, and as her long career winds to a close, my opponent is showing signs of fatigue at just the time we need a renewed sense of energy and purpose," Loomer said. "She is absent at the time when we most need an advocate. She is aloof, just as we crave someone who will roll up their sleeves and get to work. She shows moral indifference when we need someone who is dedicated and hands-on."
Speaking before a packed crowd in her Palm Beach district that included conservative firebrands Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos, Loomer invoked President Trump, who lives in her district and has openly supported her campaign.
"Today, President Trump pardoned Susan B. Anthony, proving what I've always believed, which is that well-behaved women never make history," Loomer said to applause from her supporters.
Loomer shot to fame through a number of high-profile stunts, including interrupting a production of Julius Caesar in Central Park that featured a Trump-style character who was stabbed to death. Loomer rushed the stage and yelled, "Stop the normalization of political violence against the Right!"
At one point during her victory remarks on Tuesday, Loomer bemoaned state restrictions that forced her supporters to wear face coverings to enter the victory event.
"I really hate that you guys had to wear masks to get into the room tonight," Loomer said. "Wearing a mask is uncomfortable, it's alienating, and it's even bad for your health, let's be honest."
Loomer faces an uphill battle against Frankel in a district that has leaned heavily Democratic in recent years.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-20--Warren makes peace with Biden in convention remarks

Joe Biden 's lack of liberal bona fides wo n't stop Elizabeth Warren from doing everything in her power to get President Trump out of office in November .
`` We can build a thriving economy by investing in families and fixing what ’ s broken , '' Warren said , in front of a collection of cubbies and a subtle `` Black Lives Matter '' sign .
`` These plans reflect a central truth : Our economic system has been rigged to give bailouts to billionaires and kick dirt in the face of everyone else .
But we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families and fixing what ’ s broken '' The Massachusetts senator delivered her remarks from an empty , Springfield early childhood education center , hoping to highlight the millions of students who will be enrolling in fall classes remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I love a good plan , '' Warren said .
`` And Joe Biden has some really good plans . ''
Warren 's fawning words for Biden stand in contrast to the tense relationship the two have developed over the years .
During the primary , Warren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to compromising with the GOP to be trusted by liberals .
Biden would respond by calling her myriad plans to radically restructure the economy as unrealistic .
“ I read a speech by one of my — good person — one of my opponents , saying that , ‘ You know , Biden says we ’ re going to have to work with Republicans to get stuff passed.
’ I thought , ‘ Well , OK — how are you going to do it , by executive order ? '
'' Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his comments from October where he said , `` We 're not electing a planner . ''
In a November op-ed , Biden implied Warren 's unabashedly left-wing style came across as `` elitist . ''
`` This kind of 'my way or the highway , ' '' Biden wrote .
`` [ Warren 's approach to politics is ] condescending to the millions of Democrats who have a different view . ''
As recently as January of this year , Warren revived claims that Biden sold out the middle class with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restructured bankruptcy laws .
“ Thanks in part to the 2005 bankruptcy bill , our current system makes it far too hard for people in need to start the bankruptcy process so they can get back on their feet , ” Warren wrote .

Joe Biden's lack of liberal bona fides won't stop Elizabeth Warren from doing everything in her power to get President Trump out of office in November.
"We can build a thriving economy by investing in families and fixing what’s broken," Warren said in front of a collection of cubbies and a subtle "Black Lives Matter" sign. "These plans reflect a central truth: Our economic system has been rigged to give bailouts to billionaires and kick dirt in the face of everyone else. But we can build a thriving economy by investing in families and fixing what’s broken."
The Massachusetts senator delivered her remarks from an empty, Springfield early childhood education center, hoping to highlight the millions of students who will be enrolling in fall classes remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I love a good plan," Warren said. "And Joe Biden has some really good plans."
Warren's fawning words for Biden stand in contrast to the tense relationship the two have developed over the years. During the primary, Warren regularly insinuated that Biden was too open to compromising with the GOP to be trusted by liberals. Biden would respond by calling her myriad plans to radically restructure the economy as unrealistic.
“I read a speech by one of my — good person — one of my opponents, saying that, ‘You know, Biden says we’re going to have to work with Republicans to get stuff passed.’ I thought, ‘Well, OK — how are you going to do it, by executive order?'" Biden said in December of last year, echoing his comments from October where he said, "We're not electing a planner."
In a November op-ed, Biden implied Warren's unabashedly left-wing style came across as "elitist."
"Some call it the 'my way or the highway,' approach to politics," Biden wrote. "It's condescending to the millions of Democrats who have a different view."
As recently as January of this year, Warren revived claims that Biden sold out the middle class with his support of a 2005 law that dramatically restructured bankruptcy laws.
“Thanks in part to the 2005 bankruptcy bill, our current system makes it far too hard for people in need to start the bankruptcy process so they can get back on their feet,” Warren wrote.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-20--The time Obama apologized to Kamala Harris for calling her good-looking

Years before Barack Obama urged voters to make Kamala Harris the first female vice president at the 2020 Democratic National Convention , he took heat for praising her looks and then apologized for doing so .
“ You have to be careful to , first of all , say she is brilliant , and she is dedicated , and she is tough , and she is exactly what you ’ d want in anybody who is administering the law and making sure that everybody is getting a fair shake , ” the then-president said at an April 2013 fundraiser outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the California attorney general .
“ She also happens to be , by far , the best-looking attorney general in the country.
” '' It ’ s true !
Come on , '' Obama said as the crowd laughed .
The comments prompted allegations of sexism .
Salon writer Joan Walsh wrote that her `` stomach turned over '' when she heard the comment .
`` Most women in public life have a complex relationship with their appearance , whether they ’ re as attractive as Harris or not , '' she wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , the toughest attorney general ' would have had a better ring . ''
In the Los Angeles Times , Robin Abcarian wrote that Obama may have been `` more wolfish than sexist '' but that `` this may be a little problem he needs to work on . ''
The next day , then-White House press secretary Jay Carney said that the president called Harris later that night and `` apologized for the remark . ''
Carney said that Obama `` did not want in any way to diminish the attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' adding that the president `` fully recognizes the challenges women continue to face in the workplace and that they should not be judged based on appearance . ''
A spokesman for Harris said that day that she and Obama `` have been friends for many years '' and `` had a great conversation yesterday , and she strongly supports him.
” During her presidential campaign , the now-California senator touted her long relationship with Obama , telling voters about knocking on doors in Iowa ahead of the Democratic caucuses in 2008 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final speaker on the third night of the Democratic National Convention , but he reportedly suggested that he speak just before Harris rather than right after her , putting Harris in a more prominent speaking position .

Years before Barack Obama urged voters to make Kamala Harris the first female vice president at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, he took heat for praising her looks and then apologized for doing so.
“You have to be careful to, first of all, say she is brilliant, and she is dedicated, and she is tough, and she is exactly what you’d want in anybody who is administering the law and making sure that everybody is getting a fair shake,” the then-president said at an April 2013 fundraiser outside San Francisco about Harris, who was the California attorney general. “She also happens to be, by far, the best-looking attorney general in the country.”
"It’s true! Come on," Obama said as the crowd laughed.
The comments prompted allegations of sexism. Salon writer Joan Walsh wrote that her "stomach turned over" when she heard the comment.
"Most women in public life have a complex relationship with their appearance, whether they’re as attractive as Harris or not," she wrote, suggesting that "calling her 'by far, the toughest attorney general' would have had a better ring."
In the Los Angeles Times, Robin Abcarian wrote that Obama may have been "more wolfish than sexist" but that "this may be a little problem he needs to work on."
The next day, then-White House press secretary Jay Carney said that the president called Harris later that night and "apologized for the remark."
Carney said that Obama "did not want in any way to diminish the attorney general's professional accomplishments and her capabilities," adding that the president "fully recognizes the challenges women continue to face in the workplace and that they should not be judged based on appearance."
A spokesman for Harris said that day that she and Obama "have been friends for many years" and "had a great conversation yesterday, and she strongly supports him.”
During her presidential campaign, the now-California senator touted her long relationship with Obama, telling voters about knocking on doors in Iowa ahead of the Democratic caucuses in 2008.
Obama was slated to be the final speaker on the third night of the Democratic National Convention, but he reportedly suggested that he speak just before Harris rather than right after her, putting Harris in a more prominent speaking position.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-20--WATCH LIVE: Day Three of the Democratic National Convention

The third day of the Democratic National Convention is set to begin at 9 p.m. EST on Wednesday night .
@ @ @ @ @ include 2020 vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris , former President Barack Obama , and former @ @ @ @ @ .

The third day of the Democratic National Convention is set to begin at 9 p.m. EST on Wednesday night.
Some of the featured speakers include 2020 vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, former President Barack Obama, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-20--Rudy Giuliani teases 'major exposé' on day of Biden's DNC acceptance speech

Rudy Giuliani is teasing a `` major exposé '' about Joe Biden on the day the former vice president is expected to deliver his Democratic National Committee acceptance speech .
A series of tweets over the past couple days suggest Giuliani will make claims about the 77-year-old Biden 's mental state , which the Trump lawyer and former New York City mayor has questioned in the past .
`` Tomorrow we will expose information that is vital to protect the proper functioning of our Republic , '' Giuliani tweeted on Wednesday .
A day prior , he tweeted a photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders along with the message : `` Currently doing research on a major exposé .
This will completely shake the 2020 Presidential election .
Stay tuned . ''
Even as his reelection campaign has incorporated attacks on Biden 's mental acuity into its official messaging , President Trump , 74 , has also faced questions and criticisms about his emotional and cognitive state .
In fact , George Conway , the husband of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway and co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March 2019 in tweets suggesting the president has narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder .
Giuliani joined Trump 's legal team in the spring of 2018 during the Russia investigation .
He became a central figure in what amounted to the impeachment and later the Senate acquittal of Trump with his public inquiry into ties between the Biden family and Ukraine .
Late last year , it was reported that federal prosecutors were investigating Giuliani for campaign finance violations and failure to register as a foreign agent , but no overt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , who has picked Sen. Kamala Harris of California as his running mate , was named the Democratic presidential nominee on Tuesday .

Rudy Giuliani is teasing a "major exposé" about Joe Biden on the day the former vice president is expected to deliver his Democratic National Committee acceptance speech.
A series of tweets over the past couple days suggest Giuliani will make claims about the 77-year-old Biden's mental state, which the Trump lawyer and former New York City mayor has questioned in the past.
"Tomorrow we will expose information that is vital to protect the proper functioning of our Republic," Giuliani tweeted on Wednesday. A day prior, he tweeted a photo of himself reading the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders along with the message: "Currently doing research on a major exposé. This will completely shake the 2020 Presidential election. Stay tuned."
Currently doing research on a major exposé. This will completely shake the 2020 Presidential election. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/5QvSgbNwXL — Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) August 18, 2020
Even as his reelection campaign has incorporated attacks on Biden's mental acuity into its official messaging, President Trump, 74, has also faced questions and criticisms about his emotional and cognitive state. In fact, George Conway, the husband of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway and co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, shared images of the same APA manual in March 2019 in tweets suggesting the president has narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
Giuliani joined Trump's legal team in the spring of 2018 during the Russia investigation. He became a central figure in what amounted to the impeachment and later the Senate acquittal of Trump with his public inquiry into ties between the Biden family and Ukraine. Late last year, it was reported that federal prosecutors were investigating Giuliani for campaign finance violations and failure to register as a foreign agent, but no overt actions have been taken against him.
Biden, who has picked Sen. Kamala Harris of California as his running mate, was named the Democratic presidential nominee on Tuesday.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--Andrew Yang slams Democratic Party's 'patronizing' messaging and accuses committee of misusing AOC a

Andrew Yang slams Democratic Party's 'patronizing' messaging and accuses committee of misusing AOC at convention

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang refused to mince words while criticizing the Democratic Party 's messaging ahead of the 2020 election .
Speaking with the Washington Post on Wednesday , Yang accused the Democratic Party of failing to provide a unifying message and said that it could cost the party the election .
`` Democrats have this tendency to have a message out there , and then , if you do n't like the message , it 's like , 'Well , it 's your fault , ' '' Yang said .
`` There 's this patronizing element to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , and it 's hurting us , and it 's wrong , unproductive .
It 's a great way to not win . ''
Yang also took issue with New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 's short appearance during the Tuesday night segment of the Democratic National Convention .
“ She was asked to nominate Bernie , which I thought she did very effectively , but I thought that was a misuse of AOC , '' Yang said .
`` She is one of the people who can cut through this medium and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel like the DNC just missed one on that . ''
Yang , whose major pitch while running for president was a Universal Basic Income program that would pay adults $ 1,000 a month , said he thinks 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden should incentive a cash-relief program to help people through the coronavirus pandemic .

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang refused to mince words while criticizing the Democratic Party's messaging ahead of the 2020 election.
Speaking with the Washington Post on Wednesday, Yang accused the Democratic Party of failing to provide a unifying message and said that it could cost the party the election.
"Democrats have this tendency to have a message out there, and then, if you don't like the message, it's like, 'Well, it's your fault,'" Yang said. "There's this patronizing element to a lot of what we say and do, and it's hurting us, and it's wrong, unproductive. It's a great way to not win."
Yang also took issue with New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's short appearance during the Tuesday night segment of the Democratic National Convention.
“She was asked to nominate Bernie, which I thought she did very effectively, but I thought that was a misuse of AOC," Yang said. "She is one of the people who can cut through this medium and deliver a message very powerfully, so I feel like the DNC just missed one on that."
Yang, whose major pitch while running for president was a Universal Basic Income program that would pay adults $1,000 a month, said he thinks 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden should incentive a cash-relief program to help people through the coronavirus pandemic.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--Conservative group warns Trump drug price regulation is socialized healthcare

A conservative group is running a prime-time television advertisement during the Democratic convention , warning voters President Trump is on the verge of socializing healthcare in the United States .
Americans for Limited Government is usually allied with Trump .
But it opposes the president ’ s plan to reduce the cost of prescription drugs through the force of government regulation and is contending in a new television spot , backed by more than $ 2 million , that the move would lead to socialized medicine .
In a sharply scripted advertisement designed to catch Trump ’ s attention , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on track to put the government in charge of American health before Joe Biden ever gets the chance to do it himself .
“ Democrats won ’ t need to socialize medicine because Trump is doing it for them , ” the ad ’ s voice-over declares .
The advertisement opens with a clip of Trump from a State of the Union address , in which he vows that “ we will never let socialism destroy American healthcare.
” The voice-over contradicts the assertion , pointing to the president ’ s plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
President Trump ’ s executive order is every socialist ’ s dream come true.
” Americans for Limited Government is a broad supporter of most Trump policies and regularly criticizes Biden and other liberals .
But the group takes exception on the issue of prescription drugs , and in the process , is undercutting Trump ’ s key campaign message in his race against Biden that he is all that stands between the voters and the U.S. turning into a failed , South American-style socialist state .
Rick Manning , president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advertisement could run beyond this week ’ s Democratic convention , depending on whether Trump sticks with his current plan .
“ It ’ s designed to get the president ’ s attention — there ’ s an audience of one , here , because he ’ s making a mistake , ” Manning said Wednesday in an interview .
“ When you put the final building blocks in place for socialism in this country , and in a way that you can ’ t effectively oppose it , legislatively or otherwise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manning acknowledged that disagreement could cost him carefully cultivated relationships on the Right .
But he said the issue is too important to put aside for the sake of an election , although he argued that the advertisement would not do anything to boost Biden .
“ Friends don ’ t stand idly by and let friends make mistakes , ” he said .

A conservative group is running a prime-time television advertisement during the Democratic convention, warning voters President Trump is on the verge of socializing healthcare in the United States.
Americans for Limited Government is usually allied with Trump. But it opposes the president’s plan to reduce the cost of prescription drugs through the force of government regulation and is contending in a new television spot, backed by more than $2 million, that the move would lead to socialized medicine.
In a sharply scripted advertisement designed to catch Trump’s attention, Americans for Limited Government claims the president is on track to put the government in charge of American health before Joe Biden ever gets the chance to do it himself. “Democrats won’t need to socialize medicine because Trump is doing it for them,” the ad’s voice-over declares.
The advertisement opens with a clip of Trump from a State of the Union address, in which he vows that “we will never let socialism destroy American healthcare.” The voice-over contradicts the assertion, pointing to the president’s plan to corral drug pricing: “Really? President Trump’s executive order is every socialist’s dream come true.”
Americans for Limited Government is a broad supporter of most Trump policies and regularly criticizes Biden and other liberals.
But the group takes exception on the issue of prescription drugs, and in the process, is undercutting Trump’s key campaign message in his race against Biden that he is all that stands between the voters and the U.S. turning into a failed, South American-style socialist state. Rick Manning, president of Americans for Limited Government, said the advertisement could run beyond this week’s Democratic convention, depending on whether Trump sticks with his current plan.
“It’s designed to get the president’s attention — there’s an audience of one, here, because he’s making a mistake,” Manning said Wednesday in an interview. “When you put the final building blocks in place for socialism in this country, and in a way that you can’t effectively oppose it, legislatively or otherwise, it’s a real problem.”
Manning acknowledged that disagreement could cost him carefully cultivated relationships on the Right. But he said the issue is too important to put aside for the sake of an election, although he argued that the advertisement would not do anything to boost Biden.
“Friends don’t stand idly by and let friends make mistakes,” he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--Trump has campaign mojo back with airport rallies

AIR FORCE ONE — President Trump hit all of his trademark lines , warning the audience in Yuma , Arizona , that “ murderers ” and “ rapists ” were desperate to cross from Mexico into the United States before accusing his election opponent of wanting to open the borders .
But Tuesday ’ s appearance was notable not just for the message , but for the medium — an energized president bringing an adoring crowd to its feet in a sweltering airport hangar .
Aboard Air Force One later , White House chief of staff Mark Meadows , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's visits to Minnesota and Wisconsin , said , “ Yesterday was the first time that I ’ d seen the mojo back .
And then today definitely.
” The air of jubilation on the president ’ s plane was in stark contrast to Trump ’ s disastrous appearance in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
When the president descended the steps of Air Force One after returning to Joint Base Andrews on a late Saturday night in June , his red tie dangled untied from his unbuttoned shirt collar — a strikingly disheveled look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uniform of crisp white shirt and knotted neckwear .
It reflected the mood of the night .
Coverage of what was supposed to be a triumphant return to arena rallies in the age of pandemic was dominated by empty seats and reports of staffers laid low with COVID-19 .
A reset planned for a month later , using an airport hangar in New Hampshire , was abandoned amid bad weather and fresh concerns about turnout .
The result was a headache for aides .
Not only are rallies crucial to the campaign ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers from attendees , and a chance to win national headlines , but they serve to connect the president with his people , maintain his focus and keep up morale .
Without them , his frustration grows .
“ President Trump feeds off the energy of his supporters , and whenever he gets to be around them , it 's almost like his batteries get recharged , ” said a former White House official .
That energy was on display in Yuma on Tuesday , where more than 500 people packed into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flags .
Although most wore masks , social distancing was not in evidence .
The event was ticketed , just like the arena rallies of old .
And Trump ’ s campaign soundtrack played , sending Billy Joel ’ s `` Piano Man '' and Elton John ’ s `` Tiny Dancer '' booming through the air .
The crowd rose to its feet as he appeared , and he quickly urged them to sit .
“ This is like a test he said , ” of the Arizona heat .
“ Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” He had just come from inspecting a 30-foot-high portion of border wall set up in another part of the hangar , and he quickly hit his theme of attacking the Democratic Party ’ s record on immigration .
“ Biden ’ s plan is the most radical , extreme , reckless , and dangerous immigration plan ever put forward by a major party candidate , ” he said .
Then he brought the excitable crowd back to its feet by telling them how he had ended the Obama administration ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people crossing the border .
“ So we have people coming into this country , some great people , some really bad people too , ” he said .
“ And I mean murderers , and I mean rapists .
I mean really bad people , and they don ’ t get in , and they don ’ t get back.
” After 42 minutes of campaign rhetoric , he was back on Air Force One and bound for home .
The event was part of a distraction tour , taking Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic National Convention .
Officials said the aim was to illustrate how Biden was holed up at home , due to deliver his acceptance speech from an empty conference center nearby .
Officials now are wondering how the president can again use the energy he draws from a crowd to enliven the Republican convention next week .
The president has announced that he will be speaking live from the White House 's South Lawn .
Meadows would not be drawn on whether there would be a crowd to cheer on the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , virtual fare offered by the Democrats .
But he said , “ I would hope that there would be some individuals there for there to be that interaction back and forth .
”

AIR FORCE ONE — President Trump hit all of his trademark lines, warning the audience in Yuma, Arizona, that “murderers” and “rapists” were desperate to cross from Mexico into the United States before accusing his election opponent of wanting to open the borders.
But Tuesday’s appearance was notable not just for the message, but for the medium — an energized president bringing an adoring crowd to its feet in a sweltering airport hangar.
Aboard Air Force One later, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, who had been with the president on Monday's visits to Minnesota and Wisconsin, said, “Yesterday was the first time that I’d seen the mojo back. And then today definitely.”
The air of jubilation on the president’s plane was in stark contrast to Trump’s disastrous appearance in Tulsa, Oklahoma. When the president descended the steps of Air Force One after returning to Joint Base Andrews on a late Saturday night in June, his red tie dangled untied from his unbuttoned shirt collar — a strikingly disheveled look for a man known for a work uniform of crisp white shirt and knotted neckwear.
It reflected the mood of the night. Coverage of what was supposed to be a triumphant return to arena rallies in the age of pandemic was dominated by empty seats and reports of staffers laid low with COVID-19.
A reset planned for a month later, using an airport hangar in New Hampshire, was abandoned amid bad weather and fresh concerns about turnout.
The result was a headache for aides. Not only are rallies crucial to the campaign’s data-gathering operation, collecting mobile phone numbers from attendees, and a chance to win national headlines, but they serve to connect the president with his people, maintain his focus and keep up morale. Without them, his frustration grows.
“President Trump feeds off the energy of his supporters, and whenever he gets to be around them, it's almost like his batteries get recharged,” said a former White House official.
That energy was on display in Yuma on Tuesday, where more than 500 people packed into a hangar decorated with giant Stars and Stripes flags. Although most wore masks, social distancing was not in evidence.
The event was ticketed, just like the arena rallies of old. And Trump’s campaign soundtrack played, sending Billy Joel’s "Piano Man" and Elton John’s "Tiny Dancer" booming through the air.
The crowd rose to its feet as he appeared, and he quickly urged them to sit.
“This is like a test he said,” of the Arizona heat. “Do you think Joe Biden could do that?”
He had just come from inspecting a 30-foot-high portion of border wall set up in another part of the hangar, and he quickly hit his theme of attacking the Democratic Party’s record on immigration.
“Biden’s plan is the most radical, extreme, reckless, and dangerous immigration plan ever put forward by a major party candidate,” he said. Then he brought the excitable crowd back to its feet by telling them how he had ended the Obama administration’s practice of “catch and release” of people crossing the border.
“So we have people coming into this country, some great people, some really bad people too,” he said. “And I mean murderers, and I mean rapists. I mean really bad people, and they don’t get in, and they don’t get back.”
After 42 minutes of campaign rhetoric, he was back on Air Force One and bound for home.
The event was part of a distraction tour, taking Trump around the country during the week of the Democratic National Convention. Officials said the aim was to illustrate how Biden was holed up at home, due to deliver his acceptance speech from an empty conference center nearby.
Officials now are wondering how the president can again use the energy he draws from a crowd to enliven the Republican convention next week.
The president has announced that he will be speaking live from the White House's South Lawn.
Meadows would not be drawn on whether there would be a crowd to cheer on the president and provide a contrast to the prerecorded, virtual fare offered by the Democrats.
But he said, “I would hope that there would be some individuals there for there to be that interaction back and forth.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--Donald Trump's acceptance of fringe activists is inexcusable

Like the Left , the Right has a fringe problem .
Except now , certain fringe actors are becoming mainstream , and President Trump shares part of the blame .
First , the president endorsed Marjorie Taylor Greene , a conspiracy theorist who won her primary in Georgia ’ s 14th Congressional District earlier this month .
Greene has voiced support for the QAnon conspiracy theory , held to by a bizarre strain of Trump supporters who believe the president is engaged in an underground war against a pedophile cabal in the Democratic Party , Hollywood , and the Deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mass-arrest his political opponents , including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama , and imprison them in Guantanamo Bay .
According to some QAnon believers , that ’ s where John McCain , who died of cancer in 2018 , is now .
This theory isn ’ t just bizarre .
It ’ s also dangerous .
The FBI considers QAnon a potential domestic terror threat , and it ’ s not hard to see why .
Last year , a radical QAnon supporter gunned down the boss of the Gambino crime family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least two child abductions .
Now , one of this theory ’ s advocates is about to become a U.S. congresswoman .
Greene ’ s embrace of QAnon is hardly the most controversial thing about her .
She has openly questioned whether Muslims should be allowed to hold public office , referred to Middle Eastern immigration as an “ Islamic invasion , ” argued that African Americans are “ slaves ” to the Democratic Party , and she espoused a 9/11 conspiracy theory that suggests the federal government was responsible for the terrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Put simply , this is not a person anyone should want representing them , let alone a party that advocates for religious freedom , equality , and accountability .
But Trump embraced Greene anyway , calling her a “ future Republican star ” : Soon after , other members of the Republican Party followed suit .
A spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee , Chris Pack , refused to denounce Greene ’ s conspiracy theorizing and suggested that Greene has only been criticized because she ’ s a Republican .
And when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embrace of QAnon , a senior Trump campaign official attacked him .
But it didn ’ t stop there .
Trump also praised far-right activist Laura Loomer on Wednesday after she won a primary election in Florida .
Loomer , like Greene , has a history of anti-Muslim rhetoric .
In 2017 , she bragged on Twitter about being a “ # ProudIslamophobe.
” She has also called Muslims “ savages '' and referred to Islam as a “ cancer.
” She was banned from Uber and Lyft in 2017 for tweeting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of Uber or Lyft because I never want to support another Islamic immigrant driver.
” This is just another example of how loyalty outweighs substance in the Trump era .
The president is more than willing to ignore the many problems Greene and Loomer bring to the table because they support him .
This is inexcusable , and the rest of the GOP ought to do what Trump can not and make it clear that Greene and Loomer do not represent the Republican Party or its principles .
That 's what a @ @ @ @ @ @

Like the Left, the Right has a fringe problem. Except now, certain fringe actors are becoming mainstream, and President Trump shares part of the blame.
First, the president endorsed Marjorie Taylor Greene, a conspiracy theorist who won her primary in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District earlier this month. Greene has voiced support for the QAnon conspiracy theory, held to by a bizarre strain of Trump supporters who believe the president is engaged in an underground war against a pedophile cabal in the Democratic Party, Hollywood, and the Deep State. They even believe Trump plans to mass-arrest his political opponents, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and imprison them in Guantanamo Bay. According to some QAnon believers, that’s where John McCain, who died of cancer in 2018, is now.
Seriously.
This theory isn’t just bizarre. It’s also dangerous. The FBI considers QAnon a potential domestic terror threat, and it’s not hard to see why. Last year, a radical QAnon supporter gunned down the boss of the Gambino crime family, and other supporters have plotted at least two child abductions. Now, one of this theory’s advocates is about to become a U.S. congresswoman.
Greene’s embrace of QAnon is hardly the most controversial thing about her. She has openly questioned whether Muslims should be allowed to hold public office, referred to Middle Eastern immigration as an “Islamic invasion,” argued that African Americans are “slaves” to the Democratic Party, and she espoused a 9/11 conspiracy theory that suggests the federal government was responsible for the terrorist attacks that took thousands of lives. Put simply, this is not a person anyone should want representing them, let alone a party that advocates for religious freedom, equality, and accountability.
But Trump embraced Greene anyway, calling her a “future Republican star”:
Congratulations to future Republican Star Marjorie Taylor Greene on a big Congressional primary win in Georgia against a very tough and smart opponent. Marjorie is strong on everything and never gives up - a real WINNER! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2020
Soon after, other members of the Republican Party followed suit. A spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, Chris Pack, refused to denounce Greene’s conspiracy theorizing and suggested that Greene has only been criticized because she’s a Republican. And when Rep. Adam Kinzinger denounced Greene’s embrace of QAnon, a senior Trump campaign official attacked him.
When will @RepKinzinger condemn the Steele Dossier fabrications and conspiracy theories pushed by Democrats? That actually WAS Russian propaganda. https://t.co/NzVjbkkk8l — Matt Wolking (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@MattWolking) August 12, 2020
But it didn’t stop there. Trump also praised far-right activist Laura Loomer on Wednesday after she won a primary election in Florida. Loomer, like Greene, has a history of anti-Muslim rhetoric. In 2017, she bragged on Twitter about being a “#ProudIslamophobe.” She has also called Muslims “savages" and referred to Islam as a “cancer.” She was banned from Uber and Lyft in 2017 for tweeting, “Someone needs to create a non-Islamic version of Uber or Lyft because I never want to support another Islamic immigrant driver.”
And yet:
This is just another example of how loyalty outweighs substance in the Trump era. The president is more than willing to ignore the many problems Greene and Loomer bring to the table because they support him.
This is inexcusable, and the rest of the GOP ought to do what Trump cannot and make it clear that Greene and Loomer do not represent the Republican Party or its principles. That's what a serious political party would do.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-08-19--Trump campaign questions Biden's mental acuity in tough new digital ad

President Trump ’ s campaign is airing a new digital advertisement casting Democratic nominee Joe Biden as a politician in cognitive decline and unable to handle the rigors of the White House .
The spot was launched this week to coincide with the Democratic convention and is running on the YouTube masthead during the internet platform ’ s broadcast of the virtual coronation of Biden and his running mate , California Sen. Kamala Harris .
Trump , 74 , regularly questions the former vice president ’ s mental acuity , claiming the 77-year-old is ill-equipped to deal with the challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the president ’ s campaign is incorporating the attack into its official messaging .
“ Did something happen to Joe Biden ?
” flashes across the screen as the advertisement opens .
The spot then proceeds to contrast video of a vigorous , energetic , and articulate Biden speaking in 2015 and 2016 with short clips of the Democratic nominee speaking this year , in which he appears confused and struggles to form sentences .
The Trump campaign is unapologetic about the attack .
“ It ’ s an uncomfortable conversation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to assess Joe Biden ’ s capabilities by seeing him and listening to him in his own words , especially as compared to just a few years ago , ” Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said in a statement .
“ Being president of the most powerful nation in the world carries the heavy responsibilities of navigating dangerous situations around the globe in real time and keeping track of weighty domestic issues . ''
Trump trails Biden nationally and in key battleground states , according to public opinion polls .
Some Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy for blunting Biden ’ s momentum , worrying inconsistent messaging is diluting the potential effectiveness of any specific attack .
However , other GOP operatives say this latest approach , calling attention to Biden ’ s mental capacity , is where the Trump campaign should keep its focus .
The Biden campaign , pointing to Republican-sponsored research suggesting the message would fall flat and alluding to rumors about the president 's own lack of mental sharpness , said Trump is simply trying to distract voters from his failure to manage the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every conceivable strategic test by ramping up mentions of this subject at all , ” Biden spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement .
`` Joe Biden sounded the alarm about the outbreak early , whereas Donald Trump is still promising us the virus will magically 'disappear . '
”

President Trump’s campaign is airing a new digital advertisement casting Democratic nominee Joe Biden as a politician in cognitive decline and unable to handle the rigors of the White House.
The spot was launched this week to coincide with the Democratic convention and is running on the YouTube masthead during the internet platform’s broadcast of the virtual coronation of Biden and his running mate, California Sen. Kamala Harris.
Trump, 74, regularly questions the former vice president’s mental acuity, claiming the 77-year-old is ill-equipped to deal with the challenges of running the government. But now, the president’s campaign is incorporating the attack into its official messaging.
“Did something happen to Joe Biden?” flashes across the screen as the advertisement opens. The spot then proceeds to contrast video of a vigorous, energetic, and articulate Biden speaking in 2015 and 2016 with short clips of the Democratic nominee speaking this year, in which he appears confused and struggles to form sentences.
The Trump campaign is unapologetic about the attack.
“It’s an uncomfortable conversation to have, but voters deserve to be able to assess Joe Biden’s capabilities by seeing him and listening to him in his own words, especially as compared to just a few years ago,” Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said in a statement. “Being president of the most powerful nation in the world carries the heavy responsibilities of navigating dangerous situations around the globe in real time and keeping track of weighty domestic issues."
Trump trails Biden nationally and in key battleground states, according to public opinion polls. Some Republicans are critical of the president’s strategy for blunting Biden’s momentum, worrying inconsistent messaging is diluting the potential effectiveness of any specific attack.
However, other GOP operatives say this latest approach, calling attention to Biden’s mental capacity, is where the Trump campaign should keep its focus. The Biden campaign, pointing to Republican-sponsored research suggesting the message would fall flat and alluding to rumors about the president's own lack of mental sharpness, said Trump is simply trying to distract voters from his failure to manage the coronavirus.
"Donald Trump is spectacularly failing every conceivable strategic test by ramping up mentions of this subject at all,” Biden spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement. "Joe Biden sounded the alarm about the outbreak early, whereas Donald Trump is still promising us the virus will magically 'disappear.'”