thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--Summertime, and Cotton is high: Arkansas Republican's fortunes soar after New York Times dust-up

Sen. Tom Cotton provided an early boost to his 2024 presidential aspirations when he sparked a staff insurrection inside the New York Times , surely to the enjoyment of Republican primary voters .
In causing humiliation and upheaval for the New York Times , Cotton perhaps did more to burnish his political ambitions than any legislative achievement he might claim over seven-and-a-half years in Congress .
“ More than just about anything in this world , Republicans want leaders who will stick it to the media and drive them crazy , '' said Scott Jennings , a Republican strategist in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this going for him in 2016 , and Cotton has certainly done it to the New York Times , the liberal mothership to the average Republican.
” Last week , Cotton , an Arkansas Republican , published an op-ed with the New York Times urging President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell riots that erupted in some American cities after some governors and mayors resisted the assistance of the National Guard .
The riots began after George Floyd , a black man , died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump would hardly have been the first president to deploy troops to subdue violence in American cities .
The reaction of the New York Times caught the attention of the Republican base and caused the senator 's average monthly fundraising tally to spike threefold so far this month .
After publication , newsroom staff circulated a petition , widely supported internally , opposing the op-ed and criticizing it as beyond acceptable , mainstream thought , despite poll numbers showing widespread support for using troops to quell violent protests .
James Bennet resigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the New York Times top brass posted a lengthy apology .
Cotton chose to run his piece in the New York Times because he presumed it was the surest path to causing an uproar on the Left .
“ I knew it would generate controversy , ” he told the Washington Examiner on Tuesday .
“ But I was surprised at the size and fury of the child mob at the New York Times.
” The first-term senator has consistently supported the president on China , Iran , trade , and immigration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on criminal justice reform and North Korea .
The stoic , disciplined Army combat veteran and Harvard Law School graduate usually delivers that support via crisp Senate floor speeches and pithy newspaper op-eds — a habit dating back at least 14 years to an unpublished letter to the editor of the New York Times he penned while serving in Iraq .
Cotton 's dust-up with the New York Times channeled the aspect of Trump that has cultivated such a loyal following among grassroots Republicans .
The president is beloved because he fights without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP voters find cathartic and exhilarating because they believe it exposes hypocrisy , dishonesty , and intolerance among Democrats and their allies in media and cultural institutions .
Cotton is being directly compared to the president .
“ Kicking the media 's ass is almost as important as kicking a Democrat 's ass for your average Republican activist , ” Jennings said .
“ Cotton gets this and is executing effectively.
” The moment is reminiscent of the time in March 2015 when Cotton organized a letter from 47 Republican senators to Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama was negotiating with them could be undone by a future president .
To maximize his current windfall and continue laying a foundation for a possible future presidential run , Cotton is planning a robust calendar of political activity through Election Day .
His political action committee , the Republican Majority Fund , has raised approximately $ 200,000 this month , compared to the usual $ 40,000 to $ 50,000 , aides say .
The senator is investing the cash in television and digital advertising in battleground states that beat up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has headlined Zoom fundraisers for five GOP Senate incumbents and challengers , with another appearance on tap this month for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
To supplement these relationship-building efforts inside the party , Cotton is moving to boost his name identification with voters by functioning as a spokesman in local media markets for Republicans running in targeted Senate races .
A China hawk who sits on the Intelligence Committee , Cotton is likely to be deployed by colleagues to criticize Democratic challengers over their position on Beijing , likely a key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m going to do what I can to support the president ’ s reelection — and support other Republican senators ’ reelection as well , ” Cotton said .
Cotton is up for reelection this year but faces no Democratic opposition .

Sen. Tom Cotton provided an early boost to his 2024 presidential aspirations when he sparked a staff insurrection inside the New York Times, surely to the enjoyment of Republican primary voters.
In causing humiliation and upheaval for the New York Times, Cotton perhaps did more to burnish his political ambitions than any legislative achievement he might claim over seven-and-a-half years in Congress.
“More than just about anything in this world, Republicans want leaders who will stick it to the media and drive them crazy," said Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist in Louisville, Kentucky. "Trump had this going for him in 2016, and Cotton has certainly done it to the New York Times, the liberal mothership to the average Republican.”
Last week, Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, published an op-ed with the New York Times urging President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell riots that erupted in some American cities after some governors and mayors resisted the assistance of the National Guard. The riots began after George Floyd, a black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Trump would hardly have been the first president to deploy troops to subdue violence in American cities. The reaction of the New York Times caught the attention of the Republican base and caused the senator's average monthly fundraising tally to spike threefold so far this month.
After publication, newsroom staff circulated a petition, widely supported internally, opposing the op-ed and criticizing it as beyond acceptable, mainstream thought, despite poll numbers showing widespread support for using troops to quell violent protests. James Bennet resigned under pressure as editorial pages editor, and the New York Times top brass posted a lengthy apology. Cotton chose to run his piece in the New York Times because he presumed it was the surest path to causing an uproar on the Left.
“I knew it would generate controversy,” he told the Washington Examiner on Tuesday. “But I was surprised at the size and fury of the child mob at the New York Times.”
Cotton, 43, is a key Trump ally on Capitol Hill.
The first-term senator has consistently supported the president on China, Iran, trade, and immigration, parting ways occasionally — such as on criminal justice reform and North Korea. The stoic, disciplined Army combat veteran and Harvard Law School graduate usually delivers that support via crisp Senate floor speeches and pithy newspaper op-eds — a habit dating back at least 14 years to an unpublished letter to the editor of the New York Times he penned while serving in Iraq.
Cotton's dust-up with the New York Times channeled the aspect of Trump that has cultivated such a loyal following among grassroots Republicans. The president is beloved because he fights without reservation or hesitation, an exercise many GOP voters find cathartic and exhilarating because they believe it exposes hypocrisy, dishonesty, and intolerance among Democrats and their allies in media and cultural institutions. Cotton is being directly compared to the president.
“Kicking the media's ass is almost as important as kicking a Democrat's ass for your average Republican activist,” Jennings said. “Cotton gets this and is executing effectively.”
The moment is reminiscent of the time in March 2015 when Cotton organized a letter from 47 Republican senators to Iran's leaders noting that the nuclear deal Barack Obama was negotiating with them could be undone by a future president.
To maximize his current windfall and continue laying a foundation for a possible future presidential run, Cotton is planning a robust calendar of political activity through Election Day.
His political action committee, the Republican Majority Fund, has raised approximately $200,000 this month, compared to the usual $40,000 to $50,000, aides say. The senator is investing the cash in television and digital advertising in battleground states that beat up on presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Cotton has headlined Zoom fundraisers for five GOP Senate incumbents and challengers, with another appearance on tap this month for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
To supplement these relationship-building efforts inside the party, Cotton is moving to boost his name identification with voters by functioning as a spokesman in local media markets for Republicans running in targeted Senate races. A China hawk who sits on the Intelligence Committee, Cotton is likely to be deployed by colleagues to criticize Democratic challengers over their position on Beijing, likely a key issue in the fall.
“I’m going to do what I can to support the president’s reelection — and support other Republican senators’ reelection as well,” Cotton said.
Cotton is up for reelection this year but faces no Democratic opposition.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--'He can't stay on topic': Trump must maintain message discipline, GOP strategists say

Ever since the coronavirus took the shine off the economy , President Trump ’ s reelection campaign has struggled to come up with a consistent message to replace the themes of relative peace and strong prosperity that once figured to be the centerpiece of his case for a second term .
Republican insiders are looking for Team Trump to zero in on a rationale for the president ’ s reelection as presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden ’ s lead in national and battleground state polls grows .
Trump currently trails Biden by 8 points in the RealClearPolitics polling average .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a lot of good news , ” said veteran GOP communications specialist Doug Heye .
The pandemic , the resulting economic slowdown , and now the civil unrest following George Floyd ’ s death have since dominated the headlines as the general election campaign approaches .
“ A message only works if it is credible .
Given the path of the administration over the past few years , I do not think they have considerable message flexibility , ” said Republican strategist Christian Ferry .
“ The economy was the best talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone .
Therefore , the message of economic recovery makes sense to me , but the key question is whether or not the campaign and the president will stay disciplined with it.
” Message discipline has never been one of Trump ’ s strengths .
This week , the Trump campaign opened with coordinated attacks to the “ defund the police ” movement .
“ As the protesters like to say , silence is agreement , ” said Trump 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh .
“ By his silence , Joe Biden is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s campaign responded by finally the idea .
Trump World then challenged the candidate himself to do so in his own words .
That was followed by White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany opening the briefing talking about the “ transition to greatness ” sparked by last week ’ s much-better-than-expected jobs report .
Much of Tuesday was consumed by a widely panned Trump tweet claiming a 75-year-old “ Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur.
” When the headlines were better , Trump still had difficulty staying on message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , the president has had a good or great jobs report , ” Heye said .
“ That leads into the Sunday shows .
Let Pelosi and Schumer say he should n't get the credit .
He 's going to win that argument.
” Frequently , by Sunday , Washington — especially Trump — was already talking about something else .
Even amid a coronavirus-induced recession , Trump retains an advantage on the economy .
In an NBC News/Wall Street Journal , otherwise filled with bad news for the president , respondents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unemployment rate and getting people back to work ” by 48 % to 35 % .
They also favored Trump over Biden on “ dealing with the economy , ” 48 % to 37 % .
“ Trump still has the opportunity to run on that , ” said Heye .
“ If after everything that the country 's been through , if that last jobs report before the election , unemployment is at 10.5 % , is that seen as a good number ?
If so , then his messaging takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will still have to focus its argument against Biden , a candidate key voting blocs such as senior citizens like a great deal more than they did Hillary Clinton .
“ Trump is remarkably stable .
He ’ s existed in that band 40 % to 45 % approval , ” said Republican strategist Scott Jennings .
“ Can they drag Biden down into that same zone and sully him up enough to make it competitive ?
They do have the chance to make him look extreme.
” But because Biden lacks Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington career , they will have to home in on what makes him unacceptable on policy grounds .
“ If they 're going to prosecute a case against Biden , they need to prosecute it and not just react to everything , ” Jennings said .
“ I got ‘ Low Energy Jeb ' immediately , ” Heye said of one of Trump ’ s memorable nicknames for an opponent .
“ I don ’ t know what ‘ Sleepy Joe ’ is supposed to mean.
” “ I think Trump has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of those suburban female voters he lost in 2018 , ” said a GOP operative who requested anonymity to speak candidly .
“ Their No .
1 issue is security and safety for their families , and these riots have got to be scaring the daylights out of them .
Trump would be smart to address this in a rational manner and not continue to scream at his 30 % base.
” “ The problem is that he 's so undisciplined .
He ca n't stay on topic or address anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the operative continued .
Trump must also battle `` general fatigue '' with the drama surrounding his administration , along with the recent riots and the coronavirus .
`` People are looking for a return to normal as it existed to some degree before the virus .
All the normal stuff you do and you look forward to has been upended , '' Jennings said .
`` Make America normal again . ''

Ever since the coronavirus took the shine off the economy, President Trump’s reelection campaign has struggled to come up with a consistent message to replace the themes of relative peace and strong prosperity that once figured to be the centerpiece of his case for a second term.
Republican insiders are looking for Team Trump to zero in on a rationale for the president’s reelection as presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s lead in national and battleground state polls grows. Trump currently trails Biden by 8 points in the RealClearPolitics polling average.
“Until three months ago, he had a lot of good news,” said veteran GOP communications specialist Doug Heye. The pandemic, the resulting economic slowdown, and now the civil unrest following George Floyd’s death have since dominated the headlines as the general election campaign approaches.
“A message only works if it is credible. Given the path of the administration over the past few years, I do not think they have considerable message flexibility,” said Republican strategist Christian Ferry. “The economy was the best talking point they had, and it is gone. Therefore, the message of economic recovery makes sense to me, but the key question is whether or not the campaign and the president will stay disciplined with it.”
Message discipline has never been one of Trump’s strengths. This week, the Trump campaign opened with coordinated attacks tying Biden to the “defund the police” movement. “As the protesters like to say, silence is agreement,” said Trump 2020 communications director Tim Murtaugh. “By his silence, Joe Biden is endorsing defunding the police.”
Biden’s campaign responded by finally disavowing the idea. Trump World then challenged the candidate himself to do so in his own words. That was followed by White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany opening the briefing talking about the “transition to greatness” sparked by last week’s much-better-than-expected jobs report. Much of Tuesday was consumed by a widely panned Trump tweet claiming a 75-year-old “Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur.”
When the headlines were better, Trump still had difficulty staying on message. “Every first Friday except for one, the president has had a good or great jobs report,” Heye said. “That leads into the Sunday shows. Let Pelosi and Schumer say he shouldn't get the credit. He's going to win that argument.” Frequently, by Sunday, Washington — especially Trump — was already talking about something else.
Even amid a coronavirus-induced recession, Trump retains an advantage on the economy. In an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll , otherwise filled with bad news for the president, respondents picked Trump over Biden on “cutting the unemployment rate and getting people back to work” by 48% to 35%. They also favored Trump over Biden on “dealing with the economy,” 48% to 37%.
“Trump still has the opportunity to run on that,” said Heye. “If after everything that the country's been through, if that last jobs report before the election, unemployment is at 10.5%, is that seen as a good number? If so, then his messaging takes care of itself.”
The Trump campaign will still have to focus its argument against Biden, a candidate key voting blocs such as senior citizens like a great deal more than they did Hillary Clinton. “Trump is remarkably stable. He’s existed in that band 40% to 45% approval,” said Republican strategist Scott Jennings. “Can they drag Biden down into that same zone and sully him up enough to make it competitive? They do have the chance to make him look extreme.”
But because Biden lacks Clinton’s baggage, despite his lengthy Washington career, they will have to home in on what makes him unacceptable on policy grounds. “If they're going to prosecute a case against Biden, they need to prosecute it and not just react to everything,” Jennings said.
“I got ‘Low Energy Jeb' immediately,” Heye said of one of Trump’s memorable nicknames for an opponent. “I don’t know what ‘Sleepy Joe’ is supposed to mean.”
“I think Trump has a major opportunity right now to get back some of those suburban female voters he lost in 2018,” said a GOP operative who requested anonymity to speak candidly. “Their No. 1 issue is security and safety for their families, and these riots have got to be scaring the daylights out of them. Trump would be smart to address this in a rational manner and not continue to scream at his 30% base.”
“The problem is that he's so undisciplined. He can't stay on topic or address anyone who isn't a 100% supporter,” the operative continued.
Trump must also battle "general fatigue" with the drama surrounding his administration, along with the recent riots and the coronavirus. "People are looking for a return to normal as it existed to some degree before the virus. All the normal stuff you do and you look forward to has been upended," Jennings said. "Make America normal again."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--Democratic House candidate Kim Olson: ‘If people loot, so what? Burn it to the ground’

A leading Democratic candidate in a closely watched House race brushed off looting and arson that occurred during nationwide unrest during protests about racism and police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd .
“ What the hell you got snipers on the roof for in a peaceful march ?
Even if people loot , so what ?
Burn it to the ground , you know , if that ’ s what it ’ s going to take to fix our nation , ” retired Air Force Col. Kim Olson said during a live digital event on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Examiner .
“ I don ’ t think people want me to say that , ” added Olson , a Democratic candidate in Texas ’ s 24th Congressional District , which covers much of the suburban area in between Fort Worth and Dallas .
Olson , 62 , made the comment during a several-minute answer to a question about what she thought about far-left calls to disband or defund police departments .
Olson started by saying that while `` defunding '' is a `` tough word , '' explaining that she supports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social workers .
“ You ca n't just tackle the police , you 've got to tackle some of the social injustice issues that are going on within our justice system , ” Olson said .
“ You ca n't train racism out of folks.
” She criticized highly militarized police forces , leading into the criticism of snipers on the roof during a recent march in Dallas and then making the comment about looting and riots .
`` This quote is being taken out of context , '' Rachel Perry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement to the Washington Examiner on Wednesday .
`` As a combat vet , Colonel Olson knows first hand the human heartbreak of violence .
She knows we can not use force to fix a systemic problem of undue violence and discrimination perpetrated by those who are sworn to protect and serve .
We have to rebuild from the ground up a color-blind public safety institution across America . ''
Texas ’ s 24th District will be an open seat in the November election since current Republican Rep. Kenny Marchant , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , is retiring at the end of his term .
The race is one of several dozen closely watched House seats this election cycle with the potential to flip from Republican to Democratic control .
Cook Political Report the race as a “ Republican toss up.
” Politico also calls it a .
Olson is the front-runner in the primary for the Democratic nomination but must defeat educator and school board trustee Candace Valenzuela in a runoff election on July 14 .
The winner will face former Irving , Texas , Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her Republican primary contest earlier this year , in the general election .
The decision on whether to support Olson or Valenzuela in the Democratic runoff is a contentious issue among national Democratic operatives and lawmakers .
Minority lawmakers have urged the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to support Valenzuela , who is Latina and African American and comes from humble upbringings , but the DCCC declined to do so .
Olson unsuccessfully ran to be Texas ’ s agriculture commissioner in 2018 , losing to Republican incumbent Sid Miller by about 5 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her resume — she was one of the first women to attend and graduate from military flight school — but it is also a potential .
In the early 2000s , when she was stationed in Iraq , the Pentagon Olson of directing contracts to a private security firm that she helped operate .
While Olson denies personally profiting from the arrangement , she pleaded guilty to charges that included creating the appearance of a conflict of interest , paid a $ 3,500 fine , and was permitted to retire with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a major issue in her campaigns or line of attack from her opponents .

A leading Democratic candidate in a closely watched House race brushed off looting and arson that occurred during nationwide unrest during protests about racism and police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd.
“What the hell you got snipers on the roof for in a peaceful march? Even if people loot, so what? Burn it to the ground, you know, if that’s what it’s going to take to fix our nation,” retired Air Force Col. Kim Olson said during a live digital event on Tuesday, shown in a clip obtained by the Washington Examiner.
“I don’t think people want me to say that,” added Olson, a Democratic candidate in Texas’s 24th Congressional District, which covers much of the suburban area in between Fort Worth and Dallas.
Olson, 62, made the comment during a several-minute answer to a question about what she thought about far-left calls to disband or defund police departments.
Olson started by saying that while "defunding" is a "tough word," explaining that she supports prioritizing funding services such as rehab centers and social workers.
“You can't just tackle the police, you've got to tackle some of the social injustice issues that are going on within our justice system,” Olson said. “You can't train racism out of folks.”
She criticized highly militarized police forces, leading into the criticism of snipers on the roof during a recent march in Dallas and then making the comment about looting and riots.
"This quote is being taken out of context," Rachel Perry, Olson's campaign manager, said in a statement to the Washington Examiner on Wednesday. "As a combat vet, Colonel Olson knows first hand the human heartbreak of violence. She knows we cannot use force to fix a systemic problem of undue violence and discrimination perpetrated by those who are sworn to protect and serve. We have to rebuild from the ground up a color-blind public safety institution across America."
Texas’s 24th District will be an open seat in the November election since current Republican Rep. Kenny Marchant, who won reelection by about 3 points in 2018, is retiring at the end of his term.
The race is one of several dozen closely watched House seats this election cycle with the potential to flip from Republican to Democratic control. Cook Political Report rates the race as a “Republican toss up.” Politico also calls it a toss-up .
Olson is the front-runner in the primary for the Democratic nomination but must defeat educator and school board trustee Candace Valenzuela in a runoff election on July 14.
The winner will face former Irving, Texas, Mayor Beth Van Duyne, who easily won her Republican primary contest earlier this year, in the general election.
The decision on whether to support Olson or Valenzuela in the Democratic runoff is a contentious issue among national Democratic operatives and lawmakers. Minority lawmakers have urged the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to support Valenzuela, who is Latina and African American and comes from humble upbringings, but the DCCC declined to do so.
Olson unsuccessfully ran to be Texas’s agriculture commissioner in 2018, losing to Republican incumbent Sid Miller by about 5 points.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--Less than half of Republicans view the term "Black Lives Matter" negatively

Less than half of Republican voters view the slogan “ Black Lives Matter ” negatively , according to a new poll taken amid nationwide protests to demand racial equality in the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s death .
When a YouGov survey for the Economist asked voters if “ Black Lives Matter ” carries a positive or negative association , 25 % of Republicans said they viewed the slogan positively , with 29 % saying they were neutral .
Forty-four percent of Republicans said the slogan carries a negative association .
Comparatively , 77 % of Democrats view “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do 50 % of independent voters .
The YouGov poll surveyed 1,241 registered voters Sunday through Tuesday and had a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points .
Among the additional findings related to the “ Black Lives Matter ” slogan : • Overall , 54 % of registered voters view it positively , with 18 % neutral and 25 % viewing it negatively .
• Eighty-three percent of self-described liberals view it positively , compared to 52 % of moderates and 25 % of conservatives .
Forty-six percent of conservatives view the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter ” is popular with protesters who are demanding aggressive reform of local police departments in the wake of the death of Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .

Less than half of Republican voters view the slogan “Black Lives Matter” negatively, according to a new poll taken amid nationwide protests to demand racial equality in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death.
When a YouGov survey for the Economist asked voters if “Black Lives Matter” carries a positive or negative association, 25% of Republicans said they viewed the slogan positively, with 29% saying they were neutral. Forty-four percent of Republicans said the slogan carries a negative association. Comparatively, 77% of Democrats view “Black Lives Matter” positively, as do 50% of independent voters.
The YouGov poll surveyed 1,241 registered voters Sunday through Tuesday and had a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points. Among the additional findings related to the “Black Lives Matter” slogan:
Overall, 54% of registered voters view it positively, with 18% neutral and 25% viewing it negatively.
Eighty-three percent of self-described liberals view it positively, compared to 52% of moderates and 25% of conservatives. Forty-six percent of conservatives view the slogan negatively.
The slogan “Black Lives Matter” is popular with protesters who are demanding aggressive reform of local police departments in the wake of the death of Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--Jon Huntsman tests positive for coronavirus as he runs for Utah governor

Jon Huntsman Jr. said he has tested positive for the coronavirus as he seeks to reclaim the governor ’ s seat in Utah .
Huntsman said Wednesday he has been experiencing the “ classic ” symptoms of the virus , which tend to be similar to the flu .
“ Though isolated temporarily , we ’ ve never been more energized in this important race for Governor , ” he tweeted .
“ The work goes on !
” Huntsman tested negative for the virus before a gubernatorial candidate forum in May and was tested again Friday after a staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was initially told his test last week was negative but was then told it was the “ wrong ” result .
Later , he learned the test sample had been destroyed .
He took another test on Tuesday , and members of his family were also being tested .
Huntsman , who was elected twice as Utah governor , is running for the Republican nomination against three other candidates .
He stepped down as governor in 2009 , after his reelection , to be the U.S. ambassador to China .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .

Jon Huntsman Jr. said he has tested positive for the coronavirus as he seeks to reclaim the governor’s seat in Utah.
Huntsman said Wednesday he has been experiencing the “classic” symptoms of the virus, which tend to be similar to the flu.
“Though isolated temporarily, we’ve never been more energized in this important race for Governor,” he tweeted. “The work goes on!”
After a second try, test results came back positive for Covid-19. Have been experiencing classic symptoms..like so many others, my goal is to keep my family safe. Though isolated temporarily, we’ve never been more energized in this important race for Governor. The work goes on! — Jon Huntsman (@JonHuntsman) June 10, 2020
Huntsman tested negative for the virus before a gubernatorial candidate forum in May and was tested again Friday after a staff member was confirmed to have the disease.
He was initially told his test last week was negative but was then told it was the “wrong” result. Later, he learned the test sample had been destroyed. He took another test on Tuesday, and members of his family were also being tested.
Huntsman, who was elected twice as Utah governor, is running for the Republican nomination against three other candidates. He stepped down as governor in 2009, after his reelection, to be the U.S. ambassador to China. He was most recently the U.S. ambassador to Russia.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--RNC leaning toward Jacksonville, Florida, for new convention host

The Republican National Committee is poised to award the party ’ s presidential nominating convention to Jacksonville , Florida , after pulling the event from Charlotte , North Carolina , over a disagreement with Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper .
The RNC confirmed Wednesday morning that Jacksonville , led by a Republican mayor in a state with a Republican governor , was the “ front-runner ” to host the event , with GOP officials in northeast Florida telling the Washington Examiner they expect President Trump to accept the 2020 nomination there .
Multiple cities are competing for the Republican convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could host a traditional gathering unencumbered by stringent coronavirus social distancing protocols .
“ Jacksonville is a front-runner , sure , ” an RNC spokesman said .
“ Several cities are still being considered .
No final decision has been made.
” A GOP official in northeast Florida sounded optimistic that the decision had already been made .
“ Jacksonville is the spot , ” that Republican said .
The challenge with Jacksonville is one of capacity .
It has viable venues to host convention activities but lacks hotel accommodations and meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the NFL hosted the Super Bowl in Jacksonville 15 years ago , it relied on cruise ships to function as hotel space — an unpalatable option in light of lingering concerns about the health risks posed by the coronavirus .
The RNC , led by Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel , is continuing to tour other cities and hear pitches from local Republicans vying to host the Aug. 24–27 convention .
On that list are Dallas , Phoenix , Savannah , Georgia , Las Vegas , Nashville , New Orleans , and the Florida @ @ @ @ @ @

The Republican National Committee is poised to award the party’s presidential nominating convention to Jacksonville, Florida, after pulling the event from Charlotte, North Carolina, over a disagreement with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
The RNC confirmed Wednesday morning that Jacksonville, led by a Republican mayor in a state with a Republican governor, was the “front-runner” to host the event, with GOP officials in northeast Florida telling the Washington Examiner they expect President Trump to accept the 2020 nomination there. Multiple cities are competing for the Republican convention after Cooper declined to guarantee the RNC it could host a traditional gathering unencumbered by stringent coronavirus social distancing protocols.
“Jacksonville is a front-runner, sure,” an RNC spokesman said. “Several cities are still being considered. No final decision has been made.”
A GOP official in northeast Florida sounded optimistic that the decision had already been made. “Jacksonville is the spot,” that Republican said.
The challenge with Jacksonville is one of capacity.
It has viable venues to host convention activities but lacks hotel accommodations and meeting space compared with other major cities. When the NFL hosted the Super Bowl in Jacksonville 15 years ago, it relied on cruise ships to function as hotel space — an unpalatable option in light of lingering concerns about the health risks posed by the coronavirus.
The RNC, led by Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, is continuing to tour other cities and hear pitches from local Republicans vying to host the Aug. 24–27 convention. On that list are Dallas, Phoenix, Savannah, Georgia, Las Vegas, Nashville, New Orleans, and the Florida cities of Orlando and Tampa.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--Gretchen Whitmer backtracks from praise for 'spirit' of 'defund the police' movement

Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , whom Joe Biden has talked to about joining his ticket , is backtracking on recent comments questioning whether governments should continue funding law enforcement .
Whitmer , elected in 2018 after 14 years as a Democratic state legislator in Michigan , initially sided , at least partially , with far-left `` defund the police '' advocates , a position that 's gained support after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody .
“ You look at budgets , and they ’ re focused on policing — they should be focused on education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to skills and leveling the playing field , '' Whitmer told The Root Monday .
`` If you do all those other things , you don ’ t need all the money that ’ s going to the police departments .
So , yeah , I mean , the spirit of it , I do support that spirit of it.
” Whitmer later clarified her statements to the Detroit Free Press , saying Wednesday , `` I do n't believe the police should be defunded . ''
`` What I hear from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this moment and who are leading on the front lines is we have a real need for greater investment in communities , '' Whitmer said .
`` We need to rebuild and level the playing field through better schools and better transportation and access to healthcare , and those are all the critical investments that I absolutely support . ''
She then seemed to imply that she 'd be open to spending more money on Michigan 's police departments , saying , `` We are underinvested in almost every realm in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a national co-chairwoman of Biden 's presidential campaign , was for some time a leading contender for his running-mate slot .
But her initial comments on Monday placed her at odds with even some of the most left-wing members of the Democratic Party , notably Sen. Bernie Sanders , who bucked the calls of defunding law enforcement by many of his supporters .
`` Do I think we should not have police departments in America ?
No , I don ’ t .
There ’ s no city in the world that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Sanders .
`` I think we want to redefine what police departments do , give them the support they need to make their jobs better defined .
So I do believe that we need well-trained , well-educated , and well-paid professionals in police departments .
Anyone who thinks that we should abolish all police departments in America , I don ’ t agree . ''

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whom Joe Biden has talked to about joining his ticket, is backtracking on recent comments questioning whether governments should continue funding law enforcement.
Whitmer, elected in 2018 after 14 years as a Democratic state legislator in Michigan, initially sided, at least partially, with far-left "defund the police" advocates, a position that's gained support after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.
“You look at budgets, and they’re focused on policing — they should be focused on education, transportation, access to healthcare, access to skills and leveling the playing field," Whitmer told The Root Monday. "If you do all those other things, you don’t need all the money that’s going to the police departments. So, yeah, I mean, the spirit of it, I do support that spirit of it.”
Whitmer later clarified her statements to the Detroit Free Press, saying Wednesday, "I don't believe the police should be defunded."
"What I hear from all of my friends who are part of this moment and who are leading on the front lines is we have a real need for greater investment in communities," Whitmer said. "We need to rebuild and level the playing field through better schools and better transportation and access to healthcare, and those are all the critical investments that I absolutely support."
She then seemed to imply that she'd be open to spending more money on Michigan's police departments, saying, "We are underinvested in almost every realm in the state government."
Whitmer, who is a national co-chairwoman of Biden's presidential campaign, was for some time a leading contender for his running-mate slot.
But her initial comments on Monday placed her at odds with even some of the most left-wing members of the Democratic Party, notably Sen. Bernie Sanders, who bucked the calls of defunding law enforcement by many of his supporters.
"Do I think we should not have police departments in America? No, I don’t. There’s no city in the world that does not have police departments," said Sanders. "I think we want to redefine what police departments do, give them the support they need to make their jobs better defined. So I do believe that we need well-trained, well-educated, and well-paid professionals in police departments. Anyone who thinks that we should abolish all police departments in America, I don’t agree."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--Is Trump squandering reelection with his tweets?

Though polls show Joe Biden leading President Trump ahead of the November election , it 's not all bad news for the commander in chief .
Trump consistently leads Biden on issues related to the economy and confronting China .
But his controversial remarks , often expressed on Twitter , and his inability to unite the country are undercutting those advantages .
In the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression , with double-digit unemployment and a contracting gross domestic product , voters still trust Trump over his challenger to handle fixing the economy .
An NBC/ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump leading by 13 percentage points on who would do better on getting people back to work and 11 points on the economy generally .
That same poll , however , found Biden leading by 7 points in whom voters are supporting in November , with Trump earning 42 % .
A CNN poll taken around the same time had similar findings .
Although Biden led by 14 points among registered voters , 55 % to 41 % , the president was more trusted on the economy by 5 points .
Voters also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of China , which a vast majority of people in the United States blame for the coronavirus pandemic .
That disjointedness , between Trump earning trust from voters on directing the economy out of a crisis and facing his lowest numbers against Biden in a general election , has many Republican strategists nervous .
But not without hope .
`` It ’ s harder now than it was two weeks ago , four weeks ago .
One of his best arguments has been the economy and all the things he accomplished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , '' said Republican strategist Brendan Steinhauser .
`` The thing I ’ ve been thinking about the most is just 'survive this moment , ' get through the summer , COVID-19 dies off a bit , the economy recovers .
Just get through this tough position .
I think what I would try to do is let ’ s really hit mid-September and October hard .
Let ’ s try and reshift a little bit . ''
Republicans point to some of the president 's more offensive tweets , not necessarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing by such a large margin to Biden but because it 's indicative of a lack of focus or message discipline .
“ Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur .
75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment , '' Trump tweeted on Monday .
`` I watched , he fell harder than was pushed .
Was aiming scanner .
Could be a set up ? ''
Trump appeared to be referencing a news report from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel that often airs baseless conspiracy theories .
There remains no evidence that Gugino , who remains hospitalized with a serious head injury after a police officer in Buffalo , New York , pushed him onto the concrete , had staged his fall .
Democrats and some Republicans criticized Trump 's remarks , calling them unnecessarily cruel and unbecoming of a commander in chief .
The tweets about Gugino were just the latest in a serious of particularly controversial missives in the last few weeks , even for Trump , who regularly turns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grievances .
In May , Trump repeatedly implied on Twitter that MSNBC host Joe Scarborough was responsible for the death of a 28-year-old staffer when he was a Florida congressman in 2001 .
Those comments were condemned across the political spectrum , and the family of the woman who died pleaded for the president to stop .
Police say the woman died after an accident and that there remains no evidence of any foul play .
Polling shows that Biden holds massive leads over Trump on notions such as `` bringing people together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal poll , voters by a 25-point margin say Biden can unite the country over Trump .
The CNN poll found voters trusted the former vice president and 36-year Delaware senator on race relations over Trump by 32 points .
Some Republicans , however disgusted they are with the president 's conduct online , say polling is nearly meaningless at this point .
`` I think another thing people aren ’ t appreciating is how radical to the left the Democrats have gone to the Left in just the last few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Michigan , that ’ s not going play in Pennsylvania , even Minnesota , '' said John Feehery , a longtime senior House Republican leadership aide .
`` We also know that folks who are most energized to vote are Trump voters , not Biden voters .
This is a very non-traditional election because we ’ ve seen firsthand what happens when government is run amok .
The people who find his tweets offensive are gon na vote against him anyway .
This guy is an open book . ''

Though polls show Joe Biden leading President Trump ahead of the November election, it's not all bad news for the commander in chief. Trump consistently leads Biden on issues related to the economy and confronting China.
But his controversial remarks, often expressed on Twitter, and his inability to unite the country are undercutting those advantages.
In the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, with double-digit unemployment and a contracting gross domestic product, voters still trust Trump over his challenger to handle fixing the economy. An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll last week had Trump leading by 13 percentage points on who would do better on getting people back to work and 11 points on the economy generally. That same poll, however, found Biden leading by 7 points in whom voters are supporting in November, with Trump earning 42%.
A CNN poll taken around the same time had similar findings. Although Biden led by 14 points among registered voters, 55% to 41%, the president was more trusted on the economy by 5 points. Voters also said Trump was best prepared to tackle the threat of China, which a vast majority of people in the United States blame for the coronavirus pandemic.
That disjointedness, between Trump earning trust from voters on directing the economy out of a crisis and facing his lowest numbers against Biden in a general election, has many Republican strategists nervous.
But not without hope.
"It’s harder now than it was two weeks ago, four weeks ago. One of his best arguments has been the economy and all the things he accomplished there, and that’s taken away," said Republican strategist Brendan Steinhauser.
"The thing I’ve been thinking about the most is just 'survive this moment,' get through the summer, COVID-19 dies off a bit, the economy recovers. Just get through this tough position. I think what I would try to do is let’s really hit mid-September and October hard. Let’s try and reshift a little bit."
Republicans point to some of the president's more offensive tweets, not necessarily as a reason why the president is losing by such a large margin to Biden but because it's indicative of a lack of focus or message discipline.
“Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment," Trump tweeted on Monday. "I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?"
Trump appeared to be referencing a news report from One America News, a right-wing cable channel that often airs baseless conspiracy theories. There remains no evidence that Gugino, who remains hospitalized with a serious head injury after a police officer in Buffalo, New York, pushed him onto the concrete, had staged his fall. Democrats and some Republicans criticized Trump's remarks, calling them unnecessarily cruel and unbecoming of a commander in chief.
The tweets about Gugino were just the latest in a serious of particularly controversial missives in the last few weeks, even for Trump, who regularly turns to the site to air his various grievances. In May, Trump repeatedly implied on Twitter that MSNBC host Joe Scarborough was responsible for the death of a 28-year-old staffer when he was a Florida congressman in 2001. Those comments were condemned across the political spectrum, and the family of the woman who died pleaded for the president to stop. Police say the woman died after an accident and that there remains no evidence of any foul play.
Polling shows that Biden holds massive leads over Trump on notions such as "bringing people together." According to the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, voters by a 25-point margin say Biden can unite the country over Trump. The CNN poll found voters trusted the former vice president and 36-year Delaware senator on race relations over Trump by 32 points.
Some Republicans, however disgusted they are with the president's conduct online, say polling is nearly meaningless at this point.
"I think another thing people aren’t appreciating is how radical to the left the Democrats have gone to the Left in just the last few weeks. That’s not going play in Michigan, that’s not going play in Pennsylvania, even Minnesota," said John Feehery, a longtime senior House Republican leadership aide.
"We also know that folks who are most energized to vote are Trump voters, not Biden voters. This is a very non-traditional election because we’ve seen firsthand what happens when government is run amok. The people who find his tweets offensive are gonna vote against him anyway. This guy is an open book."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--Law firm for husband of Maine Democrat Sara Gideon eyes coronavirus lawsuits against veterans’ homes

Law firm for husband of Maine Democrat Sara Gideon eyes coronavirus lawsuits against veterans’ homes she declined to fund

As the coronavirus pandemic ravaged long-term care homes across the country , the personal injury law firm where the husband of Maine Democrat and Senate candidate Sara Gideon works sees an opportunity to take legal action against facilities with deadly outbreaks of the coronavirus .
But when Gideon , speaker of the Maine House , had chances to support state bills that would have financially aided homes , she did not take them .
Berman & Simmons , the personal injury law firm where the Senate candidate ’ s husband Benjamin Gideon is a partner , started publishing blog posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sue for exposure to the coronavirus , and encouraged readers to contact the firm ’ s attorneys for a consultation .
Sara Gideon is running for Senate against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the nation 's most competitive races .
The outcome will help decide which party holds a Senate majority after the 2020 elections .
Republicans now have an effective 53-47 edge over Democrats .
A May post by the law firm nonprofit retirement network Maine Veterans ’ Homes .
“ Residents have rights , ” the post said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in a place that takes all steps to protect them from exposure to COVID-19 .
When veterans homes fail in this responsibility , they should be held accountable.
” Coronavirus outbreaks across the country have plagued nursing homes and retirement communities , and Maine is no exception .
The Maine Veterans ’ Home in the town of Scarborough has seen 14 coronavirus deaths , the deadliest in the state so far .
In total , 62 patients and staff members at the facility tested positive for the respiratory virus .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , but unlike those in other states , the six veterans ’ homes in Maine largely acts as part of an independent nonprofit group and does not receive state funding for construction projects or other upgrades .
Two bills that aimed to aid these veterans homes with healthcare costs died in the legislature in the past two years .
Gideon co-sponsored neither one .
The first , in February 2019 , aimed to increase the state Medicaid , called MaineCare in the state , reimbursements to “ provide cost-based reimbursement to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” While it passed both the House and Senate , it died without being enacted , and no House roll call vote is available .
Another bill , in January of this year , aimed to increase the staff-to-patient ratio at Maine Veterans ' Homes to 3 staff to 15 patients and to increase MaineCare reimbursement rates for certified nursing assistants by 10 % .
It failed in committee due in part to arguments from Maine Veterans ’ Homes that it would create “ unnecessary and unreasonable staffing mandates above those required of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported the increased reimbursement provision .
While the law firm targets the veterans ’ homes potential lawsuits over coronavirus care , facilities that Gideon failed to support in the legislature , Gideon ’ s family financially benefits from the firm ’ s work .
A filed in October shows that her husband has a stake in a limited partnership in Berman & Simmons valued between $ 250,001 and $ 500,000 .
Two attorneys at Berman & Simmons wrote a May opposing laws enacted in different states that grant nursing homes and other medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus deaths .
The American Association for Justice , which has a PAC that Gideon ’ s campaign $ 5,000 in September 2019 , similarly and lobbies against any laws granting companies immunity from lawsuits about coronavirus infection .
Gideon ’ s husband has been of the organization ’ s Nursing Home Litigation group .
In that same vein , Gideon an arguing in support of the “ Essential Workers Bill of Rights , ” a measure by Rep. Ro Khana , a California Democrat , and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for CEOs “ to personally certify they are in compliance with worker protections , so they can face civil and criminal penalties if they break their word.
” Gideon ’ s website boasts of some of her accomplishments for veterans and seniors in the state legislature — she “ increased homelessness prevention efforts for Maine veterans ” and “ fought to increase reimbursements for the caregivers who take care of seniors , ” it says .
After the Maine legislature passed emergency measures and in March , Gideon has used time during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incumbent she is challenging , Republican Sen. Susan Collins .
In recent op-eds , she has criticized Republicans in the U.S. Senate for amid the pandemic and the for declining to flex power with the Defense Production Act .
Gideon ’ s press office did not return a request for comment about her lack of support for the bills that would have aided the Maine Veterans ’ Homes and her husband ’ s law firm floating personal injury lawsuits against the facilities .

As the coronavirus pandemic ravaged long-term care homes across the country, the personal injury law firm where the husband of Maine Democrat and Senate candidate Sara Gideon works sees an opportunity to take legal action against facilities with deadly outbreaks of the coronavirus.
But when Gideon, speaker of the Maine House, had chances to support state bills that would have financially aided homes, she did not take them.
Berman & Simmons, the personal injury law firm where the Senate candidate’s husband Benjamin Gideon is a partner, started publishing blog posts earlier this year about whether people can sue for exposure to the coronavirus , and encouraged readers to contact the firm’s attorneys for a consultation.
Sara Gideon is running for Senate against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the nation's most competitive races. The outcome will help decide which party holds a Senate majority after the 2020 elections. Republicans now have an effective 53-47 edge over Democrats.
A May post by the law firm specifically referenced nonprofit retirement network Maine Veterans’ Homes.
“Residents have rights,” the post said. “These include the right to live in a place that takes all steps to protect them from exposure to COVID-19. When veterans homes fail in this responsibility, they should be held accountable.”
Coronavirus outbreaks across the country have plagued nursing homes and retirement communities, and Maine is no exception. The Maine Veterans’ Home in the town of Scarborough has seen 14 coronavirus deaths, the deadliest outbreak in the state so far. In total, 62 patients and staff members at the facility tested positive for the respiratory virus.
There are around 156 state veterans’ homes across the country, but unlike those in other states, the six veterans’ homes in Maine largely acts as part of an independent nonprofit group and does not receive state funding for construction projects or other upgrades.
Two bills that aimed to aid these veterans homes with healthcare costs died in the legislature in the past two years. Gideon co-sponsored neither one.
The first, introduced in February 2019, aimed to increase the state Medicaid, called MaineCare in the state, reimbursements to “provide cost-based reimbursement to Maine Veteran’s Homes nursing facilities.” While it passed both the House and Senate, it died without being enacted, and no House roll call vote is available.
Another bill, introduced in January of this year, aimed to increase the staff-to-patient ratio at Maine Veterans' Homes to 3 staff to 15 patients and to increase MaineCare reimbursement rates for certified nursing assistants by 10%. It failed in committee due in part to arguments from Maine Veterans’ Homes that it would create “unnecessary and unreasonable staffing mandates above those required of other facilities,” but the home supported the increased reimbursement provision.
While the law firm targets the veterans’ homes potential lawsuits over coronavirus care, facilities that Gideon failed to support in the legislature, Gideon’s family financially benefits from the firm’s work. A financial disclosure filed in October shows that her husband has a stake in a limited partnership in Berman & Simmons valued between $250,001 and $500,000.
Two attorneys at Berman & Simmons wrote a May op-ed opposing laws enacted in different states that grant nursing homes and other medical providers immunity from legal action based on coronavirus deaths.
The American Association for Justice, which has a PAC that gave Gideon’s campaign $5,000 in September 2019, similarly opposes and lobbies against any laws granting companies immunity from lawsuits about coronavirus infection. Gideon’s husband has been part of the organization’s Nursing Home Litigation group.
In that same vein, Gideon tweeted an op-ed arguing in support of the “Essential Workers Bill of Rights,” a measure pushed by Rep. Ro Khana, a California Democrat, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, which calls for CEOs “to personally certify they are in compliance with worker protections, so they can face civil and criminal penalties if they break their word.”
Gideon’s website boasts of some of her accomplishments for veterans and seniors in the state legislature — she “increased homelessness prevention efforts for Maine veterans” and “fought to increase reimbursements for the caregivers who take care of seniors,” it says.
After the Maine legislature passed emergency measures and suspended its session in March, Gideon has used time during the coronavirus pandemic to target Senate Republicans and the incumbent she is challenging, Republican Sen. Susan Collins. In recent op-eds, she has criticized Republicans in the U.S. Senate for appointing judges amid the pandemic and the Trump administration for declining to flex power with the Defense Production Act.
Gideon’s press office did not return a request for comment about her lack of support for the bills that would have aided the Maine Veterans’ Homes and her husband’s law firm floating personal injury lawsuits against the facilities.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-11--Biden: Military will escort Trump out of White House if he loses election and refuses to leave

Joe Biden said he expects the military to escort President Trump out of the White House should the incumbent lose the 2020 election and refuse to leave .
The former vice president , who last week secured enough delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination , told The Daily Show host Trevor Noah late Wednesday that Trump is `` going to try and steal this election , '' referring to Trump 's claim that mail-in ballots lead to voter fraud , and his `` greatest concern '' is voting problems similar to what was seen in Georgia 's primaries .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what would happen if he wins and Trump resists leaving the White House .
`` Yes I have , '' he said .
Following what appeared to be a jump in the interview , Biden touched on retired military leaders who have spoken out against Trump in recent days over his threat to use military force to quell unrest in protests across the nation in response to the death of George Floyd in police custody .
He also noted `` so many rank-and-file military personnel saying , 'Whoa , we 're not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are . '
'' Biden then said , `` I promise you : I am absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch . ''
Among the military leaders who have denounced the president are retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis , who served as Trump 's defense secretary , and John Allen , a retired four-star general in the Marine Corps .
A letter of support for Biden bore the signatures of 55 retired military leaders .
Biden also discussed police reform and race , saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism , but he sure has promoted it . ''

Joe Biden said he expects the military to escort President Trump out of the White House should the incumbent lose the 2020 election and refuse to leave.
The former vice president, who last week secured enough delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination, told The Daily Show host Trevor Noah late Wednesday that Trump is "going to try and steal this election," referring to Trump's claim that mail-in ballots lead to voter fraud, and his "greatest concern" is voting problems similar to what was seen in Georgia's primaries.
Biden was later asked if he has considered what would happen if he wins and Trump resists leaving the White House. "Yes, I have," he said.
Following what appeared to be a jump in the interview, Biden touched on retired military leaders who have spoken out against Trump in recent days over his threat to use military force to quell unrest in protests across the nation in response to the death of George Floyd in police custody. He also noted, "so many rank-and-file military personnel saying, 'Whoa, we're not a military state. This is not who we are.'"
Biden then said, "I promise you: I am absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch."
Among the military leaders who have denounced the president are retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis, who served as Trump's defense secretary, and John Allen, a retired four-star general in the Marine Corps. A letter of support for Biden bore the signatures of 55 retired military leaders.
Biden also discussed police reform and race, saying, "Donald Trump didn’t invent racism, but he sure has promoted it."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-11--Winner in GOP South Carolina House primary shows Trump imprimatur still a big advantage

State Rep. Nancy Mace , who won the GOP primary for South Carolina ’ s 1st Congressional District Tuesday night , has a lot in common with the last Republican to hold the seat .
Like former Rep. Mark Sanford , she ’ s a fiscal conservative who has been known to overlap with the libertarian wing of the party on war-making and federal wiretapping .
But one key difference could help her : She embraces President Trump .
“ She helped elect President Trump , ” said the narrator of a 30-second Mace advertisement , referring to her roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump 2016 campaign .
“ In Congress , Nancy Mace will help President Trump take care of our veterans.
” The spot concludes with a shout-out from Vice President Mike Pence , who called the 42-year-old “ an American with an extraordinary lifetime of accomplishments.
” Trump continues to hold sway with GOP voters down-ballot , despite the coronavirus , a recession , and riots .
“ Last night ’ s primaries were an emphatic reminder of the enthusiasm for President Trump ’ s agenda that is sweeping the nation , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
“ President Trump added to his undefeated 73-0 record of candidate endorsements in congressional primary and special elections this cycle.
” “ She ’ s , of course , proud of her experience working for President Trump , ” said Mace campaign manager Mara Mellstrom , adding that it enhanced her understanding of campaigning and public service .
Trump may not have intended to return the favor , but he ’ s a big reason the Charleston-area congressional seat is available to Mace in the first place .
He endorsed against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 midterm elections , weighing in with a last-minute primary Election Day tweet against the congressman and former governor with whom he often feuded .
`` Mark Sanford has been very unhelpful to me in my campaign to MAGA , '' Trump posted as he endorsed his primary challenger Katie Arrington .
In an example of Trump ’ s power with GOP voters , Arrington toppled Sanford and won the nomination , though she went on to lose in November .
Sanford then ran a short-lived Never Trump campaign for the 2020 Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first votes were cast , telling the Washington Examiner that in the current Trump-dominated GOP , “ It was a waste of time.
” Mace hopes to remain part of Trump 's winning streak .
“ I ’ ve busted through barriers and glass ceilings all my life , and I plan to do it again this year in winning the First Congressional District , ” Mace said in a statement after the National Republican Congressional Committee labeled her a “ contender ” in its Young Guns program for favored candidates .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent the Lowcountry and the people I ’ ve known my entire life .
Nobody will outwork me .
Not now .
Not ever.
” That will require her to counteract the other side to Trump ’ s intervention in the district ’ s 2018 primary : Later that year , it became one of the normally Republican seats Democrats flipped en route to retaking the House majority and making Nancy Pelosi speaker again .
Mace will face off against incumbent Democratic Rep. Joe Cunningham — whom she calls “ a nice guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — in the fall .
“ I ca n't tell you how often Nancy Pelosi and Joe Cunningham 's names are linked , ” Mellstrom said .
“ Joe Cunningham does not represent the Lowcountry.
” In 1999 , Mace became the first woman to graduate from The Citadel , a prestigious formerly all-male military academy in Charleston .
She ’ s long been active in Republican politics in the state .
Before winning a seat in the state legislature unsuccessfully , in a 2014 primary , she challenged Sen. Lindsey Graham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being in Trump ’ s good graces as he won renomination Tuesday night .
Mace won the 2019 Taxpayer Hero Award from the Club for Growth and can count on support from conservative groups this fall .
Although Trump has been trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in recent national polls , he easily carried the 1st District in 2016 , and few analysts think Cunningham 's election two years later suggests any slippage .
Cunningham will now have to defend his seat with Trump on the ballot at the top of the @ @ @

State Rep. Nancy Mace, who won the GOP primary for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District Tuesday night, has a lot in common with the last Republican to hold the seat. Like former Rep. Mark Sanford, she’s a fiscal conservative who has been known to overlap with the libertarian wing of the party on war-making and federal wiretapping. But one key difference could help her: She embraces President Trump.
“She helped elect President Trump,” said the narrator of a 30-second Mace advertisement, referring to her roles as coalitions director and field director for the Trump 2016 campaign. “In Congress, Nancy Mace will help President Trump take care of our veterans.” The spot concludes with a shout-out from Vice President Mike Pence, who called the 42-year-old “an American with an extraordinary lifetime of accomplishments.”
Trump continues to hold sway with GOP voters down-ballot, despite the coronavirus, a recession, and riots. “Last night’s primaries were an emphatic reminder of the enthusiasm for President Trump’s agenda that is sweeping the nation,” a Republican National Committee spokesman boasted on Wednesday. “President Trump added to his undefeated 73-0 record of candidate endorsements in congressional primary and special elections this cycle.”
“She’s, of course, proud of her experience working for President Trump,” said Mace campaign manager Mara Mellstrom, adding that it enhanced her understanding of campaigning and public service.
Trump may not have intended to return the favor, but he’s a big reason the Charleston-area congressional seat is available to Mace in the first place. He endorsed against Sanford in the Republican primary during the 2018 midterm elections, weighing in with a last-minute primary Election Day tweet against the congressman and former governor with whom he often feuded.
"Mark Sanford has been very unhelpful to me in my campaign to MAGA," Trump posted as he endorsed his primary challenger Katie Arrington. In an example of Trump’s power with GOP voters, Arrington toppled Sanford and won the nomination, though she went on to lose in November. Sanford then ran a short-lived Never Trump campaign for the 2020 Republican presidential nomination, dropping out before the first votes were cast, telling the Washington Examiner that in the current Trump-dominated GOP, “It was a waste of time.”
Mace hopes to remain part of Trump's winning streak. “I’ve busted through barriers and glass ceilings all my life, and I plan to do it again this year in winning the First Congressional District,” Mace said in a statement after the National Republican Congressional Committee labeled her a “contender” in its Young Guns program for favored candidates. “I want to go to Washington to represent the Lowcountry and the people I’ve known my entire life. Nobody will outwork me. Not now. Not ever.”
That will require her to counteract the other side to Trump’s intervention in the district’s 2018 primary: Later that year, it became one of the normally Republican seats Democrats flipped en route to retaking the House majority and making Nancy Pelosi speaker again. Mace will face off against incumbent Democratic Rep. Joe Cunningham — whom she calls “a nice guy, but not the right guy” — in the fall.
“I can't tell you how often Nancy Pelosi and Joe Cunningham's names are linked,” Mellstrom said. “Joe Cunningham does not represent the Lowcountry.”
In 1999, Mace became the first woman to graduate from The Citadel, a prestigious formerly all-male military academy in Charleston. She’s long been active in Republican politics in the state. Before winning a seat in the state legislature unsuccessfully, in a 2014 primary, she challenged Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has also learned the value of being in Trump’s good graces as he won renomination Tuesday night. Mace won the 2019 Taxpayer Hero Award from the Club for Growth and can count on support from conservative groups this fall.
Although Trump has been trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in recent national polls, he easily carried the 1st District in 2016, and few analysts think Cunningham's election two years later suggests any slippage. Cunningham will now have to defend his seat with Trump on the ballot at the top of the GOP ticket.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-11--Biden botches criticism of Trump Tulsa rally on Juneteeth as other Democrats say timing signals to '

Biden botches criticism of Trump Tulsa rally on Juneteeth as other Democrats say timing signals to 'white supremacists'

Joe Biden fumbled his criticism of President Trump holding a rally on Juneteenth by getting the location — the reason for the outrage — wrong .
Democrats have harshly criticized Trump for scheduling a campaign rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on June 19 .
Juneteenth , also called Emancipation Day or Black Independence Day , is recognized as a holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia on June 19 .
The date marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced the end of the Civil War and of slavery in Galveston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where one of the deadliest race massacres in the United States occurred in 1921 .
The district known as `` Black Wall Street , '' home to hundreds of black-owned businesses , was destroyed .
Many Democrats saw a connection between the date and the rally location .
`` This is n't just a wink to white supremacists — he 's throwing them a welcome home party , '' California Sen. Kamala Harris said of the timing and location in a tweet on Thursday .
In a roundtable discussion on Thursday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee tried to echo that criticism but got the location wrong .
`` He 's going down to Texas on Juneteenth right ?
The first major massacre , literally speaking , of the Black Wall Street , years ago .
And he 's gon na have a rally , gon na have a rally .
And he does n't wear a mask , '' Biden said during a Thursday event as a face mask hung from his left ear .
The president is visiting Texas for several campaign events on Thursday , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was quick to point out Biden 's error .
Other Democrats who accused Trump of sending a signal or making a `` racist '' statement by holding a rally in Tulsa on Juneteenth included Texas Rep. Al Green and Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III .
Asked about the date and a location of the rally , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that the `` African American community `` is very near and dear '' to Trump 's heart .
`` At these rallies , he often shares the great work he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said , mentioning criminal justice reform measures and previous record-low black unemployment numbers .

Joe Biden fumbled his criticism of President Trump holding a rally on Juneteenth by getting the location — the reason for the outrage — wrong.
Democrats have harshly criticized Trump for scheduling a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 19.
Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day or Black Independence Day, is recognized as a holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia on June 19. The date marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced the end of the Civil War and of slavery in Galveston, Texas.
Tulsa is the city where one of the deadliest race massacres in the United States occurred in 1921. The district known as "Black Wall Street," home to hundreds of black-owned businesses, was destroyed.
Many Democrats saw a connection between the date and the rally location.
"This isn't just a wink to white supremacists — he's throwing them a welcome home party," California Sen. Kamala Harris said of the timing and location in a tweet on Thursday.
In a roundtable discussion on Thursday, the former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee tried to echo that criticism but got the location wrong.
"He's going down to Texas on Juneteenth right? The first major massacre, literally speaking, of the Black Wall Street, years ago. And he's gonna have a rally, gonna have a rally. And he doesn't wear a mask," Biden said during a Thursday event as a face mask hung from his left ear.
The president is visiting Texas for several campaign events on Thursday, not on June 19.
Trump's campaign was quick to point out Biden's error.
Joe Biden doesn't know what Juneteenth is:
"He’s going down to Texas on Juneteenth, right? The first major massacre ... of the Black Wall Street, right?"
1. President Trump is going to Texas today, not June 19
2. Juneteenth is about emancipation
3. The massacre was in Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/vpNDQLwqBj — Trump War Room - Text TRUMP to 88022 & get the APP (@TrumpWarRoom) June 11, 2020
Other Democrats who accused Trump of sending a signal or making a "racist" statement by holding a rally in Tulsa on Juneteenth included Texas Rep. Al Green and Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III.
99 years ago a white mob massacred hundreds of Black people in the Greenwood District of Tulsa.
The most racist President of my lifetime knows exactly what message he’s sending when he goes there on Juneteenth. — Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) June 11, 2020
A Trump rally with rebel flags (a symbol of slavery and racism) in Tulsa, OK (the place of #TulsaMassacre) on Juneteenth (a day of emancipation recognition) is more than a slap in the face to African Americans; it is overt racism from the highest office in the land. #RejectRacism — Congressman Al Green (@RepAlGreen) June 11, 2020
Asked about the date and a location of the rally, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that the "African American community "is very near and dear" to Trump's heart.
"At these rallies, he often shares the great work he has done for minority communities," she said, mentioning criminal justice reform measures and previous record-low black unemployment numbers.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-11--Stay in hiding place, Joe, Democrats tell Biden

When the coronavirus pandemic first shut down normal election season activities and kept Joe Biden from campaigning normally , that the former vice president would not be able to garner enough attention to campaign effectively against President Trump .
But numerous recent polls that show the former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee with over the president suggest the opposite : Staying out of the limelight is good for Biden because the election is not about him .
It ’ s about Trump and his missteps , and Biden is the generic Democratic alternative to another four years of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign is explicitly trying to define the election based on whether or not to give Trump four more years in office .
A in a last month said , “ This election is a referendum on Trump.
” “ If the country is asked to have an up or down vote on whether or not Donald Trump should receive four more years , the country would say no , and [ the Trump campaign ] themselves admit it , ” Biden campaign strategist Mike Donilon during the presentation .
Former Virginia Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the open during a video call with a local Democratic group over the weekend .
“ People say all the time , ‘ Oh , we got to get the vice president out of the basement , ’ He ’ s fine in the basement , ” McAuliffe said .
“ Two people see him a day : his two body people .
That 's it .
Let Trump keep doing what Trump 's doing.
” Dislike of Trump is a driving force behind Biden ’ s favorable numbers .
A conducted from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of those surveyed who said they would pick Biden over Trump if the election were held today , 60 % said that their choice was more of a vote against Trump than a vote for Biden .
“ In 2016 , it was pretty clear from observation ( and from analyzing data ) that Trump and Clinton both did better when the other was dominating the news .
It is possible that the same is true in this election , ” said University of Virginia elections analyst Kyle Kondick .
“ Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the election to become a referendum.
” He noted , though , that “ any election featuring an incumbent president naturally turns into at least something of a referendum on the incumbent , and the state of the country.
” This year ’ s set of unusual external circumstances — the coronavirus pandemic , mass unemployment , and nationwide protests and social unrest sparked by the death of black Minneapolis man George Floyd after being held under a white officer ’ s knee — have made the country look worse off than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributing to a bump for Biden .
Republican strategist Alex Conant told the Washington Examiner that because the former vice president is well known across the country , being confined to his home “ did n't hurt him as much as it would have , as it could have hurt another candidate who needed to proactively define themselves.
” That allows Biden to come out at opportune moments that contrast his style with that of the president .
Biden made special addresses about Floyd ’ s death and spoke at his funeral .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ working to define “ Sleepy Joe ” in negative terms in order to make the election a choice between the two candidates .
Operatives and surrogates question his mental capacity , try to tie him to the far-left “ defund the police ” movement , or claim that he is supporting China .
There is time left in the election cycle for the Trump campaign to turn the election into a choice rather than a referendum , but the biggest hurdle to that could be the president himself .
“ Trump keeps bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conant said .
“ On days when they want to be talking about Biden 's crime bill , Trump is , you know , tweets about a conspiracy theory and completely upends the campaign strategy.
” As Biden slowly starts holding in-person events and ventures out of his house , it is clear that the attention focused on Trump won ’ t last through the election .
“ The spotlight will move to Biden at some point in the future , ” Kondick said .
“ We ’ ll have to see if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

When the coronavirus pandemic first shut down normal election season activities and kept Joe Biden from campaigning normally, Democrats fretted that the former vice president would not be able to garner enough attention to campaign effectively against President Trump.
But numerous recent polls that show the former vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee with substantial leads over the president suggest the opposite: Staying out of the limelight is good for Biden because the election is not about him. It’s about Trump and his missteps, and Biden is the generic Democratic alternative to another four years of the current administration.
Biden’s campaign is explicitly trying to define the election based on whether or not to give Trump four more years in office. A slide in a Biden campaign strategy briefing last month said, “This election is a referendum on Trump.”
“If the country is asked to have an up or down vote on whether or not Donald Trump should receive four more years, the country would say no, and [the Trump campaign] themselves admit it,” Biden campaign strategist Mike Donilon said during the presentation.
Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe plainly explained why Biden does not need to be out in the open during a video call with a local Democratic group over the weekend.
“People say all the time, ‘Oh, we got to get the vice president out of the basement,’ He’s fine in the basement,” McAuliffe said. “Two people see him a day: his two body people. That's it. Let Trump keep doing what Trump's doing.”
Dislike of Trump is a driving force behind Biden’s favorable numbers. A CNN poll conducted from June 2 to June 5 that found that of those surveyed who said they would pick Biden over Trump if the election were held today, 60% said that their choice was more of a vote against Trump than a vote for Biden.
“In 2016, it was pretty clear from observation (and from analyzing data) that Trump and Clinton both did better when the other was dominating the news. It is possible that the same is true in this election,” said University of Virginia elections analyst Kyle Kondick. “Biden’s lower profile makes it easier for the election to become a referendum.”
He noted, though, that “any election featuring an incumbent president naturally turns into at least something of a referendum on the incumbent, and the state of the country.”
This year’s set of unusual external circumstances — the coronavirus pandemic, mass unemployment, and nationwide protests and social unrest sparked by the death of black Minneapolis man George Floyd after being held under a white officer’s knee — have made the country look worse off than it was four years ago, potentially contributing to a bump for Biden.
Republican strategist Alex Conant told the Washington Examiner that because the former vice president is well known across the country, being confined to his home “didn't hurt him as much as it would have, as it could have hurt another candidate who needed to proactively define themselves.”
That allows Biden to come out at opportune moments that contrast his style with that of the president. Biden made special addresses about Floyd’s death and spoke at his funeral.
The Trump campaign, meanwhile, is working to define “Sleepy Joe” in negative terms in order to make the election a choice between the two candidates. Operatives and surrogates question his mental capacity, try to tie him to the far-left “defund the police” movement, or claim that he is supporting China.
There is time left in the election cycle for the Trump campaign to turn the election into a choice rather than a referendum, but the biggest hurdle to that could be the president himself.
“Trump keeps bringing the focus back to himself,” Conant said. “On days when they want to be talking about Biden's crime bill, Trump is, you know, tweets about a conspiracy theory and completely upends the campaign strategy.”
As Biden slowly starts holding in-person events and ventures out of his house, it is clear that the attention focused on Trump won’t last through the election.
“The spotlight will move to Biden at some point in the future,” Kondick said. “We’ll have to see if the numbers change when that happens.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-11--'I have not received any calls': Stacey Abrams says Biden campaign isn't vetting her for VP

Stacey Abrams says she is not being vetted to be Joe Biden 's running mate .
“ I have said many times that if called I will answer , but I have not received any calls , ” the former Georgia state representative and 2018 gubernatorial candidate said Wednesday night on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert .
Colbert had asked Abrams about a June 4 tweet from April Ryan , Washington bureau chief for American Urban Radio Networks , that said she was among the women being vetted .
`` I look forward to hearing from whomever April Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who ended her state House tenure as minority leader and lost the 2018 gubernatorial race to Republican Brian Kemp by a 50.2 % -48.8 % margin .
Biden 's vice presidential selection committee started reaching out to potential picks at the end of May .
New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham , Florida Rep. Val Demings , and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar are among the women who have started the vetting process .
Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto declined to go through the process .
Biden said he expects to announce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has long been mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick , and she has not been shy about saying she would take the job if asked .
She has been profiled in many prominent news outlets and is a frequent guest on talk shows .
While Abrams has said that she is not `` pitching '' herself to be vice president , many reports suggest that she is actively campaigning for the job .
Politico , citing unnamed labor leaders , reported last month that Abrams has privately asked powerful Democrats to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his pick .

Stacey Abrams says she is not being vetted to be Joe Biden's running mate.
“I have said many times that if called I will answer, but I have not received any calls,” the former Georgia state representative and 2018 gubernatorial candidate said Wednesday night on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Colbert had asked Abrams about a June 4 tweet from April Ryan, Washington bureau chief for American Urban Radio Networks, that said she was among the women being vetted.
"Are you calling April Ryan a liar?" Colbert asked.
"I look forward to hearing from whomever April Ryan is speaking to," said Abrams, who ended her state House tenure as minority leader and lost the 2018 gubernatorial race to Republican Brian Kemp by a 50.2%-48.8% margin.
Biden's vice presidential selection committee started reaching out to potential picks at the end of May. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Florida Rep. Val Demings, and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar are among the women who have started the vetting process. Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto declined to go through the process. Biden said he expects to announce his pick around Aug. 1.
Abrams has long been mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick, and she has not been shy about saying she would take the job if asked. She has been profiled in many prominent news outlets and is a frequent guest on talk shows.
While Abrams has said that she is not "pitching" herself to be vice president, many reports suggest that she is actively campaigning for the job. Politico, citing unnamed labor leaders, reported last month that Abrams has privately asked powerful Democrats to tell Biden campaign officials that she should be his pick.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-11--Kayleigh McEnany dismisses 'ridiculous proposition' that Trump be forcibly removed from White House

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany argued it was ludicrous for Joe Biden to suggest that the military would have @ @ @ @ @ the White House if he loses in the November election .
“ That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ she told Fox News in an interview Thursday .
“ Leave it to Democrats to @ @ @ @ @ and level these conspiracy theories.
” The former vice president , who recently secured enough @ @ @ @ @ presidential nomination , said Wednesday that Trump was `` going to try and steal this @ @ @ @ @ harder for citizens to vote .
In an interview with The Daily Show , Biden @ @ @ @ @ would happen if he won the election and Trump refused to leave the White House @ @ @ @ @ , I am absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great @ @ @ @ @ , referring to the military .

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany argued it was ludicrous for Joe Biden to suggest that the military would have to remove President Trump from the White House if he loses in the November election.
“That’s a ridiculous proposition,” she told Fox News in an interview Thursday. “Leave it to Democrats to go out there and grandstand and level these conspiracy theories.”
The former vice president, who recently secured enough delegates to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination, said Wednesday that Trump was "going to try and steal this election” by making it harder for citizens to vote.
In an interview with The Daily Show, Biden said he had considered what would happen if he won the election and Trump refused to leave the White House.
“I promise you, I am absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch,” Biden said, referring to the military.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-10--Back on: Trump to restart 2020 rallies in Oklahoma, GOP convention to move from North Carolina

President Trump is going back on the campaign trail , starting with a rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
At a White House event , the president told the press pool that he will campaign in four states now that the coronavirus crisis has started to ease .
Talking about his June 19 rally plan , he said , “ They ’ ve done a great job with COVID , as you know , in the state of Oklahoma.
” The pool report said , “ He ’ s going to restart rallies with one in Oklahoma , Florida , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expecting big crowds .
“ We ’ ve had a tremendous run at rallies .
I don ’ t think we ’ ve had an empty seat since we came down the escalator , '' he said in a reference to his very first presidential campaign announcement in Trump Tower .
It also said that the president has had it with North Carolina 's governor , who hasn ’ t committed to letting the GOP hold its national nominating convention in August in Charlotte .
According to the pool report , Trump `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move the Republican convention and that it would be announced shortly .
'We ’ ll see how it all works out , but the governor doesn ’ t want to give an inch . '
Said 'many , many states ' would like to have the convention .
Texas , Georgia , Florida . ''
But he still plans to hold events in North Carolina .
He told the reporters , “ We ’ re going into North Carolina at the appropriate time .
The governor ’ s a little backward there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to talk up his fight with the virus , the turnaround in employment , and the new predictions that economic growth will skyrocket early next year .

President Trump is going back on the campaign trail, starting with a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
At a White House event, the president told the press pool that he will campaign in four states now that the coronavirus crisis has started to ease.
Talking about his June 19 rally plan, he said, “They’ve done a great job with COVID, as you know, in the state of Oklahoma.”
The pool report said, “He’s going to restart rallies with one in Oklahoma, Florida, Arizona, North Carolina.”
He is expecting big crowds. “We’ve had a tremendous run at rallies. I don’t think we’ve had an empty seat since we came down the escalator," he said in a reference to his very first presidential campaign announcement in Trump Tower.
It also said that the president has had it with North Carolina's governor, who hasn’t committed to letting the GOP hold its national nominating convention in August in Charlotte.
According to the pool report, Trump "said he had 'no choice' but to move the Republican convention and that it would be announced shortly. 'We’ll see how it all works out, but the governor doesn’t want to give an inch.' Said 'many, many states' would like to have the convention. Texas, Georgia, Florida."
But he still plans to hold events in North Carolina. He told the reporters, “We’re going into North Carolina at the appropriate time. The governor’s a little backward there, a little bit behind.”
Trump plans to talk up his fight with the virus, the turnaround in employment, and the new predictions that economic growth will skyrocket early next year.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-06-12--Trump supporters must agree not to sue if they contract coronavirus at rally

Supporters attending President Trump ’ s upcoming rally will have to agree to not sue the campaign if they contract the coronavirus at the event .
A disclaimer on the registration page for Trump ’ s rally next week in Tulsa , Oklahoma , warns attendees of possible exposure to the virus .
“ By clicking register below , you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present .
By attending the Rally , you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President , Inc. ; BOK Center ; ASM Global ; or any of their affiliates , directors , officers , employees , agents , contractors , or volunteers liable for any illness or injury , ” the disclaimer says .
The registration page does not mention any safety precautions , such as social distancing or the requirement for attendees to wear masks .
His campaign rallies typically draw thousands of supporters .
The Tulsa event is Trump ’ s first rally in months after campaign events were sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States , Trump is eager to get back to campaigning for reelection .

Supporters attending President Trump’s upcoming rally will have to agree to not sue the campaign if they contract the coronavirus at the event.
A disclaimer on the registration page for Trump’s rally next week in Tulsa, Oklahoma, warns attendees of possible exposure to the virus.
“By clicking register below, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury,” the disclaimer says.
The registration page does not mention any safety precautions, such as social distancing or the requirement for attendees to wear masks. His campaign rallies typically draw thousands of supporters.
The Tulsa event is Trump’s first rally in months after campaign events were sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the continued rise in cases in the United States, Trump is eager to get back to campaigning for reelection.